1.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.
2.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.
3.Analysis of TYR gene variant in a patient with Oculocutaneous albinism
Xiaolei JIN ; Hanbing XIE ; Ping WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Jingqun MAI ; Xiao XIAO ; Shanling LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):349-354
Objective:To explore the genetic basis of a patient with suspected Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA).Methods:An OCA patient presented at the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University and his mother were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified through specific primer amplification, Sanger sequencing, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Bioinformatic analysis and pathogenicity rating were conducted on the candidate variants. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of West China Second Hospital (No. 2024-228).Results:Genetic testing revealed that the patient had harbored variants in exon 1 of the TYR gene, including a c. 157G>T (p.G53C) missense variant and a c. 609dup (p.A204fs) frameshifting variant. Specific primer amplification and Sanger sequencing, combined with agarose gel electrophoresis, confirmed that these are compound heterozygous variants. Based on the guidelines from the ACMG, the c. 157G>T was rated as likely pathogenic, and c. 609dup was rated as pathogenic. Alphafold3 predicted that the variant proteins had significant structural changes. Conclusion:The patient was diagnosed with OCA due to compound heterozygous variants of the TYR gene. Discovery of the c. 609dup variant has enriched the mutational spectrum of OCA and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this patient.
4.Analysis of TYR gene variant in a patient with Oculocutaneous albinism.
Xiaolei JIN ; Hanbing XIE ; Ping WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Jingqun MAI ; Xiao XIAO ; Shanling LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):349-354
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic basis of a patient with suspected Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA).
METHODS:
An OCA patient presented at the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University and his mother were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected for the extraction of, genomic DNA, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified through specific primer amplification, Sanger sequencing, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Bioinformatic analysis and pathogenicity rating were conducted on the candidate variants. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of West China Second Hospital (No. 2024-228).
RESULTS:
Genetic testing revealed that the patient had harbored variants in exon 1 of the TYR gene, including a c.157G>T (p.G53C) missense variant and a c.609dup (p.A204fs) frameshifting variant. Specific primer amplification and Sanger sequencing, combined with agarose gel electrophoresis, confirmed that these are compound heterozygous variants. Based on the guidelines from the ACMG, the c.157G>T was rated as likely pathogenic, and c.609dup was rated as pathogenic. Alphafold3 predicted that the variant proteins had significant structural changes.
CONCLUSION
The patient was diagnosed with OCA due to compound heterozygous variants of the TYR gene. Discovery of the c.609dup variant has enriched the mutational spectrum of OCA and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this patient.
Humans
;
Albinism, Oculocutaneous/enzymology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Monophenol Monooxygenase/chemistry*
;
Base Sequence
;
Mutation, Missense
5.Cannabinoid receptor 1 promotes M1 polarization of macrophages through the Gαi/o/RhoA signaling pathway in mice with acute lung injury
Xiuzhen MA ; Ni ZHOU ; Siqi GUO ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Ping MAI
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(2):161-168
Objective·To explore the effects and potential molecular mechanisms of blocking cannabinoid receptor 1(CB1)in acute lung injury(ALI)in mice.Methods·Forty mice were randomly divided into blank control group,AM281(CB1 antagonist)control group,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)group,and LPS+AM281 group,with ten mice in each group.ALI models were induced by LPS.The pathological manifestations of lung tissues were observed in each group of mice by hematoxylin and eosin(H-E)staining and the inflammation scores were calculated.The mRNA levels of M1 markers[tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-12]and M2 markers[arginase(Arg),mannose receptor,C type 2(Mrc2),macrophage galactose-type lectin 1(Mgl1)]in lung macrophages were measured by reverse transcription and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Human myeloid leukemia monocytes THP-1 cells were cultured in vitro,and the expression of CB1 and CB2 in THP-1 cells was detected by immunofluorescence.After further blocking CB1 and inhibiting the Gαi/o/RhoA signaling pathway,the mRNA levels of M1 markers were assessed.Results·The LPS group showed significant lung tissue damage and a significant increase in inflammation scores in mice.After blocking CB1,compared with the LPS group,the LPS+AM281 group of mice showed improvements in lung injury,manifested as improved congestion of alveolar wall capillaries,reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung interstitium and alveolar cavity,and a decreased inflammation score(P=0.007).Compared with the control group,the levels of M1 marker in the lung tissue of the LPS group were upregulated,while the polarization of macrophages changed and the M1/M2 ratio was reversed after blocking CB1(all P<0.05).In vitro studies found that macrophages expressed CB1 and CB2.Activation of CB1 by arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide(ACEA)upregulated the expression of M1 markers.Blocking CB1 and selectively inhibiting Gαi/o/RhoA signaling significantly downregulated M1 markers(all P<0.05).Conclusion·CB1 promotes the polarization of macrophage towards the M1 phenotype through the Gαi/o/RhoA signaling pathway in ALI,and blocking CB1 can improve lung injury.
