1.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
2.Multi-omics reveals the inhibition mechanism of Bacillus velezensis DJ1 against Fusarium graminearum.
Meng SUN ; Lu ZHOU ; Yutong LIU ; Wei JIANG ; Gengxuan YAN ; Wenjing DUAN ; Ting SU ; Chunyan LIU ; Shumei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(10):3719-3733
Bacillus velezensis DJ1 exhibits broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against diverse phytopathogenic fungi, while its biocontrol mechanisms against Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of maize stalk rot, remain poorly characterized. In this study, we integrated genomics and transcriptomics to elucidate the antifungal mechanisms of strain DJ1. The results demonstrated that DJ1 inhibited F. graminearum with the efficacy of 64.4%, while its polyketide crude extract achieved the control efficacy of 55% in pot experiments against this disease. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a single circular chromosome (3 929 792 bp, GC content of 47%) harboring 12 biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites, six of which encoded known antimicrobial compounds (macrolactin H, bacillaene, difficidin, surfactin, fengycin, and bacilysin). Transcriptomic analysis identified 243 differentially expressed genes (152 upregulated and 91 downregulated, P < 0.05), which were potentially associated with the antagonistic activity against F. graminearum. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted activation (P < 0.05) of cysteine/methionine metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, and polyketide biosynthesis pathways, indicating that DJ1 employed synergistic strategies involving antimicrobial compound synthesis, energy metabolism enhancement, and nutrient competition to suppress pathogens. This study provides a theoretical foundation for developing novel microbial resources and application technologies to combat phytopathogenic fungi.
Fusarium/drug effects*
;
Bacillus/metabolism*
;
Plant Diseases/prevention & control*
;
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology*
;
Genomics
;
Zea mays/microbiology*
;
Transcriptome
;
Gene Expression Profiling
;
Antibiosis
;
Multigene Family
;
Multiomics
3.Periodontitis exacerbates pulmonary hypertension by promoting IFNγ+T cell infiltration in mice
Meng XIAOQIAN ; Du LINJUAN ; Xu SHUO ; Zhou LUJUN ; Chen BOYAN ; Li YULIN ; Chen CHUMAO ; Ye HUILIN ; Zhang JUN ; Tian GUOCAI ; Bai XUEBING ; Dong TING ; Lin WENZHEN ; Sun MENGJUN ; Zhou KECONG ; Liu YAN ; Zhang WUCHANG ; Duan SHENGZHONG
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(2):359-369
Uncovering the risk factors of pulmonary hypertension and its mechanisms is crucial for the prevention and treatment of the disease.In the current study,we showed that experimental periodontitis,which was established by ligation of molars followed by orally smearing subgingival plaques from patients with periodontitis,exacerbated hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice.Mechanistically,periodontitis dysregulated the pulmonary microbiota by promoting ectopic colonization and enrichment of oral bacteria in the lungs,contributing to pulmonary infiltration of interferon gamma positive(IFNγ+)T cells and aggravating the progression of pulmonary hypertension.In addition,we identified Prevotella zoogleoformans as the critical periodontitis-associated bacterium driving the exacerbation of pulmonary hypertension by periodontitis,and the exacerbation was potently ameliorated by both cervical lymph node excision and IFNγ neutralizing antibodies.Our study suggests a proof of concept that the combined prevention and treatment of periodontitis and pulmonary hypertension are necessary.
