1.Prevalence, influencing factors, and fibrosis risk stratification of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in the health check-up population in Beijing, China
Haiqing GUO ; Mingliang LI ; Feng LIU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):643-649
ObjectiveTo identify the patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) among the health check-up population, and to perform stratified management of patients with the low, medium, and high risk of advanced fibrosis based on noninvasive fibrosis scores. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 3 125 individuals who underwent physical examination in Beijing Physical Examination Center from December 2017 to December 2019, and they were divided into MAFLD group with 1 068 individuals and non-MAFLD group with 2 057 individuals. According to BMI, the MAFLD group was further divided into lean MAFLD group (125 individuals with BMI<24 kg/m2) and non-lean MAFLD group (943 individuals with BMI≥24 kg/m2). Indicators including demographic data, past history, laboratory examination, and liver ultrasound were compared between groups. Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and BARD score were calculated for the patients in the MAFLD group to assess the risk of advanced fibrosis. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of each indicator in MAFLD. ResultsCompared with the non-MAFLD group, the MAFLD group had significantly higher age (Z=-9.758, P<0.05), proportion of male patients (χ2=137.555, P<0.05), and levels of body weight (Z=-27.987, P<0.05), BMI (Z=-32.714, P<0.05), waist circumference (Z=-31.805, P<0.05), hip circumference (Z=-26.342, P<0.05), waist-hip ratio (Z=-28.554, P<0.05), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (Z=-25.820, P<0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (Z=-16.894, P<0.05), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (Z=-25.069, P<0.05), alkaline phosphatase (Z=-12.533, P<0.05), triglyceride (Z=-27.559), total cholesterol (Z=-7.833, P<0.05), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (Z=-8.222, P<0.05), and uric acid (UA) (Z=-20.024, P<0.05), as well as a significantly higher proportion of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (χ2=578.220, P<0.05), significantly higher prevalence rates of hypertension (χ2=241.694, P<0.05), type 2 diabetes (χ2=796.484, P<0.05), and dyslipidemia (χ2=369.843, P<0.05), and a significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (Z=23.153, P<0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.203 — 1.737), ALT (OR=1.05, 95%CI: 1.046 — 1.062), LDL-C (OR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.102 — 1.373), and comorbidity with MetS (OR=5.97, 95%CI: 4.876 — 7.316) were independently associated with MAFLD. Compared with the non-lean MAFLD group, the lean MAFLD group had significantly higher age (Z=3.736, P<0.05) and HDL-C (Z=2.679, P<0.05) and significant reductions in the proportion of male patients (χ2=28.970, P<0.05), body weight (Z=-14.230, P<0.05), BMI (Z=-18.188, P<0.05), waist circumference (Z=-13.451, P<0.05), hip circumference (Z=-13.317, P<0.05), ALT (Z=-4.519, P<0.05), AST (Z=-2.258, P<0.05), GGT (Z=-4.592, P<0.05), UA (Z=-4.415, P<0.05), the proportion of patients with moderate or severe fatty liver disease or MetS (χ2=42.564, P<0.05), and the prevalence rates of hypertension (χ2=12.057, P<0.05) and type 2 diabetes (χ2=3.174, P<0.05). Among the patients with MAFLD, 10 patients (0.9%) had an FIB-4 score of >2.67, 4 patients (0.4%) had an NFS score of >0.676, 8 patients (0.7%) had an APRI of >1, and 551 patients (51.6%) had a BARD score of ≥2. ConclusionThere is a relatively high prevalence rate of MAFLD among the health check-up population in Beijing, but with a relatively low number of patients with a high risk of advanced fibrosis, and such patients need to be referred to specialized hospitals for liver diseases.
