1.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
2.Carvedilol to prevent hepatic decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension stratified by new non-invasive model (CHESS2306)
Chuan LIU ; Hong YOU ; Qing-Lei ZENG ; Yu Jun WONG ; Bingqiong WANG ; Ivica GRGUREVIC ; Chenghai LIU ; Hyung Joon YIM ; Wei GOU ; Bingtian DONG ; Shenghong JU ; Yanan GUO ; Qian YU ; Masashi HIROOKA ; Hirayuki ENOMOTO ; Amr Shaaban HANAFY ; Zhujun CAO ; Xiemin DONG ; Jing LV ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Yohei KOIZUMI ; Yoichi HIASA ; Takashi NISHIMURA ; Hiroko IIJIMA ; Chuanjun XU ; Erhei DAI ; Xiaoling LAN ; Changxiang LAI ; Shirong LIU ; Fang WANG ; Ying GUO ; Jiaojian LV ; Liting ZHANG ; Yuqing WANG ; Qing XIE ; Chuxiao SHAO ; Zhensheng LIU ; Federico RAVAIOLI ; Antonio COLECCHIA ; Jie LI ; Gao-Jun TENG ; Xiaolong QI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):105-118
Background:
s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model.
Methods:
Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort.
Results:
In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM).
Conclusions
Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.
3.Research on the current status of penile erection hardness and its influencing factors in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia
Minhua LAI ; Yanshan LIN ; Fangliang ZOU ; Yang ZHANG ; Jing LONG ; Huaan XIA ; Lihong LIN ; Yunzhi DENG ; Ruiyun CHEN ; Jianhua YANG ; Yao XU ; Tianwen PENG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(20):3276-3282
Objective To explore the current status of penile erection hardness and its influencing factors in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.Methods From January to December 2024,450 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia were surveyed at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Hospital.A self-made general information questionnaire was used to collect their demographic data.The Erectile Hardness Scale(EHS)was employed to investigate the current status of their penile erection hardness,and a self-made questionnaire was utilized to explore the influencing factors.Results Among the 450 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia,during sexual intercourse,35.3%of the patients reported that their penile erection hardness could reach grade 4(normal state),54.5%reported that it only reached grade 3(sub-optimal state),9.3%reported that it only reached grade 2(slight penile erection),and 0.9%reported that it only reached grade 1(inability to achieve an erection).In the survey of satisfaction with sexual life quality,among the 450 patients,only 24.9%were very satisfied with their sexual life quality;57.3%were basically satisfied;9.6%considered it average;4.0%were dissatisfied;3.1%were very dissatisfied;and 1.1%had no sexual life.alcohol consumption(OR=2.393,95%CI:1.493~3.836),satisfaction with the quality of sexual life(OR=1.455,95%CI:1.118~1.894),educational attainment(OR=0.709,95%CI:0.549~0.917),and the sleep quality in the past month(OR=0.641,95%CI:0.452~0.907).Conclusions Clinical studies have shown that factors such as drinking habits,sexual life satisfaction,sleep quality,and educational attainment collectively influence the penile erection hardness in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.Therefore,the medical team needs to customize personalized intervention plans and educational materials based on individual differences among patients.Through psychological counseling and lifestyle guidance,they can improve erectile function and the quality of sexual life,promote harmonious marital relationships,and enhance the overall life experience of the patients.
4.Effect of salidroside combined with rosavin on ischemic brain injury in rats
Wen-fang LAI ; Yu-ting JIANG ; Jing-quan CHEN ; Xue-rui ZHENG ; Hui-ling WU ; Qing-qing WU ; Yan CHEN ; Ya LIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2058-2065
Aim To study the mechanism of salidro-side combined with rosavin in rats with ischemic stroke.Methods The MCAO rats was established by using thread-embolic method.The rats were divided into the sham group,MCAO group,salidroside com-bined with rosavin group,and positive control group;the drug was given continuously for seven days.Western blot was used to detect apoptosis indicators.Proteomics was used to analyse differential proteins(DEPs).STEP receptor inhibitor was injected into the lateral ventricles,the rats were administered for seven days,then the apoptosis indicators were detected.Re-sults Salidroside combined with rosavin could reduce neurological function scores in MCAO rats and inhibit cell apoptosis.Quantitative proteomics identified 496 DEPs in brain tissue and discovered core proteins STEP,p38,and CRTC1.Salidroside combined with rosavin could promote the STEP and CRTC1 while in-hibiting p38 protein.After treatment with STEP inhibi-tor,those effects were reversed.Conclusion Salidro-side combined with rosavin can inhibit cell apoptosis in MCAO rats,which is closely related to the regulation of the STEP/p38/CRTC1 signaling pathway.
