1.Risk factors for 90-day mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure and establishment of a predictive model
Jing SUN ; Tingji WANG ; Zhijiao DUAN ; Li ZHANG ; Yanmei LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):151-159
ObjectiveTo investigate the independent predictive factors for 90-day mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), to establish a risk predictive model, and to assess its predictive efficacy in comparison with MELD, MELD-Na, MELD 3.0, and COSSH-ACLF Ⅱ. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 394 patients with ACLF who were admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University and Hohhot Second Hospital from July 2018 to July 2024, and general information and laboratory markers on admission were collected from all patients. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of quantitative data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the adjusted chi-square test was used for comparison of qualitative data between two groups. The LASSO regression analysis was used to identify related variables, and the multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish a predictive model and generate a nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the ROC curve (AUC), calibration curve, and clinical decision curve were used to assess the performance of the model. ResultsA total of 394 patients with ACLF were included in this study, with 136 patients in the training set, 58 in the internal validation set, and 200 in the external validation set. The cohort had a mean age of 52.9±11.7 years, among whom male patients accounted for 72.84% (287/394), the patients with HBV infection accounted for 22.33% (88/394), the patients with alcohol-related causes accounted for 45.94% (181/394), and the patients with other causes (including drug-induced and autoimmune diseases) accounted for 31.73% (125/394). The overall 90-day mortality rate was 27.41% (108/394). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR]= 5.831, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.587 — 21.424, P=0.008), cystatin C (Cys-C) (OR=2.984, 95%CI: 1.501 — 5.933, P=0.002), and spontaneous peritonitis (SBP) (OR=5.692, 95%CI: 2.150 — 15.071, P<0.001) were independent risk factors, and a nomogram was generated based on these factors. This model had an AUC of 0.836 in the training set, 0.881 in the internal validation set, and 0.878 in the external validation set, showing a good discriminatory ability. The calibration curve showed a good degree of fitting, with a relatively high net clinical benefit. The subgroup analysis based on etiology showed that the model had an AUC of 0.850 in the patients with HBV infection, 0.858 in the patients with alcohol-induced ACLF, and 0.908 in the patients with other etiologies, indicating that the model had a good discriminatory ability across the populations with different etiologies. Compared with traditional scores, the model (AUC=0.836) had a significantly better predictive value than MELD (AUC=0.619, Z=3.197, P=0.001), MELD-Na (AUC=0.651, Z=2.998, P=0.003), MELD 3.0 (AUC=0.601, Z=3.682, P<0.001), and COSSH-ACLF Ⅱ (AUC=0.719, Z=2.396, P=0.017) alone. ConclusionDiabetes, SBP, and Cys-C are independent risk factors for 90-day mortality in patients with ACLF. Compared with MELD, MELD-Na, MELD 3.0, and COSSH-ACLF Ⅱ scores, this model has a higher predictive value for 90-day prognosis in patients with ACLF and is suitable for patients with ACLF caused by various etiologies.
2.Research advances in cancer therapy of cisplatin liposome
Weixuan ZHAO ; Xue LU ; Ruilin ZHAO ; Yanmei ZHANG ; Ye YANG ; Deying CAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):356-361
Chemotherapy based on cisplatin or its combination therapy is a common cancer treatment method. However, the non-specific side effects of cisplatin, poor pharmacokinetic properties of small molecule drugs, and susceptibility to drug resistance greatly limit the clinical application of cisplatin as first-line anti-tumor drug. With the development of nanocarrier technology, liposomes have become an ideal carrier for delivering cisplatin drugs due to their excellent properties of targeting, reducing toxicity, and enhancing efficacy. This paper reviews the status of cisplatin liposome both domestically and internationally which have entered clinical trials, including L-NDDP,SPI-077®, Lipoplatin®,LiPlaCis,SLIT and ILC, etc. Currently, only Lipoplatin® and ILC are showing good potential in cancer therapy. Although cisplatin liposome has made some progress in reducing systemic toxicity and improving treatment efficiency in clinical research, there is still potential for further improvement in tumor targeting and reducing side effects. In the future, more low-toxicity and efficient cisplatin liposomes can be developed through formulation technologies such as co-delivery liposome, stimuli-responsive liposome and targeting liposome.
