1.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
2.Mechanism of Action of Modified Tongluo Tangtai Formula in Improving Myelin Damage in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Zhigang HE ; Mingzhu CHEN ; Jialu BAI ; Chunguang XIE ; Lian DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):247-258
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the action and molecular mechanism of modified Tongluo Tangtai Formula(MTLTT) on myelin damage in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. MethodsThe chemical components of the MTLTT were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and literature, and the component targets were collected from the SwissTargetPrediction database. The targets of DPN were collected from the GeneCards, OMIM, Disgenet, and GEO databases. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database, and a network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape software. The binding actions of core components with glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) and β-catenin were analyzed by Autodock Vina. An in vitro DPN model was established by high glucose-induced Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglion cells (SCs/DRGs). The ultrastructural morphological changes of SCs and DRGs were observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM), and the expressions of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MAG, MBP, myelin protein 0 (P0), peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related protein β-catenin, GSK-3β, Wnt family member 3α (Wnt3α), and Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (Wif-1) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis revealed that MTLTT components may treat DPN via the Wnt signaling pathway, involving key proteins such as GSK-3β, β-catenin and Wif-1. The molecular docking results indicate that atropine, apigenin, baicalein, isoflavanone, and albiflorin have good binding activity with GSK-3β, and that all 13 core components have stable binding activity with β-catenin. Cell experiments showed that compared with the blank group, SCs and DRGs in the model group exhibited severe morphological and structural abnormalities such as disintegration, shrinkage and axonal rupture, while these abnormal changes were improved after MTLTT intervention. Immunofluorescence results indicated that the fluorescence intensity of MAG and MBP was markedly decreased in the model group relative to the blank group(P<0.01), while MTLTT treatment obviously upregulated the expression of MAG and MBP compared with the model group (P<0.01). Real-time PCR and Western blot assays revealed that the expression levels of myelin-related molecules MAG, MBP, P0 and PMP22 were significantly reduced in the model group (P<0.05,P<0.01), and MTLTT remarkably increased their expression levels (P<0.05). In the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the mRNA levels of GSK-3β, Wif-1 and Wnt3α were elevated and β-catenin mRNA expression was declined in the model group (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein expressions of GSK-3β and Wif-1 were upregulated, whereas those of Wnt3α and β-catenin were downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MTLTT at different doses reduced the mRNA and protein levels of GSK-3β and Wif-1 to varying degrees (P<0.05), and distinctly enhanced the protein expression of Wnt3α and β-catenin(P<0.01). ConclusionMTLTT can alleviate high glucose-induced myelin damage. Its protective mechanism may promote myelin repair by upregulating the expression of MAG, MBP, P0 and PMP22, and the therapeutic effect is possibly associated with the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
3.Effects of meropenem exposure and degradation levels on clinical efficacy in patients with purulent meningitis
Tongtong LI ; Jiantong SUN ; Xianglong CHEN ; Peng DENG ; Yanping XUE ; Yao XIAO ; Lijuan YANG ; Jinhui XU ; Yanxia YU ; Lian TANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(24):3084-3090
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of meropenem exposure and degradation levels on clinical efficacy in patients with purulent meningitis (PM). METHODS A total of 131 PM patients treated with meropenem at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2022 to June 2025 were prospectively included. Relevant data were collected and divided into a cured group (91 cases) and a non-cured group (40 cases) based on the efficacy. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of meropenem and its open-loop metabolites. Risk factors that affect efficacy were screened, and their predictive power and correlation were evaluated by univariate analysis, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and correlation analysis. RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that serum creatinine, creatinine clearance rate, minimum inhibitory concentration of meropenem ≥16 μg/mL, cerebrospinal fluid red blood cell count, cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count, cerebrospinal fluid glucose content, blood trough concentration, blood open-loop metabolite concentration/trough concentration ratio, and intrathecal injection were all correlated with efficacy (P<0.05). The results of multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that serum creatinine blood open-loop metabolite concentration/trough concentration ratio, intrathecal injection, and cerebrospinal fluid glucose content were influencing factors for suboptimal anti-infective ltt efficacy (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that when the blood open-loop metabolite concentration/trough concentration ratio was greater than 2.854 (AUC=0.647), serum creatinine was less than 59.5 μmol/L (AUC=0.647), and cerebrospinal fluid glucose content was less than 3.37 mmol/L (AUC=0.709), the risk of treatment failure significantly increased (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the blood trough concentration of meropenem was positively correlated with the concentration of its open-loop metabolites (R 2=0.134 5, P<0.000 1). CONCLUSIONS Insufficient exposure level and rapid degradation of meropenem are key mechanisms affecting the anti-infective efficacy of PM. Elevated blood open-loop metabolite concentration/ trough concentration ratio, low serum creatinine level, lack of intrathecal injection, and low cerebrospinal fluid glucose content are independent risk factors for poor efficacy.
