1.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
2.Efficacy and safety observation of ciprofol for painless fiber bronchoscopy in elderly patients
Hongxin LI ; Haihao XIAO ; Ren YANG ; Wanwen HE ; Qianwen MEI ; Xiaojing YU ; Zelin XIAO ; Limei ZHOU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(8):1217-1223
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ciprofol in the anesthesia of elderly patients undergoing bronchoscopy.Methods A total of 96 elderly patients(≥65 years old)undergoing fiberoptic bronchos-copy under sedation and anesthesia were randomly assigned to either the ciprofol group(Group C,n=48)or the propofol group(Group P,n=48).In Group C,anesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of sufentanil at 0.1 μg/kg and ciprofol at 0.3 mg/kg.In Group P,anesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of sufent-anil at 0.1 μg/kg and propofol medium/long-chain fat emulsion at 1.5 mg/kg.Hemodynamic parameters,including heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),and peripheral oxygen saturation(SpO2),were recorded at five time points:before anesthesia induction(T1),immediately after the bronchoscope passed through the glottis(T2),immediately after it reached the carina(T3),immediately after the bronchoscope was withdrawn from the nostril post-procedure(T4),and upon full consciousness after leaving the recovery room(T5).Additionally,the success rate of sedation and anesthesia,cough severity scores,induction time(t1),bronchoscopy duration(t2),recovery time(t3),and orientation recovery time(t4)were documented for both groups.Intraoperative complications,such as hypotension,hypoxemia(SpO2<90%),injection pain during induction,airway interventions(e.g.,jaw support,mask ventilation),and the number of additional sedative doses administered,were also recorded.Results Compared with T1,MAP in both groups decreased at T2 and T3(P<0.05).Compared with group P,group C exhibited a higher MAP at T2 and T3(P<0.05).between the two groups in terms of sedation success rate,induction time,cough score,examination time,recovery time,and orientation recovery time(P>0.05).Compared with group P,group C demonstrated lower incidences of hypotension,hypoxemia,injection pain,and fewer airway intervention events(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with propofol,ciprofol in combination with sufentanil demonstrates superior circulatory stability,a lower incidence of respiratory system-related adverse reactions,and reduced injection pain.Therefore,it can be safely and effectively utilized for painless bronchoscopic diagnosis and treatment in elderly patients.
3.Synergistic diagnostic potential of novel biomarkers SYWC and ADA for tuberculous pleural effusion
Chunhong FAN ; Wenlong HU ; Limei ZHU ; Ruifu YANG ; Daxia CAI ; Shaohua LU ; Xingdong CAI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(15):2406-2411
Objective To evaluate the respective or synergistic value of cytoplasmic tryptophan-tRNA ligase(WARS1/SYWC)and adenosine deaminase(ADA)in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion(TPE).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 patients with pleural effusion(64 cases of TPE,56 cases of non-TPE)admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University and its affiliated Shunde Hospital from January 2020 to December 2024.Pleural fluid SYWC levels were identified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify diagnostic predictors,while receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to assess the diagnostic perfor-mance of individual and combined biomarkers.Results Compared to the non-TPE group,TPE group exhibited significantly younger age,lower pleural CEA,less serum CEA,and lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),but significantly higher levels of pleural ADA,total protein,SYWC,and serum CRP(all P<0.05).Univariate analysis identified age,pleural CEA,carbohydrate antigen 199,ADA,SYWC,serum CEA,and NLR as potential predictors.Multivariate analysis confirmed pleural ADA(OR=1.064,95%CI:1.017~1.228)and SYWC(OR=6.695,95%CI:2.794~16.04)as independent diagnostic factors.At optimal cutoffs,SYWC(16.94 μg/L)demonstrated a sensitivity of 71.80%and specificity of 98.21%,while ADA(36.5 U/L)showed a sensitivity of 93.75%and a specificity of 89.29%.Combined detection increased the sensitivity to 95.56%,the specificity to 98.0%,and the accuracy to 97.87%.ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.973(95%CI:0.943~1.000)for the combination,outperforming ADA(0.897)and SYWC(0.938)alone.Conclusion The combi-nation of SYWC and ADA notably enhances diagnostic efficacy for TPE,providing high sensitivity and specificity as a reliable tool for clinical differentiation.
