1.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying Therapy in Treating Panvascular Disease Through "Immune-metabolic-genetic" Axis
Xuan SUN ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):1-11
Pan vascular disease (PVD) is a systemic vascular disorder that has become the leading cause of death among the Chinese residents, and there is currently a lack of effective systemic treatment options. Clinical practice has found that the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method of kidney tonification can effectively intervene in PVD and target key pathological mechanisms of PVD recognized in Western medicine. Accordingly, this paper conducts research from the following three aspects: First, it clarifies that immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and genetic susceptibility constitute the core pathological mechanisms of PVD in Western medicine. Typical pathological manifestations include progressive vascular endothelial injury, lipid deposition, and plaque formation, ultimately leading to multi-organ damage and dysfunction. PVD activates pathways such as the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, triggering immune dysregulation; it also induces disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism, water-salt metabolism, and hormonal metabolism, synergizing with genetic susceptibility factors (e.g., apolipoprotein E gene) to accelerate vascular homeostasis imbalance. Second, this study analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the TCM theory of "kidney deficiency" and the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis, revealing the theoretical basis for kidney tonification in intervening PVD. The kidney stores essence, governs bones, and produces marrow, which is related to the generation and differentiation of immune cells. It regulates Qi transformation and governs water, overseeing material and energy metabolism. The kidney is the root of congenital essence and governs reproduction, closely related to genetic mechanisms. Third, by integrating modern clinical research, this study elaborates on the unique advantages and clinical value of kidney tonification in targeting the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis of heart, brain, and kidney organs. Traditional kidney-tonifying formulas and their active ingredients improve immune-inflammatory responses, enhance material and energy metabolism homeostasis, and modulate epigenetic pathways through multiple pathways, targeting various pathways to intervene in PVD. This study systematically elucidates the scientific connotation of kidney tonification in treating PVD, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for integrated TCM-Western medicine approaches and contributing to innovation and improvement in diagnostic and treatment strategies for PVD.
2.Pharmacological Effect and Preparation Development of Geniposide: A Review
Yongmei GUAN ; Yidan LIU ; Hua ZHANG ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Zhenzhong ZANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):317-326
Geniposide, the primary active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Gardeniae Fructus, is a water-soluble iridoid glycoside. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that geniposide exhibits various biological activities, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, antidepressant effects, and inhibitory activity against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recent research has revealed its promising potential in preventing and treating diseases such as atherosclerosis and osteoporosis, indicating broad application prospects. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of geniposide are primarily associated with the inhibition of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, improvement of lipid metabolism, and regulation of apoptosis. However, due to its high water solubility and rapid metabolism in vivo, geniposide suffers from low oral bioavailability, which limits its therapeutic efficacy and clinical application. In recent years, various formulations, such as creams, cubic liquid crystals, hydrogels, and liposomes, have been developed to address its bioavailability issues. This article reviewed the latest research progress on the pharmacological activities and formulation development of geniposide by analyzing domestic and international literature from the past decade, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for further research, development, and utilization of geniposide and its formulations.
3.Abemaciclib plus non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant in women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer: Final results of the randomized phase III MONARCH plus trial.
Xichun HU ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Tao SUN ; Yongmei YIN ; Huiping LI ; Min YAN ; Zhongsheng TONG ; Man LI ; Yue'e TENG ; Christina Pimentel OPPERMANN ; Govind Babu KANAKASETTY ; Ma Coccia PORTUGAL ; Liu YANG ; Wanli ZHANG ; Zefei JIANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1477-1486
BACKGROUND:
In the interim analysis of MONARCH plus, adding abemaciclib to endocrine therapy (ET) improved progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) in predominantly Chinese postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC). This study presents the final pre-planned PFS analysis.
