1.Construction and validation of machine learning predictive models for the risk of metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Linjie QIU ; Haiyan REN ; Yan REN ; Meijie LI ; Chacha ZOU ; Zijing WU ; Jin ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):848-855
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of predictive models established based on machine learning methods in predicting the risk of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to analyze its key risk factors. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the 50 variables of 2 168 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in Department of Health Assessment, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, from January 2021 to December 2024, including body composition, past history, and laboratory tests, and according to whether they were diagnosed with MAFLD or not, they were divided into MAFLD group with 265 individuals and non-MAFLD group with 1 903 individuals. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Randomly split the research data into a training set and a validation set in a 70% to 30% ratio. Predictive factors were screened from the training set data using univariate analysis, LASSO regression, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Predictive models were then constructed using seven machine learning methods: Logistic regression, decision tree, random forest (RF), eXtreme gradient boosting, light gradient boosting machine, support vector machine, and artificial neural network. Model performance was evaluated by plotting receiver operating characteristic curve for the validation set and calculating the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index for each model. Furthermore, the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method was used to analyze the contribution of variables in the optimal model. ResultsThe prevalence rate of MAFLD among the 2 168 subjects was 12.22% (265/2 168). Smoking, diastolic blood pressure, phase angle, visceral fat area, muscle fat ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio, triglyceride-glucose index, and gallstones were independent risk factors for MAFLD (all P<0.05). The seven predictive models of support vector machine, eXtreme gradient boosting, decision tree, light gradient boosting machine, artificial neural network, RF, and Logistic regression had an AUC of 0.738, 0.754, 0.757, 0.786, 0.795, 0.796, and 0.815, respectively, in the validation set, among which the RF model had the best discriminatory ability (AUC=0.796, 95% confidence interval: 0.754 — 0.839), with a sensitivity of 81.01%, a specificity of 63.16%, and a Youden index of 44.17%. The SHAP analysis showed that visceral fat area, waist-to-hip ratio, and diastolic blood pressure were the top three predictive factors in terms of importance. ConclusionThe RF model, constructed based on body composition and clinical indicators, has a good performance in predicting the risk of MAFLD, and its interpretability can help to identify high-risk individuals in the early stage in clinical practice.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
3.Prognostic correlation analysis of multiple myeloma based on HALP score of peripheral blood before chemotherapy
Min CHEN ; Liying AN ; Xiaojing LIN ; Pan ZHAO ; Xingli ZOU ; Jin WEI ; Xun NI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):61-67
[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.
4.Comparative Study of International Medication Reconciliation Guidelines and Improvement Strategies in China
Zhe JIN ; Dong LIU ; Juan LI ; Shaohui ZHANG ; Yongji LAI ; Ping LONG ; Yang YU ; Yirui WANG ; Jian ZOU ; Jiaxin LV ; Da FENG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(12):71-75
Medication reconciliation plays a key role in improving patient medication safety,reducing inappropriate polypharmacy,and promoting the high-quality development of pharmaceutical services.Compared to advanced international guidelines,China's medication reconciliation service standards have deficiencies in areas such as definition and process design,and multidisciplinary team building.There is a need to establish a comprehensive medication reconciliation effect evaluation index system,develop pharmacist-led multidisciplinary teams,promote the advancement of artificial intelligence and big data technologies,and strengthen outpatient and community medication reconciliation coverage,thereby contributing to the high-quality development of pharmaceutical services in China.
5.Morphological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma tumor margin:a crucial factor in clinical treatment decision-making and prognostic assessment
Rui ZHOU ; Minghao ZOU ; Wenxuan ZHOU ; Fuchen LIU ; Kaiting ZHANG ; Xiaoqin WU ; Man ZHAO ; Jin QIAN ; Ningyang JIA ; Hui LIU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(7):127-130,137
The morphological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)tumor margins are pivotal in influencing patient's prognosis and the selection of therapeutic strategies.This paper re-viewed the classification methods of HCC tumor margins,ranging from traditional macroscopic classifi-cations to refined classification systems based on multi-omics analysis,and analyzed the role of these classification methods in guiding the formulation of personalized treatment plans.Additionally,this paper emphasized the crucial role of three-dimensional imaging techniques in assessing tumor margin morphology and outlined future research directions,including validating the effectiveness of multi-omics classification systems and developing new imaging and molecular biomarkers to achieve more precise treatment plans and prolong patient survival.
