1.New insights and prospects of drug-induced liver injury in the context of chronic cholestatic liver diseases
Simiao YU ; Jiabo WANG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):365-369
Patients with chronic cholestatic liver diseases face numerous challenges in the detection, assessment, and management of suspected drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and in particular, it is difficult to distinguish cholestatic DILI from the progression of underlying cholestatic liver diseases clinically and histologically. Currently, there is a lack of related research and management guidelines for DILI with chronic cholestatic liver diseases. This article discusses the potential risks, causality, and classification criteria for chronic cholestatic liver diseases with DILI, in order to improve the understanding of such diseases among clinicians and provide a reference for prevention, treatment, and management strategies.
2.The Effect of Fuzheng Huaji Formula (扶正化积方) for Chronic Hepatitis B on Reduction of the Incidence of Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Simiao YU ; Jiahui LI ; Jing JING ; Tingting HE ; Yongqiang SUN ; Liping WANG ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Xia DING ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):268-274
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Fuzheng Huaji Formula (扶正化积方) for chronic hepatitis B to reduce the incidence of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting medical records of 118 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 234 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis who visited the hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. The use of Fuzheng Huaji Formula was designated as the exposure factor. Patients receiving antiviral treatment for hepatitis B without concurrent Fuzheng Huaji Formula therapy were included in the western medicine group, while those receiving antiviral treatment combined with Fuzheng Huaji Formula for a cumulative treatment lasting longer than 3 months were included in the combined treatment group. The follow-up observation period was five years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to examine the factors influencing the occurrence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. ResultsAmong patients with chronic hepatitis B, there were 55 cases in the combined treatment group and 63 cases in the western medicine group; among patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis, there were 110 cases in the combined treatment group and 124 cases in the western medicine group. Five-year follow-up outcomes for chronic hepatitis B patients showed that the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was 5.45% (3/55) in the combined treatment group and 17.46% (11/63) in the western medicine group, with a statistically significant difference between groups (Z = 2.003, P = 0.045). Five-year follow-up outcomes for hepatitis B-related cirrhosis patients showed that the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 8.18% (9/110) in the combined treatment group and 22.58% (28/124) in the western medicine group, also showing a statistically significant difference (Z = 3.007, P = 0.003). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that treatment with Fuzheng Huaji Formula is an independent protective factor in preventing the progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and the progression of hepatitis B-related cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining Fuzheng Huaji Formula with antiviral therapy for hepatitis B can effectively intervene in the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B, reducing the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
3.Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of inflammation-to-cancer transformation in chronic hepatitis
Simiao YU ; Sici WANG ; Haocheng ZHENG ; Yongqiang SUN ; Jing JING ; Tingting HE ; Liping WANG ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Xin WANG ; Xia DING ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1888-1895
Primary liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, and the “inflammation-to-cancer transformation” (ICT) of chronic hepatitis is the core pathological process of the progression of chronic hepatitis to liver cancer. Persistent and uncontrolled liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis often leads to repeated liver tissue damage and repair, which gradually develops into liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, eventually leading to malignant transformation through the mechanisms such as gene mutation and microenvironment imbalance. ICT in chronic hepatitis is the key link between chronic hepatitis and liver cancer, and its dynamic evolution involves various pathogenic factors such as dampness, heat, deficiency, toxin, and stasis; among which damp-heat and vital energy deficiency are the initiating factors for ICT of chronic hepatitis, while intermingled stasis and toxin are the key pathological products that promote malignant transformation. Based on the concept of preventive treatment, traditional Chinese medicine can effectively delay and even block the ICT of chronic hepatitis by regulating inflammation, metabolism, and abnormal cell proliferation through multiple targets, which provides important strategies and research directions for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
4.Portable spirometer-based pulmonary function test willingness in China: A nationwide cross-sectional study from the "Happy Breathing Program"
