1.Interpretation of expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in cirrhotic portal hypertension (2025 edition)
Zhongchen FAN ; Kaixuan ZHANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Xuefeng CAO ; Xingyuan ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):568-572
Cirrhotic portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome caused by persistently elevated portal venous pressure due to liver cirrhosis and can lead to a series of complications, among which esophagogastric variceal bleeding has become one of the most severe complications due to sudden onset and a high mortality rate. Since the release of Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in cirrhotic portal hypertension (2019 edition), significant advances have been achieved in this field in China and globally. In order to formulate an expert consensus aligned with the situation of China, Chinese Society of Surgery, Chinese Medical Association organized and compiled Expert Consensus on diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding in cirrhotic portal hypertension (2025 edition). This article elaborates on the key updates in the new edition and explores the major differences between the old and new editions, in order to enhance the understanding of the new edition among clinicians and provide a reference for clinicians in clinical work.
2.Efficacy and dose-response relationships of antidepressants in the acute treatment of major depressive disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Shuzhe ZHOU ; Pei LI ; Xiaozhen LYU ; Xuefeng LAI ; Zuoxiang LIU ; Junwen ZHOU ; Fengqi LIU ; Yiming TAO ; Meng ZHANG ; Xin YU ; Jingwei TIAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1433-1438
BACKGROUND:
The optimal antidepressant dosages remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of antidepressants and characterize their dose-response relationships in the treatments of major depressive disorders (MDD).
METHODS:
We searched multiple databases, including the Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Web of Science, for the studies that were conducted between January 8, 2016, and April 30, 2023. The studies are double-blinded, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the adults (≥18 years) with MDD. The primary outcomes were efficacy of antidepressant and the dose-response relationships. A frequentist network meta-analysis was conducted, treating participants with various dosages of the same antidepressant as a single therapy. We also implemented the model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) using a Bayesian method to explore the dose-response relationships.
RESULTS:
The network meta-analysis comprised 135,180 participants from 602 studies. All the antidepressants were more effective than the placebo; toludesvenlafaxine had the highest odds ratio (OR) of 4.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.65-7.72), and reboxetine had the lowest OR of 1.34 (95%CI: 1.14-1.57). Moreover, amitriptyline, clomipramine, and reboxetine showed a linear increase in effect size from low to high doses. The effect size of toludesvenlafaxine increased significantly up to 80 mg/day and subsequently maintained the maximal dose up to 160 mg/day while the predictive curves of nefazodone were fairly flat in different dosages.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although most antidepressants were more efficacious than placebo in treating MDD, no consistent dose-response relationship between any antidepressants was observed. For most antidepressants, the maximum efficacy was achieved at lower or middle prescribed doses, rather than at the upper limit.
REGISTRATION
No. CRD42023427480; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?
Humans
;
Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use*
;
Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy*
;
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
3.Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and metabolism of three marine-derived piericidins for guiding drug lead selection.
Weimin LIANG ; Jindi LU ; Ping YU ; Meiqun CAI ; Danni XIE ; Xini CHEN ; Xi ZHANG ; Lingmin TIAN ; Liyan YAN ; Wenxun LAN ; Zhongqiu LIU ; Xuefeng ZHOU ; Lan TANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):614-629
This study investigates the pharmacokinetics and metabolic characteristics of three marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease: piericidin A (PA) and its two glycosides (GPAs), glucopiericidin A (GPA) and 13-hydroxyglucopiericidin A (13-OH-GPA). The research aims to facilitate lead selection and optimization for developing a viable preclinical candidate. Rapid absorption of PA and GPAs in mice was observed, characterized by short half-lives and low bioavailability. Glycosides and hydroxyl groups significantly enhanced the absorption rate (13-OH-GPA > GPA > PA). PA and GPAs exhibited metabolic instability in liver microsomes due to Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases (UGTs). Glucuronidation emerged as the primary metabolic pathway, with UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 demonstrating high elimination rates (30%-70%) for PA and GPAs. This rapid glucuronidation may contribute to the low bioavailability of GPAs. Despite its low bioavailability (2.69%), 13-OH-GPA showed higher kidney distribution (19.8%) compared to PA (10.0%) and GPA (7.3%), suggesting enhanced biological efficacy in kidney diseases. Modifying the C-13 hydroxyl group appears to be a promising approach to improve bioavailability. In conclusion, this study provides valuable metabolic insights for the development and optimization of marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease.
