Influence of triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio on the onset of primary liver cancer / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of triglyceride （TG）/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） ratio on the onset of primary liver cancer. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted. Physical examination data were collected from 99 750 cases of on-the-job and retired employees of Kailuan Group who participated health examination from July 2006 to December 2007， and they were followed up till December 31， 2021 to observe the onset of primary liver cancer. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups， and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between multiple groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. According to the tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio， the subjects were divided into Q1， Q2， and Q3 groups， and the incidence density of primary liver cancer was calculated for each group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rate of primary liver cancer in each group， and the log-rank test was used to compare the difference in cumulative incidence rate between groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the influence of TG/HDL-C ratio on the onset of primary liver cancer. ResultsThere were significant differences between the three groups in age， proportion of male subjects， waist circumference， body mass index， fasting blood glucose， systolic pressure， diastolic pressure， triglyceride， total cholesterol， HDL-C， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol， alanine aminotransferase， high-sensitivity C-reactive protein， chronic liver diseases， hypertension， diabetes， the family history of malignant tumor， drinking， smoking， physical exercise， and educational level （P<0.05）. During the mean follow-up time of 14.06±2.71 years， there were 484 cases of new-onset liver cancer， among whom there were 446 male subjects and 38 female subjects. The incidence density of primary liver cancer was 0.39/1 000 person-years in the Q1 group， 0.35/1 000 person-years in the Q2 group， and 0.30/1 000 person-years in the Q3 group， and the cumulative incidence rates of primary liver cancer in the three groups were 6.03‰， 5.28‰， and 4.49‰， respectively， with a significant difference between the three groups based on the long-rank test （χ2=6.06， P=0.048）. After adjustment for the confounding factors considered， the Cox proportional hazards model showed that compared with the Q3 group， the Q1 group had a hazard ratio of 2.04 （95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.61‍ ‍—‍ ‍2.58， Pfor trend<0.05）， and the Q2 group had a hazard ratio of 1.53 （95%CI： 1.21‍ ‍—‍ ‍1.92， Pfor trend<0.05）. ConclusionThe reduction in TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with an increase in the rask of primary liver cancer， especially in people with chronic liver diseases.

Research advances in neutrophil extracellular traps and liver diseases / 临床肝胆病杂志

Neutrophils play an immune defense role by releasing the proteases such as neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase to form neutrophil extracellular trap （NET） and participate in the inflammatory response of various liver diseases， but the excessive release of NET may worsen liver tissue damage and has thus become one of the risk factors for liver diseases. In recent years， studies have shown that the excessive release of NET can promote the progression of liver diseases （such as viral hepatitis， nonalcoholic steatohepatitis， and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury） to liver cancer， and clarifying the mechanism of action of NET is of great importance for the diagnosis and progression of liver diseases. Therefore， this article elaborates on the latest research advances in NET in liver diseases， so as to provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases and the prevention of liver cancer.

Application of Mendelian randomization in liver cancer / 临床肝胆病杂志

In recent years， the research method of Mendelian randomization based on genome-wide association studies has been widely used for etiological exploration in the medical field， which can effectively overcome the confounding biases and interference of reverse causalities in traditional observational researches with its unique advantages of the distributive randomness and timing priority of genetic variants. This article reviews the method of Mendelian randomization and its application in liver cancer， in order to provide new ideas for the research on causal association in liver cancer.

Current research status of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in evaluating liver reserve function in residual liver tissue after liver tumor surgery / 临床肝胆病杂志

As a non-invasive， simple， and reproducible examination， Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） has an important application value in evaluating liver reserve function. Currently in clinical practice， Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI is mainly used to measure liver parenchymal signal intensity parameters， magnetic resonance relaxation time parameters， biliary tract enhancement parameters， and liver volume parameters to evaluate the liver reserve function of patients. In recent years， the use of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in predicting liver reserve function in residual liver tissue after liver tumor surgery has become one of the hotspots in clinical research， and certain progress has been made in related studies in China and globally. This article reviews the research advances in recent years.

