中文English
ISSN 1001-5256 (Print)
ISSN 2097-3497 (Online)
CN 22-1108/R

2018 No. 11

Display Method:
Editorial
Improve the knowledge of liver pathology and related skills among clinicians engaged in hepatology
Yang YongFeng
2018, 34(11): 2267-2270. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.001
Abstract:
Liver histopathological examination is an important method for the etiological diagnosis of liver injury. The pathological changes of liver diseases are characterized by“one cause with multiple consequences”and“multiple causes with one consequence”, and accurate diagnosis requires the combination of clinical and pathological methods. The basic knowledge and skills of liver pathology help clinicians to learn more about liver diseases and effectively communicate with pathologists during multidisciplinary discussion. If conditions permit, hospitals can select clinicians with solid basic skills to participate in liver pathology training, and clinicians and pathologists should obverse the microscope slides together to improve the quality of diagnosis.
Discussions by experts
A comparative analysis of pathological grading and staging systems for chronic hepatitis
Tian AiPing, Yang YongFeng
2018, 34(11): 2271-2277. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.002
Abstract:
Liver biopsy plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases and can give a comprehensive and detailed description of the morphology of lesions and objective grading and staging scores. There are several pathological grading and staging systems for chronic viral hepatitis and chronic hepatitis due to other causes. This article describes the application and advantages/disadvantages of each scoring system and summarizes related precautions.
Pathological differential diagnosis of inflammatory liver injury
Jiang LiLin, Shen JianBo, Tang Hong, Lu ZhongHua
2018, 34(11): 2278-2282. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.003
Abstract:
Unexplained liver inflammatory injury has always been a difficult point in clinical differential diagnosis. This article briefly reviews the pathological changes of various liver diseases that cause inflammatory liver injury, including common/specific findings under a light microscope after HE staining, and the role of immunohistochemistry and special staining in differential diagnosis. In addition, this article introduces several frontier immunohistochemical antibodies and provides more effective methods for the pathological differential diagnosis of inflammatory liver injury.
Clinical and pathological features of cholestatic liver injury
Liu DuXian, Liu LanXia, Yang YongFeng
2018, 34(11): 2283-2288. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.004
Abstract:
Major causes of cholestasis include abnormal bile metabolism, obstructed bile flow and regurgitation, and bile duct injury and obstruction. Abnormal bile metabolism is mainly caused by gene abnormality, while obstructed bile flow is often caused by bile duct injury or occlusion due to cholangitis. Abnormal bile metabolism is the most common cause of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis ( PFIC) , while autoimmune cholangitis is the major cause of bile duct injury. Both congenital/autoimmune bile duct injury and secondary/acquired ductular reaction had relatively specific histopathological changes, and a confirmed diagnosis needs a comprehensive analysis based on clinical, pathological, imaging, immunological, and genetic examinations. This article elaborates on the research advances in the pathomorphology of autoimmune bile duct injury and PFIC and introduces the similar lesions, in order to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis of bile duct injury and cholestatic liver diseases.
Pathological features of hepatic vascular diseases and key points in differential diagnosis
Luo WenPing, Ma Hong, Zhao XinYan
2018, 34(11): 2289-2294. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.005
Abstract:
Hepatic vascular diseases are a group of heterogeneous diseases which affect blood circulation in the liver. Although hepatic vascular diseases have a low incidence rate, they remain an important cause of portal hypertension. Patients often develop these diseases at a younger age, and misdiagnosis and/or mistreatment may greatly reduce their life expectancy. A good understanding of clinical manifestations, imaging features, and pathological features of hepatic vascular diseases is of vital importance in clarifying diagnosis and developing reasonable treatment strategies. This article introduces the pathological features of common hepatic vascular diseases and key points in differential diagnosis.
Liver biopsy and related techniques in pathological diagnosis
Wu DongBo, Chen EnQiang, Bai Lang, Tang Hong
2018, 34(11): 2295-2299. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.006
Abstract:
Liver pathological examination plays an important role in guiding clinical treatment and evaluating disease prognosis, especially in the diagnosis of difficult liver diseases. The application of liver biopsy and proper pathological techniques helps pathologists to observe the morphological changes of the liver and thus provides a reference for disease diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and clarification of etiology.This article introduces the commonly used techniques for liver biopsy, in order to improve the understanding of liver pathological changes among clinicians, strengthen the association between clinical practice and pathology, and provide help to the diagnosis of liver diseases, especially difficult liver diseases.
Case reports
Han Xu, Li Jia, Zhou Li, Chen Chen, Wang ChunYan, Zhang Yan
2018, 34(11): 2397-2400. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.026
Abstract:
Fu Bin, He YongFeng, Guo LianBin, Chen XianShe, Yin PengFei, Liu Yi, Yang XiaoCui
2018, 34(11): 2401-2403. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.027
Abstract:
Liu HongYong, Gu Teng, Su JingHan, Tan LuDong, Fu Yu, Liu YaHui
2018, 34(11): 2404-2405. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.028
Abstract:
Gao Hui, Yin Xin, Zhang ChuanXia, Wen XiaoYu
2018, 34(11): 2406-2408. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.029
Abstract:
Zhi YiXiao, Qin ErYun, Pang MengYuan, Hua Rui
2018, 34(11): 2409-2410. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.030
Abstract:
Liu WenChao, Yang YongSheng, Jia MingKu, Fang He, Zhang Hang, Feng Mo, Yu ShiLi, Zhang XueWen
2018, 34(11): 2411-2412. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.031
Abstract:
Peng HanFei, Gong Jin, Li Qiang
2018, 34(11): 2413-2414. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.032
Abstract:
Reviews
Role of the Wnt signaling pathway in the development and progression of liver fibrosis
Zhao DongKang, Luo WeiWei, Yu ShuiPing
2018, 34(11): 2415-2419. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.033
Abstract:
Liver fibrosis has a complex pathogenesis and involves various intracellular and extracellular signal transduction pathways, but its specific pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent studies have confirmed that the activation of hepatic stellate cells due to abnormal activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is an important cause of liver fibrosis, and targeted inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway can prevent the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and thus achieve an antifibrogenic effect. This article reviews the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in the development and progression of liver fibrosis and the latest research advances in the antifibrogenic effect of the interference of the Wnt signaling pathway, in order to provide new ideas for anti-hepatic fibrosis and the delay of early-stage cirrhosis.
Influence of abnormal spleen on liver pathophysiological function in patients with liver cirrhosis
Jiang XiaoNi, Liu Min, Li Qiang, Wang YuPing, Guo QingHong, Guan QuanLin, Zhou YongNing
2018, 34(11): 2420-2422. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.034
Abstract:
Splenomegaly is an early sign of cirrhotic portal hypertension. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the resistance of splenic venous reflux increases and portal venous pressure is reversed to the spleen, which causes congestive splenomegaly and hyperplasia of splenic tissue and fibrous tissue. In addition, intestinal antigens enter the systemic circulation via the portal-systemic collateral circulation and stimulates the proliferation of mononuclear macrophages in the spleen after being taken up by the spleen, which further leads to splenomegaly and hypersplenism. On the contrary, abnormal spleen can cause the changes in liver function and portal vein hemodynamics. Therefore, the intervention of the spleen cannot be neglected during the treatment of liver cirrhosis and its complications. This article reviews the influence of abnormal spleen structure and function on liver pathophysiological function in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Research advances in the value of ultrasound elastography in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis
Dong Xue, Huang LiPing
2018, 34(11): 2424-2427. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.035
Abstract:
The presence of gastroesophageal varices ( GOV) is one of the independent risk factors for the death of patients with chronic liver diseases, and at present, non-selective β-blockers or endoscopic treatment is recommended for the prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with chronic liver diseases at a high risk of GOV. This article describes the latest advances in the noninvasive diagnosis of GOV in patients with liver cirrhosis with the help of ultrasound elastography and points out that although new techniques such as shear wave elastography have improved screening performance, a single examination is not sufficient for clinical practice. A combination of various examinations may be more efficient and is worthy of further exploration.
Research advances in prognostic factors for patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding
Lin FanYu, Huang Hua, Lu MingLiang
2018, 34(11): 2428-2432. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.036
Abstract:
Esophagogastric variceal bleeding is one of the most common complications of liver cirrhosis and is also one of the most critical diseases in the department of gastroenterology, with the features of acute onset and high rebleeding and mortality rates. Strengthening the understanding of related prognostic factors has great clinical significance in reducing early rebleeding rate and mortality rate. There are many factors associated with rebleeding and death in patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding. Risk factors include advanced age, sex, Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C, low platelet count, high leukocyte count, bleeding history, portal broadening, widening of the portal vein, a positive red-color sign under an endoscope, severe varices, and infection, while the percentage of lymphocytes, serum sodium, and the use of non-selective β-blockers and antibiotics are protective factors. By analyzing these prognostic factors, we can learn more about their mechanisms and risk degree. At present, related research mainly focuses on the exploration of better individual treatment regimens and nursing strategies based on the risk assessment models established using these risk factors to reduce the risk of rebleeding and death.
Research advances in gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis and related complications
Lu BingJie, Zhao YaHong, An YongTong, Ye Guan, Sun MingYu
2018, 34(11): 2433-2437. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.037
Abstract:
Liver cirrhosis is an end-stage fibrotic disease of chronic liver injury induced by various factors. Many studies have shown that gut microbiota ( GM) are involved in the development and progression of liver cirrhosis and related complications, such as portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, impaired intestinal barrier, compromised liver immunity, and bacterial translocation play a critical role in the progression of liver cirrhosis. This article summarizes the role of GM in liver cirrhosis and related complications and research advances and problems in GM as a therapeutic target, in order to provide new thoughts for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Research advances in immune enhancement by heat shock protein 70 induced by local ablation for liver cancer
塔来提·吐尔干, 吐尔干艾力·阿吉
