1.Key points of the International consensus guidelines on the implementation and monitoring of vosoritide therapy in individuals with Achondroplasia.
Hangyu PING ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Yue PENG ; Zikang ZHONG ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(1):5-12
Achondroplasia (ACH) is a common inherited skeletal dysplasia (inherited dwarfism) that compromises quality of life across the lifespan. In 2021, vosoritide became the first approved precision therapy for ACH and is now available in more than 40 countries. Compared with prior symptomatic measures, vosoritide has demonstrated favorable efficacy and a reassuring safety profile. Nevertheless, existing international ACH guidelines largely emphasize complication management and symptomatic care, and there is no unified consensus on pharmacologic therapy. To address this gap, an international expert group developed the International Consensus Guidelines for the Implementation and Monitoring of Vosoritide Therapy in Patients with Achondroplasia providing systematic recommendations that span the continuum of care - from initial patient contact and pre-treatment assessment to medication counseling, injection training, and long-term outcome monitoring. These recommendations complement and refine current management and nursing protocols for individuals with ACH and offer practical guidance for clinicians across diverse regions. This article highlights key elements of the guideline to provide evidence-based support and clinical direction for healthcare professionals in China treating children with ACH using vosoritide.
Humans
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Achondroplasia/drug therapy*
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Consensus
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
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Child
2.Perioperative immune dynamics and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery
Zhiyuan CHENG ; Xinyi LIAO ; Juan WU ; Ping YANG ; Tingting WANG ; Qinjuan WU ; Wentong MENG ; Zongcheng TANG ; Jiayi SUN ; Jia TAN ; Jing LIN ; Dan LUO ; Hao WANG ; Chaonan LIU ; Jiyue XIONG ; Liqin LING ; Jing ZHOU ; Lei DU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):31-43
Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10
/L vs preoperative 3.07×10
/L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10
/L vs preoperative 3.05×10
/L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10
/L vs preoperative 2.99×10
/L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.
3.Study on Cardiac Aging Phenotypes of SHJHhr Mice
Rongle LIU ; Hao CHENG ; Fusheng SHANG ; Shufu CHANG ; Ping XU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):13-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the spontaneous premature cardiac aging in SHJHhr mice. MethodsA comparative study was conducted between SHJHhr mice (SHJHhr group) and wild-type ICR mice (WT group) at different ages (10 and 24 weeks). Cardiac function was analyzed using a small animal in vivo ultrasound imaging system. After euthanasia, organs were collected and weighed to assess the extent of cardiac atrophy. Cardiac pathological damage was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cardiac fibrosis was analyzed using Masson staining. Myocardial cell area was analyzed after wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. The activities of oxidative damage indicators in myocardial tissue, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT), as well as the content of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of factors associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Colorimetric assay was used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. ResultsCompared to WT group mice of the same age, 10-week-old mice in the SHJHhr group showed no significant differences in stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), or heart and lung weights. However, at 24 weeks of age, mice in the SHJHhr group had significantly lower SV, EF, and FS values compared to mice of the same age in the WT group (P<0.05), with no significant change in lung weight but a significant reduction in heart weight (P<0.05). Histological analysis of heart tissue from 24-week-old mice revealed no significant difference in cardiac fibrosis levels between SHJHhr and WT groups, but WGA staining showed a significant reduction in myocardial cell area in mice in the SHJHhr group (P<0.05). PCR analysis revealed a significant downregulation of mRNA levels of oxidative stress factors Sod2, Gpx1, and Cat genes (P<0.05). Biochemical assays indicated significantly reduced activities of oxidative damage-related enzymes SOD, GPX, and CAT in myocardial tissue (P<0.05), while the levels of oxidative damage markers 8-OHdG and MDA significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionMice in the SHJHhr group exhibit premature cardiac aging, which may be associated with oxidative stress damage in myocardial tissue.
