1.Cost-utility analysis of anlotinib combined with penpulimab in first-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Wenying YAN ; Na YANG ; Ranran ZHANG ; Xinyue TAO ; Shengnan GAO ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):344-349
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anlotinib combined with penpulimab versus sorafenib as first- line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) from the perspective of China’s healthcare system. METHODS Based on data from the APOLLO study, a partitioned survival model was established with a 21-day model cycle to simulate patient survival status over 10 years under anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen or sorafenib monotherapy. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was used as the core evaluation parameter to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of different treatment regimens. Using 3 times China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 (287 247 yuan/QALY) as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, cost-utility analysis was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment regimens. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness of the baseline analysis conclusion. Scenario analysis was performed to consider the impact of anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs on the results; the price reduction of penpulimab to ensure the cost-effectiveness of the combination regimen was examined under varying WTP thresholds (specifically, 1, 2, and 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024). RESULTS The baseline analysis revealed that the ICER of anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen relative to the sorafenib regimen was 338 611.20 yuan/QALY, which exceeded the WTP threshold set in this study. Univariate sensitivity analysis indicated that the utility value of progression free survival and penpulimab price significantly influenced the baseline analysis results. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the baseline results. The results of scenario analysis indicated that when considering the assistance programs for anlotinib and penpulimab, the obtained ICER values were all below the WTP threshold set at 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024. When the price of penpulimab was reduced by 58%, 35%, and 13%, the ICER values were below the WTP threshold, which was 1, 2 and 3 times the per capita GDP of China in 2024, respectively. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s healthcare system, anlotinib combined with penpulimab regimen for first-line treatment of uHCC lacks cost-effectiveness compared to sorafenib regimen. However, this conclusion would be reversed if the anlotinib and penpulimab assistance programs are taken into account or if the price of penpulimab is reduced by more than 13% and above.
2.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Metastasis Based on Blood Harmonizing Method
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Fangni LI ; Yujie YANG ; Jungang DONG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):63-73
Metastasis in gastric cancer is a key factor contributing to poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, characterized by a combination of underlying deficiency and superficial excess, cold and heat in complexity, and stagnation in collateral Conventional aggressive treatment methods tend to exacerbate the depletion of healthy Qi and Zang-Fu organ dysfunctions. The harmonizing method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes holistic regulation and reinforcing healthy Qi while expelling pathogenic factors. The blood harmonizing method is grounded in the core TCM theory of blood vessel transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins. It closely addresses the essence of metastasis-where cancerous toxins spread through the bloodstream and accumulate in the collaterals-thereby providing a unique and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinical intervention in gastric cancer metastasis. This paper systematically reviews relevant TCM theories such as transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins and accumulation-gathering and provides an in-depth explanation of the core pathogenesis of gastric cancer metastasis. Specifically, cancerous toxins circulate throughout the body via the blood vessels and accumulate in the collaterals of target organs such as the liver, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and lungs. The occurrence and development of this process are consistently centered on the key mechanism of disharmony in blood-related syndromes. On this basis, the paper explicitly proposes three major therapeutic approaches centered on harmonizing the blood. The first is harmonizing the blood to restore ascending and descending functions, thereby invigorating the spleen and regulating the middle energizer to restore the mediating function of the middle energizer and block the generation of phlegm and blood stasis at the root. The second is harmonizing the blood to balance cold and heat, using pungent herbs to open and bitter herbs to descend to harmonize the Yin-Yang balance and improve the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. The third is harmonizing the blood to unblock collaterals and resolve stasis, thereby gradually dissipating stasis and nodules, gently clearing obstructions in the collaterals, and breaking the critical link of collateral stagnation forming masses caused by metastasis. The article further summarizes modern pharmacological research findings on representative formulas such as Banxia Xiexintang, Weichang'an, Yangzheng Sanjie decoction, and Sijunzitang, confirming that they can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through multiple targets and pathways, to regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, modulate the immune microenvironment, and induce tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, thereby blocking the metastasis process at multiple levels. This paper discusses the theoretical basis, pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic systems, and modern mechanisms of the blood harmonizing method for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis. It fully embodies the TCM principles of targeting balance, reinforcing healthy Qi without aiding the pathogen, and eliminating the pathogen without harming the healthy Qi, providing a solid theoretical foundation and practical pharmacological references for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in clinical practice.