2018, 34(11): 2438-2442. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.038
Abstract:
Liver cancer still threatens human health nowadays, so it is urgent to explore new minimally invasive methods for the treatment of liver cancer. This article reviews the general status of liver cancer in China and describes local ablation and immunotherapy for liver cancer.This article also introduces the basic principle of nanosecond pulse in the treatment of liver cancer and the mechanism of action of heat shock protein 70 ( HSP70) in antitumor immunity and points out that as an exogenous electrical stimulation, nanosecond pulse can increase the expression of HSP70 in the body to strengthen the body's anti-tumor immunity. This article perfects the immunological mechanism of nanosecond pulse in the treatment of liver cancer and provides new thoughts for immunotherapy for liver cancer.
Biological functions of apoptosis stimulating protein of p53 2 and its role in liver diseases
Zhang YiZhi, Shi HongBo, Chen Yu
2018, 34(11): 2443-2447. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.039
Abstract:
Apoptosis stimulating protein of p53 2 ( ASPP2) is a member of the apoptosis stimulating proteins of p53 and can specifically bind to the core region of p53 protein and enhance the ability of p53 to promote transcription of apoptotic genes. At present, it is believed that ASPP2 plays an important role in regulating cell apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation and affecting the progression of inflammation and tumors.This article summarizes the main biological functions of ASPP2 and the research advances in the role of ASPP2 in hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis C, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Studies have shown that ASPP2 can regulate cell apoptosis and may be a potential therapeutic target for a variety of diseases.
Research advances in the biomarkers for the early diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome
Chen LanLan, Han Wen, Liu JingJing, Hu Dan, He WeiWei
2018, 34(11): 2448-2452. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.040
Abstract:
Hepatorenal syndrome ( HRS) is one of the most serious complications of end-stage liver disease. Type Ⅰ/Ⅱ HRS has a high short-term mortality rate and poor prognosis. The diagnostic criteria for HRS based on serum creatinine cannot keep up with the world, and early diagnosis is of great importance to the treatment and prognosis of HRS. This article introduces the value and clinical significance of seven biomarkers for renal injury in the early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and prognostic evaluation of HRS. It is pointed out that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-18, and kidney injury molecule-1 may be the biomarkers for early identification of renal injury in patients with liver cirrhosis. A combination of multiple biological indicators, imaging examination, and interventional techniques might be a feasible method for early diagnosis of HRS in future.
Research advances in drugs for the prevention and treatment of gallstones
Xu JingChang, Ye Hui, Wang DaSong
2018, 34(11): 2453-2457. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.041
Abstract:
The treatment of gallstones mainly relies on surgery and endoscopy, and in recent years, a large number of studies have proposed new ideas and thoughts for drugs in the prevention and treatment of gallstones. This article summarizes the efficacy and safety of bile acid drugs, statins, ezetimibe, and drugs acting on specific nuclear receptors involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, which have entered the clinical trial stage, in preventing and treating gallstones. It is pointed out that certain drugs and molecular sites may have some clinical effects in the prevention and treatment of gallstones, which provides a basis for developing individualized strategies for the prevention and treatment of gallstones with drugs.
Research advances in traditional Chinese medicine therapy for cholelithiasis
Zhou Qun, Wang YiXing, Liu Ping, Zhang Hua
2018, 34(11): 2458-2463. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.042
Abstract:
Cholelithiasis is a common disease in clinical practice. At present, surgery is the primary Western treatment method for this disease, but there are problems such as surgical trauma, a high recurrence rate, and postoperative complications. Various traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM) methods for the treatment of cholelithiasis have achieved satisfactory results and have been widely used in clinical practice in recent years. This article summarizes the research advances in TCM therapy for cholelithiasis from the aspects of the understanding of cholelithiasis in TCM, TCM treatment methods for cholelithiasis and their mechanisms, and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy. It is pointed out that TCM can significantly improve or inhibit the information of cholelithiasis and has the advantages of reliable therapeutic effect, few side effects, and a low recurrence rate; however, its further application is limited by the unclear mechanism of action of TCM and defects of related clinical research such as low quality and poor repeatability. It is recommended to strengthen basic research and conduct high-level randomized controlled clinical trials in the future to provide scientific and objective evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment of cholelithiasis and thus improve the clinical effect of TCM in the treatment of cholelithiasis.
Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of postcholecystectomy syndrome
Liu HuanHuan, Tian Yu, Peng Yang, Yu JianFa, Xie FengXiao, Yang MingWei
2018, 34(11): 2464-2468. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.043
Abstract:
Postcholecystectomy syndrome ( PCS) is a common syndrome with complex etiologies after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, rather than a specific disease. In addition to bile duct stones, bile duct injury, and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, PCS is also associated with the abnormalities in bile acid pool, farnesoid X receptor, and GPBAR1/TGR5 pathways after surgery, reductions in fibroblast growth factor 19 and surfactant protein D, changes in gastrointestinal hormones such as motilin and cholecystokinin, and disappearance of various physiological reflexes and nerve reflexes involving the gallbladder. All these changes in physiological function can induce PCS. As the number of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is increasing year by year, the incidence rate of PCS is also increasing. This article briefly summarizes the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of PCS.
Research advances in immunotherapy for liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer
Jin TianQiang, Xu Feng, Dai ChaoLiu
2018, 34(11): 2469-2474. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.044
Abstract:
Patients with liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer have poor prognosis and few opportunities for surgery, and conventional radiochemotherapy lacks a satisfactory effect. As a new therapeutic strategy for tumor, immunotherapy fights against cancer by enhancing patients' immune function and may thus become an effective treatment regimen for liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer. This article reviews the latest research advances in immunotherapy for liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer from the aspects of immunomodulator, monoclonal antibody, immune checkpoint inhibitor, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, and tumor vaccine and points out that a combined treatment regimen has a promising future in clinical application.
Research advances in the role of autophagy and perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer
Yang YanHui, Zhang YuXiang, Gui Yang, Liu WeiFeng, Yang TianBao, Zhang YanTao, He ShaoJie, Sun JunJun, Fan Hua
2018, 34(11): 2475-2479. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.045
Abstract:
As a bi-directional tumor regulatory factor, autophagy plays an important role in the development, progression, and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Perineural invasion, a special pathway for tumor metastasis, has a high incidence rate in pancreatic cancer and is closely associated with high recurrence rate after pancreatic cancer surgery and pancreatic cancer-related pain. This article summarizes the research advances in the role of autophagy and perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer, so as to provide new research ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Therapeutic guidelines
An excerpt of primary biliary cholangitis: 2018 practice guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
Wang Lu, Han Ying
2018, 34(11): 2300-2304. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.007
Abstract:
An excerpt of EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease (2018)
Zhou YiXia, Gao Ya, Li Wu
2018, 34(11): 2305-2310. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.008
Abstract:
An excerpt of endoscopic biliary stenting: Indications, choice of stents, and results: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) clinical guideline-updated 2018
Li JiaSu, Liu Feng, Li ZhaoShen
2018, 34(11): 2311-2315. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.009
Abstract:
NCCN guidelines update (Version2.2018): Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Meng ZhangTing, Li XiaoQing
2018, 34(11): 2316-2323. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.010
Abstract:
An excerpt of nutritional support and therapy in pancreatic surgery: A position paper of the International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS)
Xiong JiaGeng, Yang GuiYuan, Qian ZhuYin
2018, 34(11): 2324-2328. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.011
Abstract:
Original articles_Liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis
Diagnostic efficacy of shear wave elastography in evaluating chronic hepatitis B liver fibrosis and related influencing factors
Liu BoRu, Dong Xue, Huang LiPing
2018, 34(11): 2329-2333. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.012
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of shear wave elastography ( SWE) in evaluating chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) liver fibrosis and related influencing factors. Methods A total of 147 CHB patients who visited Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 2016 to September 2017 were enrolled. SWE was performed for all patients, and liver biopsy was performed within one week after SWE. General information and serological test results of the patients were collected. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate diagnostic efficiency, and the logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with the accuracy of SWE in assessing liver fibrosis stage. Results With liver fibrosis stage determined by liver histology as the standard, the areas under the ROC curve of SWE in the diagnosis of ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3, and ≥F4 liver fibrosis were0. 824, 0. 880, 0. 914, and 0. 986, respectively, with sensitivities of 91. 0%, 91. 7%, 87. 0%, and 88. 9%, respectively and specificities of 66. 0%, 82. 8%, 66. 0%, and 94. 9%, respectively, at the optimal cut-off values of 6. 1 kPa, 7. 0 k Pa, 8. 1 kPa, and 10. 0 k Pa, respectively. The positive predictive values were 85. 0%, 78. 6%, 48. 3%, and 53. 3%, respectively, and the negative predictive values were 77. 5%, 93. 5%, 97. 2%, and 99. 2%, respectively. According to the results of liver biopsy, of all 147 patients, 94 had an accurate diagnosis based on SWE, while 53 had an inaccurate diagnosis; there were significant differences between these two groups in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and liver inflammation grade ( Z =-4. 211、-4. 649、-3. 513, all P < 0. 01) . Liver inflammation grade ( odds ratio [OR]= 0. 552, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0. 317-0. 963, P = 0. 028) was an independent influencing factor for the diagnostic accuracy of SWE, and it had a significant effect on SWE in diagnosing liver fibrosis in the case of stage F0 liver fibrosis ( OR= 1. 809, 95% CI: 2. 305-51. 195) and stage F2 liver fibrosis ( OR = 1. 345, 95% CI: 1. 037-13. 647) . Conclusion Liver stiffness measured by SWE has good diagnostic efficacy in assessing liver fibrosis stage, and the accuracy of liver fibrosis stage assessment is affected by liver inflammation stage.

