
Theme Issue: Research Advances and Challenges in Vascular Liver Diseases
Executive Chief Editor: TANG Chengwei
West China Hospital,Sichuan University
Vascular liver diseases (VLD) are defined as a group of diseases with damage of the liver vascular system including the hepatic artery, the portal vein, the hepatic vein, hepatic sinusoids and lymphatic vessels due to various pathogenic factors. VLD has not been fully understood in the field of gastroenterology, leading to difficulties in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of certain liver diseases. Acute VLD is often comorbid with critical illnesses and drug-induced conditions, while chronic VLD is usually diagnosed in its advanced stage or when it causes severe complications. Liver biopsy, ultrasound, multi-phase computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are of great importance for the diagnosis of VLD. Exploration of the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of VLD can help to reexamine approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases from a new perspective and improve the overall level of diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) involves the main portal vein and its tributaries, and acute PVT can cause intestinal ischemia and necrosis, while chronic PVT can cause cavernous transformation of the portal vein and portal hypertension-related complications (such as ascites and gastroesophageal variceal bleeding). Liver cirrhosis is the main risk factor for PVT. the Classification of PVT provides a basis for clinical diagnosis. Ultrasound is the preferred method for screening, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosis, while magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance venography can help to identify acute or chronic thrombosis. Treatment emphasizes individualized strategies: anticoagulant therapy is the first-line therapy for acute PVT, and direct oral anticoagulants have shown great potential in clinical practice; thrombolytic therapy is appropriate for severe acute PVT, and it is needed to strictly control the risk of bleeding; transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is an important method for the diagnosis and treatment of PVT-related ascites and gastroesophageal variceal bleeding; surgical operation can be used for the treatment of patients with no response to pharmacotherapy or those with serious complications such as intestinal necrosis. Future diagnosis and treatment of PVT should be based on multidisciplinary collaboration, focusing on the optimization of individualized regimens, balancing efficacy and safety, and continuously leveraging technological advances to improve clinical practice.
Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a clinical syndrome of portal vein and/or inferior vena cava (IVC) hypertension caused by obstruction of the hepatic veins and/or the IVC proximal to its opening. Previous studies have shown that there are significant differences in the etiology, clinical classification, and therapeutic strategy of BCS across different regions. In Western countries, BCS is often secondary to thrombotic disorders, especially myeloproliferative neoplasms, with hepatic vein obstruction as the main lesion; the treatment of BCS mainly follows a stepwise strategy of anticoagulation, recanalization, shunting, and liver transplantation, with relatively early timing for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. In contrast, BCS in China mainly involves membranous obstruction of the retrohepatic IVC and mixed-type obstruction, and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is the core treatment method for BCS. These differences may be associated with various factors such as genetic background, environmental exposure, and healthcare practice patterns, with a significant impact on clinical decision-making and prognostic assessment. This article systematically summarizes the geographic heterogeneity of BCS through a literature review, so as to provide a cross-regional diagnostic and therapeutic reference for clinicians, as well as clues and directions for international collaborative research on the regional differences of BCS in the future.
Both porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder and hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome belong to hepatic vascular diseases, and they have differences in etiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis. However, recent research evidence has gradually shown that the association between porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder and hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome has not been fully understood, suggesting that they may be two different manifestations of the same disease. This article reviews the association between these two diseases and related research evidence.