6.Detection of etomidate,metomidate,propoxate,and isopropoxate in human hair by UPLC-MS/MS
Xingang MIAO ; Limei LU ; Mingyang JIN ; Yuting HUANG ; Yuyan CAI ; Yu ZOU ; Kejun ZHANG ; Qihua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(3):273-277
Objective To develop a rapid and accurate ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)method for the detection of etomidate,metomidate,propoxate,and isopropoxate in human hair.Methods Hair samples containing etomidate,metomidate,propoxate,and isopropoxate were extracted with methanol containing the internal standard orthoxine,filtered with a 0.22 μm organic filter membrane and detected vio UPLC-MS/MS.All components were separated by using a gradient elution procedure consisting of 0.01%formic acid(1 mmol/L ammonium acetate)and acetonitrile.Positive electrospray ionization was performed using multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode.Results The linear relationships of etomidate,metomidate,propoxate,and isopropoxate were good in the range of 0.01~1 ng/mg(r ≥ 0.997 9),with recovery rates ranging from 87.9%to 101.5%.The accuracy was between 80.0%and 110.0%.The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations(RSD)were 2.9%~9.6%and 3.6%~19.9%.Conclusion This method is easy to operate and has high recovery efficiencies.It is sufficiently simple and sensitive to be applied to detect etomidate,metomidate,propoxate,and isopropoxate in hair.
7.BCCIP promotes resistance of gastric cancer to cisplatin by modulating DNA damage repair pathways
Zhe JIA ; Guangyan ZENG ; Peng ZOU ; Zongli FU ; Chuzhou ZHOU ; Xionghui RAO ; Yuhang ZHOU ; Chao JIANG ; Xinghan JIN ; Nuoqing WENG ; Huixing LUO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(5):871-881
AIM:To investigate the role of BRCA2 and CDKN1A interacting protein(BCCIP)in gastric can-cer(GC)and elucidate its mechanism in mediating cisplatin resistance.METHODS:The BCCIP mRNA expression was assessed in GC tissues(n=415)and normal tissues(n=34)using The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database.In an in-ternal cohort(n=36 for RT-qPCR;n=5 for Western blot;n=30 for immunohistochemistry),BCCIP expression at both mRNA and protein levels was examined in GC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues.Human GC cell lines AGS and HGC27 were cultured in vitro and treated with cisplatin in a dose(0,2,4,6,8 and 10 μmol/L)-and time(0,6,24 and 48 h)-dependent manner,followed by Western blot analysis of BCCIP expression.Stable BCCIP knockdown cell lines(shRNA#1 and shRNA#2 groups)were generated via lentiviral transfection,with empty vector-transfected cells serving as controls(vector group).Flow cytometry and colony formation assay were performed to evaluate the effects of BCCIP on apoptosis and colony-forming ability of GC cells treated with cisplatin.Western blot was utilized to detect the changes of BCCIP protein expression levels in the cytoplasm and nucleus of GC cells after cisplatin(2.5 and 1.0 μmol/L)treatment,as well as the effects of BCCIP on the expression of DNA damage marker γ-H2AX and apoptosis-related proteins cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3,and the activation of checkpoint kinase 1(CHK1)after cisplatin(2.5 and 1.0 μmol/L)treatment.Immunofluorescence was conducted to observe the effect of BCCIP on γ-H2AX expression in GC cells treated with cisplatin(2.5 and 1.0 μmol/L).RESULTS:The BCCIP expression was significantly up-regulated in GC tissues compared with normal tissues(P<0.01).Cisplatin induced up-regulation of BCCIP expression in a dose-and time-depen-dent manner.Knockdown of BCCIP significantly enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis(P<0.01)and reduced colony-forming ability(P<0.05)of GC cells.Knockdown of BCCIP promoted the expression of γ-H2AX,but inhibited the activa-tion of CHK1 after cisplatin treatment,with increased protein levels of cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Cisplatin promotes the expression of BCCIP in GC cells.BCCIP confers cisplatin resistance in GC cells by suppressing apoptosis through modulation of DNA damage response pathways.
8.Aluminum adjuvant promotes liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice:A novel approach to establish a liver fibrosis animal model
Zhixian ZHU ; Sen LIANG ; Nan ZHAO ; Huiling ZOU ; Liangjun ZHANG ; Xiaoxun ZHANG ; Jin CHAI
Liver Research 2025;9(3):209-220
Background and aims:Liver fibrosis is a prevalent pathological stage of various chronic liver diseases and has the potential to progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.However,experimental models for in vivo research are limited.Unexpectedly,increased liver inflammation and fibrosis were previously observed in mice treated with aluminum adjuvant(commercial Imject Alum,a mixture of Al(OH)3 and Mg(OH)2).Our study aimed to reveal the pathogenesis and pathological features of Imject Alum-induced liver injury and evaluate its potential as an experimental model of fibrotic liver disease.Methods and materials:C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the following four groups:(ⅰ)control group,which received phosphate-buffered saline injections on days 1,12,26,40,and 54;(ⅱ)Imject Alum(Al(OH)3 160 mg/kg)D26 group,which was administered with Imject Alum(Al(OH)3 160 mg/kg)on days 1,12,and 26;(ⅲ)Imject Alum(Al(OH)3 80 mg/kg)D54;and(ⅳ)Imject Alum(Al(OH)3 160 mg/kg)D54 groups,which were treated with 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg of Imject Alum(Al(OH)3),respectively,on days 1,12,26,40,and 54.All reagents were delivered by intraperitoneal injection.Serum biochemical pa-rameters,liver pathology,and expression of genes related to inflammation and fibrogenesis were eval-uated.Transcriptome sequencing was performed.The genetic characteristics of the Imject Alum-induced liver lesions in the existing fibrosis model and patients with cirrhosis were determined.Results:Administration of Imject Alum(Al(OH)3 160 mg/kg)at certain points for 54 days led to extensive hepatic inflammation and fibrosis,accompanied by disturbed bile acid metabolism in mice.Moreover,Imject Alum aggravated liver inflammation and injury by activating the pyroptosis-related inflamma-some pathway.Transcriptome analysis revealed that Imject Alum-induced liver lesions had differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in pathways related to inflammation,fibrogenesis,and multiple metabolic processes.Moreover,Imject Alum-induced liver lesions exhibited gene signatures similar to those of existing fibrosis models and patients with cirrhosis.Conclusions:Aluminum adjuvant(Imject Alum;Al(OH)3 160 mg/kg)administration at certain points for 54 days resulted in notable liver injury,inflammation,and fibrosis.This model had similar gene expression characteristics with existing fibrosis models and liver samples from patients with cirrhosis.Overall,aluminum adjuvant(Imject Alum)-induced mouse model may be a novel approach for estab-lishing a liver fibrosis animal model.
