1.Natural control and clearance of hepatitis B virus infection
Jianyu YE ; Bing WANG ; Leyan GU ; Yingting FAN ; Jieliang CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):7-13
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a unique hepatotropic DNA virus that forms covalently closed circular DNA within the nucleus of hepatocytes and can partially integrate into the host genome, establishing the molecular basis for persistent viral infection. HBV infection and replication depends on multiple hepatocyte-enriched host factors and is modulated by the hepatic microenvironment. The host achieves natural control and clearance of HBV through various mechanisms, including cytolytic elimination mediated by cellular immunity such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, innate immunity and noncytolytic clearance driven by interferons and various cytokines, and antibody-mediated protection and clearance as part of humoral immune response. In addition, intracellular restriction factors and pathways, hepatocyte turnover through division and replacement, and changes in the hepatic microenvironment (such as the increase in matrix stiffness) collectively influence the efficiency and outcome of viral control and clearance. This article clarifies and elaborates on related mechanisms, so as to deepen the understanding of HBV chronicity, spontaneous resolution, and cure and provide a theoretical basis for optimizing clinical management and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
2.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
3.Effect of Kangxian Yixin Prescription on Cardiac Function and Myocardial Fibroblasts in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Rats
Chuiyi ZENG ; Zhentao WANG ; Huichao ZHANG ; Hongbo CHANG ; Bing WANG ; Suting GU ; Shujuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):86-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Kangxian Yixin prescription regulates the circular RNA 0006719 (circ0006719)/microRNA 6852-5p (miR-6852-5p)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad axis to ameliorate myocardial fibrosis in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). MethodsA DCM rat model was established by administration of furazolidone. The rats were divided into normal group, model group, captopril (CAP, 10.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), with 15 rats in each group. After modeling, the treatment groups received corresponding drug solutions by gavage, whereas the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline for 60 consecutive days. Echocardiography was used to measure left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial ultrastructure, pathological changes, and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1) and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ) in myocardial tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to detect the expression and localization of circ0006719, miR-6852-5p, fibrosis-related molecules, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue and CFs. CFs from neonatal rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. An Ang Ⅱ-induced CF activation model was established, and the cells were divided into normal group, Ang Ⅱ group, Ang Ⅱ+CAP group, Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, and Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group. CF viability and fibrosis-related molecular expression were detected. RNA immunoprecipitation (RNA IP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased LVESD and LVEDD, significantly decreased LVEF and LVFS, aggravated myocardial ultrastructural and histopathological injury, and significantly increased collagen volume fraction (CVF) in myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, Col ⅢmRNA, and Col1A1, Col Ⅲ, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in myocardial tissue was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the CAP group and the high- and medium-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription groups showed varying degrees of improvement in cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, circ0006719/miR-6852-5p expression, and TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related indicators, with more pronounced improvements in the CAP group and the high-dose Kangxian Yixin prescription group (P<0.05, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, 2.0 g·L-1 was determined as the optimal concentration of Kangxian Yixin prescription for subsequent intervention. Compared with the normal group, the Ang Ⅱ group showed significantly increased CF viability, significantly upregulated expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA, and Col1A1, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and significantly downregulated miR-6852-5p expression and Smad7 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ group, the Ang Ⅱ+CAP group and the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group showed markedly