2.Characteristics and lifestyles of patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease based on the physical examination population
Haiqing GUO ; Mingliang LI ; Feng LIU ; Yali LIU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1090-1096
ObjectiveTo screen for the patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) among the physical examination population, to observe the characteristics of MAFLD patients, and to compare the differences in lifestyle between the MAFLD population and the non-MAFLD population. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 6 206 individuals who underwent physical examination in a physical examination institution in Beijing from December 2015 to December 2019, and according to the new diagnostic criteria for MAFLD, the examination population was divided into MAFLD group and non-MAFLD group. Based on body mass index (BMI), the MAFLD group was further divided into lean MAFLD group (BMI<24 kg/m2) and non-lean MAFLD group (BMI ≥24 kg/m2). Related data were compared between groups, including demographic indicators, education level, work pressure, physical measurement indicators, and lifestyles such as sleep, diet, and exercise. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsOf all individuals in this study, 1 926 (31.1%) had MAFLD and 4 280 (68.9%) did not have MAFLD. Compared with the non-MAFLD group, the MAFLD group had significantly higher age (Z=-14.459, P<0.001), proportion of male patients (χ2=72.004, P<0.001), work pressure (χ2=7.744, P=0.005), body weight (Z=-43.508, P<0.001), BMI (Z=-47.621, P<0.001), waist circumference (Z=-48.515, P<0.001), hip circumference (Z=-42.121, P<0.001), and waist-hip ratio (Z=-43.535, P<0.001), as well as a significantly lower education level (χ2=33.583, P<0.001). In terms of behavior, the MAFLD group had a significantly shorter sleep time (χ2=5.820, P=0.016) and a significantly faster eating speed (χ2=74.476, P<0.001). In terms of diet, the patients in the MAFLD group consumed more high-sodium, high-sugar, and high-calorie diets (χ2=42.667, P<0.001) and low-fiber diet (χ2=4.367, P=0.008). In terms of exercise, the MAFLD group had a significantly higher proportion of patients without exercise habits (χ2=10.278, P=0.001). Further analysis showed that there were 202 individuals (10.5%) in the lean MAFLD group and 1 724 (89.5%) in the non-lean MAFLD group. Compared with the non-lean MAFLD group, the lean MAFLD group had significantly higher age (Z=3.368, P=0.001) and education level (χ2=9.647, P=0.002) and significantly lower proportion of male patients (χ2=27.664, P<0.001), body weight (Z=-18.483, P<0.001), BMI (Z=-23.286, P<0.001), waist circumference (Z=-18.565, P<0.001), and hip circumference (Z=-18.097, P<0.001), and in terms of behavior, the non-lean MAFLD group had a significantly faster eating speed (χ2=4.549, P=0.033). ConclusionThere is a relatively high prevalence rate of MAFLD among the physical examination population in Beijing, with a higher number of people with unhealthy lifestyles compared with the non-MAFLD population.
3.The application of surgical robots in head and neck tumors.
Xiaoming HUANG ; Qingqing HE ; Dan WANG ; Jiqi YAN ; Yu WANG ; Xuekui LIU ; Chuanming ZHENG ; Yan XU ; Yanxia BAI ; Chao LI ; Ronghao SUN ; Xudong WANG ; Mingliang XIANG ; Yan WANG ; Xiang LU ; Lei TAO ; Ming SONG ; Qinlong LIANG ; Xiaomeng ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Renhui CHEN ; Zhaohui LIU ; Faya LIANG ; Ping HAN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1001-1008
4.Analysis of the Cardiovascular Disease Burden Attributable to High Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in China from 1990 to 2021
Yunxiang LONG ; Rouyuan HUANG ; Mingliang WANG ; Yiliu LIU ; Rizhu MO ; Hang LONG ; Xiaowu WANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(6):995-1005
ObjectiveCardiovascular diseases pose a major public health challenge in China. The burden of cardiovascular disease associated with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has increased steadily nationwide. A comprehensive analysis of secular trends in cardiovascular disease burden and its determinants is crucial for developing targeted interventions and evidence-based health policies. MethodsBased on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we analyzed the trends in deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR) of cardiovascular diseases attributable to high LDL-C in China from 1990 to 2021 using Joinpoint regression analysis. An age-period-cohort model was applied to assess the contributions of age, period, and cohort effects to changes in the cardiovascular disease burden attributable to high LDL-C. Projections of the high LDL-C-attributable cardiovascular disease burden in China from 2022 to 2030 were generated using a Bayesian age-period-cohort model. ResultsBetween 1990 and 2021, China saw a substantial rise in both deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from cardiovascular disease linked to high LDL-C. Joinpoint regression revealed key turning points in this trend: an overall increase continued until 2004, after which the burden began to fall starting in 2011. Throughout this period, age-standardized mortality and DALY rates were consistently higher in males than in females. Age-period-cohort analysis further indicated that mortality and DALY rates due to high LDL-C increased almost exponentially with age, while period and cohort risks generally decreased over time. Projections suggest a continued decline in age-standardized mortality rates from LDL-C-related cardiovascular disease for both Chinese men and women by 2030. ConclusionRapid population growth and accelerated ageing in China emerge as primary drivers of the escalating cardiovascular diseases burden linked to elevated LDL-C. The burden of cardiovascular diseases is higher in men compared to women. By 2030, the burden of cardiovascular disease caused by high LDL-C in China will remain severe. These findings underscore the critical need for gender-specific screening protocols, age-tailored interventions, and personalized management frameworks to mitigate this public health challenge.
