1.Analysis of etiological composition and clinical characteristics in 960 cases of unexplained liver disease diagnosed by liver biopsy
Zhicong LONG ; Shuang LIU ; Guanzi CHEN ; Yusheng JIE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1627-1631
Objective To investigate the composition ratios and trends of different etiologies after liver biopsy for patients with unexplained liver diseases.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the etiology of 960 patients with unexplained liver diseases who were hospitalized and underwent liver biopsy in The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2011 to December 2020,and the etiologies were categorized by year and age group.The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between multiple groups,and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups.Results There was a tendency of increase in the overall composition ratio of unexplained liver diseases over the past decade.The leading diagnosis after liver biopsy was autoimmune liver disease(AILD)in 306 patients(31.9%),followed by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in 95 patients(9.9%)and drug-induced liver disease(DILI)in 82 patients(8.5%),and there were still 320 patients with undetermined causes(33.3%).There were significant differences in sex ratio and median age distribution between the patients with different etiologies(sex ratio:χ2=155.36,P<0.001;median age distribution:H=182.48,P<0.001).AILD had been the leading etiology in 2011-2020,and there was a tendency of reduction in the composition ratio of AILD(χ2=24.40,P<0.001).NAFLD accounted for the highest proportion of 17.6%in the adolescent stage,while AILD accounted for the highest proportion of 17.8%,47.3%,and 56.3%,respectively,in the young,middle-aged,and elderly stages.Conclusion There is a tendency of increase in the composition ratio of unexplained liver diseases in patients undergoing liver biopsy,with AILD being the main disease diagnosed after liver biopsy,followed by NAFLD and DILI,but one-third of the patients still have an unclear etiological diagnosis.
2.Analysis of etiological composition and clinical characteristics in 960 cases of unexplained liver disease diagnosed by liver biopsy
Zhicong LONG ; Shuang LIU ; Guanzi CHEN ; Yusheng JIE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1627-1631
Objective To investigate the composition ratios and trends of different etiologies after liver biopsy for patients with unexplained liver diseases.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the etiology of 960 patients with unexplained liver diseases who were hospitalized and underwent liver biopsy in The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2011 to December 2020,and the etiologies were categorized by year and age group.The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between multiple groups,and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups.Results There was a tendency of increase in the overall composition ratio of unexplained liver diseases over the past decade.The leading diagnosis after liver biopsy was autoimmune liver disease(AILD)in 306 patients(31.9%),followed by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in 95 patients(9.9%)and drug-induced liver disease(DILI)in 82 patients(8.5%),and there were still 320 patients with undetermined causes(33.3%).There were significant differences in sex ratio and median age distribution between the patients with different etiologies(sex ratio:χ2=155.36,P<0.001;median age distribution:H=182.48,P<0.001).AILD had been the leading etiology in 2011-2020,and there was a tendency of reduction in the composition ratio of AILD(χ2=24.40,P<0.001).NAFLD accounted for the highest proportion of 17.6%in the adolescent stage,while AILD accounted for the highest proportion of 17.8%,47.3%,and 56.3%,respectively,in the young,middle-aged,and elderly stages.Conclusion There is a tendency of increase in the composition ratio of unexplained liver diseases in patients undergoing liver biopsy,with AILD being the main disease diagnosed after liver biopsy,followed by NAFLD and DILI,but one-third of the patients still have an unclear etiological diagnosis.