decreased CF viability and fibrosis-related mRNA and protein expression, markedly increased miR-6852-5p expression, and markedly attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription group, the Ang Ⅱ+Kangxian Yixin prescription+miR-6852-5p inhibitor group showed significantly increased CF viability (P<0.01), markedly increased expression of circ0006719, Col1A1 mRNA, and Col1A1, TGF-β1, and Smad4 proteins in CFs, and markedly decreased miR-6852-5p expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). RNA IP and dual-luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting binding relationship between circ0006719 and miR-6852-5p (P<0.01). ConclusionKangxian Yixin prescription may alleviate myocardial collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis, improve cardiac function in DCM rats, and inhibit Ang Ⅱ-induced abnormal activation of CFs. Its mechanism may be associated with downregulation of circ0006719, restoration of miR-6852-5p expression, and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
4.Comparison of clinical characteristics between primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal cortisol-producing adenoma
Bing LI ; Ming-Xiu YANG ; Huai-Jin XU ; Jing-Xuan WANG ; Qing-Zheng WU ; Ya-Jing WANG ; Yi-Jun LI ; Kang CHEN ; Yu CHENG ; Qi NI ; Ya-Qi YIN ; Li ZANG ; Qing-Hua GUO ; Jian-Ming BA ; Wei-Jun GU ; Jing-Tao DOU ; Zhao-Hui LYU ; Yi-Ming MU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):779-785
Objective To comparatively analyze the clinical characteristics of primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia(PBMAH)and adrenal cortisol-producing Adenoma(CPA),and enhance the understanding of two diseases.Methods The clinical data of 85 PBMAH patients(PBMAH group)and 195 CPA patients(CPA group)diagnosed at Department of Endocrinology,the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital,from September 2014 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The demographic characteristics,comorbidities,biochemical indicators,adrenocorticotropic hormone-cortisol(ACTH-F)levels,and adrenal imaging features and treatment conditions were compared between the two groups.Results(1)General characteristics:Compared with CPA group,PBMAH group had older age at diagnosis and a higher proportion of male patients.(2)Clinical characteristics:Compared with CPA group,PBMAH group had a longer disease duration,a higher proportion of subclinical Cushing's syndrome(CS),and a higher proportion of hypertension,impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes,bone mass reduction or osteoporosis,with higher serum potassium levels,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).(3)Hormone levels:Both PBMAH and CPA groups showed ACTH-F rhythm disorder,significantly increased cortisol levels and suppressed ACTH.Compared with PBMAH group,CPA group had stronger autonomous cortisol secretion ability,manifested by increased midnight serum cortisol(F0:00),16:00 serum cortisol(F16:00),24-hour urinary free cortisol(24 h UFC)levels and lower 8:00 serum ACTH(ACTH8:00)and 16:00 serum ACTH(ACTH16:00)(P<0.01).After low-dose dexamethasone suppression test(LDDST),CPA group showed lower suppression rates of ACTH and cortisol,and higher proportions of paradoxical elevation in serum cortisol and 24 h UFC compared with PBMAH(P<0.01).Conclusions PBMAH has a longer disease course and higher proportions of comorbid metabolic disorders than CPA,mostly manifested as subclinical Cushing's syndrome.CPA has stronger autonomous cortisol secretion ability,with cortisol less likely to be suppressed after LDDST and more obvious paradoxical elevation of cortisol and 24 h UFC.
5.Clinical and pathological characteristics of adrenal cortical carcinoma:a single-center retrospective study
Qing-Zheng WU ; Ming-Xiu YANG ; Bing LI ; Shu-Ying LI ; Zi-Xin GUO ; Yi-Jun LI ; Ya-Qi YIN ; Ya-Jing WANG ; Kang CHEN ; Li ZANG ; Wei-Jun GU ; Yi-Ming MU ; Zhao-Hui LYU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):786-792
Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of adrenal cortical carcinoma(ACC),compare differences between hypercortisolism and non-functional ACC,and assess the diagnostic value of indicators such as Ki-67 index.Methods The clinical data of 57 ACC patients admitted to the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2015 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the results of endocrine function assessment,47 of these patients were divided into hypercortisolism group(n=19)and non-functional group(n=28).The differences in clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups were compared,and non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation analysis were used to explore the relationship between Ki-67 index and tumor stage as well as imaging features.Results Among the 57 patients,there were 20 males and 37 females,with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.85.The age ranged from 16 to 76 years,and the age at diagnosis was(48.7±13.3)years.The