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.
3.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.
5.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.
7.Short- to medium-term safety and efficacy of the implantable Corheart 6 left ventricular assist system in patients with end-stage heart failure
Zhibing QIU ; Xiaochun SONG ; Liangpeng LI ; Hongwei SHI ; Liqiong XIAO ; Yunzhang WU ; Xiaosong RONG ; Jidan FAN ; Liang WEI ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):639-645
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of the Corheart 6 left ventricular assist system in patients with end-stage heart failure. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with end-stage heart failure who were treated with Corheart 6 left ventricular assist system from March 2022 to June 2024 in 4 hospitals in Jiangsu Province. The efficacy of the device was evaluated by comparing changes in clinical indicators at preoperative, discharge, 3-month postoperative, and 6-month postoperative timepoints, including the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD). The safety of the device was assessed by analyzing the intraoperative position and orientation of the blood pump inlet cannula, as well as the incidence of adverse events. Results In this study, 39 patients were collected, including 34 males and 5 females with a mean age of (56.4±12.5) years, ranging from 20 to 75 years. There was no operative death. There was no death in postoperative 3 months with a survival rate of 100.0%. There were 3 deaths in 6 months postoperatively, with a survival rate of 92.3%. All patients had a preoperative NYHA cardiac function classification of class Ⅳ. The NYHA cardiac function class of the patients improved (P<0.05) at discharge, 3 and 6 months after surgery when compared to the preoperative period. LVEF was significantly higher at 3 months after surgery than that during the preoperative period (P<0.05). LVEDD was significantly smaller at discharge, 3 and 6 months after surgery than that during the preoperative period (P<0.05). The safety evaluation's findings demonstrated that all 39 patients' intraoperative blood pump inlet tubes were oriented correctly, the artificial blood vessel suture sites were appropriate, there were no instances of device malfunction or pump thrombosis, or instances of bleeding or hemolysis, and the rate of the remaining adverse events was low. Conclusion With a low rate of adverse events and an excellent safety profile, the Corheart 6 left ventricular assist system can efficiently enhance cardiac function in patients with end-stage heart failure. It also has considerable clinical uses.
8.Cardamomine attenuates cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines in rats by regulating Notch/NF-κB signal pathway mediated pyroptosis
Xiao-Lei YU ; Wen-Xin LI ; Pan-Pan CHEN ; Yun-Fei LIANG ; Yan-Rong CUI ; Hai-Jing JIAO ; Fan XU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1277-1281
Objective To investigate the protective effect of cardamomine(CAR)on anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by regulating the pyroptosis mediated by Notch/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signal pathway.Methods The rat model of cardiotoxicity was established by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin(DOX).The model rats were randomly divided into DOX group,CAR-L group,CAR-H group and Jagged1 group.Another 10 rats were taken as the control group.The control group and the DOX group were given the same amount of 0.9%NaCl.The CAR-L group and CAR-H group were given 40 and 80 mg·kg-1 CAR by gavage,respectively.The Jagged1 group was given 80 mg·kg-1 CAR+and 25 ng·kg-1 Jagged1 by gavage once a day for 4 weeks.Myocardial injury markers creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB)and troponin Ⅰ(cTn Ⅰ)were detected by kit.The expression of pyroptosis protein Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)and desquamate D(GSDM-D)were observed by immunohistochemistry.The expression of Notch1 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)protein in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blotting.Results The levels of CK-MB in control group,DOX group,CAR-L group,CAR-H group and Jagged1 group were(48.51±5.39),(175.93±13.27),(106.83±9.73),(83.71±8.39)and(126.08±9.74)U·L-1;the levels of cTn Ⅰ were(1.95±0.18),(12.46±1.83),(7.15±0.64),(4.13±0.38)and(8.01±0.78)ng·mL-1;the average optical density of NLRP3 protein were 0.19±0.07,0.36±0.05,0.25±0.05,0.21±0.03 and 0.31±0.06;the average optical density of GSDM-D were 0.18±0.04,0.43±0.06,0.24±0.03,0.19±0.04 and 0.32±0.05.There were significant differences in the above indexes between DOX group and control group(all P<0.05).There were significant differences in the above indexes between CAR-L group,CAR-H group and DOX group(all P<0.05),and there were significant differences between CAR-L group and CAR-H group(all P<0.05).The above indexes in Jagged1 group were significantly different from those in CAR-H group(all P<0.05).Conclusion CAR can improve myocardial injury in DOX cardiotoxic rats,reduce oxidative stress,inflammatory reaction and pyroptosis,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Notch/NF-κB pathway.