Metodologías de Medición de Volumetría Hepática / Methodologies For Measuring Hepatic Volumetry

Lograr determinar el volumen total de un hígado (VHT), o volumetría hepática, pasa a ser de relevancia en diversas situaciones, tales como, vigilancia del progreso de una enfermedad de carácter crónico, planificación de resecciones y trasplantes hepáticos; y observación del clearance hepático de algunos fármacos hepatotropos. La VHT se puede realizar utilizando métodos de segmentación en el curso de una tomografía computarizada (TC), ya sean estos manual, automáticos, y semiautomáticos; mediante resonancia nuclear (RN), utilizando softwares de distintas generaciones (1ª a 4ª). La medición de VHT está indicada en pacientes sometidos a resecciones hepáticas mayores, en el contexto del tratamiento de neoplasias (carcinoma hepatocelular, colangiocarcinoma, metástasis hepáticas o tumores benignos de gran tamaño), abscesos (piogénicos, amebianos), y después de un traumatismo hepático complejo; así como también en la etapa preoperatoria de un trasplante hepático. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio sobre métodos para determinar volumetría hepática.

SUMMARY: Being able to determine the total hepatic volume (THV), or THV, becomes relevant in various situations, such as monitoring the progress of a chronic disease, planning resections and liver transplants; and observation of the hepatic clearance of some hepatotropic drugs. THV can be performed using segmentation methods in the course of a computed tomography (CT), whether manual, automatic, or semi-automated; by nuclear resonance (NR), using software from different generations (1st to 4st). THV measurement is indicated in patients undergoing major liver resections, in the context of treatment of neoplasms (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, liver metastases or large benign tumors), abscesses (pyogenic, amoebic), and after liver trauma complex, as well as in the preoperative stage of a liver transplant. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a study document regarding methods for determine hepatic volumetry.

Economic burden of liver disease in Colombia

Introduction: Liver diseases have a significant impact on global morbidity and mortality rates, primarily attributed to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the true extent of their impact on patients, healthcare systems, and countries is often underestimated. Materials and methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the economic burden associated with premature deaths caused by cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. The economic assessment was conducted by analyzing potentially productive years of life lost (PPYLL) due to liver diseases in Colombia between 2009 and 2016. Results and conclusions: The total burden of liver disease accounted for 687,861 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Men experienced a higher number of years of life lost from mortality (YLL), while women had a greater number of years lived with a disability (YLD). The economic burden of deaths caused by cirrhosis and primary liver cancer exceeded USD 8.6 million, highlighting the urgency to enhance intervention strategies ranging from promotion and prevention to timely diagnosis and treatment.

Introducción: la enfermedad hepática representa una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad a nivel mundial, principalmente por cirrosis y hepatocarcinoma; sin embargo, se subestima su impacto para el paciente, sistema de salud y el país. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que determinó la carga económica asociada a las muertes prematuras por cirrosis y tumores primarios del hígado, mediante la valoración económica de los años productivos de vida potencialmente perdidos (APVPP) en Colombia y de enfermedad hepática en Colombia entre 2009 y 2016. Resultados y conclusiones: la carga total de enfermedad hepática representó 687,861 años de vida saludable perdidos ajustados por discapacidad (AVAD), los hombres con mayores años de vida perdidos por muerte prematura (APMP) y las mujeres con mayores años vividos con discapacidad (AVD). Las muertes por cirrosis y tumores primarios del hígado representan una carga económica que supera los 8,6 millones de dólares, lo cual refleja la necesidad de fortalecer las estrategias de intervención desde la promoción y prevención hasta el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.

Radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma that achieved complete response after chemoembolization with drug-eluting beads for liver transplantation planning

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the radiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions that achieved a complete response following drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) preceding liver transplantation. Methods This single-center case-control study enrolled patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant DEB-TACE therapy, were followed up with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, and were successively evaluated according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The HCCs were divided into two groups based on their diameter (Group A: ≤3cm; Group B: 3cm). Viability was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method according to tumor size categories. The relationship between tumor variables was analyzed using bivariate Cox regression. Results Three-hundred and twenty-eight patients with 667 hepatocellular carcinomas who underwent their first DEB-TACE session were enrolled. A total of 105 hepatocellular carcinomas in 59 patients exhibited complete response after the initial DEB-TACE session and were divided into Group A (92 HCCs) and Group B (13 HCCs). The diameter in Group A decreased significantly compared to the pre-procedure size until the second assessment (p<0.001), with no subsequent reduction in diameter, despite maintaining a complete response. In Group B, the reduction in diameter remained significant compared with the initial value until the sixth imaging evaluation (p=0.014). The average reduction was 45.1% for Group B and a maximum of 14.9% in Group A. Conclusion HCCs >3cm exhibited a greater reduction in size and a longer time to recurrence. HCCs ≤3cm had a shorter relapse time. The recurrence rates were similar. These findings may aid in planning for liver transplantation.

Role of lipopolysaccharide in the development and progression of liver cancer / 临床肝胆病杂志

Liver cancer is an important public health issue worldwide. With the improvements in high-throughput sequencing and gene editing techniques in recent years, studies have further revealed the biological mechanism of intestinal microflora in the development, progression, and metastasis of liver cancer via the gut-liver axis, and in particular, it has been found that lipopolysaccharide, a component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, can cause downstream immune cascade reactions. This article reviews the possible mechanism of action of intestinal microflora lipopolysaccharide in the development and progression of liver cancer from the aspects of the association between intestinal environmental changes and liver cancer, immunoregulation by lipopolysaccharide, and preclinical treatment.

Research advances in natural killer cell-based immunotherapy in liver cancer / 临床肝胆病杂志

Natural killer (NK) cells are important immune cells in the human body and are also the main lymphocytes in the liver. They are considered the first defense mechanism against tumor and have a significant impact on the development and progression of liver cancer. The characteristics of NK cells help them become a new choice for immunotherapy, and NK cell-based immunotherapy may succeed in the treatment of liver cancer. This article reviews the biological characteristics of NK cells, their role in the development and progression of liver cancer, and the research advances in related treatment.

Association between immune checkpoint inhibitor antitumor therapy and hepatitis B virus reactivation / 临床肝胆病杂志

In recent years, monotherapy and combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved good efficacy in a variety of malignancies from solid tumors to lymphomas and have become a standardized and systematic treatment modality for many cancers. However, there is still a lack of studies on the safety of ICIs in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients with malignancies, and early studies have reported HBV reactivation due to ICI antitumor therapy in clinical practice. With reference to related literature, this article reviews the recent clinical trials and application of ICIs in cancer patients with chronic viral infection and clarifies the efficacy and safety of ICIs in this special population, in order to provide a reference for clinical medication.

Association of folic acid with the development and progression of liver cancer / 临床肝胆病杂志

So far, liver cancer is still a highly malignant tumor with a high incidence rate in China, and it seriously affects the life and health of Chinese people. Previous studies have shown that the development of liver cancer is associated with various factors such as virus, smoking, drinking, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. With continuous exploration, more and more studies have pointed out that nutritional factors and living environment are associated with the development and progression of liver cancer. Folic acid is a necessary nutrient for cell growth and reproduction, and its level in human body has an impact on the growth of tumor cells and is closely associated with liver cancer. This article reviews the research advances in the association between folic acid and liver cancer in recent years, so as to provide new reference and basis for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.