tumor diameter was(10.53±4.14)cm.The tumors were located on the right side in 12 cases(21.1%),on the left side in 34 cases(59.6%),and bilaterally in 11 cases(19.3%).Among them,16 cases(28.1%)were complicated with glucose metabolism disorders,31 cases(54.3%)had hypertension,and 20 cases(35.1%)had hypokalemia.According to ENSAT staging,there were 0 cases in stage Ⅰ,15 cases(26.3%)in stage Ⅱ,24 cases(42.1%)in stage Ⅲ,and 18 cases(31.6%)in stage Ⅳ.Endocrine function assessment was completed in 47 of the 57 patients,including 28 cases(59.6%)of non-functional ACC and 19 cases(40.4%)of hypercortisolism(including 1 case of hypercortisolism combined with increased sex hormone secretion).Compared with non-functional group,hypercortisolism group had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension(P=0.014),later ENSAT stage(P=0.010),and a higher proportion of hypervascularization(P=0.048).The median Ki-67 index was 20%(10%-40%),showing no significant correlation with either the maximum tumor diameter or SUVmax value,but it was related to ENSAT staging,with Ki-67 index in stageⅣ patients being significantly higher than that in stage Ⅱ(P=0.032).Immunohistochemistry results showed that the positive rate of Inhibin-α was 84.8%,and the positive rate of Melan-A was 40.9%.Conclusions ACC is a rare malignant endocrine tumor.ACC patients with hypercortisolism are more likely to be complicated with hypertension,have later staging,and more common hypervascular manifestations.Clinically,their endocrine function should be prioritized for assessment,and more active treatment strategies should be adopted.Diagnosis should be combined with imaging characteristics(such as hypervascularization)and immunohistochemical indicators(Ki-67,Inhibin-α,Melan-A).The significant increase in Ki-67 is in the advanced stage can serve as an important prognostic indicator to guide individualized treatment.
6.Characteristics analysis of multimodal metabolic disorders in subclinical Cushing's syndrome patients with different cortisol levels
Ya-Jing WANG ; Bing LI ; Huai-Jin XU ; Qi NI ; Ya-Qi YIN ; Yi-Jun LI ; Li ZANG ; Yu CHENG ; Kang CHEN ; Qing-Hua GUO ; Jian-Ming BA ; Wei-Jun GU ; Jing-Tao DOU ; Zhao-Hui LYU ; Yi-Ming MU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):793-799
Objective To characterize multimodal metabolic disorders in subclinical Cushing's syndrome(SCS)patients with different cortisol levels,providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 165 SCS patients diagnosed at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital due to adrenal masses from January 2014 to October 2024.Using the serum cortisol levels after the midnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test(1 mg DST)as the cut-off point,SCS patients were divided into high-level group(1 mg DST-F>138 nmol/L,n=96)and low-level group(50 nmol/L<1 mg DST-F≤138 nmol/L,n=69).The differences in age,gender,body mass index(BMI),blood pressure,glucolipid metabolism indices,electrolytes,hormone levels,and imaging features of adrenal adenoma(such as CT values)were compared between the two groups.Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between CT values and metabolic indices.Results Compared with low-level group,patients in high-level group were younger(54.0±11.3 vs.57.7±10.3,P=0.034),while there were no statistically significant differences in gender ratio or BMI between the two groups(P>0.05).Both groups exhibited decreased adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)levels and disrupted circadian rhythm.Compared with low-level group,high-level group showed significantly higher F0:00 levels[250.00(170.07,422.53)nmol/L vs.110.00(82.74,133.90)nmol/L]and 24-hour urinary free cortisol(24 h UFC)[568.40(377.80,875.45)nmol/24 h vs.369.40(265.40,494.69)nmol/24 h](P<0.001),with no significant differences in serum F8:00,or 1 mg DST ACTH0:00 levels(P>0.05).Except for the fasting C-peptide level in the high-level group being higher than that in low-level group[(2.88±1.01)ng/ml vs.(2.46±0.78)ng/ml,P=0.024],there were no significant differences in blood pressure,blood lipids,glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),fasting blood glucose,fasting insulin,serum electrolytes,uric acid,and other indices between the two groups(P>0.05).The CT value of adrenal adenoma during contrast-enhanced scanning was higher in high-level group[80.00(17.80,93.00)Hu vs.52.00(35.50,75.00)Hu,P=0.006]compared with low-level group.Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that diastolic blood pressure was positively correlated with CT values of adrenal adenomas in both plain scanning(β=0.49,95%CI 0.09-0.90)and contrast-enhanced scanning(β=2.08,95%CI 0.76-3.39),while triglyceride levels were negatively correlated with plain scanning CT values(β=-5.77,95%CI-10.88--0.66).Conclusion Patients with SCS at different cortisol levels differ in age,fasting C-peptide levels,and CT values.CT values may serve as potential imaging markers to assess metabolic risk in SCS patients.
