1.Mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis development in concurrent steatotic liver disease and chronic hepatitis B
Saisai ZHANG ; Lung-Yi MAK ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Wai-Kay SETO
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S182-S195
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) poses a major global public health challenge and is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatic steatosis is common in individuals with CHB compared to the non-CHB population and is particularly prevalent in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic regions, affecting about one-third of CHB patients. The interaction between hepatic steatosis and CHB-related disease progression is complex and still under debate. Evidence demonstrates that co-existing steatosis may worsen liver fibrosis while paradoxically increasing the likelihood of achieving better HBV control. In particular, despite the association of steatotic liver disease (SLD) with lower HBV viral loads and higher rates of HBsAg seroclearance, the coexistence of CHB and SLD can potentially accelerate liver disease progression. Factors such as fat deposition, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in SLD may foster a pro-fibrotic and pro-carcinogenic environment, accelerating the disease progression. Additionally, loss of global DNA methylation, changes in the immune microenvironment, and genetic susceptibility further contribute to the development of CHB-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review examines the mechanisms driving liver disease progression and the heightened risk of cirrhosis and HCC in patients with concurrent CHB and steatotic liver disease, underscoring the importance of prioritizing antiviral therapy for CHB in addition to addressing SLD.
2.The cumulative effects of lifestyle on different patterns of multimorbidity among children and adolescents aged 9-18 in Tianjin City
Zhonghui LIU ; Xianwei ZHANG ; Saisai ZHAO ; Ke XU ; Zhiying SUN ; Xinli SONG ; Yanhui DONG ; Yi SONG ; Yushan CUI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):174-180
Objective:To understand the occurrence of different patterns of multimorbidity among children and adolescents aged 9-18 in Tianjin City and analyze the cumulative effects of lifestyle on these patterns of multimorbidity.Methods:From September to November 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select students from primary schools, junior high schools, general high schools, and vocational schools in 16 districts of Tianjin to screen for height, weight, blood pressure, distant vision, and diopter. One year later, a follow-up measurement and questionnaire survey were conducted. The log-binomial model was used to analyze the strength of the association between lifestyle factors and different patterns of multimorbidity.Results:The age of 9 488 students was (12.37±2.49) years old, including 4 999 boys and 4 489 girls. The detection rates of three patterns of multimorbidity of overweight obesity and high blood pressure, overweight obesity and myopia, and overweight obesity with high blood pressure and myopia were 6.63%, 9.32%, and 4.21%, respectively. The detection rates of the three types of multimorbidity in boys were higher than those in girls (all P<0.001). The detection rate of overweight obesity and high blood pressure in suburban areas was higher than that in urban areas ( P=0.002). The detection rate of overweight obesity and myopia in suburban areas was lower than that in urban areas ( P=0.034). The detection rate of overweight obesity and myopia among those aged 9-12 years old was higher than other age groups (all P<0.001). The ARR (95% CI) for the association between favorable physical activity and the occurrence of overweight obesity and high blood pressure was 0.79 (0.68-0.92). The ARR (95% CI) for the association between favorable physical activity and the occurrence of overweight obesity with high blood pressure and myopia was 0.82 (0.67-0.99). Compared with children and adolescents with 0-2 favorable lifestyle factors, those with 4-5 favorable lifestyle factors had a lower risk of overweight obesity and high blood pressure ( ARR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.59-0.92). Conclusion:Boys aged 9-18 in Tianjin City are more prone to multimorbidity of overweight obesity and high blood pressure, overweight obesity and myopia, and overweight obesity with high blood pressure and myopia. Children and adolescents with 4-5 favorable lifestyle factors have a reduced risk of occurrence of overweight obesity and high blood pressure. Lifestyle has cumulative effects on multimorbidity of overweight obesity and high blood pressure.