Safety and efficacy of camrelizumab added to second-line therapy after drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization combined with apatinib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of camrelizumab added to second-line therapy after drug- eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DTACE) combined with apatinib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 89 HCC patients with camrelizumab added to second-line therapy who attended The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2019 to December 2020. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after the application of camrelizumab, and the secondary endpoints were objective remission rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, the Log-rank test was used for stratified analysis of subgroups based on baseline characteristics, and the influencing factors for prognosis were analyzed. Results A total of 89 patients were screened and followed up in this study. The patients were followed up to December 2021, with a median follow-up time of 16 months, a median OS time of 17.0 (95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 15.3-18.7) months, and a median PFS time of 7.0 (95% CI : 6.2-7.8) months. There were significant differences in OS and PFS between the patients with different ECOG-PS scores, liver function Child-Pugh classes, portal vein invasion, patterns of progression, times of DTACE treatment, durations of oral administration of apatinib, and durations of application of camrelizumab (all P 4 months had significant improvements in median OS [21.0 (95% CI : 19.1-22.9) months vs 14.0 (95% CI : 10.4-17.6) months, χ 2 =19.399, P 5 months had significant improvements in median OS [22.0 (95% CI : 20.2-23.8) months vs 13.0 (95% CI : 9.3-16.7) months, χ 2 =22.336, P < 0.001] and PFS [9.0 (95% CI : 7.0-11.0) months vs 5.0 (95% CI : 4.1-5.9) months, χ 2 =26.141, P < 0.001]. Post-embolization syndrome was the adverse event after DTACE and resolved after symptomatic treatment. Adverse reactions related to targeted drugs and immunotherapy all resolved after symptomatic supportive treatment, with no grade ≥4 adverse reactions, and no patients withdrew from target-free therapy due to TRAEs. Conclusion As for DTACE combined with apatinib in the treatment of unresectable HCC, camrelizumab added after progression has a marked therapeutic efficacy with safe and controllable TRAEs.

Expression of peripheral CD100 and its regulation to T lymphocytes function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the changes of peripheral CD100 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to assess the regulatory function of CD100 to T lymphocytes in HCC patients. Methods A prospective study was conducted. Fifty-seven HCC patients and twenty-two controls who were hospitalized in our hospital between April 2020 and July 2021 were enrolled. Anti-coagulant peripheral blood was collected. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated. Plasma soluble CD100 (sCD100) level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Membrane-bound CD100 (mCD100) expression on CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. PBMC from HCC patients were stimulated with recombinant human CD100. Cellular proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8. Different types of T helper cells (Th cells) and cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells) were assessed by flow cytometry. Perforin and granzyme B secretion by alpha fetoprotein (AFP) specific CD8 + T lymphocytes was assessed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. CD8 + T lymphocytes were purified from HCC patients, and were stimulated with recombinant human CD100. Stimulated CD8 + T lymphocytes were co-cultured with HepG2 cells. AFP specific CD8 + T lymphocytes-induced HepG2 cell death was investigated. Student's t test or paired t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of abnormally distributed continuous data between two groups. Chi square test was used for comparison of categorial data between two groups. Results Plasma sCD100 level was lower in HCC group when compared with control group ((2.73±0.58)ng/mL vs(3.33±0.84)ng/mL, t =3.584, P 0.05). The percentages of CD4 + IFNγ + Th1 cells, CD4 + IL-17A + Th17 cells, CD4 + IL-22 + Th22 cells, and CD8 + IFNγ + Tc1 cells were notably increased in response to CD100 stimulation when compared with no CD100 stimulation ( t =2.608、5.663、4.113、4605, all P 0.05). Perforin and granzyme B secretion by AFP specific CD8 + T lymphocytes were significantly elevated in response to CD100 stimulation when compared with no CD100 stimulation in HLA-A02 restricted HCC patients ( P < 0.05). AFP specific CD8 + T lymphocytes-induced HepG2 cell death was also increased in response to CD100 stimulation ( t =6.794、2.308, both P < 0.05). Conclusion There was an imbalance between sCD100 and mCD100 on T lymphocytes in HCC patients. Reduced sCD100 level might be insufficient for maintenance of T lymphocytes activity, leading to the immunotolerance in HCC.