4.Expression and Clinical Significance of PLCβ4 Gene in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Analyzed Based on TCGA Database and Experimental Validation
Limei WEN ; Yali GUO ; Qiang HOU ; Dongxuan ZHENG ; Wu DAI ; Xiang GAO ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):502-510
Objective To analyze the PLCβ4 gene mRNA expression and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on TCGA database. Methods Based on the data on 424 clinical samples (including 374 cases of HCC tissues and 50 cases of nontumor liver tissues) in the TCGA database, Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between PLCβ4 gene and the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of HCC patients. Correlation analysis between PLCβ4 gene and 24 types of immune cells was applied to investigate the relationship between PLCβ4 gene and immune cell infiltration and mRNA expression level of TP53 gene, a high-frequency mutation gene in HCC. In addition, paraffin sections of highly, moderately, and poorly differentiated tumor tissues and normal liver tissues from HCC patients were collected. The histopathological observation was carried out via HE staining method, and the expression levels of PLCβ4 and Ki-67 proteins in each clinical sample were verified through the immunohistochemical method. Results The expression level of PLCβ4 gene in HCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.01), and all patients in the PLCβ4 high-expression group had a significantly longer overall survival than those in the low-expression group (P<0.05), which suggested that PLCβ4 substantially affected the prognosis of HCC patients. Correlation analysis showed that the expression level of PLCβ4 gene was highly correlated with immune cell infiltration and the expression level of TP53 gene. As verified by clinical sample experiments, HE staining experiments and immunohistochemical results revealed that PLCβ4 gene expression in HCC tissue samples was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.001), and it was negatively correlated with the degree of differentiation. Conclusion PLCβ4 may serve as an independent prognostic factor in HCC and is expected to be a novel molecular target for HCC treatment.
5.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
6.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
7.Efficacy and safety observation of ciprofol for painless fiber bronchoscopy in elderly patients
Hongxin LI ; Haihao XIAO ; Ren YANG ; Wanwen HE ; Qianwen MEI ; Xiaojing YU ; Zelin XIAO ; Limei ZHOU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(8):1217-1223
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ciprofol in the anesthesia of elderly patients undergoing bronchoscopy.Methods A total of 96 elderly patients(≥65 years old)undergoing fiberoptic bronchos-copy under sedation and anesthesia were randomly assigned to either the ciprofol group(Group C,n=48)or the propofol group(Group P,n=48).In Group C,anesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of sufentanil at 0.1 μg/kg and ciprofol at 0.3 mg/kg.In Group P,anesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of sufent-anil at 0.1 μg/kg and propofol medium/long-chain fat emulsion at 1.5 mg/kg.Hemodynamic parameters,including heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),and peripheral oxygen saturation(SpO2),were recorded at five time points:before anesthesia induction(T1),immediately after the bronchoscope passed through the glottis(T2),immediately after it reached the carina(T3),immediately after the bronchoscope was withdrawn from the nostril post-procedure(T4),and upon full consciousness after leaving the recovery room(T5).Additionally,the success rate of sedation and anesthesia,cough severity scores,induction time(t1),bronchoscopy duration(t2),recovery time(t3),and orientation recovery time(t4)were documented for both groups.Intraoperative complications,such as hypotension,hypoxemia(SpO2<90%),injection pain during induction,airway interventions(e.g.,jaw support,mask ventilation),and the number of additional sedative doses administered,were also recorded.Results Compared with T1,MAP in both groups decreased at T2 and T3(P<0.05).Compared with group P,group C exhibited a higher MAP at T2 and T3(P<0.05).between the two groups in terms of sedation success rate,induction time,cough score,examination time,recovery time,and orientation recovery time(P>0.05).Compared with group P,group C demonstrated lower incidences of hypotension,hypoxemia,injection pain,and fewer airway intervention events(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with propofol,ciprofol in combination with sufentanil demonstrates superior circulatory stability,a lower incidence of respiratory system-related adverse reactions,and reduced injection pain.Therefore,it can be safely and effectively utilized for painless bronchoscopic diagnosis and treatment in elderly patients.
