1.Tongnao Decoction Promotes Angiogenesis and Alleviates Cerebral Ischemic Injury via PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway
Yan LIU ; Yang WU ; Wanhui PENG ; Jingyi CHEN ; Jiale GAN ; Li LI ; Yangjingyi XIA ; Yunze LI ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):100-110
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms of Tongnao decoction (TND) in mice with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MethodsFifty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a sham operation group, model group, TND low-dose group (1.86 g·kg-1), TND high-dose group (3.72 g·kg-1), and butylphthalide (NBP) group (10 mg·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. A mouse model of cerebral ischemic injury was established using photochemical thrombosis (PT). The sham operation group and model group were administered an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. All five groups were treated once daily for 14 consecutive days. Behavioral tests were performed before modeling and at the end of administration. T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) was performed 3 days after modeling to evaluate the extent of injury. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histological changes in the cerebral cortex, and Nissl staining was used to observe neuronal morphology. Cerebral blood flow in mice was detected using a laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the cell proliferation marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and the highly glycosylated type I transmembrane glycoprotein CD34. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and their phosphorylation levels, as well as tight junction-related proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-5 in the peri-infarct tissue. Thirty-five zebrafish were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, TND low and high dose groups (0.16, 0.32 g·L-1) and NBP group (10 μmol·L-1), with 7 in each group. A stereoscopic fluorescence microscope was used to observe vascular growth in zebrafish. ResultsImaging showed that PT caused ischemia in the right cortical region. Behavioral tests indicated that, compared with the model group, the drug-treated groups reduced the error rate of irregular balance ladder climbing on the affected side and shortened the tape removal time (P<0.05). HE staining and Nissl staining showed that, compared with the model group, the drug-treated groups exhibited reduced brain tissue damage, fewer scars, and improved neuronal morphology. LSCI results showed that the drug-treated groups partially restored cerebral blood perfusion and promoted the establishment of collateral circulation compared with the model group. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the drug-treated groups increased the positive rates of BrdU and CD34 compared with the model group (P<0.01), promoting angiogenesis. Meanwhile, compared with the model group, the drug-treated groups upregulated the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, and tight junction proteins ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5 (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased the number of intersegmental vessels in zebrafish (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionTND can promote angiogenesis around the infarct in PT model mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway, thereby improving cerebral ischemic injury.
2.Influencing Factors of Depression in Patients with Postoperative Ovarian Cancer
Jialiang YAO ; Long ZHANG ; Jianhui TIAN ; Ze LIU ; Yun YANG ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Minghua LI ; Wang YAO ; Wenfei SHI ; Xinyi LU ; Pan YU ; Enchao CONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(5):349-359
Objective To explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer and to analyze its influencing factors from multiple dimensions, including clinical characteristics, psychological factors, and laboratory indicators. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, which enrolled 235 postoperative patients with ovarian cancer. Depressive status was assessed using the patient health questionnaire, and the demographic, pathological, and medical record data of the patients were collected using the generalized anxiety disorder scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30, and ECOG performance status score. Peripheral blood tumor marker (CA125), routine blood test, lymphocyte subsets, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer was 39.15% (92/235). Univariate analysis showed that ECOG score ≥ 2 points, pain, anxiety, poor sleep quality, low quality of life, low life satisfaction, tumor recurrence, six or more cycles of chemotherapy, as well as higher levels of CA125, NLR, and NAR, and lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with depression (all P<0.05). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR=1.975, 95%CI: 1.231-3.170), sleep efficiency (OR=4.181, 95%CI: 1.211-14.43), sleep latency (OR=34.806, 95%CI: 4.258-284.542), ECOG performance status score, cognitive function (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.868-0.97), and life satisfaction were independent risk factors for depression (all P<0.05). Laboratory indicators were not independent influencing factors in the multivariate Logistic regression model. Conclusion Depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer is influenced by physiological, psychological, and social factors. Clinical management should focus on patients with anxiety, sleep disorders, poor physical condition, and low life satisfaction, and a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy centered on psychological intervention and taking into account symptom management and social support should be implemented.