The expression and function of PD-L1 in CD133(+) human liver cancer stem-like cells / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the expression of programmed death protein-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in liver cancer stem-like cells (LCSLC) and its effect on the characteristics of tumor stem cells and tumor biological function, to explore the upstream signaling pathway regulating PD-L1 expression in LCSLC and the downstream molecular mechanism of PD-L1 regulating stem cell characteristics, also tumor biological functions. Methods: HepG2 was cultured by sphere-formating method to obtain LCSLC. The expressions of CD133 and other stemness markers were detected by flow cytometry, western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expressions of stemness markers and PD-L1. The biological functions of the LCSLC were tested by cell function assays, to confirm that the LCSLC has the characteristics of tumor stem cells. LCSLC was treated with cell signaling pathway inhibitors to identify relevant upstream signaling pathways mediating PD-L1 expression changes. The expression of PD-L1 in LCSLC was down regulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of stem cell markers, tumor biological functions of LCSLC, and the changes of cell signaling pathways were detected. Results: Compared with HepG2 cells, the expression rate of CD133 in LCSLC was upregulated [(92.78±6.91)% and (1.40±1.77)%, P<0.001], the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were also higher than those in HepG2 cells (P<0.05), the number of sphere-formating cells increased on day 7 [(395.30±54.05) and (124.70±19.30), P=0.001], cell migration rate increased [(35.41±6.78)% and (10.89±4.34)%, P=0.006], the number of transmembrane cells increased [(75.77±10.85) and (20.00±7.94), P=0.002], the number of cloned cells increased [(120.00±29.51) and (62.67±16.77), P=0.043]. Cell cycle experiments showed that LCSLC had significantly more cells in the G(0)/G(1) phase than those in HepG2 [(54.89±3.27) and (32.36±1.50), P<0.001]. The tumor formation experiment of mice showed that the weight of transplanted tumor in LCSLC group was (1.32±0.17)g, the volume is (1 779.0±200.2) mm(3), were higher than those of HepG2 cell [(0.31±0.06)g and (645.6±154.9)mm(3), P<0.001]. The expression level of PD-L1 protein in LCSLC was 1.88±0.52 and mRNA expression level was 2.53±0.62, both of which were higher than those of HepG2 cells (P<0.05). The expression levels of phosphorylation signal transduction and transcription activation factor 3 (p-STAT3) and p-Akt in LCSLC were higher than those in HepG2 cells (P<0.05). After the expression of p-STAT3 and p-Akt was down-regulated by inhibitor treatment, the expression of PD-L1 was also down-regulated (P<0.05). In contrast, the expression level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in LCSLC was lower than that in HepG2 cells (P<0.01), there was no significant change in PD-L1 expression after down-regulated by inhibitor treatment (P>0.05). After the expression of PD-L1 was knockdown by siRNA, the expressions of CD133, Nanog, Oct4A and Snail in LCSLC were decreased compared with those of siRNA-negative control (NC) group (P<0.05). The number of sphere-formating cells decreased [(45.33±12.01) and (282.00±29.21), P<0.001], the cell migration rate was lower than that in siRNA-NC group [(20.86±2.74)% and (46.73±15.43)%, P=0.046], the number of transmembrane cells decreased [(39.67±1.53) and (102.70±11.59), P=0.001], the number of cloned cells decreased [(57.67±14.57) and (120.70±15.04), P=0.007], the number of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase decreased [(37.68±2.51) and (57.27±0.92), P<0.001], the number of cells in S phase was more than that in siRNA-NC group [(30.78±0.52) and (15.52±0.83), P<0.001]. Tumor formation in mice showed that the tumor weight of shRNA-PD-L1 group was (0.47±0.12)g, the volume is (761.3±221.4)mm(3), were lower than those of shRNA-NC group [(1.57±0.45)g and (1 829.0±218.3)mm(3), P<0.001]. Meanwhile, the expression levels of p-STAT3 and p-Akt in siRNA-PD-L1 group were decreased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of p-ERK1/2 and β-catenin did not change significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: Elevated PD-L1 expression in CD133(+) LCSLC is crucial to maintain stemness and promotes the tumor biological function of LCSLC.