8.Research and application of a new deep learning based strategy for platelet histogram review
Enming ZHANG ; Chao YANG ; Xianchun CHEN ; Yan LIN ; Taixue AN ; Haixia LI ; Yongjian HE ; Zhiwei LIU ; Limei FENG ; Wanying LIN ; Tie XIONG ; Kai QIU ; Ya GAO ; Lizhu HUANG ; Jing HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Dehua SUN ; Bo SITU ; Lei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1201-1206
Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platelet review strategy to identify abnormal platelet histograms with no significant difference between initial impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F results.Methods:This study included 5 119 routine blood analysis in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and its Ganzhou branch from July 2023 and March 2024. Specimens exhibiting abnormal platelet histograms and an initial platelet count >40×10?/L underwent review using the fluorescent platelet count (PLT-F) channel. Consistency of the results was defined as a difference between impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F less than ±20% of the PLT-F results. A deep learning model was developed using platelet and red blood cell histogram data from a training set of 3 807 specimens. The model′s diagnostic performance was evaluated on an independent external validation set ( n=805) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Changes in the number of reviewed samples and sample turnaround time were analyzed to assess its clinical utility. Results:The deep learning model based on platelet and red blood cell histograms achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.854 in the training set. At a cutoff value of 0.1, the sensitivity was 0.954 and specificity was 0.358. The model could reduce review by 16.80% (190/1 131). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.805, with a sensitivity of 0.955 and specificity of 0.307, corresponding to a reduction of 17.41% (47/270) in reviewed specimens.Conclusion:The platelet review prediction model developed based on deep learning technology can efficiently identify samples with consistent results before and after review, reducing unnecessary reviews and shortening specimen testing time, thereby improving the efficiency of platelet test.
9.Validation of retinoblastoma mouse model based on fluorescence imaging technology
Cailing DAI ; Wei YANG ; Limei WANG ; Jinlong DAI ; Yuying WEN ; Jianmin GUO
International Eye Science 2025;25(5):706-713
AIM: To provide references for the non-clinical evaluation of therapeutic targets or drugs for retinoblastoma, fluorescently labeled Y79 cells are injected into the vitreous body of BALB/c-nu mice to establish a retinoblastoma model, and the Melphalan treatment group is used as a positive control, which is verified by fluorescence imaging technology.METHODS: BALB/c-nu mice were intravitreous injected with GFP transfected Y79 cells(1.0×107 cell/mL, 3 μL)to establish the model. On the 27th day, the mice were randomly divided into model control group and different doses of Melphalan groups(1, 3, 10 μg/eye groups)according to the fluorescence value of in vivo imaging, with vitreous body single administrated and ocular symptoms observed daily. Slit-lamp examination was performed at 12, 20, 29, 35, 42, 48, 55, 76, and 83 d after modeling. In vivo imaging was performed on 12, 20, 27, 41, 48, 55, 62, 69, 76, and 83 d. At the last treatment, the eyeball, brain and cerebellum tissues were removed for histopathological examination.RESULTS: From the sixth day of modeling, cloud-like substances could be seen in the eyes of the animals, and the cloud-like substances occupied the whole eyeball of the mice in the model control group at the later stage, accompanied by irregular growth of blood vessels. After 27 days of modeling, the fluorescence value was detected in all the animals, and the fluorescence value continued to increase with the extension of modeling time. The fluorescence value of the tumor reached the peak after 69-83 days of modeling. Histological examination showed severe proliferation of intraocular tumor cells in the model control group, and tumor cells were observed in the brain of 1 model animal. In the 10 μg/eye Melphalan group, the fluorescence value was significantly decreased at 17 d after administration. The fluorescence value of the 3 μg/eye Melphalan group was significantly inhibited at 59 d after administration. No tumor cells were found in the brain tissue of animals in all Melphalan groups.CONCLUSION: After vitreous injection of Y79/pCDH-LUC-copGFP cells in BALB/c-nu mice, significant ocular lesions and proliferation of tumor cells were observed in the eyes. Meanwhile, Melphalan intervention significantly inhibited tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that the mouse model of retinoblastoma was successfully constructed.