METHODS:
In the phase III MONARCH plus study, postmenopausal women in China, India, Brazil, and South Africa with HR+/HER2- ABC without prior systemic therapy in an advanced setting (cohort A) or progression on prior ET (cohort B) were randomized (2:1) to abemaciclib (150 mg twice daily [BID]) or placebo plus: anastrozole (1.0 mg/day) or letrozole (2.5 mg/day) (cohort A) or fulvestrant (500 mg on days 1 and 15 of cycle 1 and then on day 1 of each subsequent cycle) (cohort B). The primary endpoint was PFS of cohort A. Secondary endpoints included cohort B PFS (key secondary endpoint), ORR, overall survival (OS), safety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
RESULTS:
In cohort A (abemaciclib: n = 207; placebo: n = 99), abemaciclib plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor improved median PFS vs . placebo (28.27 months vs . 14.73 months, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.476; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.348-0.649). In cohort B (abemaciclib: n = 104; placebo: n = 53), abemaciclib plus fulvestrant improved median PFS vs . placebo (11.41 months vs . 5.59 months, HR: 0.480; 95% CI: 0.322-0.715). Abemaciclib numerically improved ORR. Although immature, a trend toward OS benefit with abemaciclib was observed (cohort A: HR: 0.893, 95% CI: 0.553-1.443; cohort B: HR: 0.512, 95% CI: 0.281-0.931). The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events in the abemaciclib arms were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia (both cohorts), and lymphocytopenia (cohort B). Abemaciclib did not cause clinically meaningful changes in patient-reported global health, functioning, or most symptoms vs . placebo.
CONCLUSIONS:
Abemaciclib plus ET led to improvements in PFS and ORR, a manageable safety profile, and sustained HRQoL, providing clinical benefit without a high toxicity burden or reduced quality of life.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02763566).
Humans
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Female
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Fulvestrant/therapeutic use*
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Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Aminopyridines/therapeutic use*
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Benzimidazoles/therapeutic use*
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Middle Aged
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Aromatase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
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Aged
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Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism*
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Adult
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Letrozole/therapeutic use*
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
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Anastrozole/therapeutic use*
4.Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Juan XIA ; Xiaoan TAO ; Qinchao HU ; Wei LUO ; Xiuzhen TONG ; Gang ZHOU ; Hongmei ZHOU ; Hong HUA ; Guoyao TANG ; Tong WU ; Qianming CHEN ; Yuan FAN ; Xiaobing GUAN ; Hongwei LIU ; Chaosu HU ; Yongmei ZHOU ; Xuemin SHEN ; Lan WU ; Xin ZENG ; Qing LIU ; Renchuan TAO ; Yuan HE ; Yang CAI ; Wenmei WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Yingfang WU ; Minhai NIE ; Xin JIN ; Xiufeng WEI ; Yongzhan NIE ; Changqing YUAN ; Bin CHENG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):54-54
Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans
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Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects*
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Consensus
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Risk Factors
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Stomatitis/etiology*
5.Nigella sativa L. seed extract alleviates oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes.
Ben NIU ; Xiaohong AN ; Yongmei CHEN ; Ting HE ; Xiao ZHAN ; Xiuqi ZHU ; Fengfeng PING ; Wei ZHANG ; Jia ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(2):203-213
Nigella sativa L. seeds have been traditionally utilized in Chinese folk medicine for centuries to treat vitiligo. This study revealed that the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa L. (HZC) enhances melanogenesis and mitigates oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes. In accordance with established protocols, the ethanol fraction from Nigella sativa L. seeds was extracted, concentrated, and lyophilized to evaluate its herbal effects via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, tyrosinase activity evaluation, measurement of cellular melanin contents, scratch assays, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis for expression profiling of experimentally relevant proteins. The results indicated that HZC significantly enhanced tyrosinase activity and melanin content while notably increasing the protein expression levels of Tyr, Mitf, and gp100 in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, HZC effectively mitigated oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence, improved melanocyte condition, and rectified various functional impairments associated with melanocyte dysfunction. These findings suggest that HZC increases melanin synthesis in melanocytes through the activation of the MAPK, PKA, and Wnt signaling pathways. In addition, HZC attenuates oxidative damage induced by H2O2 therapy by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway and enhancing the activity of downstream antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing premature senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Melanocytes/cytology*
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Cellular Senescence/drug effects*
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Nigella sativa/chemistry*
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Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
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Seeds/chemistry*
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Mice
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Animals
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Melanins/metabolism*
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Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism*
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Humans
6.Study on the ADC value of deep gray matter nuclei in patients with Parkinson's disease by RESOLVE DWI
Lishu ZHU ; Xinyou LI ; Bin YU ; Yunfeng LU ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Yongmei LI ; Fajin LYU ; Silin DU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(4):915-920