Predictive value of Gteborg University Cirrhosis Index score in noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Tao Ben, Cao WenJun, Bao Teng, Gao YuFeng, Ye Jun, Zou GuiZhou
2018, 34(11): 2334-2340. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.013
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the predictive value of G9 teborg University Cirrhosis Index ( GUCI) score in the noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis stage in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus ( HBV) infection by comparing it with the classical noninvasive serological diagnosis models of aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index ( APRI) score and fibrosis-4 ( FIB-4) index for liver fibrosis.Methods A total of 846 patients with chronic HBV infection who underwent liver biopsy in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2010 to December 2016 were enrolled and divided into marked liver fibrosis ( stage ≥S2) group with 396 patients, severe liver fibrosis ( stage ≥S3) group with 204 patients, and liver cirrhosis ( stage S4) group with 100 patients. Of all 846 patients, 491 had alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) < 2 × upper limit of normal ( ULN) , among whom 275 had marked liver fibrosis ( stage ≥S2) , 143 had severe liver fibrosis ( stage ≥S3) , and 73 had liver cirrhosis ( stage S4) ; there were 383 HBeAg-negative patients, among whom 218 had marked liver fibrosis ( stage ≥S2) , 110 had severe liver fibrosis ( stage ≥S3) , and 55 had liver cirrhosis ( stage S4) . Liver biopsy was performed for all patients, and clinical indices of routine blood test, liver function, and coagulation function were measured on the same day of liver biopsy to calculate GUCI score, APRI score, and FIB-4 index. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between multiple groups; the Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate rank correlation between three serological models and liver fibrosis stage. The receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of three serological models for liver fibrosis, and the Z test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve ( AUC) . Results GUCI score, APRI score, and FIB-4 index were positively correlated with liver fibrosis stage ( r = 0. 472, 0. 435, and 0. 401, all P < 0. 001) ; aspartate aminotransferase ( AST) level and prothrombin time-international normalized ratio ( PT-INR) were positively correlated with liver fibrosis degree in patients with hepatitis B ( r = 0. 316 and 0. 401, both P < 0. 001) ; platelet count ( PLT) was negatively correlated with liver fibrosis degree in patients with hepatitis B ( r =-0. 353, P < 0. 001) . GUCI score had a higher AUC than APRI score and FIB-4 index in the diagnosis of marked liver fibrosis ( Z = 6. 291 and3. 159, both P < 0. 001) and a higher AUC than APRI score in the diagnosis of severe liver fibrosis ( Z = 5. 306, P < 0. 0001) . In 491 patients with ALT < 2 × ULN, GUCI score had a higher AUC than APRI score and FIB-4 index in the diagnosis of marked or severe liver fibrosis ( marked liver fibrosis: Z = 5. 969 and 3. 089, both P < 0. 01; severe liver fibrosis: Z = 4. 455 and 3. 192, both P < 0. 01) . In 383 HBeAg-negative patients, GUCI score had a higher AUC than APRI score and FIB-4 index in the diagnosis of marked liver fibrosis ( Z =5. 725 and 2. 162, both P < 0. 05) and a higher AUC than APRI score in the diagnosis of severe liver fibrosis ( Z = 4. 743, P < 0. 001) . In the patients with ALT < 2 × ULN, at the cut-off value of 0. 446, GUCI score had a sensitivity of 61. 82%, a specificity of 82. 73%, a positive predictive value of 73. 14%, and a negative predictive value of 74. 02% in the diagnosis of marked liver fibrosis ( P < 0. 001) ; at the cut-off value of 0. 492, GUCI score had a sensitivity of 76. 92%, a specificity of 72. 30%, a positive predictive value of 44. 49%, and a negative predictive value of 91. 56% in the diagnosis of severe liver fibrosis ( P < 0. 001) ; at the cut-off value of 0. 499, GUCI score had a sensitivity of 72. 00%, a specificity of 77. 90%, a positive predictive value of 29. 74%, and a negative predictive value of 95. 54% in the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis ( P < 0. 001) . Conclusion GUCI score is a simple and practical serological model for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, especially for patients with chronic HBV infection with ALT < 2 × ULN. GUCI score has a higher value than APRI score and FIB-4 index in the diagnosis of marked liver fibrosis and severe liver fibrosis; as for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, GUCI score has a similar diagnostic value as APRI score and FIB-4 index.

