1.Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Di CHENG ; Yu-Hua CHEN ; Xia-Ping JIANG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Yi TAN ; Ming LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2499-2511
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
2.Progress in investigating astrocyte heterogeneity after spinal cord injury based on single-cell sequencing technology.
Lei DU ; Yan-Jun ZHANG ; Tie-Feng GUO ; Lin-Zhao LUO ; Ping-Yi MA ; Jia-Ming LI ; Sheng TAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(5):544-548
In recent years, the study of single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology in the heterogeneity of astrocytes (astrocytes) after spinal cord injury (SCI) has provided new perspectives on post-traumatic nerve regeneration and repair. To provide a review on the research progress of single-cell sequencing technology in astrocytes after spinal cord injury (SCI), and to more comprehensively and deeply elaborate the application of single-cell sequencing technology in the field of astrocytes after SCI. Single-cell sequencing technology can analyse the transcriptomes of individual cells in a high-throughput manner, thus revealing fine differences in cell types and states. By using single-cell sequencing technology, the heterogeneity of astrocytes after SCI and their association with nerve regeneration and repair were revealed. In conclusion, the application of single-cell sequencing technology provides an important tool to reveal the heterogeneity of astrocytes after SCI, to further explore the mechanisms of astrocytes in SCI, and to develop intervention strategies targeting their regulatory mechanisms in order to improve the therapeutic efficacy of SCI. The discovery of changes in astrocyte transcriptome dynamics has improved researchers' understanding of spinal cord injury lesion progression and provided new insights into the treatment of spinal cord injury at different time points. To date, all of these findings need to be validated by more basic research and sufficient clinical trials. In the future, single-cell sequencing technology, through interdisciplinary collaboration with bioinformatics, computer science, tissue engineering, and clinical medicine, is expected to open a new window for the treatment of spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism*
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Astrocytes/cytology*
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Single-Cell Analysis/methods*
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Humans
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Animals
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Transcriptome
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Nerve Regeneration
3.A Study of Flow Sorting Lymphocyte Subsets to Detect Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Patients with Hematological Malignancies.
Hui-Ying LI ; Shen-Hao LIU ; Fang-Tong LIU ; Kai-Wen TAN ; Zi-Hao WANG ; Han-Yu CAO ; Si-Man HUANG ; Chao-Ling WAN ; Hai-Ping DAI ; Sheng-Li XUE ; Lian BAI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1468-1475
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load in different lymphocyte subsets, as well as clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies experiencing EBV reactivation.
METHODS:
Peripheral blood samples from patients were collected. B, T, and NK cells were isolated sorting with magnetic beads by flow cytometry. The EBV load in each subset was quantitated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Clinical data were colleted from electronic medical records. Survival status was followed up through outpatient visits and telephone calls. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0.
RESULTS:
A total of 39 patients with hematologic malignancies were included, among whom 35 patients had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The median time to EBV reactivation was 4.8 months (range: 1.7-57.1 months) after allo-HSCT. EBV was detected in B, T, and NK cells in 20 patients, in B and T cells in 11 patients, and only in B cells in 4 patients. In the 35 patients, the median EBV load in B cells was 2.19×104 copies/ml, significantly higher than that in T cells (4.00×103 copies/ml, P <0.01) and NK cells (2.85×102 copies/ml, P <0.01). Rituximab (RTX) was administered for 32 patients, resulting in EBV negativity in 32 patients with a median time of 8 days (range: 2-39 days). Post-treatment analysis of 13 patients showed EBV were all negative in B, T, and NK cells. In the four non-transplant patients, the median time to EBV reactivation was 35 days (range: 1-328 days) after diagnosis of the primary disease. EBV was detected in one or two subsets of B, T, or NK cells, but not simultaneously in all three subsets. These patients received a combination chemotherapy targeting at the primary disease, with 3 patients achieving EBV negativity, and the median time to be negative was 40 days (range: 13-75 days).
CONCLUSION
In hematologic malignancy patients after allo-HSCT, EBV reactivation commonly involves B, T, and NK cells, with a significantly higher viral load in B cells compared to T and NK cells. Rituximab is effective for EBV clearance. In non-transplant patients, EBV reactivation is restricted to one or two lymphocyte subsets, and clearance is slower, highlighting the need for prompt anti-tumor therapy.
