1.Clinical features of muscle changes and related risk factors in patients with porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder
Ruijia LI ; Yuxiang GONG ; Yu ZHANG ; Shasha LI ; Yongfeng YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):639-646
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of muscle changes (including sarcopenia and myosteatosis) and related influencing factors in patients with porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD), and to provide a theoretical basis for the early identification, prevention, and intervention of muscle changes in PSVD patients. MethodsA total of 132 PSVD patients who were diagnosed in Nanjing Second Hospital from July 2017 to July 2024 were enrolled as case group, and the hospital staff who underwent physical examination in 2025 were enrolled as healthy control group. Propensity score matching was performed based on age and sex at a ratio of 1∶1. According to muscle status assessed by abdominal CT, the subjects were divided into non-muscle change group, mild muscle change group (myosteatosis alone), and severe muscle change group (sarcopenia alone or sarcopenia comorbid with myosteatosis), with the type and severity of muscle change as the exposure factors. General information, laboratory tests, L3-level CT images, and liver biopsy data were collected for the patients in the case group, and general information and CT images were collected for the individuals in the healthy control group. Sarcopenia was diagnosed by measuring skeletal muscle index at the L3 level (<44.77 cm2/m2 for men and <32.50 cm2/m2 for women), and myosteatosis was defined by mean muscle attenuation combined with BMI (BMI <24.9 kg/m2 with attenuation <41 HU or BMI ≥25 kg/m2 with attenuation <33 HU). Demographic, laboratory, and clinical parameters were compared between the case group and the healthy control group. The independent-samples 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 chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with sarcopenia in PSVD. ResultsAmong the 132 patients with PSVD, there were 83 patients with portal hypertension (PH) and 49 patients without PH, and there were significant differences between these two groups in age, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, red blood cell count, platelet count, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, hemoglobin, blood calcium, cholinesterase, total bile acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, decompensation, gastroesophageal or ectopic varices, bleeding and ascites (all P<0.05). The analyses after matching showed that compared with the healthy control group, the case group had significantly higher prevalence rates of abnormal muscle structure (43.18% vs 18.94%, P<0.001), mild muscle changes (22.73% vs 7.58%, P<0.001), and severe muscle changes (20.45% vs 11.36%, P<0.001). Further comparison showed that there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with muscle changes between the PSVD patients with PH and those without PH (42.17% vs 44.90%, P=0.760). The binary Logistic regression analysis with the presence or absence of muscle changes as the dependent variable showed that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 — 1.09, P<0.05), subcutaneous fat index (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.01 — 1.06, P<0.05), hemoglobin (OR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.95 — 0.99, P<0.05), and thrombin time (OR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.06 — 1.49, P<0.05) were independent influencing factors for muscle changes in PSVD patients. The multivariate ordinal Logistic regression analysis with the severity of muscle changes as the dependent variable showed that age (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.01 — 1.07, P<0.05) and thrombin time (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.01 — 1.36, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for the grading of muscle changes. ConclusionMuscle changes are common in PSVD patients, and these changes may be caused by PSVD itself rather than PH. Age, fat distribution, thrombin time, and hemoglobin are important influencing factors for muscle changes.
2.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
3.The epigenetic landscape of rheumatoid arthritis: Pathogenesis and drug therapeutic potentials.
Chengcheng HUANG ; Yuxiang LIANG ; Yang LI ; Quan WEI ; Liang OUYANG ; Jifa ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5601-5631
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a persistent autoimmune condition distinguished by a multifaceted etiology that encompasses both genetic and environmental factors. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms behind RA pathogenesis has delved into the critical role of epigenetic regulatory processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). These findings provide new insights into the intricate nature of RA and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review consolidates the latest developments in the epigenetic regulation of RA, concentrating on how these mechanisms affect the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with the disease. We analyze the roles of specific proteins that function as 'writers', 'erasers', and 'readers' in epigenetic modifications, highlighting their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, in view of the significance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RA, we deliberate on their involvement in disease progression and explore miRNA-based treatment strategies. By integrating these diverse epigenetic dimensions, this review offers a comprehensive epigenetic perspective on RA pathogenesis and identifies promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.
4.Two cases of penicillium marneffei infection after kidney transplantation
Shanda LI ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Zhuocheng LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Liang GAO ; Xiaojie MA ; Tao LI ; Hongtao JIANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(11):793-796
This report presents two cases of penicillium marneffei infection occurring after kidney transplantation. Both recipients presented initially with gastrointestinal symptoms and were diagnosed early by metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). Treatment included amphotericin B combined with voriconazole, adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy, and nutritional support, resulting in favorable outcomes. This study aims to characterize the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and individualized treatment strategies for penicillium marneffei infection in kidney transplant recipients, providing valuable insights for clinical management.
