1.Zuogui Wan Improve Ovarian Inflammatory Microenvironment and Stemness of Ovarian Germline Stem Cells in Ovarian Aging via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Yunling ZHENG ; Xinyi PAN ; Zuang LI ; Yixuan WANG ; Junyi AN ; Yuxin ZOU ; Mengting XIAO ; Zheng CHEN ; Ling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Zuogui Wan (ZGW) in improving ovarian inflammatory microenvironment and stemness of ovarian germline stem cells (OSCs) for treating ovarian aging via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a low-dose ZGW group (2.7 g·kg-1), a high-dose ZGW group (5.4 g·kg-1), and an estradiol valerate group (0.15 mg·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Except the blank group, all other groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at 120 mg·kg-1 to establish an ovarian aging mouse model. After successful modeling, each group was continuously administered for 4 weeks, once daily. The physiological status of the mice was observed, and the ovarian index was calculated. The estrus cycle of the mice was monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in ovarian tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum sex hormone levels. Serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and mouse interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using kits. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cGAS, STING, p-STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p-TBK1, interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (Fragilis), and Vasa homolog protein (MVH). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed to locate OSCs in ovarian tissues, and fluorescence intensities of OSCs markers MVH and octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) were calculated. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.01) and a disordered estrus cycle (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were increased (P<0.01), while anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) levels were decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of OSCs stemness factors MVH and Fragilis was reduced (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence indicated a reduction in MVH and Oct4 expression in OSCs (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improved body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.05) and a reduced rate of estrus cycle disorder (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum FSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while AMH and E2 levels were increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of MVH and Fragilis was increased (P<0.05), and the fluorescence intensities of MVH and Oct4 were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue was decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionZGW alleviate ovarian inflammatory response, regulate ovarian microenvironment homeostasis, and maintain stemness of OSCs in ovarian aging mice probably by modulating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thereby improving ovarian function and delaying ovarian aging.
2.Impact of Nutritional Support on Antitumor Efficacy in the Era of Immunotherapy
Xiaojun QIAN ; Ling LU ; Xuecheng HU ; Shiwei LI ; Wenjun GAO ; Li PAN ; Yubei SUN ; Suyi LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):89-95
Despite breakthroughs in immunotherapy for solid tumors, significant variations in treatment efficacy persist. Up to 80% of cancer patients suffer from malnutrition, which leads to: lymphoid atrophy and reduced T-cell reserves; deficiency of substrates required for T-cell activation and expansion; concurrent inflammation hindering T-cell infiltration into tumors; and cachexia accelerating PD-1 antibody clearance. Clinical studies confirm that severe malnutrition significantly impairs immune responses and increases the risk of treatment toxicity. Therefore, implementing standardized nutritional therapy is crucial for optimizing the reserve, activation, expansion, and infiltration capacity of immune cells, thereby providing a sound immune system foundation for immunotherapy. Immunonutrition therapy, by enhancing immunonutrients such as arginine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and nucleotides, reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and promotes T-cell activation and proliferation. This enhances anti-tumor immune responses, prolongs survival, and advances cancer treatment towards multimodal combination and precision approaches.
