1.Role of liver cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma and related strategies for targeted therapy
Wenting CUI ; Ningning LIU ; Xiuzhen MA ; Ping MAI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):457-463
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with relatively high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, and its therapeutic resistance and recurrence mechanism are closely associated with liver cancer stem cells (LCSC). This article systematically introduces the biological characteristics of LCSC and their key role in the progression of HCC, reviews the functional characteristics of the specific surface markers (such as EpCAM and CD133) and related signaling pathways (such as Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, and STAT3), elaborates on the interaction between LCSC and tumor microenvironment, and summarizes the latest clinical treatment strategies targeting LCSC and the countermeasure for existing resistance mechanisms. The article points out that LCSC promote tumor development and progression through metabolic reprogramming and immune microenvironment remodeling, and it is proposed to establish a standardized detection system for LCSC specific markers and promote a triple synergistic therapeutic paradigm combining targeted therapy, immune regulation, and traditional chemotherapy, in order to provide new ideas for the clinical intervention of HCC.
2.Novel pathogenesis and intervention strategies for liver cirrhosis based on the gut microbiota-bile acid axis
Ningning LIU ; Wenting CUI ; Shuli MU ; Xiuzhen MA ; Ping MAI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):718-725
Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of the progression of various chronic liver diseases, often accompanied by serious complications and high mortality rates. Recent studies have shown that the interaction between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism (the gut microbiota-bile acid axis) is closely associated with liver cirrhosis. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis in the progression of liver cirrhosis, elaborates on the pathological features of liver cirrhosis and its harm to the body, and summarizes the association of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis with the development and progression of liver cirrhosis. It also analyzes the key regulatory role of this axis in the progression of liver cirrhosis and explores its potential application value as a therapeutic target for liver cirrhosis, in order to provide a theoretical basis for exploring more effective clinical intervention methods.
3.Literature Quality Evaluation of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture Treatment for Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ningning MENG ; Na ZHANG ; Yiyang SUN ; Dongqing DU ; Yuxia MA
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):39-46
Objective To evaluate the methodological quality and literature report quality of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on acupuncture treatment for diminished ovarian reserve published both domestically and internationally;To provide reference for future related clinical research.Methods RCTs on acupuncture treatment for diminished ovarian reserve were retrieved from Cochrane Library,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,CBM,CNKI,Wanfang Data and VIP from the establishment of the databases to 16th,March 2024.Literature was screened according to the inclusion criteria,and basic research features were extracted from literature.Cochrane Collaborative Network randomized controlled trial bias risk assessment tool RoB2 was used for methodological quality evaluation,and CONSORT statement and STRICTA checklist were used for literature report quality evaluation.Results Totally 19 RCTs were included.The evaluation results of RoB2 showed that 18 RCTs(94.74%)had a certain risk of bias,and 1 RCT(5.26%)had a high risk of bias.In the evaluation of the CONSORT statement,there were a total of 24 items with a research report rate of less than 50%,accounting for 64.86%of all items,and 14 items with a report rate of less than 10%,accounting for 37.84%of all items;in the evaluation of the STRICTA list,there were a total of 3 items with a research report rate of less than 50%,accounting for 17.65%of all items,and 2 items with a report rate of less than 10%,accounting for 11.76%of all items.Conclusion Currently,the overall number of RCTs for acupuncture treatment of diminished ovarian reserve is relatively small,the methodological quality of the study is generally low,and the risk of bias is high.The literature reporting rate of the CONSORT statement items is low.Researchers should further strengthen clinical trial design and methodological training,improve the level of clinical research,and strictly follow the CONSORT statement and STRICTA checklist for standardized reporting.