Objective Readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains diffusion weighted imaging(RESOLVE DWI)was used to analyze the difference of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value in deep cerebral nucleus and its correlation with clinical characteristics in patients with Parkinson's disease(PD).Methods Clinical data of 60 patients with PD were retrospectively analyzed as PD group,and were divided in-to the tremor group(n=30)and the bradykinesia group(n=30)according to symptom type,middle-aged(≤65 years old)group(n=23)and elderly(>65 years old)group(n=37)according to age,and 60 healthy vol-unteers were selected as the control group during the same period.ADC values were measured on the ADC map of RESOLVE DWI sequence,and the ADC values of bilateral putamen,pallidus,substantia nigra,rubra,and dentate nucleus were analyzed and their correlation with UPDRS-Ⅲ score and H&Y grading.Results Compared with the control group,the ADC values of both putamen,globus pallidus,globus pallidus,red nucleus,right substantia nigra and right dentate nucleus were increased in the PD group,the ADC values of both putamen,globus pallidus,red nucleus and right substantia nigra in the tremor group were increased,and the ADC values of right putamen,globus pallidus and bilateral red nucleus in the bradykinesia group were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the bradykinesia group,the values of ADC in the tremor group were similar.Compared with the middle-aged group,the ADC values of right putamen,bilateral globus pallidus,left substantia nigra and left red nucleus were higher in the elderly group(P<0.05).In the PD group,the ADC values of the right putamen,globus pallidus,and dentate nucleus were positively correlated with H&Y grade and UPDRS-Ⅲscore,and the ADC value of the left putamen was positively correlated with H&Y grade.Conclusion RE-SOLVE DWI can be used to evaluate the differences in deep gray matter nuclei in PD patients,and its ADC value may be used to evaluate and predict the severity of nuclear mass damage and motor symptoms in PD pa-tients.
7.Discussion on the correlation between the systolic blood pressure circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability and the left ventricular blood ejection among 178 patients with hypertension
Jia ZHANG ; Xueqin LU ; Linlin LIU ; Wen ZHANG ; Guangzhao LI ; Jiadong PANG ; Yongming LIU ; Cheng LU ; Yongmei JIN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(1):23-28
Objective:To discuss the relationship between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability (BPV) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among 178 patients with hypertension.Methods:This article was a retrospective study. Totally 178 patients with hypertension from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected based on incorporated basis. 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography examination were performed. Data such as patients' SBP circadian rhythm, BPV, heart ultrasound heart dynamic maps were collected, and the relationship between SBP circadian rhythm and BPV and their LVEF was explored.Results:Among the 178 patients, the decreased proportion of SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of existed SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of inverted SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm; patients with disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm were the youngest (63.8 ± 14.5) years old, and patients with inverted SBP circadian rhythm were the oldest (71.5 ± 9.4) years old ( P<0.05); the 24-hour systolic blood pressure standard deviation of SBP circadian rhythm was observed in patients with (13.1 ± 2.8) mmHg
8.Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Chinese Medicine Sequential Therapy Combined with Clomiphene in the Treatment of Ovulatory Disorder Infertility
Jiahui LI ; Huaying ZHENG ; Yujuan ZHANG ; Yongmei HAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(4):871-877
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine sequential therapy combined with Clomiphene in the treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility(ODI),and to observe the effects of the combined therapy on the endometrial thickness,ovarian diameter,ovulation rate and pregnancy rate of the patients.Methods A total of 120 patients with ODI admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the 7th People's Hospital of Zhengzhou from July 2021 to August 2023 were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group,with 60 patients in each group.The two groups were treated with Clomiphene,and additionally the observation group was treated with Chinese medicine sequential therapy of"nourishing yin and enriching blood,warming kidney to resolve phlegm and unblock collaterals,and tonifying kidney and strengthening spleen"in accordance with the menstrual cycle.Three menstrual cycles constituted a course of treatment.Before and after treatment,the changes in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores of the two groups were observed.After treatment for three menstrual cycles,the clinical efficacy,endometrial thickness,follicle diameter,ovulation rate,pregnancy rate,incidence of biphasic basal body temperature(BBT),and the incidence of adverse reactions after in the two groups were compared.Results(1)After three menstrual cycles of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 96.67%(58/60)and that of the control group was 83.33%(50/60),and the comparison between the two groups showed that the efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(x2=5.926,P<0.05).(2)After three menstrual cycles of treatment,the TCM scores of patients in both groups were decreased significantly compared with those before treatment(P<0.01),and the decrease of the scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.01).(3)After three menstrual cycles of treatment,the follicle diameter of the observation group was longer than that of the control group,and the incidence of biphasic BBT[60.00%(36/60)],ovulation rate[63.33%(38/60)],and pregnancy rate[25.00%(15/60)]were higher than those of the control group,which were 31.67%(19/60),41.67%(25/60),and 10.00%(6/60),respectively.The differences of the above four indicators between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).However,the differences of endometrial thickness and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Chinese medicine sequential therapy combined with Clomiphene exerts certain efficacy in treating patients with ODI,which can effectively relieve clinical symptoms,improve the BBT conditions,enhance the ovulation rate and pregnancy rate,with high safety.