Establishment of a novel co-cultured liver cancer model based on tumor microenvironment / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To construct a new co-cultured liver cancer research model composed of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSC) and liver cancer cells, explore the efficacy difference between it and traditional model, so as to establish a liver cancer research model in vitro and in vivo that can reflect the real clinical efficacy. Methods: A new co-culture model of liver cancer consisting of aHSC and liver cancer cells was constructed. The differences in efficacy between the new co-culture model and the traditional single cell model were compared by cytotoxicity test, cell migration test, drug retention test and in vivo tumor inhibition test. Western blot was used to detect the drug-resistant protein P-gp and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins. Masson staining was used to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in tumor tissues of tumor-bearing mice. CD31 immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the microvessel density in tumor tissues of tumor-bearing mice. Results: The cytotoxicity of single cell model and co-culture model was dose-dependent. With the increase of curcumin (CUR) concentration, the cell viability decreased, but the cell viability of single cell model decreased faster than that of co-culture model. When the concentration of CUR was 10 μg/ml, the cell viability of the co-culture model was 62.3% and the migration rate was (28.05±3.68)%, which were higher than those of the single cell model [38.5% and (14.91±5.92)%, both P<0.05]. Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of P-gp and vimentin were up-regulated in the co-culture model, which were 1.55 and 2.04 fold changes of the single cell model, respectively. The expression of E-cadherin was down-regulated, and the expression level of E-cadherin in the single cell model was 1.17 fold changes of the co-culture model. Drug retention experiment showed that the co-culture model could promote drug efflux and reduce drug retention. In vivo tumor inhibition experiment showed that the m-HSC+ H22 co-transplantation model had faster tumor growth and larger tumor volume than those of the H22 single cell transplantation model. After CUR treatment, the tumor growths of m-HSC+ H22 co-transplantation model and H22 single cell transplantation model were inhibited. Masson staining showed that the deposition of collagen fibers in tumor tissues of m-HSC+ H22 co-transplantation model mice was more than that of H22 single cell transplantation model. CD31 immunohistochemical staining showed that the microvessel density in tumor tissue of m-HSC+ H22 co-transplantation model was higher than that of H22 single cell transplantation model. Conclusions: The aHSC+ liver cancer cell co-culture model has strong proliferation and metastasis ability and is easy to be resistant to drugs. It is a new type of liver cancer treatment research model superior to the traditional single cell model.

Relationship between dyslexia syndrome and death anxiety in patients with primary liver cancer undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization surgery: based on latent profile analysis / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of demoralization in patients with primary liver cancer undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and the differences of death anxiety among these types using latent profile analysis.Methods:Based on the cross-sectional design, 216 patients with primary liver cancer undergoing TACE of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected by convenient sampling method from July 2018 to May 2021, and were investigated by using the general data questionnaire, Demoralization Scale and Templer′s Death Anxiety Scale.Results:A total of 139 cases (64.4%) with high demoralization and 120 cases (55.6%) with high death anxiety were detected. The patients were divided into four subtypes: 67 cases(31.0%) in the emotional distress group, 52 cases(24.1%) in the high risk group, 72 cases (33.3%) in the sense loss group, and 25 cases (11.6%) in the low risk group. Tumor stage and working status were the main factors affecting the characteristic classification of demoralization ( β=2.615, 2.085, both P<0.05). There were significant differences in death anxiety among different subtypes of patients ( H=77.00, P<0.01). Conclusions:The level of death anxiety is higher in patients with primary liver cancer after TACE surgery, and there are differences in different subtypes of patients with demoralization. Medical staff should formulate targeted intervention measures for different subtypes of patients to reduce their symptoms of demoralization and death anxiety.

