1.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
2.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
3.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
4.Association of higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels with successful microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcomes in nonobstructive azoospermic men with reduced testicular volumes.
Ming-Zhe SONG ; Li-Jun YE ; Wei-Qiang XIAO ; Wen-Si HUANG ; Wu-Biao WEN ; Shun DAI ; Li-Yun LAI ; Yue-Qin PENG ; Tong-Hua WU ; Qing SUN ; Yong ZENG ; Jing CAI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(3):440-446
To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval, we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with different testicular volumes (TVs) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles. Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%. FSH levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was <5 ml (first quartile [Q1: TV <3 ml]: 43.32 [17.92] IU l -1 vs 32.95 [18.56] IU l -1 , P = 0.048; second quartile [Q2: 3 ml ≤ TV <5 ml]: 31.31 [15.37] IU l -1 vs 25.59 [18.40] IU l -1 , P = 0.042). Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were <5 ml (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11; P = 0.011). In men with TVs ≥5 ml, larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval (adjusted OR: 0.84 per 1 ml increase; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98; P = 0.029). In conclusion, elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs <5 ml. In men with TV ≥5 ml, increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
Humans
;
Male
;
Azoospermia/surgery*
;
Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data*
;
Adult
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Testis/pathology*
;
Microdissection
;
Organ Size
5.Study on the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis caused by dampness-heat stasis with Oxalis Formula combined with transacupuncture.
Qiang LOU ; Ming-Wei ZHAN ; Yu-Qi LAI ; Xu-Xin ZHAN ; You-Ping XIAO ; Xue-Jun SHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):165-171
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Oxalicao Formula combined with transacupuncture in the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP)characterized by dampness-heat stasis.
METHODS:
A total of 70 patients diagnosed with CNP and characterized by dampness-heat stasis were randomly divided into control group and treatment group, with 35 cases in each group. The patients in control group received Qianlie Beixi capsules. While the patients in treatment group were administered with oxalis decoction in conjunction with acupuncture therapy which lasted for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations for NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom scores, urodynamic parameters, immune cell subsets and inflammatory factors were performed.
RESULTS:
Ultimately, 65 patients completed the study with 33 in the treatment group and 32 in the control group. After 8 weeks of intervention, The patients in both of groups demonstrated significant improvements (P<0.05). Specifically, remarkable reductions in the NIH-CPSI total score including pain score, urination score, quality of life impact score, TCM symptom score and inflammatory cytokine levels were observed. Additionally, there were upward trend in maximum and average urinary flow rates as well as the CD4+/CD8+ ratio of immune cells(P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group exhibited superior outcomes in reducing the NIH-CPSI total score, pain score, urination score, quality of life impact score, TCM symptom score, and inflammatory cytokine levels, and increasing in CD4+/CD8+ ratios, maximum and average urine flow rates(P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The combination of Oxalicao Formula and transacupuncture for treating CNP characterized by dampness-heat stasis demonstrates significant therapeutic benefits, which has considerable clinical application value.
Humans
;
Male
;
Prostatitis/therapy*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Chronic Disease
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Adult
6.Application of Miao medicine in prostatic diseases: Progress in research.
Yu-Qi LAI ; Shi-Hao WANG ; Qiang LOU ; Xue-Jun SHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):177-183
Miao medicine is guided by the medical theories of the Miao ethnic group, and the drugs used by the Miao people are derived from natural plants and animals for the prevention and treatment of diseases and protection of health. In recent years, a large number of clinical studies have shown good clinical efficacy of traditional Miao medicine in the treatment of prostatic diseases, with the advantages of easy availability, low price, and minimal adverse reactions. However, currently no systematic literature review has been reported on the treatment of prostatic diseases with Miao medicine. This article focuses on the commonly used Miao drugs recorded in the Chinese Materia Medica-Miao Medicine, with a systematic review of relevant literature retrieved on the treatment of prostate diseases with Miao medicine in recent years and a summarization of the advances in the studies of its pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action and clinical application, aiming to provide some new perspectives and ideas for further academic research and clinical development of Miao medicine.
Humans
;
Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Phytotherapy
;
Prostatic Diseases/drug therapy*
7.Opportunities and challenges of pediatric medical education in the new era of China
Dengming LAI ; Jingyi JIN ; Shuang YU ; Jing YE ; Qiang SHU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(3):289-293
Medical education in China has undergone many changes amid the revolution of medical education worldwide. The Healthy China initiative in the new era highlights the increasing demand for a high-quality children's health service system as well as more excellent pediatricians. This article aims to delve into the current opportunities and challenges of pediatric education in China, summarize the response strategies, and take a look at the new mode of talent cultivation in pediatric medicine. With the rapid shift in the newborn population, the strengthening of multidisciplinary collaboration, the development of medical informatization, and the continuous improvement in scientific research levels, pediatric medical education is facing unprecedented opportunities. However, the late start of pediatrics and the lack of high-level talents have also brought great challenges to pediatric medical education. Therefore, future efforts should be focused on multi-disciplinary cooperation and innovative education and teaching to nurture pediatrician-scientists with innovative abilities and practical experience.
8.Risk analysis and control suggestions for suicidal abuse of over-the-counter drug difenidol tablets
Li ZUO ; Wen-Yu WU ; Hai-Qiang WU ; Yi-Hong LIN ; Shu-Kun LAI ; Bin WU ; Qian WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(8):1213-1216
Objective To analyze the literature related to diphenidol tablets poisoning,the characteristics of poisoning were summarized to provide reference for controlling the suicidal abuse risk of diphenidol tablets.Methods The global literature on suicide,overdose,poisoning,shock,and death related to difenidol published from January 1,2011 to December 31,2022 was analyzed,including gender,age,dosage,cardiac(blood)concentration,poisoning symptoms,etc.Results Young women were the majority of people with poisoning.The highest proportion of the age group is 11 to 30 years group.Patients who take medication doses greater than 3 000 mg may have a higher risk of death;patients with a heart(blood)concentration greater than 6 μg·mL-1 may have a higher risk of death.Malignant arrhythmia,consciousness disorders,coma,and apnea are common serious adverse events during poisoning.Conclusion It is recommended that the drug regulatory authorities should require the Listing permit holder of difenidol tablets to add the risk and symptoms of poisoning into the instructions.It is suggested that restricting individual consumers from purchasing large amounts of difenidol tablets in the short term.It is recommended that canceling the high-dose sales packaging of difenidol tablets.It is suggested that converting difenidol tablets into prescription drugs,even consider canceling the registration certificate of difenidol tablets.
9.Advances on physiology and pathology of subpopulations of macrophages in the lung tissue
Xiaohui ZHONG ; Chengjie LYU ; Dengming LAI ; Qiang SHU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2024;53(5):650-658
Macrophages are vital in maintaining tissue homeostasis in the lungs by modulating and regulating immune responses.Based on different origins and anatomical locations,macrophages in the lungs are categorized into alveolar macrophages,interstitial macrophages,perivascular macrophages,and inflammatory macrophages.Alveolar macrophages are located in the alveolar spaces and are primarily responsible for maintaining alveolar surfactant homeostasis,defending against pathogens and regulating immune responses.Interstitial macrophages can maintain homeostasis,regulate immunity and anti-inflammation in the lung tissue.Perivascular macrophages play a crucial role in inhibiting lung inflammation,improving pulmonary fibrosis,and regulating lung tumor progression due to antigen-presenting and immunomodulatory effects.Inflammatory macrophages,which are differentiated from monocytes during inflammation,regulate the inflammatory process.This article reviews the origins of various subpopulations of macro-phages in the lung tissue and their physiological and pathological functions as well as discusses the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
10.Analysis of the gradient evolution and policy tools of China's chronic disease policies from the full-cycle perspective
Yu-Lu TIAN ; Ye LI ; Chen-Xi ZHANG ; Yong-Qiang LAI ; Hong-Yu LI ; Xin-Wei LIU
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(8):43-49
Objective:This paper aims to analyze the current status,characteristics,and problems of the policy text of China's chronic disease from the perspective of full-cycle,and provide a reference for subsequent policy optimization.Methods:The author selected 104 policy documents on chronic disease published at the national level from 2009 to 2023,used content analysis method,constructed a two-dimensional analysis framework of"policy tools-full-cycle management",and carried out one-dimensional quantitative analysis and two-dimensional cross-analysis.Results:The application of policy tools is obviously unbalanced,with supply-type policy tools accounting for as much as 63.23%,and demand-type policy tools used the least,only 10.51%.In the dimension of full-cycle management,the proportions of prevention,prevention and treatment,treatment,treatment and rehabilitation,health care,and full-cycle stages are 21.01%,24.58%,28.89%,7.32%,4.69%and 13.51%respectively.It is noteworthy that the proportions of the treatment and rehabilitation,and health care stages are relatively low.All stages of chronic disease health management interact frequently with supply-type policies,and the treatment and rehabilitation,health care and full-cycle stages cross less with demand-type policy tools.Conclusion:It is necessary to adjust the proportion of policy tools,strengthen their internal coordination,improve the top-level design of treatment and rehabilitation and health care,enhance the synergistic interaction between various types of policy tools and full-cycle management,and improve the overall effectiveness of policies.

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