6.Cannabinoid receptor 1 promotes M1 polarization of macrophages through the Gαi/o/RhoA signaling pathway in mice with acute lung injury
Xiuzhen MA ; Ni ZHOU ; Siqi GUO ; Yuanyuan WANG ; Ping MAI
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(2):161-168
Objective·To explore the effects and potential molecular mechanisms of blocking cannabinoid receptor 1(CB1)in acute lung injury(ALI)in mice.Methods·Forty mice were randomly divided into blank control group,AM281(CB1 antagonist)control group,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)group,and LPS+AM281 group,with ten mice in each group.ALI models were induced by LPS.The pathological manifestations of lung tissues were observed in each group of mice by hematoxylin and eosin(H-E)staining and the inflammation scores were calculated.The mRNA levels of M1 markers[tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-12]and M2 markers[arginase(Arg),mannose receptor,C type 2(Mrc2),macrophage galactose-type lectin 1(Mgl1)]in lung macrophages were measured by reverse transcription and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR).Human myeloid leukemia monocytes THP-1 cells were cultured in vitro,and the expression of CB1 and CB2 in THP-1 cells was detected by immunofluorescence.After further blocking CB1 and inhibiting the Gαi/o/RhoA signaling pathway,the mRNA levels of M1 markers were assessed.Results·The LPS group showed significant lung tissue damage and a significant increase in inflammation scores in mice.After blocking CB1,compared with the LPS group,the LPS+AM281 group of mice showed improvements in lung injury,manifested as improved congestion of alveolar wall capillaries,reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung interstitium and alveolar cavity,and a decreased inflammation score(P=0.007).Compared with the control group,the levels of M1 marker in the lung tissue of the LPS group were upregulated,while the polarization of macrophages changed and the M1/M2 ratio was reversed after blocking CB1(all P<0.05).In vitro studies found that macrophages expressed CB1 and CB2.Activation of CB1 by arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide(ACEA)upregulated the expression of M1 markers.Blocking CB1 and selectively inhibiting Gαi/o/RhoA signaling significantly downregulated M1 markers(all P<0.05).Conclusion·CB1 promotes the polarization of macrophage towards the M1 phenotype through the Gαi/o/RhoA signaling pathway in ALI,and blocking CB1 can improve lung injury.
7.Analysis of TYR gene variant in a patient with Oculocutaneous albinism
Xiaolei JIN ; Hanbing XIE ; Ping WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Jingqun MAI ; Xiao XIAO ; Shanling LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):349-354
Objective:To explore the genetic basis of a patient with suspected Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA).Methods:An OCA patient presented at the West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University and his mother were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified through specific primer amplification, Sanger sequencing, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Bioinformatic analysis and pathogenicity rating were conducted on the candidate variants. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of West China Second Hospital (No. 2024-228).Results:Genetic testing revealed that the patient had harbored variants in exon 1 of the TYR gene, including a c. 157G>T (p.G53C) missense variant and a c. 609dup (p.A204fs) frameshifting variant. Specific primer amplification and Sanger sequencing, combined with agarose gel electrophoresis, confirmed that these are compound heterozygous variants. Based on the guidelines from the ACMG, the c. 157G>T was rated as likely pathogenic, and c. 609dup was rated as pathogenic. Alphafold3 predicted that the variant proteins had significant structural changes. Conclusion:The patient was diagnosed with OCA due to compound heterozygous variants of the TYR gene. Discovery of the c. 609dup variant has enriched the mutational spectrum of OCA and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this patient.