9.Research status of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Ming-Yan LIU ; Bing-Qi ZHANG ; Hu-Hu LI ; Nai-Ru YUN ; Si-Miao FAN ; Rong-Rong YANG ; Rui-Ying GUO ; Yong-Na DAI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(13):1977-1981
Sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 2 inhibitor(SGLT2i)has steadily demonstrated benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes complicated with cardiovascular diseases based on evidence-based medicine,but its precise mechanism is yet unknown.We identified type 2 diabetes patients with HFpEF by searching PubMed,Web of Science,China knowledge network(CNKI),and other databases.We then summarized the pathological mechanism of HFpEF caused by type 2 diabetes.At the same time,to link to evidence-based medical,we explored the future of SGLT2i in clinical application.
10.Drug metabolism and excretion of14Cbirociclib in Chinese male healthy subjects
Quan-Kun ZHUANG ; Hui-Rong FAN ; Shi-Qi DONG ; Bin-Ke FAN ; Ming-Ming LIU ; Ling-Mei XU ; Li WANG ; Xue-Mei LIU ; Fang HOU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(14):2118-2123
Objective To evaluate the characteristics of the mass balance and pharmacokinetics of[14 C]birociclib in Chinese male healthy volunteers after a single oral administration.Methods This study used a 14 C labeled method to investigate the mass balance and biological transformation of birociclib in human.Subjects were given a single oral dose of 360 mg/50 pCi of[14 C]birociclib suspension after meals.The blood,urine,and fecal samples were collected at specified time points/intervals after administration.The radiation levels of 14 C labeled birociclib-related compounds in the blood,plasma,urine,and feces were analyzed using liquid scintillation counting.In addition,a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography and on-line/off-line isotope detectors was used to obtain radioactive isotope metabolite spectra of plasma,urine,and fecal samples,and high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to identify the main metabolites.Results A total of 6 healthy male subjects were enrolled in this study.The median peak time of radioactive components in plasma was 5.00 h and the average terminal elimination half-life was 43.70 h after administration.The radioactive components were basically excreted and cleared from the body within 288.00 hours after administration,and average cumulative recovery rate of radioactive drugs was(94.10±8.19)%.The radioactive drugs were mainly excreted through feces,accounting for(84.60±7.10)%of the dose of radioactive drugs administered.Urine was the secondary excretory pathway,accounting for 9.41%of the dose of radioactive drugs administered.Metabolic analysis indicated that the prototype drug was the main radioactive components in plasma samples.The main metabolites in plasma were RM4(XZP-5286),RM6(XZP-3584),and RM7(XZP-5736).The drugs were mainly cleared from the body in the form of prototype drugs and metabolites.In addition to prototype drugs,a total of 9 metabolites were identified and analyzed in plasma,urine,and fecal samples,all of which were phase 1 metabolites.The main metabolic and clearance pathways of drugs in the body were deethylation,diisopropylat ion,oxidation,etc.Conclusion After a single oral administration of[14C]birociclib suspension to healthy subjects,it was mainly cleared from the body in the form of prototype drugs and metabolites,with feces as the main excretory pathway and urine as the secondary excretory pathway.Drugs mainly undergo metabolic reactions in the body,such as deethylation,diisopropylation,and oxidation.The subjects were well tolerance after administration.

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