The influence of acceptance and commitment therapy on the psychological flexibility, self-compassion, anxiety and depression of the primary caregivers of patients with primary liver cancer / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the intervention effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on the psychological flexibility, self-compassion, anxiety and depression of the primary caregivers of patients with primary liver cancer, so as to provide reference for the clinical care of the primary caregivers of cancer patients.Methods:This was a prospective study. A total of 80 primary caregivers of patients with primary liver cancer treated in Tianyou Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology from July to December 2021 were selected as the observation objects, and they were randomly divided into the control group and the intervention group according to the random drawing method, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was given routine nursing measures, while the intervention group was given acceptance and commitment therapy on the basis of routine nursing. The intervention effect was evaluated by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2nd Edition (AAQ-Ⅱ), Self-Compassion Scale Short-Form (SCS-SF) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before the intervention, on the day of discharge, and one month after discharge.Results:Finally, 71 primary caregivers completed the intervention and follow-up, 36 in the control group and 35 in the intervention group. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of AAQ-Ⅱ, SCS-SF, Anxiety subscale of HADS(HADS-A) and Depression subscale of HADS(HADS-D) between the two groups ( P>0.05). The AAQ-Ⅱscores of the intervention group on the day of discharge and one month after discharge were (19.63±2.59), (19.12 ± 2.20) points, which were significantly lower than those of the control group (23.14 ± 2.49), (22.56 ± 2.40) points. The differences were statistically significant ( t=5.83, 6.25, both P<0.01). The SCS-SF scores of the intervention group on the day of discharge and one month after discharge were (39.34 ± 2.68), (39.89 ± 2.81) points, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (36.69 ± 3.08), (37.72 ± 2.41) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=-3.86, -3.49, both P<0.01). The HADS-A/HADS-D scores of the intervention group on the day of discharge and one month after discharge were (9.31 ± 1.95), (9.09 ± 1.60) points and (8.80 ± 2.15), (8.54 ± 1.75) points,which were significantly lower than those of the control group(11.42 ± 1.50), (11.03 ± 1.70) points and (10.11 ± 1.92), (10.03 ± 1.84) points, the differences were statistically significant( t values were 2.71-5.10, all P<0.01). The scores of AAQ-Ⅱ, SCS-SF, HADS-A and HADS-D of the two groups were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance, and there were significant differences in time effect, inter-group effect and interaction effect ( F vaules were 3.42-37.90, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Acceptance and commitment therapy can improve the self-compassion and psychological flexibility, reduce anxiety and depression of the primary caregivers of patients with primary liver cancer.

Clinical study of Peiyuan Kangai Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of advanced liver cancer with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Peiyuan Kangai Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of advanced liver cancer with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. From May 2019 to May 2021, 162 advanced liver cancer patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in Shizhong District Cancer Hospital of Leshan were randomly divided into three groups by random drawing method, with 54 in each group. All patients were given FOLFOX4 chemotherapy regimen. Based on the chemotherapy, the 1st control group was given Peiyuan Kangai Decoction, and the 2nd control group was given acupuncture therapy, and the combined group was given decoction and acupuncture therapy. All three groups were treated for 6 weeks. Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome score was performed before and after treatment, Piper fatigue scale was used to evaluate the fatigue degree of patients. Vimentin (VIM), Golgi transmembrane glycoprotein 73 (GP73) and chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) were determined by ELISA. The adverse reactions during treatment were observed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The combined group showed the response rate was 61.11% (33/54), the disease control rate was 72.22% (39/54), the 1st control group showed the response rate was 40.74% (22/54), the disease control rate was 53.70% (29/54), and the 2nd control group showed the response rate was 38.89% (21/54), and the disease control rate was 51.85% (28/54). The response rate and disease control rate of the combined group were significantly higher than either the control group 1 and 2 ( χ2 values were 6.59, 5.68, respectively, and P values were 0.037, 0.043, respectively). After treatment, the scores of liver swelling and pain, fatigue and shortness of breath, anorexia, sallow and emaciation in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the control group 1 and the control group 2 ( F values were 13.90, 15.69, 13.20, 10.55, respectively, P<0.01); the scores of emotions, feeling, behavior and cognition were significantly lower than those in the control group 1 and control group 2 ( F values were 49.55, 27.42, 19.69, 20.55, respectively, P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of serum VIM [(52.54±6.69) ng/L vs. (61.29±7.89) ng/L, (65.11±7.92) ng/L, F=39.63], GP73 [(19.72±3.90) ng/L vs. (24.42±4.23) ng/L, (25.12±4.76) ng/L, F=25.05], CXCL1 [(3.12±0.72) ng/L vs. (4.85±0.95) ng/L, (4.98±0.91) ng/L, F=77.67] in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the control group 1 and the control group 2 ( P<0.01). During the treatment, the incidence of toxic and side effects in the combined group was 18.52% (10/54), the control group 1 was 27.78% (15/54), and the control group 2 was 24.07% (13/54). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of toxic and side effects among the three groups ( χ2=1.31, P=0.520). Conclusion:On the basis of FOLFOX4 chemotherapy, combined therapy with Peiyuan Kangai Decoction and acupuncture treatment can improve the symptoms and fatigue of patients with advanced liver cancer, reduce the levels of serum VIM, GP-73, CXCL1, improve the efficacy safely.

