1.Characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 gene methylation and its association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Huajie XIE ; Kai CHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Wanlin NA ; Huan CAI ; Xia LIU ; Zhongyong JIANG ; Zonghai HU ; Yuan LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):284-291
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 (MTIF2) gene methylation and its association with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsMethSurv and EWAS Data Hub were used to perform the standardized analysis and the cluster analysis of MTIF2 methylation samples, including survival curve analysis, methylation signature analysis, the association of tumor signaling pathways, and a comparative analysis based on pan-cancer database. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate survival analyses of methylation level at the CpG site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the survival differences between the patients with low methylation level and those with high methylation level, and the Log-likelihood ratio method was used for survival difference analysis. ResultsGlobal clustering of MTIF2 methylation showed that there was no significant difference in MTIF2 gene methylation level between different races, ethnicities, BMI levels, and ages. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the patients with N-Shore hypermethylation of the MTIF2 gene had a significantly better prognosis than those with hypomethylation (hazard ratio [HR]=0.492, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with different CpG island and S-Shore methylation levels (P>0.05). The methylation profile of the MTIF2 gene based on different ages, sexes, BMI levels, races, ethnicities, and clinical stages showed that the N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene decreased with the increase in age, and the Caucasian population had significantly lower N-Shore methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than the Asian population (P<0.05); the patients with clinical stage Ⅳ had significantly lower N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ (P<0.05). Clinical validation showed that the patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ HCC had a significantly lower methylation level of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ HCC and the normal population (P<0.05). ConclusionN-Shore hypomethylation of the MTIF2 gene is a risk factor for the development and progression of HCC.
2.Preliminary study of the value of ultrasound parameters combined with cystatin C in monitoring early acute kidney injury after liver transplantation
Di ZHANG ; Jing SUN ; Kai ZHAO ; Chuanshen XU ; Shiwen DING ; Jinzhen CAI ; Jianhong WANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):574-581
Objective To explore the value of combined ultrasound parameters, including the hepatorenal index (HRI) and renal resistance index (RRI), with cystatin C (CysC) in monitoring early acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver transplantation. Methods Perioperative data from 121 liver transplant recipients who received organs from donation after brain death were collected. The HRI and RRI of the recipients were measured on postoperative days 1-7 and at 1 month, and the CysC levels were measured on postoperative day 1. The recipients were divided into the AKI group (n=53) and the non-AKI group (n=68) based on whether AKI occurred within 7 days after operation. The data of the two groups were compared, and the ultrasound parameters before and after recovery in the AKI group were analyzed. The value of combined HRI, RRI and CysC in monitoring AKI was also analyzed. Results AKI occurred in 53 recipients, with an incidence rate of 43.8%, including 30 cases of stage 1, 18 cases of stage 2, and 5 cases of stage 3. Among them, 49 cases occurred on postoperative day 1, and 4 cases occurred on postoperative day 2. Of these, 43 cases recovered within 7 days after surgery, 8 cases recovered within 2 months after surgery, 1 case was lost to follow-up, and 1 case received renal replacement therapy. The body mass index and preoperative CysC levels were higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group, and the operative time was longer in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (all P < 0.05). The HRI on postoperative day 1 was lower in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group, while the RRI and CysC levels were higher (all P < 0.05). When AKI occurred, the HRI was lower than the baseline level, and the RRI was higher than the baseline level. As AKI recovered, the HRI gradually increased, and the RRI gradually decreased. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of HRI ≤ 1.12 for predicting AKI were 0.623 and 0.878, respectively, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.801. The sensitivity and specificity of RRI ≥ 0.65 for predicting AKI were 0.878 and 0.676, respectively, with an AUC of 0.825. The sensitivity and specificity of CysC ≥ 1.38 mg/L for predicting AKI were 0.736 and 0.882, respectively, with an AUC of 0.851 (all P<0.01). The combination of HRI and CysC (AUC=0.897, P<0.01), RRI and CysC (AUC=0.910, P<0.01), and all three parameters combined (AUC=0.934, P<0.01) were more effective than using each parameter alone. Conclusions HRI and RRI may be used to monitor the occurrence and recovery of early AKI after liver transplantation. The combination of these two parameters with CysC has a high application value in monitoring early AKI after liver transplantation.
