1.Association between bile acid/short-chain fatty acid metabolic disorders and hepatic encephalopathy based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of Yin and Yang
Luyi YAN ; Weiyu CHEN ; Han WANG ; Wenqian FENG ; Yang DU ; Xueru TIAN ; Yang HONG ; Dewen MAO ; Lei FU ; Chun YAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1443-1449
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome secondary to severe liver disease.Recent studies have shown that the development of hepatic encephalopathy is closely associated with bile acid/short-chain fatty acid metabolic disorder.As the core theory of traditional Chinese medicine,the theory of Yin and Yang provides a unique perspective for analyzing the association between bile acids/short-chain fatty acids and hepatic encephalopathy.Bile acids function like Yang,governing the free flow of Qi and assisting in metabolic processes,while short-chain fatty acids belong to Yin,maintaining internal stability and conservation,preserving the intestinal barrier,and combating inflammation and toxins.Bile acids and short-chain fatty acids constrain each other and are interdependent to regulate the dynamic equilibrium of the gut-liver-brain axis.On this basis,by regulating the metabolic imbalance of bile acids and short-chain fatty acids,it is expected to restore the dynamic balance of Yin and Yang in patients with hepatic encephalopathy under the synergistic intervention of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.
2.Role of neutrophil extracellular traps in hepatocellular carcinoma
Xueru TIAN ; Weiyu CHEN ; Luyi YAN ; Yang HONG ; Han WANG ; Shouqin LIU ; Lei QING ; Guojuan MA ; Dewen MAO ; Chun YAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2410-2417
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Recent studies have shown that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play an important role in the development, progression, and immune escape of HCC. NETs are released by neutrophils and mainly consist of DNA, histones, and antimicrobial molecules, and in addition to immune defense, they are also involved in the initiation, metastasis, and thrombosis of HCC. This article elaborates on the formation and regulatory mechanisms of NETs, explores their potential mechanisms in the initiation, metastasis, immune escape, and thrombosis of HCC, and discusses the prospect of NETs as a target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, in order to provide new ideas for the precise treatment of HCC in the future and promote the early diagnosis and effective treatment of HCC.
3.Effect of embryo cryostorage duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcomes in patients undergoing FET assisted reproduction
Haixia CHEN ; Tuo KUANG ; Fang LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaohuan MU ; Yonghuan LYU ; Wenyan TIAN ; Xueru SONG ; Xiaohong BAI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):59-66
Objective:To investigate the effect of the embryo cryopreservation duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcome.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of 2 662 frozen-thawed embyro tranfer (FET) cycles was conducted in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. According to embryo cryopreservation duration, the patients were divided into group A (≤1 year, n=2 115), group B (>1 years and ≤3 years, n=319), group C (>3 years and ≤6 years, n=174), and group D (>6 years, n=54). We used the propensity score matching (PSM) to match the baseline data of oocyte retrieval age of the other three groups according to group D at a ratio of 1∶3. Clinical and obstetric outcomes were compared among the four groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of oocyte retrieval age, embryo transfer age, the duration of embryo cryopreservation, endometrial preparation scheme, endometrial thickness, the number of transferred embryos and the number of high-quality embryos on pregnancy and live birth outcome. Results:1) Before PSM, there were significant differences in the maternal age at oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer and duration of embryo cryopreservation among the four groups(all P<0.001). 2) After PSM, the baseline characteristics of oocyte retrieval age reached a balance among the four groups. There were no statistical differences in the number of embryos transfer, the number of high-quality embryos, the transferred embryo stage, the endometrial regimen among the groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate [37.04% (20/54)] and the live birth rate [33.33% (18/54)] in group D were lower than those in group A [51.57% (82/159), 40.88% (65/159)], group B [50.00% (65/130), 40.77% (53/130)] and group C [49.59% (61/123), 39.02% (48/123)], but the difference was not statistically significant between the four groups ( P=0.310, P=0.781). There were no statistical differences among the four groups in the ratio of male to female newborns, gestational age, birth weight, preterm delivery rate, low birth weight rate, macrosomia rate, birth defects, and premature repture of membranes (all P>0.05). 3) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of high-quality embryos transferred affected the clinical pregnancy outcome (before PSM, OR=2.614, 95% CI: 2.168-3.151, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=1.984, 95% CI: 1.406-2.800, P<0.001) and live birth (before PSM, OR=2.708, 95% CI: 2.198-3.336, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=2.122, 95% CI: 1.474-3.053, P<0.001). The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth, but large sample data are still needed to support this conclusion in the future.