10.Bioinformatic analysis of TCGA database based on INPP4B gene expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and its experimental validation
Limei WEN ; Yali GUO ; Wenmei MA ; Taotao XUE ; Ruoyu GENG ; Chong MA ; Xinhong ZHANG ; Jianhua YANG
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(6):1618-1629
Objective:To discuss the expression and clinical significance of inositol polyphosphate-4-phosphatase type Ⅱ(INPP4B)gene in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database and experimental verification with clinical samples.Methods:Based on data from 424 clinical samples in the TCGA database(including 374 HCC tissues and 50 paracarcinoma tissues),Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between INPP4B gene and the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of the HCC patients.The correlations between INPP4B gene and the number of 24 types of immune cells,matrix,immune cell infiltration and tumor purity in tumor tissue,and the expression level of the high-frequency mutant gene tumor protein 53(TP53)in HCC were analyzed.The clinicopathological data and paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 60 HCC patients treated with surgical resection from December 2022 to December 2023 were collected.According to clinical diagnosis,they were divided into poorly differentiated group(HCC-L group),moderately differentiated group(HCC-M group)and well-differentiated group(HCC-H group),with 20 cases in each group;20 patients during the same period who underwent biopsy and were pathologically diagnosed as non-tumor were selected as normal group,and their clinicopathologic data and liver tissue paraffin sections were collected.HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology of HCC tissue and normal liver tissue of the subjects in various groups;immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the expressions of Ki-67 and INPP4B proteins in the HCC tissue and normal liver tissue of the subjects in various groups.Results:The TCGA database analysis results showed that compared with normal tissue,the expression level of INPP4B mRNA in HCC tissue was significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with INPP4B low expression group,the overall survival(OS)of the patients in INPP4B high expression group was significantly prolonged(P<0.05).The univariate Cox regression analysis results showed that tumor stage,pathological stage,tumor status and residual tumor had impacts on OS of the HCC patients(P<0.05).The univariate regression analysis results showed that the INPP4B prognostic risk model score ratio was HR=0.781,95%confidence interval(CI):0.552-1.105,P=0.168.The AUC value for the impact of INPP4B on OS of the HCC patients was 0.558,indicating that the INPP4B gene prognostic risk model had certain predictive value in survival prognosis.The INPP4B mRNA expression level was not correlated with TNM stage,stage,patient gender,age,race or body mass index(BMI)(P>0.05).In tumor tissue with high and low INPP4B expression,22 types of immune cells showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05);the INPP4B mRNA expression level was positively correlated with the number of 23 types of immune cells except T helper(Th)17 cells(r>0),among which all Th cells except natural killer(NK)CD56+cells were statistically significant(P<0.01);INPP4B was significantly correlated with matrix(r=0.475),immune cell infiltration(r=0.641)and tumor purity(r=0.599)in tumor tissue(P<0.01).INPP4B was correlated with TP53(r=0.287,P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that clear and complete lobular structure,neatly arranged cells and slight inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in liver tissue of the subjects in normal group;completely destroyed lobular structure,significant hepatocellular steatosis,massive inflammatory cell infiltration,and lesions such as ballooning degeneration and small cell hyperplasia in some cells were observed in HCC tissue of the patients in HCC-L,HCC-M and HCC-H groups,and the lower the HCC differentiation degree,the more severe the tissue destruction;The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with normal group,the expression levels of Ki-67 protein in HCC tissue of the patients in HCC-L,HCC-M and HCC-H groups were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the lower the differentiation degree of the HCC patients,the higher the Ki-67 positive rate.Brownish-yellow granules evenly distributed in the cells and INPP4B protein was highly expressed in liver tissue of the subjects in normal group;compared with normal group,the expression levels of INPP4B protein in HCC tissue of the patients in HCC-L,HCC-M and HCC-H groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the lower the differentiation degree of the HCC tissue,the lower the INPP4B positive rate.Conclusion:INPP4B is a protective factor for the prognosis of HCC patients;as a new tumor suppressor gene,INPP4B may become a potential target for new drug screening in HCC treatment.

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