1.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
2.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
3.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
4.Efficacy and safety of domestic disposable pressure sensor:a prospective,self-parallel controlled double-center clinical study
Qiaoling QIN ; Liang FANG ; Yadong LUO ; Mengxian YU
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(22):3380-3384
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of domestically manufactured disposable pressure monitoring sensor in clinical application.Methods The self-parallel control was adopted.A total of 128 patients undergoing surgery for cardiovascular related disease requiring both invasive arterial blood pres-sure and central venous pressure simultaneously monitoring in the two collaborating hospitals of Chongqing Kanghua Zhonglian Cardiovascular Disease Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical Uni-versity from January to March 2021 were selected as the study subjects.The two kinds of disposable invasive pressure sensors were simultaneously utilized for continuous monitoring and recording invasive arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure prior to anesthesia induction(T1),at 1 min after the last intravenous an-esthetic drug injection(T2)and at tracheal intubation completion(T3).Additionally,the performance,safety indicators of the product,and success rate of arterial blood collection were recorded.Results At different time points T1,T2 and T3,the the consistency rates of systolic blood pressure measured by two sensors were both 100.0%.The consistency rate of diastolic blood pressure at T1 measured by the two kinds of sensors was 99.2%,which at T2 and T3 was 100.0%.The consistency rates of central venous pressure at 3 time points by the two kinds of sensors were both 100.0%.The correlation coefficient showed that the two kinds of sensors kept the high consistency in measuring systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure and central venous pressure.The concordance rates of arterial blood gas analysis indexes pH,PO2 and PCO2 reached 100.0%,94.5%and 99.2%respectively.Conclusion The effectiveness,accuracy and safety of domestically produced dis-posable invasive blood pressure sensor meet clinical needs.
5.Feasibility study on the evaluation of parieto-occipital sulcus of normal fetuses by simplified grade of prenatal ultrasound
Yue QIN ; Dandan LUO ; Huaxuan WEN ; Qing ZENG ; Meiyu ZHENG ; Meiling LIANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Xin WEN ; Zhixuan CHEN ; Bocheng LIANG ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(9):776-783
Objective:To validate the morphological changes of the parieto-occipital sulcus on the transcalvarial axial plane between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, simplify grade for assessing fetal parieto-occipital sulcus development, and confirm its clinical feasibility.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study analysis that included 550 cases of normal singleton fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The morphological changes of the bilateral parieto-occipital sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane were observed. The development of the parieto-occipital sulcus was classified into 6 grades based on the developmental features of angulation, progressive closure, and curvilinear growth: straight or shallow arcuate (Grade 0), shallow and wide V-shaped (Grade 1), deep and narrow V-shaped (Grade 2), Y-shaped (Grade 3), I-shaped (Grade 4), and curvilinear (Grade 5). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution of gestational weeks for fetuses with different grades of parieto-occipital sulci on the left and right sides was analyzed. The symmetry between bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus gradings within individuals, as well as the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were assessed using the Weighted Kappa coefficient. The gender differences in asymmetry of parieto-occipital sulci grades between the left and right sides was analyzed. Moreover, a model for predicting the grade of the parieto-occipital sulcus based on gestational week was established.Results:Grade for the left parieto-occipital sulcus was obtained for 549 fetuses, while grade for the right was obtained for 550 fetuses. From 20 to 32 weeks of gestation, the morphology of the fetal parieto-occipital sulcus was divided into Grade 0-5, progressing from low to high with gestational development. Grade 0 showed that the sulcus was not visible or only had a slight arcuate indentation, occurring at 20-22 weeks; Grade 1 presented as a shallow and wide "V" shape with an obtuse angle at the top, appearing from 20 to 27 weeks; Grade 2 was a deep and narrow "V" shape with an acute angle at the top, appearing from 24 to 29 weeks; Grade 3 appeared as a "Y" shape with the top part partially closed and the bottom still open, occurring between 26 to 30 weeks; Grade 4 was a fully closed "I" shape, appearing at 29-32 weeks; Grade 5 presented as a curved shape, indicating the parieto-occipital sulcus was approaching maturity, appearing from 31 to 32 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of gestational weeks for bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus developmental grade ( P>0.05). Bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus grade could be assessed in 549 fetuses, of which 43 cases (7.83%) exhibited grade asymmetry with a one-grade difference between sides; such asymmetry showed no significant difference between male and female genders ( P=0.647). The weighted kappa coefficient analysis results indicated a strong consistency in the development of the parieto-occipital sulci on both sides within individuals, generally demonstrating symmetrical development ( P<0.001). The intra-observer and inter-observer weighted kappa coefficients were 0.92 and 0.75, respectively, with good consistency. Conclusions:Prenatal ultrasound via the transcalvarial axial plane enables a preliminary and rapid assessment of the development of bilateral parieto-occipital sulci, facilitating early evaluation of fetal cortical maturation.