4.Evaluation of perioperative anxiety state and analysis of influencing factors in burn patients
Shu-Ting REN ; Meng-Meng LI ; Ya-Nan BIAN ; Wen XU ; Guo-Xin GU ; Yu SUN ; Ming-Zi RAN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(7):754-760
Objective To evaluate the perioperative anxiety state and analyze the influencing factors of burned patients.Methods A total of 110 burned patients undergoing selective surgery under general anesthesia were included in the Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from February to August 2022.All patients were evaluated with self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),visual analogue scale-anxiety(VAS-a),visual analogue scale-pain(VAS-p),mini-mental state examination(MMSE),and Ramsay sedation score 1-day before and after operation.The patients'parameters were recorded including mean arterial pressure(MAP)and heart rate(HR)at admission(T0),before anesthesia induction(T1),2 min after intubation(T2),15 min after surgery(T3),during surgery(T4),at surgery end(T5),and immediately after leaving the operating room(T6).The occurrence and the influencing factors of perioperative anxiety in burn patients were analyzed using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results The incidence of preoperative and postoperative anxiety in burn patients was 29.1%and 22.3%respectively.Univariate logistic analysis showed that gender(P=0.002),burn time(P=0.046),burn area(P=0.005),burn site(P=0.035),and degree of preoperative pain(P=0.001)were related with preoperative anxiety status in burn patients;while burn time(P=0.030),burn area(P=0.001),burn site(P=0.016),degree of preoperative pain(P=0.021),and preoperative anxiety status(P<0.001)were related with postoperative anxiety state in burn patients.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender and degree of preoperative pain were the independent influencing factors of preoperative anxiety status in burn patients(P=0.002,0.022),and preoperative anxiety status was the independent influencing factor of postoperative anxiety status in burn patients(P<0.001).Compared with the preoperative non-anxious patients(n=73),preoperative anxious patients(n=30)showed no significant difference in MAP at each time point(P>0.05),but HR was accelerated(P<0.05),and the dosage of sufentanil,remifentanil and propofol increased significantly during the operation(P<0.05).Conclusions The anxiety state of burn patients was significantly higher before operation than that after operation,and their consumption of anesthetic drugs during operation was higher,and there was no significant correlation with the type and number of operation.Gender,degree of preoperative pain and anxiety state were the independent influencing factors of perioperative anxiety state in burn patients.Early intervention against relevant factors will help patients recover quickly.
5.Maternal MTR gene polymorphisms and their interactions with periconceptional folic acid supplementation in relation to offspring ventricular septal defects
Xiao-Rui RUAN ; Meng-Ting SUN ; Jian-Hui WEI ; Man-Jun LUO ; Han-Jun LIU ; Jia-Peng TANG ; Liu-Xuan LI ; Jia-Bi QIN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(9):899-906
Objective To investigate how maternal MTR gene polymorphisms and their interactions with periconceptional folic acid supplementation are associated with the incidence of ventricular septal defects(VSD)in offspring.Methods A case-control study was conducted,recruiting 426 mothers of infants with VSD under one year old and 740 mothers of age-matched healthy infants.A questionnaire survey collected data on maternal exposures,and blood samples were analyzed for genetic polymorphisms.Multivariable logistic regression analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to analyze the associations between genetic loci and VSD.Crossover analysis and logistic regression were utilized to examine the additive and multiplicative interactions between the loci and folic acid intake.Results The CT and TT genotypes of the maternal MTR gene at rs6668344 increased the susceptibility of offspring to VSD(P<0.05).The GC and CC genotypes at rs3768139,AG and GG at rs1050993,AT and TT at rs4659743,GG at rs3768142,and GT and TT at rs3820571 were associated with a decreased risk of VSD(P<0.05).The variations at rs6668344 demonstrated an antagonistic multiplicative interaction with folic acid supplementation in relation to VSD(P<0.05).Conclusions Maternal MTR gene polymorphisms significantly correlate with the incidence of VSD in offspring.Mothers with variations at rs6668344 can decrease the susceptibility to VSD in their offspring by supplementing with folic acid during the periconceptional period,suggesting the importance of periconceptional folic acid supplementation in genetically at-risk populations to prevent VSD in offspring.
