1.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Granules (补肾活血颗粒) on the Nrf2/NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis in the Brain Substantia Nigra of Parkinson's Disease Model Mice
Qi CHEN ; Peng WANG ; Yingfan CHEN ; Shaodan LI ; Minghui YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):390-398
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue Granules (补肾活血颗粒, BHG) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) through the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. MethodsA total of 84 male C57/BL 6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Madopar group, dimethyl fumarate group, and low-, medium, and high-dose BHG group, with 12 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced into PD models by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at a concentration of 30 mg/ml for 7 consecutive days. The blank group received an equal volume of saline. After model establishment, the low-, medium, and high-dose BHG groups were treated with 1.5, 3, and 6 g/(kg·d) of the BHG by gavage, respectively. The Madopar group was given 0.113 g/(kg·d) of Madopar tablets by gavage, and the dimethyl fumarate group was given 50 mg/(kg·d) of dimethyl fumarate solution. The blank group and the model group were given 10 ml/(kg·d) of distilled water by gavage. Gavage was administered once daily for 14 days. Behavioral changes were evaluated using the open field test (total distance, central area distance, and average speed), rotarod test (time on the rod), and climbing pole test (climbing time). Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the brain substantia nigra. Immunofluorescence was used to detect α-synuclein (α-syn) expression. Western Blot was used to detect Nrf2, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and α-syn protein levels in the brain substantia nigra. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in the brain substantia nigra. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased total distance, central area distance, and average speed, reduced time on the rotarod, prolonged climbing time, reduced TH expression, increased α-syn expression, decreased Nrf2 protein and mRNA expression, increased NLRP3 and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression, and elevated serum IL-1β, IL-18, and MPO levels (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug interventions significantly improved the above indicators (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in all indicators between the high-dose BHG group and the Madopar group (P>0.05). Compared with the dimethyl fumarate group, the medium and high-dose BHG groups showed increased Nrf2 mRNA expression in the brain substantia nigra (P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose BHG group, the low-dose group showed decreased total distance, central area distance, and average speed, reduced serum IL-18 levels, decreased α-syn, Nrf2, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 protein levels, and lower Nrf2 mRNA expression (P<0.05). ConclusionThe mechanism by which BHG treat PD may involve activating the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in the brain substantia nigra, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and α-syn aggregation. The high-dose group showed the best effects.
2.Changes in soft and hard tissue of central incisor before and after distal migration of the maxillary dentition in adult patients with different periodontal phenotypes
CHEN Rui ; HAN Shuang ; AN Qi
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(1):41-49
Objective :
To explore the changes of periodontal soft and hard tissue parameters of the maxillary central incisors after the distant migration of the maxillary total dentition in adult patients with different periodontal phenotypes, so as to provide a reference for orthodontic treatment.
Methods:
The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee, and the patients signed the informed consent form. Fifty-two adult patients in the orthodontic department of Hefei Stomatological Hospital were selected and divided into thick gingival and thin gingival groups, with 26 cases in each group. The labial and palatal alveolar bone parameters and various periodontal indexes of the maxillary central incisor teeth of the two groups were collected and recorded before and after treatment. SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used to statistically analyze the intra-group and inter-group differences.
Results:
After orthodontic treatment, the differences in sella-nasion-subspinale angle (SNA), sella-nasion-supramental angle (SNB), and subspinale-nasion-supramental angle (ANB) were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the inclination of the upper middle incisor teeth (U1-NA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in SNA, SNB, ANB, and U1-NA between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05). The thickness of the labial alveolar bone of the maxillary central incisors in both groups increased at the labial neck 1/3 and labial middle 1/3 (P < 0.05), and decreased at the apical 1/3 (P < 0.05). The thickness of the palatal alveolar bone decreased at the labial neck 1/3 and labial middle 1/3 (P < 0.01), and increased at the apical 1/3 (P < 0.01). In both groups, the height of the lip and palate of the upper jaw decreased to different degrees, and the height of the palatal alveolar bone was lower in the thin gingival group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in maxillary central incisor probing depth (PD), lip keratinized tissue width (KTW), or lip gingival recession (GR) between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
In the process of maxillary central incisor adduction, the labial-palatine alveolar bone remodeling is not uniform, and the alveolar bone of palatine side is mainly absorbed, which should be paid attention to clinically. Palatal alveolar bone height decreased more significantly in patients with thin gingiva after orthodontic treatment, and the risk of bone fenestration and bone dehiscence was greater.