Weiran QI ; Ke HUANG ; Qiushi CHEN ; Lirui JIAO ; Fengyun YU ; Yiwen YU ; Hongtao NIU ; Wei LI ; Fang FANG ; Jieping LEI ; Xu CHU ; Zilin LI ; Pascal GELDSETZER ; Till B?RNIGHAUSEN ; Simiao CHEN ; Ting YANG ; Chen WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(14):1695-1704
Background::Understanding willingness to undergo pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and the factors associated with poor uptake of PFTs is crucial for improving early detection and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to understand willingness to undergo PFTs among high-risk populations and identify any barriers that may contribute to low uptake of PFTs.Methods::We collected data from participants in the "Happy Breathing Program" in China. Participants who did not follow physicians’ recommendations to undergo PFTs were invited to complete a survey regarding their willingness to undergo PFTs and their reasons for not undergoing PFTs. We estimated the proportion of participants who were willing to undergo PFTs and examined the various reasons for participants to not undergo PFTs. We conducted univariable and multivariable logistic regressions to analyze the impact of individual-level factors on willingness to undergo PFTs.Results::A total of 8475 participants who had completed the survey on willingness to undergo PFTs were included in this study. Out of these participants, 7660 (90.4%) were willing to undergo PFTs. Among those who were willing to undergo PFTs but actually did not, the main reasons for not doing so were geographical inaccessibility ( n = 3304, 43.1%) and a lack of trust in primary healthcare institutions ( n = 2809, 36.7%). Among the 815 participants who were unwilling to undergo PFTs, over half ( n = 447, 54.8%) believed that they did not have health problems and would only consider PFTs when they felt unwell. In the multivariable regression, individuals who were ≤54 years old, residing in rural townships, with a secondary educational level, with medical reimbursement, still working, with occupational exposure to dust, and aware of the abbreviation "COPD" were more willing to undergo PFTs. Conclusions::Willingness to undergo PFTs was high among high-risk populations. Policymakers may consider implementing strategies such as providing financial incentives, promoting education, and establishing community-based programs to enhance the utilization of PFTs.
5.Study on the liver function protective effect and mechanism of ethanol extract from Atractylodes lancea
Qi WANG ; Yan WANG ; Simiao CHEN ; Xiyi LEI ; Huangliang CAO ; Zhongshi ZHOU ; Huanbo CHENG ; Guangzhong WANG
China Pharmacist 2024;28(10):181-191
Objective Based on the network pharmacology and animal experiments,to investigate the protective effect and possible molecular mechanism of ethanol extract from Atractylodes lancea on liver function in mice with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation.Methods The main active ingredients atractylodin,atractylenolide Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅱ from Atractylodes lancea were selected,which had been verified by literature and experiments,and the targets of these active ingredients were obtained through the SwissTargetPrediction database.The liver fibrosis disease targets were obtained through On-line Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM),DisGeNET and GeneCards databases.The targets were added to the Wei Sheng Xin platform to find the intersection target for Atractylodes lancea in treating liver fibrosis.Cytoscape 3.10.1 was used to construct the "drug-component-target-disease" network diagram and protein-protein interaction core target network diagram.GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed,and molecular docking was performed between active components and core targets.Liver fibrosis was induced in mice by bile duct ligation,and liver function markers were measured.Results A total of 91 corresponding targets of atractylodin,atractylenolide Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ and 9296 liver fibrosis disease targets were obtained,including 74 intersecting targets and 31 core targets.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the main signaling pathways involved included inflammatory pathways such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt).Molecular docking results showed that the active ingredients had strong binding activity with the core target protein.The results of animal experiments showed that,compared with the sham surgery group,the model group displayed notable,the liver index,spleen index,activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST),degree of liver fibrosis,mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and recombinant collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (COL1A1),and mRNA of recombinant collagen type Ⅳ alpha 2 (COL4A2) were significantly increased,and the thymus index was sigficantly decreased (P<0.05);compared with the model group,the liver injury of mice in the Atractylodes lancea administration group reduced liver injury,its liver index,spleen index,activity of serum ALT and AST,degree of liver fibrosis,mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA and COL1A1,and mRNA of COL4A2 were significantly decreased,and the thymus index was sigficantly increased (P<0.05).Conclusion Atractylodes lancea can improve liver function and alleviate tissue pathological damage in mice with liver fibrosis,which may be related to activating pathways such as PI3K/Akt,inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions,and intervening in liver fibrosis.