Hepatic vascular malformations are a group of congenital or acquired disorders characterized by structural abnormalities of the intrahepatic arterial, venous, or portal venous systems, with the clinical manifestations of hyperdynamic circulation, portal hypertension, and complications of portosystemic shunting. Due to the low incidence rate and nonspecific clinical manifestations of such disorders, they are easily confused with cirrhotic portal hypertension, leading to the delay in diagnosis and treatment. This article introduces the common clinical manifestations and differential diagnosis of hepatic vascular malformations and elaborates on three typical types of hepatic vascular malformations, in order to provide ideas and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Ischemic cholangiopathy (IC) is a severe clinical condition resulting from blood supply impairment in bile ducts, and its etiology includes vascular causes and non-vascular factors. The pathogenesis of IC mainly involves microcirculatory disturbance of the peribiliary blood plexus and biliary epithelial necrosis and fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury. The clinical manifestations of IC are highly heterogeneous. The typical symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, and cholangitis, while non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and fever, often cause delays in diagnosis. The diagnosis of IC mainly relies on radiological examination for identifying characteristic stenosis and microcirculatory disturbance, assisted by cholestasis biomarkers including alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Therapeutic strategies include conventional pharmacotherapy, endoscopic intervention, and innovative techniques. Prognostic evaluation emphasizes the dynamic monitoring of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin and classification based on radiological examination, and long-term management requires individualized monitoring regimens to prevent complications.
Among chronic hepatitis B patients undergoing long-term treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), approximately 10%—20% can achieve a low level of <100 IU/mL for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). These patients have the advantage to achieve clinical cure (HBsAg clearance) and are currently a key focus for treatment discontinuation and combination treatment strategies. As for the selection of clinical management strategies, the NAs discontinuation strategy, based on the “immune reactivation” hypothesis, may lead to HBsAg clearance in some patients, especially among Caucasians, but the risk of recurrence after discontinuation cannot be neglected. The treatment strategies based on pegylated interferon-α exhibit a higher potential for active HBsAg clearance, and some novel immunomodulators have also shown preliminary efficacy. Overall, for patients with HBsAg <100 IU/mL previously treated with NAs, treatment discontinuation or active combination treatment should be carefully assessed based on individual risk-benefit profiles. In the future, it is essential to incorporate more refined biomarkers for precise stratification and explore novel combination regimens with finite treatment courses that are safe and highly effective, in order to help more patients achieve clinical cure and reduce long-term risks of liver disease.
These guidelines put forward standardized recommendations for microecological therapy in patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). They systematically elaborate the core role of gut-liver axis dysfunction in the pathogenesis of MAFLD, and clarify the diagnostic approaches for intestinal microecological dysbiosis. The guidelines highlight recommendations on the clinical application of a full spectrum of microecological preparations including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics, and specify in detail the donor screening, therapeutic preparation manufacturing, indications, operational procedures, follow-up monitoring, and efficacy evaluation criteria for fecal microbiota transplantation. These guidelines aim to provide clinicians with an evidence-based foundation for clinical decision-making in the application of microecological therapy for MAFLD, so as to optimize patient management and ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
To further enhance the standardization of the diagnosis and treatment of primary liver cancer, ensure the safety and quality of medical care, and protect the health rights and interests of patients, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China organized the revision of Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of primary liver cancer (2024 edition) and formulated the 2026 edition of Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of primary liver cancer. Based on the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer in China, the 2026 edition integrates the latest evidence-based medical findings, especially the original studies led by Chinese scholars and published in top international journals, and makes systematic revisions and content expansions across multiple dimensions, including framework structure, epidemiological data, prevention and screening, diagnostic techniques, treatment strategies, and pathological assessment. The guidelines comprehensively standardize the entire clinical pathway for liver cancer, covering the aspects of prevention, screening, diagnosis, staging, and treatment, thereby providing authoritative technical guidance for the clinical practice of primary liver cancer in China.
In December 2025, American Gastroenterological Association released the expert review of clinical practice update on the management of ascites, volume overload, and hyponatremia in cirrhosis. The expert review proposes 13 best practice recommendations based on available evidence. This article gives an excerpt of the main recommendations from the expert review.