4.Indole-3-aldehyde-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for protection against radiation-induced intestinal injury
Tuo LI ; Feifei MA ; Jiebing GUAN ; Siyu XIE ; Ning WANG ; Ningning HE ; Huijuan SONG ; Jianguo LI ; Qiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):408-415
Objective:To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of an indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3A)-loaded inulin-based hydrogel against radiation-induced intestinal injury.Methods:The gelation properties and injectability of the I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel were detected using a rheometer, and its biocompatibility was assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Eighteen C57BL/6 mice (aged: 6-8 weeks) were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned into three groups with 6 mice in each group: blank control, irradiation-only, and irradiation+ hydrogel protection. Abdominal irradiation was administered using 137Cs γ-rays at 17 Gy. The irradiation+ hydrogel protection group received 200 μl/day of I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for two days before and 2-3 days after irradiation. Meanwhile, the irradiation-only group was treated with an equivalent volume of sterile water via gavage. The mice were euthanized four days post-irradiation, and their intestinal tissues were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL immunofluorescence were performed to assess histopathological damage, epithelial cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:The test results of the rheometer confirmed successful hydrogel formation. CCK-8 assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the irradiation-only group, the irradiation+ hydrogel protection group exhibited preserved intestinal histoarchitecture, a 1.5-fold increase in intestinal cell proliferation ( t = 8.35, P < 0.05), and a 2-fold reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis ( t = 7.94, P < 0.05). Moreover, the hydrogel group showed significantly elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and antioxidant factors NRF-2 and HO-1 ( t = 3.16, 24.83, 5.92, P < 0.05), alongside reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ( t = 5.15, 3.82, 3.83, P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed significant modulation in microbial composition and abundance in the hydrogel group. Conclusions:The I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel can significantly promote intestinal cell proliferation, reduce radiation-induced apoptosis, and enhance both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. In addition, it regulates gut microbiota composition and abundance, protecting against radiation-induced intestinal injury.
5.Development and barriers of review indicators for exercise rehabilitation in kinesiophobia patients after degenerative lumbar spine disease surgery
Hongyan GUO ; Yongxia CHEN ; Jie MA ; Tingting LEI ; Ningning ZHU ; Yangxibei ZHANG ; Qian ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(13):1744-1753
Objective:To carry out evidence-based practice in the management of exercise rehabilitation for kinesiophobia patients after degenerative lumbar spine disease surgery, construct review indicators, analyze barriers and facilitators to evidence-based practice, and develop strategies for action change.Methods:Using the integrated-promoting action on research implementation in health services model (i-PARIHS model) as a theoretical framework, clinical nursing problems were identified, the evidence-based practice group was built, evidence was systematically retrieved, evaluated, and summarized, and review indicators were developed and review methodology was clarified. An evidence-based baseline review of 36 healthcare professionals in the Department of Orthopedics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 using the Evidence-based Readiness Scale. Barriers and facilitators to the evidence-based practice were analyzed based on the results of the baseline review, strategies for action were developed accordingly.Results:A total of 23 pieces of best evidence were included and 32 review indicators were developed. In the baseline review, 25 of the review indicators had an accurate implementation rate of < 60% and 14 had an implementation rate of 0. The main barriers of evidence-based practice were lack of effective feedback systems, lack of kinesiophobia mentoring programs, and lack of management processes and educational materials. The main facilitators were active support from organizational leadership and high motivation of patients and their families to participate. A total of 15 action strategies were eventually developed.Conclusions:This study constructed review indicators for the management of exercise rehabilitation in kinesiophobia patients after degenerative lumbar spine disease surgery based on the best evidence. There are several barriers in clinical practice. The action change strategy developed is scientifically sound and feasible.
6.GAO Shuzhong's Experience in Treating Idiopathic Tinnitus with Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Materia Medica
Pengfei WANG ; Yiyang SUN ; Xiaoyan LI ; Wenli YAN ; Ningning MENG ; Guirong YANG ; Yuxia MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):233-237
To summarize Professor GAO Shuzhong's clinical experience in treating idiopathic tinnitus with a combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica. It is believed that idiopathic tinnitus is mostly caused by weak lungs and spleen, kidney essence deficiency, liver constraint transforming into fire, and binding constraint of heart qi. Treatment advocates the combination of acupuncture and Chinese meteria medica in clinical practice. Acupuncture treatment mainly focus on the method of opening the orifices by syndrome identification in combination with Ermen (TE 21), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Shenmai (BL 62) to regulate qi and blood, and supporting with Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Taichong (LR 3), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) to soothe the liver, resolve constraint, and calm the mind. Oral administration of Chinese medicinal prescription usually includes modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) and Tongqi Powder (通气散), and the external administration of Chinese medicinal prescription can apply self-prescribed Wenqing Powder (温清散) to navel moxibustion.