3.The impact of donor reentry experience on blood donation return intention
Shangwu LI ; Yao GUAN ; Yuan YUAN ; Jing CHEN ; Minghua TAN ; Jia LUO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):636-642
Objective: To explore the impact of donor reentry experience, specifically among those with a single reactive serological result who completed the reentry process, on their willingness to return for future blood donation, and to examine the mediating roles of blood donation knowledge and trait anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2025. A total of 386 blood donors from the Changsha Blood Center were categorized into a reentry group (n=123) and a control group (n=263). Data on demographic characteristics, blood donation knowledge (BDKQ), trait anxiety (STAI-T), and blood donation return intention (BDRIS) were collected via questionnaires. SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 28.0 were used for statistical analyses, including independent-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and path analysis for mediating effect testing. Results: There were statistically significant differences in age, occupation, education level, monthly income and donation frequency between the reentry group and the control group (all P<0.05). The reentry group scored significantly higher in blood donation knowledge and blood donation return intention than the control group (both P<0.05). The mean BDRIS score was 11.51±3.62, indicating a relatively high intention to return. Blood donation knowledge was significantly negatively correlated with trait anxiety (r=-0.15, P<0.05) and positively correlated with blood donation return intention (r=0.19, P<0.05); trait anxiety was significantly negatively correlated with blood donation return intention (r=-0.33, P<0.05). Significant differences in BDRIS scores were found based on group (reentry vs control), age, and number of previous donations (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that BDKQ positively predicted BDRIS (β=0.11, P<0.05), while STAI-T negatively predicted BDRIS (β=-0.27, P<0.05). Path analysis further revealed that the reentry experience had no direct effect on the intention to return. However, it exerted a positive influence through two indirect pathways: 1) a simple mediating effect via increased blood donation knowledge (β=0.17, accounting for 25.0% of the total effect), and 2) a chain mediating effect through "increased blood donation knowledge → decreased trait anxiety" (β=0.05, accounting for 8.1% of the total effect). The model fit indices reached the ideal fitting criteria. Conclusion: The donor reentry experience does not directly enhance the intention to return for blood donation. Rather, it may exert an indirect positive influence by increasing blood donation knowledge and through the sequential pathway of "increased knowledge → decreased trait anxiety". Blood collection institutions should leverage the reentry process as an opportunity for education and psychological support to improve donor retention rate.
4.Evaluation of Effect of Tongnaoyin on Blood-brain Barrier Injury in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Yangjingyi XIA ; Shanshan LI ; Li LI ; Xiaogang TANG ; Xintong WANG ; Qing ZHU ; Hui JIANG ; Cuiping YUAN ; Yongkang LIU ; Zhaoyao CHEN ; Wenlei LI ; Yuan ZHU ; Minghua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):140-146
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Tongnaoyin on the blood-brain barrier status and neurological impairment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with the syndrome of phlegm-stasis blocking collaterals by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). MethodsA total of 63 patients diagnosed with AIS in the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. According to random number table method,the patients were assigned into a control group (32 cases) and an observation group (31 cases). The control group received conventional Western medical treatment,and the observation group took 200 mL Tongnaoyin after meals,twice a day from day 2 of admission on the basis of the treatment in the control group. After 7 days of treatment,the patients were examined by DCE-MRI. The baseline data for two groups of patients before treatment were compared. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score were recorded before treatment and after 90 days of treatment for both groups. The rKtrans,rKep,and rVe values were obtained from the region of interest (ROI) of the infarct zone/mirror area and compared between the two groups. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the NIHSS or mRS score between the two groups before treatment. After 90 days of treatment,the NIHSS and mRS scores declined in both groups,and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the rKtrans and rVe in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionCompared with conventional Western medical treatment alone,conventional Western medical treatment combined with Tongnaoyin accelerates the repair of the blood-brain barrier in AIS patients,thereby ameliorating neurological impairment after AIS to improve the prognosis.
5.Five new meroterpenoids from Rhododendron anthopogonoides and their anti-inflammatory activity.
Mengtian LI ; Norbu KELSANG ; Yongqin ZHAO ; Wensen LI ; Feng ZHOU ; PEMA ; Lu CUI ; Xianjie BAO ; Qian WANG ; Xin FENG ; Minghua YANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(7):881-887
Five meroterpenoids, rhodonoids K-M (1-2), daurichromene E (3), and grifolins A-B (4-5), together with seven known compounds (6-12), were isolated from Rhododendron anthopogonoides. The chemical structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), ultraviolet (UV), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Their absolute configurations were determined by comparing experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with computed values. Notably, compounds 1 and 3 demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. These compounds markedly suppressed the mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) while also down-regulating the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).
