1.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
2.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
3.Construction and Application of A Digital System for "Disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment Differentiation" Paradigm
Tiantian FAN ; Ying LYU ; Ru NIU ; Xiaojie KANG ; Fenglan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):217-225
In the context of the digital-intelligent era of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the lack of clinical thinking is a pressing issue that limits the overall effectiveness of TCM and talent cultivation. The "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" thinking model, originally developed by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (Shang Han Za Bing Lun), has served as a guideline and paradigm followed by generations of medical practitioners. This study aims to construct a digitalized "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" thinking system, develop a digital assessment system, and implement it for practical application. The goal is to recommend a digitalized assessment model for TCM and provide a reference for the integrated innovation of talent cultivation in medicine, education, and research. First, based on the complex diagnostic and treatment framework of the Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases (Shang Han Lun), the research team previously established a "process" + "result" thinking model that included four processes and ten steps. This study integrates knowledge unit theory and digital technology to create a digital system for "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" with a dual-control model of "process control" and "result control". The system consists of 46 items across three categories: knowledge body (W=20%), knowledge element (W=30%), and knowledge element associations (W=50%). Second, a mixed-methods research design was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The Delphi method was used to establish hierarchical levels and screen items, while the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assign weights. Expert surveys were conducted to reach a consensus and further validate the rationale and necessity of the system. Finally, based on the system architecture and integrating key computer technologies, a digital assessment system for "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" was developed. The Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases (Shang Han Lun) was used as a case study to validate the system's feasibility. Statistical results showed that the difficulty level of the assessment question bank was moderate (DL ranging from 0.65 to 0.89), with good discrimination (D>0.4), and reasonable reliability and validity (Cronbach's α=0.84, KMO=0.72, Bartlett's test P<0.01). The system can perform process-oriented evaluations of candidates' thinking in "disease-pulse-syndrome-treatment differentiation" and effectively achieve the goal of clinical thinking assessment through a combination of "process control" and "result control". The examination system offers three major advantages. It standardizes, objectifies, and streamlines the assessment of thought processes, facilitates the organic transformation of TCM education from outcome-based education to thinking-based education, and from exam-oriented education to competency-oriented education, and promotes the practical transformation of TCM assessments from qualitative to quantitative evaluation, as well as from theory to practice. In summary, this system not only represents a technological upgrade to traditional examinations but also empowers the cultivation and assessment of clinical talent in the digital-intelligent era, demonstrating broad application prospects.
4.Efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection comorbid with gallbladder polyps
Qianqian NIU ; Huan CHEN ; Ying ZHENG ; Chunyan GOU ; Chen XU ; Li LI ; Xinxin WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Xiuhui LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):304-311
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule (BBD) in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder comorbid with gallbladder polyps. MethodsA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled single-center trial was conducted among 120 patients with chronic HBV infection who were admitted to Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, from August 2020 to April 2023, and they were divided into treatment group (BBD) and control group (placebo), with 60 patients in each group. The course of treatment was 24 weeks, and follow-up assessments were conducted every 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the number and maximum diameter of gallbladder polyps (assessed by ultrasound), and the secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, blood lipid levels, and liver function parameters. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups; the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of ranked data between two groups; the generalized estimating equation was used to analyze repeated measures data. ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly smaller diameter of polyps and a significantly lower number of polyps than the control group (Z=-1.76 and -1.80, both P<0.05), and after 24 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly higher polyp reduction rate than the control group (30.51% vs 10.91%, P<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that patients receiving combined antiviral therapy, male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps tended to achieve significantly greater benefits. At week 8 of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly better TCM syndrome score than the control group (Z=-2.35, P<0.05); after treatment, compared with the control group, the treatment group had a significantly greater increase in high-density lipoprotein (Z=-1.85, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (Z=-2.06, P <0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (Z=-2.13, P<0.05), total bilirubin (Z=-2.12, P<0.05), and direct bilirubin (Z=-3.09, P<0.05). No serious adverse events were reported in either group. ConclusionBBD can effectively reduce the size of gallbladder polyps, improve TCM syndrome score, and reduce the level of bilirubin in patients with chronic HBV infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, with a favorable safety profile, and it may be more suitable for patients receiving combined antiviral therapy and specific subgroups (male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps.