3.Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked in a mouse model of concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated liver injury
Zhenzhen PAN ; Ling XU ; Xianru ZHU ; Zihao FAN ; Yaling CAO ; Yinkang MO ; Sai YAN ; Feng REN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):134-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X) in immune-mediated liver injury (ILI), and to clarify its mechanism by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-dependent apoptotic pathway and its association with the clinical progression of hepatitis B. MethodsMice were given injection of concanavalin A (ConA) via the caudal vein to establish a model of ILI, PBS (control group) and different concentrations of ConA were injected into the tail vein of hepatocyte-specific DDX3X-knockout mice (DDX3XΔHep and DDX3X-flox mice (DDX3Xfl/fl), respectively.. The log-rank survival analysis, measurement of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HE staining of liver tissue were performed to assess liver injury, and qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and DDX3X in liver tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA, 100 mg/kg) was performed to inhibit ERS. Serum samples (n=30) and liver tissue samples (n=6) were collected from healthy controls, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and hepatitis B virus-associated liver failure (HBV-LF) patients; ELISA was used to measure the serum level of DDX3X, and qRT-PCR/Western Blot was used to analyze the expression of targets in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group of mice, the expression of DDX3X in the liver of mice induced by ConA was significantly increased after liver injury (P<0.05), and hepatocyte-specific DDX3X knockout increased the 72-hour survival rate of mice by 55% (compared with 20% in the DDX3Xfl/fl group), with significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT and AST (P<0.000 1) and the expression levels of the ERS markers GRP78 and CHOP (P<0.05). After ERS was inhibited by 4-PBA, there was alleviation of liver injury (with reductions in ALT and AST, P <0.001) and a reduction in DDX3X expression (P<0.01). The analysis of clinical samples showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of liver DDX3X in CHB patients and HBV-LF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (all P<0.01), and there was a significant increase in the serum level of DDX3X in HBV-LF patients (P<0.000 1). ConclusionDDX3X exacerbates ILI by regulating the ERS-dependent apoptotic pathway (GRP78/CHOP), and its expression is associated with the progression of hepatitis B. Therefore, it can be used as a potential therapeutic target.
4.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
5.Predictive value of neurotrophic factors for cognitive impairment in elderly patients after cerebral infarction
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(7):728-732
Objective To analyze the predictive value of neurotrophic factors for cognitive impairment in the elderly after cerebral infarction.Methods The clinical data of 137 elderly patients with cerebral infarction who were admitted to Wujin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2022 to January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.At 7 days after the onset of cerebral infarction,the patients were classified into occurrence group(n=49)and non-occurrence group(n=88)according to the occurrence of cognitive impairment.The levels of nutrition-related factors,such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and glial cell derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF),were compared between the two groups.The influencing factors of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with cerebral infarction were screened,and a risk prediction model for cognitive impairment in elderly patients with cerebral infarction was constructed and verified.Results The levels of serum BDNF and GDNF in the occurrence group were lower than those in the non-occurrence group(P<0.05).The proportion of females,the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score and the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)in the occurrence group were higher than those in the non-occurrence group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that serum BDNF(OR=0.271,95%CI:0.128-0.662),serum GDNF(OR=0.227,95%CI:0.100-0.516),NIHSS score(OR=4.768,95%CI:2.096~10.847),and LDL-C(OR=3.955,95%CI:1.749-8.997)were the influential factors for cognitive impairment in elderly patients with cerebral infarction(P<0.05).The sensitivity,specificity and area under the curve of the nomogram model were 79.6%(95%CI:65.2%~89.3%),90.9%(95%CI:95%CI:82.4%~95.7%),and 0.903(95%CI:0.821-0.965)for the prediction of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with cerebral infarction.Conclusion The levels of BDNF and GDNF are related to cognitive impairment in elderly patients with cerebral infarction.The risk prediction model constructed based on BDNF,GDNF,NIHSS score and LDL-C can help to predict the risk of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with cerebral infarction.
6.Research Progress in the Mechanisms of Acupuncture in Regulating DNA Methylation
Sujin GAO ; Xinru PAN ; Baitong LIU ; Ling LUO ; Xiaoyi XIONG ; Shuguang YU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(1):19-25
DNA methylation is the first epigenetic modification found in humans.Abnormal changes in DNA methylation are closely associated with the development and progression of diseases.Acupuncture,an important component of traditional Chinese medicine,has been shown to have significant therapeutic efficacy.The mechanisms underlying acupuncture are complex,involving physiological and pathological processes of integrated interactions across multiple targets.However,current research mostly focuses on a single target,highlighting the need for a more upstream approach to the investigation of the mechanisms.Herein,we reviewed studies on the direct or indirect regulation of DNA methylation via acupuncture.We also discussed its mechanisms of action in pain,obesity,depression,and Alzheimer disease,in order to provide a new perspective on the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture and the role of DNA methylation in the field of acupuncture research.Future research should concentrate on the effect of acupuncture on the DNA methylation of specific genes,the quantification of changes in DNA methylation at different acupoints,the development of individualized acupuncture prescriptions,further investigation of the specificity of the effects at different acupoint,and the expansion of the research to integrate epigenetics and genomics.This will provide a theoretical basis for the internationalization and the promotion of clinical application of acupuncture.