4.Effects of different exercise interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats
Shujuan HU ; Ping CHENG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Yiting DING ; Xuan LIU ; Rui PU ; Xianwang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):269-278
BACKGROUND:Carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis.However,the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats remain to be revealed. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS:Thirty-two 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group(n=12)and modeling group(n=20)after 1 week of adaptive feeding.Rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus were prepared by high-fat diet and single injection of streptozotocin.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into diabetic control group(n=6),moderate-intensity exercise group(n=6)and high-intensity intermittent exercise group(n=6).The latter two groups were subjected to treadmill training at corresponding intensities,once a day,50 minutes each,and 5 days per week.Exercise intervention in each group was carried out for 6 weeks.After the intervention,ELISA was used to detect blood glucose and blood lipids of rats.The morphological changes of skeletal muscle were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The mRNA expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.The protein expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,insulin resistance index in the diabetic control group were significantly increased(P<0.01),insulin activity was decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,never in mitosis gene A related kinase 7(NEK7)and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle tissue were upregulated(P<0.05).Compared with the diabetic control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and insulin resistance index in the moderate-intensity exercise group and high-intensity intermittent exercise group were down-regulated(P<0.05),and insulin activity was increased(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the diabetic control group,the mRNA level of NEK7 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were decreased in the moderate-intensity exercise group(P<0.05),while the mRNA levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7,NOD-like receptor heat protein domain associated protein 3 and interleukin 18 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were downregulated in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that compared with the diabetic control group,the cavities of myofibers in the moderate-intensity exercise group became smaller,the number of internal cavities was reduced,and the cellular structure tended to be more intact;the myocytes of rats in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group were loosely arranged,with irregular tissue shape and increased cavities in myofibers.To conclude,both moderate-intensity exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise can reduce blood glucose,lipid,insulin resistance and carboxylesterase 1 levels in type 2 diabetic rats.Moderate-intensity exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of NEK7 protein in skeletal muscle,while high-intensity intermittent exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of interleukin 18 protein in skeletal muscle.In addition,the level of carboxylesterase 1 is closely related to the levels of NEK7 and interleukin 18.
5.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes.
6.Epidemic factors in foodborne parasitic diseases in ethnic minority areas of Guizhou Province from a One Health perspective
Li-dan LU ; Mu-xin CHEN ; Shan CAI ; Dan-ya SHE ; Guang-chu LIN ; Song-ping LI ; Kai-neng MO ; Cheng ZHOU ; Ling LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):480-486
This study was aimed at understanding the prevalence and influencing factors of food-borne parasitic diseases in ethnic minority areas of Guizhou Province,to provide a scientific basis for the development of appropriate intervention measures based on the human-animal-environment One Health concept.In 2023,the infection status of the human population,reservoir hosts,intermediate hosts,food-borne parasitic diseases,and related social and environmental factors were investigated in Congjiang County in Qidongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture;Luodian County in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture;and Ceheng County in Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.At least 1 000 individuals were sampled from each county,along with at least 50 insect-protected host samples from each location.Food-borne parasite infections were detected with the modified Kato thick smear method.A questionnaire survey was administered to the population.Detection of food-borne parasitic metacercariae was performed in intermediate host fish through the flaking and digestion method,and in crabs through the pounding and sedimentation method.The chi-square test was used to compare rates,and logistic regression was applied for multivariate analysis.A total of 3 023 questionnaires and fecal samples were collected.Males accounted for 47.50%,females accounted for 52.50%,and members of ethnic minorities accounted for 96.06%.A total of 186 food-borne parasitic infections were identified,and the infection rate was 6.15%.Five insect species were detected,which showed an infection rate of 5.39%.The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis was 0.33%,that of Taenia was 0.40%,that of Heteroceles was 0.17%,that of Acanthus was 0.17%,and that of Echinostoma was 0.03%.Human infections with Echinostomus colloides and Echinostomia transferoris had not previously been reported in China.Single-factor analysis revealed statistically significant differences in food-borne parasite infections according to various factors,including the consumption of untreated water,raw fish and shrimp,raw pig blood,raw cow gastric juice,and raw pork and beef,as well as raw pig and cow viscera(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis indicated that the risk factors for food-borne parasite infections among residents in minority areas of Guizhou Province included the consumption of raw pig blood(OR=2.841,95%CI:1.809-4.463),raw cow gastric juice(OR=2.122,95%CI:1.297-3.469),and raw fish and shrimp(OR=1.779,95%CI:1.049-3.018).A total of 173 fecal samples of the reservoir host were examined,which showed a rate of food-borne parasite infection of 5.2%.A total of 510 intermediate host fish were examined,which showed a 4.51%positivity rate of encysted metacercaria of Clonorchis sinensis.The crab,pig,and beef samples were not positive.In conclusion,food-borne parasitic infections were prevalent in ethnic minority regions of Guizhou Province,and consumption of raw food were influencing factors.A focus on populations with raw food consumption habits,including raw pig blood,cow gastric juice,fish and shrimp,is essential.Concurrently,monitoring of animal hosts must be strengthened to perform key interventions according to the One Health concept.