3.Mechanisms of Action of Dendrobium officinale Against Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base on Its Components in Blood
Jilei ZHANG ; Lei FENG ; Yumei XU ; Heyan YAO ; Yanmei ZHANG ; Shunzhen ZHANG ; Jiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):168-175
ObjectiveTo investigate the preventive effect and mechanism of Dendrobium officinale (DO) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsDO components in blood after administration were identified and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-HF-MS/MS). Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were employed to obtain active ingredients and potential targets of DO for NAFLD control. High-fat feeds were used to replicate the NAFLD rat model. Biochemical kits were used for detecting the expression levels of blood lipids, hepatic lipids, and liver functions of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe pathological changes in rat liver, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) assay was performed to validate potential targets obtained from the network pharmacology analysis. ResultsA total of 13 DO components were identified in blood, including berberine, dihydrosanguinarine, and oxypeucedanin. A total of 14 potential targets were screened through network pharmacology, including Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1R), involving pathways such as the advanced glycation end product (AGE)/receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling pathway, blood lipids and atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and FoxO signaling. The results of animal experiments showed that the NAFLD rat model was successfully replicated. After the preventive treatment with DO for NAFLD rats, the indexes of blood lipids, hepatic lipids, and liver function were normalized; lipid deposition and lesions in the liver were significantly improved; the expression level of FoxO1 mRNA in the liver was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), EGFR, and IGF-1R were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionDO has a preventive effect on NAFLD rats, and the mechanism of action may be related to the modulation of IGF1R and EGFR targets and activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.
4.Current Status and Optimization Strategies for Investigator Initiated Trial on Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Malignant Tumors Conducted by Western Medicine Institutions
Xuechen GENG ; Yanmei LIU ; Qianqian BU ; Qinchang ZHANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Yuquan TAO ; Liu LI ; Ling LI ; Haibo CHENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):878-882
Investigator initiated trial (IIT) represents a primary format for clinical research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As key implementation sites for TCM-based IIT targeting malignant tumors, western medicine institutions often face unique challenges in conducting such studies, which limit their feasibility and standardization. This paper reviews the registration status of TCM-based IIT for malignancies conducted in western medical institutions and analyzes key difficulties, including complex project initiation and management processes, limited TCM knowledge and skills among western medicine physicians, and relatively low patient acceptance of TCM. From a practical perspective, the study proposes several optimization strategies. These include improving the review and management mechanisms of TCM-related IIT within western medical institutions, establishing multidisciplinary clinical research teams that integrate TCM and western medicine, and enhancing investigators' training in TCM theory and clinical skills. Additionally, the study suggests standardizing IIT operational procedures, objectifying the collection of TCM diagnostic information, refining subject recruitment methods, and increasing TCM involvement in patient follow-up and management. These investigator-oriented, TCM-featured, and operable strategies aim to promote the high-quality development of TCM-based IIT in western medicine institutions and enhance the clinical application of TCM.
5.ZHANG Ren's academic characteristics of acupuncture for refractory eye diseases in modern times with "homotherapy for heteropathy".
Yue MA ; Yanmei HU ; Xiaolan SHI ; Xiaoying HU ; Wenqiang HONG ; Ren ZHANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(9):1311-1317
This paper introduces the academic characteristics of Professor ZHANG Ren in treatment with acupuncture for refractory eye diseases in modern times, guided by "homotherapy for heteropathy" (same therapy for different diseases sharing the same pathogenesis). The refractory eye diseases in modern times include a variety of conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, high myopia and its complications, dry eye, cortical visual impairment and genetic eye diseases. The same therapy is used because these diseases share the similar location and pathogenesis. Professor ZHANG optimizes the methods of acupoint selection and provides the comprehensive prescriptions, "basic prescription, prescription based on disease differentiation, and supplementary prescription". A variety of acupuncture manipulation techniques are operated in clinical practice, such as compound needling methods, penetration needling, manipulations for promoting qi movement and conducting qi flow. "Early, regular and persistent" treatment is the common requirement with "the same acupoints, the same prescription and the same acupuncture method" as well as at "the same time". It is also proposed that the treatment should be provided flexibly according to the different symptoms, "identifying the differences within similarities".