Animals
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Aquatic Organisms/chemistry*
;
Biological Availability
;
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism*
;
Glucuronosyltransferase/metabolism*
;
Microsomes, Liver/metabolism*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Biological Products/pharmacokinetics*
;
Pyridines/pharmacokinetics*
4.Analysis of the trend and distribution characteristics of hepatitis C virus infection among blood donors in Hebei Province
Wei HAN ; Huixian ZHANG ; Yanbin WANG ; Yazi ZHAO ; Xuefeng HAN ; Kun TANG ; Jie KANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(10):1355-1360
Objective: To analyze the changing trend and distribution characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among blood donors in Hebei, thereby providing data to support strategy and procedure adjustment for blood collection and supply institutions. Methods: Data from 12 blood stations in Hebei Province from 2012 to 2021 were collected. These data were analyzed to determine trends in anti-HCV antibody double reagent reactive rate and to characterize its distribution among different donor categories, genders and birth cohorts. Results: During the period from 2012 to 2021, a total of 7.4576 million samples were tested at 12 blood stations in Hebei Province, with 3.4659 million (46.47%) from first-time donors, and 3.9917 million (53.53%) from repeat donors. The number (of anti-HCV double reagent reactive samples was 7167 (9.61/10 000). The anti-HCV double reagent reactive rate showed a annual downward trend (P<0.05), from 17.40/10 000 at the beginning to 4.95/10 000 at the end of the study period. Additionally, the double reagent reactive rate of repeat blood donors had remained below 1/10 000 since 2017. The double reagent reactive rate of first-time blood donors (19.42/10 000) was higher than in repeat donors (1.09/10 000) (P<0.05), and the double-reagent reactive rate of female first-time blood donors (20.98/10 000) was higher than that of male first-time blood donors (18.49/10 000) (P<0.05). The anti-HCV double reagent reactive rate among first-time donors exhibited two distinct peaks within the pre-1976 and 1989-1994 birth cohorts, with notable gender differences observed in both peak periods. The rate of double reagent reactive in females born before 1976 (52.22/10 000) was higher than that in males (32.28/10 000) (P<0.05), while that of males born in 1989-1994 was higher (25.75/10 000) than that of females (14.28/10 000) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalenc of HCV infection among blood donors in Hebei Province has shown a consistent year-over-year decline over the study period. The majority of infected individuals are found among the first-time blood donors born before 1995. These trends and characteristics provide valuable insights for developing pre-blood collection screening strategies, analyzing nucleic acid test data in blood screening, adjusting blood screening procedures, and provide evidence for targeted screening of high-risk populations as part of public health initiatives to eliminate hepatitis C.
