1.Analysis of factors affecting renal function and surgical complications in recipients after living donor kidney transplantation
Dingran LI ; Jingcheng LÜ ; Yichen ZHU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):77-85
Objective To explore factors affecting the postoperative renal function and surgical complications in recipients of living donor kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of 119 patients who underwent living donor kidney transplantation at Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, from January 2020 to September 2024. The severity of surgical complications was evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo score. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between preoperative general data, surgical data, preoperative laboratory data and the Clavien-Dindo score. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed on the correlated factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of delayed graft function (DGF) after surgery. Results The body mass index, history of hypertension, cold ischemia time, the first warm ischemia time, the second warm ischemia time, prothrombin activity and international normalized ratio were all correlated with the Clavien-Dindo score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the longer the second warm ischemia time and the first warm ischemia time were, the higher the Clavien-Dindo score was, and the more severe the postoperative surgical complications were (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long the first warm ischemia time and long dialysis time were independent risk factors for the occurrence of DGF after surgery (all P<0.05). Conclusions Prolonged the second warm ischemia time and the first warm ischemia time may increase the severity of surgical complications in recipients after living donor kidney transplantation. Long the first warm ischemia time and long dialysis time are independent risk factors for the occurrence of DGF after surgery.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma, Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Li LU ; Yichen YANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Hui CHANG ; Li AN ; Shibao WANG ; Cunde MA ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):218-247
This article systematically reviews and verifies the medicinal materials of Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma(DHR), Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma(DSR), Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma(SCR) and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR) from the aspects of name, origin, producing area, quality, harvesting, processing and efficacy by consulting historical literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing the four medicinal materials. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR have a long history of application as medicinal materials. However, due to their similar growth environment and medicinal properties, as well as their functions of promoting dampness, dispelling wind and removing numbness, there have been instances of homonymous foreign objects and homonymous synonyms throughout history, resulting in confusion of the origin. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct comparative analysis and systematic research for clarifying the historical development and changes of the four, in order to provide a basis for safe and effective medication. According to research, Bixie was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing and has been historically known as Baizhi, Chijie, Zhumu, and other aliases. From ancient times to the mid-20th century, there has always been a situation where the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants and Smilax plants, and even the rhizomes of Heterosmilax plants, were mixed together to be used as medicinal herbs for Bixie. However, since the Tang dynasty, it has been clearly advocated that the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants have excellent quality and have been the mainstream throughout history. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorized it into two types of medicinal herbs(DHR and DSR). Among them, the origin of DHR is the dry rhizomes of Dioscorea hypoglauca, and the origins of DSR are the dry rhizomes of D. spongiosa and D. futschauensis. In ancient times, due to different types, the corresponding production areas of DHR and DSR were also different. Nowadays, They are mainly produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Since the Tang dynasty, the quality of Bixie has been characterized by its white color and soft nature. In modern times, it has been summarized that those with white color, large and thin pieces, powdery texture, tough and elastic texture, and neat and unbreakable are the best. The harvesting times of DHR and DSR are in spring or autumn, with the best quality harvested in autumn. The mainstream processing methods of them are slicing and then using the raw products or wine-processed products. SCR was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu and has been known as Jinganggen, Tielingjiao, Tieshuazi, and other aliases in history. The mainstream source is the dry rhizomes of Smilax china in the past dynasties, with the best quality being those that are tough and rich in powder. The harvesting time is from the late autumn to the following spring, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. SGR was first recorded under the item of Yuyuliang in Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It was listed as an independent medicinal material from Bencao Gangmu. In history, there were such aliases as Cao Yuyuliang, Lengfantuan, Xianyiliang, Tubixie, etc. The main source of the past dynasties was dry rhizomes of S. glabra. In history, there have also been instances of multiple plants belonging to the same genus, and even cases of mixing the rhizomes of plants in the genus Heterosmilax. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other regions, its quality has been summarized as large in size, powdery in texture, with few veins, and light brown in cross-section since modern times. The harvesting time is in spring or autumn, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR all have the effects of promoting dampness, dispelling wind, relieving rheumatism and detoxifying. However, their detoxification abilities are ranked as follows:SGR>SCR>Bixie(DHR and DSR). Especially for the treatment of limb spasms, arthralgia and myalgia, scrofula, and scabies caused by syphilis and mercury poisoning, SGR has a unique effect. Based on the research results, DHR is recommended to develop the famous classical formulas containing Bixie as the first choice for medicinal herbs. It should be harvested in autumn, sliced thinly while fresh, and processed according to the requirements of the famous classical formulas, without any requirements for raw use. Selecting the rhizomes of S. china, harvested in late autumn, and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, use it raw. Selecting the rhizomes of S. glabra, it is harvested in autumn and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, raw products can be used.