8.The LEAP Checklist for Laboratory Evaluation and Analytical Performance Characteristics Reporting of Clinical Measurement Procedures
Tze Ping LOH ; Brian R COOKE ; Thi Chi MAI TRAN ; Corey MARKUS ; Rosita ZAKARIA ; Chung Shun HO ; Elvar THEODORSSON ; Ronda F GREAVES ; Behalf of the IFCC Working Group on Method Evaluation Protocols (WG-MEP)
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2024;44(2):122-125
Reporting a measurement procedure and its analytical performance following method evaluation in a peer-reviewed journal is an important means for clinical laboratory practitioners to share their findings. It also represents an important source of evidence base to help others make informed decisions about their practice. At present, there are significant variations in the information reported in laboratory medicine journal publications describing the analytical performance of measurement procedures. These variations also challenge authors, readers, reviewers, and editors in deciding the quality of a submitted manuscript. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Method Evaluation Protocols (IFCC WG-MEP) developed a checklist and recommends its adoption to enable a consistent approach to reporting method evaluation and analytical performance characteristics of measurement procedures in laboratory medicine journals. It is envisioned that the Laboratory Evaluation and Analytical Performance Characteristics (LEAP) checklist will improve the standardisation of journal publications describing method evaluation and analytical performance characteristics, improving the quality of the evidence base that is relied upon by practitioners.
9.Management of Male Infertility with Coexisting Sexual Dysfunction: A Consensus Statement and Clinical Recommendations from the Asia-Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) and the Asian Society of Men’s Health and Aging (ASMHA)
Eric CHUNG ; Jiang HUI ; Zhong Cheng XIN ; Sae Woong KIM ; Du Geon MOON ; Yiming YUAN ; Koichi NAGAO ; Lukman HAKIM ; Hong-Chiang CHANG ; Siu King MAK ; Gede Wirya Kusuma DUARSA ; Yutian DAI ; Bing YAO ; Hwancheol SON ; William HUANG ; Haocheng LIN ; Quang NGUYEN ; Dung Ba Tien MAI ; Kwangsung PARK ; Joe LEE ; Kavirach TANTIWONGSE ; Yoshikazu SATO ; Bang-Ping JIANN ; Christopher HO ; Hyun Jun PARK
The World Journal of Men's Health 2024;42(3):471-486
Male infertility (MI) and male sexual dysfunction (MSD) can often coexist together due to various interplay factors such as psychosexual, sociocultural and relationship dynamics. The presence of each form of MSD can adversely impact male reproduction and treatment strategies will need to be individualized based on patients’ factors, local expertise, and geographical socioeconomic status. The Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) and the Asian Society of Men’s Health and Aging (ASMHA) aim to provide a consensus statement and practical set of clinical recommendations based on current evidence to guide clinicians in the management of MI and MSD within the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. A comprehensive, narrative review of the literature was performed to identify the various forms of MSD and their association with MI. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for the following English language articles under the following terms: “low libido”, “erectile dysfunction”, “ejaculatory dysfunction”, “premature ejaculation”, “retrograde ejaculation”, “delayed ejaculation”, “anejaculation”, and “orgasmic dysfunction” between January 2001 to June 2022 with emphasis on published guidelines endorsed by various organizations. This APSSM consensus committee panel evaluated and provided evidence-based recommendations on MI and clinically relevant MSD areas using a modified Delphi method by the panel and specific emphasis on locoregional socioeconomic-cultural issues relevant to the AP region. While variations exist in treatment strategies for managing MI and MSD due to geographical expertise, locoregional resources, and sociocultural factors, the panel agreed that comprehensive fertility evaluation with a multidisciplinary management approach to each MSD domain is recommended. It is important to address individual MI issues with an emphasis on improving spermatogenesis and facilitating reproductive avenues while at the same time, managing various MSD conditions with evidence-based treatments. All therapeutic options should be discussed and implemented based on the patient’s individual needs, beliefs and preferences while incorporating locoregional expertise and available resources.
10.Correlation between biomarker EHD3 and immune cell infiltration in gastric cancer
Yuanyuan WANG ; Ni ZHOU ; Da WANG ; Ping MAI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2023;44(3):374-382
【Objective】 To investigate the prognostic role of EHD3 and its association with immune cell infiltration in gastric cancer. 【Methods】 In this study, EHD3 expression was analyzed using RNA sequencing data from Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differential analysis, functional enrichment, immune infiltration, immune checkpoint exploration, and clinical baseline data analysis were performed. Independent prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis; a column diagram model was developed and evaluated using C-index and calibration diagrams. 【Results】 EHD3 was significantly upregulated in STAD and functional enrichment analysis showed that EHD3 expression was associated with immune response, with most immune cells and immune checkpoints positively correlated with their expression. Cox regression showed that EHD3 was an independent prognostic factor in STAD patients (HR=2.112, 95% CI: 1.340-3.327, P=0.001). 【Conclusion】 EHD3 is considered to be a novel prognostic biomarker for STAD patients, and this study provides a potential therapeutic target for STAD treatment.

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