5.Literature analysis of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis induced by empagliflozin
Zhenzhen LEI ; Wei RUI ; Yanling SHI ; Jiayue ZHU ; Ying GANG ; Xiaodi SUN ; Hao ZHAN ; Junnan WANG ; Yukun NIU ; Wenxiang ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1874-1879
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) induced by empagliflozin, and provide references for safe medication. METHODS Case reports of euDKA induced by empagliflozin were retrieved and analyzed from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. The Naranjo’s scale was adopted to assess the causal relationship between empagliflozin and euDKA. RESULTS A total of 29 patients were enrolled, including 16 males and 13 females,with a median age of 58 years. All patients were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 22 patients had at least one comorbidity. The median time to euDKA onset was 60 days after administration, and 7 cases occurred within 2 weeks of treatment. Perioperative periods,fasting,and low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets were the main predisposing factors. Common presentations included nausea,vomiting, fatigue, tachypnea,and tachycardia. The causal relationship between empagliflozin and euDKA was assessed as “probable” in all cases. According to adverse reaction severity grading, 13 cases were grade 3 (severe) and 16 cases were grade 4 (life-threatening). All patients discontinued empagliflozin and recovered after corresponding treatment. CONCLUSIONS euDKA is a serious adverse reaction to empagliflozin, which mostly occurs early in treatment. Perioperative periods, fasting, and ketogenic diets are prone to induce euDKA. Elderly patients and those with comorbidities are at higher risk. Risk assessment should be conducted before clinical administration; blood ketones and acid-base monitoring should be strengthened in the early medication period; withhold the drug before elective surgery, avoid prolonged fasting;upon diagnosis, discontinue empagliflozin and initiate intravenous insulin, provide fluid resuscitation promptly, and use other treatments to improve patient prognosis.
6.MRI quantitative parameters and free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio for diagnosing prostate imaging reporting and data system 3-point clinically significant prostate cancer
Zewen LIU ; Qin LI ; Xiaomei JIANG ; Yongsheng CHEN ; Ying CHEN ; Qingliang NIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(5):768-772
Objective To explore the value of MRI quantitative parameters and free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio(f/tPSA)for diagnosing prostate imaging reporting and data system(PI-RADS)3-point clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa).Methods Totally 57 patients with PI-RADS 3-point prostate lesions were retrospectively enrolled,including 18 prostate cancer(PCa)(PCa group)and 39 benign hyperplasia with chronic prostatitis(non-PCa group).The former included 12 cases of csPCa and 6 cases of clinically insignificant PCa(ciPCa).Taken non-PCa and ciPCa into non-csPCa group(n=45),laboratory and MRI parameters(apparent diffusion coefficient[ADC],T1,T2,proton density[PD]values)were compared between PCa and non-PCa groups,also between csPCa and non-csPCa groups.Based on laboratory and MRI parameters being statistically different between groups according to univariate analysis,combined models were established using logistic regression.The efficacy of laboratory,MRI parameters and combined models for differentiating PCa and non-PCa as well as csPCa and non-csPCa were evaluated.Results ADC,T1,T2,PD values in PCa group were all lower those in non-PCa group(all P<0.05),and f/tPSA,ADC,T1,T2 and PD values in csPCa group were all lower than those in non-csPCa group(all P<0.05).AUC of ADC,T1,T2 and PD values for differentiating PCa from non-PCa was 0.662,0.755,0.793 and 0.729 respectively,while of ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model was 0.839,higher than that of ADC alone(P<0.05)but not significantly different with T1,T2 and PD values alone(all P>0.05).AUC of f/tPSA,ADC,T1,T2 and PD values for differentiating csPCa from non-csPCa was 0.692,0.759,0.741,0.805 and 0.737,respectively,while of ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model was 0.889,higher than that of f/tPSA,ADC and T1 values alone(all P<0.05)but not significantly different with that of T2 and PD value alone(both P>0.05).AUC of f/tPSA-ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model was 0.898,higher than that of f/tPSA,ADC,T1 and PD values alone(all P<0.05)but not significantly different with T2 value and ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model(both P>0.05).Conclusion MRI quantitative parameters combined with f/tPSA could effectively diagnose PI-RADS 3-point csPCa.
