1.Pharmacodynamic Substances and Mechanisms of Xinglou Chengqi Tang in Treating Post-stroke Complications: A Review
Yujin ZHANG ; Xiangzhuo LIU ; Zhouyang CHEN ; Zihao SONG ; Xinyi LIU ; Yizhi YAN ; Chaoya LI ; Yingyan FANG ; Shasha YANG ; Xueqin CHENG ; Zhou XIE ; Sijie TAN ; Peng ZENG ; Yue ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):327-337
Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability among adults in China, and its common complications include digestive system abnormalities, cognitive impairment, depression, stroke-associated pneumonia, and hemiplegia. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has great potential in treating post-stroke complications. Xinglou Chengqitang (XLCQT) is a representative prescription of alleviating the disease in the upper part by treating the lower part. It has definite therapeutic effect and high safety. Clinically, XLCQT is often used to treat stroke and its complications. However, the quantity and quality of clinical trials of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications need to be improved. Additionally, since the basic research is weak, the material basis and multi-target mechanism for the efficacy of this prescription are unknown. This article reviews XLCQT in terms of the pharmacodynamic basis, medicinal properties, safety evaluation, and progress in clinical research and mechanisms in treating post-stroke complications. This article summarizes 22 key active ingredients of XLCQT in treating acute stroke complicated with syndrome of phlegm heat and fu-organ excess. Among these key active ingredients, resveratrol, kaempferol, luteolin, chrysoeriol, apigenin, (+)-catechin, and adenosine have good pharmacokinetic properties and high bioavailability. The mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications are complex, including inflammatory response, brain-gut axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, intestinal flora, neurotrophic factors, autophagy, oxidative stress, and free radical damage. This review helps to deeply understand the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of XLCQT against post-stroke complications and the development of drugs.
2.Effects of polysaccharide liposomes of dendrobium officinale targeting hair follicles in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Li XIA ; Sijie ZHAO ; Yang HU ; Yafei WAN
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(2):224-232
Based on previous research on the promoting effect of dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOP) on hair growth, this study aimed to regulate the skin keratin penetration and hair follicle targeting ability of DOP through molecular weight and nano-carriers to enhance its therapeutic effect on androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Three molecular weight polysaccharides, namely high (DOP), medium (MDOP), and low (LDOP), were prepared by mannanase hydrolysis, and the corresponding liposomes (DOP-lip/MDOP-lip/LDOP-lip) were constructed. Studies have shown that DOP liposomes can effectively achieve follicular targeted delivery and promote efficient uptake by human dermal papilla cells through caveolin-mediated pathways. In the testosterone-induced AGA mouse model, LDOP-lip demonstrated excellent therapeutic effects, restoring the number and morphology of hair follicles to nearly normal levels. In summary, DOP liposomes show significant potential for promoting hair follicle repair through precise delivery and efficient cellular uptake.
3.Curcumin ameliorates the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy by regulating intestinal mucosal immunity through inhibition of Toll-like receptor 9/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway
Ziyang YE ; Qi DUAN ; Feng WU ; Xiaotong LI ; Sijie ZHANG ; Yafeng LI
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(5):358-371
Objective:To explore the role of curcumin (Cur) in improving IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and its related mechanisms.Methods:Fifty 7-month-old miR-23b knockout (miR-23b -/-) mice weighing (25±5) g were used to establish an IgAN disease model, and were randomly divided into IgAN group, IgAN+Cur (150 mg/kg) group and IgAN+Cur (300 mg/kg) group using simple randomisation. Sixteen healthy 7-month-old weighing (25±3) g C57BL/6J wild-type mice served as the normal control group. IgAN+Cur (150 mg/kg) and IgAN+Cur (300 mg/kg) groups were respectively gavaged continuously with 150 mg/kg Cur and 300 mg/kg Cur for 8 weeks, and the normal control and IgAN groups were gavaged continuously with an equal dose of 0.9% sodium chloride solution for 8 weeks. The samples of urine, serum, intestinal fluid, intestinal