7.ESTABLISHMENT AND APPLICATION OF A MULTIPLEX PCR DETECTION METHOD FOR THREE COMMON PATHOGENS CAUSING DIARRHEA IN YAKS
Yao PAN ; Jing ZHANG ; Mei-Jun JIN ; Ling-Xiang XIN ; Hai-Yue XIAO ; Yan LIU ; Wen-Sheng YAO ; Chuan CHENG ; Li-Li HAO ; Lan LAN ; Liang-Quan ZHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(3):146-152
Objective To establish a rapid,sensitive,and specific multiplex PCR detection method for the simultaneous detection of Cryptosporidium,Eimeria,and bovine parvovirus.Methods Specific primers targeting the SSU rRNA genes of Cryptosporidium and Eimeria,as well as the VP2 gene of bovine parvovirus were designed and the corresponding recombinant plasmid standards were constructed.To establish the multiplex PCR method,the reaction conditions were optimized using temperature gradient PCR and single-variable control methods.The sensitivity,specificity,reproducibility,and clinical application of the protocol were evaluated.Results The optimal annealing temperature was found to be 60.5℃,and the forward and reverse primer concentrations were determined to be 0.2 μmol/L for Eimeria,and 0.4 μmol/L for Cryptosporidium and bovine parvovirus.The assay demonstrated high sensitivity,with detection limits of 243,260,and 3 110 copies for the recombinant plasmid standards of Cryptosporidium,Eimeria,and bovine parvovirus,respectively.Specificity testing showed no cross-reactivity with ten common bovine pathogens,including Salmonella,bovine viral diarrhea virus,and bovine rotavirus.Consistent intra-and inter-batch results confirmed the strong reproducibility of the method.Clinical application to 81 diarrhea samples from various regions in the Ganzi Prefecture,Sichuan,revealed positivity rates of 18.52%(15/81)for Cryptosporidium,34.57%(28/81)for Eimeria,and 18.52%(15/81)forbovineparvovirus,withamixedinfectionrateof3.7%(3/81).Conclusions Themultiplex PCR method established in this study offers a reliable tool for differential diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of the three common diarrheal pathogens in yaks.
8.Effect of ultrasound-guided scalp nerve block combined with dexmedetomidine on cerebral blood flow after craniotomy in patients with acute traumatic brain injury
Ying ZHAO ; Shuquan FENG ; Dailing ZHANG ; Ling YU ; Peng PAN ; Hebin SUN ; Jianping FEI ; Shigang QIAO
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(9):1206-1211
Objective:To investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided scalp nerve block (SNB) combined with dexmedetomidine on cerebral blood flow after craniotomy in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:A randomized controlled design was conducted. Patients aged 25-65 years, with ASA physical status I–III and Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 9-12, who underwent craniotomy for acute TBI at Kunshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between January 2024 and February 2025 were selected. Patients with unstable vital signs, cranial tumors, cardiovascular diseases, local anesthetic allergies, or infections at the puncture site were excluded. Using a random number table, patients were divided into two groups: the ultrasound-guided SNB combined with dexmedetomidine group (SD group) and the dexmedetomidine-alone group (D group). General clinical data, peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean blood flow velocity (MBFV), intracranial pressure (ICP), S100 calcium-binding protein beta (S-100β protein), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels, and postoperative complications were compared. Dynamic changes in PSV and MBFV were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance, while inter-group comparisons used independent sample t-tests. Results:A total of 79 patients were included, with 40 in the SD group and 39 in the D group. There were no significant differences in general clinical data between the two groups (all P>0.05). In the D group, PSV and MBFV at T 1 and T 2 were significantly higher than at T0 [(125.04±20.43) cm/s vs. (126.83±21.76) cm/s vs. (110.63±18.49) cm/s, P=0.001; (61.75±8.34) cm/s vs. (62.81±8.54) cm/s vs. (57.82±6.93) cm/s, P=0.017], whereas no significant differences were observed in the SD group (all P>0.05). PSV, MBFV, ICP, S-100β protein, and NSE levels at T1 and T2 in the SD group were lower than those in the D group (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative hypertension, agitation, and the use rate of vasoactive drugs were also lower in the SD group compared to the D group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The application of ultrasound-guided SNB combined with dexmedetomidine in TBI patients after craniotomy can help stabilize cerebral blood flow and ICP, mitigate neuronal injury, and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.