3.Intestinal Absorption Solution Containing Banxia Xiexintang Inhibits Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Interfering with Crosstalk Between TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs
Xiping LIU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Yongrong LI ; Zhongbo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):74-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the synergistic promotion of malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) through crosstalk, and the intervention mechanism of the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT). MethodsGastric cancer MFC cells were treated with conditioned medium (co-culture-CM) prepared from a co-culture system of TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs. Groups included control, co-culture-CM model, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) inhibitor (LY2510924), α4β1 inhibitor (BIO5192), dual inhibitor combination, and different concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions. MFC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The SDF-1, α4β1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels in culture supernatants, along with the protein levels of intracellular macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), CD106, MMP-9, and VEGFA in MFC cells, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, co-culture-CM promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells (P<0.01), elevated the levels of SDF-1, α4β1, MMP-9, and VEGFA (P<0.01), and upregulated the protein levels of MIF (P<0.05), MMP-9 (P<0.01), and VEGFA (P<0.01). Compared with co-culture-CM, BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions at various concentrations significantly reversed the phenotypic effects on cells, inhibited malignant phenotypes, lowered the levels of MMP-9 and SDF1, and reduced the expression of proteins in the crosstalk axis. Compared with the SDF1+α4β1 inhibitor group, the SDF1 inhibitor group and the α4β1 inhibitor group showed no differences in the inhibition of proliferation, scratch healing, and cytokine levels. The SDF1 inhibitor increased the apoptosis rate and downregulated the protein levels of MIF and CD106, while the α4β1 inhibitor increased the number of migrated cells and the expression of various proteins. Compared with the SDF1 inhibitor group, the α4β1 inhibitor group showed reduced inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased apoptosis rate, increased number of invasive cells, decreased α4β1 content, and increased expression of various proteins (P<0.01). The 55%, 70%, and 85% intestinal absorption solutions increased the inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased the number of invasive cells, and increased the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The 55% BXT-containing intestinal absorption solution group showed increased wound healing rate and upregulated protein levels of VEGFA, CD106, and MMP-9 (P<0.05). The 70% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of MIF (P<0.05), and the 85% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of VEGFA (P<0.01) and downregulated the protein level of CXCR4 (P<0.01). ConclusionTA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs synergistically activate the MIF/SDF-1/CXCR4 and MMP-9/α4β1/CD106 axes through crosstalk, significantly enhancing gastric cancer cell invasion and migration. BXT-containing intestinal absorption fluid effectively inhibits the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by multi-targeted intervention in this crosstalk process.
4.Banxia Xiexintang Containing Intestinal Absorption Solution Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by Modulating SDF1-CXCR4 Axis in TA-BMSCs
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Lijuan SHI ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):84-93
ObjectiveTo explore whether the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis in tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs). MethodsThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT was prepared, and the optimal intervention concentration and duration for MFC cells were determined through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A co-culture system was established comprising TA-BMSCs conditioned medium (TA-BMSCs-CM) and gastric cancer MFC cells. The experiment was conducted with a blank control group, a TA-BMSCs-CM group, an SDF1 inhibitor (LY2510924) group, and intervention groups with varying concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT. Cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. Horizontal and vertical cell migration were evaluated via scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell invasion was examined by a Transwell assay with Matrigel. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of factors such as SDF1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), as well as the protein levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9, were quantified by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay results indicated that compared with the 24 h intervention, the 48 h interventions with all concentrations of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT increased the inhibition rate on MFC cells (P<0.01). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT at the time point of 48 h was 68.51%, and subsequent intervention concentrations were selected as 55%, 70%, and 85%. Compared with the TA-BMSCs-CM group, the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT (particularly at concentrations of 70% 85%) suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells, promoted the cell apoptosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the levels of SDF1, MMP-9, and VEGFA, and downregulated the protein levels of MIF, CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The inhibitory effects of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT were comparable to or superior to those of the SDF1 inhibitor (P<0.01). ConclusionThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the SDF1-CXCR4 axis in TA-BMSCs. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the MIF/SDF1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and its downstream effector molecules.