5.Comparison of efficacy and safety of fospropofol disodium and propofol applied in induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adult patients undergoing elective surgery
Donghao ZHANG ; Jinhui LI ; Rumeng BAN ; Jinshuo YAN ; Ruizhu LIU ; Xuefeng LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):143-149
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of fospropofol disodium(FP)in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in the adult patients graded Ⅰ or Ⅱ by the American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)undergoing elective surgery,and to provide the theoretical basis for application of EP in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.Methods:Adult patients of ASA grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ undergoing elective surgery were selected with a total of 100 patients recruited sequentially according to the time of visit,and they were randomly divided into FP group(50 cases)and propofol group(50 cases).All patients were prepared preoperatively,and received a slow injection of midazolam(2 to 3 mg)and sufentanil(0.3 μg·kg-1),followed by induction of anaesthesia 1 to 2 min later.The patients in FP group were given FP(10.0-12.5 mg·kg-1)intravenously,and the patients in propofol group were given propofol(1.5-2.0 mg·kg-1)intravenously.After the Modified Obserational Assessment Alertness/Sedation(MOAA/S)score dropped to 1,muscle relaxant was administrated and the induction was completed.During the maintenance of anaesthesia,the patients in FP group received a continuous intravenous infusion of FP at a rate of 12.5-15.0 mg·kg-1·h-1,and the patients in propofol group received a continuous infusion of propofol at a starting rate of 6 mg·kg-1·h-1.The patients in two groups additionally received remifentanil(0.1-0.4 μg·kg-1·min-1)for co-analgesia,and the rate of administration was adjusted according to the patient's status.Systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR)and bispectral index(BIS)values of the patients in two groups were recorded at different time points:before induction(T1),immediately after tracheal intubation(T2),5 min after induction(T3),10 min after induction(T4),20 min after induction(T5),30 min after induction(T6),40 min after induction(T7)and at the end of the procedure(T8).The time to onset of sedation/anaesthesia(MOAA/S≤1),the time to eye opening,and the time to awakening(MOAA/S=5)of the patients in two groups were recorded.The lowest intraoperative SBP and BIS values and the time required of the patients in two groups were observed.The incidence of adverse reactions related to agitation,choking,nausea,vomiting and cardiovascular system or respiratory system were compared between two groups.Results:There were no statistically differences in the general informations and the duration of surgery of patients between two groups(P>0.05).The induction time of the patients in FP group(2.39 min)was significantly longer than that in propofol group(0.70 min)(P<0.05).In the recovery period of general anesthesia,the eye opening time and recovery time of the patients in FP group were significantly longer than those in propofol group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in MAP of the patients between two groups at different time points(P>0.05).The HR at T4,T5,T6,and T7 time points of the patients in FP group were lower than those in propofol group(P<0.05).The lowest value of BIS of the patients in FP group was significantly smaller than that in propofol group,and the time taken to reach the lowest value of BIS in FP group was significantly longer than that in propofol group(P<0.05).The time taken to reach the lowest value of SBP of the patients in FP group was longer than that in propofol group(P<0.05).However,the lowest value of SBP of the patients and the incidence of adverse reations of the patients in two groups showed no statistical differences(P>0.05).Conclusion:Compared with propofol,FP injection is safe and effective in the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adult patients with ASA class Ⅰ or Ⅱ undergoing elective surgery,with a low incidence of adverse reactions,which is a new anesthesia option.
6.Effect of acupuncture on differentiation and apoptosis of quadriceps muscle satellite cells in knee osteoarthritis model rats and its mechanism
Qu ZHENG ; Baoqiang DONG ; Xingxing LIN ; Yu ZHANG ; Xuefeng GUAN ; Chaojie WANG ; Yiyan HAN
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(6):1475-1486
Objective:To discuss the effect of acupuncture on the differentiation and apoptosis of quadriceps muscle satellite cells in model rats with knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to clarify its related mechanism.Methods:A total of 40 SPF-grade rats were selected and randomly divided into control group,model group,celecoxib group,and acupuncture group,with 10 rats in each group.The rats in control group only underwent joint cavity incision followed by suturing,while the rats in model group,celecoxib group,and acupuncture group were used to replicate the KOA models.The maximum circumference of the femoral segment of the affected limb,rat body mass,and quadriceps wet weight of the rats in various groups were measured;the quadriceps wet weight maintenance rate and quadriceps wet weight/body mass ratio of the rats in various groups were calculated.HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology of articular cartilage and quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in various groups;terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)method was used to detect the apoptosis indexes in articular cartilage and quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in various groups;immunofluorescence method was used to detect the protein expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),Janus kinase(JAK),and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway proteins,and muscle satellite cells,and apoptosis-related proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in various groups.Results:Compared with control group,the affected hind