3.Establishment and evaluation of pendulum-like modified rat abdominal heart heterotopic transplantation model
Hongtao TANG ; Caihan LI ; Xiangyun ZHENG ; Senlin HOU ; Weiyang CHEN ; Zengwei YU ; Yabo WANG ; Dong TIAN ; Qi AN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):280-287
Objective To introduce the modeling method of pendulum-like modified rat abdominal heart heterotopic transplantation model and evaluate the quality of the model. Methods An operator without transplantation experience performed 15 consecutive models, recorded the time of each step, changes in body weight and modified Stanford scores, and calculated the surgical success rate, postoperative 1-week survival rate and technical success rate. Ultrasound examinations was performed in 1 week postoperatively. Results The times for donor heart acquisition, donor heart processing, recipient preparation and transplantation anastomosis were (14.3±1.4) min, (3.5±0.6) min, (13.6±2.1) min and (38.3±5.2) min respectively. The surgical success rate was 87% (13/15), and the survival rate 1 week after operative was 100% (13/13). The improved Stanford score indicated a technical success rate of 92% (12/13), and the postoperative 1-week ultrasound examination showed that grafts with Stanford scores ≥3 had detectable pulsation and blood flow signals. Conclusions The pendulum-like modified rat abdominal heart heterotopic transplantation improved model further optimizes the operational steps with a high success rate and stable quality, may be chosen as a modeling option for basic research in heart transplantation in the future.
4.Analysis of weight loss behavior and related factors of middle school students in Shanghai
CHEN Weili, ZHANG Zhe, ZHAI Yani, YAN Qiong, QI Yue, LUO Chunyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):223-228
Objective:
To investigate the distribution characteristics and related factors of weight loss behavior among middle school students in Shanghai, so as to provide a reference for guiding scientific weight loss among middle school students.
Methods:
From May to June 2021, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 16 758 junior and high school students in 16 districts of Shanghai. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System was administered to assess the basic condition and weight loss behaviors of the students. An unordered multinomial Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the factors associated with weight loss behaviors.
Results:
A total of 5 881 (35.09%) reported engaging in exercise for weight loss, 6 344 (37.86%) reported dieting for weight loss, and 461 (2.75%) engaged in unhealthy weight loss behaviors. The unordered multinomial Logistic regression analysis indicated that compared with the no weight loss behavior group, students from urban areas( OR =1.35,95% CI =1.10-1.66), those with Internet addiction ( OR =1.71,95% CI =1.23-2.38), those with victims of bullying ( OR =2.09, 95% CI =1.68-2.61), those experiencing insomnia ( OR =2.33,95% CI = 1.74-3.11), those feelings of sadness or despair ( OR =3.10, 95% CI =2.42- 3.97 ), and those who perceived their body weight as slightly heavy ( OR =2.77, 95% CI = 2.17-3.55) or very heavy ( OR =3.41, 95% CI =2.44-4.75) were more likely to engage in unhealthy weight loss behaviors ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
There are significant differences in weight loss behaviors among middle school students with varying characteristics in Shanghai. Negative emotions such as insomnia and feelings of sadness or despair, Internet addiction, cognitive bias in weight and experiences of bullying are identified as related factors for unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Targeted intervention measures should be implemented to guide students towards scientific approaches to weight management.
5.Characteristics and implications of observation tools for physical activity among children and adolescents
QIU Yanping, WANG Lijuan, QI Jing, CHEN Huan, ZHENG Nan, LI Xiaoqing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):310-314
Abstract
To analyzes the characteristics, problems and enlightenment of physical activity observation tools, so as to provide reference for researchers to quickly and accurately choose appropriate observation tools to evaluate children s and adolescents physical activity. Literature search is conducted in eight databases of Chinese and English, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, ERIC, and SPORTDiscus. Ultimately, eight observation tools for assessing physical activity in children and adolescents are included. Through summarization and comparison, it is found that the applications of those tools cover multiple age groups, the observation indicators cover multiple dimensions for each with varying emphases, and the applicable contexts vary in their specific background information, and recording methods tend to be quantitative. However, several issues remain to be addressed in practical applications. First, the observation indicators need to be supplemented and improved; second, physical activity in community environments and academic classrooms requires further attention; third, physical activity intensity needs to be scientifically evaluated; fourth, observation and recording methods need to be integrated and innovated; fifth, the number of observation subjects needs to be expanded. Future research could focus on developing observation tools tailored to the characteristics of Chinese children and adolescents, while drawing on foreign observation tools to comprehensively assess physical activity among children and adolescents.
6.Advances in Immunotargeted Therapy for Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):423-430
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) is an autoimmune disorder mediated by autoantibodies. With an increasing understanding of the immunopathogenesis of wAIHA, significant progress has been made in the development of drugs targeting different components of the immune system. Consequently, these emerging drugs provide more options for the treatment of patients with wAIHA. Anti-B-cell targeted therapies, represented by novel CD20 monoclonal antibodies, Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases(PI3K) inhibitors, and B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) inhibitors, have shown remarkable efficacy. Additionally, anti-plasma cell targeted therapies, exemplified by proteasome inhibitors and CD38 monoclonal antibodies, have also demonstrated significant outcomes. Furthermore, advances have been achieved in complement inhibitors, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) monoclonal antibodies, spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitors, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. This article reviews the recent advances in immunotargeted therapy for wAIHA, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice.