4.Dimeric natural product panepocyclinol A inhibits STAT3 via di-covalent modification.
Li LI ; Yuezhou WANG ; Yiqiu WANG ; Xiaoyang LI ; Qihong DENG ; Fei GAO ; Wenhua LIAN ; Yunzhan LI ; Fu GUI ; Yanling WEI ; Su-Jie ZHU ; Cai-Hong YUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhiyu HU ; Qingyan XU ; Xiaobing WU ; Lanfen CHEN ; Dawang ZHOU ; Jianming ZHANG ; Fei XIA ; Xianming DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):409-423
Homo- or heterodimeric compounds that affect dimeric protein function through interaction between monomeric moieties and protein subunits can serve as valuable sources of potent and selective drug candidates. Here, we screened an in-house dimeric natural product collection, and panepocyclinol A (PecA) emerged as a selective and potent STAT3 inhibitor with profound anti-tumor efficacy. Through cross-linking C712/C718 residues in separate STAT3 monomers with two distinct Michael receptors, PecA inhibits STAT3 DNA binding affinity and transcription activity. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the key conformation changes of STAT3 dimers upon the di-covalent binding with PecA that abolishes its DNA interactions. Furthermore, PecA exhibits high efficacy against anaplastic large T cell lymphoma in vitro and in vivo, especially those with constitutively activated STAT3 or STAT3Y640F. In summary, our study describes a distinct and effective di-covalent modification for the dimeric compound PecA to disrupt STAT3 function.
5.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
6.The Role of AMPK in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Related Intervention Strategies
Fang-Lian LIAO ; Xiao-Feng CHEN ; Han-Yi XIANG ; Zhi XIA ; Hua-Yu SHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2550-2567
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct form of cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and sudden death. It has become a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is complex, involving increased oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory responses, disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), abnormal autophagy and apoptosis, insulin resistance, and impaired intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a crucial protective role by lowering blood glucose levels, promoting lipolysis, inhibiting lipid synthesis, and exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-ferroptotic effects. It also enhances autophagy, thereby alleviating myocardial injury under hyperglycemic conditions. Consequently, AMPK is considered a key protective factor in diabetic cardiomyopathy. As part of diabetes prevention and treatment strategies, both pharmacological and exercise interventions have been shown to mitigate diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating the AMPK signaling pathway. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms, optimal intervention strategies, and clinical translation require further investigation. This review summarizes the role of AMPK in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy through drug and/or exercise interventions, aiming to provide a reference for the development and application of AMPK-targeted therapies. First, several classical AMPK activators (e.g., AICAR, A-769662, O-304, and metformin) have been shown to enhance autophagy and glucose uptake while inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and/or by upregulating the gene expression of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4. Second, many antidiabetic agents (e.g., teneligliptin, liraglutide, exenatide, semaglutide, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin) can promote autophagy, reverse excessive apoptosis and autophagy, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation by enhancing AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets, such as mTOR, or by increasing the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α). Third, certain anti-anginal (e.g., trimetazidine, nicorandil), anti-asthmatic (e.g., farrerol), antibacterial (e.g., sodium houttuyfonate), and antibiotic (e.g., minocycline) agents have been shown to promote autophagy/mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibit oxidative stress and lipid accumulation via AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets such as protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and/or PPAR‑α. Fourth, natural compounds (e.g., dihydromyricetin, quercetin, resveratrol, berberine, platycodin D, asiaticoside, cinnamaldehyde, and icariin) can upregulate AMPK phosphorylation and downstream targets such as AKT, mTOR, and/or the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, antioxidant, and pro-autophagic effects. Fifth, moderate exercise (e.g., continuous or intermittent aerobic exercise, aerobic combined with resistance training, or high-intensity interval training) can activate AMPK and its downstream targets (e.g., acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), GLUT4, PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPAR-α, and forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3)) to promote fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake, and to inhibit oxidative stress and excessive mitochondrial fission. Finally, the combination of liraglutide and aerobic interval training has been shown to activate the AMPK/FOXO1 pathway, thereby reducing excessive myocardial fatty acid uptake and oxidation. This combination therapy offers superior improvement in cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, and fibrosis in diabetic conditions compared to liraglutide or exercise alone.
