1.Molecular Crosstalk Mechanisms of Shoutai Wan and Juyuan Jian on Maternal-fetal Interface Subcellular Clusters in CBA/J×DBA/2 Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Model
Jingxin GAO ; Qiuping CHEN ; Xiaoyan ZHENG ; Pengfei ZENG ; Rui ZHOU ; Yancai TANG ; Qian ZENG ; Wenli GUO ; Jinzhu HUANG ; Weijun DING ; Linwen DENG ; Hang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):70-87
ObjectiveTo systematically compare the differential regulation of the maternal-fetal interface cell lineages and communication networks in the CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) by the two classic therapeutic methods-tonifying the kidney to stabilize the fetus and invigorating the spleen to stabilize the fetus (Shoutai Wan, Juyuan Jian)-of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the single-cell resolution and clarify their modern scientific connotations. MethodsFemale non-pregnant CBA/J mice were caged with male BALB/c (blank group) and DBA/2 (modeling group) mice separately. Pregnant mice in the modeling group were randomly grouped as follows: high/low-dose Shoutai Wan, high/low-dose Juyuan Jian, model (RPL), and positive control (dydrogesterone), with 10 mice in each group. Starting from the day after the detection of the vaginal plug, mice were administrated with drugs or an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 10 consecutive days. After the intervention, the following indicators were measured. ① Macroscopic evaluation: general conditions, uterine wet weight, embryo loss rate, four coagulation parameters [prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and thrombin time (TT)], and peripheral blood estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) levels. The decidua with embryos was stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 homolog (LC3)Ⅰ/Ⅱ was quantified by Western blot. ② Mechanism analysis at the single-cell level: The decidua with embryos from the blank, model, high-dose Shoutai Wan, and high-dose Juyuan Jian groups (6 mice per group, with 3 single-cell samples per group, totaling 24 mice) were analyzed by the BD Rhapsody™ platform, and the whole-cell atlas was drawn by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction clustering combined with the single-cell mouse cell atlas (scMCA). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cell interaction networks were analyzed via Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and CellChat, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) map of subtype cells was constructed. The CytoTRACE pseudo-temporal analysis was performed to explore the developmental trajectories of core immune cells (natural killer cells, NK cells) from maternal and fetal sources. Results① Pathological and Western blot results indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed an increase in the embryo loss rate (P<0.01), down-regulated expression of Bcl-2, LIF, MMP-2, and Vegf in the decidua with embryos (P<0.05), up-regulated protein levels of CXCL-12, AngⅡ, and IL-6 (P<0.05), blocked angiogenesis, apoptosis-inflammation imbalance, and coagulation dysfunction. Both prescriptions dose-dependently reduced the abortion rate and restored the angiogenesis-inflammation balance, and Shoutai pill showed superior performance in restoring the E2 level to the Pg level (P<0.05). ② Single-cell transcriptome analysis indicated that compared with the blank group, the RPL group showed differences in multiple key cell populations such as decidual cells, trophoblast cells, endothelial cells, erythroblasts, NK cells, and macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface. Immunity and angiogenesis were the key links in RPL. Compared with the RPL group, high-dose Shoutai Wan reversed the changes of NK cells in the embryonic layer (upregulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 29 genes) and macrophages (upregulating the mRNA levels of 117 genes and downregulating the mRNA levels of 53 genes) through the regulation of gene expression. High-dose Shoutai pill regulated the immune cells to affect unfolded proteins, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, thereby promoting decidualization and angiogenesis and modulating embryo-membrane development. High-dose Juyuan Jian regulated the key subgroups of NK cells (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 9 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 17 genes) and macrophages (up-regulating the mRNA levels of 110 genes and down-regulating the mRNA levels of 81 genes), which affected decidual inflammation and apoptosis and intervened in glycolysis. ③ The pseudo-temporal analysis and communication network indicated that the communication frequency of the RPL group decreased. High-dose Shoutai Wan restored maternal-fetal tolerance through pathways such as NKG2D, CDH5, GDF, and FASLG. High-dose Juyuan Jian enhanced the IL-6/LIFR/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and desmosome/SEMA6/tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) signaling to improve endometrial receptivity. The RPL group showed an increased proportion of toxic dNK7, a decreased proportion of reparative dNK4, and blocked embryo fNK1. High-dose Shoutai Wan down-regulated dNK7 and up-regulated dNK4. High-dose Juyuan Jian inhibited the terminal differentiation of dNK7 and up-regulated LILRB1, thus restoring the balance of cytotoxicity and repair. ConclusionBoth the kidney-tonifying and spleen-invigorating methods are effective in treating RPL. NK and macrophages are the key immune cells in the interaction between the embryo and the membrane. The kidney-tonifying method (Shoutai Wan) has an advantage in regulating the phenotypes of unfolded protein, cell adhesion, and programmed cell death, and shows expression characteristics closer to the physiological state in the regulation of NKG2D and CDH5 signals. The spleen-invigorating method (Juyuan Jian) has an advantage in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and glycolysis and shows higher communication intensity in the IL-6 and LIFR pathways.
2.Research progress of urea-containing PET tracers targeting prostate specific membrane antigen
Hong ZHU ; Hui WANG ; Hongwei SI ; Dan ZHANG ; Dengyun CHEN ; Pengfei DAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):369-375
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of male genitourinary system. Prostate cancer has the following characteristics: insidious onset, early asymptomatic or not obvious symptoms, complex etiology and pathogenesis, long incubation period and so on. Therefore, the realization of its early diagnosis and treatment is of great significance to the prognosis of patients. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type 2 transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed on the membrane of almost all primary and metastatic prostate cancer cells, and is an ideal target for prostate cancer imaging and treatment. In recent years, with the approval of urea-containing small molecule PET (positron emission computed tomography) radiopharmaceutical based on PSMA (68Ga-PSMA-11, 18F-PSMA-1007), PET-CT (positron emission computed tomography/computed tomography) has shown new potential for early diagnosis and accurate staging of prostate cancer patients. This review mainly summarizes the research progress of urea-containing PSMA PET imaging agents and finds that they have defects such as uptake in non-target tissues like the kidneys, lacrimal glands, and salivary glands. Thus, further optimizing their structure to reduce the uptake in non-target tissues, providing provide convenience for the labeling of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, thereby achieving the goal of integrated diagnosis and treatment, is an important development direction in this field.
3.Regulatory Pathways of Cell Apoptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yunjie YANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Chen QIU ; Yaqing RUAN ; Senlin CHEN ; Wenxin HUANG ; Hangbin ZHENG ; Yi WEI ; Pengfei LI ; Xueqin LIN ; Jing WU ; Shiwei RUAN ; Jianting WANG ; Yuliang QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):294-306
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD) is a chronic kidney structural and functional disorder caused by diabetes. With the global prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, DKD has gradually become a major cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease(ESRD), posing a serious threat to patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. Studies have shown that apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of DKD, with its mechanisms involving abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(Caspase)-3, protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)/activating transcript factor 4(ATF4)/CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein(CHOP), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β), Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)/tumor suppressor protein 53(p53), thereby accelerating renal pathological damage in DKD. Extensive evidence-based medical studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), leveraging its unique therapeutic advantages of multi-target, multi-component and multi-pathway approaches, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profiles in treating DKD. Recent studies have demonstrated that active components of TCM can specifically target and modulate key effectors in apoptotic signaling pathways. Meanwhile, traditional compound formulations exert synergistic effects through multiple approaches such as replenishing deficiency and activating blood circulation, detoxifying and dredging collaterals, tonifying kidney essence, and removing stasis and purging turbidity, thereby comprehensively regulating critical pathological processes including endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This combined therapeutic approach of molecular targeting and holistic regulation provides novel strategies for delaying the progression of DKD. Based on this, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of key apoptotic signaling pathways and their regulatory mechanisms, while systematically summarizing recent research advances regarding the therapeutic effects of TCM active components, compound formulations, and proprietary Chinese medicines on DKD through modulation of these pathways, with particular emphasis on their underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings not only elucidate the modern scientific connotation and theoretical basis of TCM in treating DKD but also establish a solid theoretical and practical foundation for promoting the wider clinical application and further research of TCM in the field of DKD treatment.
4.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
5.Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use
Jianchun LI ; Di CHEN ; Pengfei JIN ; Gerontology NATIONAL ; Association GERIATRIC ; Research PHARMACY ; Society PHARMACY ; Association GERIATRIC
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):273-280
OBJECTIVE To systematically sort out the drugs causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and their relevant information, and to develop the Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus), so as to provide a reference for rational clinical use. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted across various literature databases, guideline retrieval websites and professional liver injury websites. Drugs identified as causing DILI from the included literature and online resources were extracted and assigned scores based on source credibility: three points for LiverTox A-class drugs and two points for B-class drugs; two points for drugs from Hepatox and guidelines; and one point for drugs from consensus and related literature sources. Drugs classified as LiverTox category A/B or with total scores ≥4 were included in the preliminary list of DILI-causing drugs. Opinions were collected and integrated from a multidisciplinary expert panel comprising 45 medical and pharmaceutical experts from 27 provinces across China through three rounds of the Delphi method (including questionnaires and discussion sessions), and after revision, the final version of Consensus was formed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS This Consensus included 12 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) such as Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Ephedrae Herba, 151 Western medicines including amiodarone and atorvastatin, along with rational use information. For TCM, eight rational use information were included: evidence-based score, liver injury classification based on pathogenesis, liver injury classification based on biochemical abnormality pattern, clinical phenotype, laboratory examination manifestations, latency period, recovery time, and management strategies. For Western medicines, six additional items were included based on the TCM, namely liver function monitoring, discontinuation, contraindications, cautions, dose adjustments, and risk factors, totaling 14 items. This Consensus systematically compiles DILI drugs and their rational use information, which will support clinicians in enhancing the prevention, identification, and management of DILI, reducing the incidence of liver injury, and ensuring patient medication safety and efficacy.
6.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
7.Early Predictors of Long-Term Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Post Hoc Analysis of the ATTENTION Trial
Feiyang GAO ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Chao ZHANG ; Rui LI ; Dafan YU ; Pengfei XU ; Anmo WANG ; Min CHEN ; Wei HU ;
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):150-159
Background:
and Purpose Accurately predicting long-term functional outcomes of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains challenging. We compared the predictive performance of the baseline, 24-hour, and 72-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores for 90-day BAO functional outcomes using the Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: Endovascular Thrombectomy versus Standard Medical Treatment (ATTENTION) trial data. We identified the optimal assessment time point, determined treatment-specific NIHSS cutoff values, and explored the role of early neurological function in treatment effects.
Methods:
This retrospective post hoc analysis included 324 patients with acute BAO with baseline NIHSS scores ≥10 and complete NIHSS assessments at each time point. The primary outcome was a favorable 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–3). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the predictive ability of NIHSS scores. The optimal 72-hour NIHSS predictive cutoff values were determined for the endovascular treatment (EVT) and best medical management (BMM) subgroups.
Results:
The 72-hour NIHSS score showed the highest predictive accuracy for the primary outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.954), outperforming the 24-hour (AUC: 0.903) and baseline (AUC: 0.688) scores; its optimal predictive cut-off value was ≤11 in the EVT group (sensitivity: 85.6%, specificity: 92.9%, positive predictive value [PPV]: 91.8%, negative predictive value [NPV]: 87.4%) and ≤9 in the BMM group (sensitivity: 84.6%, specificity: 95.1%, PPV: 84.6%, NPV: 95.1%).
Conclusions
The 72-hour NIHSS score outperformed the baseline and 24-hour scores in predicting 90-day functional outcomes and mediating the effects of EVT. Treatment-specific 72-hour NIHSS cut-off values may guide early risk stratification and prognostic assessments.
8.450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in the treatment of high-risk benign prostatic hyperplasia patients without discontinuing anticoagulant drugs
Yongdi WU ; Jiaqing SUN ; Liang CHAO ; Chen ZHOU ; Dong QIU ; Pengfei SHI
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):131-134
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in high-risk benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients without discontinuing anticoagulant drugs, so as to provide a safe and effectiveminimally invasive treatment option for such patients. Methods A total of 40 high-risk BPH patients who underwent 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy in our hospital during Sep. 2023 and Dec. 2024 were selected as the research subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: the oral medication group took oral anticoagulants during the perioperative period, while the discontinuation group discontinued anticoagulants, with 20 cases in either group. The perioperative indicators and changes including international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual (PVR) were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the oral medication group and discontinuation group in operation time [(28.83±15.52)min vs. (26.43±14.02)min], postoperative catheter indwelling time [(3.04±0.89) d vs. (3.23±1.01) d], bladder irrigation time [(27.36±7.54) h vs. (25.46±7.10) h], and decrease in hemoglobin [(8.08±1.82)g/L vs. (7.56±1.68)g/L] (all P>0.05). Three month after surgery, Qmax in both groups was higher, while IPSS, QoL and PVR were significantly lower (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). No serious complications such as urinary incontinence or massive hemorrhage occurred.Conclusion 450nm semiconductor blue laser vaporization prostatectomy for high-risk BPH patients is characterized by high vaporization efficiency and good hemostatic effects. It can significantly improve the clinical symptoms with high safety, especially for high-risk patients who cannot discontinue anticoagulants.
9.Morphological differences in the psoas major muscle and influencing factors for pain severity in patients with different types of lumbar disc herniation: an analysis based on quantitative computed tomography
Hongjie WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Pengfei GUO ; Qinghua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):235-239
Objective To analyze the difference of psoas major muscle morphology and pain degree in patients with different types of lumbar disc herniation ( LDH ) by quantitative CT, and to further explore the relationship between psoas major muscle morphology and pain degree. Methods A total of 120 patients with LDH admitted to our hospital from January to December 2025 were enrolled as study subjects. Based on clinical symptoms and lesion location, they were divided into a simple lower extremity pain group and a lumbar and leg pain group. All patients underwent lumbar CT examination. The psoas major muscle index was used as a CT quantitative parameter, which was calculated as the mean of the maximum cross-sectional areas of both psoas major muscles divided by the cross-sectional area of the L5 vertebral body. This index was measured to reflect psoas major muscle morphology. Pain severity was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Differences in psoas major muscle morphology and pain severity between the two groups were compared. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the psoas major muscle index and pain severity. A linear regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting pain severity. Results There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age, or body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05). The disease duration was longer and the incidence of anxiety and depression was higher in the lumbar and leg pain group than those in the simple lower extremity pain group (P<0.05). Compared with the simple lower extremity pain group, the lumbar and leg pain group showed lower psoas major muscle index [(0.53 ± 0.05) vs. (0.61 ± 0.07)] and higher VAS score [(4.67 ± 1.10) vs. (3.02 ± 0.89)], and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the psoas major muscle index and the VAS score (r=−0.288, P<0.05). Linear regression model analysis indicated that the independent risk factors affecting the VAS score were age, disease duration, LDH type, and the psoas major muscle index. Conclusion Compared with LDH patients with simple lower extremity pain, those with lumbar and leg pain demonstrate a longer disease duration, a higher incidence of anxiety and depression, and a higher severity of psoas major muscle atrophy and pain. The severity of pain is associated with not only advanced age and prolonged disease duration but also the LDH type and psoas major muscle atrophy.
10.Morphological differences in the psoas major muscle and influencing factors for pain severity in patients with different types of lumbar disc herniation: an analysis based on quantitative computed tomography
Hongjie WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Pengfei GUO ; Qinghua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):235-239
Objective To analyze the difference of psoas major muscle morphology and pain degree in patients with different types of lumbar disc herniation ( LDH ) by quantitative CT, and to further explore the relationship between psoas major muscle morphology and pain degree. Methods A total of 120 patients with LDH admitted to our hospital from January to December 2025 were enrolled as study subjects. Based on clinical symptoms and lesion location, they were divided into a simple lower extremity pain group and a lumbar and leg pain group. All patients underwent lumbar CT examination. The psoas major muscle index was used as a CT quantitative parameter, which was calculated as the mean of the maximum cross-sectional areas of both psoas major muscles divided by the cross-sectional area of the L5 vertebral body. This index was measured to reflect psoas major muscle morphology. Pain severity was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Differences in psoas major muscle morphology and pain severity between the two groups were compared. A Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the psoas major muscle index and pain severity. A linear regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting pain severity. Results There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age, or body mass index between the two groups (P>0.05). The disease duration was longer and the incidence of anxiety and depression was higher in the lumbar and leg pain group than those in the simple lower extremity pain group (P<0.05). Compared with the simple lower extremity pain group, the lumbar and leg pain group showed lower psoas major muscle index [(0.53 ± 0.05) vs. (0.61 ± 0.07)] and higher VAS score [(4.67 ± 1.10) vs. (3.02 ± 0.89)], and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between the psoas major muscle index and the VAS score (r=−0.288, P<0.05). Linear regression model analysis indicated that the independent risk factors affecting the VAS score were age, disease duration, LDH type, and the psoas major muscle index. Conclusion Compared with LDH patients with simple lower extremity pain, those with lumbar and leg pain demonstrate a longer disease duration, a higher incidence of anxiety and depression, and a higher severity of psoas major muscle atrophy and pain. The severity of pain is associated with not only advanced age and prolonged disease duration but also the LDH type and psoas major muscle atrophy.

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