3.Natural product virtual-interact-phenotypic target characterization: A novel approach demonstrated with Salvia miltiorrhiza extract.
Rui XU ; Hengyuan YU ; Yichen WANG ; Boyu LI ; Yong CHEN ; Xuesong LIU ; Tengfei XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101101-101101
Natural products (NPs) have historically been a fundamental source for drug discovery. Yet the complex nature of NPs presents substantial challenges in pinpointing bioactive constituents, and corresponding targets. In the present study, an innovative natural product virtual screening-interaction-phenotype (NP-VIP) strategy that integrates virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics to identify and validate the bioactive targets of NPs. This approach reduces false positive results and enhances the efficiency of target identification. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), a herb with recognized therapeutic potential against ischemic stroke (IS), was used to illustrate the workflow. Utilizing virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics, potential therapeutic targets for SM in the IS treatment were identified, totaling 29, 100, and 78, respectively. Further analysis via the NP-VIP strategy highlighted five high-confidence targets, including poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), amyloid precursor protein (APP), glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL), and glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67). These targets were subsequently validated and found to play critical roles in the neuroprotective effects of SM. The study not only underscores the importance of SM in treating IS but also sets a precedent for NP research, proposing a comprehensive approach that could be adapted for broader pharmacological explorations.
4.Construction of a Diagnostic Model for Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes of Chronic Cough Based on the Voting Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithm
Yichen BAI ; Suyang QIN ; Chongyun ZHOU ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Panfei LI ; Tangming CUI ; Haiyan LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1119-1127
ObjectiveTo explore the construction of a machine learning model for the diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in chronic cough and the optimization of this model using the Voting ensemble algorithm. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical data from 921 patients with chronic cough treated at the Respiratory Department of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. After standardized processing, 84 clinical features were extracted to determine TCM syndrome types. A specialized dataset for TCM syndrome diagnosis in chronic cough was formed by selecting syndrome types with more than 50 cases. The synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) was employed to balance the dataset. Four base models, logistic regression (LR), decision tree (dt), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and Bagging, were constructed and integrated using a hard voting strategy to form a Voting ensemble model. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, recall, precision, F1-score, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the curve (AUC), and confusion matrix. ResultsAmong the 921 cases, six syndrome types had over 50 cases each, phlegm-heat obstructing the lung (294 cases), wind pathogen latent in the lung (103 cases), cold-phlegm obstructing the lung (102 cases), damp-heat stagnating in the lung (64 cases), lung yang deficiency (54 cases), and phlegm-damp obstructing the lung (53 cases), yielding a total of 670 cases in the specialized dataset. High-frequency symptoms among these patients included cough, expectoration, odor-induced cough, throat itchiness, itch-induced cough, and cough triggered by cold wind. Among the four base models, the MLP model showed the best diagnostic performance (test accuracy: 0.9104; AUC: 0.9828). Compared with the base models, the Voting ensemble model achieved superior performance with an accuracy of 0.9289 on the training set and 0.9253 on the test set, showing a minimal overfitting gap of 0.0036. It also achieved the highest AUC (0.9836) in the test set, outperforming all base models. The model exhi-bited especially strong diagnostic performance for damp-heat stagnating in the lung (AUC: 0.9984) and wind pathogen latent in the lung (AUC: 0.9970). ConclusionThe Voting ensemble algorithm effectively integrates the strengths of multiple machine learning models, resulting in an optimized diagnostic model for TCM syndromes in chronic cough with high accuracy and enhanced generalization ability.