7.Association between long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation and metabolic syndrome among medical radiologists
Changyong WEN ; Xiaoman ZHOU ; Xiaolian LIU ; Yiqing LIAN ; Weizhen GUO ; Yanting CHEN ; Xin LAN ; Mingfang LI ; Sufen ZHANG ; Weixu HUANG ; Jianming ZOU ; Huifeng CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(10):1209-1215
Background In recent years, the increasingly widespread application of nuclear and medical radiation technologies has resulted in a large number of occupational populations exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR). At present, there is no consistent conclusion on the effects of long-term exposure to LDIR on the metabolic health of the occupational population. Objective To explore the association between long-term exposure to LDIR and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among medical radiologists. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to enroll
8.Effects of Tiaoshu Anshen acupuncture on sleep quality and serum neurotransmitter levels in patients with chronic insomnia.
Lian LIU ; Tianya YAN ; Zhuangzhi CHEN ; Zhen KANG ; Mengyao LI ; Qiongjue GAO ; Zuoai QIN ; Yecheng WEN ; Weiai LIU ; Zhongying FU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(2):151-155
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of Tiaoshu Anshen (regulating the hinge and calming the mind) acupuncture on sleep quality and serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in patients with chronic insomnia.
METHODS:
A total of 58 patients with chronic insomnia were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 29 cases in each group. Tiaoshu Anshen acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV20) and bilateral Shenmen (HT7), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Benshen (GB13) in the acupuncture group, once a day, 1-day interval was taken after 6 consecutive days of treatment. Estazolam tablet was given orally before bed in the medication group, 1 mg each time. The 4-week treatment was required in both groups. Before and after treatment, the sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and polysomnography (PSG), the serum levels of 5-HT and DA were detected by ELISA.
RESULTS:
After treatment, the item scores and total scores of PSQI were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05); in the acupuncture group, the scores of sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorders and total score of PSQI were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the total sleep time (TST) was prolonged (P<0.05), the sleep latency (SL) and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were shortened (P<0.05), the sleep efficiency (SE%), percentage of non-rapid eye movement stage 3 (N3%), percentage of rapid eye movement stage (REM%) and serum levels of 5-HT were increased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment; the percentage of non-rapid eye movement stage 1 (N1%), percentage of non-rapid eye movement stage 2 (N2%) and serum levels of DA were decreased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment in the two groups. After treatment, in the acupuncture group, TST was longer, while SL and WASO were shorter than those in the medication group (P<0.05), SE%, N3%, REM% and serum level of 5-HT were higher, while N1%, N2% and serum level of DA were lower than those in the medication group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Tiaoshu Anshen acupuncture may improve the sleep quality by regulating the serum neurotransmitter levels i.e. 5-HT and DA in patients with chronic insomnia.
Humans
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Serotonin/blood*
;
Sleep Quality
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Dopamine/blood*
;
Aged
;
Neurotransmitter Agents/blood*
;
Young Adult
9.Effects of electroacupuncture on early enteral nutrition tolerance and autonomic nerve activity in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Dong CHEN ; Yingxin LI ; Shipeng ZHU ; Mengqian YUAN ; Yanxia GENG ; Luyao ZHANG ; Xiaoyang LIAN ; Guanwen GONG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(11):1549-1555
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in improving early enteral nutrition tolerance in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) under the concept of accelerated rehabilitation, and to explore the related mechanism based on the changes in autonomic nerve characteristics.
