1.Effect and mechanism of Wnt5a knockdown on the efficacy of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophage in treatment of liver cirrhosis
Feifei XING ; Danyang WANG ; Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):618-628
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDM) with Wnt5a knockdown on liver fibrosis and regeneration in a rat model of liver cirrhosis, and to investigate its gain-of-function effect compared with unmodified M1-BMDM. MethodsPrimary bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from rats and were polarized to M1 phenotype to construct M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD cells. A rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF was established, and at the end of week 8, rats were randomly divided into model group, M1-BMDM group, M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown empty vector group (M1-BMDMKD-EV group), and M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown group (M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group), with 6 rats in each group. On the first day of week 9, the rats in each group were given a single injection of the corresponding cells via the caudal vein, along with an intraperitoneal injection of a CCR2 inhibitor. Six rats without any treatment were used as normal control group. Samples were collected at the end of week 12 to assess liver histopathology, serum liver function parameters, hepatic stellate cell activation, and the expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers. 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 model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver inflammatory response and significant reductions in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly lower serum level of AST than the M1-BMDM group (P<0.05). The semi-quantitative analysis based on immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area (all P<0.05), and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area and a significant increase in the percentage of CD163-positive area (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of CD68 and tumor necrosis factor-α (all P<0.05) and the protein expression level of CD68 (all P<0.01); compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD163 (both P<0.05), significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD68 (both P<0.05), and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.01). Sirius Red collagen staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver collagen deposition and α-SMA-positive area, with the most significant changes in the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group, and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly smaller Sirius Red-positive area and α-SMA-positive area and a significantly lower content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.05). Compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and the mRNA expression level of COL-I and TGF-β (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the protein expression level of HNF-4α in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly higher protein and mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and hepatocyte specific antigen than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (both P<0.05). The M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher serum level of albumin than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence co-staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the number of cells stained positive for HNF and HNF-4α and Ki67 (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher number of such cells than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.05). ConclusionInhibition of Wnt5a expression enhances the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDM on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF, which provides new ideas for enhancing the anti-cirrhotic effect of M1-BMDM through genetic modification.
2.Effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with overexpression of the Numb gene in treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis
Shihao ZHANG ; Changqing ZHAO ; Mingyan YANG ; Feifei XING ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) with overexpression of the Numb gene in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis (CLF). MethodsThe technique of lentiviral transfection was used to induce the overexpression of the Numb gene in hUC-MSC (hUC-MSCNumb-OE), and hUC-MSC transfected with empty vector (hUC-MSCOE-EV) was used as negative control. Bile duct ligation (BDL) was performed to establish a rat model of CLF, and then the rats were randomly divided into BDL group, hUC-MSC group, hUC-MSCOE-EV group, and hUC-MSCNumb-OE group, while a sham-operation group was also established. The rats in the intervention groups were given a single splenic injection of the corresponding cells after BDL, and samples were collected at the end of week 4. Related indicators were measured, including serum biochemistry, liver histopathology, the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the liver, hepatic stellate cell activation, ductular reaction, liver regeneration, and the expression levels of key molecules in the Numb-p53 signaling axis. 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 BDL group, the hUC-MSC group and the hUC-MSCOE-EV group had significant reductions in the levels of serum biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bile acid, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin), liver fibrosis markers (the content of Hyp and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-beta 1), and ductular reaction markers (the expression levels of CK7 and CK19) (all P <0.05), and compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significantly greater improvements in the above indicators (all P <0.05). In addition, compared with the hUC-MSCOE-EV group, the hUC-MSCNumb-OE group had significant improvements in the expression levels of liver regeneration-related markers (albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α) and the molecules associated with the Numb-p53 signaling axis (Numb, pNumb, Mdm2, and p53) (all P <0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of the Numb gene can enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSC on CLF, possibly by activating the Numb-PTBL-p53-HNF4α axis, promoting the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs and subsequently enhancing liver regeneration.