Humans
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Hematologic Neoplasms/virology*
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Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology*
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Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
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Virus Activation
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Lymphocyte Subsets/virology*
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Flow Cytometry
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Killer Cells, Natural/virology*
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Male
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Female
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B-Lymphocytes/virology*
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Viral Load
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Adult
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T-Lymphocytes/virology*
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Middle Aged
4.Research progress of aldehyde dehydrogenase type 2 in head and neck malignant tumors.
Ying LI ; Taowei WU ; Tan CHENG ; Ping HAN
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(3):281-284
Alcohol is a high-risk factor of the head and neck tumor, and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase type 2(ALDH2) is an important alcohol metabolism enzyme in the human body, whose function is to metabolize acetaldehyde into non-toxic acetic acid in the human body. Studies have shown that ALDH2 gene polymorphisms increase the risk of head and neck tumors by affecting enzyme activity to regulate the rate of alcohol metabolism in the body, and high levels of ALDH2 expression are beneficial for enhancing head and neck tumor immunity and improve prognosis. This article aims to review the research progress on the relationship between ALDH2 and the occurrence and treatment of head and neck tumors.
Humans
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Head and Neck Neoplasms/enzymology*
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Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial/genetics*
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Polymorphism, Genetic
5.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
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Consensus
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Dental Implants
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Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
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Keratins
6.Discussion on mechanical ventilation strategies for an obese patient with H10N3 avian influenza complicated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Youling LI ; Zhouhua XIE ; Ping CEN ; Sheng LIU ; Ning LU ; Shiji TAN ; Yuming LU ; Jing WEI
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(9):871-874
Avian influenza H10N3 is a type of avian influenza virus that can occasionally infect humans and cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). On December 25, 2024, a 23-year-old obese female patient with H10N3 avian influenza complicated with severe ARDS was admitted to the Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning. The patient was transferred to our department due to "fever, cough, and shortness of breath for 13 days". Physical examination revealed moist rales in bilateral lungs. Chest imaging showed large areas of ground-glass opacity and consolidation in both lungs. Based on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings, she was diagnosed with human infection of H10N3 avian influenza, severe pneumonia, and severe ARDS. Supported by mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), daily monitoring of airway peak pressure, plateau pressure (Pplat), driving pressure (ΔP), and lung compliance was performed to guide the adjustment of tidal volume (VT) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during invasive mechanical ventilation. Medications including anti-avian influenza virus agents, antibacterial drugs, and antifungals were administered. Eventually, the patient's condition improved gradually, and she was successfully weaned from ECMO. No ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) related to ARDS occurred during ECMO support. However, during the final stage of ventilator weaning after the restoration of spontaneous breathing, a right pneumothorax occurred. Closed thoracic drainage was performed, after which the ventilator was successfully discontinued. The patient was successfully transferred out of the intensive care unit (ICU), recovered fully, and was discharged from the hospital. In the invasive mechanical ventilation management of patients infected with H10N3 avian influenza complicated by ARDS, monitoring airway peak pressure, Pplat, ΔP, and assessing pulmonary compliance may facilitate more standardized management of such ARDS patients and help reduce VILI.