Value of liver stiffness-spleen diameter-to-platelet ratio score in predicting esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis
Zhou JiaMei, Ban ZhiChao, Li Yan, Zhang XiaoJuan, Zhang YongHua, Wang MingLei
2018, 34(11): 2341-2344. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.014
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the value of liver stiffness-spleen diameter-to-platelet ratio score ( LSPS) in predicting esophageal varices ( EV) in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods A total of 76 patients with liver cirrhosis who visited The Second Central Hospital of Baoding from October 2012 to August 2017 were enrolled and divided into EV group with 32 patients and non-EV group with 44 patients.Blood samples were collected from all patients for liver function test, routine blood test, and coagulation test. Gastroscopy was performed to evaluate the presence or absence of EV and the degree of EV. Liver stiffness was measured, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4, and LSPS were calculated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Spearman correlation analysis was also performed. The receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve was plotted to select LSPS corresponding to the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity as the optimal cut-off value. Results Compared with the non-EV group, the EV group had a significantly lower platelet count ( Z =-6. 932, P < 0. 01) and significantly higher spleen diameter, liver stiffness, and LSPS ( Z =-4. 566, -6. 575, and-7. 323, all P < 0. 01) .Spleen diameter, liver stiffness, and LSPS were positively correlated with EV ( rs= 0. 537, 0. 759, and 0. 775, all P < 0. 001) . The patients with moderate EV had a significantly higher LSPS than those with mild EV [6. 50 ( 5. 71-9. 20) vs 4. 63 ( 2. 12-6. 13) , Z =-2. 010, P = 0. 044]. At the optimal cut-off value of 1. 59, LSPS had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 93. 2%, a positive predictive value of91. 4%, and a negative predictive value of 100% in the diagnosis of EV, with an accuracy of 96. 1%, a Youden index of 93. 2%, and an area under the ROC curve of 0. 994 ( 95% confidence interval: 0. 985-1. 004) , suggesting that LSPS > 1. 59 showed the possibility of EV in cirrhotic patients and gastroscopy was unnecessary for patients with LSPS < 1. 59. Conclusion LSPS has a certain value in predicting the presence or absence of EV in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Original articles_Liver neoplasms
Clinical effect of Shenqi Gankang tablets combined with antiviral therapy after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in treatment of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Yang DaoKun, Wei Shuai, Gao HaiLi, Wang XinWei, Liang HaiJun
2018, 34(11): 2345-2351. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.015
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of Shenqi Gankang tablets combined with antiviral therapy after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization ( TACE) in the treatment of hepatitis B virus ( HBV) -related hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) . Methods A total of106 patients with HBV-related HCC who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from October 2015 to February 2017 were enrolled and randomly divided into control group with 57 patients ( treated with TACE + entecavir) and experimental group with 49 patients ( treated with Shenqi Gankang tablets + TACE + entecavir) . Among these patients, 89 completed follow-up ( 44 in the control group and 45 in the experimental group) . The levels of total bilirubin ( TBil) , alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) , alpha-fetoprotein ( AFP) , and albumin ( Alb) were measured before treatment and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment; the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+T lymphocytes, Child-Pugh class, and Karnofsky Performance Scale ( KPS) score were recorded before treatment and after 12 months of treatment, and survival rate was calculated after 12 months of treatment. The chi-square test or Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison of sex and genotype and allele frequencies between the two groups. The independent samples t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for comparison of continuous data between the two groups. Results After 3 months of treatment, the experimental group had significant improvements in the levels of ALT, TBil, and Alb than the control group ( all P < 0. 05) ; after 6 and 12 months of treatment, the experimental groups had further improvements in these indices than the control group ( all P < 0. 05) . Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a better change trend of ALT, AFP, TBil, and Alb and continuous improvements in ALT, TBil, and Alb. After 12 months of treatment, compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly higher percentage of CD4+T lymphocytes, a significantly higher CD4+/CD8+ratio, and a significantly lower percentage of CD8+T lymphocytes ( t =-2. 202, 3. 851, and-5. 324, P = 0. 030, < 0. 001, and < 0. 001) . At month 12 of follow-up, in the control group, 44 patients survived and 9 died, resulting in a survival rate of 83. 0%; in the experimental group, 45 survived and 2 died, resulting in a survival rate of 95. 7%; there was a significant difference in survival rate between the two groups ( χ2= 4. 121, P = 0. 042) . The experimental group had a significant improvement in Child-Pugh class than the control group, and there was a significant difference in Child-Pugh class between the two groups ( Z =-2. 260, P = 0. 024) . In the experimental group, 11 patients achieved a significant improvement in KPS score and 25 achieved a certain improvement, resulting in an improvement rate of 80. 00%; in the control group, 5 patients achieved a significant improvement in KPS score and 19 achieved a certain improvement, resulting in an improvement rate of 54. 55%; there was a significant difference in improvement rate between the two groups ( Z =-2. 688, P = 0. 007) . Conclusion Compared with antiviral therapy after TACE in the treatment of HBV-related HCC, Shenqi Gankang tablets combined with antiviral therapy after TACE has a better clinical effect in regulating the immune system, improving liver function, reducing bilirubin level, and improving survival rate.