3.Influence of perceived stress on sleep quality among resident physicians: the chain mediating role of self-control and anxiety emotions
Minghui ZHANG ; Xinmeng ZHANG ; Wenjing YE ; Xiaotao ZHANG ; Hongtao SONG ; Gaofeng YAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):165-170
BackgroundResident physicians represent a high-risk group for sleep disorders, exhibiting a significantly higher prevalence of such conditions compared with the general population, which severely impairs their physical and mental health. It is hypothesized that perceived stress negatively impacts sleep quality through psychological mechanisms, such as depleting self-control resources and triggering anxiety. However, this pathway warrants empirical validation. ObjectiveTo explore the mediating role of self-control and anxiety emotions in the association between perceived stress and sleep quality among resident physicians, and to elucidate the underlying psychological mechanisms, aiming at providing theoretical basis for developing targeted psychological interventions. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2025. First- to third- year resident physicians at a hospital in Fuyang City were recruited as participants (n=372). The Chinese Perceived Stress Scales (CPSS), the Chinese version of the Dual-Mode of Self-Control Scale (DMSC-S), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 item (GAD-7) were used for group testing. The model 6 of the Process macro version 4.1 was ultilized to examine the mediating pathway of self-control and anxiety emotions between perceived stress and sleep quality. ResultsA total of 322 valid questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective responsive rate of 86.56%. Among the respondents, 146 (45.34%) reported poor sleep quality. The CPSS score and GAD-7 score of resident physicians were positively correlated with the PSQI score (r=0.727, 0.784, P<0.01), while the DMSC-S score was negatively correlated with the PSQI score (r=-0.615, P<0.01). Perceived stress directly and positively predicted poor sleep quality (B=0.124, P<0.01), with the direct effect accounting for 31.39% of the total effect. Furthermore, perceived stress indirectly affected sleep quality through the independent mediating effects of self-control and anxiety emotions. The indirect effect values of 0.053 (95% CI: 0.019 - 0.091) and 0.192 (95% CI: 0.141 - 0.249), accounting for 13.42% and 48.61% of the total effect, respectively. Perceived stress also impact sleep quality through the serial mediating effect of self-control and anxiety, with the indirect effect value of 0.026 (95% CI: 0.005 - 0.049), accounting for 6.58% of the total effect. ConclusionThe perceived stress of resident physicians can influence sleep quality by impairing self-control, exacerbating anxiety, and through the serial mediation of both factors.
4.Consensus on the use of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for cancer pain management
Yi LU ; Cunzhi LIU ; Wujun GENG ; Xiaozhen ZHENG ; Jingdun XIE ; Guangfang ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Yun LI ; Yan QU ; Lei CHEN ; Xizhao HUANG ; Hang TIAN ; Yuhui LI ; Hongxin LI ; Heying ZHONG ; Ronggui TAO ; Jie ZHONG ; Yue ZHUANG ; Junyang MA ; Yan HU ; Jian FANG ; Gaofeng ZHAO ; Jianbin XIAO ; Weifeng TU ; Jiaze SUN ; Yuting DUAN ; Bao WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1800-1808
Objective To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application.Methods and Results Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion,and consensus was reached following expert consultation.The consensus recommendations are comprehensive,covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation,surgical operation process,postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning.The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain,reduced the use of opioid drugs,and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients.Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications.Conclusion The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy.The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.
5.Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Quantitative Parameters Combined with Pathological Grading for Assessing the Survival Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Xuelian SHI ; Yingmin ZHAI ; Hui LIU ; Jiangyang PAN ; Ning ZHANG ; Gaofeng SHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(3):260-266
Purpose To explore the predictive value of intravoxel incoherent motion quantitative parameters and pathological grading for the survival prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after surgery.Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 65 patients with HCC who had complete imaging data and underwent radical surgery at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2018 to November 2019.All patients were followed up for a 5-year survival period.The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off values for intravoxel incoherent motion quantitative parameters,including standard apparent diffusion coefficient(sADC),diffusion coefficient(D),pseudo-diffusion coefficient(D*)and perfusion fraction(F).Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to select independent predictive factors affecting the overall survival time of HCC patients after surgery.Results Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that pathological grading(HR=1.588,95%CI 0.936-2.692,P=0.086),microscopic vascular invasion(HR=2.512,95%CI 1.308-4.823,P=0.006),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(HR=1.752,95%CI 1.000-3.068,P=0.050),sADC(HR=0.433,95%CI 0.235-0.796,P=0.007),D(HR=0.262,95%CI 0.121-0.565,P<0.001)and F(HR=2.268,95%CI 1.259-4.087,P=0.006)were all prognostic factors.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pathological grade(grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ)was the independent risk factor for the survival prognosis of patients after HCC surgery(HR=1.748,95%CI 1.003-3.045,P=0.049);the D value>0.916×10-3 mm2/s was the independent protective factor for their survival prognosis(HR=0.249,95%CI 0.113-0.550,P<0.001).Conclusion The pathological grade(Ⅲ/Ⅳ)as an independent risk factor and higher D values as a protective factor are the independent predictors of survival and prognosis of patients with HCC after surgery,and the combination of the two can provide a reference for clinical prognosis assessment.