7.Clinical characteristics of clinical and subclinical Cushing's syndrome caused by primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Huai-Jin XU ; Bing LI ; Kang CHEN ; Hui-Xin ZHOU ; Ya-Jing WANG ; Li ZANG ; Xian-Ling WANG ; Yu CHENG ; Jin DU ; Qing-Hua GUO ; Wei-Jun GU ; Zhao-Hui LYU ; Jian-Ming BA ; Jing-Tao DOU ; Yi-Ming MU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):800-807
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with clinical and subclinical Cushing's syndrome caused by primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia(PBMAH).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 198 patients with Cushing's syndrome caused by PBMAH diagnosed in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2004 to October 2024.According to clinical manifestations,the patients were classified into clinical type Cushing's syndrome(n=61)and subclinical type Cushing's syndrome(n=137),and the clinical characteristics of the two types were compared.Results The mean age at diagnosis of patients with PBMAH-induced Cushing's syndrome was(53.5±10.4)years,including 118 males and 80 females,with a male-to-female ratio of 1.475:1.Compared with the subclinical type,the clinical type had a higher proportion of females,higher levels of serum cortisol,24-hour urine free cortisol(24 h UFC),and inhibited serum cortisol after low-dose dexamethasone suppression.Additionally,the clinical type had lower plasma ACTH,larger adrenal nodules and a higher risk of surgery(P<0.05)compared with those in subclinical type.The incidences of hypertension,dyslipidemia,obesity,diabetes mellitus,hypokalemia,vitamin D deficiency,osteoporosis,coronary heart disease,and cerebrovascular disease in patients with Cushing's syndrome caused by PBMAH were 87.9%,50.5%,37.1%,36.9%,27.8%,25.9%,18.7%,18.7%and 12.1%,respectively.Among them,compared with subclinical type patients,clinical type patients had higher incidence of hypokalaemia,vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis(P<0.05),while there were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of other comorbidities between the two types(P>0.05).The results of postoperative follow-up for PBMAH patients showed that the short-term biochemical remission rate of unilateral total adrenalectomy was 41.5%(22/53)and the long-term biochemical remission rate was 32.0%(8/25).The short-term biochemical remission rate of unilateral partial(or nodular)adrenalectomy was 52.9%(9/17),and the long-term biochemical remission rate was 14.3%(1/7).All patients who underwent unilateral total adrenalectomy plus contralateral partial resection developed adrenal insufficiency(3/3),and 1 patient(1/3)relapsed 3.4 years after surgery.Conclusion Clinical and subclinical types of Cushing's syndrome caused by PBMAH have their distinct clinical characteristics.Surgery is an effective treatment for PBMAH,but a certain proportion of patients fail to achieve biochemical remission after non-bilateral total adrenalectomy.
8.Clinical analysis of 10 cases with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease and literature review
Yi-Jun LI ; Bing LI ; Qi NI ; Ya-Qi YIN ; Hui-Xin ZHOU ; Ya-Jing WANG ; Kang CHEN ; Wei-Jun GU ; Zhao-Hui LYU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):808-816
Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease(PPNAD)and provide a reference for its clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,imaging examinations,treatment plans,and follow-up data of 10 PPNAD patients diagnosed and treated at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2008 to October 2024.Databases including CNKI,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,and PubMed were searched,and the clinical characteristics of 120 PPNAD patients reported in the literature were summarized in combination with literature reviews.Results The age at diagnosis of the 10 PPNAD patients ranged from 15 to 55 years,with a median age of onset of 21.5 years.Seven patients had the protein kinase A regulatory subunit 1 alpha(PRKAR1A)gene mutations,meeting the diagnosis criteria for Carney syndrome.One patient presented with hypertension only,while the remaining 9 patients showed typical Cushing's syndrome manifestations such as thin skin and moon face,among whom 5 experienced stagnation of height growth.In 7 patients,the adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)levels were<2.2 pmol/L,with the disrupted circadian rhythm of cortisol,and the cortisol levels at midnight ranged from 243.24 to 679.83 pmol/L.None of the patients showed suppression in the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test,and 8 patients had an increase in urinary free cortisol(UFC)after dexamethasone suppression.Adrenal CT showed that 9 patients presented with unilateral adrenal nodules accompanied by contralateral thickening or bilateral adrenal nodular thickening.All 10 patients underwent initial unilateral adrenalectomy,and during follow-up,4 patients experienced symptom recurrence and underwent contralateral adrenalectomy.Most of the 120 patients reported domestically and internationally showed typical Cushing's syndrome manifestations.Surgical resection of the adrenal gland was the main treatment modality.Gene mutations were predominantly in PRKAR1A,with a few in PDE11A and PRKACA.Conclusions PPNAD is more likely to occur in adolescents.Patients with typical Cushing's syndrome manifestations should undergo screening.Imaging manifestations are atypical,and a definitive diagnosis depends on pathological and genetic diagnoses.Bilateral adrenalectomy combined with long-term postoperative hormone replacement therapy is the standard treatment protocol.Patients who undergo early unilateral adrenalectomy require long-term follow-up,with contralateral adrenalectomy performed when necessary.