6.A cross-sectional study of simplified grade of the transcalvarial axial plane in evaluating the convexity sulci of normal fetuses
Yue QIN ; Huaxuan WEN ; Dandan LUO ; Qing ZENG ; Meiyu ZHENG ; Meiling LIANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Xin WEN ; Bocheng LIANG ; Ying YUAN ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(10):884-890
Objective:To study the stability and morphological changes of the convexity sulci in normal fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks, and to explore the simplified grade for evaluating the convexity sulci development and analyzing its clinical significance.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional analysis. A total of 551 cases of normal singleton pregnancies between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation were retrospectively collected, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The display of the far-field convexity sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane was observed as 0 for not displayed and 1 for displayed.Further, based on the morphology and number of convexity sulci, they were classified into five grades: no sulcus displayed (grade 0), one sulcus (grade 1), two sulci (grade 2), three sulci (grade 3), and four or more sulci (grade 4). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution characteristics of gestational weeks for each grade of the convexity sulci were analyzed, and the gestational week distribution of the left and right convexity sulci was compared to analyze bilateral symmetry. The Weighted Kappa coefficient was used to analyze inter-observer and intra-observer consistency, and curve regression analysis was employed to establish a model for predicting grade based on gestational weeks.Results:Before 25 weeks of gestation, the convexity of the fetal cranial vertex was completely smooth.The central sulcus consistently appeared after 26 weeks, while the superior frontal sulcus, intraparietal sulcus, postcentral sulcus, and precentral sulcus consistently appeared between 28 and 31 weeks. Among these, the superior frontal sulcus had a lower display rate before 29 weeks. By 32 weeks, all convexity sulci of the cranial vertex should be visible. Three hundred and eleven fetuses were graded for the left, and 240 fetuses were graded for the right. The developmental grade of the convexity sulci increased from Grade 0 to Grade 4 as the gestational age progressed. Grade 0 appeared between 20-26 weeks, grade 1 between 25-28 weeks, grade 2 between 26-28 weeks, grade 3 between 27-30 weeks, and grade 4 between 27-32 weeks. The distribution of grade did not differ significantly between the left and right sides of grade 0, 1, 3 and 4 (all P>0.05), while there was a significant difference in the distribution of gestational age between the convexity sulci of grade 2 ( P<0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients for intra-observer and inter-observer consistency were 0.94 and 0.86, respectively, indicating strong consistency. Conclusions:The simplified grade for assessing the development of convexity sulci in normal fetuses on the transcalvarial axial plane via prenatal ultrasound can provide a preliminary evaluation of the maturation of convexity sulci in fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation.
7.Risk factors and prediction model of acute respiratory failure in patients with hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis
Yaobing LIANG ; Zhenhua FU ; Ziyue ZHAO ; Jianming LUO ; Dongyu CHENG ; Haixing JIANG ; Shanyu QIN
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(11):1183-1187
Objective To analyze risk factors of acute respiratory failure(ARF)in patients with hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis(HTG-AP)and construct a risk prediction model.Methods A total of 222 HTG-AP patients were included in this study and divided into the non-ARF group(176 cases)and the ARF group(46 cases)according to diagnostic guidelines for ARF.Clinical data of the two groups were compared and the predictive factors were screened.These selected factors were then utilized in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis to construct a Logistic regression model.Subsequent evaluation of the model′s predictive ability,accuracy and clinical utility was conducted through ROC,curve analysis,calibration plot examination and decision curve analysis(DCA),respectively.Results Compared with the non-ARF group,the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL)-C and albumin(ALB)were decreased in the ARF group(P<0.05),while the levels of creatinine(Cr),urea nitrogen(BUN),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and C-reactive protein(CRP)were increased,and the incidence of pleural fluid and ascites was also increased(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that higher levels of Cr and AST,lower levels of ALB,HDL-C and ascites were independent risk factors for HTG-AP complicated ARF(P<0.05).Based on these results,a column-line prediction model for HTG-AP complicated ARF was established.After internal verification,the area under curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve of the nomogram model was 0.952(95%CI:0.923-0.981),the Youden index was 0.808 and the sensitivity and specificity were 93.33%and 87.43%,respectively.The calibration curve showed that the probability of HTG-AP concurrent ARF predicted by the model was in good agreement with the actual probability.The DCA curve showed that the model had certain clinical value.Conclusion The nomogram prediction model combined could provide a scheme for the clinical prevention of HTG-AP complicated with ARF.