3.Resveratrol Attenuates Inflammation in Acute Lung Injury through ROS-Triggered TXNIP/NLRP3 Pathway.
Wen-Han HUANG ; Kai-Ying FAN ; Yi-Ting SHENG ; Wan-Ru CAI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(12):1078-1086
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the protective effects of resveratrol against acute lung injury (ALI) and investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-triggered thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway.
METHODS:
C57BL/6 mice and J774A.1 cells were selected as the research subjects. Thirty Mice were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 in each group: control with 0.9% saline, 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 24 h, 25 mg/kg resveratrol + 5 mg/kg LPS, 100 mg/kg resveratrol + 5 mg/kg LPS, and 4 mg/kg NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09 + 5 mg/kg LPS. For cell stimulation, cells were pretreated with 5 and 20 µmol/L resveratrol for 2 h, and stimulated with or without 1 µg/mL LPS and 3 mmol/L ATP for 2 h. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC, 2 µmol/L) was used as the positive control group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the degree of lung LPS-induced tissue damage, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the contents of interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) and IL-18 in the serum and cell supernatant. ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the lung tissue were detected using the corresponding kits. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of TXNIP, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), NLRP3, as well as cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) along with their cleaved forms in lung tissue. Additionally, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression of related inflammatory cytokines. ROS content was detected using flow cytometry and confocal laser microscopy. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy, and HMGB1 expression was detected using immunofluorescence.
RESULTS:
Resveratrol significantly alleviated LPS-induced lung damage with reduced inflammation, interstitial edema, and leukocyte infiltration (P<0.01). It also decreased serum levels of IL-1 β and IL-18 (P<0.05), while downregulating the expressions of NLRP3, IL-6, and other inflammatory markers at both the protein and mRNA levels (P<0.05). Notably, the higher dose (100 mg/kg) demonstrated a better effect than the lower dose (25 mg/kg). In macrophages, resveratrol reduced IL-1 β and IL-18 following LPS and ATP stimulation, suppressed HMGB1 translocation, and inhibited formation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome (P<0.05 or P<0.01). These anti-inflammatory effects were mediated through the suppression ROS accumulation (P<0.01) and mitochondrial dysfunction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that resveratrol preserved mitochondrial structure, preventing the mitochondrial damage seen in LPS-treated groups (P<0.01). The expressions of cleaved caspase-1, cleaved GSDMD, and cytoplasmic HMGB1 were all reduced following resveratrol treatment (P<0.01). Moreover, resveratrol inhibited dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin, blocking subsequent activation of NLRP3 and downstream inflammatory cytokines (P<0.01). Similarly, the higher concentration of resveratrol (20 µ mol/L) exhibited superior efficacy in vitro.
CONCLUSION
Resveratrol can reduce the inflammatory response following ALI and inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the level of HMGB1 in the cytoplasm by inhibiting ROS overproduction.
Acute Lung Injury/metabolism*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism*
;
Animals
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Resveratrol/pharmacology*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Inflammation/complications*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Carrier Proteins/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Thioredoxins/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Lung/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Cell Line
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Cell Cycle Proteins
;
Stilbenes/therapeutic use*
4.Clinical analysis of treatment for lingual thyroglossal duct cyst with trans-oral robotic surgery.