3.A qualitative study on digital-intelligent equipment empowering"generalized"development of traditional Chinese medicine inspection
Chen ZHAO ; Aomeng ZHANG ; Zehui YE ; Jiaying LUO ; Qiang SHI ; Ying YU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yin JIANG ; Zhicong ZENG ; Fengxia LIN ; Yinghui JIN ; Xue XU ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Liangzhen YOU ; Yipin FAN ; Dameng YU ; Shaoyang MEN ; Jian DU ; Rui XU ; Ruijin QIU ; Yingjie ZHI ; Zhineng CHEN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Hongcai SHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1052-1061
Objective This study investigated feasible cases and their significance in promoting the"generalized"development of inspection through digital-intelligent equipment.Methods A qualitative research approach was used,involving interviews conducted between February 2025 and March 2025 with experts in traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics,clinical research methodology,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines,using both online and offline methods.In accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research,feasible cases involving the specific application of digital equipment in various parts of observation were collected through item enrichment.The significance of extending observation capabilities via these cases was analyzed,along with the overall implications of integrating digital technologies with traditional inspection method.Results Interviews were completed with 11 experts from domestic universities and research institutes in the fields of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines.A total of 78 feasible cases of digital-intelligent inspection were identified,along with 69 insights regarding the significance of enhancing the inspection capabilities.These insights were synthesized into two dimensions and 23 holistic meanings.The first dimension is to expand the scope of inspection,including obtaining internal environmental characteristics,observing external environmental characteristics,expanding thermodynamic characteristic data,and crossing time and space.The second dimension is to improve the quality of observation and diagnosis information collection and analysis,including 19 specific meanings,such as standardized collection environment,objective quantification,and refined observation.Conclusion Digital-intelligent equipment plays a significant role in expanding the scope of inspection content and achieving high-quality acquisition and analysis of extensive inspection information.These advancements extend and enrich the capabilities of traditional inspection method in traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Research advances on the role of bile acids in testicular spermatogenic function
Shuyan CHEN ; Zhicong CHEN ; Geng AN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):663-671
Bile acids (BAs), as critical signaling molecules, dynamically regulate testicular function through the BA-testis axis. This review focuses on the intricate relationship between BAs homeostasis and testicular spermatogenesis and endocrine function, revealing the dual roles of BAs and their receptors in male reproductive health: toxic BAs (such as cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid) inhibit testosterone synthesis and disrupt blood-testis barrier integrity via activating FXRα/TGR5 signaling pathways, whereas beneficial BAs [such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid] exert protective effects by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, exerting antioxidant effects, and maintaining cell membrane stability. This review comprehensively analyzes the regulatory network of the BA-testis axis in male reproductive health, discusses the limitation of the lack of human data in current research, and further proposes the potential diagnostic value of BAs profiling, as well as the translational potential of UDCA and its derivatives in clinical interventions.
5.Research advances on the role of bile acids in testicular spermatogenic function
Shuyan CHEN ; Zhicong CHEN ; Geng AN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(7):663-671
Bile acids (BAs), as critical signaling molecules, dynamically regulate testicular function through the BA-testis axis. This review focuses on the intricate relationship between BAs homeostasis and testicular spermatogenesis and endocrine function, revealing the dual roles of BAs and their receptors in male reproductive health: toxic BAs (such as cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid) inhibit testosterone synthesis and disrupt blood-testis barrier integrity via activating FXRα/TGR5 signaling pathways, whereas beneficial BAs [such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid] exert protective effects by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, exerting antioxidant effects, and maintaining cell membrane stability. This review comprehensively analyzes the regulatory network of the BA-testis axis in male reproductive health, discusses the limitation of the lack of human data in current research, and further proposes the potential diagnostic value of BAs profiling, as well as the translational potential of UDCA and its derivatives in clinical interventions.
6.A qualitative study on digital-intelligent equipment empowering"generalized"development of traditional Chinese medicine inspection
Chen ZHAO ; Aomeng ZHANG ; Zehui YE ; Jiaying LUO ; Qiang SHI ; Ying YU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yin JIANG ; Zhicong ZENG ; Fengxia LIN ; Yinghui JIN ; Xue XU ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Liangzhen YOU ; Yipin FAN ; Dameng YU ; Shaoyang MEN ; Jian DU ; Rui XU ; Ruijin QIU ; Yingjie ZHI ; Zhineng CHEN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Hongcai SHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1052-1061
Objective This study investigated feasible cases and their significance in promoting the"generalized"development of inspection through digital-intelligent equipment.Methods A qualitative research approach was used,involving interviews conducted between February 2025 and March 2025 with experts in traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics,clinical research methodology,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines,using both online and offline methods.In accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research,feasible cases involving the specific application of digital equipment in various parts of observation were collected through item enrichment.The significance of extending observation capabilities via these cases was analyzed,along with the overall implications of integrating digital technologies with traditional inspection method.Results Interviews were completed with 11 experts from domestic universities and research institutes in the fields of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines.A total of 78 feasible cases of digital-intelligent inspection were identified,along with 69 insights regarding the significance of enhancing the inspection capabilities.These insights were synthesized into two dimensions and 23 holistic meanings.The first dimension is to expand the scope of inspection,including obtaining internal environmental characteristics,observing external environmental characteristics,expanding thermodynamic characteristic data,and crossing time and space.The second dimension is to improve the quality of observation and diagnosis information collection and analysis,including 19 specific meanings,such as standardized collection environment,objective quantification,and refined observation.Conclusion Digital-intelligent equipment plays a significant role in expanding the scope of inspection content and achieving high-quality acquisition and analysis of extensive inspection information.These advancements extend and enrich the capabilities of traditional inspection method in traditional Chinese medicine.