3.Association of blood selenium exposure with sex hormones among men aged 18-79 years in China
Zheng LI ; Yingli QU ; Yawei LI ; Saisai JI ; Haocan SONG ; Qi SUN ; Miao ZHANG ; Wenli ZHANG ; Jiayi CAI ; Liang DING ; Ying ZHU ; Feng ZHAO ; Zhaojin CAO ; Yuebin LYU ; Lu WANG ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(10):1632-1639
Objective:To investigate the association between blood selenium levels and sex hormones in Chinese men aged 18-79 years.Methods:Data were derived from the China National Human Biomonitoring survey conducted in 2017-2018, with a final sample size of 5 414 men. General demographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and dietary frequency were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood lead, serum testosterone, and estradiol levels. Complex sampling linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone, estradiol, and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, adjusting for confounding factors including age, education level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol consumption, seafood intake, soy product intake, protein supplement intake, BMI, and diabetes status.Results:The mean age of the 5 414 participants was (46.85±27.91) years; 4 774 (91.65%) were of Han ethnicity and 4 505 (86.68%) were married. The median ( Q1, Q3) blood selenium concentration in men was 97.80 (80.64, 116.99) μg/L. After adjusting for confounding factors, the complex sampling linear regression model revealed negative associations between blood selenium levels and both testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, with a significant linear trend ( Ptrend<0.05). Compared with the Q1 group, the β (95% CI) values for testosterone in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.02 (-0.06 to 0.02), -0.03 (-0.08 to 0.01), and -0.06 (-0.09 to -0.02), respectively. Similarly, the β (95% CI) values for the testosterone/estradiol ratio in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.01 (-0.03 to 0.02), -0.01 (-0.04 to 0.04), and -0.03 (-0.06 to -0.01), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated stronger associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone/estradiol levels in non-smoking and obese men (BMI≥28 kg/m2). Conclusion:Blood selenium levels are negatively associated with testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio in Chinese adult males.
4.Association of cadmium internal exposure levels with blood lipid in adults aged 18 to 79 years in China
Haocan SONG ; Saisai JI ; Zheng LI ; Yawei LI ; Feng ZHAO ; Yingli QU ; Yifu LU ; Yingying HAN ; Junxin LIU ; Jiayi CAI ; Tian QIU ; Wenli ZHANG ; Xiao LIN ; Junfang CAI ; Yuebin LYU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(8):1254-1263
Objective:To explore the association of blood and urinary cadmium levels with lipid profile levels and dyslipidemia in Chinese adults aged 18 to 79 years.Methods:Based on the China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) program, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2017 to 2018 using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, including a total of 10 713 adults aged 18 to 79 years. Data was obtained through questionnaires, physical examinations, biological sample collection, and laboratory testing. Multiple linear mixed effect model (MLMM) and generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM) were used to analyze the association of blood and creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels with lipid profile levels as well as dyslipidemia among adults.Results:The age of 10 713 participants was (47.23±0.24) years, with 5 372 males accounting for 61.3% of the national population. The weighted mean±standard error (SE) of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was (5.21±0.03), (1.86±0.03), (2.96±0.03), and (1.43±0.01) mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence rate of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, low HDL-C, and high LDL-C was 16.0%, 21.6%, 6.6%, 13.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. MLMM showed that, after adjusting for relevant confounders, log-transformed blood cadmium levels were positively associated with increased levels of TC, TG and LDL-C ( P<0.05). When blood cadmium levels were categorized into quartiles, compared to the lowest exposure group ( Q1), participants in the highest blood cadmium exposure group ( Q4) had increases of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.32) mmol/L in TC and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.43) mmol/L in TG. GLMM indicated that, after adjusting for confounders, higher blood cadmium exposure levels were associated with increased risks of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, and high LDL-C ( P<0.05). Further analysis by quartiles showed that, compared to the blood cadmium Q1 exposure group, the OR value (95% CI) for the Q4 group was 1.53 (1.12, 2.08) for hypercholesterolemia, 1.54 (1.09, 2.17) for hypertriglyceridemia, 2.24 (1.47, 3.40) for mixed hyperlipidemia, and 1.49 (1.07, 2.09) for high LDL-C. Conclusion:The cadmium internal exposure levels are associated with blood lipid profile levels as well as the incidence of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults aged 18 to 79.