5.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer Metastasis Based on Blood Harmonizing Method
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Fangni LI ; Yujie YANG ; Jungang DONG ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):63-73
Metastasis in gastric cancer is a key factor contributing to poor prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, characterized by a combination of underlying deficiency and superficial excess, cold and heat in complexity, and stagnation in collateral Conventional aggressive treatment methods tend to exacerbate the depletion of healthy Qi and Zang-Fu organ dysfunctions. The harmonizing method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes holistic regulation and reinforcing healthy Qi while expelling pathogenic factors. The blood harmonizing method is grounded in the core TCM theory of blood vessel transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins. It closely addresses the essence of metastasis-where cancerous toxins spread through the bloodstream and accumulate in the collaterals-thereby providing a unique and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinical intervention in gastric cancer metastasis. This paper systematically reviews relevant TCM theories such as transmission and Zang-Fu organ accumulation of cancerous toxins and accumulation-gathering and provides an in-depth explanation of the core pathogenesis of gastric cancer metastasis. Specifically, cancerous toxins circulate throughout the body via the blood vessels and accumulate in the collaterals of target organs such as the liver, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and lungs. The occurrence and development of this process are consistently centered on the key mechanism of disharmony in blood-related syndromes. On this basis, the paper explicitly proposes three major therapeutic approaches centered on harmonizing the blood. The first is harmonizing the blood to restore ascending and descending functions, thereby invigorating the spleen and regulating the middle energizer to restore the mediating function of the middle energizer and block the generation of phlegm and blood stasis at the root. The second is harmonizing the blood to balance cold and heat, using pungent herbs to open and bitter herbs to descend to harmonize the Yin-Yang balance and improve the homeostasis of the tumor microenvironment. The third is harmonizing the blood to unblock collaterals and resolve stasis, thereby gradually dissipating stasis and nodules, gently clearing obstructions in the collaterals, and breaking the critical link of collateral stagnation forming masses caused by metastasis. The article further summarizes modern pharmacological research findings on representative formulas such as Banxia Xiexintang, Weichang'an, Yangzheng Sanjie decoction, and Sijunzitang, confirming that they can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer cells, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, through multiple targets and pathways, to regulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, modulate the immune microenvironment, and induce tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, thereby blocking the metastasis process at multiple levels. This paper discusses the theoretical basis, pathogenetic mechanisms, therapeutic systems, and modern mechanisms of the blood harmonizing method for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis. It fully embodies the TCM principles of targeting balance, reinforcing healthy Qi without aiding the pathogen, and eliminating the pathogen without harming the healthy Qi, providing a solid theoretical foundation and practical pharmacological references for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer metastasis with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in clinical practice.
6.Intestinal Absorption Solution Containing Banxia Xiexintang Inhibits Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells by Interfering with Crosstalk Between TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs
Xiping LIU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Yongrong LI ; Zhongbo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):74-83
ObjectiveTo investigate the synergistic promotion of malignant phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs) and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) through crosstalk, and the intervention mechanism of the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT). MethodsGastric cancer MFC cells were treated with conditioned medium (co-culture-CM) prepared from a co-culture system of TA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs. Groups included control, co-culture-CM model, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) inhibitor (LY2510924), α4β1 inhibitor (BIO5192), dual inhibitor combination, and different concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions. MFC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed via cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The SDF-1, α4β1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels in culture supernatants, along with the protein levels of intracellular macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), CD106, MMP-9, and VEGFA in MFC cells, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, co-culture-CM promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells (P<0.01), elevated the levels of SDF-1, α4β1, MMP-9, and VEGFA (P<0.01), and upregulated the protein levels of MIF (P<0.05), MMP-9 (P<0.01), and VEGFA (P<0.01). Compared with co-culture-CM, BXT-containing intestinal absorption solutions at various concentrations significantly reversed the phenotypic effects on cells, inhibited malignant phenotypes, lowered the levels of MMP-9 and SDF1, and reduced the expression of proteins in the crosstalk axis. Compared with the SDF1+α4β1 inhibitor group, the SDF1 inhibitor group and the α4β1 inhibitor group showed no differences in the inhibition of proliferation, scratch healing, and cytokine levels. The SDF1 inhibitor increased the apoptosis rate and downregulated the protein levels of MIF and CD106, while the α4β1 inhibitor increased the number of migrated cells and the expression of various proteins. Compared with the SDF1 inhibitor group, the α4β1 inhibitor group showed reduced inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased apoptosis rate, increased number of invasive cells, decreased α4β1 content, and increased expression of various proteins (P<0.01). The 55%, 70%, and 85% intestinal absorption solutions increased the inhibitory effect on proliferation, decreased the number of invasive cells, and increased the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). The 55% BXT-containing intestinal absorption solution group showed increased wound healing rate and upregulated protein levels of VEGFA, CD106, and MMP-9 (P<0.05). The 70% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of MIF (P<0.05), and the 85% intestinal absorption solution group showed upregulated protein level of VEGFA (P<0.01) and downregulated the protein level of CXCR4 (P<0.01). ConclusionTA-BMSCs and PMN-MDSCs synergistically activate the MIF/SDF-1/CXCR4 and MMP-9/α4β1/CD106 axes through crosstalk, significantly enhancing gastric cancer cell invasion and migration. BXT-containing intestinal absorption fluid effectively inhibits the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells by multi-targeted intervention in this crosstalk process.
