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.A case of special blood type with discrepancy between ABO genotype and serological results
Wenting JIA ; Wei ZHANG ; Limin CUI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):118-122
Objective: To analyze the cause of discrepancy between ABO genotype B102/O01 and serological results in one case by PCR-SSP, to clarify the serological characteristics of this special blood group, and to explore relevant blood transfusion strategies. Methods: Blood group serological tests were performed on blood donor in August and December 2024, including forward and reverse ABO typing using tube method, H antigen identification, direct anti-human globulin test by tube method, red blood cell absorption-elution test, and determination of ABH blood group substance in saliva. Exons 1-7 of the ABO gene were amplified by PCR-SSP and sequenced. Results: The two separate serological tests consistently identified the donor as having an A
B phenotype, but the results of gene sequencing indicated a B102/O01 genotype, showing an discrepancy between serological and genetic results. Conclusion: It is very likely that the blood type of the blood donor is B102/O01 with a microchimerism of type A, or an AB type masked by A type reference gene.
3.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.
4.Exploring Role of Energy Dyshomeostasis in Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease Panvasculopathy from Theory of Liver Being Substantial Yin and Functional Yang
Jing CUI ; Qian XU ; Wenting WANG ; Mengmeng ZHU ; Yanfei LIU ; Yue LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):227-233
Liver being substantial Yin and functional Yang maintain normal function of Qi, blood and meridians. In clinical practice, it is often found that pan-vascular lesions with atherosclerosis as the predominant pathological change often co-occur with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD). MAFLD leads to increased risk and worse prognosis for many pan-vascular diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Dysregulation of energy homeostasis disrupts the hepatic homeostasis of body use, and representative drugs to improve metabolism, such as metformin, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, not only have a clear cardiovascular benefit, potential improvement of MAFLD has also been demonstrated. The liver stores blood and the heart pumps blood, and liver diseases affect the heart, that's why the unsmoothness of vessels appears. So the treatment should from the standpoint of liver, restoring liver function, soothing the liver and nourishing heart, activating blood and dredging meridian. It is of great significance to explore in depth the pathogenesis and treatment of pan-vascular lesions caused by MAFLD, and to restore the energy homeostasis by adjusting the balance of liver Yin and Yang.
5.Exploring Role of Energy Dyshomeostasis in Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease Panvasculopathy from Theory of Liver Being Substantial Yin and Functional Yang
Jing CUI ; Qian XU ; Wenting WANG ; Mengmeng ZHU ; Yanfei LIU ; Yue LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):227-233
Liver being substantial Yin and functional Yang maintain normal function of Qi, blood and meridians. In clinical practice, it is often found that pan-vascular lesions with atherosclerosis as the predominant pathological change often co-occur with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD). MAFLD leads to increased risk and worse prognosis for many pan-vascular diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Dysregulation of energy homeostasis disrupts the hepatic homeostasis of body use, and representative drugs to improve metabolism, such as metformin, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, not only have a clear cardiovascular benefit, potential improvement of MAFLD has also been demonstrated. The liver stores blood and the heart pumps blood, and liver diseases affect the heart, that's why the unsmoothness of vessels appears. So the treatment should from the standpoint of liver, restoring liver function, soothing the liver and nourishing heart, activating blood and dredging meridian. It is of great significance to explore in depth the pathogenesis and treatment of pan-vascular lesions caused by MAFLD, and to restore the energy homeostasis by adjusting the balance of liver Yin and Yang.