tissues, kidney tissues and liver tissues were collected from each group. In vitro experiments, human cloned colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells were divided into blank control (Ctrl), Ctrl+Cur (10 μmol/L), Ctrl+ Cur (60 μmol/L), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), TNF-α+Cur (10 μmol/L) and TNF-α+Cur (60 μmol/L) groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, secretory IgA (sIgA), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, 24 h urine microalbumin, as well as sIgA, TNF-α, interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-1β in the intestinal fluids. HE staining was used to observe the effect of Cur on liver tissues, the hyperplasia of glomerular mesangial zone in kidney tissues and the morphological and structural changes of intestinal epithelial barrier, and the histopathological damage scores were performed respectively. PAS staining was used to observe the changes of glomerular basement membrane and mesangial matrix. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the deposition of immune complexes in the glomerular mesangial zone. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of B-cell activating factor ( BAFF) and a proliferation inducing ligand ( APRIL). Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of tight junction proteins zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the mouse intestinal tissues. The potential targets of Cur in IgAN were predicted. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of tight junction proteins, as well as Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), myeloid differentiation primary response protein (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) and p-NF-κB p65. Results:Genetic identification results revealed that all IgAN model mice exhibited the miR-23b -/- genotype, confirming successful model establishment. Seven-month-old mice were subsequently selected for Cur treatment. Histopathological analysis demonstrated no significant differences in hepatic tissue morphology across groups, with comparable liver histopathological injury scores and unaltered liver function parameters, thereby validating the safety of Cur administration. Compared with the normal control group, IgAN mice displayed elevated levels of serum sIgA, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and 24 h urine microalbumin (all P<0.05). Renal pathological results revealed severe mesangial hypercellularity in glomeruli, higher glomerular injury scores, and notable glomerular mesangial deposits of IgA, IgG and complement C3 in IgAN mice (all P<0.05). Additionally, intestinal pathological alterations were observed, including structural changes in intestinal epithelium and Peyer's patches, accompanied by significantly higher intestinal histopathological injury scores in IgAN mice ( P<0.05). Intestinal epithelial expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin were significantly reduced, while sIgA, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in intestinal fluid were elevated (all P<0.05). Serum FITC fluorescence intensity was markedly increased, and intestinal tissue exhibited upregulated mRNA expression of BAFF and APRIL (all P<0.05). Following Cur treatment, serum sIgA level and renal function indices in mice showed partial recovery (all P<0.05). Renal pathological improvements included alleviated mesangial hypercellularity, reduced glomerular injury scores, and diminished glomerular immune complex deposition (all P<0.05). Intestinal pathologies, including epithelial and Peyer's patch lesions, were mitigated, with decreased intestinal histopathological injury scores ( P<0.05). Additionally, intestinal tight junction protein expression levels were upregulated, intestinal fluid sIgA level was reduced, inflammatory markers were attenuated, serum FITC fluorescence intensity was declined, and intestinal BAFF and APRIL mRNA expression levels were downregulated (all P<0.05). In vitro experiments demonstrated that TNF-α exposure reduced tight junction protein expression in Caco-2 cells, whereas Cur treatment reversed the effect (all P<0.05). Target prediction analysis revealed that Cur effectively bound to TLR9 structural domain in IgAN. Experimental validation confirmed that Cur treatment suppressed the upregulated protein expression levels of TLR9, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in intestinal tissues of IgAN mice (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Cur has a significant effect in the treatment of IgAN and can regulate intestinal mucosal immunity by inhibiting the TLR9/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing renal injury and protecting the kidneys.