Lanjun CAI ; Kai XU ; Chao HE ; Qimiao FENG ; Zheng LIU ; Xiang LU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(11):1034-1037
Objective:To investigate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of trans-oral robotic surgery in the treatment of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst. Methods:The clinical data of 21 patients with lingual thyroglossal duct cyst underwent trans-oral robotic surgery from May 2017 to March 2025 were analyzed retrospectively. Results:The cysts in all 21 patients were successfully excised by trans-oral robotic surgery. The mean robotic set-up and exposure time, operation time, estimated intraoperative blood loss and recovery time for oral intake were (14.3±7.2) min ([range 5.0-32.0]min), (17.0±8.4) min (range[6.0-36.0]min), (8.4±5.9) mL (range[2.0-25.0]mL) and (2.1±2.2) days (range[0-7]days), respectively. No patients required tracheostomy, and no severe postoperative complications occurred. The patients were followed up for 2 to 96 months, with median follow-up time of 47 months, and 1 recurrence was observed. Conclusion:Excision of lingual thyroglossal duct cyst by trans-oral robotic surgery is safe and feasible, with rapid recovery and low recurrence rate, which is worth popularizing in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Thyroglossal Cyst/surgery*
;
Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Middle Aged
;
Adolescent
5.Construction of a Prognostic Model for Lysosome-dependent Cell Death in Gastric Cancer Based on Single-cell RNA-seq and Bulk RNA-seq Data.
Peng NI ; Kai Xin GUO ; Tian Yi LIANG ; Xin Shuang FAN ; Yan Qiao HUA ; Yang Ye GAO ; Shuai Yin CHEN ; Guang Cai DUAN ; Rong Guang ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):416-432
OBJECTIVE:
To identify prognostic genes associated with lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD) in patients with gastric cancer (GC).
METHODS:
Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas - Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the key module genes associated with LDCD score. Candidate genes were identified by DEGs and key module genes. Univariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for the selection of prognostic genes, and risk module was established. Subsequently, key cells were identified in the single-cell dataset (GSE183904), and prognostic gene expression was analyzed. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the wound healing assay.
RESULTS:
A total of 4,465 DEGs, 95 candidate genes, and 4 prognostic genes, including C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18, were identified in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the excellent predictive power of the risk model. Three key cell types (B cells, chief cells, and endothelial/pericyte cells) were identified in the GSE183904 dataset. C19orf59 and TNFAIP2 exhibited predominant expression in macrophage species, whereas TNFAIP2 evolved over time in endothelial/pericyte cells and chief cells. Functional experiments confirmed that interfering with C19orf59 inhibited proliferation and migration in GC cells.
CONCLUSION
C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18 are prognostic genes associated with LDCD in GC. Furthermore, the risk model established in this study showed robust predictive power.
Stomach Neoplasms/pathology*
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Humans
;
Prognosis
;
Lysosomes/physiology*
;
RNA-Seq
;
Cell Death
;
Single-Cell Analysis
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis
6.Risk factors for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by end-stage renal disease:analysis of 50 230 cases from the UNOS database
Xin-Ze XIA ; Wen-Hui LAI ; Shuai HUANG ; Zhe-Kun AN ; Xiao-Wei HAO ; Kai-Kai LYU ; Zhen-Jun LUO ; Qing YUAN ; Ming CAI
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(4):371-379
Objective To compare the outcomes of transplant kidneys and patient survival between simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation(SPKT)recipients and deceased donor kidney transplant(DDKT)recipients in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with end-stage renal disease(ESRD),and to analyze the risk factors affecting patient survival post-SPKT.Methods Clinical and prognostic data of patients who underwent kidney transplantation from January 27,2003,to January 1,2021,were retrieved from the United Network for Organ Sharing(UNOS)database.A total of 50 230 cases were selected based on inclusion criteria,with 48 669 cases in DDKT group and 1561 cases in SPKT group.Kaplan-Meier analysis was employed to compare transplant kidney and patient survival between the two groups,and propensity score matching(PSM)was utilized to balance confounding factors between the groups.Cox regression model was used to analyze independent risk factors affecting patient survival post-SPKT.Results Compared with DDKT group,recipients in SPKT group had a younger median age(P<0.001),a higher proportion of males(P<0.001),lower BMI(P<0.001),shorter dialysis and transplant waiting