6.Recombinant human MANF induces A2 reactive astrocyte polarization by activating ReIB/p52 phosphorylation to promote spinal cord injury repair
Taibang CHEN ; Wenting WANG ; Lei CUI ; Yana FU
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(1):44-53
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of recombinant human mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (rhMANF) in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair promoted by A2 reactive astrocyte polarization.Methods:One hundred and twenty female SPF SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, SCI group, SCI+control group and SCI+rhMANF group ( n=30 in each group). SCI models were prepared by heavy drop method in the later 3 groups, and 10 μL sterile saline or 10 μL sterile saline+5 μg rhMANF were injected intrathecally in the later 2 groups 30 min after modeling. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale was used to evaluate the motor function in each group 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after injection. After behavioral assessment 3 days after injection, the protein expressions of ReIB, p52, phosphorylated (p)-ReIB and p-p52 in the spinal cord tissues were detected by Western blotting, and the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokine and neurotrophic factor in the spinal cord tissues were detected by ELISA. After behavioral assessment 14 days after injection, immunofluorescent staining was performed to detect the expressions of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), Syn and S100A10 in the spinal cord tissues. After behavioral assessment 28 days after injection, HE staining and uranyl acetate-lead citrate double staining were used to observe the pathological changes of the spinal cord under light microscope and electron microscope, respectively. Results:On 14, 21, and 28 days after injection, the BBB score in the SCI+rhMANF group was significantly higher than that in the SCI group and SCI+control group ( P<0.05). On 3 days after injection, the p-ReiB and p-p52 protein expressions in the SCI+rhMANF group (1.17±0.02 and 1.00±0.07) were significantly higher than those in the SCI group (0.74±0.01 and 0.42±0.11) and SCI+control group (0.79±0.00 and 0.64±0.02, P<0.05); the SCI+rhMANF group had significantly increased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-13, neurotrophin-3, transforming growth factor-β and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor expressions ([217.58±16.06] pg/mg, [276.53±15.00]) pg/mg, [178.88±7.03] pg/mg, [172.61±16.43] pg/mg, [241.00±15.80] pg/mg, and [166.63±14.61] pg/mg) compared with the SCI group ([132.15±18.86] pg/mg, [173.48±18.24] pg/mg, [109.01±3.79] pg/mg, [104.64±18.21] pg/mg, [138.09±9.93] pg/mg, and [91.26±11.09] pg/mg), and SCI+control group ([137.80±27.70] pg/mg, [185.78±19.20] pg/mg, [112.44±13.51] pg/mg, [93.13±22.09] pg/mg, [159.48±32.50] pg/mg, and [112.67±18.32] pg/mg, P<0.05). On 14 days after injection, the immunofluorescent staining intensities of NeuN/S100A10, NeuN/Syn in the SCI+rhMANF group (2.51±0.24/2.85±0.27 and 2.48±0.35/1.92±0.32) were significantly higher than those in the SCI group (0.99±0.11/1.00±0.18 and 1.00±0.19/1.00±0.08) and SCI+control group (1.39±0.09/0.93±0.20 and 1.26±0.35/0.94±0.19, P<0.05). Light microscopy showed that the spinal cord nerve tissues in the SCI group and SCI+control group had loose structure, with edema and vacuolar degeneration; those in the sham-operated group and SCI+rhMANF group had dense structure, with round and cone-shaped neurons and large and round nucleus, and without vacuolar degeneration. Transmission electron microscopy showed intact structure of myelin sheath and axon in the sham-operated group, loose and shrunked spinal cord nerve cells (chromatin condensation, and cell membrane bleb formation) in the SCI group and SCI+control group, and relatively complete cell structure in the SCI+rhMANF group. Conclusion:The rhMANF can activate ReIB/P52 nuclear translocation phosphorylation, up-regulate the anti-inflammatory factor and neurotrophic factor expressions, induce the A2 astrocyte polarization, and promote the synaptic growth and spinal cord injury recovery.
7.Relationship between serum ABCA1 and FABP4 levels and insulin resistance and pregnancy outcome in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus
Wenting LI ; Zhangxia CUI ; Mei LI ; Min WANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(10):1158-1162
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1(ABCA1)and fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4)levels and insulin resistance(IR)and pregnan-cy outcome in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Methods A total of 121 patients with GDM admitted to the hospital from October 2019 to October 2023(GDM group)and 65 healthy pregnant women during the same period(control group)were selected,and the patients with GDM were divided into a poor group(50 cases)and a good group(71 cases)according to the pregnancy outcome.Serum ABCA1 and FABP4 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the correlation between the two and the IR index(MOMA-IR)assessed by steady state model.With pregnancy outcome in GDM patients as the dependent variable,multivariate Logistic regression was used to determine its influencing factors,and receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of serum ABCA1 and FABP4 levels.Results Serum ABCA1 level in the GDM group was lower than those in the control group,and FABP4 level and HOMA-IR were higher than those in the control group(t=12.818,P<0.001,t=17.219,P<0.001,t=17.543,P<0.001).In the GDM patients,HOMA-IR was nega-tively correlated with serum ABCA1 levels and positively correlated with serum FABP4 levels(r=-0.739,t=0.724,both P<0.001).The independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients were HOMA-IR(OR=1.449,95%CI:1.161-1.810)and FABP4(OR=1.024,95%CI:1.011-1.037),and the independent protective factor was ABCA1(OR=0.302,95%CI:0.163-0.559).The area under the curve of serum ABCA1 combined with FABP4 level to predict pregnancy outcome in GDM patients was 0.877(95%CI:0.805-0.930),which was greater than that of serum ABCA1 and FABP4 levels alone,which were predic-ted by 0.786(95%CI:0.702-0.855),0.787(95%CI:0.703-0.856).Conclusion Reduced serum ABCA1 levels and elevated FABP4 levels are associated with IR and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM,and the combination of the two has high predictive efficacy.
8.Recombinant human MANF induces A2 reactive astrocyte polarization by activating ReIB/p52 phosphorylation to promote spinal cord injury repair
Taibang CHEN ; Wenting WANG ; Lei CUI ; Yana FU
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(1):44-53
Objective:To investigate the mechanism of recombinant human mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (rhMANF) in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair promoted by A2 reactive astrocyte polarization.Methods:One hundred and twenty female SPF SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, SCI group, SCI+control group and SCI+rhMANF group ( n=30 in each group). SCI models were prepared by heavy drop method in the later 3 groups, and 10 μL sterile saline or 10 μL sterile saline+5 μg rhMANF were injected intrathecally in the later 2 groups 30 min after modeling. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale was used to evaluate the motor function in each group 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after injection. After behavioral assessment 3 days after injection, the protein expressions of ReIB, p52, phosphorylated (p)-ReIB and p-p52 in the spinal cord tissues were detected by Western blotting, and the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokine and neurotrophic factor in the spinal cord tissues were detected by ELISA. After behavioral assessment 14 days after injection, immunofluorescent staining was performed to detect the expressions of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), Syn and S100A10 in the spinal cord tissues. After behavioral assessment 28 days after injection, HE staining and uranyl acetate-lead citrate double staining were used to observe the pathological changes of the spinal cord under light microscope and electron microscope, respectively. Results:On 14, 21, and 28 days after injection, the BBB score in the SCI+rhMANF group was significantly higher than that in the SCI group and SCI+control group ( P<0.05). On 3 days after injection, the p-ReiB and p-p52 protein expressions in the SCI+rhMANF group (1.17±0.02 and 1.00±0.07) were significantly higher than those in the SCI group (0.74±0.01 and 0.42±0.11) and SCI+control group (0.79±0.00 and 0.64±0.02, P<0.05); the SCI+rhMANF group had significantly increased interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-13, neurotrophin-3, transforming growth factor-β and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor expressions ([217.58±16.06] pg/mg, [276.53±15.00]) pg/mg, [178.88±7.03] pg/mg, [172.61±16.43] pg/mg, [241.00±15.80] pg/mg, and [166.63±14.61] pg/mg) compared with the SCI group ([132.15±18.86] pg/mg, [173.48±18.24] pg/mg, [109.01±3.79] pg/mg, [104.64±18.21] pg/mg, [138.09±9.93] pg/mg, and [91.26±11.09] pg/mg), and SCI+control group ([137.80±27.70] pg/mg, [185.78±19.20] pg/mg, [112.44±13.51] pg/mg, [93.13±22.09] pg/mg, [159.48±32.50] pg/mg, and [112.67±18.32] pg/mg, P<0.05). On 14 days after injection, the immunofluorescent staining intensities of NeuN/S100A10, NeuN/Syn in the SCI+rhMANF group (2.51±0.24/2.85±0.27 and 2.48±0.35/1.92±0.32) were significantly higher than those in the SCI group (0.99±0.11/1.00±0.18 and 1.00±0.19/1.00±0.08) and SCI+control group (1.39±0.09/0.93±0.20 and 1.26±0.35/0.94±0.19, P<0.05). Light microscopy showed that the spinal cord nerve tissues in the SCI group and SCI+control group had loose structure, with edema and vacuolar degeneration; those in the sham-operated group and SCI+rhMANF group had dense structure, with round and cone-shaped neurons and large and round nucleus, and without vacuolar degeneration. Transmission electron microscopy showed intact structure of myelin sheath and axon in the sham-operated group, loose and shrunked spinal cord nerve cells (chromatin condensation, and cell membrane bleb formation) in the SCI group and SCI+control group, and relatively complete cell structure in the SCI+rhMANF group. Conclusion:The rhMANF can activate ReIB/P52 nuclear translocation phosphorylation, up-regulate the anti-inflammatory factor and neurotrophic factor expressions, induce the A2 astrocyte polarization, and promote the synaptic growth and spinal cord injury recovery.
9.IDI2-AS1 influences the development of acute myocardial infarction by regulating NR4A2 through microRNA-33b-5p
Shuxing WU ; Zhihua PANG ; Ru WANG ; Jian CUI ; Wenting LI ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Zhuhua YAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(9):972-979
Objective:To explore the effect and correlation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) IDI2-AS1/microRNA-33b-5p (miR-33b-5p)/nuclear receptor-associated protein NR4A2 competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network on acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to verify whether IDI2-AS1 regulates NR4A2 through miR-33b-5p to affect the occurrence and development of myocardial infarction.Methods:The miRNA and mRNA expression chips related to myocardial infarction were obtained from gene expression omnibus (GEO), and the differential expression was analyzed. The upstream regulatory mechanism of NR4A2 was predicted using TargetScan database. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were divided into Sham group, AMI model group, miR-33b-5p mimic group [miR-33b-5p mimic lentivirus (5×10 7 TU) was injected locally into the heart tissue during ligation] and miR-33b-5p inhibitor group [miR-33b-5p inhibitor lentivirus (5×10 7 TU) was injected locally into the heart tissue during ligation] according to random number table method, with 8 mice per group. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) were asseessed by echocardiography, left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were calculated. After the last weighing, the anesthetized mice were sacrificed and the heart tissues were taken. Masson staining of the heart tissues was observed under light microscope, myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) and infarct size were calculated. Cardiomyocytes of SPF grade SD rats were collected. They were divided into normal control group (control group), ischemia-hypoxia model group, miR-33b-5p mimic transfection group (miR-33b-5p mimic transfection group before ischemia and hypoxia treatment) and miR-33b-5p inhibitor transfection group (miR-33b-5p inhibitor transfection group before ischemia and hypoxia treatment). The activity of caspase-3/7 in cardiomyocytes was measured. The levels of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatine kinase (CK), MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were detected by colorimetry. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2, cytochrome C (Cyt C) and IDI2-AS1/miR-33b-5p/NR4A2 regulatory axis genes. Results:The myocardial infarction microarray analysis showed that NR4A2 expression was significantly up-regulated in myocardial infarction, with predicted upstream regulatory mechanisms indicating its possible influence through the IDI2-AS1/miR-33b-5p/NR4A2 regulatory axis. Echocardiographic detection showed that compared with AMI model group and miR-33b-5p inhibitor group, LVEF and LVFS in the heart tissue of mice in miR-33b-5p mimic group were significantly increased, while the levels of LVEDD, LVESD, CK, CK-MB and LDH were significantly decreased, with statistical significance. Light microscope showed myocardial fibrosis and myocardial infarction in AMI model group and miR-33b-5p inhibitor group. In the miR-33b-5p mimic group, the degree of myocardial fibrosis was decreased and the myocardial infarction size was significantly reduced. Compared with AMI model group and miR-33b-5p inhibitor group, the levels of MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and the expressions of Bax and Cyt C in the heart tissue of mice in miR-33b-5p mimic group were significantly decreased, while the levels of SOD and Bcl-2 expression were significantly increased, and the differences were statistically significant. The expressions of IDI2-AS1 and NR4A2 in the heart tissue of mice in miR-33b-5p mimic group were significantly lower than those in AMI model group and miR-33b-5p inhibitor group [IDI2-AS1 (2 -ΔΔCt): 1.96±0.08 vs. 2.73±0.08, 3.10±0.05, NR4A2 (2 -ΔΔCt): 2.36±0.07 vs. 3.16±0.08, 3.80±0.08, all P < 0.01]. The expression of miR-33b-5p was significantly higher than that of AMI model group and miR-33b-5p inhibitor group (2 -ΔΔCt: 0.88±0.07 vs. 0.57±0.07, 0.23±0.01, both P < 0.01). The cell experiment results showed that the caspase-3/7 activity of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes in the miR-33b-5p mimic transfection group was significantly lower than that in the ischemia-hypoxia model group and the miR-33b-5p inhibitor transfection group, suggesting that miR-33b-5p can significantly reduce the apoptosis level of the ischemia-hypoxia model. The levels of peroxidation and inflammation indexes, important genes of apoptosis pathway and the expression of IDI2-AS1/miR-33b-5p/NR4A2 regulatory axis of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes in all groups were consistent with the above. Conclusion:IDI2-AS1 can regulate NR4A2 through miR-33b-5p, thus affecting the occurrence and development of AMI.
10.Relationship Between Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Cardiometabolic Diseases Based on "Heart-spleen-intestine" Axis
Qian XU ; Wenting WANG ; Yiwen LI ; Jing CUI ; Mengmeng ZHU ; Yanfei LIU ; Yue LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):203-211
Cardiometabolic disease is a clinical syndrome with a causal relationship between metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular damage. With its global incidence and related mortality rates continually rising, it has become a major health concern worldwide. The role of the gut microbiome and its metabolic products in cardiovascular metabolic health has received widespread attention, with gut microbiota dysbiosis considered a key factor in promoting the development of cardiometabolic disease. Dysbiosis disrupts the balance of the "heart-spleen-intestine" axis, leading to dysfunction of the spleen and intestines, which triggers metabolic disorders and accelerates the progression of cardiometabolic disease. Cardiac dysfunction can also negatively affect spleen and intestinal function, leading to imbalances in the heart and spleen, disharmony in Qi and blood, and exacerbating metabolic anomalies and further dysbiosis, thus forming a vicious cycle. From a modern biological perspective, the gut microbiome and its metabolic products can influence disease progression by modulating inflammatory responses and immune imbalances, leading to endothelial dysfunction and metabolic disorders, thereby increasing the risk of cardiometabolic disease. Additionally, the article proposes strategies for managing cardiometabolic disease by regulating the gut microbiome through a combination of Chinese and western medicine approaches. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment starts from the gut microbiome, using the "heart-spleen-intestine" axis as a mediator to regulate cardiovascular metabolic health, highlighting the unique advantages of TCM in targeting the gut microbiome to treat cardiometabolic disease. This article takes the TCM theory of the "heart-spleen-intestine" axis as a starting point, discusses the pivotal role played by this axis in the connection between gut microbiome dysbiosis and the development of cardiometabolic disease, aiming to provide a new perspective for the integrated traditional Chinese and western medical research on cardiometabolic disease, offering scientific evidence and practical guidance to improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients.

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