1.Efficacy of Zishen Huoxue Formula in treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer
Jing JING ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Simiao YU ; Xin WANG ; Yongqiang SUN ; Yiling WANG ; Ruixin GAO ; Yinying LU ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):874-881
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Zishen Huoxue Formula (ZSXHF) on molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC), to assess the efficacy of ZSXHF in the treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among the PLC patients with molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria who were diagnosed and treated in The Department of Hepatology of Chinese PLA General Hospital, from January 1, 2022 to July 1, 2025. With ZSXHF treatment as the exposure factor, the patients with a cumulative treatment duration of ≥9 weeks were enrolled as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, while those without TCM treatment were enrolled as control group. Propensity score matching was performed for the two groups at a ratio of 1∶1 based on sex, age, 24-hour urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for promoting the improvement of targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria. ResultsA total of 137 PLC patients with targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria were enrolled, with 34 patients in the TCM group and 103 in the control group. After follow-up for 6 months, the TCM group had a significant improvement in urinary protein grade compared with the control group (χ2=9.261, P=0.016). There were 25 patients in each group after propensity score matching, and after follow-up for 6 months, there were significant differences between the two groups in urinary protein grade (χ2=15.689, P<0.001) and 24-hour urinary protein (Z=-3.075, P=0.002). After cumulative treatment with ZSXHF for ≥9 weeks, the TCM group had a significantly greater change in 24-hour urinary protein from baseline compared with the control group (t=-2.514, P=0.016), while there were no significant differences in the changes in liver and renal function after ZSXHF intervention between the two groups (all P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ZSXHF treatment (odds ratio=2.901, 95% confidence interval: 1.135 — 7.417, P=0.026) was an independent influencing factor for improvement in molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria. ConclusionZSHXF can effectively alleviate molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in PLC patients with a favorable safety profile, which provides a new reference for TCM prevention and treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated adverse reactions in PLC patients.
2.Construction of a goal-oriented efficacy evaluation system for traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of primary liver cancer
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1009-1014
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the full-cycle management of primary liver cancer; however, the current evidence-based evaluation system with the main assessment index of objective tumor remission is mainly centered on randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses and cannot fully reflect the characteristics and advantages of TCM. Based on the current status of TCM efficacy evaluation in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer, this article proposes the construction of a multi-dimensional evaluation system that is oriented by stage-specific treatment goals and integrates outcome indicators with process indicators. Outcome indicators include modern medical endpoints such as overall survival and recurrence-free survival, and process indicators include short-term outcomes such as the improvement in TCM syndrome, patient-reported outcomes, the remission rate of adverse events, and the discontinuation rate of the core regimen. It is emphasized that the development of standardized TCM regimens should follow the order of theoretical connotation, accumulation of proven cases, observational evaluation, and interventional evaluation. Furthermore, it is recommended to incorporate artificial intelligence approaches into this evaluation system, so as to promote the intelligent and precise assessment of TCM efficacy.
3.An excerpt of BCLC strategy for prognosis prediction and treatment recommendations: The 2026 update
Jihua XUE ; Qingfen YE ; Yinying LU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1826-1830
The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system is a major international framework for hepatocellular carcinoma prognostic assessment and treatment decision-making. While preserving the overall architecture of the 2022 edition, the 2026 update integrates the latest research evidence in locoregional therapy, systemic therapy, and liver transplantation, emphasizes a direct correspondence between staging and evidence-based first-line treatment options, and highlights the refined assessment of liver function, individualized decision-making, and pathway optimization in complex scenarios. This article gives an excerpt of the core concepts, key definitions, and key points regarding first-line treatment options for different stages in the 2026 update, with brief comments on the clinical practice in China.
4.Association mechanisms between the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and multi-system comorbidities and integrated management strategies
Liping WANG ; Ya LI ; Yuebo REN ; Tingting HE ; Zhongxia WANG ; Liping YAN ; Simiao YU ; Jing JING ; Yongqiang SUN ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Xin WANG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Yinying LU ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(8):1933-1938
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Its pathological process is centered on the “two-hit” theory, with gut-liver axis dysregulation running through the entire disease course from steatosis to liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma, and it forms an extensive cross-system regulatory mechanism with the metabolic, cardiovascular, renal, and psychological and nervous systems through multi-dimensional pathways such as the “gut-liver-brain axis”, the “liver-kidney axis”, and the “liver-heart axis”. Disease progression is not limited to the liver itself, and it also involves functional imbalance of multiple organ systems throughout the body. This article systematically elaborates on the association mechanism of “liver pathological progression-multi-axis regulation-comorbidity occurrence” in MAFLD, proposes synergistic management strategies integrating early screening based on risk stratification, targeted intervention, and multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment, and analyzes the limitations of current research and future development directions, in order to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for precise diagnosis and treatment and individualized management of MAFLD.