A threshold analysis of alpha-fetoprotein in diagnosis and screening of hepatocellular carcinoma
Tian Zhou, Zhang JianHuai
2018, 34(11): 2352-2355. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.016
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the optimal cut-off value of alpha-fetoprotein ( AFP) in the diagnosis and early screening of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) . Methods The clinical data of 2212 HCC patients who were diagnosed and hospitalized in our hospital and 1998 non-HCC patients were collected, and the AFP level was summarized. The AFP level was divided into 10 ranges of 10-20 μg/L, 21-65μg/L, 66-110 μg/L, 111-155 μg/L, 156-200 μg/L, 201-250 μg/L, 251-300 μg/L, 301-350 μg/L, 351-400 μg/L, and >400 μg/L, and a comparative analysis was performed for the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio of each cut-off value of AFP, ultrasound, and their combination in the diagnosis of HCC. The receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve was plotted to determine the optimal cut-off value. Results The cut-off valve of AFP of 200-250 μg/L had the largest sum of sensitivity and specificity ( 1. 370 1) and the largest area under the ROC curve ( 0. 896 4) . AFP > 20 μg/L combined with ultrasound had the highest sensitivity ( 95. 35%) in the diagnosis of HCC, with a diagnostic odds ratio of 26. 13. Conclusion The optimal cut-off value of AFP in the diagnosis of HCC is 200 μg/L. When AFP combined with ultrasound is used for the screening of people at a high risk of HCC, AFP > 20 μg/L is recommended as a positive index, and its combination with differential diagnosis and close follow-up and examinations can reduce the false negative rate of screening.