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
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Humans
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Eye Diseases/history*
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Acupuncture Points
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History, 20th Century
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China
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History, 21st Century
6.Frameshift mutation in RELT gene causes amelogenesis imperfecta.
Zhenwei ZHANG ; Xinran XU ; Xuejun GAO ; Yanmei DONG ; Hua TIAN
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(1):13-18
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze RELT gene mutation found in a pedigree with clinical features and inheritable pattern consistent with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) in China, and to study the relationship between its genotype and phenotype.
METHODS:
Clinical and radiological features were recorded for the affected individuals. Peripheral venous blood samples of the patient and family members were collected for further study, and the genomic DNA was extracted to identify the pathogenic gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to analyze the possible pathogenic genes, and Sanger sequencing was performed for validation. SIFT and PolyPhen-2 were used to predict and analyze the mutation effect. Comparison of RELT amino acids across different species were performed by using Uniprot website. In addition, the three-dimen-sional structures of the wild type and mutant proteins were predicted by Alphafold 2.
RESULTS:
The proband exhibited typical hypocalcified AI, with heavy wear, soft enamel, rough and discolored surface, and partial enamel loss, while his parents didn ' t have similar manifestations. WES and Sanger sequencing results indicated that the proband carries a homozygous frameshift mutation in RELT gene, NM_032871.3: c.1169_1170del, and both of his parents were carriers. This mutation was predicted to be pathogenic by SIFT and PolyPhen-2. Up to now, there were 11 mutation sites in RELT gene were reported to be associated with AI, and all of the patients exhibited with hypocalcified AI. Compared with the wild-type RELT protein, the mutant protein p. Pro390fs35 conformation terminated prematurely, affecting the normal function of the protein.
CONCLUSION
Through phenotype analysis, gene sequencing, and functional prediction of a Chinese family with typical amelogenesis imperfecta, this study found that RELT gene frameshift mutation can lead to protein dysfunction in AI patients. Further research will focus on the role and mechanism of RELT in enamel development at the molecular and animal levels, providing molecular biology evidence for the genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and early prevention and treatment of AI.
Humans
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Amelogenesis Imperfecta/genetics*
;
Frameshift Mutation
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Male
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Pedigree
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Female
;
China
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Exome Sequencing
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Phenotype
;
Adult
7.Efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization alone or in combination with partial splenic embolization in treatment of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis: A Meta-analysis
Junyuan ZHU ; Yifu XIA ; Yanmei DU ; Chunqing ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(1):89-95
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization (PTVE) alone or in combination with partial splenic embolization (PSE) in the treatment of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis through a meta-analysis. MethodsThis study was conducted according to PRISMA guideline, with a PROSPERO registration number of CRD42023396690. Wanfang Med Online, CNKI, CBM, VIP Databases, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles on PTVE alone or in combination with PSE in the treatment of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis published up to December 23, 2022. The articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and related data were extracted. The RevMan 5.4.1 statistical analysis software was used to perform the meta-analysis. ResultsEight articles were finally included, with a total sample size of 592 cases, among which there were 316 cases in the PTVE+PSE group and 276 cases in the PTVE group. The meta-analysis showed that compared with the PTVE group, the PTVE+PSE group had significantly lower postoperative portal vein pressure (standardized mean difference [SMD]=-1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.33 to -1.16, P<0.05), postoperative diameter of the portal vein (SMD=-0.87, 95%CI: -1.64 to -0.10, P<0.05), postoperative rebleeding rate (odds ratio [OR]=0.17, 95%CI: 0.11 — 0.28, P<0.05), mortality rate (OR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.04 — 0.37, P<0.05), and incidence rate of postoperative portal hypertensive gastrointestinal disease (OR=0.17, 95%CI: 0.07 — 0.45, P<0.05], as well as a significantly higher postoperative platelet level (SMD=0.79, 95%CI: 0.52 — 1.06, P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence rates of postoperative ascites. ConclusionCompared with PTVE alone, PTVE combined with PSE can effectively reduce the rebleeding rate and mortality rate of portal hypertensive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis, the incidence rate of portal hypertensive gastrointestinal disease, and portal vein pressure, and it can also shorten the diameter of the portal vein and increase platelet level. Therefore, it is an effective interventional method for the treatment of portal hypertension hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis.