Mice
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Rhododendron/chemistry*
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Animals
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Terpenes/isolation & purification*
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Molecular Structure
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
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Cyclooxygenase 2/immunology*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology*
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Interleukin-6/immunology*
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Interleukin-1beta/immunology*
6.Diagnostic value of mediastinal lymph nodes CT imaging features in pulmonary sarcoidosis
Yuehong LI ; Ting RUAN ; Kun WEN ; Ying CHEN ; Yantian LYU ; Minghua JIN ; Li XU ; Guopeng XU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(1):168-171
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of mediastinal lymph nodes CT image features in pulmonary sarcoidosis.Methods The imageologic data of the patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis(pulmonary sarcoidosis group)and lung cancer complicating mediastinal lymph node metastasis(lung cancer group)con-firmed by EBUS-TBNA in this hospital from June 2015 to November 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The chest plain scan CT and enhanced scan CT were performed in all cases,and the imaging characteristics were compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.The diagnostic value of CT imaging characteristics in pulmonary sar-coidosis was analyzed.Results The proportion of female patients in the lung sarcoidosis group was signifi-cantly higher than that in the lung cancer group,while the age was smaller than that in the lung cancer group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The number of mediastinal lymph nodes,location,short diameter and CT enhancement value in the pulmonary sarcoidosis group had statistical difference(P<0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of lymph node short diameter reciprocal,CT enhancement value and position in detection alone were 0.586,0.785 and 0.505 respectively,and AUC of the three combined reciprocal was the highest(0.789).Conclusion The lymph node short diameter,CT enhancement value and po-sition have certain value in clinical diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis and the 3-indicator combination could increase the diagnostic efficiency of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
7.Construction of a machine learning model based on the Ki67 positive index to predict the recurrence risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Haoran LI ; Yan YU ; Fangying FAN ; Wenzhen DING ; Hui FENG ; Minghua YING ; Jiawei LI ; Qingqing SUN ; Lele BIAN ; Haokai XU ; Zhanyue CHEN ; Jie YU ; Ping LIANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(9):898-909
Objective:To screen the optimal machine learning model for predicting the recurrence condition of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at different time points post-surgery, based on the cutoff value of the Ki67 positive proliferation index condition calculated from recurrence-free survival and combined with various clinical features.Methods:retrospective study included initially treated patients with solitary HCC who underwent radical surgery at the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from January 2013 to March 2023. Data included general clinical data, preoperative laboratory parameters, and surgical pathology information about the subjects. The postoperative recurrence status was assessed by querying the medical record system or by telephone follow-up. The Ki67 positive index cutoff value was determined by the X-tile software based on the patient's recurrence-free survival status and time analysis. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival curves were plotted. The study population was randomly divided into training and testing groups in a 7:3 ratio using a computer-generated random number method. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) method was used for feature variable selection. Predictive models for postoperative HCC recurrence conditions in patients with HCC were constructed using random forest, support vector machine, logistic regression, and gradient boosting decision tree machine learning algorithms. Inter-group comparisons for continuous data were performed using the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Inter-group comparisons of enumeration data were performed using the Pearson χ2 test, continuity-corrected χ2 test, or Fisher's exact test. Results:The cutoff values for the Ki67 positivity index were 0.3 and 0.5 in 510 cases, with a follow-up time ranging from 1.2 to 11.4 years (median: 6.2 years). The recurrence-free survival time was between 1 and 135 months (median: 32 months), with recurrence-free survival rates post-surgery at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 87.5%, 77.1%, 61.2%, and 54.5%, respectively. The top five variables predicted HCC recurrence and non-recurrence conditions following surgical follow-up at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and beyond 2 years, in accordance with information obtained by the mRMR screen out. The Ki67 positivity index screened a successfully constructed machine learning model to predict HCC recurrence and non-recurrence conditions following surgical follow-up at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and beyond 2 years. The machine learning model based on the gradient boosting decision tree algorithm had the best prediction performance among them (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting HCC recurrence within six months in the training and validation sets were 0.996 and 0.946, and accuracies were 0.972 and 0.935, respectively).Conclusion:A machine learning model was successfully constructed using the Ki67 positivity index combined with four readily available clinical features to predict HCC recurrence. The machine learning model based on the gradient boosting decision tree algorithm demonstrated the best performance in terms of predicting HCC recurrence within six months after surgery.
8.Study on the correlation between cumulative exposure of body mass index and epicardial adipose tissue volume
Minghua LI ; Shouling WU ; Guodong WANG ; Shuohua CHEN ; Jingwang LIU ; Qi LI ; Jian LI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(3):410-414
Objective To investigate the correlation of the cumulative exposure of body mass index(BMI)with epicardial adipose tissue(EAT)volume.Methods Based on the Kailuan study cohort,subjects were divided into Q1,Q2 and Q3 according to the cumula-tive BMI exposure level.The generalized linear regression model was used to analyze the correlation between different cumulative BMI exposure levels and EAT volume.According to the median of EAT volume(115.83 cm3),EAT volume was defined as increased EAT volume when EAT volume was higher than or equal to the median EAT volume.Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between different cumulative BMI exposure levels and increased EAT volume.Results With the increased of cumu-lative BMI exposure level.The EAT volume increased gradually and the risk of increased EAT volume was significantly increased.Conclusion The level of cumulative BMI exposure is significantly correlated with EAT volume.High levels of cumulative BMI exposure lead to an increased risk of increased EAT volume.