4.Research on the alleviation of podocyte injury in lupus nephritis by proscillaridin A and its mechanism
Ruxu LI ; Sijie ZHOU ; Mingyang HU ; Chunyi ZHANG ; Congcong GAO ; Chaoying LI ; Kebing SHEN ; Zhangsuo LIU ; Zhaohui ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(9):677-686
Objective:To investigate the protective effect and its mechanism of proscillaridin A (PSD-A) on podocyte injury in lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance techniques were used to analyze the binding status of PSD-A to signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). The immortalized human podocyte injury model in the lupus group was induced by the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus patients, and the control and PSD-A intervention (2 nmol/L, 4 nmol/L) groups were also set up. Six female 12-week-old C57BL/6 mice were designated as the control group, and 12 female 12-week-old MRL/lpr lupus mice were randomly divided into lupus group and PSD-A intervention group by random number table method. The PSD-A intervention group was intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg PSD-A, once per week for 6 consecutive weeks. While the control group and the lupus group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of the solvent without PSD-A. Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR were employed to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of podocin, STAT1, and interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeat 1 (IFIT1) in podocytes of each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of serum anti-double strand DNA antibody and interferon-α in mice. Coomassie brilliant blue was used to detect the urinary protein level. HE, PAS, Masson and PASM staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological changes of renal tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the protein expression of podocin, STAT1 and IFIT1 in renal tissues.Results:Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance techniques proved that PSD-A could bind to STAT1 protein and they exhibited a robust binding affinity. The podocyte experiments showed that, compared with the lupus group, the relative expression levels of podocin protein and mRNA in the PSD-A intervention group were upregulated, while the relative expression levels of STAT1 and IFIT1 protein and mRNA were downregulated (all P<0.05). The animal experiments showed that, compared with the lupus group, the serum levels of anti-double strand DNA antibody, interferon-α, and urinary protein in PSD-A intervention group were decreased, the pathological damage of renal tissues was alleviated, and the injury of renal podocytes was reduced. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the relative protein expression levels of STAT1 and IFIT1 of renal tissues in the PSD-A intervention group were lower than those in the lupus group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:PSD-A can play a protective role in podocyte injury in LN, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the STAT1 signaling pathway.
5.Mendelian randomization analysis of circulating white blood cells and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Sijie DU ; Guowei ZHANG ; Shumin LI ; Ke GUO ; Chen YAO
Immunological Journal 2025;41(11):819-823
Objective To investigate the causal relationship between circulating white blood cells(WBC)and juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA)using a two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis,and to provide a reference for the treatment strategy of JIA.Methods Relevant data of WBC and JIA were extracted from the public data of genome-wide association studies.Then,bidirectional MR analysis was conducted using the inverse variance weighted method(IVW),MR-Egger regression method,mixed contamination method,and Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization.A series of sensitivity analyses were used to verify the robustness of the results.Results After MR analysis,false discovery rate(FDR)correction and sensitivity verification,calculations using IVW as the main method showed that neutrophils could reduce the risk of JIA(OR=0.752,95%CI:0.622,0.908,P=0.003,PFDR=0.003),and that JIA could lead to increased monocyte counts(bete=0.015,95%CI:0.007,0.022,P=1.90E-04,PFDR=1.14E-03).Conclusion A bidirectional causal association is identified between WBC and the risk of JIA occurrence.
6.KAP Investigation and Influential Factor Analysis on the Risk of Medication Safety Among Pregnant and Lactating Women in Certain Areas of Hubei Province
Ying ZHANG ; Sijie HE ; Maoying XIA ; Shasha ZHANG ; Li WAN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(2):341-348
Objective To investigate the knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)related to medication use among pregnant and lactating women in Hubei province,to comprehend the specific requirements of pregnant and lactating women for pharmaceutical assistance,to assess the critical stages in the process of medication,and to furnish factual backing for devising a secure medication education framework tailored to pregnant and lactating women.Methods Through a multi-center study design,with pregnant and lactating women as the research subjects,a questionnaire survey was carried out to gather fundamental information and assess their knowledge,attitude,and practices towards medication use.Data analysis involved utilizing one-way analysis of variance,non-parametric tests,and multiple linear regression.Results A total of 548 valid questionnaires were collected.The average scores for knowledge,practice and attitude among pregnant and lactating women were(58.26±30.68),(52.18±22.32),and(46.60±14.66)points,respectively.Overall,the scores for medication knowledge and behavior were good,while the attitude scores were passable.These results suggest that pregnant and lactating women have a certain level of understanding about safe medication practices and hold a positive attitude towards receiving medication education.However,there are still potential safety hazards in their daily medication behavior.The results of multiple linear regression indicate that age,educational level,and occupation are the main factors influencing the knowledge,attitude,and practice of medication use among pregnant and lactating women.Conclusions Pregnant and lactating women require urgent education on the safe use of medication.It is recommended that targeted drug education should be carried out based on the knowledgegaps and medication misconceptions of different objects.Additionally,it is crucial to effectively utilize new media platforms,such as WeChat official accounts and channels,and to engage in offline scientific outreach activities,such as offering free consultations and giving lectures on rational drug use.This will provide pregnant and lactating women with convenient and practical educational content on safe medication.