This article reports a case of a male patient, aged 60 years, who developed pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (PA-HSOS) due to ingestion of Gynura segetum (Lour.) Merr. The patient presented with ascites and abnormal liver function, and a confirmed diagnosis was made based on radiological examination and liver biopsy. Since the patient was allergic to low-molecular-weight heparin and had no response to supportive therapy, low-dose defibrotide was administered as rescue treatment. After treatment, the patient achieved rapid regression of ascites and recovery of liver function, and liver biopsy reexamination showed alleviation of sinusoidal congestion and hepatocyte regeneration. Self-resolving conjunctival hemorrhage occurred during treatment. This case suggests that for patients with contraindications to standard anticoagulation therapy or those showing no response to such treatment, low-dose defibrotide may be used as an effective and relatively safe alternative treatment regimen.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, posing a serious challenge to public health. In this context, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), especially intelligent diagnosis and treatment and digital health interventions based on machine learning, can break through the limitations of traditional methods, realize efficient screening of multi-dimensional data such as key genes, biomarkers, and biochemical metabolites, and achieve revolutionary breakthroughs in risk prediction, subtype identification, and therapeutic effect assessment for MAFLD. This article systematically reviews the ground-breaking application of machine learning models in driving the innovation of clinical diagnosis and precise risk prediction of MAFLD, conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of digital health practice cases of MAFLD in China and globally, and deeply analyzes their advantages and limitations in terms of research subjects, interventions, and management team. Studies have shown that the deep integration of digital health and long-term management of MAFLD is becoming the key engine driving the transformation of disease management modes towards an intelligent, individualized, and precise era, but there are various ethical and technical issues that need to be addressed urgently.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic metabolic liver disorder with complex etiologies. Different clinical phenotypes of MAFLD (such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, the postmenopausal state, and chronic hepatitis B) have different mechanisms of action in the development and progression of MAFLD, leading to high heterogeneity in its clinical progression and prognosis. This article systematically reviews the pathogeneses and clinical features of the above five clinical phenotypes of MAFLD and elaborates on the corresponding individualized diagnosis and treatment regimens integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, in order to provide a reference for clinical practice and improve clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a complex liver disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, accompanied by inflammation and hepatocyte injury, and it can gradually progress to liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. MASH has a complex pathogenesis involving multiple links such as insulin resistance, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In recent years, mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) has attracted wide attention as a key molecular target for regulating lipid metabolism. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of MPC in MASH, with a focus on how inhibiting MPC expression regulates lipid synthesis and metabolism by reducing DNL production and modulating signaling pathways such as AMPK-ACC, thereby improving liver inflammation. In addition, this article discusses the potential application prospects of MPC inhibitors in MASH treatment, in order to provide new ideas for future clinical research on MASH management.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease around the world and can eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. This article describes the evolution of the definition of MAFLD, the epidemiological burden of MAFLD, and the biosynthesis and biological functions of microRNA (miRNA), as well as the important role of various types of miRNA in the progression of MAFLD by regulating the processes such as lipid metabolism, inflammation and liver fibrosis, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and glycolysis. This article also evaluates the application prospect of miRNA as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. It is pointed out that although existing studies have shown that miRNA plays an important role in the progression of MAFLD, there are still challenges in clinical translation, and large-scale studies should be conducted in the future to clarify the practical value of miRNA in MAFLD diagnosis and treatment, thereby providing new ways for precision medicine.
In 2023, multiple international societies proposed the concept of metabolic-dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD) to characterize patients with steatotic liver disease who exhibit metabolic dysfunction and consume alcohol at a moderate level. In recent years, the evidence system in this field has been constantly developed and improved. This article reviews the latest research advances in MetALD from the aspects of background, definition, epidemiological characteristics, natural history, clinical phenotype, diagnostic and assessment methods, and treatment regimens, as well as the directions for future investigation.
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by the injury of small intrahepatic bile ducts, and at present, the pathogenesis of PBC remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that bile acid metabolism disorder and gut microbiota imbalance play a key role in the development and progression of PBC, and they form a complex and dynamic interaction network via the “gut-liver axis” and regulate core physiopathological processes such as immune response, metabolic homeostasis, and inflammatory response in a synergistic manner. This article systematically elaborates on the abnormal features of bile acid metabolism and gut microbiota in PBC, discusses their synergistic mechanisms in PBC, and then proposes a combined strategy of targeting bile acid receptors and modulating gut microbiota, in order to overcome the limitations of current treatment modalities and provide new insights and directions for the clinical management of PBC.