Pathological features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: An analysis of 5 cases
Chen YiHua, Wang Chao, Jiang Rui, Tang ShanHong, Luo Yan, Ceng DongMei, He XiaoYan, Shi GuangJing
2018, 34(11): 2356-2359. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.017
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinicopathological features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma ( HEHE) . Methods The clinical data, histopathological data, and immunohistochemical results of 5 patients with HEHE were observed. Results There were 3 male and 2 female patients. Major clinical manifestations included persistent abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of weight, and pyrexia. One patient was found to have this disease during physical examination. Of all patients, 2 had a single nodule and 3 had multiple nodules. The tumor cells were relatively normal in morphology and were arranged in a cord-like shape or a small nested shape; the cells had a round, spindle-like, or irregular shape; the cells were rich in epithelioid eosinophilic cytoplasm, with branched cytoplasmic processes and cavity formation in cytoplasm. The tumor background was characteristic mucoid hyaline degeneration of cartilage-like matrix or glassy degeneration of fibrous matrix. Nuclear division and necrosis were observed occasionally. Vascular markers, such as CD31, CD34, Fli-1, coagulation factor VIII, and vascular endothelial growth factor, were expressed in tumor cells, and tumor cells tended to have a low proliferative activity. Conclusion HEHE has various clinical manifestations and treatment methods. Liver biopsy helps to make a confirmed diagnosis and select a proper treatment regimen before treatment.

Original articles_Pancreatic diseases
Association between triglyceride level and the severity of acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis
Gao Feng, Yan Zhen, Zhang Jie
2018, 34(11): 2360-2363. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.018
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the association between serum triglyceride ( TG) level and the severity of acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis ( AHTGP) . Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 63 patients with AHTGP who were hospitalized and treated in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September 2015 to June 2018, and according to the new Atlanta classification criteria, these patients were divided into mild acute pancreatitis ( MAP) group with 32 patients, moderate-severe acute pancreatitis ( MSAP) group with 20 patients, and severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP) group with 11 patients. Serum TG level was recorded on admission and at 48 hours after admission. 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 non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between multiple groups; the Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between data; the receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of assessment indices. Results There were significant differences between the three groups in serum TG level at 48 hours after admission, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II ( APACHE II) score, modified CT severity index, bedside index for severity of acute pancreatitis, and Ranson score ( F = 14. 423, χ2= 44. 094, 39. 654, 30. 445, and 29. 426, all P < 0. 05) . Serum TG level on admission was only positively correlated with Ranson score ( r = 0. 491, P < 0. 001) ; serum TG level at 48 hours after admission were positively correlated with the new Atlanta classification criteria, APACHE II score, modified CT severity index, bedside index for severity of acute pancreatitis, and Ranson score ( r = 0. 396, 0. 392, 0. 400, 0. 476, and 0. 400, all P < 0. 05) . The areas under the ROC curve of serum TG level on admission and at 48 hours after admission in predicting disease severity were 0. 652 ( P = 0. 115) and 0. 895 ( P < 0. 001) , respectively, with optimal cut-off values of 34. 10 mmol/L and 6. 95 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusion Serum TG level at 48 hours after admission has a certain clinical value in predicting the severity of AHTGP.

Original articles_Others
Clinical features of cholestatic liver disease of 107 cases
Xu Xin, Dai YiChen, Xuan ShiYing
2018, 34(11): 2364-2367. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.019
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical features of cholestatic liver disease ( CLD) , and to provide a reference for strengthening the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 107 patients who were admitted to Chenggong Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University from January 2015 to December 2017 and were diagnosed with CLD. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups. Results Most patients had the clinical symptoms of weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal distension, pruritus, and jaundice. According to the site of cholestasis, there were 64 patients ( 59. 8%) with intrahepatic cholestasis and 43 ( 40. 2%) with extrahepatic cholestasis. The cause of the disease was common bile duct stones in 21 patients ( 19. 6%) , bile duct parasites in 1 patient ( 0. 9%) , primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2 patients ( 1. 9%) , primary biliary cirrhosis in 3 patients ( 2. 8%) , liver cancer in 8 patients ( 7. 5%) , bile duct carcinoma in 5 patients ( 4. 7%) , pancreatic cancer in 4 patients ( 3. 7%) , pancreatitis in 12 patients ( 11. 2%) , viral hepatitis in 28 patients ( 26. 2%) , drug-induced liver injury in 11 patients ( 10. 3%) , alcoholic hepatitis in 6 patients ( 5. 6%) , nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 4 patients ( 3. 7%) , and autoimmune hepatitis in 2 patients ( 1. 9%) . The CLD patients with underlying diseases had a significantly poorer liver function ( alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, bile acid, and total bilirubin) than those with CLD alone ( t =-3. 44, -2. 99, -2. 42, -4. 39, -3. 34, and-2. 49, all P < 0. 05) . Most of the patients achieved good recovery after liver-protecting, transaminase-lowering, and jaundice clearance treatment. The patients with tumors had poor prognosis. Conclusion CLD has various causes, and its clinical features lack specificity. Clinicians should pay enough attention to this disease.