Humans
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Female
;
Influenza, Human/complications*
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Respiratory Distress Syndrome/complications*
;
Respiration, Artificial/methods*
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Obesity/complications*
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Young Adult
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Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
;
Influenza A virus
7.Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion
Ping′ang LI ; Fan ZHANG ; Zhengyan LI ; Yan SHI ; Feng QIAN ; Yongliang ZHAO ; Jun CHEN ; Chenjun TAN ; Zongwen WANG ; Yan WEN ; Peiwu YU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(8):744-750
Objective:To evaluate the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion.Methods:This study is a retrospective cohort study. The clinical and pathological data of 495 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in Department of General Surgery, the First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University from October 2012 to October 2018 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 356 males and 139 females with an age ( M(IQR)) of 59 (16) years (range: 18 to 75 years). Observation indicators included postoperative results and long-term prognosis. The survival curve was drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate prognostic analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results:Among the 495 patients, a total of 57 patients (11.5%) were lost to follow-up, with a follow-up time of 89 (40) months (range: 23 to 134 months). The 5-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) and the 5-year overall survival rate (OS) were 56.0% and 58.2%, respectively. The 5-year DFS for patients with stage ⅡB, ⅢA, ⅢB, ⅢC were 71.2%, 60.5%, 51.6%, 33.3%, respectively. The 5-year OS for patients with stage ⅡB, ⅢA, ⅢB, ⅢC were 71.2%, 62.2%, 54.1%, 39.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age >65 years (DFS: HR=1.402, 95% CI: 1.022 to 1.922, P=0.036; OS: HR=1.461, 95% CI: 1.057 to 2.019, P=0.022), lymph node dissection number less than 25 (DFS: HR=1.348, 95% CI: 1.019 to 1.779, P=0.036; OS: HR=1.376, 95% CI: 1.035 to 1.825, P=0.028), pathological stage Ⅲ (DFS: HR=2.131, 95% CI: 1.444 to 3.144, P<0.01; OS: HR=2.079, 95% CI: 1.406 to 3.074, P<0.01), and no postoperative chemotherapy (DFS: HR=3.127, 95% CI: 2.377 to 4.113, P<0.01; OS: HR=3.768, 95% CI: 2.828 to 5.020, P<0.01) were independent prognostic factors for the decrease in DFS and OS rates. Conclusions:Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion could achieve satisfactory long-term oncological outcomes. More lymph node dissection and standardized postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are expected to further improve the prognosis of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with serous invasion after laparoscopic radical surgery.
8.To Investigate the Effects of Anmeidan on Neurotransmitters in Sleep Deprived Rats Based on the Regulation of Astrocytes
Ke JI ; Ling LIU ; Fugui LIU ; Yunxia TAN ; Li LI ; Ping WANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(7):1786-1792
Objective To investigate the effects of Anmian Dan on neurotransmitters in the brain of model rats,which were sleep deprived by multi-platform water environment.Methods Fifty SD rats were randomly and evenly divided into 5 groups with 10 rats in each group,which were blank control group(Control group),Model group(Model group),Estazolam group(Estazolam group),low dose group(AMD-L group)and high dose group(AMD-H group).The rats were subjected to sleep deprivation in a multi-platform water environment for 20 hours per day for 21 days.The movement distance and movement time of rats at different time points were recorded by autonomous activity analyzer to evaluate the changes of autonomous activity.The contents of glutamic acid(Glu)and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)were detected by ELISA,and the mRNA expression levels of NDRG2,GLT-1,GAD65 and GAD67 were detected by Real-time PCR.Western blot was used to detect the expressions of NDRG2,p-PI3K,p-Akt,GLT-1,GAD65 and GAD67.Results The Model group was more active than the Control group,and the concentration of GABA in the cortex of the Model group was decreased and the concentration of Glu was increased.The mrna and protein expression levels of NDRG2 in Model group were higher than those in Control group(P<0.01),but the mrna and protein expression levels of GLT-1,GAD65 and GAD67 in model group were lower than those in Control group(P<0.01).The protein expression levels of P-PI3K and P-AKT in the cortex of model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with Model group,Anmeidan could reduce the autonomic activity of sleep deprived rats,increase the concentration of GABA,decrease the concentration of Glu in cortex(P<0.05),and increase the mrna relative expression levels and protein expression levels of GLT-1,GAD65 and GAD67(P<0.05).The expression levels of P-PI3K and P-Akt were increased(P<0.01),and mrna and protein expression levels of NDRG2 were decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Anmian Dan may regulate the activity of astrocytes and affect the levels of neurotransmitters GABA and GLU in the brain through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,thus playing a role in improving the circadian rhythm disturbance in sleep-deprived rats.
9.The intervention effects of naringin on oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Zhi TAN ; Ping LIU ; Li SHEN ; Jing YANG ; Hao ZHANG ; Song QING
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(3):344-350
Objective:To investigate the effects of naringin(NRG)on apoptosis,proliferation,migration and invasion of oral squa-mous cell carcinoma(OSCC)cells.Methods:NRG of 0,5,10,15,20,25 and 30 μmol/L was respectively used to treat OSCC CAL-27 cells,and CCK-8 assay was used to cell vitality.CAL-27 cells were divided into low,medium and high dose NRG groups(NRG-L,NRG-M and NRG-H),Compound C(AMPK inhibitor)group,NRG-H+Compound C group,and control group(NC group,normal cul-ture).Cell proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8 assay,EdU staining,flow cytometry,scratch and Tr-answell assays.The expression of aspartate specific cysteine proteinase-3(Caspase-3),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,p-AMPK,sirtuin 1(SIRT1)and acetylated NF-κB p65(Ac-NF-κB p65)was detected by Western blot.Results:5,10 and 20 μmol/L NRG was selected as the low,medium and high dose for the treatment of CAL-27 cells,re-spectively.Compared with NC group,in NRG-L,NRG-M and NRG-H groups EdU positive rate,scratch healing rate,A450 value,num-ber of invasive cells,the protein expression of PCNA,MMP-2,MMP-9 and Ac-NF-κB p65 in CAL-27 cells decreased,the apoptosis rate,and the protein of Caspase-3,p-AMPK,and SIRT1 increased(P<0.05);in Compound C group EdU positive rate,scratch healing rate,A450 value,the number of invasive cells,the protein expression of PCNA,MMP-2,MMP-9 and Ac-NF-κB p65 in CAL-27 cells in-creased,apoptosis rate and the protein expression of Caspase-3,p-AMPK and SIRT1 decreased(P<0.05).Compound C reversed the effects of high dose NRG on the proliferation,migration,apoptosis and invasion of CAL-27 cells.Conclusion:The inhibitory effects of NRG on proliferation,migration and invasion of CAL-27 cells and the promotion of apoptosis may be related to activation of AMPK and inhibition of NF-κB pathway.
10.Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion
Ping′ang LI ; Fan ZHANG ; Zhengyan LI ; Yan SHI ; Feng QIAN ; Yongliang ZHAO ; Jun CHEN ; Chenjun TAN ; Zongwen WANG ; Yan WEN ; Peiwu YU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(8):744-750
Objective:To evaluate the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion.Methods:This study is a retrospective cohort study. The clinical and pathological data of 495 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in Department of General Surgery, the First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University from October 2012 to October 2018 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 356 males and 139 females with an age ( M(IQR)) of 59 (16) years (range: 18 to 75 years). Observation indicators included postoperative results and long-term prognosis. The survival curve was drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate prognostic analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results:Among the 495 patients, a total of 57 patients (11.5%) were lost to follow-up, with a follow-up time of 89 (40) months (range: 23 to 134 months). The 5-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) and the 5-year overall survival rate (OS) were 56.0% and 58.2%, respectively. The 5-year DFS for patients with stage ⅡB, ⅢA, ⅢB, ⅢC were 71.2%, 60.5%, 51.6%, 33.3%, respectively. The 5-year OS for patients with stage ⅡB, ⅢA, ⅢB, ⅢC were 71.2%, 62.2%, 54.1%, 39.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age >65 years (DFS: HR=1.402, 95% CI: 1.022 to 1.922, P=0.036; OS: HR=1.461, 95% CI: 1.057 to 2.019, P=0.022), lymph node dissection number less than 25 (DFS: HR=1.348, 95% CI: 1.019 to 1.779, P=0.036; OS: HR=1.376, 95% CI: 1.035 to 1.825, P=0.028), pathological stage Ⅲ (DFS: HR=2.131, 95% CI: 1.444 to 3.144, P<0.01; OS: HR=2.079, 95% CI: 1.406 to 3.074, P<0.01), and no postoperative chemotherapy (DFS: HR=3.127, 95% CI: 2.377 to 4.113, P<0.01; OS: HR=3.768, 95% CI: 2.828 to 5.020, P<0.01) were independent prognostic factors for the decrease in DFS and OS rates. Conclusions:Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer with serosa-invasion could achieve satisfactory long-term oncological outcomes. More lymph node dissection and standardized postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy are expected to further improve the prognosis of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with serous invasion after laparoscopic radical surgery.

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