limb circumference,quadriceps wet weight,wet weight maintenance rate,and wet weight/body mass ratio of the rats in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the affected hind limb circumference,quadriceps wet weight,wet weight maintenance rate,and wet weight/body mass ratio of the rats in celecoxib group and acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with celecoxib group,the affected hind limb circumference,quadriceps wet weight,wet weight maintenance rate,and wet weight/body mass ratio of the rats in acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The HE staining results showed that the knee articular cartilage of the rats in control group remained intact,chondrocytes were aggregated and horizontally arranged with smooth edges,and quadriceps muscle cells were long cylindrical,orderly arranged,and regular in shape;in model group,the knee articular cartilage was thinner with rough edges,reduced number of cartilage layers,and disordered arrangement,and the quadriceps muscle fibers were disorganized,with some muscle fiber dissolution and muscle cell membrane damage,accompanied by muscle fiber fragments and a large amount of inflammatory exudate;in celecoxib group,the morphology of knee articular cartilage was generally normal,occasionally with irregular cartilage arrangement and reduced thickness,sporadically visible necrotic chondrocytes,quadriceps muscle fibers and sarcolemma were relatively intact,new muscle fibers appeared,some muscle fiber edges were blurred,accompanied by a small amount of cell debris and mild inflammatory infiltration;in acupuncture group,the knee articular cartilage structure remained intact with smooth edges,occasionally rough edges,and chondrocytes were aggregated and orderly arranged.The TUNEL assay results showed that compared with control group,the apoptosis indexes in articular cartilage and quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in model group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the apoptosis indexes in articular cartilage and quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in celecoxib group and acupuncture group were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with celecoxib group,the apoptosis index in articular cartilage and quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in acupuncture group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The immunofluorescence assay results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of IL-6,JAK,and STAT3 proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of IL-6,JAK,and STAT3 proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in celecoxib group and acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with celecoxib group,the expression levels of IL-6,JAK,and STAT3 proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of IL-6,JAK,STAT3,paired box transcription factor 7(Pax7),Desmin,Myosin,and Myogenin proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of IL-6,JAK,STAT3,Pax7,Desmin,Myosin,and Myogenin proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in celecoxib group and acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with celecoxib group,the expression levels of IL-6,JAK,STAT3,Pax7,Desmin,Myosin,and Myogenin proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),B-cell lymphoma-xl(Bcl-xl),and myeloid cell leukemia 1(MCL1)proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3(Caspase-3)proteins were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,the expression levels of Bcl-2,Bcl-xl,and MCL1 proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in celecoxib group and acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with celecoxib group,the expression levels of Bcl-2,Bcl-xl,and MCL1 proteins in quadriceps muscle tissue of the rats in acupuncture group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture can promote the differentiation of quadriceps muscle satellite cells and inhibit muscle cell apoptosis in the model rats with KOA,and the mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of expressions of IL-6,JAK,and STAT3 proteins in the quadriceps muscle tissue.
7.High expression of DTX2 promotes proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells.
Zhennan MA ; Fuquan LIU ; Xuefeng ZHAO ; Xiaowei ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(4):829-836
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the role of DTX2 in regulating biological behaviors of oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells (CRC/OXA cells).
METHODS:
CCK8 assay was used to determine the inhibition rate of oxaliplatin-treated CRC cells. A CRC/OXA cell line was constructed, in which DTX2 expression level was detected. The cells were transfected with a DTX2-shRNA plasmid or co-transfected with DTX2-shRNA and pcDNA-Notch2, and the changes in cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were evaluated using plate cloning assay, scratch assay and Transwell invasion assay. The expression levels of Notch2, NICD and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) proteins of the transfected cells were detected with Western blotting. In a nude mouse model bearing SW620/OXA cell xenografts, the effects of DTX2 knockdown and Notch2 overexpression in the implanted cells on tumor growth and protein expressions were tested.
RESULTS:
The IC50 of oxaliplatin was 6.00 μmol/L in SW620 cells and 8.00 μmol/L in LoVo cells. CRC/OXA cells showed a significantly increased expression of DTX2. DTX2 knockdown in CRC/OXA cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and these effects were reversed by co-transfection of the cells with pcDNA-Notch2. DTX2 knockdown significantly reduced the expression levels of Notch2, NICD and vimentin proteins and increased E-cadherin expression in CRC/OXA cells, and co-transfection with pcDNA-Notch2 potently attenuated the changes in these proteins. In the tumor-bearing mice, DTX2 overexpression obviously promoted the growth of SW620/OXA cell xenograft, enhanced the protein expressions of Notch2, NICD and vimentin, and lowered the expression of E-cadherin.
CONCLUSIONS
High expression of DTX2 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of CRC/OXA cells through the Notch2 signaling pathway, suggesting the potential of DTX2 as a target to improve the efficacy of oxaliplatin.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
;
Humans
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Oxaliplatin
;
Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
;
Receptor, Notch2/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Mice, Nude
;
Cell Movement
;
Organoplatinum Compounds/pharmacology*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Mice
8.Disrupting atherosclerotic plaque formation via the "qi meridian-blood channel": mechanism of Jiangzhi Huaban Decoction for regulating hepatic reverse cholesterol transport to improve atherosclerosis.
Hongyang WANG ; Wenyi ZHU ; Xushen CHEN ; Tong ZHANG ; Zhiwei CAO ; Jin WANG ; Bo XIE ; Qiang LIU ; Xuefeng REN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1818-1829
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the molecular mechanism of Jiangzhi Huaban Decoction (JZHBD) for improving atherosclerosis through the "qi meridian-blood channels" pathway.
METHODS:
ApoE-/- mouse models of atherosclerosis were established by high-fat diet feeding for 8 weeks, with C57BL/6 mice on a normal diet as the controls. Forty ApoE-/- mouse models were randomized into model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose JZHBD treatment groups, and atorvastatin treatment group (n=8) for their respective treatments for 8 weeks. The changes in body weight and overall condition of the mice were monitored weekly. After the treatments, serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, TBA, ALT, and AST of the mice were measured, pathological changes in the liver and aortic root plaques were examined with HE staining, and lipid accumulation in the liver and aortic wall was assessed using Oil Red O staining. The core molecular mechanism was studied through transcriptomics, and the expressions of the key pathway proteins were confirmed using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS:
Treatment with JZHBD significantly reduced blood lipid and total bile acid levels, improved liver function and hepatic steatosis, and decreased aortic lipid deposition and plaque area in the mouse models of atherosclerosis. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the therapeutic mechanism of JZHBD involved reverse cholesterol transport, PPAR signaling, and the inflammatory pathways. In atherosclerotic mice, JZHBD treatment obviously up-regulated hepatic expressions of PPARγ, LXRα, ABCA1, ABCG1, and CYP7A1, down-regulated hepatic expressions of p-p65/p65, IL-6, IL1β in the liver, increased ABCG5 and ABCG8 expressions in the intestines, and decreased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expressions in the aortic plaques.
CONCLUSIONS
JZHBD improves atherosclerotic vascular damage and plaque formation possibly by regulating hepatic reverse cholesterol transport and inflammation via modulating the hepatic PPARγ/LXRα/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Plaque, Atherosclerotic/metabolism*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Atherosclerosis/metabolism*
;
Cholesterol/metabolism*
;
PPAR gamma/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Diet, High-Fat
;
Biological Transport
10.Research progress of narcolepsy
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(3):217-220
Narcolepsy(NP) is a rare central sleep disorder, and it is categorized into narcolepsy type1 (NT1) and narcolepsy type2(NT2).The main clinical symptoms of NP include daytime lethargy, cataplexy induced by emotions, and sleep paralysis, with a peak onset during adolescence (with an age of 8‒12 years). At present, the pathogenesis of NP remains unclear and is associated with various factors such as human leucocyte antigen (HLA), infection, and epigenetic silencing, and the selective loss of hypocretin neurons in the hypothalamus is the key pathophysiological mechanism of NP. Pharmacological intervention is currently the main treatment method, and diagnostic delay can be as long as more than 10 years, which not only affects the social activities, academic performance, and work of patients, but also leads to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This article reviews the latest research findings in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of NT1 and clarifies the deficiencies and controversies in current research, so as to provide new ideas and directions for subsequent studies.
Narcolepsy
;
Cataplexy

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