Effects of Jianpi Huaji Fuzheng Decoction supplemented with conventional chemotherapy on cellular immunity and coagulation-fibrinolysis function in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma of spleen-deficiency syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of Jianpi Huaji Fuzheng Decoction supplemented with conventional chemotherapy on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes scores, cellular immunity and coagulation-fibrinolysis function in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma of spleen-deficiency syndrome.Methods:Prospective cohort study. A total of 85 patients with primary hepatic carcinoma of spleen-deficiency syndrome who met the inclusion criteria in the hospital between March 2018 and March 2021 were divided into 42 cases in control group and 43 cases in observation group according to the random number table method. The control group was given conventional western medicine chemotherapy, and the observation group was given Jianpi Huaji Fuzheng Decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 3 months. Before and after treatment, the TCM syndromes were scored. The levels of CD4 + and CD8 + were detected by flow cytometry with indirect immunofluorescence, and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + was calculated. The plasma prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (Fg) and coagulation factor Ⅶ (CFⅦ) were detected by automatic blood coagulation analyzer. The toxic and side effects of chemotherapy during treatment were recorded and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:The total effective rate of syndrome efficacy was 95.35% (41/43) in observation group and 78.57% (33/42) in control group ( χ2=3.92, P=0.047). After treatment, the scores of flank pain, lumps, fatigue and jaundice and total score in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=2.60, 2.64, 2.85, 2.91, 3.79, P<0.01). The level of CD4 + [(37.68±3.72)% vs. (35.92±3.61)%, t=2.21] and CD4 +/CD8 + [(1.44±0.22) vs. (1.31±0.23), t=2.66] in observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05), while the level of CD8 + [(26.20±2.72)% vs. (27.44±2.16)%, t=2.32] was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The levels of Fg [(3.11±0.85) g/L vs. (2.74±0.72) g/L, t=2.16] and CFⅦ [(1.76±0.44) mg/L vs. (1.58±0.37) mg/L, t=2.04] were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). PT [(14.65±2.72) s vs. (15.91±3.03) s, t=2.02] was significantly shorter than that of the control group ( P<0.05). During treatment, the incidence rate of toxic and side effects of chemotherapy was 11.63% (5/43) in observation group and that in control group was 30.95% (13/42) ( χ2=4.75, P=0.029). Conclusion:Jianpi Huaji Fuzheng Decoction supplemented with conventional chemotherapy can improve the clinical symptoms, promote the recovery of cellular immune function and coagulation-fibrinolysis function, reduce the incidence rates of toxic and side effects of chemotherapy, and enhance the clinical efficacy of patients with primary hepatic carcinoma.

Mechanism of action of glucocorticoid receptors in the growth of hepatoma cells / 国际肿瘤学杂志

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays a critical role in signal transduction, expression of related genes and apoptosis of cancer cells. Hepatocellular carcinoma is characterized by high aggressiveness and mortality. In the exploration of the relationship between GR and hepatocellular carcinoma, numerous studies have shown that GR has an inhibitory effect on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which provides new ideas and methods for the clinical application of GR in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.