9.Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction Combined with Tirofiban on Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism and Neurological Function in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Junhua LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yongmei XIA ; Lei LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1589-1596
Objective To observe the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with Tirofiban on cerebral oxygen metabolism and neurological function in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 110 patients with ischemic stroke of qi deficiency and blood stasis type who were treated at Rizhao Central Hospital from October 2022 to October 2024 were selected.The patients were randomly divided into a control group and a combined group using a random number table,with 55 patients in each group.The control group received intravenous infusion of Tirofiban,while the combined group was given additional Buyang Huanwu Decoction orally on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment for both groups covered 2 weeks.Before and after treatment,the changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores,oxidative stress response,neurological function,platelet function,and indicators associated with cerebral oxygen metabolism in both groups were observed.Results(1)After treatment,the scores of TCM syndromes of sudden dizziness,hemiplegia,shortness of breath and fatigue,and pale and dull complexion were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the combined group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the levels of serum oxidative stress response indicators of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were increased(P<0.05),while the levels of serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were decreased(P<0.05)in both groups compared with those before treatment.The combined group showed more significant increase in serum GSH-Px and SOD levels and more significant decrease in serum ox-LDL and MDA levels than the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the platelet function indicators of platelet aggregation rate and platelet adhesion rate were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the combined group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,arterial oxygen content(CaO2)was increased(P<0.05),while the levels of cerebral oxygen extraction rate(ERO2),and cerebral arteriovenous oxygen content difference[D(a-jv)O2]were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the changes of the levels in the combined group were more obvious than those in the control group(P<0.01).(5)Ater treatment,the neurological function indicators of NIHSS scores and serum neuron-specific enolase(NSE)level were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),while the levels of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and nerve growth factor(NGF)were increased(P<0.05).The combined group showed significant decrease in NIHSS scores and serum NSE level and significant increase in serum BDNF and NGF levels compared to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion For the treatment of patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type of ischemic stroke,Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with Tirofiban is effective on reducing TCM syndrome scores,improving cerebral oxygen metabolism and neurological function indicators,and inhibiting oxidative stress response,with significant therapeutic effects.
10.Epidemiology and influencing factors of skin complications at the puncture site following femoral artery compression in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE
Xuemin JING ; Ruiying MA ; Lili ZHANG ; Huijuan GE ; Yongmei WANG ; Xiuya XING ; Xia JING ; Li ZHOU ; Cailian WANG ; Wanmiao GUI ; Jingjie REN
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(8):894-899
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of Femoral Artery Compression-Related Skin Complications Around the Puncture Site(FACR-SCAPS)in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)undergoing transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling.A total of 1 573 HCC patients who underwent TACE between April 2023 and October 2024 were recruited from interventional radiology departments,oncology units,and specialized centers across 10 hospitals in Beijing,Tianjin,Shandong,Hebei,Qinghai,and Inner Mongolia.Descriptive statistics,univariate analysis,and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of FACR-SCAPS in this population.Results Among the 1 573 primary HCC patients undergoing TACE interventional therapy,FACR-SCAPS occurred in 28.99%(456/1 573),with a total of 476 complication instances recorded(30.26 per 100 patients).Patients with a single complication accounted for 96.93%,whereas those with multiple complications constituted 3.07%.The most prevalent types of complications were skin erythema,skin ecchymosis,and hard lumps formation,collectively accounting for 96.49%of all complications.Hematoma,blisters,and rupture complications collectively accounted for only 4.61%.Logistic regression analysis revealed that peak diastolic blood pressure during compression(OR=1.024,95%CI:1.013-1.035,P<0.001),use of rotary compression hemostasis devices(OR=3.220,95%CI:2.120-4.891,P<0.001),elevated PT-INR(OR=19.630,95%CI:6.039-63.810,P<0.001),and anticoagulant use within the last three months(OR=1.909,95%CI:1.064-3.427,P=0.030)were significant influencing factors associated with FACR-SCAPS post-TACE.Conclusion FACR-SCAPS is commonly seen among primary HCC patients after TACE,its risk factors include peak diastolic blood pressure during compression,use of rotary compression devices,elevated PT-INR,and recent anticoagulant use.

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