1.Current status of research on pre-acute-on-chronic liver failure
Rui ZHAO ; Jingran JIAO ; Yu CHEN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):286-292
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome with high mortality triggered by acute predisposing factors in patients with underlying chronic liver diseases. Clinical studies have shown that ACLF can be reversed to a certain degree, and early intervention can improve patient prognosis, whereas delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to a significant increase in mortality. In recent years, scholars in this field have proposed the concept of “pre-acute-on-chronic liver failure (Pre-ACLF)”, which aims to improve clinical outcomes through early identification and intervention. This article systematically reviews the origin of the Pre-ACLF concept and its latest definitions in China and globally, summarizes the latest research advances in Pre-ACLF in terms of traditional clinical-laboratory parameters, high-throughput omics, and molecular biological mechanisms, and proposes the important clinical need for further unifying the definition of Pre-ACLF.
2.Effect and mechanism of the azo-podophyllotoxin derivative SU056 in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis
Qichao GE ; Rui CHEN ; Yufei YANG ; Yuecheng GUO ; Dihanjing ZHANG ; Hui DONG ; Lungen LU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1310-1320
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of SU056, an azo-podophyllotoxin derivative, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice and related mechanisms of action. MethodsA total of 12 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group (CCl4+normal saline), and treatment group (CCl4+SU056), with 4 mice in each group. Mice were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 to establish a model of liver fibrosis, and during the middle stage of modeling, the mice in the treatment group were given daily intraperitoneal injection of SU056. Liver histopathological injury, collagen deposition, and liver function were assessed based on HE staining, Masson staining, Sirius Red staining, the content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue, and the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and immunofluorescence assay was used to measure the expression levels of smooth muscle actin α (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ, and Y-box binding protein 1 (YB1). The human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and primary mouse HSC were used, and CCK-8 assay was used to measure cell proliferation; Transwell assay was used to observe cell migration; quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot were used to measure the expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ, collagen type Ⅲ, YB1, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated S6K, so as to validate the function of the YB1/mTOR signaling axis. The one-way or two-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4, compared with the model group, the treatment group had significant alleviation of inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, and pseudolobule formation in liver tissue and significant reductions in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and the content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.01). Immunofluorescence assay showed that SU056 significantly inhibited the abnormal high expression of α-SMA, collagen type I, and YB1 in liver tissue (all P<0.01). In vitro experiments showed that SU056 inhibited the transforming growth factor-β1-induced proliferation of LX-2 cells (P<0.01), the migration of LX-2 cells (P<0.05), and the transcriptional up-regulation of collagen type Ⅰ and collagen type Ⅲ (all P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, and SU056 could inhibit the spontaneous activation of primary HSC in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that transforming growth factor-β1 simultaneously upregulated the expression levels of YB1, phosphorylated mTOR, and phosphorylated S6K in LX-2 cells, and treatment with SU056 (10 and 20 µmol/L) could downregulate the protein expression levels of collagen type I, YB1, phosphorylated mTOR, and phosphorylated S6K. Specific knockdown of YB1 or administration of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin exerted a similar effect as SU056. SU056 also inhibited the co-upregulation of α-SMA and phosphorylated mTOR in liver tissue of model mice (P<0.01). ConclusionSU056 can effectively inhibit HSC activation, proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production both in vivo and in vitro and thus delay the progression of liver fibrosis, by disrupting the YB1/mTOR positive feedback signaling axis.
3.A novel perioperative comprehensive care model for elderly patients with lung cancer
Daiping LI ; Rui LIANG ; Nan CHEN ; Peng JIAO ; Wenxin TIAN ; Yixiao CHEN ; Jirong YUE ; Birong DONG ; Lunxu LIU ; Ning GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1375-1387
With the accelerating aging of the population, the proportion of elderly patients with lung cancer continues to rise, presenting multiple challenges to perioperative management. This paper systematically reviews the clinical characteristics of elderly lung cancer patients. Based on the comprehensive geriatric assessment, it proposes incorporating seven major geriatric syndromes—frailty, delirium, sarcopenia, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, dysphagia, and mood disorders—into the core evaluation system. By integrating multimorbidity management with complication prevention and control, an integrated "geriatric syndrome-multimorbidity-complication" perioperative management model is constructed. Furthermore, this paper outlines stratified intervention strategies for geriatric syndromes, a "five-step" workflow for comorbidity management, and a comprehensive intervention pathway for complications across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration serves as the core mechanism to achieve individualized comprehensive treatment. This paper aims to provide a novel perioperative comprehensive treatment model for elderly lung cancer patients, which is centered on geriatrics, supported by multidisciplinary collaboration, and guided by precision medicine.
6.Advances in the mechanism of aging-driven metabolic associated fatty liver disease and related targeted therapeutic strategies
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1174-1180
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a liver disease associated with metabolic disorders, and it is characterized by excessive fat deposition in hepatocytes and is closely associated with insulin resistance and genetic susceptibility. Aging is an important factor in the progression of MAFLD and is positively correlated with the mortality rate of patients with MAFLD. The pathophysiological mechanisms of MAFLD involve lipid metabolism disorders, insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, and aging exacerbates the pathological process of MAFLD by further affecting these key mechanisms. Cell senescence is an important factor in organismal aging, and therapeutic strategies targeting senescent cells can reduce the number of senescent cells or inhibit the inflammatory factors secreted by such cells, thereby helping to slow down the progression of MAFLD. In addition, the screening of novel regulatory factors provides new targets for the development of new drugs for MAFLD treatment. Although several anti-aging therapies have entered clinical trials, further studies are needed to validate the specificity and potential liver damage of these therapies due to the complex mechanisms of aging on the liver. Transforming multisystem metabolic dysfunction therapies for MAFLD into specialized therapies for aging may provide new ideas for MAFLD drug development.
7.Effects of Er Miao Wan on skin lesion inflammation in atopic dermatitis mice and the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophage
Sheng-jin YANG ; Yan-jiao LIU ; Cheng LU ; Shi-jun DENG ; Jing LI ; Xin-jia ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Rui-rui WANG ; Li-juan ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3591-3600
AIM To explore the relieving effect of Er Miao Wan on atopic dermatitis in mice.METHODS In vivo experiment:BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,dexamethasone group(2 mg/kg)and high,medium and low dose groups of Er Miao Wan(4.68,2.34 and 1.17 g/kg).The mouse model of atopic dermatitis was established by repeatedly smearing DNCB solution,and the model was given orally for 21 days.The skin lesion condition on the back of mice,ear swelling degree,and the weight difference between ear lobes were observed and recorded.HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the skin lesion tissues of mice.Toluidine blue(TB)staining was used to observe the infiltration of mast cells in skin lesions.The expression of macrophage marker F4/80 in skin lesions was detected by IHC.The serum levels of TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE were detected by ELISA.In vitro experiment:RAW264.7 cells in logarithmic growth period were given 400,200 and 100 μg/mL Er Miao Wan for intervention.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method.NO level in cell supernatant was detected by Griess method.TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 levels in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA method.The expressions of proteins related to the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in cells was detected by Western blot.RESULTS In vivo experiment:Compared with the model group,the scores of back skin lesions,the swelling degree of right ear and the weight difference between left and right ear pieces in the high-dose group of Er Miao Wan decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the thickness of skin lesions decreased,the infiltration of mast cells and macrophages decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the inflammatory factors TSLP,IL-4,IL-5 and total IgE levels in serum decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of F4/80 in the skin lesions decreased(P<0.01).In vitro experiment:Compared with the model group,the levels of NO,TNF-α,IL-1 β and IL-6 in Er Miao Wan 400 and 200 μg/mL groups decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the phosphorylation levels of P38,JNK and P65 proteins decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Er Miao Wan can alleviate skin lesion inflammation in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophage,reducing macrophage infiltration and reducing Th2 cytokines.
8.Artificial intelligence in prostate cancer.
Wei LI ; Ruoyu HU ; Quan ZHANG ; Zhangsheng YU ; Longxin DENG ; Xinhao ZHU ; Yujia XIA ; Zijian SONG ; Alessia CIMADAMORE ; Fei CHEN ; Antonio LOPEZ-BELTRAN ; Rodolfo MONTIRONI ; Liang CHENG ; Rui CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1769-1782
Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most prevalent malignancy among men worldwide. Early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and prognosis prediction of PCa play a crucial role in improving patients' survival rates. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the utilization of deep learning (DL) algorithms, has brought about substantial progress in assisting the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction of PCa. The introduction of the foundation model has revolutionized the application of AI in medical treatment and facilitated its integration into clinical practice. This review emphasizes the clinical application of AI in PCa by discussing recent advancements from both pathological and imaging perspectives. Furthermore, it explores the current challenges faced by AI in clinical applications while also considering future developments, aiming to provide a valuable point of reference for the integration of AI and clinical applications.
Humans
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Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Male
;
Artificial Intelligence
;
Deep Learning
;
Prognosis
9.Research progress of the interaction between RAAS and clock genes in cardiovascular diseases.
Rui-Ling MA ; Yi-Yuan WANG ; Yu-Shun KOU ; Lu-Fan SHEN ; Hong WANG ; Ling-Na ZHANG ; Jiao TIAN ; Lin YI
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(4):669-677
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is crucial for regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance, while clock genes are essential for sustaining biological rhythms and regulating metabolism. There exists a complex interplay between RAAS and clock genes that may significantly contribute to the development of various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although current literature has identified correlations between these two systems, the specific mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. Moreover, the interaction patterns under different physiological and pathological conditions need further investigation. This review summarizes the synergistic roles of the RAAS and clock genes in cardiovascular diseases, explores their molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological connections, discusses the application of chronotherapy, and highlights potential future research directions, aiming to provide novel insights for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
Humans
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Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics*
;
Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics*
;
CLOCK Proteins/physiology*
;
Animals
10.Effects of resistance combined with aerobic chrono-exercise on common carotid artery elasticity and hemodynamics in young men.
Miao-Xin JIAO ; Bing-Yi SHEN ; Hai-Bin LIU ; Li-Hong CHEN ; Guang-Rui YANG
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(4):741-751
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance combined with aerobic chrono-exercise on the common carotid artery elasticity and hemodynamics. 24 healthy young men (21.96±0.43 years old) underwent a single acute resistance combined with aerobic exercise intervention at eight time periods (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 o'clock). The axial flow velocity and diameter waveforms of the common carotid artery were measured, and the hemodynamics were calculated using the classical hemodynamic theory before exercise, immediately after exercise, 10 min and 20 min after exercise. The results showed that during exercise recovery, systolic and mean pressures decreased more markedly after exercise at 8 o'clock (P < 0.05); At 20 min post-exercise, arterial stiffness index and pressure-strain elastic modulus after exercise at 6 o'clock were reduced compared with the resting state, but were significantly elevated after exercise at 20 o'clock (P < 0.05). Immediately after exercise, the pressure rise was higher after exercise at 6 o'clock and the mean wall shear stress was higher after exercise at 20 o'clock (P < 0.05). These results suggest that resistance combined with aerobic chrono-exercise produces different effects on common carotid artery hemodynamics in young men. A single acute session of resistance combined with aerobic exercise at 8 o'clock is more effective in lowering blood pressure. Exercise at 6 o'clock is beneficial to improve arterial elasticity but is not recommended for young male individuals with cardiovascular disease risks because of the excessive increase in blood pressure immediately after exercise. Exercise at 20 o'clock is more effective in improving wall shear stress but is accompanied by elevated arterial stiffness indices and pressure-strain elastic modulus. These results provide a scientific basis for healthy young men in choosing the time of exercise by exploring the common carotid artery elasticity and hemodynamic-related indices.
Humans
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Male
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Young Adult
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Exercise/physiology*
;
Carotid Artery, Common/physiology*
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Hemodynamics/physiology*
;
Vascular Stiffness/physiology*
;
Elasticity
;
Resistance Training
;
Adult

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