times(P<0.001),a higher percentage of private medical insurance(P<0.001),a lower proportion of previous transplants(P<0.001),a younger age at diabetes diagnosis(P<0.001),and a lower incidence of peripheral vascular disease(P=0.033).Compared with DDKT group,the donors in SPKT group had a younger median age(P<0.001),a higher proportion of males(P<0.001),lower BMI(P<0.001),and a lower prevalence of hypertension and diabetes history(P<0.001).In terms of transplant-related factors,the SPKT group had a shorter donor kidney cold ischemia time(P<0.001),a higher degree of HLA mismatch(P<0.001),and a lower Kidney Donor Profile Index(KDPI)(P<0.001)when compared with DDKT group.The SPKT group had lower serum creatinine levels at discharge(P<0.001),lower rates of postoperative delayed graft function(DGF)and acute rejection(AR)(P<0.001),but longer hospital stays(P<0.001)when compared with DDKT group.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curves,both original and after propensity score matching(PSM),consistently showed significantly higher transplant kidney and patient survival rates in SPKT group compared with DDKT group(P<0.001).Cox regression model analysis indicated that recipient age,recipient race,donor age,and donor kidney cold ischemia time were independent risk factors influencing patient survival post-SPKT.Conclusions For ESRD patients with T2DM,SPKT offers improved long-term graft and patient survival rates compared with DDKT.Recipient age,recipient ethnicity,donor age,and cold ischemia time for the donor's kidney are independent risk factors affecting post-SPKT patient survival.
7.Clinical efficacy analysis of different materials for the repair of large frontal and temporal skull defects
Jin LIAO ; Zhi CAI ; Yu LI ; Jin LEI ; Kai ZHAO ; Hongquan NIU ; Kai SHU ; Ting LEI
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2024;32(8):811-813
Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of cranioplasty with polyether ether ketone(PEEK)or titanium after large craniectomy in patients.Methods Clinical data of 150 patients undergoing skull repair due to large frontotemporal skull defect in our hospital from April 2018 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into titanium mesh group and PEEK group according to different repair materials.The conditions of surgical site infection,bleeding,subcutaneous effusion,seizure,implant rupture or exposure in the two groups were compared.Results In the PEEK group,96.3%of patients needed to implant the repair material under the temporal muscle,which was significantly higher than that in the titanium mesh group(78.1%)(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in postoperative complications including infection,bleeding,seizure,implant rupture or leakage between the two groups(P>0.05).However,the incidence of postoperative subcutaneous effusion in PEEK group was higher than that in titanium mesh group(14.8%VS4.2%,P<0.05),and the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion Both titanium and PEEK can be used in cranioplasty for patients with large frontotemporal cranial defects.Subcutaneous effusion is common in patients underwent cranioplasty with PEEK postoperatively,which needs to be paid more attention.
8.Evaluation of glial lymphatic system function of cerebral hemorrhage based on diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space index
Jingyun SHA ; Lulu CAI ; Houliang ZHAO ; Pengcheng HU ; Kai XU ; Chao ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(5):689-692
Objective To explore the functional changes of the glial lymphatic system in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage(sICH)by MR diffusion tensor imaging(DTI).Methods The clinical and imaging data of 32 sICH patients(sICH group)and 31 healthy volunteers(control group)were retrospectively collected,and the diffusivity values of DTI in different direc-tions were collected from all the subjects,the diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space(DTI-ALPS)index was calculated,the difference of DTI-ALPS index values between the sICH group and the control group was compared,the changes in the function of the glial lymphatic system in sICH patients were evaluated,and the correlation between DTI-ALPS index and clinical indi-cators in sICH patients was further analyzed.Results The DTI-ALPS index of cerebral hemispheres on the lesions side of sICH group was significantly lower than that on the unaffected side(P<0.01,t=-5.03),and lower than that on the left side of control group(P<0.01,t=-9.85)and the right side(P<0.01,t=-8.80).In addition,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)tes-ting was performed in 8 of the 32 patients,and the levels[(187.40±19.11)pg/mL]were significantly higher than the normal range(0-142.20 pg/mL).Conclusion Through the quantitative analysis of the DTI-ALPS index,the damage to the function of the glial lymphatic system of sICH can be reflected,and perhaps the mechanism of pathophysiological changes in the brain after sICH can be reflected from a new perspective by using MR DTI technology.
