1.Tangbikang Granules Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zehong YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaolei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):52-60
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups, and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1, respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg-1 by gavage, while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration, and at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, GPx4, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the SNCV was significantly slowed down (P<0.01). The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathologically, the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure, disordered and sparse arrangement, axonal atrophy, irregular myelin sheath halo, increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei, obvious endoneurial fibrosis, and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group (P<0.01). The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
2.Current Status and Future Development of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):243-250
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a precision radiotherapy technology for tumors. On the international stage, Japan stands out as a representative country where BNCT has progressed into a mature clinical phase. Although China started relatively late, it has achieved rapid advancements through independent research and development in accelerator and neutron source equipment, domestically produced boron drugs, and clinically validated therapeutic efficacy. In several key indicators, China has now reached internationally advanced levels. Looking ahead, efforts should be prioritized toward the development of third-generation boron-based drugs, the standardization of treatment protocols, and cost reduction to enhance treatment accessibility, ultimately aiming to build a competitive BNCT clinical application and technological innovation system.
3.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
4.Correlation between Serum Ferritin Levels and the Efficacy of Platelet Transfusion in Patients with Malignant Hematological Diseases
Yi-Yao LI ; Xiao-Yun GAO ; Hang GUAN ; Yu BAI ; Jun-Hui JIA ; Wei BAI ; Yan-Hui DI ; Hua TIAN ; Li-Duo KOU ; Xin-Hua WANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1779-1783
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum ferritin(SF)levels and the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with malignant hematological diseases.Methods:Patients with malignant hematological diseases who received repeated transfusions of apheresis platelets in Department of Hematology of Aerospace Center Hospital in 2023 were selected.The platelet corrected count increment(CCI)was used to evaluate the efficacy of platelet transfusion.The correlations between sex,age,disease type,transplantation history,red blood cell transfusion history,and SF level and the efficacy of platelet transfusion were analyzed.Results:A total of 87 patients were included,with a cumulative 326 person-times platelet transfusions.As suggested by one-way analysis of variance,compared with the patients in the age groups of 24-45 years old and 46-66 years old,the patients in the age group of 2-23 years old had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.004,P=0.004).There was no significant difference in the efficacy of platelet transfusion between the patients in the age group of 24-45 years old and those in the age group of 46-66 years old(P=0.876).Compared with the patients who had a history of red blood cell transfusion within 3 days,the patients without a history of red blood cell transfusion within 3 days had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P<0.001).Compared with the groups with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L and>2.78 ng/L,the group with SF levels<1.44 ng/L had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.028,P<0.001).Compared with the group with SF levels>2.78 ng/L,the group with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.001).After adjusting for age and the history of red blood cell transfusion,the transfusion efficacy of the group with SF levels<1.44 ng/L was better than that of the groups with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L and>2.78 ng/L(P=0.021,P<0.001);Compared with the group with SF levels>2.78 ng/L,the group with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.001).Both univariate and multivariate linear regression models showed that SF levels were negatively correlated with the efficacy of platelet transfusion(P<0.001).Conclusion:There is a negative correlation between SF levels and the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with malignant hematological diseases.Detection of SF levels may provide guidance for predicting the efficacy of platelet transfusion.
5.Construction of a recombinant adenovirus for Mycobacterium tuberculosis c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase expression and induction of humoral immunity
Jia-hao HU ; Huan-huan NING ; Meng-juan DONG ; Yan-zhi LU ; Ting DAI ; Cong-yue ZHANG ; Zi-qing XU ; Shu-yu WANG ; Zheng-yan ZHOU ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):364-369
A recombinant adenovirus(rAd)for expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was constructed,and its induced humoral immune response was detected.The codon-optimized gene of M.tb CnpB was cloned into the adenoviral plasmid pcADV.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was transfected into HEK293T cells,and expression was detected with Western blot.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB and the backbone plasmid were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain the recombinant adenovirus rAd-CnpB.rAd-CnpB was amplified in HEK293T cells,and the target protein expression of rAd-CnpB was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.Mice were immunized with rAd-CnpB intranasally,and their sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected.ELISA was used to detect levels of antigen-specific antibodies.Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that the recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was successfully constructed and led to protein expression in eukaryotic cells.rAd-CnpB was packaged and produced in HEK293T cells.After amplification and purification,rAd-CnpB with a titer of 5.53×1010 PFU/mL was obtained.rAd-CnpB led to CnpB expression in HEK293T cells.Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB increased levels of IgG and secretory IgA in BALF and led to high levels of IgG in sera.rAd-CnpB,the recombinant adenovirus for expression of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was successfully constructed,and was found to induce antigen-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses through mucosal immunization.Thus,rAd-CnpB may be used in further research on new TB vaccine strategies.
6.Regulation of white adipose tissue in mice by immunization with recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin with c-di-AMP adjuvant
Meng-juan DONG ; Yu-xiao CHANG ; Huan-huan NING ; Yan-zhi LU ; Jian KANG ; Ming-ze XU ; Ting DAI ; Jia-ling LI ; Le-ran HAO ; Lin-na ZHANG ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):370-375
This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.
7.Regulatory role and mechanism of miR-383 in bortezomib-mediated in vitro inhibition of osteosarcoma
Kaizhong HU ; Shaozhi ZHENG ; Fenting JIA ; Chuanyi BAI ; Li ZHANG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(5):693-698
Objective:To investigate the expression of miR-383(Micro RNA-383)in osteosarcoma cells and to verify whether upregulation of miR-383 can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of bortezomib against osteosarcoma.Methods:Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect the expression of miR-383 in osteosarcoma and normal bone tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure the expression of miR-383 in different osteosarcoma cell lines (SaoS-2, HOS, U-2OS, and MG63)and the osteoblast cell line hFOB 1.19.The proliferative capacity of osteosarcoma cells treated with 5 nmol/L and 10 nmol/L bortezomib was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a control. The activity of caspase-3 was also measured. HOS and MG63 cells were treated with DMSO, bortezomib, miR-383 mimics, or negative controls, and the proliferative capacity and apoptosis levels were re-evaluated using CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively.Results:FISH results showed that the level of miR-383-5p in osteosarcoma tissues was significantly lower than that in normal bone tissues ( P<0.05). qRT-PCR results indicated that miR-383 levels in osteosarcoma cells (MG63, HOS, Saos-2, U-2OS) were lower than those in osteoblasts (hFOB1.19), with significant differences among different osteosarcoma cell lines(all P<0.05).The lowest levels of miR-383 were observed in HOS and MG63 cells. CCK-8 and caspase-3 activity assays revealed that among the cells treated with DMSO and two doses of bortezomib, HOS and MG63 cells had higher baseline proliferative capacity. Compared with DMSO-treated control cells, cells treated with 5 nmol/L and 10 nmol/L bortezomib exhibited inhibited proliferation (all P<0.05) and increased caspase-3 activity (all P<0.05). The effect of 10 nmol/L bortezomib was stronger than that of 5 nmol/L (all P<0.05). Compared with negative control-transfected cells, osteosarcoma cells (MG63 and HOS) with overexpressed miR-383 showed inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis levels (all P<0.05). After bortezomib treatment, osteosarcoma cells (MG63 and HOS)with overexpressed miR-383 exhibited reduced proliferative capacity and enhanced apoptosis levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions:miR-383 exerts anticancer effects in osteosarcoma by inhibiting cell proliferation. Its overexpression significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of bortezomib, offering a new direction for the treatment strategies of osteosarcoma.