Ferroptosis exhibits a clear “double-edged sword” effect in liver fibrosis, with its impact strictly dependent on the type of target cells. In hepatocytes, ferroptosis induced by specific signaling pathways (such as glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibition) is a key factor for driving hepatic injury and initiating fibrogenesis, and dying hepatocytes activate hepatic stellate cells by releasing damage-associated molecules; on the contrary, in activated hepatic stellate cells, ferroptosis becomes a therapeutic target for promoting liver fibrosis regression, and selective elimination can be achieved by disrupting their distinctive antioxidant defense mechanisms. Moreover, ferroptosis modulates the dynamic balance of the fibrotic liver microenvironment by regulating macrophage polarization and intercellular communication. Based on the above mechanisms, targeting ferroptosis has emerged as a promising strategy for precise treatment. This article summarizes related research advances and discusses the major challenges and future directions for clinical translation.
Liver fibrosis is a critical pathological stage in the progression of various chronic liver diseases to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it is characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. There are currently limited clinical treatment methods for liver fibrosis, and gene therapy has attracted increasing attention as a promising intervention strategy. Owing to its advantages of low immunogenicity, strong tissue tropism, and long-term gene expression, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has become an ideal vector for gene therapy. This article systematically reviews the structural and functional features of AAV, the tissue-targeting properties of different serotypes, and the methods for preparation and purification of recombinant AAV and focuses on the advances in the application of AAV-mediated gene overexpression, gene silencing, gene editing, and cellular reprogramming in mechanism research and intervention of liver fibrosis, as well as the challenges in clinical translation and corresponding strategies. AAV-mediated gene therapy is expected to provide novel tools and strategies for the precise treatment and mechanism study of liver fibrosis.
The application of immunosuppressants has significantly reduced the incidence rate of rejection reaction after liver transplantation, but the clinical efficacy of immunosuppressants is greatly affected by individual differences between patients. This article systematically reviews the recent research advances in the interaction between immunosuppressants and gut microbiota, with a focus on the regulatory role and mechanism of intestinal microflora communities on the efficacy of immunosuppressants. Studies have shown that intestinal microbiome is one of the key factors influencing the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth research in this field and provide new insights for developing individualized immunosuppressive treatment regimens based on the regulation of intestinal microflora.
Changes in biliary system dynamics are closely associated with the development and progression of related diseases, and with the in-depth interdisciplinary research on medical sciences and engineering, the value of biliary biomechanics in clinical diagnosis and treatment has become increasingly important. This article systematically reviews the characteristics of changes in biliary system dynamics under pathological conditions and explores the application value of technologies such as biliary manometry, hydrodynamic evaluation, and experimental simulation in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative management, so as to deepen the understanding of existing diagnostic and therapeutic modes and provide new ideas for promoting precision medicine for biliary tract diseases.
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- 1Current situation in the research of Gilbert’s syndrome
- 2Review of acute pancreatitis scoring systems
- 3Clinical value of 13C-methacetin breath test for assessing liver function in patients with cirrhosis
- 4Studies on relevant gactors of Child-Pugh grading in hepatic cirrhosis
- 5Meta-analysis of 111 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma
- 6Relationship between Epstein-Barr virus infection and hepatic lesions in children
- 7Research state and prospect of hyponatremia in cirrhosis
- 8Congenital bile acid synthesis defect and cholestatic liver disease
- 9Interventional treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome:reports of 883 cases
- 10
- 1The guideline of prevention and treatment for chronic hepatitis B: a 2015 update
- 2Chinese guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis ( Shenyang , 2019 )
- 3The guideline of prevention and treatment for chronic hepatitis B(2010 version)
- 4Current situation in the research of Gilbert’s syndrome
- 5Comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer (2018 version)
- 6
- 7Consensus on the diagnosis and management of primary biliary cirrhosis (cholangitis)(2015)
- 8Diagnosis, management, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (V2017)
- 9Consensus on the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis(2015)
- 10Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (version 2019)
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