8.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Bupleuri Radix in Qizhi Weitong Granules
Xi LUO ; Bing QI ; Ying MENG ; Xinpeng QIN ; Yongrui BAO ; Tianjiao LI ; Liang WANG ; Shuai WANG ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):146-153
ObjectiveTo identify the pharmacodynamic substances for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix by structure-activity omics. MethodA mouse model of pain was established with formaldehyde to examine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of saikosaponins in vivo. The core targets of the active components in Bupleurum Radix for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING). The key core targets with high binding affinity were screened based on the comprehensive score in the molecular docking between different types of saikosaponins and core targets. The structure-activity relationship was discussed and analyzed based on the binding of compounds to pharmacodynamic targets. ResultSaikosaponins alleviated the foot swelling induced by formaldehyde and reduced the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the mouse model, showcasing a significant inhibitory effect on the inflammatory pain caused by PGE2. Nine components and 39 targets of saikosaponins, as well as 3 074 targets of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened out, and 22 common targets shared by saikosaponins and the effects were obtained as the direct targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis showed that the main active components of Bupleurum Radix were saikosaponins a, b1, b2, b3, c, d, e, f, and v, and the key targets were fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Molecular docking between saikosaponins and the top 5 targets with high degrees in PPI network analysis revealed 25 highly active docks, including 6 docks with scores of 5-6 and 18 docks with scores above 6. ConclusionThis study adopted structural-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix in vivo, providing new ideas and methods for identifying the pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Correlation between Combined Urinary Metal Exposure and Grip Strength under Three Statistical Models: A Cross-sectional Study in Rural Guangxi
Jian Yu LIANG ; Hui Jia RONG ; Xiu Xue WANG ; Sheng Jian CAI ; Dong Li QIN ; Mei Qiu LIU ; Xu TANG ; Ting Xiao MO ; Fei Yan WEI ; Xia Yin LIN ; Xiang Shen HUANG ; Yu Ting LUO ; Yu Ruo GOU ; Jing Jie CAO ; Wu Chu HUANG ; Fu Yu LU ; Jian QIN ; Yong Zhi ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(1):3-18
Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between urinary metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) and grip strength. Methods We used linear regression models, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the relationship between metals and grip strength.Results In the multimetal linear regression, Cu (β=-2.119), As (β=-1.318), Sr (β=-2.480), Ba (β=0.781), Fe (β= 1.130) and Mn (β=-0.404) were significantly correlated with grip strength (P < 0.05). The results of the quantile g-computation showed that the risk of occurrence of grip strength reduction was -1.007 (95% confidence interval:-1.362, -0.652; P < 0.001) when each quartile of the mixture of the seven metals was increased. Bayesian kernel function regression model analysis showed that mixtures of the seven metals had a negative overall effect on grip strength, with Cu, As and Sr being negatively associated with grip strength levels. In the total population, potential interactions were observed between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn (Pinteractions of 0.003 and 0.018, respectively).Conclusion In summary, this study suggests that combined exposure to metal mixtures is negatively associated with grip strength. Cu, Sr and As were negatively correlated with grip strength levels, and there were potential interactions between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn.
10.Exploration of the Effect and Mechanism of Shuangzhu Kangxian Prescription in Improving Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatitic Fibrosis in Rats Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Yan TANG ; Jingyun LIANG ; Ling SIMA ; Baijun QIN ; Meiwen TANG ; Weisheng LUO
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(3):334-341
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shuangzhu Kangxian Prescription(Astragali Radix,bran-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,vinegar-prepared Rhizoma Curcumae,Bupleuri Radix,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Litchi Semen)on improving hepatitic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)in rats based on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods The rat model of hepatitic fibrosis was replicated by subcutaneous injection of 3.0 mL·kg-1 40%CCl4 twice a week for 8 weeks.SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group(n=8),model group(n=7),positive control group(n=7,intragastric administration of 43.19 mg·kg-1 silymarin),low-dose Chinese medicine group(n=6,intragastric administration of 4.3 g·kg-1Shuangzhu Kangxian Prescription),medium-dose Chinese medicine group(n=6,intragastric administration of 8.6 g·kg-1Shuangzhu Kangxian Prescription),high-dose Chinese medicine group(n=7,intragastric administration of 17.2 g·kg-1Shuangzhu Kangxian Prescription).The continuous intragastric administration was given once a day for 4 consective weeks,in addition to the blank control group,the other groups continued to be subcutaneously injected with CCl4 at the same time.The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining.The levels of serum type Ⅳ collagen(Col Ⅳ),type Ⅲ procollagen(PC Ⅲ),hyaluronic acid(HA)and laminin(LN)were detected by ELISA.The protein expression levels of Wnt1,β-catenin and PPAR-γ in liver tissue were detected by Western Blot.The mRNA expression levels of Wnt1,β-catenin and PPAR-γ in liver tissue were detected by qPCR.Results Compared with the blank control group,the liver of the model group showed partial necrosis of liver cells,the normal hepatic lobule structure was destroyed,the arrangement of liver cell cords was disordered,the central vein or portal area was enlarged,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated to form bridging necrosis.The collagen fibers in the central vein or portal area of the liver proliferated significantly,forming fibrous septa,and the fibrosis score were significantly increased(P<0.05).The levels of serum Col IV,PC Ⅲ,HA and LN were significantly increased(P<0.05).The protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in liver tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPAR-γ were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the steatosis of hepatocytes in the positive control group and the medium-and high-dose groups of Chinese medicine was improved,and the necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced.The degree of hepatitic fibrosis was improved,the liver collagen fibers were reduced,and the fibrosis score was significantly reduced(P<0.05).The levels of serum Col Ⅳ,PC Ⅲ,HA and LN were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in liver tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the protein and mRNA expression levels of PPAR-γ were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Shuangzhu Kangxian Prescription has the effect of anti CCl4-induced hepatitic fibrosis in rats,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and up-regulation of PPAR-γ expression.

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