9.Clinical study of 123I-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen ligand for prostate biopsy
Nanxin ZOU ; Shaoxi NIU ; Yiwen XIONG ; Liyan AO ; Ziwei CHEN ; Jialong SONG ; Yachao LIU ; Jin LI ; Xu ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(5):527-530
Obejective To explore whether it is possible to detect the 123I-prostate-specific membrane antigen(PSMA)radiation value of the puncture tissue during prostate biopsy to achieve real-time,rapid,and accurate identification of benign and malignant prostate tissues,so as to improve the current clinical biopsy strategy and achieve accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer during operation with fewer puncture needles.Method In this prospective,diagnostic trial,we included 29 patients with suspected prostate cancer.All patients underwent transperineal biopsy guided by ultrasound within 24 hours after injection of 123I-PSMA,a total of 435 punctures were performed.The radiation value of punctured tissue was measured in real-time with a gamma counter.Pearson test is used to correlate radiation value with histopathology.Result The median radiation value of prostate cancer tissue(1 906.50 cpm)was significantly higher than that of benign prostate tissue(415.00 cpm).The optimal cut-off value for distinguishing benign and malignant prostate tissues was 828.50 cpm.The median radiation value of clinically significant prostate cancer tissue(2 652.50 cpm)was significantly higher than that of clinically insignificant prostate cancer(1 386.00 cpm).The optimal cut-off value for distinguishing clinically significant and clinically insignificant prostate cancer tissues was 1 767.00 cpm.In additional,there was a significant positive correlation between the radiation value of puncture tissue and ISUP pathological grade(r=0.834).Conclusion It is preliminarily confirmed that detection of 123I-PSMA radiation value of prostate puncture tissue can realize real-time,rapid and accurate identification of benign and malignant prostate tissues during operation.
10.ApoAⅠ and AIBP inhibit P2X7R-mediated pyroptosis in macrophages through ABCA1
Mengjiao CHEN ; Zhenwang ZHAO ; Siqi WANG ; Jianfeng WU ; Dan LIU ; Jin ZOU ; Min ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(5):402-411
Aim To explore the effects of apolipoprotein A Ⅰ(ApoA Ⅰ)and apolipoprotein A Ⅰ binding protein(AIBP)on THP-1-derived macrophage pyroptosis.Methods The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)detection kit was used to evaluate cell membrane integrity,Hoechst33342/PI staining was used to observe cell membrane permeability,ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1 β(IL-1β)and interleukin-18(IL-18),Western blot was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related protein nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3(NLRP3),gasdermin D(GSDMD),cleaved Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18.Results Oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)upregulated the expression of NLRP3,GSDMD-N,cleaved Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 in THP-1-derived macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner,and promoted the release of IL-1β,IL-18 and LDH(P<0.05 or P<0.01),indicating that ox-LDL induced pyroptosis in THP-1-derived macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner.Co-treatment of macrophages with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP significantly downregulated the ex-pression of NLRP3,GSDMD-N,cleaved Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18,reduced the release of IL-1 β,IL-18 and LDH,and inhibited ox-LDL induced pyroptosis(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After ATP-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1)siRNA transfection,co-treatment with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP had no significant effect on the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and secretion of inflammatory factors(P>0.05).Co-treatment of macrophages with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP significantly re-duced the expression of purinergic 2X7R receptor(P2X7R)on the cell membrane,inhibited P2X7R mediated protein ki-nase R(PKR)phosphorylation and NLRP3 inflammasome assembly(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After P2X7R siRNA trans-fection,co-treatment with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP had no significant effect on the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and secretion of inflammatory factors(P>0.05).Conclusion ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP reduce the expression of P2X7R on the cell membrane through ABCA1,inhibiting P2X7R/PKR/NLRP3 mediated macrophage pyroptosis.

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