9.Clinical study on meridian acupuncture combined with electromyographic biofeedback in spastic cerebral palsy
Ling YANG ; Jiang PAN ; Zhengliang CAO ; Zhen WANG ; Qian TIAN ; Bo LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(11):1527-1531
Objective:TTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of meridian acupuncture combined with electromyographic biofeedback therapy on spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:A randomized controlled trial study was conducted. Totally 128 children with spastic cerebral palsy in our hospital from September 2022 to September 2024 were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 64 cases in each group. The control group received routine rehabilitation training and electromyographic biofeedback therapy, while the observation group received combined meridian acupoint therapy on the basis of the control group. Both groups received 3 weeks of treatment, making a total of 3 treatment courses. The Gross Motor Function Test (GMFM) was used to evaluate the motor function of children; the Developmental Behavior Assessment (DBA) was used to assess the psychological and behavioral development status of children aged 0-6, the Fine Motor Function Assessment (FMFM) was used to assess the fine motor skills of children; the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess the cognitive level of children; the Modified Ashworth Rating Scale (MAS) was used to assess the muscle strength level of children; the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 92.19% (59/64), while that of the control group was 76.56% (49/64), with statistical significance ( χ2=5.93, P=0.015). The observation group had higher scores for lying down and turning over, sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing, walking, running, and jumping after treatment compared to the control group ( t-values of 2.82, 5.83, 4.97, 4.23, 4.41, respectively, P<0.01); the scores for gross motor skills, fine motor skills, adaptability, language, and social behavior were higher than thoes in the control group ( t values of 3.34, 3.73, 5.33, 3.75, 5.47, respectively, P<0.01); the FMFM and MoCA scores were higher than those in the control group ( t values of 5.23 and 4.41, respectively, P<0.01); the MAS grading level was lower than that of the control group ( t=8.46, P<0.01). Conclusion:The combination of meridian acupuncture and electromyographic biofeedback can improve the motor function, psychological and behavioral development, fine motor skills, cognitive development, and clinical efficacy of children with spastic cerebral palsy.
10.Spatio-temporal clustering analysis of mumps in Wenzhou City from 2010 to 2023
LI Ling ; WEI Jingjiao ; PAN Qiongjiao ; LI Wancang ; WANG Jian
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):284-287
Objective:
To identify the spatio-temporal clustering analysis of mumps in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2023, so as to provide the basis for improving mumps prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
Data of mumps cases in Wenzhou City from 2010 to 2023 were collected from the Monitoring and Reporting Management System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The spatio-temporal clustering characteristics of mumps incidence were identified using spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatio-temporal scan analysis.
Results:
A total of 20 455 mumps cases were reported in Wenzhou City from 2010 to 2023, with an average annual incidence of 17.54/105. There were 12 919 male and 7 536 female cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.71∶1. The children aged 5-<10 years had the highest incidence of mumps at 135.29/105. The incidence of mumps showed a downward trend from 46.82/105 in 2010 to 3.59/105 in 2023 (P<0.05). The incidence of mumps peaked from May to July and from November to January during 2010 and 2012, the winter peak became less evident after 2013, and no seasonal trends were observed after 2020. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed there was a positive spatial correlation of mumps of other years, with the exception of 2018 (all Moran's I >0, all P<0.05). Lucheng District, Longwan District, Ouhai District, Cangnan County and Rui'an City were high-high clustering sites. Spatio-temporal scan analysis showed that the primary clustering area was centered in Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, covering 50 towns (streets), with the clustering time from April 2010 to August 2013; the secondary clustering area was centered in Zaoxi Town, Cangnan County, covering 24 towns (streets), with the clustering time from January 2010 to June 2013.
Conclusions
The incidence of mumps in Wenzhou City from 2010 to 2023 showed a downward trend. The urban areas, Cangnan County and Rui'an City were the clustering areas.


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