7.Feasibility of Using Serum, Plasma, and Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine as Peripheral Biomarker for the Depression Diagnosis and Response Evaluation to Antidepressants: Animal Experimental Study
Zuanjun SU ; Zhicong CHEN ; Jinming CAO ; Canye LI ; Jingjing DUAN ; Ting ZHOU ; Zhen YANG ; Yuanchi CHENG ; Zhijun XIAO ; Feng XU
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2024;22(4):594-609
Objective:
Whether peripheral blood 5-hydroxytrptamine (5-HT) levels serve as biomarker for depression diagnosis/response evaluation has not been well determined. This work was explored to address this inconclusive issue.
Methods:
Animals were randomized into normal control group (NC, n = 10) and chronic unpredictable mild stress model group (CUMS-model, n = 20), respectively. Animals in CUMS-model group were subjected to chronic stress, then they were randomly subdivided into CUMS subgroup and CUMS + fluoxetine subgroup (CUMS + FLX). After FLX treatment, blood and tissues were collected. 5-HT and relevant protein expression were measured.
Results:
In mice model, there was a significant increase in serum and a significant reduction in plasma 5-HT levels in CUMS-model group versus NC group, while platelet 5-HT levels change little. After FLX treatment, serum and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup, while plasma 5-HT levels had not much change versus CUMS subgroup. Chronic stress enhanced colon and platelet serotonin transporter (SERT) expression and FLX treatment mitigated SERT expression. In rats’ model, there was a significant increase in serum 5-HT levels while plasma and platelet 5-HT levels showed little change in CUMS group versus NC group. After FLX treatment, serum, plasma and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup versus CUMS subgroup. The profile of relevant proteins expression changed by FLX were like those in mice.
Conclusion
Serum 5-HT levels might serve as a potential biomarker for depression diagnosis, meanwhile serum and platelet 5-HT levels might respond to antidepressant treatment.
8.Feasibility of Using Serum, Plasma, and Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine as Peripheral Biomarker for the Depression Diagnosis and Response Evaluation to Antidepressants: Animal Experimental Study
Zuanjun SU ; Zhicong CHEN ; Jinming CAO ; Canye LI ; Jingjing DUAN ; Ting ZHOU ; Zhen YANG ; Yuanchi CHENG ; Zhijun XIAO ; Feng XU
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2024;22(4):594-609
Objective:
Whether peripheral blood 5-hydroxytrptamine (5-HT) levels serve as biomarker for depression diagnosis/response evaluation has not been well determined. This work was explored to address this inconclusive issue.
Methods:
Animals were randomized into normal control group (NC, n = 10) and chronic unpredictable mild stress model group (CUMS-model, n = 20), respectively. Animals in CUMS-model group were subjected to chronic stress, then they were randomly subdivided into CUMS subgroup and CUMS + fluoxetine subgroup (CUMS + FLX). After FLX treatment, blood and tissues were collected. 5-HT and relevant protein expression were measured.
Results:
In mice model, there was a significant increase in serum and a significant reduction in plasma 5-HT levels in CUMS-model group versus NC group, while platelet 5-HT levels change little. After FLX treatment, serum and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup, while plasma 5-HT levels had not much change versus CUMS subgroup. Chronic stress enhanced colon and platelet serotonin transporter (SERT) expression and FLX treatment mitigated SERT expression. In rats’ model, there was a significant increase in serum 5-HT levels while plasma and platelet 5-HT levels showed little change in CUMS group versus NC group. After FLX treatment, serum, plasma and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup versus CUMS subgroup. The profile of relevant proteins expression changed by FLX were like those in mice.