5.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.
6.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
8.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
9.Global burden of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: A systematic analysis of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Yichen WANG ; Xiaoquan HUANG ; Sitao YE ; Tian LI ; Yuting HUANG ; Mahesh CHERYALA ; Shiyao CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2947-2954
BACKGROUND:
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common liver disease and may become the leading cause of severe liver disease in the future. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study assesses MAFLD's impact in countries and regions worldwide, providing insights into its prevalence.
METHODS:
Prevalence data for MAFLD from 1990 to 2021 by country and region in all sex and age groups were collected from the Global Health Data Exchange. The categorization of countries and geographic areas by development was performed using the Sociodemographic Index (SDI).
RESULTS:
Between 1990 and 2021, the global crude prevalence rate of MAFLD increased from 10.6% to 16.1% (beta-coefficient: 0.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2-0.2%, P <0.001), and the age-standardized prevalence rate was increased from 12.1% to 15.0% (beta-coefficient: 0.1%, 95% CI: 0.1-0.1%, P <0.001). In 2021, MAFLD was estimated to have affected 1.3 billion people worldwide. Significant uptrends were observed in all regions, super regions, and SDI categories. The fastest increase from 1990 to 2021 and the highest prevalence rate in 2021 were experienced by countries and territories with high-middle and middle SDI. An increase in the prevalence of MAFLD from 1990 to 2021 was demonstrated in all but six countries.
CONCLUSIONS
In 2021, the number of patients affected by MAFLD was doubled compared to 1990, and the prevalence rate increased by over 50%. The burden of MAFLD, as measured by prevalence, was more prominent in countries and territories with middle SDI and in those located in North African and Middle Eastern, possibly due to changes in lifestyle in these areas over the past 30 years.
Humans
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Prevalence
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Global Health
;
Fatty Liver/epidemiology*
;
Aged
10.Association between Y Chromosome microdeletions and tes-ticular development in male pediatric patients with congenital reproductive system abnormalities.
Yan LIANG ; Yiqing LYU ; Yichen HUANG ; Pin LI ; Wuhen XU ; Fang CHEN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;():1-9
OBJECTIVES:
To analyze the distribution of Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions and their association with testicular development in male pediatric patients with congenital reproductive system disorders, including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and disorders of sex development (DSD).
METHODS:
A prospective cohort study was conducted on pediatric patients admitted to the Department of Urology of Shanghai Children's Hospital from November 2021 to December 2023. The observation group included boys with hypospadias, cryptorchidism, or DSD, while the control group comprised boys with phimosis, indirect inguinal hernia, or hydrocele. Blood samples were collected for AZF microdeletion analysis using multiplex PCR to detect 15 sequence-tagged sites. Testicular ultrasound was performed to record testicular position and volume. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the groups. After matching, testicular volume differences were assessed. Stratified analyses compared testicular volume among children with AZF microdeletions, the control group, and children without micro-deletions in observation group.
RESULTS:
A total of 493 children were enrolled (observation group: 463; control group: 30). No Y chromosome microdeletions were detected in the control group. Four boys in the observation group had AZF microdeletions: one with cryptorchidism (AZFc+AZFd), one with isolated hypospadias (AZFc), and two with DSD (one with AZFb+AZFc+AZFd and one with AZFa). Ultrasonography measured 888 testicles. After PSM, testicular volume was significantly smaller in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). Stratified analysis revealed that among children under 9 years, those with AZF microdeletions tended to be older but had smaller testicular volumes compared to the control group and those without microdeletions in the observation group, although differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Among children over 9 years, ages were comparable, but children with AZF microdeletions had smaller testicular volumes than the other two groups (statistical analysis was not performed due to small sample size).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of Y chromosome microdeletions is higher in male children with congenital reproductive system disorders compared to the general population, particularly in those with DSD. Hypospadias, cryptorchidism, DSD, and AZF microdeletions may be associated with delayed testicular development in these children.

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