9.Application of dual fluorescence laparoscopy in the repair of complex ureteral stricture with lingual mucosa graft
Yuancheng ZHOU ; Chaoqi LIANG ; Shuaishuai CHAI ; Ruoyu LI ; Nana LI ; Zhaotai GU ; Xingyuan XIAO ; Bing LI
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(3):227-231
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of dual fluorescence laparoscopy in the localization of ureteral stricture and its blood supply,and to provide a new idea for the treatment of complex ureteral stenosis,thus helping doctors to improve the efficiency of ureteral reconstruction surgery. Methods: Our team developed a dual fluorescence laparoscopic system,which could simultaneously identify the ureter stricture by intra-ureteral injection of methylene blue (MB) and assess the blood supply of the ureteral stumps by intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG). Results: The clinical data of 3 patients who underwent lingual mucosa ureteroplasty using dual fluorescence laparoscopy in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were retrospectively analyzed.All operations were successful,without conversion to open surgery.The operation time was 144,132 and 163 minutes,respectively.The length of harvested lingual mucosa graft was 2.0,2.8 and 3.5 cm,respectively.No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.Eight weeks after operation,ureterography showed that the ureter was unobstructed. Conclusion: Dual fluorescence laparoscopy is safe and feasible in the repair of complex ureteral stricture with lingual mucosa graft,which provides a new idea for complex ureteral reconstruction.
10.SRSF7 promotes pulmonary fibrosis through regulating PKM alternative splicing in lung fibroblasts.
Tongzhu JIN ; Huiying GAO ; Yuquan WANG ; Zhiwei NING ; Danyang BING ; Yan WANG ; Yi CHEN ; Xiaomu TIAN ; Qiudi LIU ; Zhihui NIU ; Jiayu GUO ; Jian SUN ; Ruoxuan YANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Shifen LI ; Tianyu LI ; Yuhong ZHOU ; Wenxin HE ; Yanjie LU ; Yunyan GU ; Haihai LIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3041-3058
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic interstitial lung disease, is characterized by aberrant wound healing, excessive scarring and the formation of myofibroblastic foci. Although the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis has garnered increasing attention, its specific contribution to pulmonary fibrosis remains incompletely understood. In this study, we identified an up-regulation of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 (SRSF7) in lung fibroblasts derived from IPF patients and a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model, and further characterized its functional role in both human fetal lung fibroblasts and mice. We demonstrated that enhanced expression of Srsf7 in mice spontaneously induced alveolar collagen accumulation. Mechanistically, we investigated alternative splicing events and revealed that SRSF7 modulates the alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase (PKM), leading to metabolic dysregulation and fibroblast activation. In vivo studies showed that fibroblast-specific knockout of Srsf7 in conditional knockout mice conferred resistance to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Importantly, through drug screening, we identified lomitapide as a novel modulator of SRSF7, which effectively mitigated experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, our findings elucidate a molecular pathway by which SRSF7 drives fibroblast metabolic dysregulation and propose a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.

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