7.Clinical value of enhanced magnetic resonance imaging-based deep learning model in pre-operative prediction of proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma
Lizhen LIU ; Jie CHENG ; Fengxi CHEN ; Yiman LI ; Yang XU ; Wei CHEN ; Ping CAI ; Qingrui LI ; Xiaoming LI
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(7):912-920
Objective:To investigate the clinical value of enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based deep learning model in preoperative prediction of proliferative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 906 HCC patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University and The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2017 to October 2022 were collected. There were 769 males and 137 females, aged (53.2±10.9)years. Of the 906 patients, 815 cases who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University were divided into the training set of 634 patients and the internal validation set of 181 patients using a random number table method with a ratio of 8:2, and 91 patients who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were divided into the external validation set. The training set was used to construct the prediction model, while the validation set was used to validate the prediction model. Observation indicators: (1) analysis of factors influencing the pathological classification of HCC patients; (2) deep learning imaging features of HCC patients; (3) evaluation of the efficacy of prediction model for proliferative HCC; (4) validation of the prediction model for proliferative HCC; (5) prognosis of HCC patients. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the binary Logistic regression model. The model perfor-mance was evaluated through five-fold cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic value of the model based on the area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The Delong test was used to compare the diagnostic performance of models. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was employed to evaluate the calibration of models. The optimal cutoff value of the prediction model was determined by the maximum Youden index, with the value >0.175 indicating high-risk patients and value ≤0.175 indicating low-risk patients.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Analysis of factors influencing the pathological classification of HCC patients. Of 634 patients in the training set, there were 190 cases of proliferative HCC and 444 cases of non-proliferative HCC. Results of multivariate analysis showed that alpha fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 μg/L and tumor diameter >5 cm were independent risk factors for pathological type of HCC as proli-ferative [ odds ratio=1.73, 1.88, 95% confidence interval ( CI) as 1.19-2.50, 1.30-2.71, P<0.05]. (2) Deep learning imaging features of HCC patients. In the training set of 634 patients, the probability predicted by MRI-based deep learning model was 84.8%(30.5%,95.4%) for proliferative HCC and 5.8%(3.2%,12.5%) for non-proliferative HCC, showing a significant difference between them ( Z=-16.01, P<0.05). (3) Evaluation of the efficacy of prediction model for proliferative HCC. In the training set, the AUC of clinical prediction model for proliferative HCC was 0.63(95% CI as 0.59-0.68, P<0.05), with sensitivity of 54.74% and specificity of 64.19%. The AUC of MRI-based deep learning prediction model was 0.90(95% CI as 0.87-0.93, P<0.05), with sensitivity of 80.53% and specificity of 86.94%. The AUC of combined MRI-based deep learning with clinical prediction model was 0.90 (95% CI as 0.87-0.93, P<0.05), with sensitivity of 83.16% and specificity of 86.04%. Results of Delong test showed that there was a significant difference between the combined MRI-based deep learning with clinical prediction model and the clinical prediction model ( P<0.05), and there was no signifi-cant difference between the combined MRI-based deep learning with clinical prediction model and the MRI-based deep learning prediction model ( P>0.05). Results of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration for the clinical prediction model, the MRI-based deep learning prediction model and the combined MRI-based deep learning with clinical prediction model ( χ2=0.84, 6.38, 3.93, P>0.05), indicating that the predicted probabilities of these three prediction models matched the actual risk well. (4) Validation of the prediction model for proliferative