6.Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Element, Evolutionary Patterns of Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute on Chronic Liver Failure at Different Stages: A Multi-Center Clinical Study
Simiao YU ; Kewei SUN ; Zhengang ZHANG ; Hanmin LI ; Xiuhui LI ; Hongzhi YANG ; Qin LI ; Lin WANG ; Xiaozhou ZHOU ; Dewen MAO ; Jianchun GUO ; Yunhui ZHUO ; Xianbo WANG ; Xin DENG ; Jiefei WANG ; Wukui CAO ; Shuqin ZHANG ; Mingxiang ZHANG ; Jun LI ; Man GONG ; Chao ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(12):1262-1268
ObjectiveTo explore the syndrome elements and evolving patterns of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute on chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) at different stages. MethodsClinical information of 1,058 hospitalized HBV-ACLF patients, including 618 in the early stage, 355 in the middle stage, and 85 in the late stage, were collected from 18 clinical centers across 12 regions nationwide from January 1, 2012 to February 28, 2015. The “Hepatitis B-related Chronic and Acute Liver Failure Chinese Medicine Clinical Questionnaire” were designed to investigate the basic information of the patients, like the four diagnostic information (including symptoms, tongue, pulse) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and to count the frequency of the appearance of the four diagnostic information. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were employed to determine and statistically analyze the syndrome elements and patterns of HBV-ACLF patients at different stages. ResultsThere were 76 four diagnostic information from 1058 HBV-ACLF patients, and 53 four diagnostic information with a frequency of occurrence ≥ 5% were used as factor analysis entries, including 36 symptom information, 12 tongue information, and 5 pulse information. Four types of TCM patterns were identified in HBV-ACLF, which were liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern, qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern, liver-kidney yin deficiency pattern, and spleen-kidney yang-deficiency pattern. In the early stage, heat (39.4%, 359/912) and dampness (27.5%, 251/912) were most common, and the pattern of the disease was dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern (74.6%, 461/618); in the middle stage, dampness (30.2%, 187/619) and blood stasis (20.7%, 128/619) were most common, and the patterns of the disease were dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern (53.2%, 189/355), and qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern (27.6%, 98/355); and in the late stage, the pattern of the disease was dominated by qi deficiency (26.3%, 40/152) and yin deficiency (20.4%, 31/152), and the patterns were dominated by qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern (36.5%, 31/85), and liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern (25.9%, 22/85). ConclusionThere are significant differences in the distribution of syndrome elements and patterns at different stages of HBV-ACLF, presenting an overall trend of evolving patterns as "from excess to deficiency, transforming from excess to deficiency", which is damp-heat → blood stasis → qi-blood yin-yang deficiency.
7.Efficacy and Safety of Suanzaoren Decoction in the Treatment for Post-Stroke Insomnia:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Jing LI ; Feizhou LI ; Haifei LU ; Simiao RAN ; Ping WANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(1):99-108
Objective We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Suanzaoren decoction for post-stroke insomnia.Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search,including PubMed,EMbase,CNKI,WanFang Data and so on,from the database creating to September 15th 2023.Our systematic review only included randomized controlled trials(RCTs)concerning with Suanzaoren decoction in treating post-stroke insomnia.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted the data,and assessed the risk of bias for included studies.We used RevMan 5.3 software to perform Meta-analysis.Results A total of 13 RCTs were included,involving 1002 patients.The meta-analysis results showed that the clinical effective rate of the Suanzaoren decoction group was higher than the control group(OR=4.25,95%CI 2.79 to 6.46,P<0.00001).The Suanzaoren decoction group(combined with other treatments)reduced the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score more significantly than the control group(MD=-2.78,95%CI-3.24 to-2.33,P<0.00001).The Suanzaoren Decoction group was better than the control group in reducing the score of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and improving neurological impairment(MD=-1.58,95%CI-1.95 to-1.21,P<0.00001).The incidence of adverse events in Suanzaoren Decoction group was lower than that in the control group(OR=0.38,95%CI 0.20 to 0.71,P=0.003).Conclusion Suanzaoren decoction can enhance the clinical efficacy and improve the degree of neurological defect of post-stroke insomnia patients,Suanzaoren decoction(combined with other treatments)can improve the sleep quality.The incidence of adverse events is lower.However,the efficacy and safety of Suanzaoren decoction for post-stroke insomnia still need to be further verified by more high-quality RCTs.
8.Incidence of venous thromboembolism in esophageal cancer: a real-world study of 8 458 cases
Kunyi DU ; Xin NIE ; Kexun LI ; Changding LI ; Kun LIU ; Zhiyu LI ; Kunzhi LI ; Simiao LU ; Kunhan NI ; Wenwu HE ; Chenghao WANG ; Jialong LI ; Haojun LI ; Qiang ZHOU ; Kangning WANG ; Guangyuan LIU ; Wenguang XIAO ; Qiang FANG ; Qiuling SHI ; Yongtao HAN ; Lin PENG ; Xuefeng LENG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(1):109-113
Objective:To investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 8 458 EC patients who were admitted to Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. There were 6 923 males and 1 535 females, aged (64±9)years. There were 3 187 patients undergoing surgical treatment, and 5 271 cases undergoing non-surgical treatment. Observation indicators: (1) incidence of VTE in EC patients; (2) treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Results:(1) Incidence of VTE in EC patients. Of 8 458 EC patients, 175 cases developed VTE, with an incidence rate of 2.069%(175/8 458). Among 175 VTE patients, there were 164 cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 4 cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), 7 cases of DVT and PE. There were 59 surgical patients and 116 non-surgical patients. There was no significant difference in thrombus type between surgical and non-surgical EC patients with VTE ( χ2=1.95, P>0.05). Of 3 187 surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 1.851%(59/3 187), including an incidence of 0.157%(5/3 187) of PE. PE accounted for 8.475%(5/59) of surgical patients with VTE. Of 5 271 non-surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 2.201%(116/5 271), including an incidence of 0.114%(6/5 271) of PE. PE accounted for 5.172%(6/116) of non-surgical patients with VTE. There was no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or PE between surgical patients and non-surgical patients ( χ2=1.20, 0.05, P>0.05). (2) Treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Among 175 EC patients with VTE, 163 cases underwent drug treatment, and 12 cases did not receive treatment. Among 163 cases with drug therapy, 158 cases underwent anticoagulant therapy, 5 cases were treated with thrombolysis. All the 163 patients were improved and discharged from hospital. Conclusions:The incidence of VTE in patients with EC is relatively low, as 2.069%. There is no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or thrombus type between surgical EC patients and non-surgical EC patients.