4.A case of recurrence early-stage endometrial cancer during pregnancy recieved fertility-preserving retreatment
Jing ZHANG ; Wenyan TIAN ; Ye TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiaohong BAI ; Xueru SONG ; Yingmei WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):623-627
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a case of recurrence during pregnancy of early-stage endometrial cancer (EEC) after fertility-preserving treatment, and literature review was conducted. The patient underwent two cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation and three cycles of frozen-thawed embryo transfer after fertility-preserving treatment, early abortion after the third transfer and meanwhile the recurrence of endometrial cancer was found. Fertility-preserving retreatment was given after multidisciplinary discussion based on the patient's fertility intention, ultrasound, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and other examinations. After complete remission, the remaining cryopreserved embryos of the patient were tested for euploidy by preimplantation genetic testing, and the euploid embryo was transferred and delivered at term successfully. Fertility-preserving treatment for patients with EEC need comprehensive management to reduce the recurrence rate. Recurrent patients can choose fertility-preserving retreatment under a comprehensive evaluation.
5.Effect of embryo cryostorage duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcomes in patients undergoing FET assisted reproduction
Haixia CHEN ; Tuo KUANG ; Fang LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaohuan MU ; Yonghuan LYU ; Wenyan TIAN ; Xueru SONG ; Xiaohong BAI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):59-66
Objective:To investigate the effect of the embryo cryopreservation duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcome.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of 2 662 frozen-thawed embyro tranfer (FET) cycles was conducted in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. According to embryo cryopreservation duration, the patients were divided into group A (≤1 year, n=2 115), group B (>1 years and ≤3 years, n=319), group C (>3 years and ≤6 years, n=174), and group D (>6 years, n=54). We used the propensity score matching (PSM) to match the baseline data of oocyte retrieval age of the other three groups according to group D at a ratio of 1∶3. Clinical and obstetric outcomes were compared among the four groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of oocyte retrieval age, embryo transfer age, the duration of embryo cryopreservation, endometrial preparation scheme, endometrial thickness, the number of transferred embryos and the number of high-quality embryos on pregnancy and live birth outcome. Results:1) Before PSM, there were significant differences in the maternal age at oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer and duration of embryo cryopreservation among the four groups(all P<0.001). 2) After PSM, the baseline characteristics of oocyte retrieval age reached a balance among the four groups. There were no statistical differences in the number of embryos transfer, the number of high-quality embryos, the transferred embryo stage, the endometrial regimen among the groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate [37.04% (20/54)] and the live birth rate [33.33% (18/54)] in group D were lower than those in group A [51.57% (82/159), 40.88% (65/159)], group B [50.00% (65/130), 40.77% (53/130)] and group C [49.59% (61/123), 39.02% (48/123)], but the difference was not statistically significant between the four groups ( P=0.310, P=0.781). There were no statistical differences among the four groups in the ratio of male to female newborns, gestational age, birth weight, preterm delivery rate, low birth weight rate, macrosomia rate, birth defects, and premature repture of membranes (all P>0.05). 3) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of high-quality embryos transferred affected the clinical pregnancy outcome (before PSM, OR=2.614, 95% CI: 2.168-3.151, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=1.984, 95% CI: 1.406-2.800, P<0.001) and live birth (before PSM, OR=2.708, 95% CI: 2.198-3.336, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=2.122, 95% CI: 1.474-3.053, P<0.001). The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth, but large sample data are still needed to support this conclusion in the future.
6.A case of recurrence early-stage endometrial cancer during pregnancy recieved fertility-preserving retreatment
Jing ZHANG ; Wenyan TIAN ; Ye TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiaohong BAI ; Xueru SONG ; Yingmei WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):623-627
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a case of recurrence during pregnancy of early-stage endometrial cancer (EEC) after fertility-preserving treatment, and literature review was conducted. The patient underwent two cycles of controlled ovarian stimulation and three cycles of frozen-thawed embryo transfer after fertility-preserving treatment, early abortion after the third transfer and meanwhile the recurrence of endometrial cancer was found. Fertility-preserving retreatment was given after multidisciplinary discussion based on the patient's fertility intention, ultrasound, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and other examinations. After complete remission, the remaining cryopreserved embryos of the patient were tested for euploidy by preimplantation genetic testing, and the euploid embryo was transferred and delivered at term successfully. Fertility-preserving treatment for patients with EEC need comprehensive management to reduce the recurrence rate. Recurrent patients can choose fertility-preserving retreatment under a comprehensive evaluation.
7.Association between bile acid/short-chain fatty acid metabolic disorders and hepatic encephalopathy based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of Yin and Yang
Luyi YAN ; Weiyu CHEN ; Han WANG ; Wenqian FENG ; Yang DU ; Xueru TIAN ; Yang HONG ; Dewen MAO ; Lei FU ; Chun YAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1443-1449
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome secondary to severe liver disease.Recent studies have shown that the development of hepatic encephalopathy is closely associated with bile acid/short-chain fatty acid metabolic disorder.As the core theory of traditional Chinese medicine,the theory of Yin and Yang provides a unique perspective for analyzing the association between bile acids/short-chain fatty acids and hepatic encephalopathy.Bile acids function like Yang,governing the free flow of Qi and assisting in metabolic processes,while short-chain fatty acids belong to Yin,maintaining internal stability and conservation,preserving the intestinal barrier,and combating inflammation and toxins.Bile acids and short-chain fatty acids constrain each other and are interdependent to regulate the dynamic equilibrium of the gut-liver-brain axis.On this basis,by regulating the metabolic imbalance of bile acids and short-chain fatty acids,it is expected to restore the dynamic balance of Yin and Yang in patients with hepatic encephalopathy under the synergistic intervention of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.