6.A survey on the diagnosis and treatment of Mason Type Ⅱ radial head fracture by domestic orthopaedic trauma surgeons in China
Changrun LI ; Ting LI ; Zhijian SUN ; Meng MI ; Honghu XIAO ; Shangwei JI ; Dongchen YAO ; Fangfang DUAN ; Xieyuan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(5):444-448
Objective:To investigate the major considerations of domestic orthopaedic trauma surgeons in China when they diagnose and treat Mason type Ⅱ radial head fractures.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted from January 15, 2022 to January 16, 2022 using the convenience sampling method among domestic orthopedic trauma surgeons in China. The survey covered the surgeons' basic information, evaluation of Mason type Ⅱ radial head fractures, treatment preferences, and surgical indications recognized.Results:The present survey retrieved 474 eligible questionnaires. 358 surgeons (75.5%, 358/474) believed that the Morrey modified classification for Mason type Ⅱ radial head fracture could properly guide their diagnosis and treatment. 460 surgeons (97.0%, 460/474) believed that diagnosis of the fracture should be based on a combination of elbow X-ray and elbow CT examinations. Young age (80.2%, 380/474), dominant side involvement (66.2%, 314/474), concomitant ipsilateral upper limb injury (78.7%, 373/474), large fracture displacement (67.7%, 321/474), separation of fracture fragments from the main bone (91.6%, 434/474), and fracture involvement area >30% (81.6%, 387/474) were the main factors considered by the orthopedic trauma surgeons when they chose surgical treatment. Large fracture displacement (71.7%, 340/474), especially large articular steps (83.5%, 443/474), separation of fracture fragments from the main bone (75.9%, 360/474), and limited forearm rotation or joint clicking (82.7%, 392/474) found during physical examination were recognized as surgical indications for Mason type Ⅱ fracture by orthopedic trauma surgeons.Conclusion:Domestic orthopedic trauma surgeons in China prefer surgical treatment for Mason type Ⅱ radial head fractures with loss of cortical contact and large displacement, especially large articular steps.
7.Study of adult radial head fracture and its treatment: a bibliometric analysis of current status and trends
Changrun LI ; Ting LI ; Zhijian SUN ; Meng MI ; Honghu XIAO ; Shangwei JI ; Dongchen YAO ; Fangfang DUAN ; Xieyuan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(9):797-803
Objective:To investigate the current status and developing trends of study of adult radial head fracture and its treatment.Methods:The literature related to radial head fracture from January 2010 to September 2022 was reviewed through Web of science database. A bibliometric method and visualization software were used to study all the data collected and the 100 most-cited studies related to the treatment of radial head fracture to understand the research status, related cooperation, research trends and research hotspots in the field of adult radial head fracture.Results:A total of 387 studies were included, with a citation frequency of 4,982 times, an average citation frequency of 12.9 times for each study, and an H index of 36. The most studies were published in 2020 (38 studies). The citation frequency increased year by year, reaching the highest (783 times) in 2019. For the 100 most-cited studies, the citation frequency was 2,235 times, and the average citation frequency was 22.4 times for each study. The United States (100 studies), Harvard University (30 studies), Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (69 studies), and Ring D (19 studies) were, respectively, the most contributing country/region, institution, journal, and author. The country/region, institution, and author that participated the most in the collaboration were, respectively, the United States, Amphia Hospital, and Eygendaal D. Radial head fractures of Mason types Ⅱ and Ⅲ and combined with other elbow fractures and dislocations have attracted the intense attention since 2010. The current research hotspots are combined injuries and radial head prosthesis. Conclusion:Analysis of the bibliometric characteristics of the literature related to adult radial head fracture since 2010 displays the current research status and research hotspots to help following researchers to fully understand the historical development and recent hotspots in the field of adult radial head fracture.
8.Advances in roles of Parabacteroides distasonis and its regulation by traditional Chinese medicines.