Clinical effect of fenofibrate combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in treatment of primary biliary cholangitis patients with poor response to ursodeoxycholic acid alone
Wang Lu, Sun KeShuai, Han ZheYi, Guo ZhangCun, Jia Gui, Gao KeNa, Zhang YaWei, Han Ying
2018, 34(11): 2368-2372. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.020
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of fenofibrate combined with ursodeoxycholic acid ( UDCA) in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis ( PBC) patients with poor response to UDCA alone. Methods A total of 67 PBC patients with poor response to UDCA who were treated in Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, from May 2009 to December 2017 were enrolled, and according to whether fenofibrate was used in addition, they were divided into combination treatment group with 33 patients and UDCA group with 34 patients. Related clinical data at baseline ( after one year of UDCA treatment) and at 6 and 12 months after treatment were collected, and the two groups were compared in terms of serum biochemical parameters, biochemical response, and GLOBE score after treatment. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between two groups. The chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Results Compared with the UDCA group at 12 months after treatment, the combination treatment group had significant reductions in the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) , aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase ( t = 3. 465, 2. 406, 2. 057 and 3. 208, P < 0. 001 and P = 0. 019, 0. 002, and 0. 044) .According to the Barcelona criteria and the Paris I/II criteria, the combination treatment group had a biochemical response rate of 54. 5% ( 18/15) , 36. 4% ( 12/21) , and 34. 3% ( 11/22) , respectively, and there was a significant difference in the evaluation results of the Barcelona criteria between the two groups ( t = 4. 349, P = 0. 037) . Compared with the UDCA group at 12 months after treatment, the combination treatment group had a significantly lower GLOBE score[0. 921 ( 0. 519 ~ 1. 657) vs 0. 498 (-0. 026 ~ 1. 027) , Z =-2. 007, P = 0. 045]and significantly higher 5-, 10-, and 15-year transplant-free survival rates ( Z =-2. 000, -2. 004 and-2. 009, P = 0. 045, 0. 045, and 0. 043) . Conclusion In patients with poor response to UDCA alone, fenofibrate combined with UDCA can significantly improve their blood biochemical parameters, especially the serum level of ALP. The combination treatment can also reduce the GLOBE score in patients with poor response and thus may help to improve long-term prognosis.

Mechanism of action of Daifan powder in the prevention and treatment of primary biliary cholangitis via its interventional effect on Th17/Treg balance
Zhan Kai, Xu Yan, Han MengLing, Cheng LiangBin
2018, 34(11): 2373-2378. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.021
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of different doses of Daifan powder on peripheral blood T helper 17 ( Th17) cells, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T ( Treg) cells, and Th17/Treg ratio in a mouse model of primary biliary cholangitis ( PBC) induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid ( Poly I∶ C) and the mechanism of action of Daifan powder in the treatment of PBC. Methods A total of 90 C57 BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, low-, middle-, and high-dose Daifan powder groups, and ursodeoxycholic acid ( UDCA) group. Poly I: C was used to establish a model of PBC, and the effect of Daifan powder on the serology of PBC mice was observed. Liver function parameters were measured; flow cytometry was used to measure the percentages of peripheral blood Treg cells and Th17 cells; HE staining was used to observe liver pathology. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test ( for two independent samples) was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test ( for two or more independent samples) was used for comparison between multiple groups. Spearman correlation was used for the correlation analysis. Results Compared with the normal group, the model group and the UDCA group had significant increases in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase ( ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase ( AST) , alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) , total bilirubin ( TBil) , and direct bilirubin ( DBil) ( all P <0. 05) . Compared with the model group, the low-, middle-, and high-dose Daifan powder groups had significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBil, and DBil ( all P < 0. 05) . In the model group, peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio was not correlated with ALT, AST, ALP, TBil, and DBil ( all P < 0. 05) . Compared with the normal group, the model group had a significant increase in the percentage of peripheral blood Th17 cells ( P < 0. 01) ; compared with the model group, the low-, middle-, and high-dose Daifan powder groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of peripheral blood Th17 cells ( all P < 0. 01) . Compared with the normal group, the model group had a significant reduction in the percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells ( P < 0. 01) ; compared with the model group, the low-, middle-, and high-dose Daifan powder groups had a significant increase in the percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells ( all P <0. 01) . Compared with the normal group, the model group had a significant increase in peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio ( P < 0. 01) ; compared with the model group, the low-, middle-, and high-dose Daifan powder groups had a significant reduction in peripheral blood Th17/Treg ratio ( all P < 0. 01) . Conclusion Daifan powder exerts a therapeutic effect on PBC by breaking Th17/Treg balance and reducing immune inflammatory reaction.

Association between rs2943650 mutation and insulin resistance in patients with chronic liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Dou AiHua, Hui Wei, Liu Mei, Wei LinLin, Zhao Juan, Ma ChunHua, Zheng XiaoQin, Xiong Fang, Yang Xue, Zhang Mei, Xu Bin
2018, 34(11): 2379-2382. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.022
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the features of insulin resistance in patients with liver disease and diabetes and possible pathways leading to insulin resistance. Methods A total of 67 patients with liver disease and type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Beijing You'an Hospital from September 2017 to March 2018 were enrolled. The insulin secretory function of pancreas islet B cells and insulin resistance in the stages of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were analyzed. The presence or absence rs2943650 mutation was detected, and the association between rs2943650 mutation and insulin resistance in different degrees of liver injury was analyzed. The t-test or the rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Results There was no significant difference in the secretory function of pancreas islet B cells between the patients with chronic hepatitis and type 2 diabetes and those with liver cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes ( 52. 72 ± 34. 56 vs 52. 35 ± 36. 59, t = 0. 24, P = 0. 99) , while there was a significant difference in insulin resistance index ( 1. 33 ± 0. 62 vs 2. 08 ± 1. 79, t = 2. 27, P = 0. 02) . There was a significant difference in insulin resistance between the patients with rs2943650 mutation and those without such mutation ( t = 2. 11, P = 0. 04) . There was a significant difference in the presence or absence of rs2943650 mutation between different stages of liver disease ( χ2= 6. 73, P = 0. 01) , and rs2943650 mutation was more common in patients with liver cirrhosis. Conclusion In patients with chronic liver disease and diabetes, there is no significant reduction in the function of pancreas islet B cells with the increase in the degree of liver injury, while there is a significant increase in insulin resistance. The rs2943650 mutation is significantly associated with insulin resistance and increases significantly with the aggravation of liver injury, and therefore, it may be an important pathway for insulin resistance induced by liver disease and diabetes.

