Objective:To analyze the liver histological characteristics and clinically related factors in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers (IHC), and also explore whether antiviral treatment is necessary for IHC, as defined in the 2022 version of the hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines.Methods:A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Two hundred and thirty-one IHC cases who underwent liver biopsy histopathological examination in nine medical institutions, including Beijing Youan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2023 were included. General informative data, clinical serological markers, and transient elastography (TE) examination results were collected. Patients were divided into a positive (148 cases) and a negative group (83 cases) according to the results of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA detection. The differences in liver pathological inflammatory activity (G) and liver fibrosis stage (S) were analyzed between the two groups to explore the correlation between liver tissue conditions and clinically related factors. Comparsions of normally distributed continwous data, skeukd continuous data, and categorical data between groups are performed using t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and χ2 tests, respectively. Results:The age of 231 IHC cases was 43 (38, 51) years old, with 95.2% (220/231) aged ≥30 years, and males accounted for 64.9% (150/231). HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were 131.9 (20.8, 400.9) IU/mL and 94.0 (0, 448.5) IU/mL, respectively, of which 35.9% (83/231) were HBV DNA negative (<20 IU/mL). The remarkable proportions of G≥2, S≥2, and liver injury (G≥2 and/or S≥2) in liver tissue were 16.5% (38/231), 29% (67/231), and 35.9% (83/231), respectively. The S≥2 proportion was significantly higher in the HBV DNA-negative group than the positive group (42.2% vs. 21.6%, P<0.001), and it mainly occurred in the population cohort over 30 years old (44.9% vs. 31.0%, P=0.04). The liver stiffness measurement (LSM), aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and platelet (PLT) were significantly higher in the S≥2 group than the S<2 group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Clinicians can comprehensively evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in IHC based on clinical factors such as age, PLT, APRI, and LSM, even if the liver histological results are lacking. The China 2022 version guidelines define that nearly half of IHC has histological indications for antiviral therapy, and liver biopsy and prompt treatment can be recommended.

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of Chlorfortunone A(ChlA) in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN) in mice.Methods:The DN model mice were assigned to DN, low-dose ChlA(ChlAL) and high-dose ChlA(ChlAH), and the normal control groups(Ctrl). Kidney tissue was analyzed via HE and Masson staining, and urine albumin, fasting blood glucose and kidney weight were measured. Collagen1 and α-SMA proteins were detected in renal tissues. The level of GSH-px, SOD, CAT, and TGF-β were detected. The TGF-β/Smad2 pathway in kidney tissue was detected. The mechanism was verified by setting the high glucose+ ChlA+ TGF-β group in MPC-5 cells. The proliferation of the cells and DCFDA staining were detected.Results:Compared to the Ctrl group, the DN group had significantly higher UACR and kidney weight( P<0.001). High-dose ChlA reduced UACR and kidney weight( P<0.05), with no effect on blood glucose( P>0.05). Masson staining showed reduced fibrosis with ChlA treatment. Collagen I and α-SMA expressions were significantly higher in DN( P<0.001) and decreased with ChlA treatment( P<0.05). GSH-px, SOD, and CAT levels were lower in DN( P<0.001), while TGF-β was elevated( P<0.001); ChlA increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased TGF-β( P<0.05). The TGF-β/Smad2 pathway was upregulated in DN( P<0.001) and inhibited by ChlA( P<0.001). In vitro, ChlA reduced cell proliferation( P<0.05) and increased ROS levels( P<0.001). Conclusions:ChlA alleviates kidney injury and fibrosis in DN mice, reduces oxidative stress, which may be related to the inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad2 pathway.

The α-Klotho protein is an anti-aging protein encoded by the Klotho gene and mainly exists in the renal tubules in the form of type 1 membrane protein (membrane-boundform). The extracellular domain of the membrane-bound α-Klotho protein can be cleaved and secreted into the circulation, which is called soluble α-Klotho. Soluble α-Klotho is the main form that can be detected in the body fluid. This paper mainly reviews the biological functions of soluble α-Klotho in the kidney and its possible molecular biological mechanisms, and also summarizes the role of soluble α-Klotho in various kidney diseases and the effects of α-Klotho on the other organs.

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of Chlorfortunone A(ChlA) in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN) in mice.Methods:The DN model mice were assigned to DN, low-dose ChlA(ChlAL) and high-dose ChlA(ChlAH), and the normal control groups(Ctrl). Kidney tissue was analyzed via HE and Masson staining, and urine albumin, fasting blood glucose and kidney weight were measured. Collagen1 and α-SMA proteins were detected in renal tissues. The level of GSH-px, SOD, CAT, and TGF-β were detected. The TGF-β/Smad2 pathway in kidney tissue was detected. The mechanism was verified by setting the high glucose+ ChlA+ TGF-β group in MPC-5 cells. The proliferation of the cells and DCFDA staining were detected.Results:Compared to the Ctrl group, the DN group had significantly higher UACR and kidney weight( P<0.001). High-dose ChlA reduced UACR and kidney weight( P<0.05), with no effect on blood glucose( P>0.05). Masson staining showed reduced fibrosis with ChlA treatment. Collagen I and α-SMA expressions were significantly higher in DN( P<0.001) and decreased with ChlA treatment( P<0.05). GSH-px, SOD, and CAT levels were lower in DN( P<0.001), while TGF-β was elevated( P<0.001); ChlA increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased TGF-β( P<0.05). The TGF-β/Smad2 pathway was upregulated in DN( P<0.001) and inhibited by ChlA( P<0.001). In vitro, ChlA reduced cell proliferation( P<0.05) and increased ROS levels( P<0.001). Conclusions:ChlA alleviates kidney injury and fibrosis in DN mice, reduces oxidative stress, which may be related to the inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad2 pathway.

The α-Klotho protein is an anti-aging protein encoded by the Klotho gene and mainly exists in the renal tubules in the form of type 1 membrane protein (membrane-boundform). The extracellular domain of the membrane-bound α-Klotho protein can be cleaved and secreted into the circulation, which is called soluble α-Klotho. Soluble α-Klotho is the main form that can be detected in the body fluid. This paper mainly reviews the biological functions of soluble α-Klotho in the kidney and its possible molecular biological mechanisms, and also summarizes the role of soluble α-Klotho in various kidney diseases and the effects of α-Klotho on the other organs.

Objective:To analyze the liver histological characteristics and clinically related factors in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers (IHC), and also explore whether antiviral treatment is necessary for IHC, as defined in the 2022 version of the hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines.Methods:A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Two hundred and thirty-one IHC cases who underwent liver biopsy histopathological examination in nine medical institutions, including Beijing Youan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2023 were included. General informative data, clinical serological markers, and transient elastography (TE) examination results were collected. Patients were divided into a positive (148 cases) and a negative group (83 cases) according to the results of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA detection. The differences in liver pathological inflammatory activity (G) and liver fibrosis stage (S) were analyzed between the two groups to explore the correlation between liver tissue conditions and clinically related factors. Comparsions of normally distributed continwous data, skeukd continuous data, and categorical data between groups are performed using t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and χ2 tests, respectively. Results:The age of 231 IHC cases was 43 (38, 51) years old, with 95.2% (220/231) aged ≥30 years, and males accounted for 64.9% (150/231). HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were 131.9 (20.8, 400.9) IU/mL and 94.0 (0, 448.5) IU/mL, respectively, of which 35.9% (83/231) were HBV DNA negative (<20 IU/mL). The remarkable proportions of G≥2, S≥2, and liver injury (G≥2 and/or S≥2) in liver tissue were 16.5% (38/231), 29% (67/231), and 35.9% (83/231), respectively. The S≥2 proportion was significantly higher in the HBV DNA-negative group than the positive group (42.2% vs. 21.6%, P<0.001), and it mainly occurred in the population cohort over 30 years old (44.9% vs. 31.0%, P=0.04). The liver stiffness measurement (LSM), aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and platelet (PLT) were significantly higher in the S≥2 group than the S<2 group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Clinicians can comprehensively evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in IHC based on clinical factors such as age, PLT, APRI, and LSM, even if the liver histological results are lacking. The China 2022 version guidelines define that nearly half of IHC has histological indications for antiviral therapy, and liver biopsy and prompt treatment can be recommended.

Hyperkalemia is one of the common ion metabolism disorders in clinical practice. Hyperkalemia is defined as serum potassium higher than 5.0 mmol/L according to the guidelines at home and abroad. Acute severe hyperkalemia can cause serious consequences, such as flaccid paralysis, fatal arrhythmia, and even cardiac arrest. The use of renin-angiotensin- aldosterone system inhibitors, β-blockers and diuretics, low-sodium and high-potassium diets, and the presence of related comorbidities increase the occurrence of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia risk exist in all clinical departments, but there is a lack of a standardization in the management of multi- department cooperation in hospital. Therefore, a number of domestic nephrology and cardiology department experts have discussed a management model for multi-department cooperation in hyperkalemia, formulating the management standard on hospital evaluation, early warning, diagnosis and treatment, and process. This can promote each department to more effectively participate in nosocomial hyperkalemia diagnosis and treatment, as well as the long-term management of chronic hyperkalemia, improving the quality of hyperkalemia management in hospital.

Renal biopsy has been an essential part of the diagnosis and management of kidney disease. In recent years, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology based on convolutional neural networks has significantly facilitated its utilization in nephrology. This article focuses on the research of AI in the recognition of tissue structure and pathological diagnosis of kidney biopsy. It elaborates on the identification and segmentation of kidney tissue structure and pathological features, as well as its auxiliary role in disease diagnosis across three dimensions: light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. The aim is to provide a reference for the application of AI in renal pathology research and precision medicine.

Objective:To investigate urinary microalbumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and α1-microglobulin to creatinine ratio (MCR) of people aged 40 years old and above in Shanxi province, and analyze the influencing factors of abnormal ACR and MCR, and to provide evidence for the prevention and control of chronic kidney diseases.Methods:It was a cross-sectional study. The data came from a screening study of chronic kidney diseases conducted by Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital from April to November 2019, involving aged 40 years old and above from 10 counties (Ningwu county, Yu county, Yangqu county, Lin county, Shouyang county, Zezhou county, Huozhou city, Hejin city, Linyi county and Ruicheng county) in Shanxi province. The related data were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and blood and urine sample collection. Urinary α1-microglobulin, creatinine, and microalbuminuria were measured. Urinary ACR and MCR were calculated using urinary creatinine correction. ACR abnormality was defined as ≥30 mg/g, and MCR abnormality was defined as >23 mg/g. Covariate analysis was used to control confounding factors, and adjusted urinary ACR and MCR of 10 counties were calculated. Spearman correlation analysis and chi-square test were performed to analyze the factors associated with abnormal urinary ACR and MCR. Logistic regression analysis model was used to identify the influencing factors of abnormal urinary ACR and MCR.Results:A total of 12 285 residents were enrolled in the study, including 5 206 males (42.4%) and 7 079 females (57.6%). The median age was 58.0 (51.0, 66.0) years old. The median urinary ACR was 7.5 (4.5, 15.7) mg/g, and the median urinary MCR was 10.2 (6.4, 16.2) mg/g. A total of 1 572 individuals (12.80%) had urinary ACR abnormality and 1 450 individuals (11.80%) had urinary MCR abnormality. Yangqu county, Yuxian county, and Ningwu county had higher urinary ACR with (35.58±3.04) mg/g, (34.08±4.50) mg/g and (32.09±3.19) mg/g, respectively. The urinary MCR was generally similar among the 10 counties and Yangqu county had higher urinary MCR with (13.86±0.41) mg/g. In addition to Yu county, female individuals had higher urinary ACR compared to males in other counties, whereas female individuals had lower urinary MCR compared to males in 10 counties. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that elevated triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, age, body mass index and gender were independent influencing factors of abnormal urinary ACR and MCR (all P<0.05). Elevated blood homocysteine and low educational level were independent influencing factors of urinary MCR abnormality (both P<0.05). Conclusions:There are differences of gender and region in urinary ACR and MCR among individuals aged 40 years old and above in the 10 counties of Shanxi province. Triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, age, gender, and body mass index are independent related factors of abnormal urinary ACR and MCR. Blood homocysteine and education level are independent related factors of abnormal urinary MCR.

In recent years, artificial intelligence has received extensive attention in the field of kidney pathology, such as identifying kidney tissue structure and evaluating the degree of lesions. Renal pathology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of renal diseases, and histochemistry staining is the prerequisite for the assessment of renal lesions. Renal biopsy is usually evaluated by various staining methods, including hematoxylin-eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff reaction, Masson's trichrome staining and immunol staining, among that, different staining methods focus on different structures. The paper reviewed the application and progress of artificial intelligence in renal pathology, especially in different staining methods.