7.Banxia Xiexintang Containing Intestinal Absorption Solution Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Invasion and Migration by Modulating SDF1-CXCR4 Axis in TA-BMSCs
Zhongbo ZHU ; Wenying YANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Fangni LI ; Lijuan SHI ; Xiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):84-93
ObjectiveTo explore whether the intestinal absorption solution containing Banxia Xiexintang (BXT) can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)-CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis in tumor-associated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (TA-BMSCs). MethodsThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT was prepared, and the optimal intervention concentration and duration for MFC cells were determined through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. A co-culture system was established comprising TA-BMSCs conditioned medium (TA-BMSCs-CM) and gastric cancer MFC cells. The experiment was conducted with a blank control group, a TA-BMSCs-CM group, an SDF1 inhibitor (LY2510924) group, and intervention groups with varying concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT. Cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay. Horizontal and vertical cell migration were evaluated via scratch and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell invasion was examined by a Transwell assay with Matrigel. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of factors such as SDF1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), as well as the protein levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9, were quantified by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay results indicated that compared with the 24 h intervention, the 48 h interventions with all concentrations of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT increased the inhibition rate on MFC cells (P<0.01). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT at the time point of 48 h was 68.51%, and subsequent intervention concentrations were selected as 55%, 70%, and 85%. Compared with the TA-BMSCs-CM group, the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT (particularly at concentrations of 70% 85%) suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MFC cells, promoted the cell apoptosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the levels of SDF1, MMP-9, and VEGFA, and downregulated the protein levels of MIF, CXCR4, VEGFA, and MMP-9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The inhibitory effects of the intestinal absorption solution containing BXT were comparable to or superior to those of the SDF1 inhibitor (P<0.01). ConclusionThe intestinal absorption solution containing BXT can inhibit the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by interfering with the SDF1-CXCR4 axis in TA-BMSCs. The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the MIF/SDF1/CXCR4 signaling pathway and its downstream effector molecules.
8.Determining the mechanism of Shuxuening injection against liver cirrhosis through network pharmacology and animal experiments
Qiyao Liu ; Tingyu Zhang ; Yongan Ye ; Xin Sun ; Huan Xia ; Xu Cao ; Xiaoke Li ; Wenying Qi ; Yue Chen ; Xiaobin Zao
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):112-124
Objective:
To screen and identify the key active molecules, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets of Shuxuening (SXN) injection for treating liver cirrhosis (LC) and to evaluate its therapeutic potential using a mouse model.
Methods:
Target genes of SXN and LC were retrieved from public databases, and enrichment analysis was performed. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE). LC was induced in rats and mice via intraperitoneal injections of diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Starting at week 7, SXN was administered intraperitoneally to the mice in the treatment group. Serum and liver tissues of the mice were collected for the detection of indicators, pathological staining, and expression analysis of hub targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results:
We identified 368 overlapping genes (OLGs) between SXN and LC targets. These OLGs were subsequently used to build a PPI network and to screen for hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes were associated with cancer-related pathways, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and various cellular processes, such as responses to chemicals and metabolic regulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that SXN treatment significantly improved liver function and pathology in CCl4-induced LC mice by reducing inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated that SXN regulated the expression of MAPK8, AR and CASP3 in the livers of LC mice.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the therapeutic effects of SXN in alleviating LC using both bioinformatics and experimental methods. The observed effect was associated with modulation of hub gene expression, particularly MAPK8, and CASP3.