5.A study on the legitimacy and reality of reproduce rights for single women
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(5):634-641
With the social transformation, single women’s reproductive rights have appeared more and more frequently in the public sphere. However, the relevant legal norms have not yet clarified reproductive rights. This paper demonstrated the nature and subjects of reproductive rights, as well as clarified that reproductive rights are human rights owned equally by all natural persons. Judicially, it also analyzed the phenomenon of differential treatment of single women and single widowed women in the realization of their reproductive rights from the judicial practice, explored the main factors for widowed single women to realize their reproductive rights, and compared the possibilities of realizing single reproduction. Conceptually, the main ethical objections against single women’s realization of their reproductive rights were discussed to eliminate the obstacles to single women’s reproductive rights. From the perspective of social reality, the transformation of social factors such as fertility concepts and child-rearing structures were analyzed, to demonstrate the legitimacy and reality of the realization of single women’s reproductive rights.
6.Bile acid metabolism and the occurrence and development of primary liver cancer
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(4):317-322
Primary liver cancer is a common malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. Therefore, early-stage diagnosis and screening are of enormous significance. In recent years, studies have found that bile acids play a key role in the occurrence and development of liver cancer and are expected to become novel diagnostic markers and intervention targets. This article reviews the abnormal changes in bile acid metabolism during the occurrence and development of liver cancer, including the changes in bile acid composition and levels in liver tissue, plasma, feces, and urine, as well as the changes in enzymes related to bile acid metabolism. Furthermore, it expounds the mechanism by which bile acids affect the occurrence of liver cancer, such as participating in multiple signaling pathways to initiate the occurrence and affecting the immune microenvironment, and discusses the potential of bile acids as diagnostic markers for prevention and treatment strategies targeting bile acid metabolism. Bile acids have potential value in the diagnosis and prevention of liver cancer; yet, there are still challenges. In the future, it is necessary to build a large-scale follow-up cohort and biobank, innovate technology for detecting bile acids, and integrate it with multi-omics so as to improve the accuracy of early-stage diagnosis and prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
7.Bile acid metabolism and the occurrence and development of primary liver cancer
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(4):317-322
Primary liver cancer is a common malignant tumor with a high mortality rate. Therefore, early-stage diagnosis and screening are of enormous significance. In recent years, studies have found that bile acids play a key role in the occurrence and development of liver cancer and are expected to become novel diagnostic markers and intervention targets. This article reviews the abnormal changes in bile acid metabolism during the occurrence and development of liver cancer, including the changes in bile acid composition and levels in liver tissue, plasma, feces, and urine, as well as the changes in enzymes related to bile acid metabolism. Furthermore, it expounds the mechanism by which bile acids affect the occurrence of liver cancer, such as participating in multiple signaling pathways to initiate the occurrence and affecting the immune microenvironment, and discusses the potential of bile acids as diagnostic markers for prevention and treatment strategies targeting bile acid metabolism. Bile acids have potential value in the diagnosis and prevention of liver cancer; yet, there are still challenges. In the future, it is necessary to build a large-scale follow-up cohort and biobank, innovate technology for detecting bile acids, and integrate it with multi-omics so as to improve the accuracy of early-stage diagnosis and prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
8.Multicenter evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of jaundice color card for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
Guochang XUE ; Huali ZHANG ; Xuexing DING ; Fu XIONG ; Yanhong LIU ; Hui PENG ; Changlin WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Huili YAN ; Mingxing REN ; Chaoying MA ; Hanming LU ; Yanli LI ; Ruifeng MENG ; Lingjun XIE ; Na CHEN ; Xiufang CHENG ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Xiaohong XIN ; Ruifen WANG ; Qi JIANG ; Yong ZHANG ; Guijuan LIANG ; Yuanzheng LI ; Jianing KANG ; Huimin ZHANG ; Yinying ZHANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Yawen LI ; Yinglin SU ; Junping LIU ; Shengjie DUAN ; Qingsheng LIU ; Jing WEI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(6):535-541
Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and practicality of the Jaundice color card (JCard) as a screening tool for neonatal jaundice.Methods:Following the standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) statement, a multicenter prospective study was conducted in 9 hospitals in China from October 2019 to September 2021. A total of 845 newborns who were admitted to the hospital or outpatient department for liver function testing due to their own diseases. The inclusion criteria were a gestational age of ≥35 weeks, a birth weight of ≥2 000 g, and an age of ≤28 days. The neonate′s parents used the JCard to measure jaundice at the neonate′s cheek. Within 2 hours of the JCard measurement, transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) was measured with a JH20-1B device and total serum bilirubin (TSB) was detected. The Pearson′s correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plots and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistic analysis.Results:Out of the 854 newborns, 445 were male and 409 were female; 46 were born at 35-36 weeks of gestational age and 808 were born at ≥37 weeks of gestational age. Additionally, 432 cases were aged 0-3 days, 236 cases were aged 4-7 days, and 186 cases were aged 8-28 days. The TSB level was (227.4±89.6) μmol/L, with a range of 23.7-717.0 μmol/L. The JCard level was (221.4±77.0) μmol/L and the TcB level was (252.5±76.0) μmol/L. Both the JCard and TcB values showed good correlation ( r=0.77 and 0.80, respectively) and agreements (96.0% (820/854) and 95.2% (813/854) of samples fell within the 95% limits of agreement, respectively) with TSB. The JCard value of 12 had a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.75 for identifying a TSB ≥205.2?μmol/L, and a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.35 for identifying a TSB ≥342.0?μmol/L. The TcB value of 205.2?μmol/L had a sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 0.60 for identifying TSB levels of 205.2 μmol/L, and a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.26 for identifying TSB levels of 342.0 μmol/L. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of JCard for identifying TSB levels of 153.9, 205.2, 256.5, and 342.0 μmol/L were 0.96, 0.92, 0.83, and 0.83, respectively. The AUC of TcB were 0.94, 0.91, 0.86, and 0.87, respectively. There were both no significant differences between the AUC of JCard and TcB in identifying TSB levels of 153.9 and 205.2 μmol/L (both P>0.05). However, the AUC of JCard were both lower than those of TcB in identifying TSB levels of 256.5 and 342.0 μmol/L (both P<0.05). Conclusions:JCard can be used to classify different levels of bilirubin, but its diagnostic efficacy decreases with increasing bilirubin levels. When TSB level are ≤205.2 μmol/L, its diagnostic efficacy is equivalent to that of the JH20-1B. To prevent the misdiagnosis of severe jaundice, it is recommended that parents use a low JCard score, such as 12, to identify severe hyperbilirubinemia (TSB ≥342.0 μmol/L).
9.Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of molecular diagnostics in hepatobiliary cancers(2024 edition)
Ainiwaer AIZIER ; Cheng JIAMIN ; Lang REN ; Peng TAO ; Bi XINYU ; Lu YINYING
Liver Research 2024;8(4):195-206
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and biliary tract cancer(BTC)are significant health challenges in China because of their high prevalence and mortality rates.Advances in molecular diagnostics have opened new avenues for personalized treatment strategies.This consensus provides a comprehensive update on the clinical applications of molecular diagnostics in HCC and BTC and addresses the urgent need for personalized treatment strategies tailored to the Chinese population,emphasizing the importance of molecular markers in guiding targeted therapies and immunotherapies.By employing the Delphi method and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation system,the expert panel formulated evidence-based recommendations for the use of molecular diagnostics in the clinical management of HCC and BTC.Key molecular markers,such as isocitrate dehydrogenase(IDH)1 and 2,fibroblast growth factor receptor 2(FGFR2),BRAF V600E,human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2),rearranged during transfection(RET),and neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase(NTRK),are highlighted for their roles in optimizing treatment regimens.The consensus also explores the signifi-cance of emerging biomarkers,such as tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability,in pre-dicting responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors.The recommendations aim to enhance precision medicine approaches,improve patient outcomes,and foster the integration of molecular diagnostics into routine clinical practice.
10.Chinese expert consensus on refined diagnosis,treatment,and management of advanced primary liver cancer(2023 edition)
Liu XIUFENG ; Xia FENG ; Chen YUE ; Sun HUICHUAN ; Yang ZHENGQIANG ; Chen BO ; Zhao MING ; Bi XINYU ; Peng TAO ; Ainiwaer AIZIER ; Luo ZHIWEN ; Wang FUSHENG ; Lu YINYING ; National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases ; Society of Hepatology,Beijing Medical Association ; Translational Medicine Branch,China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Liver Research 2024;8(2):61-71
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),commonly known as primary liver cancer,is a major cause of malignant tumors and cancer-related deaths in China,accounting for approximately 85%of all cancer cases in the country.Several guidelines have been used to diagnose and treat liver cancer.However,these guidelines provide a broad definition for classifying advanced liver cancer,with an emphasis on a singular approach,without considering treatment options for individual patients.Therefore,it is necessary to establish a comprehensive and practical expert consensus,specifically for China,to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of HCC using the Delphi method.The classification criteria were refined for Chinese patients with HCC,and the corresponding optimal treatment regimen recommendations were developed.These recommendations took into account various factors,including tumor characteristics,vascular tumor thrombus grade,distant metastasis,liver function status,portal hypertension,and the hepatitis B virus replication status of patients with primary HCC,along with treatment prognosis.The findings and rec-ommendations provide detailed,scientific,and reasonable individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for clinicians.

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