HCC. Results of validation of the prediction model in internal validation set showed the AUC of MRI-based deep learning prediction model for proliferative HCC was 0.84(95% CI as 0.77-0.91, P<0.05), with sensitivity of 82.35% and specificity of 77.69%. Results of validation of the prediction model in external validation set showed the AUC of MRI-based deep learning prediction model for proliferative HCC was 0.81(95% CI as 0.71-0.92, P<0.05), with sensitivity of 70.00% and specificity of 81.69%. (5) Prognosis of HCC patients. Of the 906 patients, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates for 645 proliferative HCC patients were 56.9%, 31.4%, and 29.1%, respectively, and the 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rates for 261 non-proliferative HCC patients were 88.8%, 68.6%, and 56.0%, respectively. There were significant differences in recurrence-free survival time between proliferative HCC and non-proliferative HCC patients of the training set, internal validation set and external validation set ( P<0.05). The 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence-free survival rates for 331 high-risk HCC patients were 64.6%, 50.4%, 43.6%, versus 88.5%, 71.9%, 62.7% for 575 low-risk HCC patients. There were significant differences in recurrence-free survival time between high-risk HCC patients and low-risk HCC patients of the training set, internal validation set and external validation set ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The MRI-based deep learning model can effectively predict proliferative HCC and recurrence-free survival of patients before the surgery.
8.Effect of autologous bone and allogeneic bone in repair of bone defect after microwave in situ inactivation for bone giant cell tumor around the knee
Ping-guang XIA ; Xiang JIANG ; Bao-cheng ZHANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(9):795-799
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of autologous bone combined with allogeneic bone in repairing bone defect after microwave in situ inactivation for bone giant cell tumor around the knee.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 39 patients with bone giant cell tumor around the knee treated in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2022.The tumor tissues of all patients were performed microwave in situ inactivation first,then followed by curettage;the subchondral bone defect adjacent to the articular surface was reconstructed with autologous bone graft,and the remaining tumor cavity was filled with a composite of autologous and allogeneic bone;then a locking plate was applied for protective fixation.The early outcomes including operative time,intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay,wound healing,and surgery-related complications were recorded.The regular follow-up was conducted after surgery,then the tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed and the status of internal fixation and bone graft fusion along with its fusion time were recorded.The knee functions before operation and at the end of follow-up were evaluated with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society(MSTS)scoring system.The radiographic joint degeneration was evaluated by the Aboulafia classification system at the end of follow-up.Results The patients showed a mean operative time of(134.7±14.2)minutes,an averaged intraoperative blood loss of(153.9±23.0)mL,and a mean hospital stay of(17.4±3.2)days.The patients obtained Ⅰ phase wound healing without any surgery-related complications such as neurovascular injury.All patients underwent the postoperative follow-up,without local recurrence or metastasis cases during the follow-up.At the end of follow-up,the MSTS score of patients was higher than that before operation(P<0.05),with an excellent and good rate of knee function recovery of 89.7%.At the end of follow-up,X-ray films showed good filling of the lesion and bone graft fusion,with a mean fusion time of(9.4±2.1)months.No collapse or fracture of the articular surface occurred.According to the Aboulafia classification,there were 20 cases of grade 0,11 cases of grade 1,and 8 cases of grade 2.Conclusion The autologous bone and allogeneic bone in repair of bone defect after microwave in situ inactivation for bone giant cell tumor around the knee has perfect knee function recovery,and can effectively prevent the collapse and degeneration of articular surfaces,which helps in the reconstruction of tumor cavity.