Dan LONG ; Meng QIN ; Pei-Peng CHEN ; Xin HUANG ; Ya-Ting CAO ; Ai-Ling YIN ; Yue-Yue CHEN ; Hai-Dan WANG ; Yun-Ke GUO ; Xuan WANG ; Hai-Jian SUN ; Jin-Jun SHAN ; Wei ZHOU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2024;49(22):5988-5997
Parabacteroides distasonis is a gram-negative bacterium initially isolated from a clinical specimen in the 1930s. The strain was re-classified to form the new genus Parabacteroides in 2006. P. distasonis can regulate intestinal barrier function and plays a key role in immune response and metabolic regulation of bodies. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is closely related to the intestinal microbiota. Polysaccharides, saponins, and other ingredients of TCM can treat diseases by interacting with P. distasonis, but the specific mechanisms underlying these processes are still unclear, requiring further exploration. This study reviewed the roles and related mechanisms of P. distasonis in inflammatory-immune diseases, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer, and other diseases and summarized the relevant research results of TCM to prevent and treat diseases by regulating P. distasonis. This study provides a reference for subsequent exploration of P. distasonis and research on the interaction between TCM and intestinal microbiota.
Humans
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Animals
;
Bacteroidetes
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
9.Study on sIgE distribution characteristics and the sensitization pattern of allergen in 1 161 patients with allergic diseases of respiratory tract in northwest China.
Miao Yuan XU ; Qing Yuan YE ; Jia Le ZHANG ; Zong Cheng HUANG ; Yi WANG ; Jing LIU ; Hua Jie WU ; Meng XU ; Yu WANG ; Bao Qing SUN ; Wen Ting LUO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(9):1355-1363
Objective: To explore the allergen map of patients with allergic diseases in northwest China, to investigate the distribution characteristics of serum specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in different ages, genders, diseases and the sensitization patterns of allergens. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study, a total of 1 161 patients with confirmed respiratory allergic diseases were selected retrospectively from outpatient or inpatient department of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University and Tumor Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from June 2019 to October 2022. HAIKE ALLEOS 2000 fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method was used to quantify their serum for 12 inhaled allergen-specific IgE. Chi square test or Fisher's exact test were used for comparison between count data groups (Bonferroni correction was used for further pairwise comparison in multiple groups, two-sided P<0.05/3=0.017 considered that the difference was statistically significant). Pearson correlation analysis was used for correlation of continuous numerical variables. Results: The positive detection rate of sIgE in 1 161 patients was 66.8%(776/1 161). The three highest positive rate of inhaled allergen were mugwort(599/1 161, 51.6%), French chrysanthemum(565/1 161, 48.7%) and dandelion(412/1 161, 35.5%). In different age groups, the highest positive rate of sIgE was 7-18 age group(379/513, 73.9%) while the lowest positive rate was 4-6 age group(222/370, 60.0%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=21.177, P<0.001). The sensitization peak of mugwort, French chrysanthemum, plantain, timothy, birch, dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, dermatophagoides farinae, cat epithelium, dog epithelium and German cockroach appeared in 7-18 age group. In different disease groups, the highest positive rate of sIgE was allergic rhinitis with asthma group (500/717, 69.7%) while the lowest positive rate was asthma group (76/144, 52.8%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=15.563, P<0.001). In different gender groups, the positive rate of sIgE in male (503/711, 70.7%) was higher than in female (273/450, 60.7%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=12.630, P<0.001). The multiple-sensitization rate was 86.9%(674/776) and the double-sensitization rate was 16.8%(130/776) in sIgE positive patients. Pearson correlation results showed that there was an extremely strong correlation between dandelion and French chrysanthemum(r=0.93,P<0.001). There was a strong correlation between mugwort and French chrysanthemum(r=0.64,P<0.001). In the co-sensitization analysis, the number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion, plantain and timothy accounted for 25.2%(170/674)of the total number of multiple sensitization. The number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum and dandelion accounted for 58.3%(393/674)of the total number of multiple sensitization. The number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion and plantain accounted for 35.6%(240/674) of the total number of multiple sensitization. Conclusion: Mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion are the major inhaled allergens in northwest China. The positive rate of sIgE was different in different ages, diseases and genders. The multiple-sensitization rate of allergen was high and there was a certain positive correlation between pollen allergen-specific IgE pairwise, suggesting that there may exist co-sensitization or cross-reactions among allergens.
