1.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
2.Relationship between serum endocan, 8-OHdG and restless leg syndrome in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis
Shuai HAN ; Bing SHAO ; Wei YANG ; Yanning ZHANG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(2):195-200
Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum endothelia cell-specific molecules (endocan), 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.Methods:A total of 180 ESRD hemodialysis patients admitted to the Shenyang First People′s Hospital, the Liaoning Electric Power Center Hospital and the Northern Theater Command General Hospital of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army from May 2021 to May 2023 were prospectively selected and divided into RLS group (41 cases) and non-RLS group (139 cases) according to whether RLS occurred. According to the International RLS Rating Scale (IRLS), the patients with RLS were divided into mild group (12 cases), moderate group (19 cases) and severe group (10 cases). Serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between serum endocan, 8-OHdG levels and IRLS scores in RLS patients. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the influencing factors of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients. The diagnostic value of serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels in ESRD hemodialysis patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:Comparing with the non-RLS group [(4.03±1.23)ng/ml, (0.38±0.13)ng/ml], the levels of serum endocan in the RLS group [(6.10±1.95)ng/ml], 8-OHdG [(0.53±0.14)ng/ml] were higher ( t=8.180, 6.379, P<0.001). The levels of serum endocan of the RLS patients in the mild, moderate and severe groups [(3.61±1.01)ng/ml, (6.39±1.41)ng/ml, (8.54±2.68)ng/ml], 8-OHdG [(0.39±0.07)ng/ml, (0.51±0.05)ng/ml, (0.74±0.08)ng/ml] were increased successively ( F=23.065, 83.013, P<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels were positively correlated with IRLS scores in RLS patients ( r=0.813, 0.830, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long dialysis time, elevated serum endocan and 8-OHdG were independent risk factors for RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients, and elevated ferritin was independent protective factor (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients diagnosed with serum endocan and 8-OHdG combined was 0.919 (95% CI: 0.870-0.955), which was larger than in patients diagnosed with serum endocan and 8-OHdG alone 0.791 (95% CI: 0.724-0.848), 0.780 (95% CI: 0.712-0.838). Conclusions:The increase of serum endocan and 8-OHdG is related to the occurrence and severity of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients. The combined detection of serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels is of high diagnostic value in the occurrence of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients.
3.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Qianwei NI ; Xiaoying LI ; Lin KONG ; Qing XI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Zhijun SUN ; Jian MENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Bing HAN ; Yan SUN ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Kai SONG ; Haoyue XU ; Lingxue BU ; Jieying LI ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Yun LI ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(3):293-304
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC)is a malignant tumor originating from the squamous epithelium of the oro-pharyngeal mucosa,accounting for more than 90%of oropharyngeal malignancies.In recent years,human papillomavirus(HPV)infec-tion has become one of the primary etiological factors of oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma.The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyn-geal squamous carcinoma has been rising annually,with a noticeable trend toward younger populations,posing a significant threat to hu-man health.Due to the distinct biological behavior and clinical characteristics of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma com-pared to its non-HPV-related counterpart,the diagnostic and treatment strategies for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma have undergone substantial changes.Prevention and screening for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma are of critical importance.The diagnostic and treat-ment process involves multi-disciplinary collaboration,including oral and maxillofacial surgery,otolaryngology,head and neck surgery,oncology,radiology and pathology.Based on evidence from clinical practice,a comprehensive,integrated diagnostic and therapeutic ap-proach has been established,centered around the concept of"prevention,screening,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation",covering the entire patient lifecycle and providing a valuable reference for clinical practice.