5.Effect of amylin on learning and memory abilities and Akt signaling pathway in mice with Alzheimer's disease
Qirong LIAO ; Hongyan YANG ; Jing LU ; Yating LIU ; Linqiu MA ; Mingliang HOU ; Huadong ZHOU
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(21):2467-2474
Objective To investigate the effects of amylin,also known as islet amyloid polypeptide(IAPP),on learning and memory abilities and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway in APP/PS1 mice.Methods A total of 20 APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into Alzheimer's disease(AD)group and IAPP group,with 10 mice in each group.The mice in the latter group were given an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 μmol/L IAPP,and those of the former group received same dose of PBS.Both interventions were given once per day,for 10 weeks.Morris water maze test was used to measure the learning and memory abilities;HE staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus;Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons;Biochemical assay were conducted to detect the contents of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in hippocampal tissues;ELISA was applied to measure the levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α as well as content of Aβ42 in hippocampal tissues;And Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of PI3K/Akt proteins.Results Compared with the AD group,significantly shorter platform latency(P<0.01),increased number of traversing the platform and longer time to explore the hidden platform(P<0.01)were observed in the IAPP group,but no such difference was seen in the swimming speed of the mice.HE staining displayed that the IAPP group had more and well-arranged nerve cells in the hippocampal tissue when compared with the AD group(P<0.05).Lower Aβ protein expression(P<0.01),reduced oxidative stress and decreased contents of inflammatory factors(P<0.01)in hippocampal tissue were observed in the IAPP group than the AD group.The IAPP group showed clearer structure of neuronal mitochondria,reduced vacuolization,and better arranged microtubules and microfilaments,and elevated expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt proteins when compared with the AD group(P<0.01).Conclusion Amylin can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses,improve learning and memory abilities in AD mice,and promote the activity of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.The mechanism of emodin inhibiting YAP1 and FOXD1 in gastric cancer AGS cells and its related study
Tian GU ; Chunhong LIU ; Fei ZHANG ; Wei QIAN ; Yanqiu ZHU ; Mingliang CHU ; Jiemin LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(1):59-64,71
Objective To explore the possible mechanism of emodin in inhibiting proliferation,migration,and invasion of AGS cells and in suppressing the expressions of YAP1 and FOXD1.Methods Normal gastric cell GES-1 and gastric cancer cell AGS were cultured with different concentrations of emodin.CCK8 test,scratch test and Transwell assay were used to verify changes in the biological phenotype of AGS cells.TCGA database was applied to analyze expressions of HK2,YAP1 and FOXD1 in gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric tissues.Western blotting method was used to detect the impacts of emodin on HK2,YAP1 and FOXD1 proteins in AGS cells.Exogenous pyruvic acid was added to verify the changes in YAP1 and FOXD1.Results The IC50 of emodin was significantly higher in GES-1 cells than in AGS cells(P<0.05).CCK8 proliferation test,scratch test,and Transwell assay showed that emodin significantly inhibited the biological abilities of AGS(P<0.05 for comparisons).Analysis on the TCGA bioinformatics database found that the expression of key enzymes HK2 in the glycolysis pathway and oncogenes YAP1 and FOXD1 was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in normal gastric tissues(P<0.05 for comparisons).Emodin significantly inhibited the protein expressions of key glycolytic enzymes HK2 and oncogenes YAP1 and FOXD1(P<0.05 for comparisons).With supplement of exogenous glycolytic metabolite pyruvate,the protein expressions of oncogenes YAP1 and FOXD1 significantly increased(P<0.05 for comparisons).Conclusions Emodin has a significant pharmacological inhibitory effect on gastric cancer AGS cells,markedly suppressing their biological phenotype.Emodin not only significantly inhibits the key enzyme HK2 in glycolysis metabolism,but also the protein expressions of oncogenes YAP1 and FOXD1.With the addition of exogenous pyruvate to enhance the glycolytic metabolic pathway,the protein expressions of oncogenes YAP1 and FOXD1 significantly increased.The above results suggest a close association of YAP1 and FOXD1 with glycolytic metabolism.Emodin may inhibit oncogenes YAP1 and FOXD1 through the glycolytic metabolism of gastric cancer AGS cells.