Effect of plasma exchange on bioactivity of peripheral blood CD34+ cells in patients with acute-on-chronic (subacute) liver failure
Wu YiChen, Yao HongYu, Wang KaiLi, Jiang QiYu, Liu Chang, Xing HanQian, Liu SuXia, You ShaoLi, Zhao Jun
2018, 34(11): 2383-2387. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.023
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of improvement in internal environment after plasma exchange on the bioactivity of peripheral blood CD34+cells in patients with acute-on-chronic ( subacute) liver failure. Methods The peripheral blood CD34+cells from patients with acute-on-chronic ( subacute) liver failure were cultured in vitro using the medium containing with the serum collected before or after plasma exchange. The growth curves of the two groups of cells were recorded and compared. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of the cell surface markers PK-M2, Integrin-β1, and L-PK, and immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Integrin-β1. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between groups. Results The CD34+cells in the medium containing the serum collected after plasma exchange grew better than those in the medium containing the serum collected before plasma exchange ( P < 0. 05) . PK-M2 and Integrin-β1 were detected in the CD34+cells of both groups, but L-PK was not detected in either group. Conclusion For patients with liver failure, the improvement in internal environment after plasma exchange helps to maintain the bioactivity of peripheral blood CD34+cells, thus improving the efficacy of stem cell transplantation for liver failure.

A new prognostic model for pregnancy-specific liver disease
Lu: SuCong
2018, 34(11): 2388-2391. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.024
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the prognostic factors for pregnancy-specific liver disease ( PSLD) , to establish a simple effective model ( NEW mode) using the statistic method, and to investigate the value of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease ( MELD) and NEW model in the prognostic evaluation of PSLD patients. Methods A total of 84 pregnant patients who were admitted to The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University due to jaundice and hepatic insufficiency from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 and were diagnosed with acute fatty liver of pregnancy, preeclampsia, or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets ( HELLP) syndrome were enrolled. According to their prognosis, they were divided into death group with 14 patients and survival group with 70 patients. The MELD model and the NEW model were used for scoring, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the two models were calculated, and the receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve was used to assess the value of these two models in predicting the prognosis of PSLD. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups, and the logistic regression model was used to analyze the prognostic models of PSLD.Results The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, serum creatinine, international normalized ratio ( INR) , alkaline phosphatase, serum total protein, and albumin ( t =-6. 33, -5. 38, -3. 38, -11. 56, -4. 63, 3. 00, and 2. 19, all P < 0. 05) , among which INR showed the most significant difference and was thus used to establish the NEW model ( R = 5. 812 × INR-11. 3) . Both MELD model and NEW model demonstrated a good predictive value, with an area under the ROC curve of 0. 952 ( 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0. 906-0. 997, P < 0. 05) and 0. 982 ( 95% CI: 0. 958-1. 000, P < 0. 05) , respectively, a sensitivity of 92. 9% and 100%, respectively, and a specificity of 87. 3% and 94. 4%, respectively. Higher scores of MELD model and NEW model were associated with higher fatality rates; the fatality rate was 0 when MELD score was lower than 25, but it increased to 81. 8% when MELD score was above 40; the fatality rate was 0 when R score was lower than-3, but it increased to 84. 6%when R score was above 0. Conclusion Both MELD model and NEW model can predict the prognosis of PSLD patients. The NEW model with reference to INR alone achieves a good value in evaluating prognosis and thus has a good clinical value.

Experience in diagnosis and treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease after liver transplantation of 8 cases
Zhao XiaoFei, Lin DongDong, Li Ning, Zang YunJin, Guo QingLiang, Wu JuShan, Sun LiBo
2018, 34(11): 2392-2396. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1001-5256.2018.11.025
Abstract:

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease ( aGVHD) after liver transplantation.Methods This report included 8 patients treated with liver transplantation who were admitted to the Liver Transplantation Center of Beijing YouAn Hospital from April 2011 to August 2016. The key points in the diagnosis of aGVHD and the experience in the treatment of this disease were summarized. Results The key points in the diagnosis of aGVHD after liver transplantation were as follows: ( 1) aGVHD usually occur at two weeks to two months after liver transplantation; ( 2) fever, rash, diarrhea, and reduced whole blood cell count are typical clinical symptoms; ( 3) the percentage of donor T lymphocytes in peripheral blood is more than 10%; ( 4) there are typical histopathological manifestations. The experience in the treatment of aGVHD after liver transplantation were as follows: the overall steroid response rate is 20%-50%, and methylprednisolone ( 1. 5 mg·kg-1·d-1, one week) is recommended; high-dose glucocorticoids are not recommended, thus avoiding increased infection risk; high-dose immunosuppressant is one of the causes of aGVHD, and excessive application of immunosuppressant should be avoided in clinical practice; the prevention of respiratory infection and digestive tract infection was very important; enteral nutrition should be considered; second-line therapies such as siplizumab, antithymocyte globulin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor may play a certain therapeutic role; blood purification can be used to effectively eliminate cytokines and inflammatory mediators, which is helpful to the treatment of aGVHD. Conclusion The diagnostic criteria for aGVHD after liver transplantation are mainly based on time of onset, clinical symptoms, peripheral blood T lymphocyte chimerism rate, and histopathology. Hormone shock and reducing the dose of immunosuppressant may be effective treatments.