8.Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic left hemi-fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Weixue ZHANG ; Guolei LI ; Hao FENG ; Yuan LIU ; Lihui JIA ; Haiyan BAI ; Wei XING ; Zhao XU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(10):1333-1337
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic left hemi-fundoplica-tion for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Method:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 45 patients with GERD who were admitted to Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2019 to July 2022 were collected. There were 26 males and 19 females, aged (46±12) years. All patients underwent laparoscopic left hemi-fundoplication. Observation indicators: (1) intraoperative and postoperative conditions; (2) follow-up. Measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as Mean± SD. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers. The paired samples t-test was used for comparison of indicators before and after surgery. Result:(1) Intraoperative and postoperative conditions. All 45 patients successfully underwent the operation, with no conversion to open surgery or intraoperative complications. The operation time was (86±8)minutes, volume of intraoperative blood loss was (12±3)mL, and time to postoperative first flatus was (2.2±0.8)days. Among the 45 patients after surgery, 4 cases had fever, 3 cases had retrosternal dull pain and discomfort, 4 cases had dysphagia, 3 cases had abdominal distension, and 5 cases had constipation. All these symptoms were cured or relieved spontaneously after sympto-matic treatment. The duration of postoperative hospital stay was (3.5±0.5)days. There was no patient with infection, delayed bleeding or perforation.(2) Follow-up. All 45 patients were followed up for 1 year after surgery, with no recurrence of GERD. Gastroscopy showed no esophageal mucosal damage such as erosion or ulcer, and no hiatal hernia occurred. Before surgery, the reflux symptom index score, GERD questionnaire score, reflux disease questionnaire score, lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure, and DeMeester score of 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring were 24.3±1.9, 12.5±2.1,20.1±4.5, (7.1±1.1)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and 31.4±6.4, respectively. At 1 year after surgery, the above indicators were 2.2±0.7, 6.5±0.5, 4.0±2.6, (23.2±2.9)mmHg, and 6.0±1.4, respectively. There were significant differences before and after surgery ( t=80.75, 18.70,20.09, -33.45, 26.15, P<0.05). Conclusion:Laparoscopic left hemi-fundoplication is safe and feasible for GERD, which can improve the clinical symptoms of patients.
9.Predictive effects of different motor evoked potential warning thresholds on motor function recovery fol-lowing decompression for cervical and thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Li LI ; Huan LI ; Kai CHEN ; Jia LIU ; Wenwen SHEN ; Yuqing WANG ; Xiufang WU ; Yushu BAI ; Qiang LI ; Jian-min LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2898-2905
Objective To explore the optimal warning threshold of motor evoked potentials(MEP)in decompression surgery for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament(OPLL)at cervical and thoracic segments,and the predictive role of different MEP parameters on postoperative lower extremity motor function.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 227 patients diagnosed with cervical or thoracic OPLL and underwent decompression surgery from January 2022 to January 2024 in the hospital.There were 131 males and 96 females,with an average age of(60±10)years.All patients underwent continuous neuro-physiological monitoring during the operation,and the minimum ratio of MEP amplitude change to the baseline at the beginning of the operation(Dmax)and the ratio of MEP terminal amplitude change to the baseline at the end of the operation(Dend)were recorded.The correlations between these two ratios and the lower extremity motor func-tion immediately after the operation and at 1 year were compared.According to the Medical Research Council muscle strength score(MRC)standard,a postoperative score increase of≥1 point compared to preoperative was defined as postoperative motor dysfunction.Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the correlations between Dmax and Dend and the lower extremity motor function immediately after the operation and at 1 year.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn to predict postoperative lower extremity motor dysfunc-tion using Dmax and Dend.Results Among the 227 patients,186 had cervical OPLL and 41 had thoracic OPLL.The incidence of lower extremity motor dysfunction immediately after the operation and at 1 year was 7 cases(3.76%)and 2 cases(1.08%)in the cervical group,and 9 cases(21.95%)and 3 cases(7.32%)in the thoracic group,respectively.The incidence of lower extremity motor dysfunction in the thoracic group was higher than that in the cervical group(P<0.001).The baseline induction rate of bilateral lower extremity MEPs was 98.92%(368/372)in the cervical group and 96.34%(79/82)in the thoracic group.The Pearson correlation coefficients of Dend with the bilateral lower extremity motor function immediately after the operation in the cervical and thoracic groups were both greater than those of Dmax,and the differences were statistically significant(cervical group:r=0.669,0.517,P=0.001 2;thoracic group:r=0.882,0.727,P=0.003 6),while the differences in the Pearson corre-lation coefficients of Dend and Dmax with the bilateral lower extremity motor function at 1 year were not statistically significant(cervical group:r=0.457,0.352,P=0.088;thoracic group:r=0.760,0.625,P=0.098).The cut-off values of Dend for the cervical group were 0.853 immediately after the operation and at 1 year,and the cut-off values of Dmax were 0.881 and 0.978,respectively.For the thoracic group,the cut-off values of Dend were 0.532 immediately after the operation and 0.639 at 1 year,and the cut-off values of Dmax were 0.532 and 0.640,respec-tively.Conclusions In OPLL surgery,the MEP monitoring strategy should be adjusted according to the surgical segment.For the cervical segment,Dmax should be emphasized to balance high sensitivity and specificity,while for the thoracic segment,Dmax or Dend can be flexibly selected.Higher MEP warning thresholds are required for cervical OPLL surgery(Dmax:0.881 immediately after the operation and 0.978 at 1 year;Dend:0.853),while significantly lower thresholds are needed for thoracic OPLL(Dmax/Dend:0.532 immediately after the operation and 0.640 at 1 year).