8.Genetic analysis of a family with recurrent hydatidiform mole caused by NLRP7 gene mutation
Haixia CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Fang LI ; Ye TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Xueru SONG ; Wenyan TIAN ; Xiaohong BAI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(7):734-738
Recurrent hydatidiform moles refer to patients with at least two molar pregnancies. Mutations in NLRP7 and KHDC3L genes have been implicated in this disease. A pedigree with a history of recurrent hydatidiform mole who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Reproductive Medicine Center, was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the family member were collected, peripheral blood samples were taken from each member. Whole exon sequencing was carried out for the proband. Candidate genes were validated by Sanger sequencing of her family members. The whole exome sequencing showed that the proband had a homozygous mutation of c.2282G>A (p.Cys761Tyr) in the NLRP7 gene, the Sanger sequencing results were consistent with the results. Sanger sequencing results verified that the parents and her sisters carried heterozygous mutations. The proband obtained a clinical pregnancy through egg donation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Therefore, homozygous mutation of NLRP7 gene c.2282G>A (p.Cys761Tyr) is the genetic cause of recurrent hydatidiform mole. The discovery of this mutation broadens the spectrum of NLRP7 gene pathogenic variants and provide fertility guidance for such patients.
9.Analysis of the relationship between parameters of controlled ovarian stimulation and de novo chromosomal abnormalities in chromosomal structural abnormalities
Jing ZHANG ; Ye TIAN ; Fang LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Xueru SONG ; Wenyan TIAN ; Haixia CHEN ; Xiaohong BAI
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(11):1164-1169
Objective:To explore the parameters of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) on the occurrence of de novo chromosomal abnormalities in preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) cycles. Methods:A retrospective analysis control study was performed on 70 PGT-SR cycles and 39 preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic (PGT-M) embryos in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2023 to August 2024. The correlation between de novo chromosomal abnormalities and ovarian stimulation protocol, duration and total dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used, estradiol and progesterone levels on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger day in COS were analyzed. Results:1) Biopsies were performed on 341 blastocysts in the PGT-SR group and 196 blastocysts in the PGT-M group. There was a significant difference in aneuploid rate of blastocyst between PGT-SR and PGT-M groups [62.1% (205/330) vs. 30.2% (58/192), P<0.001]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of de novo chromosomal abnormalities, between PGT-SR and PGT-M groups ( P>0.05). 2) After adjusting for couples' age and blastocyst grade, there were no significant differences in the incidence of de novo chromosomal abnormalities among different ovarian stimulation protocols, different duration and total dosage of Gn used, different estradiol and progesterone levels on hCG trigger day (all P>0.05). 3) There were no significant differences the incidence of de novo whole, fragment and complex chromosomal abnormalities among different ovarian stimulation protocols, different duration and total dosage of Gn used, different estradiol and progesterone levels on hCG trigger day (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Different ovarian stimulation protocols, duration and total dosage of Gn used, estrogen and progesterone levels on hCG trigger day don't affect the whole de novo chromosomal abnormalities, de novo whole, fragment, complex chromosomal abnormalities in patients with structural chromosomal abnormalities.
10.Diagnosis of duplicated kidney and ureter with ectopic opening of ureter in vagina before embryo transfer
Ye TIAN ; Fang LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Hui XIA ; Qi CHEN ; Ying LUO ; Xueru SONG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(12):1281-1284
A retrospective analysis was conducted on a case of duplicate right kidney and ureter with ectopic opening in the vagina discovered before embryo transfer, and literature review was conducted. The patient planned to undergo a third embryo transfer. Prior to the transfer, laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy was performed due to "right fallopian tube hydrosalpinx". About a week after the surgery, there was a continuous increase in vaginal discharge with an odor for more than 50 d. Repeated antibiotic treatments in the outpatient department were ineffective. Vaginal ultrasound examination revealed a cyst in the right adnexal area. After multiple gynecological examinations, vaginal ultrasound, urological ultrasound, whole abdominal CT, magnetic resonance urography, etc., the diagnosis was right kidney and ureteral malformation with ectopic opening of the ureter in the vagina. Upon reviewing the preoperative images of the patient undergoing salpingectomy, it was found that the dilated right repeated ureter was misdiagnosed as hydrosalpinx. Women with adnexal cysts accompanied by continuous vaginal discharge should consider the possibility of repeated ureters and ectopic ureteral opening, and should pay attention to distinguishing it from hydrosalpinx.

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