7.Relationship between NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and pregnancy outcome in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and reproductive tract infection
Guoxi SHI ; Hongli NIU ; Hongwei ZHONG ; Nan WANG ; Junying ZHAI ; Ying WANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(11):1665-1669
OBJECTIVE To analyze the levels of NOD like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3),nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)and Caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with recur-rent spontaneous abortion(RSA)and reproductive tract infection(RTI),and the relationship between above inde-xes and pregnancy outcome.METHODS A total of 136 patients with RSA and RTI who were admitted to Nanyang First People's Hospital from Mar.2021 to Apr.2024 were selected as the study group,70 patients with RSA but without RTI during the same period were selected as the control group,and those patients with RSA and RTI who were pregnant again were divided into the continued pregnancy group and the abortion group based on their preg-nancy outcomes.The levels of NLRP,NF-κB and caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared between the study group and the control group,Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with RSA and RTI.Receiver's operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the value of NLRP,NF-κB,and Caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in predicting pregnancy outcomes of patients with RSA and RTI.RESULTS The levels of NLRP,NF-κB and caspase-1 in the study group were(1.93±0.49),(1.82±0.41)and(2.23±0.41)respectively,which were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The proportion of abortion in the study group was 39.79%,which was higher than that in the control group(P=0.036).Pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI)and the levels of glycated hemoglobin,triacylglycerol,NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 in the abortion group were higher than those in the continued pregnancy group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLRP3(OR=4.721,95%CI:1.336-16.680,P=0.016),NF-κB(OR=4.669,95%CI:1.495-14.58,P=0.008),caspase-1(OR=4.358,95%CI:1.260-15.070,P=0.023)and pre-pregnancy BMI(OR=2.927,95%CI:1.280-6.693,P=0.011)were risk factors affecting pregnancy outcomes of patients with RSA and RTI(P<0.05).ROC curves indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)of NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 for pregnancy outcome in patients with RSA combined with RTI was 0.846,0.885 and 0.938.CONCLUSION The NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is highly expressed in patients with RSA and RTI,and the high expression of the above indicators is closely related to the adverse pregnancy of patients,which can be used as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes in patients with RSA and RTI.
8.The effect of dexmedetomidine on the biological behavior of gallbladder cancer cells by regulating the CCL2-CCR2 pathway
Yindong XIE ; Ying ZHOU ; Yanping LI ; Yajing NIU ; Qichao SU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(12):1233-1240
Objective To explore the effect of dexmedetomidine on the proliferation,invasion and cell cycle of gallbladder cancer cells by regulating the C-C chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)-C-C chemokine receptor 2(CCR2)pathway.Methods GBC-SD cells were devided into the control group,the low concentration dexmedetomidine group(2 μmol/L),the high concentration dexmedetomidine group(4 μmol/L)and the high concentration dexmedetomidine+CCL2 group(4 μmol/L dexmedetomidine and 10 μg/L CCL2 protein).The clone formation experiment and Edu experiment were performed to measure cell proliferation.Transwell experiment was performed to measure cell invasion and migration.Flow cytometry was performed to measure cell cycle and apoptosis.Western blot assay was used to measure the proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),Cyclin D1,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2,MMP-9,Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease-3(Caspase-3),CCL2 and CCR2 proteins.The nude mouse transplant tumor experiment was used to determine the growth of gallbladder cancer transplant tumors.Results After treatment with low and high concentrations of dexmedetomidine,the number of cell clone formed,the positive rate of Edu,the numbers of invasions and migrations,the expression levels of PCNA,CyclinD1,MMP-2,MMP-9,CCL2 and CCR2 proteins,the proportions of G2/M and S phase cells decreased,the proportion of G0/G1 phase cells,apoptosis rate and expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins increased,and the effect of high-concentration dexmedetomidine was more significant(P<0.05).The inhibitory effects of dexmedetomidine on the proliferation,invasion,migration and cell cycle of gallbladder cancer cells,as well as its promoting effect on cell apoptosis could be reversed by CCL2 protein(P<0.05).In vivo experiments showed that dexmedetomidine could reduce tumor mass,tumor volume of nude mice and expression levels of CCL2 and CCR2 proteins(P<0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine inhibits the proliferation and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells,and blocks the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase by suppressing the CCL2-CCR2 pathway.
9.MRI quantitative parameters and free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio for diagnosing prostate imaging reporting and data system 3-point clinically significant prostate cancer
Zewen LIU ; Qin LI ; Xiaomei JIANG ; Yongsheng CHEN ; Ying CHEN ; Qingliang NIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(5):768-772
Objective To explore the value of MRI quantitative parameters and free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio(f/tPSA)for diagnosing prostate imaging reporting and data system(PI-RADS)3-point clinically significant prostate cancer(csPCa).Methods Totally 57 patients with PI-RADS 3-point prostate lesions were retrospectively enrolled,including 18 prostate cancer(PCa)(PCa group)and 39 benign hyperplasia with chronic prostatitis(non-PCa group).The former included 12 cases of csPCa and 6 cases of clinically insignificant PCa(ciPCa).Taken non-PCa and ciPCa into non-csPCa group(n=45),laboratory and MRI parameters(apparent diffusion coefficient[ADC],T1,T2,proton density[PD]values)were compared between PCa and non-PCa groups,also between csPCa and non-csPCa groups.Based on laboratory and MRI parameters being statistically different between groups according to univariate analysis,combined models were established using logistic regression.The efficacy of laboratory,MRI parameters and combined models for differentiating PCa and non-PCa as well as csPCa and non-csPCa were evaluated.Results ADC,T1,T2,PD values in PCa group were all lower those in non-PCa group(all P<0.05),and f/tPSA,ADC,T1,T2 and PD values in csPCa group were all lower than those in non-csPCa group(all P<0.05).AUC of ADC,T1,T2 and PD values for differentiating PCa from non-PCa was 0.662,0.755,0.793 and 0.729 respectively,while of ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model was 0.839,higher than that of ADC alone(P<0.05)but not significantly different with T1,T2 and PD values alone(all P>0.05).AUC of f/tPSA,ADC,T1,T2 and PD values for differentiating csPCa from non-csPCa was 0.692,0.759,0.741,0.805 and 0.737,respectively,while of ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model was 0.889,higher than that of f/tPSA,ADC and T1 values alone(all P<0.05)but not significantly different with that of T2 and PD value alone(both P>0.05).AUC of f/tPSA-ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model was 0.898,higher than that of f/tPSA,ADC,T1 and PD values alone(all P<0.05)but not significantly different with T2 value and ADC-T1-T2-PD combined model(both P>0.05).Conclusion MRI quantitative parameters combined with f/tPSA could effectively diagnose PI-RADS 3-point csPCa.
10.Relationship between NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and pregnancy outcome in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and reproductive tract infection
Guoxi SHI ; Hongli NIU ; Hongwei ZHONG ; Nan WANG ; Junying ZHAI ; Ying WANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(11):1665-1669
OBJECTIVE To analyze the levels of NOD like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3),nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)and Caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with recur-rent spontaneous abortion(RSA)and reproductive tract infection(RTI),and the relationship between above inde-xes and pregnancy outcome.METHODS A total of 136 patients with RSA and RTI who were admitted to Nanyang First People's Hospital from Mar.2021 to Apr.2024 were selected as the study group,70 patients with RSA but without RTI during the same period were selected as the control group,and those patients with RSA and RTI who were pregnant again were divided into the continued pregnancy group and the abortion group based on their preg-nancy outcomes.The levels of NLRP,NF-κB and caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared between the study group and the control group,Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with RSA and RTI.Receiver's operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the value of NLRP,NF-κB,and Caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in predicting pregnancy outcomes of patients with RSA and RTI.RESULTS The levels of NLRP,NF-κB and caspase-1 in the study group were(1.93±0.49),(1.82±0.41)and(2.23±0.41)respectively,which were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The proportion of abortion in the study group was 39.79%,which was higher than that in the control group(P=0.036).Pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI)and the levels of glycated hemoglobin,triacylglycerol,NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 in the abortion group were higher than those in the continued pregnancy group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLRP3(OR=4.721,95%CI:1.336-16.680,P=0.016),NF-κB(OR=4.669,95%CI:1.495-14.58,P=0.008),caspase-1(OR=4.358,95%CI:1.260-15.070,P=0.023)and pre-pregnancy BMI(OR=2.927,95%CI:1.280-6.693,P=0.011)were risk factors affecting pregnancy outcomes of patients with RSA and RTI(P<0.05).ROC curves indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)of NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 for pregnancy outcome in patients with RSA combined with RTI was 0.846,0.885 and 0.938.CONCLUSION The NLRP,NF-κB and Caspase-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is highly expressed in patients with RSA and RTI,and the high expression of the above indicators is closely related to the adverse pregnancy of patients,which can be used as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes in patients with RSA and RTI.

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