9.Preoperative prediction tertiary lymphoid structures of hepatocellular carcinoma on gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI
Lin CHEN ; Yiman LI ; Jie CHENG ; Fengxi CHEN ; Ping CAI ; Wei CHEN ; Qingrui LI ; Huarong ZHANG ; Xiaoming LI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(6):674-680
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl- diethy-lenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI features in the preoperative prediction of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study included clinical and pathological data from 297 HCC patients treated at the Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University between June 2021 and November 2022. Based on postoperative pathology, patients were categorized into TLS-negative ( n=93) and TLS-positive ( n=204) groups. MRI features of HCC lesions using Gd-EOB-DTPA enhancement and relevant clinical data were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons of imaging features and laboratory findings were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test, as appropriate. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of TLS positivity. A predictive model was constructed and visualized using a nomogram. The model′s predictive performance and clinical utility were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared using the DeLong test. Results:Significant differences were observed between the TLS-negative and TLS-positive groups in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, intratumoral hemorrhage, and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified intratumoral hemorrhage ( OR=0.123, 95% CI 0.070-0.216, P<0.001) and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( OR=0.236, 95% CI 0.093-0.596, P=0.002) as independent predictive factors for TLS-positivity. The imaging model based on these two features yielded an AUC of 0.764 (95% CI 0.709-0.809) for predicting TLS-positivity. When combined with AFP levels, the resulting clinical-imaging model achieved a superior AUC of 0.784 (95% CI 0.732-0.829), which was significantly higher than that of the imaging model alone ( Z=2.20, P=0.028). A nomogram was constructed based on the clinical-imaging model. The calibration curve demonstrated good predictive performance of the nomogram, and the DCA showed that the curve remained above the default line across a range of reasonable threshold probabilities, indicating that patients could derive clinical benefit. Conclusion:A nomogram model based on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI features combined with AFP levels can effectively predict the presence of TLS in HCC.
10.Deer antler peptide modulation of the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis inhibits dexamethasone-induced ferroptosis in osteoblasts
Xuekun SHAO ; Cheng WANG ; Yi WANG ; Ping WANG ; Zhuoya QIU ; Xinru WANG ; Tiefeng SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(14):2875-2881
BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is closely related to ferroptosis in osteoblasts.Deer antler peptide can promote the survival and functional establishment of osteoclasts by inhibiting ferroptosis in osteoblasts,and has the potential to treat steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,but its regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis in osteoblasts has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which deer antler peptide inhibits dexamethasone-induced ferroptosis in osteoblasts.METHODS:(1)Different concentration gradients of antler peptide and dexamethasone were used to intervene in MC3T3-E1 14 cells,and the cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 method to determine the effect concentration of antler peptide and dexamethasone.(2)MC3T3-E1 14 cells treated with dexamethasone(800 μmol/L)were intervened with different concentrations of gradient antler polypeptide,which were then divided into blank control group,dexamethasone group and dexamethasone+antler peptide group.Cell counting kit-8 method was used to calculate the effects of different concentrations of antler polypeptide on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 14 cells.(3)Glutathione,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,lipid peroxide,cellular iron,and reactive oxygen species levels in the blank control group,dexamethasone group and dexamethasone+antler peptide group were detected using kits.The protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 were detected by western blot to verify the pathway by which antler polypeptide inhibits ferroptosis.RESULTS AND CONCIUSION:After cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay,antler peptide(10 mg/mL)and dexamethasone(800 μmol/L)were selected to treat MC3T3-E1 14 cells for 24 hours in subsequent experiments.After treatment with dexamethasone,malondialdehyde,lipid peroxide,cellular iron and reactive oxygen species levels were all increased(P<0.01),while glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity were decreased and the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 were also decreased(P<0.05-0.01).After antler peptide intervention,the changes in the above indexes were obviously reversed(P<0.05-0.01).To conclude,antler peptide may inhibit ferroptosis in osteoblasts by regulating the glutathione peroxidase 4/solute carrier family 7 member 11 axis,and thereby exert a therapeutic role in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

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