5.Effects of 12 weeks of low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training on body composition,muscle strength,and arterial elastic function in young adults
Yuexin JIA ; Saisai TIAN ; Xiaohong QI ; Suqin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(12):2521-2527
BACKGROUND:High-intensity resistance training effectively improves muscle strength,but with a high risk of arteriosclerosis;high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise effectively reduces the level of arteriosclerosis;low-intensity resistance combined with blood flow restriction training does not require high load strength to stimulate muscles,which may be a scientific training method to improve muscle strength and maintain arterial elasticity.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of 12 weeks of low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training on body composition,muscle strength,and arterial elasticity in young people,thereby providing theoretical support for the development of personalized training programs.METHODS:Fifty-five college students were randomly recruited and divided by drawing lots into high-intensity resistance training group,high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise group,and low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training group. All participants were subjected to 12 weeks of high-intensity resistance training,high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise,or low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training,and their body composition,muscle strength,and arterial elasticity were tested after training. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After 12 weeks of training intervention,the lean body mass of the high-intensity resistance training group and the low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training group significantly increased (P<0.05). The one-repetition maximum and knee isokinetic muscle strength significantly increased in all the three groups (P<0.05). The arterial elasticity of the high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise group and the low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training group significantly improved (P<0.05). These findings indicate that 12 weeks of high-intensity resistance training and low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training significantly improve body composition;all the three training programs can increase muscle strength;12 weeks of high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise and low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training both improve arterial elasticity,and the effect of low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training is superior to that of high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise. Therefore,it is recommended that low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training be used as the preferred training method to improve arterial elasticity,thus reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis.
6.Mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis development in concurrent steatotic liver disease and chronic hepatitis B
Saisai ZHANG ; Lung-Yi MAK ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Wai-Kay SETO
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S182-S195
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) poses a major global public health challenge and is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatic steatosis is common in individuals with CHB compared to the non-CHB population and is particularly prevalent in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic regions, affecting about one-third of CHB patients. The interaction between hepatic steatosis and CHB-related disease progression is complex and still under debate. Evidence demonstrates that co-existing steatosis may worsen liver fibrosis while paradoxically increasing the likelihood of achieving better HBV control. In particular, despite the association of steatotic liver disease (SLD) with lower HBV viral loads and higher rates of HBsAg seroclearance, the coexistence of CHB and SLD can potentially accelerate liver disease progression. Factors such as fat deposition, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in SLD may foster a pro-fibrotic and pro-carcinogenic environment, accelerating the disease progression. Additionally, loss of global DNA methylation, changes in the immune microenvironment, and genetic susceptibility further contribute to the development of CHB-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review examines the mechanisms driving liver disease progression and the heightened risk of cirrhosis and HCC in patients with concurrent CHB and steatotic liver disease, underscoring the importance of prioritizing antiviral therapy for CHB in addition to addressing SLD.
7.Mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis development in concurrent steatotic liver disease and chronic hepatitis B
Saisai ZHANG ; Lung-Yi MAK ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Wai-Kay SETO
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S182-S195
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) poses a major global public health challenge and is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatic steatosis is common in individuals with CHB compared to the non-CHB population and is particularly prevalent in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic regions, affecting about one-third of CHB patients. The interaction between hepatic steatosis and CHB-related disease progression is complex and still under debate. Evidence demonstrates that co-existing steatosis may worsen liver fibrosis while paradoxically increasing the likelihood of achieving better HBV control. In particular, despite the association of steatotic liver disease (SLD) with lower HBV viral loads and higher rates of HBsAg seroclearance, the coexistence of CHB and SLD can potentially accelerate liver disease progression. Factors such as fat deposition, lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in SLD may foster a pro-fibrotic and pro-carcinogenic environment, accelerating the disease progression. Additionally, loss of global DNA methylation, changes in the immune microenvironment, and genetic susceptibility further contribute to the development of CHB-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review examines the mechanisms driving liver disease progression and the heightened risk of cirrhosis and HCC in patients with concurrent CHB and steatotic liver disease, underscoring the importance of prioritizing antiviral therapy for CHB in addition to addressing SLD.
8.Effects of 12 weeks of low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training on body composition,muscle strength,and arterial elastic function in young adults
Yuexin JIA ; Saisai TIAN ; Xiaohong QI ; Suqin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(12):2521-2527
BACKGROUND:High-intensity resistance training effectively improves muscle strength,but with a high risk of arteriosclerosis;high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise effectively reduces the level of arteriosclerosis;low-intensity resistance combined with blood flow restriction training does not require high load strength to stimulate muscles,which may be a scientific training method to improve muscle strength and maintain arterial elasticity.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of 12 weeks of low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training on body composition,muscle strength,and arterial elasticity in young people,thereby providing theoretical support for the development of personalized training programs.METHODS:Fifty-five college students were randomly recruited and divided by drawing lots into high-intensity resistance training group,high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise group,and low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training group. All participants were subjected to 12 weeks of high-intensity resistance training,high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise,or low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training,and their body composition,muscle strength,and arterial elasticity were tested after training. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After 12 weeks of training intervention,the lean body mass of the high-intensity resistance training group and the low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training group significantly increased (P<0.05). The one-repetition maximum and knee isokinetic muscle strength significantly increased in all the three groups (P<0.05). The arterial elasticity of the high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise group and the low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training group significantly improved (P<0.05). These findings indicate that 12 weeks of high-intensity resistance training and low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training significantly improve body composition;all the three training programs can increase muscle strength;12 weeks of high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise and low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training both improve arterial elasticity,and the effect of low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training is superior to that of high-intensity resistance training combined with aerobic exercise. Therefore,it is recommended that low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction training be used as the preferred training method to improve arterial elasticity,thus reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis.