5.Construction and validation of a nomogram for predicting the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma based on serum abnormal prothrombin and alpha-fetoprotein
Long YU ; Xiangkun WANG ; Xudong ZHANG ; Zhongyuan LIU ; Yuxiang GUO ; Maosen WANG ; Qingfang HAN ; Renfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(1):1-5
Objective:To construct a nomogram model for predicting the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma based on serum abnormal prothrombin and alpha-fetoprotein and evaluate the predictive effect.Methods:Retrospective analysis of data from 351 patients with liver disease who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to December 2023, including 285 males and 66 females, aged (52.9±11.9) years. Among the 351 patients, there were 229 cases (65.2%) of hepatocellular carcinoma, 87 cases (24.8%) of liver cirrhosis, and 35 cases (10.0%) of chronic hepatitis B. All patients were randomly divided into a training set ( n=245) and a testing set ( n=106) in a 7∶3 ratio without replacement sampling. The training set was used to construct the model, and the testing set was used to evaluate the model. At the same time, gender, age, disease type, and other indicators were compared between the two sets. The risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression based on the training set, and a nomogram was constructed to predict the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma based on the multivariate results. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the predictive performance of nomogram, and decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the clinical applicability of the model. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, disease type, etc. between the training and testing sets of patients (all P>0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, abnormal prothrombin logarithm (LnPIVKA-Ⅱ), alpha-fetoprotein logarithm (LnAFP), and diabetes were associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age ( OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12), higher LnPIVKA-Ⅱ ( OR=2.97, 95% CI: 1.97-4.46), higher LnAFP ( OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.11-1.84) and diabetes ( OR=5.17, 95% CI: 1.02-26.17) were risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (all P<0.05). Based on the above variables, a nomogram model for predicting the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was constructed. The area under the ROC curve analysis of the nomogram for predicting the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.920 (95% CI: 0.886-0.953) in the training set and 0.934 (95% CI: 0.891-0.977) in the testing set. The calibration curve fit well with the standard curve, and the prediction was basically consistent with the actual situation. The decision curve analysis showed that the net benefit of the model was greater than 0 under most thresholds (0.1-1.0). Conclusion:The nomogram constructed based on age, LnPIVKA-Ⅱ, LnAFP and diabetes can effectively predict the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and has clinical applicability.
6.Meta-analysis of effects of dual task training on cognitive function after stroke
Yuxiang JIN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Ranran CHENG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(11):26-30
Objective To evaluate effects of dual task training on cognitive function in stroke patients,including global cognitive,attention,memory,and executive function.Methods Multiple databases were searched from database building to February 2024 randomized controlled trial on cognitive function in stroke patients in dual task training.A total of 19 articles and 1250 stroke patients(637 patients in experimental group and 613 patients in control group)were included.Meta-analysis of the literature was conducted.Results Meta-analysis showed that dual task training helped improve the global cognitive function,attention and processing speed,executive function,and memory of stroke patients.Combined training have a better effect on cognitive function in stroke patients than dual task training alone(P<0.001).Conclusion Dual task training can effectively improve cognitive function in stroke patients.
7.Nomogram of ultrasound combined with laboratory indexes for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis of cT1N0 stage breast invasive ductal carcinoma
Guifang CHEN ; Qing ZHANG ; Pengfei ZHU ; Yuxiang MAO ; Jue WANG ; Qiuyi CHEN ; Ying HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):611-615
Objective To observe the value of nomogram of ultrasound combined with laboratory indexes for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis(ALNM)of stage cT1N0 breast invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC).Methods A total of 77 cases with pathologically diagnosed stage cT1N0 single breast IDC were retrospectively collected,including 23 cases with and 54 cases without ALNM.Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyze clinical data,laboratory indicators and ultrasonic manifestations,then the independent predictors of ALNM of stage cT1N0 breast IDC were screened to establish laboratory indexes model,ultrasound model and combined model,respectively,and nomogram of the combined model was drawn.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive efficacy of each model.The consistency of results of combined model and actual results was analyzed using calibration curve.Decision curve analysis(DCA)was used to explore the clinical value of each model.Results Serum carbohydrate antigen 153(CA153)(OR=1.132),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)(OR=1.020)and echo attenuation behind the lesion on ultrasound(OR=8.789)were all independent predictors of ALNM in stage cT1N0 breast IDC(all P<0.05),and the area under the curve(AUC)of laboratory indexes model,ultrasound model and combined model for predicting ALNM of stage cT1N0 breast IDC was 0.757,0.616 and 0.836,respectively.The consistency of the predicted results of combined model and actual results was good.When the threshold was higher than 0.15,the net benefit of combined model was higher than that of the other 2 models.Conclusion Nomogram of ultrasound combined with laboratory indexes could effectively predict ALNM of stage cT1N0 breast IDC.