7.Laser-assisted spatiotemporal control of Noxa expression in engineering bacteria for treating tumors.
Tingfang GAN ; Naiming ZHENG ; Huifeng LI ; Jinrui XU ; Ningning WU ; Lixin MA ; Yunhong HU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3199-3213
Bacterial therapy has attracted increasing attention due to its special mechanism and abundant applications. With the flourishing development of synthetic biology, therapeutic genes have been introduced into engineering bacteria to improve their antitumor efficacy. However, it is difficult to spatiotemporally control the expression of these therapeutic genes at the tumor site in vivo, thereby considerably limiting the application of engineered bacteria in tumor treatment. To resolve this problem, we constructed a temperature-responsive bacterial strain capable of triggering the expression of exogenous genes in a laser-controllable way. Noxa, a pro-apoptotic protein, is chosen to test the expression of exogenous protein and its anti-tumor effect in engineered bacteria upon laser irradiation. Firstly, Noxa was fused to the C-terminus of the bacterial outer membrane protein cytolysin A (ClyA), and then the recombinant gene fragment ClyA-Noxa was inserted into the temperature-sensitive plasmid pBV220 and the recombinant plasmid was transformed into non-pathogenic Escherichia coli MG1655. Thus, we constructed the engineering strain (TRB@Noxa) that could express Noxa on the bacterial surface. TRB@Noxa could target and colonize the tumor tissue without causing notable host toxicity. The bacterial infection triggered thrombosis in the tumor tissue, resulting in the darkness of tumor sites. In a xenograft mouse tumor model, our strategy demonstrated precise tumor targeting and strong tumor inhibition. In conclusion, we successfully constructed a new engineering bacterial strain TRB@Noxa. TRB@Noxa combined with photothermal therapy could arrest tumor growth in the absence of photosensitizers, which represents an appealing method for antitumor therapy in the future.
Escherichia coli/radiation effects*
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Lasers
;
Mice
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/biosynthesis*
;
Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Genetic Engineering
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics*
8.Literature Quality Evaluation of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture Treatment for Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ningning MENG ; Na ZHANG ; Yiyang SUN ; Dongqing DU ; Yuxia MA
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):39-46
Objective To evaluate the methodological quality and literature report quality of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on acupuncture treatment for diminished ovarian reserve published both domestically and internationally;To provide reference for future related clinical research.Methods RCTs on acupuncture treatment for diminished ovarian reserve were retrieved from Cochrane Library,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,CBM,CNKI,Wanfang Data and VIP from the establishment of the databases to 16th,March 2024.Literature was screened according to the inclusion criteria,and basic research features were extracted from literature.Cochrane Collaborative Network randomized controlled trial bias risk assessment tool RoB2 was used for methodological quality evaluation,and CONSORT statement and STRICTA checklist were used for literature report quality evaluation.Results Totally 19 RCTs were included.The evaluation results of RoB2 showed that 18 RCTs(94.74%)had a certain risk of bias,and 1 RCT(5.26%)had a high risk of bias.In the evaluation of the CONSORT statement,there were a total of 24 items with a research report rate of less than 50%,accounting for 64.86%of all items,and 14 items with a report rate of less than 10%,accounting for 37.84%of all items;in the evaluation of the STRICTA list,there were a total of 3 items with a research report rate of less than 50%,accounting for 17.65%of all items,and 2 items with a report rate of less than 10%,accounting for 11.76%of all items.Conclusion Currently,the overall number of RCTs for acupuncture treatment of diminished ovarian reserve is relatively small,the methodological quality of the study is generally low,and the risk of bias is high.The literature reporting rate of the CONSORT statement items is low.Researchers should further strengthen clinical trial design and methodological training,improve the level of clinical research,and strictly follow the CONSORT statement and STRICTA checklist for standardized reporting.