Pregnancy
;
Child
;
Animals
;
Dogs
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Allergens
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Respiratory System
;
Asthma
10.Study on sIgE distribution characteristics and the sensitization pattern of allergen in 1 161 patients with allergic diseases of respiratory tract in northwest China.
Miao Yuan XU ; Qing Yuan YE ; Jia Le ZHANG ; Zong Cheng HUANG ; Yi WANG ; Jing LIU ; Hua Jie WU ; Meng XU ; Yu WANG ; Bao Qing SUN ; Wen Ting LUO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(9):1355-1363
Objective: To explore the allergen map of patients with allergic diseases in northwest China, to investigate the distribution characteristics of serum specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in different ages, genders, diseases and the sensitization patterns of allergens. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study, a total of 1 161 patients with confirmed respiratory allergic diseases were selected retrospectively from outpatient or inpatient department of Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University and Tumor Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from June 2019 to October 2022. HAIKE ALLEOS 2000 fluorescent magnetic particle chemiluminescence method was used to quantify their serum for 12 inhaled allergen-specific IgE. Chi square test or Fisher's exact test were used for comparison between count data groups (Bonferroni correction was used for further pairwise comparison in multiple groups, two-sided P<0.05/3=0.017 considered that the difference was statistically significant). Pearson correlation analysis was used for correlation of continuous numerical variables. Results: The positive detection rate of sIgE in 1 161 patients was 66.8%(776/1 161). The three highest positive rate of inhaled allergen were mugwort(599/1 161, 51.6%), French chrysanthemum(565/1 161, 48.7%) and dandelion(412/1 161, 35.5%). In different age groups, the highest positive rate of sIgE was 7-18 age group(379/513, 73.9%) while the lowest positive rate was 4-6 age group(222/370, 60.0%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=21.177, P<0.001). The sensitization peak of mugwort, French chrysanthemum, plantain, timothy, birch, dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, dermatophagoides farinae, cat epithelium, dog epithelium and German cockroach appeared in 7-18 age group. In different disease groups, the highest positive rate of sIgE was allergic rhinitis with asthma group (500/717, 69.7%) while the lowest positive rate was asthma group (76/144, 52.8%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=15.563, P<0.001). In different gender groups, the positive rate of sIgE in male (503/711, 70.7%) was higher than in female (273/450, 60.7%), the difference between groups was statistically significant(χ2=12.630, P<0.001). The multiple-sensitization rate was 86.9%(674/776) and the double-sensitization rate was 16.8%(130/776) in sIgE positive patients. Pearson correlation results showed that there was an extremely strong correlation between dandelion and French chrysanthemum(r=0.93,P<0.001). There was a strong correlation between mugwort and French chrysanthemum(r=0.64,P<0.001). In the co-sensitization analysis, the number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion, plantain and timothy accounted for 25.2%(170/674)of the total number of multiple sensitization. The number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum and dandelion accounted for 58.3%(393/674)of the total number of multiple sensitization. The number of patients sensitized by mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion and plantain accounted for 35.6%(240/674) of the total number of multiple sensitization. Conclusion: Mugwort, French chrysanthemum, dandelion are the major inhaled allergens in northwest China. The positive rate of sIgE was different in different ages, diseases and genders. The multiple-sensitization rate of allergen was high and there was a certain positive correlation between pollen allergen-specific IgE pairwise, suggesting that there may exist co-sensitization or cross-reactions among allergens.
Pregnancy
;
Child
;
Animals
;
Dogs
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Allergens
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Respiratory System
;
Asthma

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