6.Effect of remimazolam on LPS-induced microglial M1 polarization by regulating TLR4
Feng JIANG ; Jin LI ; Wenjie LIU ; Gaofeng ZHANG ; Yang YUAN ; Fei SHI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(1):100-104
Objective To evaluate the role of remimazolam in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced M1 microglial polarization and its relationship with Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4).Methods BV2 mi-croglia cells were randomly divided into 5 groups(n=20):control group,LPS group(1 μg/ml for 24 h),remimazolam+LPS group(remimazolam group,pretreated with 100 μg/ml remimazolam for 20 min followed by LPS),remimazolam+LPS+Neoseptin-3 group(agonist group,50 pmol Neoseptin-3 dissolved in DMSO),and remimazolam+LPS+DMSO group(agonist control group).The contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.The expres-sion of M1 microglia markers,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and TLR4 at mRNA.Immu-nofluorescence staining was employed to identify the location of iNOS.Results When compared to the control group,the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in the supernatant and the expression of iNOS[(14.757±0.986)%vs(1.561±0.08)%]and TLR4 at mRNA and protein levels were sig-nificantly higher in the other four groups(P<0.05).Remimazolam treatment reversed the increa-ses of the TNF-α and IL-1β contents in the supernatant and mRNA and protein expression of iNOS[(3.767±0.364)%vs(14.757±0.986)%]and TLR4 induced by LPS(P<0.05).In addi-tion,remimazolam agonist Neoseptin-3 restored the effects of LPS on above molecules[iNOS:(6.827±0.642)%vs(3.767±0.364)%,all P<0.05].But,there were no statistical differences in above molecules between the agonist group and agonist control group(P>0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which remimazolam inhibits LPS-induced M1 microglial polarization is related to down-regulation of TLR4 expression.
7.TACE plus apatinib and camrelizumab versus TACE plus apatinib for CNLC Stage Ⅲ hepatocellular carcinoma:comparison of the clinical efficacy and safety
Jie GU ; Lei MA ; Zhengyu ZHANG ; Xinglong ZHU ; Gaofeng XU ; Chunhua DU
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(7):756-761
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)plus apatinib(Apa)and camrelizumab(Cam)and TACE plus Apa in treating CNLC stage Ⅲ hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A total of 54 patients in Affiliated Yancheng No.1 People's Hospital,School of Medicine,Nanjing University with CNLC stage Ⅲ HCC were enrolled in this study.The patients were divided into triple treatment group(n=25,receiving TACE plus Apa and Cam)and dual treatment group(n=29,receiving TACE plus Apa).The overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were compared between the two groups.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to determine the independent influencing factors for OS and PFS.The target immunotherapy-related adverse reactions(TRAE)were analyzed.Results The median OS and PFS in the triple treatment group were 23.2 months and 10.9 months respectively,which were higher than 15.2 months and 5.8 months respectively in the dual treatment group(both P<0.001).Multivariate analysis indicated that the therapeutic regimen and the type of portal vein tumor thrombosis(PVTT)were the independent factors affecting OS,while only the therapeutic regimen was the independent factor affecting PFS.The incidence of≥grade Ⅲ TRAE in the triple treatment group and the dual treatment group was 20%(5/25)and 17.2%(5/29)respectively,the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of patients with CNLC stage Ⅲ HCC,TACE plus Apa and Cam is superior to TACE plus Apa in OS and PFS,and the type of PVTT and the therapeutic regimen are the independent prognostic factors associated with patient's survival.