7.Mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction-containing Serum in Delaying Inflammatory Senescence of Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells Based on NAMPT/SIRT1
Junxia HU ; Yueqi XU ; Jun WANG ; Guoshaung ZHU ; Shiwen KE ; Mingliang QIU ; Liangji LIU ; Lisha MO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):45-53
ObjectiveThe lung mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) induced by D-galactose (D-gal) were intervened by Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum to explore the mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian decoction in delaying the senescence of LMSCs through the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase/silent information regulator 1 (NAMPT/SIRT1) signaling pathway. MethodWenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum was prepared. LMSCs were isolated by gradient density centrifugation, and they were cultured and identified in vitro. The senescence model in vitro was established by stimulating cells via D-gal for 24 h. LMSCs cells were modeled after being treated with different volume fractions (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum for 24 h, and the cell proliferation level was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The cells were randomly divided into blank serum group, model group, and high, medium, and low dose groups of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining was used to detect the senescence of LMSCs in each group. The content of NAD + was detected by colorimetry. The levels of senescence-associated factors (p16 and p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cell culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the relative expression of senescence-associated proteins and NAMPT/SIRT1 signaling pathway-related proteins. ResultCompared with the blank serum group, the proliferation of LMSCs was significantly inhibited after D-gal stimulation for 24 h (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the proliferation of LMSCs could be promoted after intervention with the corresponding Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank serum group, the SA-β-gal staining of LMSCs in the model group after D-gal stimulation was enhanced, and the content of NAD+ was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of senescence factors p16 and p53, as well as SASP pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α in the cell culture supernatant, were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of senescence-associated proteins p16, p21, and p53 increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of NAMPT, SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), and forkhead box family transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SA-β-gal staining of LMSCs in each group of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum was significantly reduced, and the content of NAD+ was decreased (P<0.01). The senescence factors (p16 and p53) and inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of senescence-associated proteins (P16, P21, and P53) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of NAMPT, SIRT1, PGC-1α, and FoxO1 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWenfei Huaxian decoction can alleviate senescence and inflammatory response damage of D-gal-induced LMSCs, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the NAMPT/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
8.The Effects of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction (温肺化纤汤) on Pulmonary Fibrosis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Model Mice
Mingliang QIU ; Jiali XIONG ; Chenxiao XIAO ; Xinzhu ZHOU ; Lisha MO ; Shiwen KE ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Liangji LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(13):1383-1391
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction (温肺化纤汤) in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). MethodsSixty C3H/He female rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a pirfenidone group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups. The SSc-ILD model mice was established by subcutaneous injection of bleomycin solution 0.04 mg/d into the back of mice for 28 days in all groups but the control group. After successful modelling, the pirfenidone group was given pirfenidone capsule 300 mg/(kg·d) by gavage, the low-, medium- and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups were given Wenfei Huaxian Decoction 7.81, 15.62, and 31.24 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively, and the control group as well as the model group were given normal saline 0.1 ml/10 g by gavage, for a total of 21 days. At the end of the intervention, HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in the skin and lung tissues; the hydroxyproline content of the skin and lung tissues was detected; the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins glucose-regulated protein 78 (BIP) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) as well as those of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway p65 were measured by western blot; ELISA was performed to determine the expression levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in serum of rats. ResultsThe results of HE and Masson staining indicated that compared with the control group, the dermis significantly thickened, the number of collagen fibers significantly enlarged, and the number of inflammatory cells significantly increased in the model group; the lung tissue showed a marked inflammatory cellular response with massive collagen fibre proliferation with inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the skin tissue and lung tissue collagen fibre proliferation significantly reduced and inflammatory cell infiltration reduced in the pirfenidone group and all dose groups of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction, and the effects of pirfenidone group and Wenfei Huaxian Decoction medium- and high-dose groups were basically comparable. Compared with the model group, the content of hydroxyproline in skin and lung tissue, the serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the expression levels of BIP and CHOP protein in lung tissue increased in model group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the content of hydroxyproline in skin tissue of pirfenidone group, low-and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups decreased, and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue of medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group decreased. The serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α and the expression levels of BIP, CHOP and p65 protein in lung tissue of rats in pirfenidone group and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group decreased (P<0.05). The content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue of medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group was significantly lower than that of low-dose and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group, and the serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α in low- and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group were higher than those in high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group. The expression level of BIP protein in high-dose group was significantly lower than that in low- and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups (P<0.05). ConclusionWenfei Huaxian Decoction can improve the skin and lung fibrosis of SSc-ILD rats, which may act through anti-inflammation, inhibition of NF-κB pathway, and then inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which ultimately blocked the fibrotic process.
