Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） regulates cell differentiation， proliferation， apoptosis， and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years， with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer， it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） provides a unique perspective for the classification， diagnosis， and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components， multi-targets， and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest， apoptosis， autophagy， et al， while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation， invasion and metastasis， immunosuppression， angiogenesis， et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out， including Jianpi Huayu compound， Fuyang Baoyuan compound， Yipi Yanggan compound， Fuzheng Jiedu compound， compound Astragalus and Salvia， Biejia Jianwan， Dahuang Zhechong pill， and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea， Dendrobii Caulis， Gleditsia sinensis， and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids， alkaloids， glycosides， phenolics， terpenoids， polysaccharides， and other kinds of compounds. At the same time， it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells， blocking the cell cycle， and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation， migration， invasion， angiogenesis， immune escape， etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal， thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects， opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer， and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.

AIM:To observe the morphological and structural changes of foveal cone photoreceptors in patients with age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy(AOSLO)and to evaluate its application value in ARMD.METHODS:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients with ARMD who visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Army Medical University, and underwent AOSLO examination between September 2025 and October 2025 were enrolled as the experimental group(ARMD group). Age-matched individuals who underwent AOSLO examination during the same period and had either age-related cataract or pseudophakia with a normal macular region were selected as the control group(CON group). The AOSLO device was used to image a 2.4°×2.4° area of the fovea, and parameters including parafoveal cone photoreceptor density(PCPD), average inter-cell spacing, cell dispersion, and cell regularity were analyzed.RESULTS:A total of 53 participants(66 eyes)were included, comprising 24 patients(33 eyes)in the ARMD group [comprising 6 participants(6 eyes)in the intermediate ARMD group and 22 participants(27 eyes)in the late ARMD group(4 participants had one eye in the intermediate group and the other in the late ARMD group)], and 29 participants(33 eyes)in the CON group. The ARMD group included 13 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 69.36±9.79 y. The control group included 17 males and 12 females, with a mean age of 64.64±10.31 y. Compared to the CON group, the ARMD group exhibited significantly lower PCPD(31635±4887 vs 38524±3578 cells/mm2, P<0.01)and cell regularity(95.16%±0.75% vs 96.07%±0.67%, P<0.01), along with significantly greater average inter-cell spacing(4.43±0.26 vs 4.22±0.23 μm, P<0.01)and cell dispersion(20.23%±2.72% vs 16.47%±1.85%, P<0.01). Subgroup analysis within the ARMD group revealed that PCPD was significantly lower in the late ARMD subgroup(30831±4826 cells/mm2)compared to the intermediate ARMD subgroup(35254±3534 cells/mm2, P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Photoreceptor pathology in ARMD patients, as assessed by AOSLO, is characterized by decreased PCPD and cell regularity, as well as increased inter-cell spacing and dispersion. These structural alterations are closely associated with photoreceptor cell lesions. AOSLO, as a non-invasive and quantitative imaging modality, demonstrates promising application prospects in the clinical diagnosis of ARMD.

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） regulates cell differentiation， proliferation， apoptosis， and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years， with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer， it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） provides a unique perspective for the classification， diagnosis， and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components， multi-targets， and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest， apoptosis， autophagy， et al， while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation， invasion and metastasis， immunosuppression， angiogenesis， et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out， including Jianpi Huayu compound， Fuyang Baoyuan compound， Yipi Yanggan compound， Fuzheng Jiedu compound， compound Astragalus and Salvia， Biejia Jianwan， Dahuang Zhechong pill， and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea， Dendrobii Caulis， Gleditsia sinensis， and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids， alkaloids， glycosides， phenolics， terpenoids， polysaccharides， and other kinds of compounds. At the same time， it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells， blocking the cell cycle， and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation， migration， invasion， angiogenesis， immune escape， etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal， thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects， opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer， and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.

Hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC）， as one of the common malignant tumours， has seen a continuous rise in incidence and mortality worldwide， posing a serious threat to human health. However， traditional treatments have certain limitations， therefore， the exploration of new therapeutic strategies is particularly urgent. In recent years， with in-depth research on the regulatory mechanisms of microRNA（miRNA） in tumour occurrence and development， it has become new targets for HCC diagnosis and treatment. As a traditional treatment method， Chinese medicine， due to its multi-component， multi-pathway， and multi-target overall regulatory characteristics， shows broad prospects in treating HCC by regulating miRNAs. Accordingly， this paper reviews recent studies on the role of miRNAs in HCC and research advances in traditional Chinese medicine interventions， finding that various miRNAs play key roles in HCC cell cycle regulation， proliferation and apoptosis， invasion and metastasis， immune microenvironment， and drug resistance. It summarises how active ingredients， extracts， medicinal pairs， and formulas of Chinese medicine act on specific miRNAs to regulate their downstream target gene expression， affecting the malignant behaviour of HCC cells and exerting anti-cancer effects. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for miRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC， as well as to offer new ideas for developing miRNA-based targeted Chinese medicine therapies.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor with an extremely poor prognosis， and its pathogenesis is complex and remains unclear. In recent years， more and more studies have focused on the role of bile-gut axis in the development and progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Bile-gut axis refers to the complex interaction between bile and gut microbiota， including bile salt metabolism， dynamic changes of microbiota， inflammatory response， and immune system regulation. This article elaborates on the potential mechanisms of bile-gut axis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma， especially gut microbiota dysbiosis， abnormal bile salt metabolism， chronic inflammatory response， and immune system interaction， this article aims to provide new perspectives and possible therapeutic targets for future research and promote the early diagnosis and effective treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.

Objective: Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85. Conclusion Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.

Objective: Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85. Conclusion Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.

Objective: Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85. Conclusion Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.

Objective: Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85. Conclusion Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.