7.Role of sphingolipid metabolism signaling in a novel mouse model of renal osteodystrophy based on transcriptomic approach.
Yujia WANG ; Yan DI ; Yongqi LI ; Jing LU ; Bofan JI ; Yuxia ZHANG ; Zhiqing CHEN ; Sijie CHEN ; Bicheng LIU ; Rining TANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):68-78
BACKGROUND:
Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a skeletal pathology associated with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) that is characterized by aberrant bone mineralization and remodeling. ROD increases the risk of fracture and mortality in CKD patients. The underlying mechanisms of ROD remain elusive, partially due to the absence of an appropriate animal model. To address this gap, we established a stable mouse model of ROD using an optimized adenine-enriched diet and conducted exploratory analyses through ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq).
METHODS:
Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into three groups: control group ( n = 5), adenine and high-phosphate (HP) diet group ( n = 20), and the optimized adenine-containing diet group ( n = 20) for 12 weeks. We assessed the skeletal characteristics of model mice through blood biochemistry, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and bone histomorphometry. RNA-seq was utilized to profile gene expression changes of ROD. We elucidated the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). DEGs were validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
RESULTS:
By the fifth week, adenine followed by an HP diet induced rapid weight loss and high mortality rates in the mouse group, precluding further model development. Mice with optimized adenine diet-induced ROD displayed significant abnormalities in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, accompanied by pronounced hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia. The femur bone mineral density (BMD) of the model mice was lower than that of control mice, with substantial bone loss and cortical porosity. ROD mice exhibited substantial bone turnover with an increase in osteoblast and osteoclast markers. Transcriptomic profiling revealed 1907 genes with upregulated expression and 723 genes with downregulated expression in the femurs of ROD mice relative to those of control mice. Pathway analyses indicated significant enrichment of upregulated genes in the sphingolipid metabolism pathway. The significant upregulation of alkaline ceramidase 1 ( Acer1 ), alkaline ceramidase 2 ( Acer2 ), prosaposin-like 1 ( Psapl1 ), adenosine A1 receptor ( Adora1 ), and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5 ( S1pr5 ) were successfully validated in mouse femurs by qRT-PCR.
CONCLUSIONS
Optimized adenine diet mouse model may be a valuable proxy for studying ROD. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the sphingolipid metabolism pathway is likely a key player in ROD pathogenesis, thereby providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Animals
;
Mice
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Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder/genetics*
;
Male
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Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Sphingolipids/metabolism*
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Transcriptome/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/genetics*
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X-Ray Microtomography
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Adenine
8.Evidence-based practice for dietary management of non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients
Lulu MO ; Guifen GUAN ; Donglan LING ; Lijun YANG ; Sijie GAO ; Zhiqing LI ; Yunyi ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Zebin WANG ; Xiaochun LAI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(28):3836-3846
Objective:To construct an evidence-based practice program for dietary management of patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on best evidence and to evaluate the effectiveness of its application.Methods:The best evidence for dietary management of non-dialysis CKD patients was summarized. From September to October 2022, following the evidence clinical transformation model of the Fudan University Centre for Evidence-based Nursing, the best evidence was screened and evidence-based practice program were developed, taking into account patients' wishes, expert opinions, and clinical contexts. From November 2022 through March 2023, baseline reviews, analysis of barriers and facilitators were implemented. Between April 2023 and April 2024, evidence-based practice was carried out in the Department of Nephrology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University to compare the implementation rate of review indicators at the system, practitioner, and patient levels, and practitioners' knowledge before and after the application of evidence.Results:A total of 14 review indicators were developed. The implementation rate of the 12 review indicators and the practitioners' knowledge of the CKD diet were elevated after the evidence-based practice ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Evidence-based practice program for dietary management of patients with non-dialysis CKD has a positive effect on improving practitioners' knowledge of non-dialysis CKD diets, implementation rate of dietary management behaviors, and patients' dietary behaviors.