9.Effect of Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid on a mouse model of alcoholic hepatitis and its mechanism of action
Xingnian ZHOU ; Yuhong LIU ; Yujie QIN ; Quan ZHANG ; Mingliang CHENG ; Hong LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(2):335-342
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid in mice with alcoholic hepatitis. MethodsA total of 70 healthy male C57BL/6J mice, aged 6-8 weeks, were randomly divided into normal group, model group, liquid feed control group, silybin group, and low-, middle-, and high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid groups, with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the normal group were given normal diet, and those in the other groups were given Lieber-DeCarli classic liquid diet for 8 weeks to induce alcoholic hepatitis. During modeling, the mice in the low-, middle-, and high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid groups were given Dendrobium liquid manufactured by Warmen Pharmaceutical, and the mice in all the other groups were given pure water; the mice in the normal group, the model group, and the liquid feed control group were given normal saline by gavage, those in the silybin group were given silybin 0.25 mL/10 g by gavage, and those in the low-, middle-, and high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid groups were given Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid at a dose of 0.125 mL/10 g, 0.250 mL/10 g, and 0.375 mL/10 g, respectively, by gavage, once a day. At week 8, chloral hydrate was injected intraperitoneally for anesthesia, and blood samples were collected from the eyeball. After serum was separated, the biochemical method was used to measure the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT); HE staining and oil red staining were used to observe liver histopathology and lipid accumulation in mice; multiplex Luminex assay was used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and CCL2; quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assay were used to measure the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, gasdermin D (GSDMD), N-terminal gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) in liver 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 normal group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of AST, ALT, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CCL2 (all P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant reductions in the serum levels of AST, ALT, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CCL2 (all P<0.05). HE staining showed that the model group had disordered structure of hepatic lobules, with a large number of steatosis vacuoles and massive cell necrosis, and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had alleviation of liver histopathological injury, intact structure of most hepatic lobules, and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Oil red staining showed that the model group had accumulation of large and small lipid droplets in the liver and a significant increase in liver fat content, and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant alleviation of hepatic steatosis, with the presence of sporadic small lipid droplets. Immunofluorescence assay of liver tissue showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had a significant increase in the ratio of GSDMD-positive staining area in hepatocyte cytoplasm (P<0.001), and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had a significant reduction in such ratio in hepatocyte cytoplasm (P<0.001). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significant increases in the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, interleukin-18 (IL-18), and IL-1β in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-11, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-18, and IL-1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the high-dose Dendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid group had significant reductions in the protein expression levels of caspase-1 and caspase-11 (both P<0.05), with a relative expression level of caspase-1 of 1.757 (reduced by 26.6% compared with the model group) and a relative expression level of caspase-11 of 0.455 (reduced by 70.3% compared with the model group), suggesting that caspase-11 showed a greater reduction than caspase-1. ConclusionDendrobium officinale leaf fermentation fluid can alleviate alcoholic hepatitis in mice, possibly by inhibiting the non-classical cell pyroptosis pathway mediated by caspase-11.
10.A Case Report of Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment of a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Multi-Organ Involvement
Hua ZHENG ; Yunfei ZHI ; Lujing YING ; Lan ZHU ; Mingliang JI ; Ze LIANG ; Jiangshan WANG ; Haifeng SHI ; Weihong ZHANG ; Mengsu XIAO ; Yushi ZHANG ; Kaifeng XU ; Zhaohui LU ; Yaping LIU ; Ruiyi XU ; Huijuan ZHU ; Li WEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Gang CHEN ; Limeng CHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2024;3(1):79-86
Tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC)is a rare genetic disease that can lead to benign dysplasia in multiple organs such as the skin, brain, eyes, oral cavity, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and bones. Its main symptoms include epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, skin depigmentation, and facial angiofibromas, whilst incidence is approximately 1 in 10 000 to 1 in 6000 newborns. This case presents a middle-aged woman who initially manifested with epilepsy and nodular depigmentation. Later, she developed a lower abdominal mass, elevated creatinine, and severe anemia. Based on clinical features and whole exome sequencing, the primary diagnosis was confirmed as TSC. Laboratory and imaging examinations revealed that the lower abdominal mass originated from the uterus. CT-guided biopsy pathology and surgical pathology suggested a combination of leiomyoma and abscess. With the involvement of multiple organs and various complications beyond the main diagnosis, the diagnostic and therapeutic process for this patient highlights the importance of rigorous clinical thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of rare and challenging diseases.

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