5.The effect of salidroside derivative pOBz on angiogenesis after ischemic stroke by regulating Notch signaling pathway
Jing-quan CHEN ; Yu-ting JIANG ; Xue-rui ZHENG ; Hui-ling WU ; Qing-qing WU ; Zheng-shuang YU ; Wen-fang LAI ; Gui-zhu HONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2253-2259
Aim To study the effect of p-benzoyl sali-droside(pOBz)on angiogenesis after ischemic stroke and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods The MCAO model was prepared by suture method.Rats were divided into four groups:sham,MCAO,pOBz administration,and edaravone positive control,treated for seven days.The mNSS was used to assess the neurological impairment.Western blotting was em-ployed to detect CD31,NICD,and Hes-1 protein ex-pression,while immunofluorescence staining was ap-plies to quantify CD31-positive cells in ischemic brain tissue.In vitro an OGD/R model was established in HUVECs.Following treatment with varying pOBz con-centrations(0.01,0.1,1 μmol·L-1),the CCK-8 as-say was uses to measure cell viability,and in vitro tube formation assay was utilized to evaluate angiogenesis.Western blotting was employed again to assess CD31,NICD and Hes-1 protein levels.To further elucidate the mechanism,HUVEC were treated with the Notch inhibitor DAPT prior to grouping and pOBz administra-tion,and the same parameters were evaluated.Results pOBz significantly reduced the mNSS score of MCAO rats,increased CD31-positive cell counts,and upregu-lated CD31,NICD,and Hes-1 protein expression(P<0.01).In vitro results further showed that pOBz could dose-dependently increase the survival rate and angio-genesis ability of HUVEC induced by OGD/R,and promote CD31,NICD and Hes-1 proteins(P<0.01),and Notch inhibitor DAPT could reverse the above effects of pOBz.Conclusion pOBz promotes angio-genesis in HUVEC,and its mechanism involves activa-tion of the Notch signaling pathway.
6.Effects of dance movement therapy on psychological symptoms and psychological craving in methamphetamine-dependent women
Lihao LAI ; Jinghui FENG ; Junyan LU ; Binbin WU ; Yong DENG ; Yuxi WU ; Lushi JING
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(9):753-758
Objective:To investigate the intervention effect of dance therapy on the psychological symptoms and psychological craving in methamphetamine-dependent women.Methods:A total of 60 methamphetamine de-pendents in a women's drug rehabilitation center were divided into intervention group and control group(1 person dropped out).The intervention group was trained for 8 dance movements,during which the control group did not in-tervene.The Zhang Tuoji and Chen Huichang's Temperament Scale,Symptom Self-Rating Scale(SCL-90)and Amphetamine Craving Scale(DSQ)were used to evaluate the temperament type,psychological symptoms and psy-chological craving.Results:The differences of SCL-90 depression and anxiety scores(post-intervention score-base-line score)and DSQ total scores were higher in the intervention group than in the control group(Ps<0.05).The choleric temperament scores were negatively correlated with the differences of DSQ total scores(r=-0.45,P<0.05),and the melancholic temperament scores were positively correlated with the differences of SCL-90 hostility dimension scores(r=0.41,P<0.05).Conclusion:Dance therapy could improve the psychological symptoms and psychological craving of women dependent on methamphetamine,with varying effects across different temperament types.
7.Research on the current status of penile erection hardness and its influencing factors in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia
Minhua LAI ; Yanshan LIN ; Fangliang ZOU ; Yang ZHANG ; Jing LONG ; Huaan XIA ; Lihong LIN ; Yunzhi DENG ; Ruiyun CHEN ; Jianhua YANG ; Yao XU ; Tianwen PENG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(20):3276-3282
Objective To explore the current status of penile erection hardness and its influencing factors in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.Methods From January to December 2024,450 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia were surveyed at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Hospital.A self-made general information questionnaire was used to collect their demographic data.The Erectile Hardness Scale(EHS)was employed to investigate the current status of their penile erection hardness,and a self-made questionnaire was utilized to explore the influencing factors.Results Among the 450 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia,during sexual intercourse,35.3%of the patients reported that their penile erection hardness could reach grade 4(normal state),54.5%reported that it only reached grade 3(sub-optimal state),9.3%reported that it only reached grade 2(slight penile erection),and 0.9%reported that it only reached grade 1(inability to achieve an erection).In the survey of satisfaction with sexual life quality,among the 450 patients,only 24.9%were very satisfied with their sexual life quality;57.3%were basically satisfied;9.6%considered it average;4.0%were dissatisfied;3.1%were very dissatisfied;and 1.1%had no sexual life.alcohol consumption(OR=2.393,95%CI:1.493~3.836),satisfaction with the quality of sexual life(OR=1.455,95%CI:1.118~1.894),educational attainment(OR=0.709,95%CI:0.549~0.917),and the sleep quality in the past month(OR=0.641,95%CI:0.452~0.907).Conclusions Clinical studies have shown that factors such as drinking habits,sexual life satisfaction,sleep quality,and educational attainment collectively influence the penile erection hardness in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.Therefore,the medical team needs to customize personalized intervention plans and educational materials based on individual differences among patients.Through psychological counseling and lifestyle guidance,they can improve erectile function and the quality of sexual life,promote harmonious marital relationships,and enhance the overall life experience of the patients.
8.Effect of salidroside combined with rosavin on ischemic brain injury in rats
Wen-fang LAI ; Yu-ting JIANG ; Jing-quan CHEN ; Xue-rui ZHENG ; Hui-ling WU ; Qing-qing WU ; Yan CHEN ; Ya LIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2058-2065
Aim To study the mechanism of salidro-side combined with rosavin in rats with ischemic stroke.Methods The MCAO rats was established by using thread-embolic method.The rats were divided into the sham group,MCAO group,salidroside com-bined with rosavin group,and positive control group;the drug was given continuously for seven days.Western blot was used to detect apoptosis indicators.Proteomics was used to analyse differential proteins(DEPs).STEP receptor inhibitor was injected into the lateral ventricles,the rats were administered for seven days,then the apoptosis indicators were detected.Re-sults Salidroside combined with rosavin could reduce neurological function scores in MCAO rats and inhibit cell apoptosis.Quantitative proteomics identified 496 DEPs in brain tissue and discovered core proteins STEP,p38,and CRTC1.Salidroside combined with rosavin could promote the STEP and CRTC1 while in-hibiting p38 protein.After treatment with STEP inhibi-tor,those effects were reversed.Conclusion Salidro-side combined with rosavin can inhibit cell apoptosis in MCAO rats,which is closely related to the regulation of the STEP/p38/CRTC1 signaling pathway.
9.Cross-regulation Between Protein Acylation and Cancer Cell Metabolism
Yu-Xin LAI ; Zi-Jun PENG ; Jing LIANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(2):169-177
Protein acylation is a group of recently identified chemical modification closely linked to me-tabolism with the metabolic intermediate acyl-coenzyme A(acyl-coA)as the substrate.Acylation posses-ses similar chemical structures to acetylation,with differences in carbon chain length,hydrophobicity,and charge.Most acyl-CoAs are intermediate metabolites,the level of which are influenced by the intra-cellular metabolic state.Therefore,protein acylation is greatly affected by cellular metabolism.Metabolic reprogramming is an important feature of tumor cells.In addition to the classic"Warburg effect",cancer cells exhibit abnormal regulation in lipid metabolism,amino acid metabolism and biological oxidation.Acylation on histones can impact chromatin structure,regulating gene expression and DNA repair critical-ly involved in cancer progression.On the other hand,acylation on non-histones can regulate signal trans-duction,enzymatic activity,or protein-protein interactions to affect cancer cell behaviors such as prolifer-ation,invasion,immune evasion,and vascular remodeling.Focusing on three types of acylation closely related to metabolism:lactylation,succinylation,and crotonylation,this article introduces the produc-tion,raw materials,regulatory mechanism and factors of protein acylation.We then review representative studies to show how cancer cell metabolic reprogramming can regulate these processes and histone/non-histone acylation levels,which subsequently affect the expression and function metabolism-related genes/proteins to form a bidirectional dialogue and accelerate cancer progression.In addition,we present sever-al prospects for potential research directions and translational applications in the field.
10.The effect of salidroside derivative pOBz on angiogenesis after ischemic stroke by regulating Notch signaling pathway
Jing-quan CHEN ; Yu-ting JIANG ; Xue-rui ZHENG ; Hui-ling WU ; Qing-qing WU ; Zheng-shuang YU ; Wen-fang LAI ; Gui-zhu HONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2253-2259
Aim To study the effect of p-benzoyl sali-droside(pOBz)on angiogenesis after ischemic stroke and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods The MCAO model was prepared by suture method.Rats were divided into four groups:sham,MCAO,pOBz administration,and edaravone positive control,treated for seven days.The mNSS was used to assess the neurological impairment.Western blotting was em-ployed to detect CD31,NICD,and Hes-1 protein ex-pression,while immunofluorescence staining was ap-plies to quantify CD31-positive cells in ischemic brain tissue.In vitro an OGD/R model was established in HUVECs.Following treatment with varying pOBz con-centrations(0.01,0.1,1 μmol·L-1),the CCK-8 as-say was uses to measure cell viability,and in vitro tube formation assay was utilized to evaluate angiogenesis.Western blotting was employed again to assess CD31,NICD and Hes-1 protein levels.To further elucidate the mechanism,HUVEC were treated with the Notch inhibitor DAPT prior to grouping and pOBz administra-tion,and the same parameters were evaluated.Results pOBz significantly reduced the mNSS score of MCAO rats,increased CD31-positive cell counts,and upregu-lated CD31,NICD,and Hes-1 protein expression(P<0.01).In vitro results further showed that pOBz could dose-dependently increase the survival rate and angio-genesis ability of HUVEC induced by OGD/R,and promote CD31,NICD and Hes-1 proteins(P<0.01),and Notch inhibitor DAPT could reverse the above effects of pOBz.Conclusion pOBz promotes angio-genesis in HUVEC,and its mechanism involves activa-tion of the Notch signaling pathway.

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