8.Relationship between mechanism of mild hypothermia-induced reduction of neuronal apoptosis during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway in rats
Yuting DAI ; Dandan ZHANG ; Xueting WANG ; Gaofeng ZHANG ; Lixin SUN ; Mingshan WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(3):358-363
Objective:To evaluate the relationship between the mechanism of mild hypothermia-induced reduction of neuronal apoptosis during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in rats.Methods:Forty SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group), cerebral I/R group (IR group), hypothermia + cerebral I/R group (HIR group), hypothermia + cerebral ischemia-reperfusion + solvent group (HIR-DMSO group) and hypothermia + ischemia-reperfusion + CaMKK2 inhibitor STO-609 group (HIR-STO609 group). A global cerebral I/R injury model was established using the four-vessel occlusion method. In HIR group, HIR-DMSO group, and HIR-STO609 group, an ice blanket was used to reduce the body temperature immediately after cerebral ischemia, bringing the core body temperature down to 32.5-33.5 ℃, and rewarming was carried out 4 h later. One hour before developing the model, STO-609 solution 4 μl was injected into the lateral ventricle in HIR-STO609 group, and the equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide solution was given instead in HIR-DMSO group. At the end of reperfusion, the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was performed. Then the rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, and the hippocampal tissues were taken to observe the pathological results of the hippocampal tissues (using HE staining and Nissl staining) and to determine the apoptosis rate of neurons (by TUNEL method) and expression of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), CaMKK2, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) and AMPK (by Western blot). Results:Compared with Sham group, the mNSS and apoptosis rate of neurons in the hippocampal tissues were significantly increased, the expression of Bax was up-regulated, the expression of Bcl-2, CaMKK2 and p-AMPK was down-regulated, and the ratio of p-AMPK/AMPK was decreased in IR group ( P<0.05). Compared with IR group, the mNSS and apoptosis rate of neurons in the hippocampal tissues were significantly decreased, the expression of Bax was down-regulated, the expression of Bcl-2, CaMKK2 and p-AMPK was up-regulated, and the ratio of p-AMPK/AMPK was increased in HIR group ( P<0.05). Compared with HIR group, the mNSS and apoptosis rate of neurons in the hippocampal tissues were significantly increased, the expression of Bax was up-regulated, the expression of Bcl-2, CaMKK2 and p-AMPK was down-regulated, the ratio of p-AMPK/AMPK was decreased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the aforementioned parameters in HIR-DMSO group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Mild hypothermia can inhibit neuronal apoptosis by up-regulating the CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway, thus reducing cerebral I/R injury in rats.
9.Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Quantitative Parameters Combined with Pathological Grading for Assessing the Survival Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Xuelian SHI ; Yingmin ZHAI ; Hui LIU ; Jiangyang PAN ; Ning ZHANG ; Gaofeng SHI
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(3):260-266
Purpose To explore the predictive value of intravoxel incoherent motion quantitative parameters and pathological grading for the survival prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after surgery.Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 65 patients with HCC who had complete imaging data and underwent radical surgery at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2018 to November 2019.All patients were followed up for a 5-year survival period.The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off values for intravoxel incoherent motion quantitative parameters,including standard apparent diffusion coefficient(sADC),diffusion coefficient(D),pseudo-diffusion coefficient(D*)and perfusion fraction(F).Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to select independent predictive factors affecting the overall survival time of HCC patients after surgery.Results Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that pathological grading(HR=1.588,95%CI 0.936-2.692,P=0.086),microscopic vascular invasion(HR=2.512,95%CI 1.308-4.823,P=0.006),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(HR=1.752,95%CI 1.000-3.068,P=0.050),sADC(HR=0.433,95%CI 0.235-0.796,P=0.007),D(HR=0.262,95%CI 0.121-0.565,P<0.001)and F(HR=2.268,95%CI 1.259-4.087,P=0.006)were all prognostic factors.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that pathological grade(grade Ⅲ and Ⅳ)was the independent risk factor for the survival prognosis of patients after HCC surgery(HR=1.748,95%CI 1.003-3.045,P=0.049);the D value>0.916×10-3 mm2/s was the independent protective factor for their survival prognosis(HR=0.249,95%CI 0.113-0.550,P<0.001).Conclusion The pathological grade(Ⅲ/Ⅳ)as an independent risk factor and higher D values as a protective factor are the independent predictors of survival and prognosis of patients with HCC after surgery,and the combination of the two can provide a reference for clinical prognosis assessment.
10.Isolated first tarsometatarsal coalition in children: a case report and literature review
Mingtong HAN ; Gaofeng ZHANG ; Qinglin ZHANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Benlei WEI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(19):1271-1274
We report a case of a 14-year-old male with first metatarsocuneiform coalition. With a 1-month history of left foot pain the patient presented to some hospital 8 months ago, where conservative management, including rest, physiotherapy, and medication, was administered. However, symptoms gradually worsened. On admission to our hospital, radiograph revealed a bony bridge at the left first metatarsocuneiform joint, which had enlarged compared with the radiograph 8 months earlier. The patient was diagnosed as first metatarsocuneiform coalition in the left foot and underwent resection of the bony bridge, followed by plaster immobilization for 3 weeks. At 3 months postoperatively, he had resumed normal activity without pain or discomfort. First metatarsocuneiform coalition is a rare type of tarsal coalition. Currently, there are no standardized surgical indications or established treatment protocols. Given the uncertainty of surgical outcomes, conservative treatment should be the primary choice. Surgical intervention may be considered when conservative measures fail or symptoms continue to worsen.

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