4.Expert consensus on integrated diagnosis and treatment techniques for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Wei SHANG ; Haoyue XU ; Zongxuan HE ; Xiaoying LI ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Yan SUN ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Zhijun SUN ; Jian MENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Jianhua WEI ; Lizheng QIN ; Yaowu YANG ; Qing XI ; Wei WU ; Kai YANG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Shuangyi WANG ; Kai SONG ; Jiaqi ZHU ; Hongyu HAN ; Yu KONG ; Jieying LI ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Moyi SUN
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(6):725-736
In recent decades,the incidence of human papillomavirus(HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC)has shown a marked increase.Significant changes have also occurred in the OPSCC diagnosis and treatment paradigm.Deter-mining HPV status prior to treatment is now essential,and radiotherapy/chemotherapy,immunotherapy,and minimally invasive surgical techniques have progressively emerged as key modalities for managing OPSCC.However,alongside these paradigm shifts,a comprehen-sive technical consensus guiding the entire diagnostic and therapeutic process for OPSCC patients is currently lacking.Given China's large population base and the rising incidence of OPSCC,an expert panel convened to develop a clinical technical consensus on OPSCC diagno-sis and management tailored to China's specific context.This consensus aims to further enhance and standardize understanding of OPSCC management techniques among relevant healthcare professionals.
5.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Haoyue XU ; Xiaoying LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Shizhu BAI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Jian MENG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Qing XI ; Lin KONG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Yuanyong FENG ; Kai SONG ; Hongyu HAN ; Jieying LI ; Qianwei NI ; Yun LI ; Juan CHAI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):437-449
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a malignant lesion originating from the oral mucosal squamous epithelium,account-ing for over 80%of oral and maxillofacial malignancies.Key etiological factors include tobacco,alcohol abuse,and betel quid chewing.In China,its incidence has shown an overall upward trend,posing a significant threat to public health.OSCC exhibits high local invasive-ness,making early diagnosis critical for improving prognosis.Its clinical management requires close multidisciplinary collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgery,head and neck surgery,radiation oncology,medical oncology,reconstructive surgery,radiology,patholo-gy,and nutritional support teams.Given the increasing disease burden of OSCC and rapid development of multidisciplinary collaborative models,an expert panel has formulated this integrated management consensus based on evidence-based medicine and extensive deliber-ation.Centered on the'Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation'framework,the consensus provides comprehensive guidance for the entire disease course of OSCC patients,aiming to standardize clinical practice.
6.Expert consensus on integrated diagnosis and treatment techniques for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Wei SHANG ; Haoyue XU ; Zongxuan HE ; Xiaoying LI ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Yan SUN ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Zhijun SUN ; Jian MENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Jianhua WEI ; Lizheng QIN ; Yaowu YANG ; Qing XI ; Wei WU ; Kai YANG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Shuangyi WANG ; Kai SONG ; Jiaqi ZHU ; Hongyu HAN ; Yu KONG ; Jieying LI ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Moyi SUN
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(6):725-736
In recent decades,the incidence of human papillomavirus(HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC)has shown a marked increase.Significant changes have also occurred in the OPSCC diagnosis and treatment paradigm.Deter-mining HPV status prior to treatment is now essential,and radiotherapy/chemotherapy,immunotherapy,and minimally invasive surgical techniques have progressively emerged as key modalities for managing OPSCC.However,alongside these paradigm shifts,a comprehen-sive technical consensus guiding the entire diagnostic and therapeutic process for OPSCC patients is currently lacking.Given China's large population base and the rising incidence of OPSCC,an expert panel convened to develop a clinical technical consensus on OPSCC diagno-sis and management tailored to China's specific context.This consensus aims to further enhance and standardize understanding of OPSCC management techniques among relevant healthcare professionals.