9.Artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction for low-dose chest CT images of infants with congenital heart disease
Minghua SUN ; Liying PENG ; Feifei ZHANG ; Yukun PAN ; Tong LI ; Jiliang ZHANG ; Ruigang XIE ; Yinghui GE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):525-529
Objective To observe the value of artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction(AIIR)for low-dose chest CT images of infants with congenital heart disease.Methods Totally 262 infants with congenital heart disease who would undergo chest CT scanning were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into low-dose group(n=142)and conventional dose group(n=120).Chest CT scanning with tube voltage of 80 kVp and tube current of 10 mAs was performed in low-dose group,and hybrid iterative reconstruction(HIR,group A)and AIIR(group B)were used to reconstruct images,respectively.In conventional dose group,chest CT scanning with tube voltage of 80 kVp and tube current of 100 mAs was performed,and HIR was used to reconstruct images(group C).Then subjective and objective evaluation on image quality were performed,the results were compared among 3 groups,and the value of AIIR was analyzed.Results Significant differences of image quality and clarity of displaying structures were found among 3 groups(all P<0.001).Among them,except for the clarity of interlobar fissure,no significant difference of subjective scores was found between low-dose AIIR images and conventional dose HIR images(all corrected P>0.05),while subjective scores of low-dose HIR images were all lower than those of low-dose AIIR images and conventional dose HIR images(all corrected P<0.05).Significant differences of standard deviation(SD),signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were found among 3 groups(all P<0.001)and between each 2 groups(all corrected P<0.05).The effective dose of low-dose group and conventional dose group was 0.09(0.08,0.10)and 0.85(0.75,1.03)mSv,respectively,and the former was lower than the latter(Z=-13.942,P<0.001).Conclusion Using AIIR could obtain low-dose chest CT images of infants with quality comparable to conventional chest CT images.
10.Accuracy of multivariate discriminant analysis versus fibrosis-4 in evaluating the liver fibrosis degree in patients with chronic HBV infection
Hongyu LIU ; Xiaoting LI ; Jianning JIANG ; Chao JIN ; Cailian CAI ; Keshan WANG ; Fangpeng LING ; Bingling FAN ; Minghua SU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):677-683
ObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) versus fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) in assessing liver fibrosis degree in patients with HBV infection, as well as the possibility of MDA as an indicator for disease progression. MethodsA total of 263 patients with HBV infection who underwent liver biopsy in The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from April 2010 to April 2024 were included, and their clinical data were collected. According to the results of pathological examination, they were divided into non-significant fibrosis group (F<2) with 126 patients and significant fibrosis group (F≥2) with 137 patients. The correlation of MDA and FIB-4 with liver fibrosis degree was analyzed, and MDA and FIB-4 were compared in terms of their accuracy in assessing significant liver fibrosis. A total of 62 patients completed follow-up, and according to the presence or absence of progression to liver cirrhosis at the last follow-up visit, they were divided into progressive group with 21 patients and non-progressive group with 41 patients; the efficacy of MDA and FIB-4 in diagnosing disease progression was analyzed and compared. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Bonferroni method was used for further comparison between two groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. The Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for the analysis of baseline data and data at the end of follow-up, and the binary Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for progression to liver cirrhosis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of indicators, the Z-test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC), and the paired chi-square test was used for comparison of the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the two indicators. ResultsThe correlation coefficient between FIB-4 and liver fibrosis degree was 0.378, while the correlation coefficient between MDA and liver fibrosis degree was -0.325 (both P<0.001). FIB-4 had an AUC of 0.688, a sensitivity of 64.96%, a specificity of 68.87%, a positive predictive value of 67.42%, a negative predictive value of 63.36%, an accuracy of 65.40%, and a cut-off value of 1.01, while MDA had an AUC of 0.653, a sensitivity of 52.55%, a specificity of 78.57%, a positive predictive value of 72.73%, a negative predictive value of 60.37%, an accuracy of 65.02%, and a cut-off value of 0.29, suggesting that compared with FIB-4, MDA had a lower sensitivity (P=0.004) and a higher specificity (P=0.001). The progressive group had a significantly higher age than the non-progressive group at baseline (t=2.611, P=0.011). For the progressive group, there was an increase in FIB-4 and a reduction in MDA from baseline to the end of follow-up (both P<0.001), while the non-progressive group showed no significant changes (both P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that aspartate aminotransferase (odds ratio [OR]=0.940, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.885 — 0.998, P<0.05) and MDA (OR=0.445, 95%CI: 0.279 — 0.710, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors for disease progression. MDA had an AUC of 0.893 and an optimal cut-off value of -0.01 in diagnosing the disease progression of liver cirrhosis. ConclusionMDA has a comparable accuracy to FIB-4 in the diagnosis of significant liver fibrosis, and MDA<-0.01 has a high accuracy in diagnosing the progression of liver fibrosis to liver cirrhosis, which can help to reduce the need for liver biopsy in clinical practice.

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