8.Research progress on the mechanism and diagnosis and treatment of acute liver failure in heat stroke
Jiaxing WANG ; Linyu CHANG ; Yuxiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(4):508-512
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency characterized by a rapid elevation in core body temperature(typically>40℃)and central nervous system dysfunction(e.g.,delirium,seizures or coma),often accompanied by systemic inflammatory response,coagulation disorders,and multiple organ failure,with an extremely high mortality rate.Among the multiple organ injuries caused by heat stroke,the liver,as the core organ for metabolism and detoxification in the body,is one of the targets that are vulnerable to high temperatures.If not intervened promptly and effectively,acute liver injury(ALI)can rapidly evolve into acute liver failure(ALF),significantly increasing the complexity of clinical treatment and the risk of patient death.In recent years,with the frequent occurrence of heat wave events worldwide,the pathological mechanisms and prevention strategies of heat stroke and its related liver injuries have received increasingly widespread attention.Although basic and clinical studies have made certain progress,revealing key pathological changes such as hepatocyte necrosis,excessive inflammatory response and coagulopathy,there is still a lack of unified and standardized consensus guidelines for the clinical evaluation,diagnosis and systematic treatment of heat stroke combined with liver failure.Therefore,this article aims to systematically review and summarize the pathogenesis,clinical presentation,diagnostic approaches,and treatment strategies of current liver failure related to heat stroke,in order to provide clear diagnostic and treatment ideas and practical references for clinical workers,and thereby provide theoretical basis and clinical guidance for improving the prognosis of critically ill patients with heat stroke liver failure.
9.Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits mGluR5-Fyn signaling to alleviate neuroinflammation and pathological changes in Alzheimer disease
Yuxiang LIU ; Yani HE ; Xueying LIN ; Sihan PENG ; Shuyi LI ; Keke ZHANG ; Wei WEI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(5):833-842
AIM:This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester(CAPE)on metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(mGluR5)and tyrosine kinase Fyn,and to explore its role in alleviating neuroinflam-mation and pathological features of Alzheimer disease(AD).METHODS:In vitro,the murine neuroblastoma N2a cell line was treated with amyloid β-protein 42 oligomers(Aβ42Os;10 nmol/L to 10 μmol/L)for 24 h.Cell viability was as-sessed by MTT assay.Western blot analyzed mGluR5 expression and Fyn phosphorylation(Tyr416).Pharmacological modulators(CHPG/MPEP)were used to evaluate mGluR5-mediated inflammatory cytokine regulation(qPCR)and Fyn ac-tivation.In vivo,wild-type(WT)and 5×FAD mice(WT,WT+CAPE,5×FAD and 5×FAD+CAPE)were analyzed for AD-related proteins,neuroinflammation(ELISA),glial activation(GFAP/Iba-1 immunofluorescence),and β-amyloid deposi-tion(thioflavin S).RESULTS:(1)Treatment with 1 μmol/L Aβ42Os increased mGluR5 expression(P<0.01)and Fyn phosphorylation(P<0.01)without affecting N2a cell viability.Intracerebral Aβ42Os injection similarly up-regulated hip-pocampal mGluR5 and Fyn(P<0.01).(2)MPEP reduced mGluR5 expression(P<0.01)and Fyn phosphorylation(P<0.01),while suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6)mRNA levels(P<0.01).(3)CAPE decreased mGluR5-Fyn activation in N2a cells,neurons,and 5×FAD mice(P<0.01).(4)CAPE-treated 5×FAD mice exhibited reduced neuroinflammation markers(GFAP,Iba-1,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6),Aβ plaques,and p-APP levels(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Treatment with CAPE inhibits Aβ42Os-induced mGluR5-Fyn signaling activation,thereby attenuating neuroinflammation and the pathology associated with AD.
10.Decision-making behavior in patients with depressive disorder and its relationship with depressive and anxiety symptoms
Yuxiang WANG ; Luoya ZHANG ; Maomao ZHANG ; Juan DENG ; Yanjie PENG ; Xiaotong CHENG ; Kezhi LIU ; Wei LEI ; Jing CHEN
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):22-27
BackgroundPatients with depressive disorder often exhibit impaired decision-making functions. However, the relationship between decision-making abilities and depressive and anxiety symptoms in these patients remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics of decision-making behavior in patients with depressive disorder, and to analyze its relationship with clinical symptoms. MethodsA total of 48 patients diagnosed with depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) were recruited from the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from October 2020 to May 2023. Concurrently, 52 healthy individuals matched for age and gender were recruited from Luzhou as the control group. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used for assessment, and decision-making behavior was evaluated using Probabilistic Reversal Learning (PRL) task. Indicators assessed included the number of trials to criterion, perseverative errors, win-stay rate and lose-shift rate. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between BDI and BAI scores and PRL task indicators. ResultsThe depression group showed a significantly higher lose-shift rate compared with the control group (t=3.684, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in trials to criterion, perseverative errors and win-stay rate (t=0.329, 0.132, 0.609, P>0.05). In depression group, BDI and BAI scores were positively correlated with the win-stay rate(r=0.450, 0.398, P<0.01). ConclusionPatients with depressive disorder are more likely to change their decision-making strategies following negative outcomes. Furthermore, the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms is associated with a greater propensity to maintain existing decisions after receiving positive feedback. [Funded by 2019 Joint Project of Luzhou Science and Technology Bureau-Southwest Medical University (number, 2019LZXNYDJ39]

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