7.Healthcare institution resilience and the influencing factors during infectious disease outbreaks
Yaqun FU ; Jiawei ZHANG ; Bing HAN ; Quan WANG ; Zheng ZHU ; Zhijie NIE ; Yiyang TAN ; Qing LIU ; Xiaoguang LI ; Jing GUO ; Rongmeng JIANG ; Li YANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(3):529-536
Objective:To analyze the association between healthcare workers mental health,institu-tional supplies and facilities,inter-organizational coordination during infectious disease outbreaks,and the healthcare institution resilience.Methods:An online questionnaire survey was conducted among the healthcare workforce from 146 institutions in Beijing from January 13,2023 to February 9,2023,and a total of 1 434 eligible respondents were included.The sample comprised 408 responses from tertiary hos-pitals,117 from secondary hospitals,and 909 from primary care institutions.The resilience indicator for healthcare institutions was defined as the degree to which medical services met patient demands,with in-fluencing factors including physical factors,such as material shortages and facility space adaptation or ex-pansion,organizational factors such as information sharing and patient referral,and psychological factors were evaluated using job satisfaction(extrinsic satisfaction,intrinsic satisfaction),burnout(emotional exhaustion,depersonalization,reduced personal accomplishment),and depression status.Ordered mul-ticlassification Logistic regression was used to examine the impact of various factors on the degree to which healthcare services met patient needs;additionally,demographic factors that might influence institutional resilience were controlled.Results:During the emergency response phase,93%of hospitals maintained the capacity to meet patient needs,though tertiary hospitals demonstrated significantly higher rates of service inadequacy(21.05%).Material shortages were reported across all institutions,with tertiary hos-pitals experiencing more frequent multi-item shortages.Inter-institutional collaboration patterns revealed substantial variation:87.50%of primary care facilities,42.86%of secondary hospitals,and 31.58%of tertiary hospitals.Healthcare workers across all levels reported mild depressive symptoms and moderate-to-severe burnout levels.Regression analysis showed high satisfaction(overall satisfaction β=0.04,ex-trinsic satisfaction β=0.06,and intrinsic satisfaction β=0.08),low degree of job burnout(emotional exhaustion β=-0.04,depersonalization β=-0.07 and reduced personal accomplishment β=0.01),low degree of depression(β=-0.06)were significantly associated with higher healthcare institution re-silience.In addition,material shortages were significantly associated with lower resilience,and renova-tion and expansion of treatment spaces,and information sharing,were all associated with higher resilience.Demographic factors(age,gender,marital status,educational background,etc.)had no sig-nificant impact on resilience.Conclusion:Mental health status significantly influences healthcare institu-tion resilience.As human resources constitute the core asset of healthcare institutions,strategic optimiza-tion of workforce allocation and psychological support interventions can effectively strengthen resilience.Moreover,healthcare institution resilience is positively impacted by orderly material supply chains,timely resource distribution,and adaptive reconfiguration of clinical spaces.Finally,facilitating information sharing also enhances institutional resilience.
8.Relationship between serum endocan, 8-OHdG and restless leg syndrome in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis
Shuai HAN ; Bing SHAO ; Wei YANG ; Yanning ZHANG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(2):195-200
Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum endothelia cell-specific molecules (endocan), 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis.Methods:A total of 180 ESRD hemodialysis patients admitted to the Shenyang First People′s Hospital, the Liaoning Electric Power Center Hospital and the Northern Theater Command General Hospital of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army from May 2021 to May 2023 were prospectively selected and divided into RLS group (41 cases) and non-RLS group (139 cases) according to whether RLS occurred. According to the International RLS Rating Scale (IRLS), the patients with RLS were divided into mild group (12 cases), moderate group (19 cases) and severe group (10 cases). Serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between serum endocan, 8-OHdG levels and IRLS scores in RLS patients. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the influencing factors of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients. The diagnostic value of serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels in ESRD hemodialysis patients was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:Comparing with the non-RLS group [(4.03±1.23)ng/ml, (0.38±0.13)ng/ml], the levels of serum endocan in the RLS group [(6.10±1.95)ng/ml], 8-OHdG [(0.53±0.14)ng/ml] were higher ( t=8.180, 6.379, P<0.001). The levels of serum endocan of the RLS patients in the mild, moderate and severe groups [(3.61±1.01)ng/ml, (6.39±1.41)ng/ml, (8.54±2.68)ng/ml], 8-OHdG [(0.39±0.07)ng/ml, (0.51±0.05)ng/ml, (0.74±0.08)ng/ml] were increased successively ( F=23.065, 83.013, P<0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels were positively correlated with IRLS scores in RLS patients ( r=0.813, 0.830, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long dialysis time, elevated serum endocan and 8-OHdG were independent risk factors for RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients, and elevated ferritin was independent protective factor (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients diagnosed with serum endocan and 8-OHdG combined was 0.919 (95% CI: 0.870-0.955), which was larger than in patients diagnosed with serum endocan and 8-OHdG alone 0.791 (95% CI: 0.724-0.848), 0.780 (95% CI: 0.712-0.838). Conclusions:The increase of serum endocan and 8-OHdG is related to the occurrence and severity of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients. The combined detection of serum endocan and 8-OHdG levels is of high diagnostic value in the occurrence of RLS in ESRD hemodialysis patients.
9.Expert consensus on the clinical strategies for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.
Yan WANG ; Hu LONG ; Zhihe ZHAO ; Ding BAI ; Xianglong HAN ; Jun WANG ; Bing FANG ; Zuolin JIN ; Hong HE ; Yuxin BAI ; Weiran LI ; Min HU ; Yanheng ZHOU ; Hong AI ; Yuehua LIU ; Yang CAO ; Jun LIN ; Huang LI ; Jie GUO ; Wenli LAI
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):19-19
Clear aligner treatment is a novel technique in current orthodontic practice. Distinct from traditional fixed orthodontic appliances, clear aligners have different material features and biomechanical characteristics and treatment efficiencies, presenting new clinical challenges. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic description of the key clinical aspects of clear aligner treatment is essential to enhance treatment efficacy and facilitate the advancement and wide adoption of this new technique. This expert consensus discusses case selection and grading of treatment difficulty, principle of clear aligner therapy, clinical procedures and potential complications, which are crucial to the clinical success of clear aligner treatment.
Humans
;
Consensus
;
Orthodontic Appliance Design
;
Orthodontic Appliances, Removable
;
Tooth Movement Techniques/methods*
;
Malocclusion/therapy*
;
Orthodontics, Corrective/instrumentation*
10.Research progress on prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with traditional Chinese medicine based on gut microbiota.
Rui REN ; Xing YANG ; Ping-Ping REN ; Qian BI ; Bing-Zhao DU ; Qing-Yan ZHANG ; Xue-Han WANG ; Zhong-Qi JIANG ; Jin-Xiao LIANG ; Ming-Yi SHAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4190-4200
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, is characterized by high mortality and recurrence rates. Common treatments include hepatectomy, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, interventional therapy, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). While exhibiting specific advantages, these approaches are associated with varying degrees of adverse effects. To alleviate patients' suffering and burdens, it is crucial to explore additional treatments and elucidate the pathogenesis of HCC, laying a foundation for the development of new TCM-based drugs. With emerging research on gut microbiota, it has been revealed that microbiota plays a vital role in the development of HCC by influencing intestinal barrier function, microbial metabolites, and immune regulation. TCM, with its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, has been increasingly recognized as a vital therapeutic treatment for HCC, particularly in patients at intermediate or advanced stages, by prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Recent global studies demonstrate that TCM exerts anti-HCC effects by modulating gut microbiota, restoring intestinal barrier function, regulating microbial composition and its metabolites, suppressing inflammation, and enhancing immune responses, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotype of HCC. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota contributes to the development and progression of HCC and highlight the regulatory effects of TCM, addressing the current gap in systematic understanding of the "TCM-gut microbiota-HCC" axis. The findings provide theoretical support for integrating TCM with western medicine in HCC treatment and promote the transition from basic research to precision clinical therapy through microbiota-targeted drug development and TCM-based interventions.
Humans
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology*
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Liver Neoplasms/microbiology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Animals
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional

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