7.Analysis of clinical infection characteristics of multidrug-resistant organisms in hospitalized patients in a tertiary sentinel hospital in Shanghai from 2021 to 2023
Qi MAO ; Tenglong ZHAO ; Xihong LYU ; Zhiyuan GU ; Bin CHEN ; Lidi ZHAO ; Xifeng LI ; Xing ZHANG ; Liang TIAN ; Renyi ZHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):156-159
ObjectiveTo understand the infection characteristics of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitalized patients in a tertiary sentinel hospital in Shanghai, so as to provide an evidence for the development of targeted prevention and control measures. MethodsData of MDROs strains and corresponding medical records of some hospitalized patients in a hospital in Shanghai from 2021 to 2023 were collected, together with an analysis of the basic information, clinical treatment, underlying diseases and sources of sample collection. ResultsA total of 134 strains of MDROs isolated from hospitalized patients in this hospital were collected from 2021 to 2023 , including 63 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 57 strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and 14 strains of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Of the 134 strains, 30 strains were found in 2021, 47 strains in 2022 and 57 strains in 2023. The male-to-female ratio of patients was 2.05∶1, with the highest percentage (70.90%) in the age group of 60‒<90 years. The primary diagnosis was mainly respiratory disease, with lung and respiratory tract as the cheif infection sites. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different genders and infection sites (P>0.05). However, the differences in the distribution of strains between different ages and primary diagnosis were statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), had urinary tract intubation, were not artery or vein intubated, were not on a ventilator, were not using immunosuppresants or hormones, and were not applying radiotherapy or chemotherapy were in the majority. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains for whether received radiotherapy or chemotherapy or not (P>0.05), while the differences in the distribution of strains with ICU admission history, urinary tract intubation, artery or vein intubation, ventilator use, and immunosuppresants or hormones use or not were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The type of specimen was mainly sputum, the hospitalized ward was mainly comprehensive ICU, the sampling time was mainly in the first quarter throughout the year, the number of underlying diseases was mainly between 1 to 2 kinds, the application of antibiotics ≥4 kinds, and those who didn’t receive any surgery recently accounted for the most. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of strains between different specimen types, wards occupied and history of ICU stay (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different sampling times, number of underlying diseases and types of antibiotics applied (P>0.05). ConclusionThe situation of prevention and control on MDROs in this hospital is still serious. Focus should be placed on high-risk factors’ and infection monitoring and preventive measures should be strengthened to reduce the incidence rate of MDROs infection.
8.Research on the effectiveness of health information dissemination via the “Shanghai CDC” WeChat public account
Ying GUO ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Wen XIA ; Xiaoyan HUANG ; Xuanmeng HU ; Qi SHEN ; Chen DONG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):179-183
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of health information dissemination and its influencing factors using the "Shanghai CDC" WeChat public account as a case study, providing references for public health institutions to optimize the use of official new media platforms for effective publicity. MethodsA total of 1 030 headline articles published on the "Shanghai CDC" WeChat public account between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed using content analysis and non-parametric tests to examine the impact of factors such as titles and content categories. ResultsFrom 2016 to 2019, the number of WeChat public account followers increased by 280 000, with the articles accumulating over 8.8 million views. The median (P25, P75) open rate of articles was 5.90% (3.69%, 10.31%), and the median (P25, P75) sharing and forwarding rate was 6.60% (4.25%, 9.17%). Factors such as the use of first- and second-person pronouns, degree adverbs, negative adverbs, explicit viewpoints, and title length all significantly affected the open rate of articles, with OR (95%CI) values of 0.175 (0.041‒0.756), 32.606 (2.350‒452.432), 4.079 (1.093‒15.230), 0.106 (0.028‒0.409), and 1.184 (1.063‒1.319),respectively (all P<0.05). In terms of content, statistical significant differences in dissemination effectiveness were observed across article categories and themes (P<0.05). In terms of article categories, articles related to news hotspots and service information had higher open rates of 9.58% and 14.00%, respectively. These two types of articles also obtained higher sharing and forwarding rates of 7.65% and 9.16%, respectively. In terms of article topics, compared with healthy life and health products, among the top four topics in terms of publication volume, the open rates of articles about infectious diseases and disease-causing biology and immunization programs were higher, accounting for 7.88% and 6.88%, respectively, with no significant difference in sharing and forwarding rates. ConclusionThe "Shanghai CDC" WeChat public account demonstrated good dissemination effectiveness. Enhancing article titles by increasing informational content and degree adverbs (e.g., "highly," "most," and "extremely") and negative adverbs (e.g., "no") can improve dissemination reach. Public health WeChat accounts should incorporate news hotspots or service information in their articles. While maintaining their strengths in disseminating knowledge on infectious diseases and immunization programs, they should also enhance public education in other professional fields within their scope of responsibility to improve the overall dissemination impact of health information.
9.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
10.Therapeutic Study on The Inhibition of Neuroinflammation in Ischemic Stroke by Induced Regulatory T Cells
Tian-Fang KANG ; Ai-Qing MA ; Li-Qi CHEN ; Han GONG ; Jia-Cheng OUYANG ; Fan PAN ; Hong PAN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):946-956
ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4+ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.


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