9.The predictive value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI quantitative analysis for perineural invasion in peripheral prostate cancer
Erpeng CAI ; Kai TANG ; Xiaofeng HU ; Hu ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHU ; Yan WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(10):1649-1652,1657
Objective To investigate the value of quantitative parameters(Kep and Ktrans)of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI),in predicting perineural invasion(PNI)in peripheral prostate cancer(PCa).Methods The clinical and preoperative MRI data of 45 patients with peripheral PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy(RP)were analyzed retrospectively.According to the pathological results,the patients were divided into PNI group(n=27)and non-PNI group(n=18).Various parameters,including age,total prostate specific antigen(tPSA),Ktrans value,Kep value,apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value,prostate volume,maximum lesion diameter,and prostate-specific antigen density(PSAD)were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of PNI,and a joint prediction model was established.The DeLong test was used to compare differences in the area under the curve(AUC)between the joint prediction model and each independent predictor.Results The univariate analysis identified statistically significant differences in the tPSA,Ktrans value,ADC value,maximum lesion diameter,and PSAD between the two groups(P<0.01).The multivariate analysis showed that the Ktrans value and the maximum lesion diameter were independent predictors of PNI,with AUC of 0.854 and 0.874,respectively(P<0.01).The AUC of the joint prediction model for PNI diagnosis was 0.955(P<0.001).The DeLong test showed that the AUC of the joint prediction model for PNI diagnosis was better than that of the Ktrans and the maximum lesion diameter(P<0.05).Conclusion The Ktrans value can be used to predict PNI.Furthermore,the combination of the Ktrans value and the maximum lesion diameter is more effective for predicting PNI than traditional methods.This provides more reference basis for the selection of clinical treatment methods.
10.Urine Metabolites Changes in Acute Myocardial Infarction Rats via Metabolomic Analysis
Nian-Nian CHEN ; Jiao-Fang YU ; Peng WU ; Li LUO ; Ya-Qin BAI ; Li-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qian LI ; Zhan-Peng LI ; Cai-Rong GAO ; Xiang-Jie GUO
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;40(3):227-236
Objective To screen biomarkers for forensic identification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by non-targeted metabolomic studies on changes of urine metabolites in rats with AMI.Methods The rat models of the sham surgery group,AMI group and hyperlipidemia+acute myocardial infarction (HAMI) group were established.Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to analyze the changes of urine metabolic spectrometry in AMI rats.Principal compo-nent analysis,partial least squares-discriminant analysis,and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were used to screen differential metabolites.The MetaboAnalyst database was used to analyze the metabolic pathway enrichment and access the predictive ability of differential metabolites.Results A total of 40 and 61 differential metabolites associated with AMI and HAMI were screened,respec-tively.Among them,22 metabolites were common in both rat models.These small metabolites were mainly concentrated in the niacin and nicotinamide metabolic pathways.Within the 95% confidence in-terval,the area under the curve (AUC) values of receiver operator characteristic curve for N8-acetyl-spermidine,3-methylhistamine,and thymine were greater than 0.95.Conclusion N8-acetylspermidine,3-methylhistamine,and thymine can be used as potential biomarkers for AMI diagnosis,and abnormal metabolism in niacin and nicotinamide may be the main causes of AMI.This study can provide reference for the mechanism and causes of AMI identification.

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