8.Protective mechanism of rhubarb decoction against inflammatory damage of brain tissue in rats with mild hepatic encephalopathy: A study based on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Guangfa ZHANG ; Yingying CAI ; Long LIN ; Lei FU ; Fan YAO ; Meng WANG ; Rongzhen ZHANG ; Yueqiao CHEN ; Liangjiang HUANG ; Han WANG ; Yun SU ; Yanmei LAN ; Yingyu LE ; Dewen MAO ; Chun YAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(2):312-318
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and possible mechanism of action of rhubarb decoction (RD) retention enema in improving inflammatory damage of brain tissue in a rat model of mild hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). MethodsA total of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into blank group (CON group with 6 rats) and chronic liver cirrhosis modeling group with 54 rats using the complete randomization method. After 12 weeks, 40 rats with successful modeling which were confirmed to meet the requirements for MHE model by the Morris water maze test were randomly divided into model group (MOD group), lactulose group (LT group), low-dose RD group (RD1 group), middle-dose RD group (RD2 group), and high-dose RD group (RD3 group), with 8 rats in each group. The rats in the CON group and the MOD group were given retention enema with 2 mL of normal saline once a day; the rats in the LT group were given retention enema with 2 mL of lactulose at a dose of 22.5% once a day; the rats in the RD1, RD2, and RD3 groups were given retention enema with 2 mL RD at a dose of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g/kg, respectively, once a day. After 10 days of treatment, the Morris water maze test was performed to analyze the spatial learning and memory abilities of rats. The rats were analyzed from the following aspects: behavioral status; the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the level of blood ammonia; pathological changes of liver tissue and brain tissue; the mRNA and protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in brain tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the MOD group, the RD1, RD2, and RD3 groups had a significantly shorter escape latency (all P<0.01), significant reductions in the levels of ALT, AST, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and blood ammonia (all P<0.05), significant alleviation of the degeneration, necrosis, and inflammation of hepatocytes and brain cells, and significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR in brain tissue (all P<0.05), and the RD3 group had a better treatment outcome than the RD1 and RD2 groups. ConclusionRetention enema with RD can improve cognitive function and inflammatory damage of brain tissue in MHE rats, possibly by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
9.Research on a distance-adaptive visual function self-examination system based on a tablet computer
Mingqin WANG ; Zidong CHEN ; Yuning ZHANG ; Xiaoyuan SHEN ; Yanmei FAN ; Minbin YU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(3):166-172
Objective Aiming to develop a distance-adaptive visual function self-examination system based on tablet computers and evaluate its accuracy.Methods Utilizing ArUco technology on a tablet device equipped with the camera,a system was developed to assess visual functions by identifying QR codes within a 2-meters range for real-time ranging.This system integrates various visual function tests,including visual acuity test(conventional visual acuity test and high-pass visual acuity test with varying contrasts),accommodative amplitude test,and visual field test at the foveal(5°).A total of 22 healthy subjects(44 eyes)participated in visual function assessments,with 6 subjects undergoing visual acuity tests at varying distances(1 m,1.25 m,1.6 m,2 m)and accommodative amplitude tests under both refractive correction and simulated undercorrection of-3.00D.The program distance and actual distance were compared,the consistency of visual acuity outcomes for identical optotype at different distances were assessed,the accommodative amplitude under refractive correction and undercorrection were analyzed,the repeatability of accommodative amplitude outcomes was evaluated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient(ICC),and the contrast threshold and efficacy of visual field test outcomes were analyzed.Results The program distance and actual distance showed good agreement.High-pass visual acuity tests with the same contrast showed no significant differences at different distances(P?>?0.05),while conventional visual acuity tests showed significant differences at distances of 0.9 to 1.1 meters compared to other distances(P?0.001).ICC of accommodative amplitude tests was 0.861(P?0.001).The accommodative amplitude was lower in the undercorrected state compared to refractive correction,with a statistically significant difference(P?0.05).The average extreme outlier of contrast threshold for binocular visual field was 16.92,and the program correctly identified visual field defects.Conclusion Based on a tablet computer,this study developed a distance-adaptive visual function self-examination system capable of precisely measuring distances up to 2 meters in real-time.It automatically adjusts the initial size of optotypes according to the distance to ensure accurate presentation.The system facilitates tests on visual acuity,accommodative amplitude,and central 5° visual field,offering flexibility of tests in various distance and enhanced test power,making it suitable for visual function tests in constrained environments like space stations where fixed distances are impractica.
10.Analysis of early changes in lymphocyte subpopulations after liver transplantation and their correlation with clinical manifestations
Wanqing LI ; Weiyun ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Yanmei ZHANG ; Zhaohui SUN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(5):679-685
This study aimed to investigate the differences in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets among patients with different immune statuses in the early postoperative period after liver transplantation, as well as the dynamic changes during the early post-transplantation period. A retrospective study was conducted, selecting a total of 82 patients who underwent liver transplantation at the General Hospital of PLA Southern Theater Command from January, 2018 to December, 2023. Based on the patients′ postoperative immune status, they were categorized into stable group ( n=40), infection group ( n=21), and rejection group ( n=21). Peripheral blood samples of 2-3 ml were collected from patients at weeks 1 to 4 postoperatively, and flow cytometry was employed to measure the absolute values of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. For metric data conforming to normal distribution and homogeneity of variance, multiple group comparisons were conducted using ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparisons; for non-normally distributed data, the Kruskal Wallis test was used. Friedman test was used to compare different time periods within 4 weeks after liver transplantation. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in the absolute values of lymphocyte subsets among the three groups in the first week after liver transplantation ( P>0.05); however, significant differences were observed in the absolute values of lymphocyte subsets among the three groups in the second, third, and fourth weeks postoperatively ( P<0.05). In the second week, the rejection group showed significantly higher absolute counts of T cells, CD4 +T cells, CD8 +T cells, NK cells, and B cells compared to the infection group (585.0 vs. 199.0; 324.0 vs.113.0; 188.0 vs.56.0; 57.0 vs.11.0; 145.0 vs.65.0 cells/μl), with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.972, P<0.001; Z=-3.590, P=0.001; Z=-3.978, P<0.001; Z=-3.072, P=0.006; Z=-2.472, P=0.040). In the third week, the rejection group showed significantly higher absolute counts of T cells, CD4 +T cells, and CD8 +T cells compared to the infection group (660.0 vs.216.0; 350.0 vs.123.0; 184.0 vs.76.0 cells/μl), with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.019, P=0.008; Z=-3.492, P=0.001; Z=-2.845, P=0.013). In the fourth week, the rejection group showed significantly higher absolute counts of T cells, CD4 +T cells, CD8 +T cells, and B cells compared to the infection group (690.0 vs.273.0; 405.0 vs.168.0; 214.0 vs.96.0; 117.0 vs.48.0 cells/μl), with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.379, P=0.002; Z=-3.068, P=0.006; Z=-3.007, P=0.0086; Z=-2.330, P=0.020). Within 4 weeks after liver transplantation, the absolute values of T cells, CD8 +T cells, and NK cells in the fourth week were higher than those in the first week, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.825, P=0.001; Z=-3.466, P=0.003; Z=-3.526, P=0.003); however, the absolute values of B cells showed an overall decreasing trend, and were significantly lower in the fourth week than in the first and second weeks, with statistically significant differences ( Z=3.705, P=0.001; Z=2.630, P=0.009). The changes in lymphocyte subset absolute values in the rejection group were more significant than those in the infection group, with T cells, CD4 +T cells, and CD8 +T cells showing significant increases in the second, third, and fourth weeks postoperatively compared with the first week, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.466, P=0.003; Z=-4.661, P<0.001; Z=-5.020, P<0.001; Z=-2.749, P=0.036; Z=-4.422, P<0.001; Z=-4.542, P<0.001; Z=-3.466, P=0.003; Z=-3.765, P=0.001; Z=-4.482, P<0.001); NK cell absolute values in the third and fourth weeks postoperatively were significantly higher than those in the first week, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-2.570, P=0.061; Z=-3.765, P=0.001). In summary, monitoring the differences and dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets in patients after liver transplantation may have certain guiding significance for evaluating the immune function status of patients and adjusting treatment plans.

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