10.Biparametric MRI-based peritumoral radiomics for preoperative prediction of extracapsular extension in prostate cancer
Honghao XU ; Qicong DU ; Yuanhao MA ; Xueyi NING ; Baichuan LIU ; Xu BAI ; Di CHEN ; Yun ZHANG ; Zhe DONG ; Chuang JIA ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Xiaohui DING ; Baojun WANG ; Aitao GUO ; Jian XUE ; Xuetao MU ; Huiyi YE ; Haiyi WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(9):1055-1062
Objective:To investigate the value of biparametric-MRI (bpMRI) based peritumoral radiomics for preoperative prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, consecutive bpMRI of patients undergoing prostatectomy for PCa were retrospectively collected from the First Medical Center (center 1) and the Third Medical Center (center 2) of Chinese PLA General Hospital. A total of 274 patients were finally enrolled. Patients at center 1 from January 2020 to December 2022 were randomly divided into a training set (149 cases) and an internal validation set (63 cases) by stratified random sampling. Patients at center 2 from January 2023 to March 2024 were assigned to the external test set (62 cases). Patients were categorized into EPE-positive group and EPE-negative group according to pathological assessment postoperatively. In the training set, there were 49 cases in EPE-positive group and 100 cases in EPE-negative group. In the internal validation set, there were 26 cases in EPE-positive group and 37 cases in EPE-negative group. In the external test set, there were 22 cases in EPE-positive group and 40 cases in EPE-negative group. Axial T 2WI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images were manually annotated to obtain index lesion regions of interest (ROIs), with the peritumoral ROIs subsequently delineated by semi-automatic segmentation technique. Radiomics features were extracted from intra-tumoral, peri-tumoral, and intra-tumoral plus peri-tumoral ROIs. The training set data was employed to select and optimize features to build the radiomics models. The logistic regression analysis was used to develop radiomics, clinical, and integrated models. The predictive performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the external test set, and compared by the DeLong test. The sensitivity and specificity were compared by the exact McNemar test. Results:In the external test set, the peri-tumoral radiomics model based on bpMRI showed the highest performance in evaluating EPE, with an AUC of 0.739 (95% CI 0.611-0.842), which was identified as the optimal radiomics model. EPE grade ( OR=6.151, 95% CI 3.371-11.226, P<0.001) was incorporated into the clinical model, with an AUC of 0.780 (95% CI 0.657-0.875) in the external test set. The integrated model had an AUC of 0.817 (95% CI 0.698-0.904) in the external test set. There was no statistically significant difference in comparisons of AUCs among the three models (all P>0.05). The sensitivity of the integrated model (68.2%) showed no significant difference from those of the clinical model and the optimal radiomics model (77.3% and 86.4%, respectively; P=0.500 and P=0.289). However, the specificity of the integrated model (85.0%) was significantly higher than those of the clinical model (67.5%, P=0.016) and the optimal radiomics model (50.0%, P<0.001). Conclusion:A bpMRI-based peritumoral radiomics integrating clinical model demonstrates high performance for preoperative prediction of EPE in PCa.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail