ObjectiveTo investigate whether visceral fat area （VFA） is an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） based on clinical data， and to establish an effective diagnostic model. MethodsA total of 222 NAFLD patients who attended Department of Hepatology， Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine， from January 2021 to April 2025 were enrolled， and according to liver stiffness measurement （≥8 kPa or not）， they were divided into significant fibrosis group and non-significant fibrosis group. Propensity score matching （PSM） was performed at a ratio of 1∶1 to balance the baseline data between the two groups. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation of VFA and other indicators with significant liver fibrosis； univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify whether VFA was an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients， and the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted to assess the predictive performance of related indicators. ResultsA total of 45 patients with significant liver fibrosis and 177 patients without significant liver fibrosis were enrolled， and after PSM， 90 patients （45 pairs） were finally included in analysis. Compared with the non-significant fibrosis group， the significant fibrosis group had significantly higher levels of body mass index （BMI）， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， uric acid （UA）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （GGT）， controlled attenuation parameter （CAP）， and VFA， as well as a significantly higher proportion of patients with visceral fat obesity or three or more metabolic risk factors （all P<0.05）. VFA， BMI， AST， and HbA1c were strongly correlated with significant liver fibrosis （all r>0.5， all P <0.05）， and ALT， GGT， UA， FBG， and CAP were significantly positively correlated with significant liver fibrosis （r=0.3　—　0.5， all P<0.05）. VFA （odds ratio ［OR］=1.040， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.018　—　1.062， P<0.05）， FBG （OR=2.372， 95%CI： 1.199　—　4.691， P<0.05）， and AST （OR=1.032， 95%CI： 1.003　—　1.058， P<0.05） were independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. The new diagnostic model based on VFA， FBG， and AST （with an area under the ROC curve ［AUC］ of 0.907） had a significantly better performance than aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index （AUC=0.834）， fibrosis-4 （AUC=0.660）， triglyceride-glucose index （AUC=0.656）， and NAFLD fibrosis score （AUC=0.768） in predicting significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients （all P<0.05）. ConclusionVFA is an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients， and the noninvasive diagnostic model based on VFA， FBG， and AST can effectively predict the onset of significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices since there is a high risk of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension， and to provide a basis for the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices. MethodsA total of 108 patients with significant portal hypertension due to compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who attended Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to November 2023 were enrolled， and according to the presence or absence of esophageal and gastric varices under gastroscopy， they were divided into esophageal and gastric varices group （GOV group） and non-esophageal and gastric varices group （NGOV group）. Related data were collected， including age， sex， imaging findings， and laboratory markers. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups； the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of five scoring models， i.e.， fibrosis-4 （FIB-4）， LOK index， LPRI， aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index （APRI）， and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio （AAR）. The binary logistic regression method was used to establish a combined model， and the area under the ROC curve （AUC） was compared between the combined model and each scoring model used alone. The Delong test was used to compare the AUC value between any two noninvasive diagnostic models. ResultsThere were 55 patients in the GOV group and 53 patients in the NGOV group. Compared with the NGOV group， the GOV group had a significantly higher age （52.64±1.44 years vs 47.96±1.68 years， t=0.453， P<0.05） and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase ［42.00 （24.00 — 17.00） U/L vs 82.00 （46.00 — 271.00） U/L， Z=-3.065， P<0.05］， aspartate aminotransferase ［44.00 （32.00 — 96.00） U/L vs 62.00 （42.50 — 154.50） U/L，Z=-2.351， P<0.05］， and platelet count ［100.00 （69.00 — 120.00）×10⁹/L vs 119.00 （108.50 — 140.50）×10⁹/L， Z=-3.667， P<0.05］. The ROC curve analysis showed that FIB-4， LOK index， LPRI， and AAR used alone had an accuracy of 0.667， 0.681， 0.730， and 0.639， respectively， in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices （all P<0.05）， and the positive diagnostic rates of GOV were 69.97%， 65.28%， 67.33%， and 58.86%， respectively， with no significant differences in AUC values （all P>0.05）， while APRI used alone had no diagnostic value （P>0.05）. A combined model （LAF） was established based on the binary logistic regression analysis and had an AUC of 0.805 and a positive diagnostic rate of GOV of 75.80%， with a significantly higher AUC than FIB-4， LOK index， LPRI， and AAR used alone （Z=-2.773，-2.479，-2.206， and-2.672， all P<0.05）. ConclusionFIB-4， LOK index， LPRI， and AAR have a similar diagnostic value for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension， and APRI alone has no diagnostic value. The combined model LAF had the best diagnostic efficacy， which provides a certain reference for clinical promotion and application.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

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OBJECTIVE: To observe the characteristics of changes in non-invasive hemodynamic parameters in neonates with septic shock so as to provide clinical reference for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A observational study was conducted. The neonates with sepsis complicated with septic shock or not admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College were enrolled as the study subjects, who were divided into preterm infant (< 37 weeks) and full-term infant (≥ 37 weeks) according to the gestational age. Healthy full-term infants and hemodynamically stable preterm infants transferring to NICU after birth were enrolled as controls. Electronic cardiometry (EC) was used to measure hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume (SV), stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), before treatment in the septic shock group, at the time of diagnosis of sepsis in the sepsis without shock group, and before the discharge from the obstetric department or on the day of transferring to NICU in the control group. RESULTS: Finally, 113 neonates with complete data and parental consent for non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring were enrolled, including 32 cases in the septic shock group, 25 cases in the sepsis without shock group and 56 cases in the control group. In the septic shock group, there were 17 cases at the compensated stage and 15 cases at the decompensated stage. There were 21 full-term infants (20 cured or improved and 1 died) and 11 premature infants (7 cured or improved and 4 died), with the mortality of 15.62% (5/32). There were 18 full-term infants and 7 premature infants in the sepsis without shock group and all cured or improved without death. The control group included 28 full-term infants and 28 premature infants transferring to NICU after birth. Non-invasive hemodynamic parameter analysis showed that SV, SVI, CO and CI of full-term infants in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the sepsis without shock group and control group [SV (mL): 3.52±0.99 vs. 5.79±1.32, 5.22±1.02, SVI (mL/m²): 16.80 (15.05, 19.65) vs. 27.00 (22.00, 32.00), 27.00 (23.00, 29.75), CO (L/min): 0.52±0.17 vs. 0.80±0.14, 0.72±0.12, CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 40.00 (36.67, 49.18) vs. 62.51 (56.34, 70.85), 60.01 (53.34, 69.68), all P < 0.05], while SVR and SVRI were significantly higher than those in the sepsis without shock group and control group [SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 773.46±291.96 vs. 524.17±84.76, 549.38±72.36, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 149.27±51.76 vs. 108.12±12.66, 107.81±11.87, all P < 0.05]. MAP, SV, SVI, CO and CI of preterm infants in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the control group [MAP (mmHg, 1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 38.55±10.48 vs. 47.46±2.85, SV (mL): 2.45 (1.36, 3.58) vs. 3.96 (3.56, 4.49), SVI (mL/m²): 17.60 (14.20, 25.00) vs. 25.50 (24.00, 29.00), CO (L/min): 0.32 (0.24, 0.63) vs. 0.56 (0.49, 0.63), CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 40.01 (33.34, 53.34) vs. 61.68 (56.68, 63.35), all P < 0.05], while SVR and SVRI were similar to the control group [SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 1 082.88±689.39 vs. 656.63±118.83, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 126.00±61.50 vs. 102.37±11.68, both P > 0.05]. Further analysis showed that SV, SVI and CI of neonates at the compensation stage in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the control group [SV (mL): 3.60±1.29 vs. 4.73±1.15, SVI (mL/m²): 19.20±8.33 vs. 26.34±3.91, CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 46.51±20.34 vs. 61.01±7.67, all P < 0.05], while MAP, SVR and SVRI were significantly higher than those in the control group [MAP (mmHg): 52.06±8.61 vs. 48.54±3.21, SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 874.95±318.70 vs. 603.01±111.49, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 165.07±54.90 vs. 105.09±11.99, all P < 0.05]; MAP, SV, SVI, CO and CI of neonates at the decompensated stage in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the control group [MAP (mmHg): 35.13±6.08 vs. 48.54±3.21, SV (mL): 2.89±1.17 vs. 4.73±1.15, SVI (mL/m²): 18.50±4.99 vs. 26.34±3.91, CO (L/min): 0.41±0.19 vs. 0.65±0.15, CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 43.34±14.17 vs. 61.01±7.67, all P < 0.05], while SVR and SVRI were similar to the control group [SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 885.49±628.04 vs. 603.01±111.49, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 114.29±43.54 vs. 105.09±11.99, both P > 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS Full-term infant with septic shock exhibit a low cardiac output, high vascular resistance hemodynamic pattern, while preterm infant with septic shock show low cardiac output and normal vascular resistance. At the compensated stage the hemodynamic change is low output and high resistance type, while at the decompensated stage it is low output and normal resistance type. Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring can assist in the identification of neonatal septic shock and provide basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Humans ; Shock, Septic/physiopathology* ; Infant, Newborn ; Hemodynamics ; Female ; Male ; Case-Control Studies ; Infant, Premature

Objective To investigate the expression profile of cell adhesion molecular 3(CADM3)on pulmonary endothelial cells,analyze its role in mediating specific adhesion to monocyte,and explore a new mechanism of hypoxia inducing peripheral monocyte infiltration in pulmonary vessels.Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC),rat pulmonary vascular endothelial cells(rPEC),and rat aortic endothelial cells(rAEC)were subjected,and divided into normoxic(21%O2)control group and hypoxic(1%O2 or 5%O2)treatment group.Analyzing the transcriptome data of HUVEC exposure to hypoxia for 8 h screened a differentially expressed molecule,CADM3.Cell adhesion experiments,siRNA interference,immunohistochemical assay,Western blotting,and flow cytometry were used to study the role of CADM3 in hypoxia specific high adhesion of HUVEC monocytes.Iron chelator deferoxamine(DFX)and shRNA interference were employed to enhance the expression of HIF-1α,and the effect of HIF-1 transcriptional activity on CADM3 expression was analyzed.Results Hypoxic treatment resulted in enhanced expression of CADM3 in HUVEC,and the expression level reached the peak at 6-8 h after hypoxia,and then decreased.Transfection with siRNA targeting CADM3 decreased the expression of CADM3,and significantly reduced the adhesion rate of hypoxic HUVEC-U937 cells when compared with the negative control group(P<0.05).Compared with the solvent control group,the protein levels of HIF-1α and its target protein STC2 in HUVEC treated with DFX(100 μmol/L)were increased.Transfection with shRNA targeting HIF-1α led the protein levels of HIF-1α and its target protein STC2 decreased,but had no effect on the protein expression of CADM3 in comparison to the negative control group.The protein level and distribution of CADM3 on the cell membrane were increased in hypoxic rPEC.No expression of CADM3 protein was found in the rAEC when compared with rPEC.After treatment with 5 μg/mL LPS,there were no significant changes in HIF-1α,STC2 and CADM3 in rPEC cultured under normoxia or hypoxia.The adhesion rate between hypoxia rPEC with CD11b+cells was the highest,with statistical significance(P<0.01).After incubation with anti-CADM3 antibody,the adhesion of hypoxic rPEC-U937 was significantly decreased compared with the solvent control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Hypoxia specifically induces the expression of CADM3 in pulmonary vascular endothelial cells in a HIF-1-independent manner,and promotes the specific adhesion of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and monocytes induced by hypoxia.

Objective To investigate the role of exosomal microRNA(miRNA)miR-210-3p in chemoresistance and stem cell property formation in cervical cancer,and to elucidate its underlying mechanism through targeting of F-box protein 31(FBXO31).Methods Exosomes were isolated from cisplatin-sensitive HeLa cells and cisplatin-resistant HeLa/DDP cells via ultracentrifugation,and their uptake by HeLa/DDP cells was verified using the PKH26 red fluorescent labeling method.HeLa cells were transfected with NC inhibitor,miR-210-3p inhibitor alone,or in combination with si-NC and si-FBXO31.After 24 hours of transfection,exosomes were extracted and co-cultured with HeLa/DDP cells for 48 hours.Consequently,HeLa/DDP cells were divided into five groups:the Ctrl group(PBS blank control),the NC inhibitor group,the miR-210-3p inhibitor group,the miR-210-3p inhibitor+si-NC group and the miR-210-3p inhibitor+si-FBXO31 group.RT-qPCR was used to measure miR-210-3p and FBXO31 expression levels.The half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of cisplatin was determined using the MTT assay.Stem cell properties were assessed via tumor sphere formation assays.Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression of FBXO31 and stem cell markers(e.g.,SOX2,OCT4,NANOG).The targeting relationship between miR-210-3p and FBXO31 was validated using dual-luciferase reporter assays.The effect of exosomal miR-210-3p on the metastasis of cervical cancer in vivo was evaluated by nude mice xenograft tumor.Resuts Compared with human normal cervical epithelial cells(HCeEpiC),miR-210-3p expression was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer cell lines(HeLa,HT3,C33A,and CaSki),while FBXO31 expression was significantly downregulated(P<0.05).HeLa/DDP cells(cisplatin-resistant)exhibited significantly higher miR-210-3p expression levels and IC50 values for cisplatin compared with parental HeLa cells(P<0.05),and HeLa exosomes were efficiently taken up by HeLa/DDP cells.Compared with the NC inhibitor groupThe miR-210-3p inhibitor group showed significantly reduced expression levels of miR-210-3p,OCT4,SOX2,and NANOG,as well as a significantly lower IC50(P<0.05),while FBXO31 expression was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the miR-210-3p inhibitor+si-NC group,the miR-210-3p inhibitor+si-FBXO31 group exhibited significantly decreased FBXO31 expression(P<0.05)and increased IC50,Oct-4,SOX2,and NANOG expression(P<0.05).Compared with the control group and the empty vector group,the tumor weight and volume were significantly lower in the miR-210-3p than in the control and empty vector groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Exosomal miR-210-3p promotes chemoresistance to DDP and enhances stem cell-like properties in CC cells by directly targeting and inhibiting FBXO31.

Objective To explore the clinical features,imaging and pathological characteristics of the patients with congenital liver fibrosis(CHF).Methods The medical case data of 6 patients with pathological-ly diagnosed CHF in this hospital from January 2011 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed,and the clini-cal menifastations,laboratory indicators,imaging characteristics,pathological manifestations,treatment and outcomes were summarized.Results The clinical classification in 6 cases of CHF was mainly portal hyperten-sion(66.67％),and the most common clinical manifestations and signs were hepatosplenomegaly(83.33％),melena(50.00％)and abdominal distension(33.33％).Total bil irubin was normal,and only 2 cases(33.33％)were mildly elevated.The prothrombin time was in the normal range in 4 cases(66.67％),and mild abnormality in 2 cases(33.33％).Imaging showed abnormal liver morphology in 6 cases,spleen enlarge-ment in 5 cases(83.33％),portal vein widening in 3 cases(50.00％),diffuse dilatation of intrahepatic bile ducts in 2 cases(33.33％),and complicating Caroli disease in 1 case(16.67％).The pathological manifesta-tions were normal liver parenchymal cells,periportal fibrosis,and manifold-manifold bridging-like fibrosis.Six cases received the conventional liver protection therapy,3 cases underwent splenectomy+pericardia vascular dissection,the median follow-up time was 68.2 months,1 case died due to liver failure,and 5 cases were rela-tively stable.Conclusion The patients with hepatic disease whose portal hypertension is inconsistent to the degree of hepatic function damage,especially those complicating polycystic kidney disease should perfect the liver puncture pathological examination and genetic testing to clarify the diagnosis,and conduct the genetic counseling and intervention treatment as soon as possible.