9.Predictive value of breast cancer related parameters combined with positive axillary lymphnode ultrasound features for lymphnode metastasis burden
Qiankun CHANG ; Wenying WU ; Chunqiang BAI ; Zhichao DING ; Weifang WANG ; Minghan LIU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(6):1670-1678
Objective:To analyze the breast cancer-related parameters and the ultrasonic features of positive axillary lymph nodes,to discuss the risk factors for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden,and to provide basis for preoperative evaluation of breast cancer patients.Methods:The ultrasonic and clinicopathological data of 574 breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastasis confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed.According to the status of axillary lymphnode metastasis,the patients were divided into low nodal burden(LNB)group(n=283)and high nodal burden(HNB)group(n=291).The affected side,tumor quadrant,distance to skin,maximum diameter,internal echogenicity,shape,margin,calcification,blood supply,posterior echo,lymphnode long diameter,lymphnode short diameter,lymphnode aspect ratio,number of suspicious metastases,intranodal blood supply,lymphnode hilum morphology,age,pathological type,histological grade,molecular subtype,and the expressions of estrogen receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR),Ki-67,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2),and P53 were compared between two groups.Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for axillary lymph node metastatic burden in the breast cancer patients;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive value.Results:The univariate analysis results showed that there were statistically significant differences in tumor quadrant,distance to skin,molecular subtype,HER2 positive expression,lymphnode long diameter,lymph node short diameter,lymph node aspect ratio,number of suspicious metastases,and lymphnode hilum morphology between two groups(P<0.05).The multivariate Logistic regression analysis results showed that tumor located in the upper outer quadrant(OR=0.648,P=0.021),distance to skin<5 mm(OR=0.283,P=0.016),Luminal A(OR=1.564,P=0.044),lymphnode long diameter≥20 mm(OR=2.050,P<0.01),lymphnode short diameter≥8.6 mm(OR=2.430,P<0.01),lymph node aspect ratio<2(OR=1.585,P<0.01),and indistinct lymphnode hilum structure(OR=2.092,P<0.01)were the independent risk factors for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden.The ROC curve analysis results showed that compared with the ultrasonic features of positive axillary lymph nodes,the AUC of the combination of breast cancer-related parameters and ultrasonic features of positive axillary lymphnodes was larger(Z=2.72,P=0.006 5),and it had higher predictive value for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden.Conclusion:The tumor quadrant,distance to skin,molecular subtype,lymphnode long diameter,lymph node short diameter,lymphnode aspect ratio,and lymphnode hilum structure are the independent risk factors for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden,and they have certain predictive value for axillary lymphnode metastatic burden.
10.Predictive value of serum sCD163 and MFG-E8 for acute cholangitis in patients with obstructive jaundice caused by common bile duct stones
Ke WANG ; Guangyuan WANG ; Xianping CUI ; Guangyong LIU ; Guang HONG ; Lijuan LIU ; Wenying JIANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(10):2198-2204
Background and Aims:Obstructive jaundice(OJ)caused by common bile duct stones(CBDS)is a major risk factor for acute cholangitis(AC).Early identification of high-risk patients is essential for improving prognosis.Soluble CD163(sCD163)and milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8(MFG-E8)are associated with inflammatory diseases,but their predictive value for AC in CBDS-related OJ remains unclear.This study aimed to evaluate the predictive significance of serum sCD163 and MFG-E8 levels for AC in patients with CBDS-OJ.Methods:A total of 142 patients with CBDS-OJ admitted from January 2022 to June 2024 were included as the observation group,and 145 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination served as controls.Serum sCD163 and MFG-E8 levels were measured using ELISA.Based on the occurrence of AC within 24 hours after admission,patients with CBDS-OJ were divided into an AC group(n=48)and a non-AC group(n=94).Clinical variables and serological indicators were compared between groups.Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with AC.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were generated to assess the predictive performance of sCD163,MFG-E8,and their combination.Results:Compared with the control group,patients with CBDS-OJ showed significantly elevated serum sCD163 levels and decreased MFG-E8 levels(both P<0.05).Within the observation group,the AC group had higher AST,ALT and sCD163 levels and lower MFG-E8 levels than the non-AC group(all P<0.05).Logistic regression identified elevated sCD163 as an independent risk factor(OR=3.478,P<0.001)and reduced MFG-E8 as a protective factor(OR=0.526,P=0.020)for AC.ROC analysis showed AUC values of 0.759 for sCD163,0.787 for MFG-E8,and 0.920 for their combined detection,with the combined model outperforming either marker alone(P<0.001).Conclusion:Serum sCD163 elevation and MFG-E8 reduction are closely associated with the development of AC in patients with CBDS-OJ.Combined detection of sCD163 and MFG-E8 provides superior predictive value and may serve as a useful tool for early risk stratification in clinical practice.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail