1.Application of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration in treatment of liver cirrhosis complications
Lixia XIN ; Hongbin ZHU ; Xiao LIU ; Chunqing ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):452-456
Gastric variceal rupture and bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy are common and life-threatening complications in decompensated cirrhosis. As a minimally invasive interventional technique, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) has made significant progress in the clinical management of gastric varices and hepatic encephalopathy in recent years. This article systematically reviews the technical principles, indications (e.g., isolated gastric varices and refractory hepatic encephalopathy), clinical efficacy (an acute hemostasis rate of 85% — 95%, a 1-year rebleeding rate of <15%, and an improvement rate of 60% — 80% for hepatic encephalopathy), and safety (including complications such as renal impairment and elevated portal vein pressure) of BRTO. Meanwhile, this article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of BRTO and conventional treatment modalities (e.g., transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and endoscopic treatment) and reviews the latest technological improvements in recent years, such as coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration. Future research should focus on the precision of patient selection (e.g., stratification based on hemodynamic parameters), the optimization of embolic materials (e.g., application of new biodegradable embolic agents), and the development of individualized treatment regimens, so as to improve efficacy and reduce the risk of complications.
2.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
3.Effect of Heat-Sensitive Moxibustion on Apoptosis of Gastric Mucosal Tissue in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Model Rats:Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Qi ZHANG ; Yanping ZHOU ; Qide WANG ; Shujuan CHEN ; Yu SUN ; Fang LI ; Hongbin GONG ; Mingjun XIE ; Hui LIU ; Haifeng ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1650-1658
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (n=14) and modeling group (n=44). Rats in the blank group were fed routinely, while the rats in the modeling group received drinking water containing 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) at a concentration of 140 μg/ml, combined with irregular fasting and feeding for 12 weeks to establish CAG model. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into model group (n=10), inhibitor group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=20). After 40 minutes of suspended moxibustion at "Zhongwan" (CV 12) daily, the rats in the moxibustion group were divided into heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=10) and non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group (n=9) according to the change of tail temperature during moxibustion. The inhibitor group was bound for 40 minutes daily, and then administered with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor, rapamycin solution, by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The model group received intragastric administration of 1 ml/kg normal saline after 40 minutes of restraint stress each day. All interventions were administered once daily for 28 consecutive days, while the blank group received no intervention. After the intervention finished, the body weight of rats in each group was compared. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa. The apoptosis-positive rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the protein levels of matric metalloproteinase-7 (MMP7), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in gastric mucosal tissues were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in rat gastric mucosal tissues were measured by Western Blotting. ResultsCompared to the blank group, rats in all other groups exhibited decreased body weight, significantly increased gastric mucosal cell apoptosis-positive rates, elevated protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR in gastric mucosa, increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and enhanced protein expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination revealed thinning of the gastric mucosa, glandular disorganization and atrophy, accompanied by intestinal metaplasia.Compared to the model group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group all showed significant improvements in the above-mentioned indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the inhibitor group exhibited increased positive rates of gastric mucosal cell apoptosis; the non-heat-sensitive moxibustion group showed increased protein levels of MMP7, VEGFA and EGFR, as well as mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and protein expressions of p-Akt and p-mTOR; the inhibitor group exhibited elevated protein expression level of EGFR (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological examination showed that the gastric mucosal glands in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group were arranged more regularly, with an approximately normal structural appearance. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the body weight of CAG rats and repair gastric mucosal injury. Its therapeutic effects may be mediated by inhibiting excessive activation of gastric mucosal PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis.
4.Protective Effect of Xuebijing on Lung Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Blocking FPRs/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Guixian ZHANG ; Dawei LIU ; Xia LI ; Xijing LI ; Pengcheng SHI ; Zhiqiao FENG ; Jun CAI ; Wenhui ZONG ; Xiumei ZHAO ; Hongbin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):113-120
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) by regulating formyl peptide receptors (FPRs)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a SAP-ALI model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XBJ groups (4, 8, and 12 mL·kg-1), and a positive drug (BOC2, 0.2 mg·kg-1) group. For the sham group, the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy, and then the abdomen was closed, while for the remaining five groups, SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (Na-Tc) via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of ascites was measured, and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue (P<0.01), serious pathological changes of lung tissue, a significantly increased pathological score (P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue (P<0.01). After BOC2 intervention, the above detection indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.01). After treatment with XBJ, the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue, which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.
5.Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of tumor budding in hepatocellular carcinoma
Hongbin ZHANG ; Kai TAN ; Zhenyu YANG ; Shengxiong JIA ; Xilin DU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):963-967
Tumor budding is a distinct pathomorphological feature observed in various types of solid tumor. In recent years, tumor budding has been recognized as an important biological feature associated with tumor invasion and metastasis, and it has become a new focus in the research on tumor progression. Although studies have explored the role of tumor budding in different types of tumor, there are studies in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This article systematically reviews the research advances in tumor budding in HCC, with a focus on the mechanism of tumor budding, the association between tumor budding and tumor progression, and the potential application of tumor budding in prognostic assessment, in order to provide new insights and strategies for the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
6.Whole heart segmentation and coronary artery analysis based on virtual scalpel simulation
Xiangang JIANG ; Hongbin ZHANG ; Guangli LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(5):589-595
In view of the complex adhesion and overlapping of whole heart image data on the luminance distribution,a novel adaptive geometric cutting tool for distinguished cutting or preservation of different tissues on the edge of the blade is proposed for efficiently eliminating the extra-cardiac tissues while preserving the epicardium and epicardial fat.The whole heart segmentation approach which simulate scalpel cutting and relative analysis algorithms are implemented by GPU programming.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can provide virtual reality for whole heart and coronary artery details in real time from complex chest volume data,and offer graphic guiding for analysis and judgment of heart diseases.The proposed cutting method can be served as a quick culling tool for the organ remnant tissues which can't be appropriately segmented using the existing algorithms.
7.To explore the curative effect of tangerine peel compound on chicken Eimeria tenella disease
Junze CHENG ; Chenchen WANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Huixin LIU ; Qiyuan ZHAO ; Ting ZHANG ; Zong-gu XIE ; Hongbin SI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2264-2272,2281
The study explored the therapeutic effect and mechanism of the compound composed of tangerine peel,plum,agrimony and hawthorn on Eimeria tenella in chicks.In the experiment,144 chicks were divided into six groups:the blank group,the model group,the diclazuril group,and the high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose traditional Chinese medicine compound groups.The 14-day-old chickens were infected,the body weight and mortality were recorded,and the samples were dis-sected at 21 days of age.The anticoccidial effect of Chenpi compound at different doses was evalua-ted by calculating anticoccidial index,feed conversion rate and detecting serum cytokine levels and related mRNA expression levels.The results showed that the anticoccidial index of the middle dose group was 172.86,and the anticoccidial index of the low dose group was 158.98.In the middle and low dose groups,the levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and MDA in serum decreased significantly,while the levels of IL-4,IL10,T-AOC,SOD,CAT and GSH-Px increased significantly,and the mRNA ex-pression levels of related inflammation and antioxidant pathways changed.Further studies found that the medium-dose compound can regulate the ChTLR15/ChMyD88/ChNF-κB/ChNLRP3/Caspase-1 inflammatory signaling pathway,activate the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway,and enhance the body's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity;at the same time,it can increase the expression of intestinal tight junction ZO-1 and Occludin,repair the damaged in-testinal barrier,and play an anticoccidial role.The results showed that the middle dose of tangerine peel compound had a good effect in the treatment of coccidiosis,and its mechanism involved the regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways.
8.Ultrasound endoscopy or titanium clip-assisted tissue glue injection versus balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices:a comparison study of the efficacy and safety based on network meta-analysis
Qingchen WANG ; Hongbin ZHU ; Yifu XIA ; Chunqing ZHANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(10):1116-1123
Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration(BRTO),endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided coil embolization combined with endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate,and titanium clip-assisted endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection(CLIP-ECI)in the treatment of gastric varices based on a network meta-analysis.Methods A computerized retrieval of randomized controlled trials(RCT)and retrospective studies concerning the"balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration""EUS-guided coil embolization combined with endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate"and"titanium clip-assisted endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection"from the databases of PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,CNKI,Wanfang Medical Network,and CBM was conducted.The retrieval time period was from the establishment of the database to July 1,2024.Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,and data were processed using a random-effects model with STATA14.0 software for network meta-analysis.Results A total of 22 articles,including 7 RCTs and 15 retrospective studies,were included in this analysis,with a total sample size of 2 122 patients.The network meta-analysis showed that in terms of rebleeding prevention,the BRTO group(SUCRA 93.5)had the lowest rebleeding rate,followed by the EUS group(SUCRA 72.0);in terms of mortality,the CLIP-ECI group(SUCRA 82.1)had the lowest overall mortality,followed by the BRTO group(SUCRA 75.5);in terms of ectopic embolism rate,the BRTO group(SUCRA 68.7)had the smallest likelihood of ectopic embolism,while the ECI group(SUCRA 23.8)had the highest likelihood;in terms of gastric variceal eradication,the BRTO group(SUCRA 95.4)had the highest variceal eradication rate,followed by the EUS group(SUCRA 60.7).Conclusion Compared with endoscopic therapy,BRTOcan reduce the rebleeding rate of gastric varices and increase the eradication rate,with lower rates of ectopic embolization and mortality.Therefore,BRTO is an effective and safe means for the treatment of gastric varices.
9.Innovation and optimization of teaching strategies for interventional radiology
Yan YAN ; Jinpeng PANG ; Mengting KONG ; Hongbin ZHANG ; Renfei LI ; Changyong ZOU ; Qiankun ZHU
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(12):1385-1388
As a third major discipline on par with internal medicine and surgery,interventional radiology is one of the key branches of modern medicine.The unique practicality and innovation of interventional radiology make it play an irreplaceable role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.In recent years,with the rapid development of technology and the updating of educational concepts,the teaching mode of interventional radiology is facing new challenges and opportunities.This article combines the clinical training methods adopted by interventional physicians in Europe and Germany,integrates imaging,anatomy and pathology teaching,strengthens the foundation,uses virtual reality(VR),augmented reality(AR)technology,and simulation training to enhance the practical ability of medical students.At the same time,with the help of online education platforms,the innovative methods and optimization strategies such as personalized learning program are implemented,which can greatly improve the teaching effectiveness of interventional radiology and provide useful references for teaching reform in this field.
10.Neoadjuvant immunotherapy for advanced gastric cancer:current advances and future prospects
Zhang LEI ; Luo SIQI ; Qi HONGBIN ; Jin XIANGREN ; Dai LI ; Wang HAIBIN ; He TONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(13):697-702
This review summarizes recent advances in neoadjuvant immunotherapy for advanced gastric cancer.Through literature search in PubMed,Web of Science,and CNKI databases from 2020 to 2023,we systematically analyzed the mechanisms,clinical applications,and bio-marker research.Programmed death-1(PD-1)inhibitors combined with chemotherapy significantly improve patient outcomes,while mi-crosatellite instability(MSI),programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression,and tumor mutational burden(TMB)have been identified as important predictive biomarkers.Multi-omics analysis shows great potential in identifying optimal responders,with pyroptosis-related gene scoring system(PRS)positively correlating with anti-tumor immune infiltration.Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic regulation in the tumor microenvironment play key roles in immune evasion,while emerging targets such as Claudin 18.2 and combination targeting strategies further enhance therapeutic efficacy.Despite significant progress,precise patient selection and overcoming resistance mechan-isms remain major challenges.Future research should focus on biomarker validation,personalized treatment strategy development,tumor microenvironment dynamic analysis,and novel combination therapy exploration to improve clinical outcomes.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail