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.Prevalence and risk evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the newly diagnosed prostate cancer population in China: A nationwide, multi-center, population-based cross-sectional study
Weiyu ZHANG ; Huixin LIU ; Ming LIU ; Shi YING ; Renbin YUAN ; Hao ZENG ; Zhenting ZHANG ; Sujun HAN ; Zhannan SI ; Bin HU ; Simeng WEN ; Pengcheng XU ; Weimin YU ; Hui CHEN ; Liang WANG ; Zhitao LIN ; Tao DAI ; Yunzhi LIN ; Tao XU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(11):1324-1331
Background::Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as the leading cause of death from prostate cancer (PCa) in recent decades, bringing a great disease burden worldwide. Men with preexisting CVD have an increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events when treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The present study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk evaluation of CVD among people with newly diagnosed PCa in China.Methods::Clinical data of newly diagnosed PCa patients were retrospectively collected from 34 centers in China from 2010 to 2022 through convenience sampling. CVD was defined as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and others. CVD risk was estimated by calculating Framingham risk scores (FRS). Patients were accordingly divided into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. χ2 or Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical variables. Results::A total of 4253 patients were enrolled in the present study. A total of 27.0% (1147/4253) of patients had comorbid PCa and CVD, and 7.2% (307/4253) had two or more CVDs. The enrolled population was distributed in six regions of China, and approximately 71.0% (3019/4253) of patients lived in urban areas. With imaging and pathological evaluation, most PCa patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage, with 20.5% (871/4253) locally progressing and 20.5% (871/4253) showing metastasis. Most of them initiated prostatectomy (46.6%, 1983/4253) or regimens involving ADT therapy (45.7%, 1944/4253) for prostate cancer. In the present PCa cohort, 43.1% (1832/4253) of patients had hypertension, and half of them had poorly controlled blood pressure. With FRS stratification, as expected, a higher risk of CVD was related to aging and metabolic disturbance. However, we also found that patients with treatment involving ADT presented an originally higher risk of CVD than those without ADT. This was in accordance with clinical practice, i.e., aged patients or patients at advanced oncological stages were inclined to accept systematic integrative therapy instead of surgery. Among patients who underwent medical castration, only 4.0% (45/1118) received gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists, in stark contrast to the grim situation of CVD prevalence and risk.Conclusions::PCa patients in China are diagnosed at an advanced stage. A heavy CVD burden was present at the initiation of treatment. Patients who accepted ADT-related therapy showed an original higher risk of CVD, but the awareness of cardiovascular protection was far from sufficient.
5.Targeting mitochondria:a vital therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke
Li-Yuan MA ; Si-Yin CHEN ; Shao-Ping YIN ; Kai-Pei LUO ; Xian-Li MENG ; Lu YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(11):2025-2030
Ischemic stroke(IS)is a devastating neurological disease commonly around the world.Although modern medicine has recognized the confined mechanisms in the pathological process of cerebral ischemia,it has never been enough for the treatment of IS.Recent studies have confirmed the vital role of mitochondrial dysfunction in neuronal injury after cerebral ische-mia,thereby exerting a potential target for prevention and treat-ment of IS.Herein,we review the main molecular mechanisms of neuronal injury and death by mitochondrial dyshomeostasis under the condition of ischemia/hypoxia,especially mitochon-drial permeability transition pore opening,oxidative stress and apoptotic signaling.Given remodeling of mitochondrial function as a new idea for the management of IS,some emerging strate-gies containing mitochondrial antioxidant,mitophagy regulation and mitochondrial transfer also raise concern in this paper.
6.Exploring the effects of sirolimus on the growth and development of zebrafish embryo models
Zi-Xin ZHANG ; Tong QIU ; Jiang-Yuan ZHOU ; Xue-Peng ZHANG ; Xue GONG ; Kai-Ying YANG ; Yu-Ru LAN ; Si-Yuan CHEN ; Yi JI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(12):2368-2374
Aim To explore the effects of sirolimus on the growth and development of motor,vascular,nerv-ous,and immune systems through zebrafish models.Methods After 3 hours of fertilization of zebrafish embryos,different concentrations of sirolimus were add-ed to the growth environment,and the growth and de-velopment of the embryos was recorded.Transgenic ze-brafish models labeled with blood vessels,nerves or im-mune cells were used to compare the drug effects on the growth and development of those systems.Results At the concentration of 0.5 μmol·L-1,the hatching rate and the body length(P<0.01)were significantly smaller than those of the control group,and movement was also significantly slowed down.Meanwhile,the length of axons of the nervous system,the development of intersegmental vessels,and the growth of immune cells were significantly delayed by drug treatment.But when the concentration was below 0.1 μmol·L-1,there was no statistically difference between the control group and the sirolimus group.Conclusions When the concentration of sirolimus exceeds a certain level,it can significantly slow down the growth and development of movement,blood vessels,nervous system and im-mune system of zebrafish.Therefore,in clinical prac-tice,it is important to monitor the blood concentration of sirolimus in children on time.
7.Comparison of the efficacy of TiRobot orthopaedic robot assisted F screw technique and inverted triangle parallel nail internal fixation in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures
Xing-Long ZHAO ; Jian-Jun SHEN ; Kang-Hu FENG ; Zhi-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Long SI ; Xuan ZHANG ; Guan-De WANG ; Xiang HAI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(2):129-134
Objective To compare the effectiveness of TiRobot assisted F screw technique and inverted triangle parallel nail internal fixation in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 72 patients with unstable femoral neck fractures who were treated with percutaneous cannulated screw fixation assisted with TiRobot Orthopaedic robot from December 2019 to April 2021.Among them,37 patients were treated with F screw internal fixa-tion,including 16 males and 21 females,aged47 to 64years old with an average of(53.87±5.28)years old;According to Pauwels classification,there were 1 case of type Ⅰ,19 cases of type Ⅱ,17 cases of type Ⅲ;8 cases of combined medical diseases;17 cases of falling,8 cases of traffic accident and 12 cases of falling from height;The time from injury to operation was 29 to 49 hours with average of(35.00±7.34)hours.Another 35 cases used internal fixation with an inverted triangle parallel nail,including 13 males and 22 females with an average age of 46 to 63 years old(52.36±5.05)years old;According to the Pauwels injury classifi-cation:there were 2 cases of type Ⅰ,21 cases of type Ⅱ,12 cases of type Ⅲ;6 cases of medical diseases,15 cases of falling in-jury,9 cases of traffic accident,11 cases of falling injury;The time from injury to operation was 30 to 45 hours with an average of(33.00±6.83)h.The intraoperative blood loss,operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy times,follow-up time,fracture healing time,postoperative complications were observed and compared between the two groups.The hip joint function was e-valuated by Harris score at 6 months and 12 months after operation.Results There was no significant difference in operation time,intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative fluoroscopy times and other intraoperative data between two groups(P>0.05).Both groups were followed up regularly,and the follow-up time was 12 to 16 months.The fracture healing time and Harris score of the F screw internal fixation group were better than those of the inverted triangle parallel nail internal fixation group(P<0.05).There was 1 case of femoral neck shortening in the F screw internal fixation group,1 case of nonunion,1 case of nail withdrawal,and 1 case of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in the inverted triangle internal fixation group.The incidence of complications in the F screw internal fixation group was lower than that in the inverted triangle parallel nail internal fixation group(P<0.05).Conclusion Percutaneous cannulated F screw technique using Tirobot navigation positioning system is a safe and effective treatment for patients with unstable femoral neck fractures.It can significantly shorten the fracture healing time,reduce the incidence of postoperative complications,significantly improve hip joint function,and improve the quality of life.
8.Research progress of neuropsychiatric disorder in pituitary neuroendocrine tumor
Sainan CHEN ; Si-Yuan CUI ; Qing WANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(6):369-374
This article seeks to delve into the correlation between pituitary neuroendocrine tumors(PitNET)and neuropsychiatric disorders while summarizing the most recent advancements in related research.Some patients with PitNET,benign tumors arising from pituitary gland cells,may develop specific clinical symptoms due to either tumor compression or abnormal hormone secretion.In recent years,investigators have identified a significant association between PitNET and neurological as well as psychiatric disorders.Patients with PitNET frequently manifest neurological and psychiatric symptoms,including depression,anxiety,and cognitive impairment,significantly impacting their quality of life and prognosis.These symptoms may be associated with distorted body image,hormonal imbalances,and inadequate treatment.The holistic approach to PitNET encompasses surgical intervention,radiation therapy,and drug therapy,each with its distinct set of advantages and drawbacks.Presently,transsphenoidal resection stands out as the most frequently employed method in treating PitNET to ameliorate the patient's neurological and psychiatric disorders.However,the use of dopamine agonists(DAs)in the treatment of prolactin(PRL)tumors and growth hormone(GH)adenomas may potentially induce or exacerbate neurological and psychiatric symptoms.The impact of radiation therapy on PitNET patients varies depending on the radiation dose and treatment area.Given that both the PitNET disease itself and its treatment may lead to neurological and psychiatric disorders,it is essential to assess and address the neurological and psychiatric status of all PitNET patients.Careful consideration should be given to PitNET patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders to determine whether these issues stem from dopamine agonist(DAs)treatment.The primary consideration should be given to patients with PRL microadenomas with normal PRL levels to minimize the dose of bromocriptine or cabergoline to the most effective level or even discontinue the medication with subsequent follow-up.Caution is advised when considering the discontinuation or reduction of medication for PRL large adenomas.A gradual reduction approach may be undertaken based on related factors such as PRL levels and tumor size.Close follow-up through monitoring patient PRL levels and enhanced pituitary MRI is crucial to prevent tumor enlargement following the reduction of medication.While some PitNET patients have experienced improvement or recovery from neurological and psychiatric disorders through personalized comprehensive treatment,it is important to note that certain patients may exhibit irreversible symptoms.Currently,research on the combination of PitNET and neuropsychiatric disorders remains relatively limited.Moving forward,it is imperative to delve deeper into its pathogenesis,aiming to enhance diagnostic methods for neuropsychiatric disorders in PitNET patients.This includes refining and updating diagnostic criteria and expanding intervention methods.These efforts are crucial in mitigating the incidence of PitNET in conjunction with neuropsychiatric disorders,ultimately improving the overall quality of life for patients.
9.Clinical analysis of indocyanine green fluorescence laparo-scopic lateral lymph node dissection in middle and low rec-tal cancer
Yang YANG ; Xin-Chen WANG ; Yuan-Yao ZHANG ; Zhi-Wei LIU ; Si-Yuan WANG ; Dong WEI
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(5):377-381
Objective:To investigate the application value of indocyanine green fluorescence laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection(LLND)in the treatment of middle and low rectal can-cer.Methods:Clinical data of 76 patients with middle and low rectal cancer who underwent surgi-cal treatment from February 2018 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed,including 42 patients in the TME group who underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal resection and 34 patients in the TME+LLND group who underwent laparoscopic TME combined with indocyanine green fluores-cence LLND.Results:The operation time of TME+LLND group was longer than that of TME group(P<0.001).Compared with TME group,the total number of lymph nodes dissected in TME+LLND group was higher(P<0.05).In the TME+LLND group,7 cases(20.59%)reported lateral lymph node metastasis.After 3 years of follow-up,the local recurrence rate was 2.94%in TME+LLND group and 19.05%in TME group(P<0.05).The distant metastasis rate was 14.71%in the TME+LLND group and 9.52%in the TME group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Indocyanine green fluorescence laparoscopic LLND can reduce the local recurrence rate and does not increase postoperative com-plications,so it is safe,effective and feasible in the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer.
10.Effect of dynamic changes of microglia on oligodendrocytes in animal model of multiple sclerosis
Shuwen YUAN ; Kerong QI ; Qingqing LIU ; Xue CHEN ; Jianchao SI ; Shengchang YANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(6):669-677
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous syestem (CNS) triggered by an autoimmune mechanism, which is the main cause of neurological disability in young people. In MS, a variety of glial cells participate in the pathogenesis and development of the disease, and oligodendrocytes (OL) and myelin cytes are destroyed by autoimmune mediated inflammation. Impaired OL production of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) leads to persistent demyelination, myelin fragment accumulation and axonal injury, with clinical manifestation of CNS disability. Microglia (MG), which is involved in the inflammatory response and removal of myelin debris, plays a pivotal role in OPC differentiation and OL maturation, thereby directly or indirectly influencing the process of myelin regeneration. An interactive mechanism exists between these 2 components. The comprehension of the interrelationship between the 2 factors can provide enhanced insights into the pathogenesis of MS and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies, thereby addressing pivotal scientific challenges encountered in clinical management of MS. Therefore, this review summarizes the dynamic changes of microglia in MS and its classic animal models, explores the internal relationship between MG and OL in this process, and focuses on the beneficial effects of targeted regulation of microglia, thereby promoting OPC differentiation and myelin regeneration, in order to provide a new research direction for MS treatment.

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