METHODS:
A total of 42 patients with AP were randomized into an observation group (21 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (21 cases, 1 case dropped out). The control group received standard basic treatment for AP. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, EA was applied in the observation group, bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Yixian point (Extra), Tianshu (ST25), Neiguan (PC6) and Zhongwan (CV12) were selected as the main points, and the supplementary points were selected according to syndrome differentiation. Ipsilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Yixian point (Extra) were connected to EA, using discontinuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz, 30 min a time, once a day for 6 continuous days. The enteral nutrition tolerance score was observed before treatment and after 3 and 5 days of treatment; the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for abdominal pain was observed before treatment and after 3 days of treatment; the time of reaching the feeding goal and hospital stay was recorded; the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and amylase were measured before treatment and after 5 days of treatment; the heart rate variability (HRV) indexes (standard deviation of NN intervals [SDNN], average standard deviation of NN intervals [SDANN], root mean square of successive NN interval differences [rMSSD], low frequency [LF] and high frequency [HF], ratio of low frequency to high frequency [LF/HF]) were monitored in the two groups.
RESULTS:
After 3 and 5 days of treatment, the enteral nutrition tolerance scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the reductions in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.01). After 3 days of treatment, the VAS scores for abdominal pain were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the reduction in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (P<0.01). The time of reaching the feeding goal and hospital stay in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). After 5 days of treatment, the CRP and amylase levels were decreased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), the reduction of CRP level in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (P<0.01). In the observation group, SDNN, SDANN and LF/HF were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while rMSSD was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). SDNN, SDANN and LF/HF were positively correlated with the enteral nutrition tolerance scores after 3 and 5 days of treatment (P<0.05), while rMSSD was negatively correlated with the enteral nutrition tolerance scores after 3 and 5 days of treatment (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Electroacupuncture can improve enteral nutrition tolerance in patients with AP by regulating autonomic nervous function, alleviating the inflammation, promoting accelerated recovery, and reducing the length of hospital stay.
Humans
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Male
;
Female
;
Enteral Nutrition
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Pancreatitis/physiopathology*
;
Aged
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Young Adult
;
Acute Disease/therapy*
;
Autonomic Pathways/physiopathology*
10.Preliminary clinical practice of radical prostatectomy without preoperative biopsy.
Ranlu LIU ; Lu YIN ; Shenfei MA ; Feiya YANG ; Zhenpeng LIAN ; Mingshuai WANG ; Ye LEI ; Xiying DONG ; Chen LIU ; Dong CHEN ; Sujun HAN ; Yong XU ; Nianzeng XING
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(6):721-728
BACKGROUND:
At present, biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) before radical prostatectomy (RP). However, with the development of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), it might be feasible to avoid biopsy before RP. Herein, we aimed to explore the feasibility of avoiding biopsy before RP in patients highly suspected of having PCa after assessment of PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI.
METHODS:
Between December 2017 and April 2022, 56 patients with maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of ≥4 and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) ≥4 lesions who received RP without preoperative biopsy were enrolled from two tertiary hospitals. The consistency between clinical and pathological diagnoses was evaluated. Preoperative characteristics were compared among patients with different pathological types, T stages, International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades, and European Association of Urology (EAU) risk groups.
RESULTS:
Fifty-five (98%) patients were confirmed with PCa by pathology, including 49 (89%) with clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa, defined as ISUP grade ≥2 malignancy). One patient was diagnosed with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). CsPCa patients, compared with clinically insignificant prostate cancer (cisPCa) and HGPIN patients, were associated with a higher level of prostate-specific antigen (22.9 ng/mL vs . 10.0 ng/mL, P = 0.032), a lower median prostate volume (32.2 mL vs . 65.0 mL, P = 0.001), and a higher median SUVmax (13.3 vs . 5.6, P <0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
It might be feasible to avoid biopsy before RP for patients with a high probability of PCa based on PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI. However, the diagnostic efficacy of csPCa with PI-RADS ≥4 and SUVmax of ≥4 is inadequate for performing a procedure such as RP. Further prospective multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our perspectives and establish predictive models with PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI.
Humans
;
Male
;
Prostatectomy/methods*
;
Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods*
;
Biopsy
;
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Prostate-Specific Antigen/metabolism*

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