9.Molecular Mechanism of KHSRP Promoting Invasion and Metastasis in Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma by JAK1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Xiapeng LI ; Xiaojin LIN ; Saisai LI ; Mengyao WANG ; Li LI ; Hui ZHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;17(1):204-216
To investigate the malignant progression and molecular mechanism of KHSRP regulating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) through the JAK1/STAT3 signaling axis. Tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected from 72 patients with ESCC. Human normal esophageal epithelial cells(Het-1A) and multiple ESCC cell lines(EC-9706, TE-7, KYS-450, FLO-1, SK-GT-4, BE-3) were cultured. The expression level of KHSRP in the cells was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Through lentiviral transfection technology, stable KHSRP-knockdown EC-9706 and SK-GT-4 cell models(sh-KHSRP group), as well as stable KHSRP-overexpressing BE-3 and KYS-450 cell models(KHSRP group), were established, and corresponding negative control groups(sh-NC group and Vector group) were also established. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay, Transwell migration assay, and Transwell invasion assay, respectively. A total of 62 male BALB/C nude mice aged 4 to 6 weeks were selected for the experiments. Thirty-two nude mice with subcutaneous tumor-loading experiments were randomly divided into four groups: sh-KHSRP 1 group, sh-NC 1 group, KHSRP 1 group, and Vector 1 group, with 8 mice in each group. Thirty nude mice with tail vein injection for lung metastasis model experiments were randomly divided into four groups: sh-KHSRP 2 group( The results of RT-qPCR revealed that, compared with human normal esophageal epithelial cells, the expression of KHSRP was significantly elevated in ESCC cell lines(EC-9706, TE-7, KYS-450, FLO-1, SK-GT-4, BE-3)( KHSRP is upregulated in ESCC and can positively regulate the JAK1/STAT3 signaling axis, potentially promoting the malignant progression of metastasis in ESCC.
10.GSFM: A genome-scale functional module transformation to represent drug efficacy for in silico drug discovery.
Saisai TIAN ; Xuyang LIAO ; Wen CAO ; Xinyi WU ; Zexi CHEN ; Jinyuan LU ; Qun WANG ; Jinbo ZHANG ; Luonan CHEN ; Weidong ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):133-150
Pharmacotranscriptomic profiles, which capture drug-induced changes in gene expression, offer vast potential for computational drug discovery and are widely used in modern medicine. However, current computational approaches neglected the associations within gene‒gene functional networks and unrevealed the systematic relationship between drug efficacy and the reversal effect. Here, we developed a new genome-scale functional module (GSFM) transformation framework to quantitatively evaluate drug efficacy for in silico drug discovery. GSFM employs four biologically interpretable quantifiers: GSFM_Up, GSFM_Down, GSFM_ssGSEA, and GSFM_TF to comprehensively evaluate the multi-dimension activities of each functional module (FM) at gene-level, pathway-level, and transcriptional regulatory network-level. Through a data transformation strategy, GSFM effectively converts noisy and potentially unreliable gene expression data into a more dependable FM active matrix, significantly outperforming other methods in terms of both robustness and accuracy. Besides, we found a positive correlation between RSGSFM and drug efficacy, suggesting that RSGSFM could serve as representative measure of drug efficacy. Furthermore, we identified WYE-354, perhexiline, and NTNCB as candidate therapeutic agents for the treatment of breast-invasive carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and castration-resistant prostate cancer, respectively. The results from in vitro and in vivo experiments have validated that all identified compounds exhibit potent anti-tumor effects, providing proof-of-concept for our computational approach.

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