Conclusion
Serum 5-HT levels might serve as a potential biomarker for depression diagnosis, meanwhile serum and platelet 5-HT levels might respond to antidepressant treatment.
9.Feasibility of Using Serum, Plasma, and Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine as Peripheral Biomarker for the Depression Diagnosis and Response Evaluation to Antidepressants: Animal Experimental Study
Zuanjun SU ; Zhicong CHEN ; Jinming CAO ; Canye LI ; Jingjing DUAN ; Ting ZHOU ; Zhen YANG ; Yuanchi CHENG ; Zhijun XIAO ; Feng XU
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2024;22(4):594-609
Objective:
Whether peripheral blood 5-hydroxytrptamine (5-HT) levels serve as biomarker for depression diagnosis/response evaluation has not been well determined. This work was explored to address this inconclusive issue.
Methods:
Animals were randomized into normal control group (NC, n = 10) and chronic unpredictable mild stress model group (CUMS-model, n = 20), respectively. Animals in CUMS-model group were subjected to chronic stress, then they were randomly subdivided into CUMS subgroup and CUMS + fluoxetine subgroup (CUMS + FLX). After FLX treatment, blood and tissues were collected. 5-HT and relevant protein expression were measured.
Results:
In mice model, there was a significant increase in serum and a significant reduction in plasma 5-HT levels in CUMS-model group versus NC group, while platelet 5-HT levels change little. After FLX treatment, serum and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup, while plasma 5-HT levels had not much change versus CUMS subgroup. Chronic stress enhanced colon and platelet serotonin transporter (SERT) expression and FLX treatment mitigated SERT expression. In rats’ model, there was a significant increase in serum 5-HT levels while plasma and platelet 5-HT levels showed little change in CUMS group versus NC group. After FLX treatment, serum, plasma and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup versus CUMS subgroup. The profile of relevant proteins expression changed by FLX were like those in mice.
Conclusion
Serum 5-HT levels might serve as a potential biomarker for depression diagnosis, meanwhile serum and platelet 5-HT levels might respond to antidepressant treatment.
10.Feasibility of Using Serum, Plasma, and Platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine as Peripheral Biomarker for the Depression Diagnosis and Response Evaluation to Antidepressants: Animal Experimental Study
Zuanjun SU ; Zhicong CHEN ; Jinming CAO ; Canye LI ; Jingjing DUAN ; Ting ZHOU ; Zhen YANG ; Yuanchi CHENG ; Zhijun XIAO ; Feng XU
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2024;22(4):594-609
Objective:
Whether peripheral blood 5-hydroxytrptamine (5-HT) levels serve as biomarker for depression diagnosis/response evaluation has not been well determined. This work was explored to address this inconclusive issue.
Methods:
Animals were randomized into normal control group (NC, n = 10) and chronic unpredictable mild stress model group (CUMS-model, n = 20), respectively. Animals in CUMS-model group were subjected to chronic stress, then they were randomly subdivided into CUMS subgroup and CUMS + fluoxetine subgroup (CUMS + FLX). After FLX treatment, blood and tissues were collected. 5-HT and relevant protein expression were measured.
Results:
In mice model, there was a significant increase in serum and a significant reduction in plasma 5-HT levels in CUMS-model group versus NC group, while platelet 5-HT levels change little. After FLX treatment, serum and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup, while plasma 5-HT levels had not much change versus CUMS subgroup. Chronic stress enhanced colon and platelet serotonin transporter (SERT) expression and FLX treatment mitigated SERT expression. In rats’ model, there was a significant increase in serum 5-HT levels while plasma and platelet 5-HT levels showed little change in CUMS group versus NC group. After FLX treatment, serum, plasma and platelet 5-HT levels were significantly decreased in CUMS + FLX subgroup versus CUMS subgroup. The profile of relevant proteins expression changed by FLX were like those in mice.
Conclusion
Serum 5-HT levels might serve as a potential biomarker for depression diagnosis, meanwhile serum and platelet 5-HT levels might respond to antidepressant treatment.

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