9.Comparative Analysis of Polyzoospermia and Normal Sperm Concentration In-fertility Semen Parameters and Assisted Reproductive Outcomes
Min LI ; Ting LI ; Xuan GAO ; Sijie YANG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(9):765-770
Objective:To explore the differences in semen parameters and the embryo outcomes in assisted reproductive technology between infertile patients with different levels of polyzoospermia and normal sperm con-centration,focusing on the relationship between polyzoospermia and sperm nucleoprotein maturity.Methods:A total of 212 couples with polyzoospermia(concentration ≥ 125 × 106/ml)who were admitted to the Insititute of Women,Children and Reproductive Health for infertility from October 12,2020 to August 25,2022 were selected.According to the concentration range,108 couples were divided into polyzoospermia group A[concentration(125-<250)× 106ml]and 104 couples were divided into polyzoospermia group B(concentration ≥250 × 106/ml).Another 119 infertile couples with normal sperm concentration[(20-80)× 106/ml]were selected as the control group.The difference of semen parameters among the 3 groups male patient was compared,and the cor-relation between sperm concentration and the proportion of nucleoprotein-immature sperm was analyzed.The em-bryo development and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the 3 groups of women who received in vitro fertilization using intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI).Results:①The age,days of abstinence,sperm concen-tration,total number of motile spermatozoa,total number of spermatozoa,total number of progressive spermato-zoa,and proportion of nuclear protein immature spermatozoa were all higher in group A and group B male patient of polyspermia compared to the control group,while the semen volume was lower compared to the control group(P<0.01).The results of correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between sperm concentration and the proportion of nuclear protein immature spermatozoa(r=0.240,P=0.000).②The rate of diprokaryotic fertilization(2PN)was reduced after assisted reproduction in group A and group B with polyzoospermia,among which the rate of polyzoospermia in group B was lower than that in control group(P<0.05),and the clinical pregnancy rate was lower than that in control group(51.2%vs.69.3%),and the biochemical pregnancy rate was higher than that in control group(9.3%vs.1.3%,P<0.05).Conclusions:The total number of progressive spermatozoa and motile spermatozoa was higher in polyzoospermia patients than control group,but the nuclear protein imma-ture of spermatozoa was significantly higher than that in control group.When the sperm concentration exceeded 125 × 106/ml,the 2PN rate decreased,and when the sperm concentration exceeded 250 × 106/ml,the clinical pregnancy rate decreased significantly.Interventions should be taken before the implementation of ART to reduce the negative effects of high sperm concentration.
10.Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for diagnosing malignant adnexal tumors
Jun ZHANG ; Liwei HONG ; Sijie HONG ; Xiaohong ZHONG ; Shengli LI ; Maiguo HU ; Xiaoqin HE ; Yanqiu ZHONG ; Liping ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(8):534-538
Objective To observe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)for diagnosing malignant adnexal tumors.Methods Totally 112 patients with single adnexal masse were retrospectively enrolled and divided into benign adnexal tumor group(benign group,n=73)and malignant adnexal tumor group(malignant group,n=39).Clinical data,laboratory indicators,ovarian-adnexal ultrasound reporting and data system(O-RADS)classification based on conventional ultrasound(US),CEUS manifestations and CEUS classification of benign and malignant tumors were compared between groups.Multivariable logistic regression analysis of clinical and laboratory indicators being statistically different between groups,as well as US O-RADS classification and CEUS classification was performed to screen the independent predictors of malignant adnexal tumors,and combined models were constructed using forward stepwise regression method.The efficacy of each independent predictor and combined model for diagnosing malignant adnexal tumors was analyzed.Results Statistical differences of carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),US O-RADS classification,enhancement time and level of CEUS,as well as CEUS classification were found between groups(all P<0.05).CA125,US O-RADS classification and CEUS classification were all independent predictors of malignant adnexal tumors(all P<0.05).Combined model Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ were constructed based on CA125+CEUS classification,US O-RADS classification+CEUS classification and CA125+US O-RADS classification+CEUS classification,respectively.The area under the curve(AUC)of single CA125 level,US O-RADS classification,CEUS classification and combined model Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ for diagnosing malignant adnexal tumor was 0.708,0.809,0.908,0.918,0.945 and 0.954,respectively.AUC of combined model Ⅲ was higher than that of combined model Ⅰ(Z=-2.142,P=0.032),while no significant difference of AUC was found between combined model Ⅱ and Ⅰ nor Ⅱ and Ⅲ(both P>0.05).Conclusion CEUS could be used to effectively diagnose malignant adnexal tumor.Combining with CA125 level and US O-RADS classification could significantly improve its diagnostic efficacy.

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