9.Indole-3-aldehyde-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for protection against radiation-induced intestinal injury
Tuo LI ; Feifei MA ; Jiebing GUAN ; Siyu XIE ; Ning WANG ; Ningning HE ; Huijuan SONG ; Jianguo LI ; Qiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):408-415
Objective:To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of an indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3A)-loaded inulin-based hydrogel against radiation-induced intestinal injury.Methods:The gelation properties and injectability of the I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel were detected using a rheometer, and its biocompatibility was assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Eighteen C57BL/6 mice (aged: 6-8 weeks) were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned into three groups with 6 mice in each group: blank control, irradiation-only, and irradiation+ hydrogel protection. Abdominal irradiation was administered using 137Cs γ-rays at 17 Gy. The irradiation+ hydrogel protection group received 200 μl/day of I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for two days before and 2-3 days after irradiation. Meanwhile, the irradiation-only group was treated with an equivalent volume of sterile water via gavage. The mice were euthanized four days post-irradiation, and their intestinal tissues were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL immunofluorescence were performed to assess histopathological damage, epithelial cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:The test results of the rheometer confirmed successful hydrogel formation. CCK-8 assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the irradiation-only group, the irradiation+ hydrogel protection group exhibited preserved intestinal histoarchitecture, a 1.5-fold increase in intestinal cell proliferation ( t = 8.35, P < 0.05), and a 2-fold reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis ( t = 7.94, P < 0.05). Moreover, the hydrogel group showed significantly elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and antioxidant factors NRF-2 and HO-1 ( t = 3.16, 24.83, 5.92, P < 0.05), alongside reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ( t = 5.15, 3.82, 3.83, P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed significant modulation in microbial composition and abundance in the hydrogel group. Conclusions:The I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel can significantly promote intestinal cell proliferation, reduce radiation-induced apoptosis, and enhance both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. In addition, it regulates gut microbiota composition and abundance, protecting against radiation-induced intestinal injury.
10.Development and barriers of review indicators for exercise rehabilitation in kinesiophobia patients after degenerative lumbar spine disease surgery
Hongyan GUO ; Yongxia CHEN ; Jie MA ; Tingting LEI ; Ningning ZHU ; Yangxibei ZHANG ; Qian ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(13):1744-1753
Objective:To carry out evidence-based practice in the management of exercise rehabilitation for kinesiophobia patients after degenerative lumbar spine disease surgery, construct review indicators, analyze barriers and facilitators to evidence-based practice, and develop strategies for action change.Methods:Using the integrated-promoting action on research implementation in health services model (i-PARIHS model) as a theoretical framework, clinical nursing problems were identified, the evidence-based practice group was built, evidence was systematically retrieved, evaluated, and summarized, and review indicators were developed and review methodology was clarified. An evidence-based baseline review of 36 healthcare professionals in the Department of Orthopedics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 using the Evidence-based Readiness Scale. Barriers and facilitators to the evidence-based practice were analyzed based on the results of the baseline review, strategies for action were developed accordingly.Results:A total of 23 pieces of best evidence were included and 32 review indicators were developed. In the baseline review, 25 of the review indicators had an accurate implementation rate of < 60% and 14 had an implementation rate of 0. The main barriers of evidence-based practice were lack of effective feedback systems, lack of kinesiophobia mentoring programs, and lack of management processes and educational materials. The main facilitators were active support from organizational leadership and high motivation of patients and their families to participate. A total of 15 action strategies were eventually developed.Conclusions:This study constructed review indicators for the management of exercise rehabilitation in kinesiophobia patients after degenerative lumbar spine disease surgery based on the best evidence. There are several barriers in clinical practice. The action change strategy developed is scientifically sound and feasible.

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