9.Menaquinone-4 enhances CD8+T cell activation and anti-tumor function
Jiarong WANG ; Liyun LIANG ; Simiao FAN ; Xuemin ZHANG ; Huiyan LI ; Huaibin HU ; Zengqing SONG
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(6):461-467
Objective To investigate the effects of menaquinone-4(MK4)on the activation and function of CD8+T cells.Methods An in vitro culture system for primary mouse CD8+T cells was established by isolating these cells from the spleen using CD8a T cell isolation kit.The isolated CD8+T cells were then incubated and activated in a 96-well plate coated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies.The impact of MK4 on the activation and cytokine secretion of CD8+T cells was explored by quantifying the expression levels of CD8+T cell activation receptors and cytokines using flow cytometry.Additionally,the concentrations of these cytokines in the culture supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The influence of MK4 on the anti-tumor function of CD8+T cells was evaluated by co-culturing colorectal cancer MC38 cells of mice with CD8+T cells at different ratios,and the effect of MK4 was assessed by detecting tumor cell apoptosis.Results High-purity primary CD8+T cells of mice(97.5%)were isolated using the magnetic bead,which could be activated by pre-coated CD3/CD28 antibodies and showed proliferation.Compared with the control group,the MK4-treated group exhibited increased expressions of CD25,CD69 and CD44 on CD8+T cells,as well as higher production and secretion levels of interleukin-2(IL-2),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and granzyme B.In addition,CD8+T cells in the MK4-treated group induced a higher percentage of tumor cell apoptosis(36.7%)compared with the control group(29.1%).Conclusion MK4 can enhance the activation of CD8+T cells and promote anti-tumor functions.
10.Effect of endovascular therapy on the requirement for decompressive craniectomy and functional outcomes in patients with large anterior circulation ischemic stroke
Xing HUA ; Meng LIU ; Linrui HUANG ; Hengshu CHEN ; Jingjing LI ; Ya’nan WANG ; Ming LIU ; Simiao WU
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2023;31(12):881-888
Objective:To investgate the effect of endovascular therapy (EVT) on the requirement for decompressive craniectomy (DC) and functional outcomes in patients with large anterior circulation ischemic stroke.Methods:Patients with large anterior circulation ischemic stroke within 24 hours of onset admitted to the Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University between September 2017 and December 2019 were included. Outcome indicators included DC demand and poor outcome at 3 months. The latter was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score >2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent factors of DC requirement and functional outcomes at 3 months. Results:A total of 381 patients with large anterior circulation ischemic stroke were enrolled, including 203 males (53.3%), and the mean age was 70.7±14.3 years. The median time from onset to admission was 4.5 hours. The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 and median baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) was 7. Totally 139 patients (36.5%) received EVT, and 64 (16.8%) required DC; 376 patients (98.7%) completed a 3-month follow-up (5 who did not complete follow-up did not require DC, of which 2 received EVT), 312 (83.0%) had poor outcome at 3 months, and 146 (38.8%) died. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that EVT was an independent predictor for the requiremet of DC (odds ratio [ OR] 4.42, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.81-10.81; P=0.001), higher baseline ASPECTS ( OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.89; P<0.001) and successful recanalization ( OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15-0.90; P=0.028) were independent protective factors of reducing the requirement of DC. Successful recanalization ( OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.72; P=0.023) and antiplatelet therapy ( OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11-0.76; P=0.012) were independent predictors for reduced risk of poor outcome. In 139 patients who received EVT, 27 (19.4%) received intravenous thrombolysis, 96 (69.1%) achieved successful recanalization, 88 (63.3%) had hemorrhagic transformation, 61 (43.9%) had symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation, and 34 (24.5%) required DC; 137 (98.6%) completed a 3-month follow-up, 116 (84.7%) had poor outcome at 3 months, and 67 (48.9%) died. For patients receiving EVT, a higher baseline ASPECTS ( OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60-0.88; P=0.001) and successful recanalization ( OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14-0.90; P=0.029) were independent predictors of reducing the requirement of DC, while successful recanalization ( OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.71; P=0.022) was an independent predictor for reduced risk of poor outcome. Among 64 patients who required DC, 22 (34.4%) received DC. Receiving DC significantly reduced the mortality within 3 months ( OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.86; P=0.028), but had no significant effect on functional outcome at 3 months ( OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.03-4.38; P=0.412). There was no significant interaction of either EVT or successful recanalization in the effect of DC on 3-month death ( P for interaction > 0.05). Conclusions:Successful recanalization after EVT reduces requirement for DC in patients with large anterior circulation ischemic stroke and improves functional outcome at 3 months. DC can reduce the mortality in patients required DC, and have no interactive effect with EVT or successful recanalization.

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