Objective: To investigate the correlation between sleep fragmentation and body composition/blood pressure in female students of middle school, so as to provide theoretical guidance for preventing health risks associated with sleep fragmentation. Methods: From September 2022 to December 2023, 505 female students aged 12-15 years in Nanyang City were selected through stratified cluster random sampling and conducted Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) survey. Participants were divided into Q 1- Q 4 groups based on sleep fragmentation index (SFI) quartiles. Body composition and blood pressure measurements were measured by adopting body composition analyzer and traditional mercury sphygmomanometer, and data were analyzed using χ 2 tests and linear regression. Results: Significant intergroup differences for Q 1- Q 4 were observed with increasing SFI levels for body mass index(BMI), fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, trunk fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and PSQI total scores ( F =15.25,7.33,8.38,5.97,11.24,16.85,6.87,15.73, all P <0.05). SFI showed positive correlations with BMI, fat percentage, trunk fat percentage, and blood pressure( β =0.37,0.45,0.34,0.42,0.38), but negative correlations with muscle mass and bone mass( β =-0.35,-0.48) (all P <0.05). The χ 2 trend test revealed a significant increase in hypertension detection rates with elevated SFI ( χ 2=42.75, P <0.05). The χ 2 testing demonstrated statistically significant differences in hypertension incidence among different quartiles groups ( χ 2=14.16, P <0.05). After adjusting the significance level, hypertension incidence differences remained significant between Q 1and Q 4 ( χ 2=10.77), Q 2 and Q 4 groups ( χ 2=6.28) (both P <0.008 3). Conclusions Sleep fragmentation correlates significantly with body composition and blood pressure indicators in female students of middle school. Implementing sleep fragmentation interventions is essential for safeguarding female students health in middle school.

This study aims to explore the mechanism through which Yishen Jiangtang Decoction(YSJTD) regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)-mediated NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome to improve diabetic nephropathy(DN) in db/db mice. Thirty db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group, YSJTD group, ERS inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid(4-PBA) group, with 10 mice in each group. Additionally, 10 db/m mice were selected as the control group. The YSJTD group was orally administered YSJTD at a dose of 0.01 mL·g~(-1), the 4-PBA group was orally administered 4-PBA at a dose of 0.5 mg·g~(-1), and the control and model groups were given an equal volume of carboxylmethyl cellulose sodium. The treatments were administered once daily for 8 weeks. Food intake, water consumption, and body weight were recorded every 2 weeks. After the intervention, fasting blood glucose(FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c), urine microalbumin(U-mALB), 24-hour urine volume, serum creatinine(Scr), and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) were measured. Inflammatory markers interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and interleukin-18(IL-18) were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Renal pathology was assessed through hematoxylin-eosin(HE), periodic acid-Schiff(PAS), and Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD(ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase(caspase-1), and gasdermin D(GSDMD) in kidney tissues. The results showed that compared to the control group, the model group exhibited poor general condition, increased weight and food and water intake, and significantly higher levels of FBG, HbA1c, U-mALB, kidney index, 24-hour urine volume, IL-1β, and IL-18. Compared to the model group, the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed improved general condition, increased body weight, decreased food intake, and lower levels of FBG, U-mALB, kidney index, 24-hour urine volume, and IL-1β. Specifically, the YSJTD group showed a significant reduction in IL-18 levels compared to the model group, while the 4-PBA group exhibited decreased water intake and HbA1c levels compared to the model group. Although there was a decreasing trend in water intake and HbA1c in the YSJTD group, the differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in BUN, Scr, and kidney weight among the groups. Renal pathology revealed that the model group exhibited more severe renal damage compared to the control group. Kidney sections from the model group showed diffuse mesangial proliferation in the glomeruli, tubular edema, tubular dilation, significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the interstitium, and increased glycogen staining and blue collagen deposition in the basement membrane. In contrast, the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed varying degrees of improvement in renal damage, glycogen staining, and collagen deposition, with the YSJTD group showing more significant improvements. TEM analysis indicated that the model group had extensive cytoplasmic edema, homogeneous thickening of the basement membrane, fewer foot processes, and widening of fused foot processes. In the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups, cytoplasmic swelling of renal tissues was reduced, the basement membrane remained intact and uniform, and foot process fusion improved.Western blot results indicated that compared to the control group, the model group showed upregulation of GRP78, CHOP, GSDMD, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 expression. In contrast, both the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed downregulation of these markers compared to the model group. These findings suggest that YSJTD exerts a protective effect against DN by alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome activation through the inhibition of ERS, thereby improving the inflammatory response in db/db DN mice.
Animals ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects* ; Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Inflammasomes/drug effects* ; Male ; Kidney/pathology* ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP ; Humans ; Interleukin-18/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Inflammation/genetics* ; Oxygen/metabolism* ; Pyrazines/pharmacology* ; Microglia/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; NF-kappa B/immunology* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) represent a severe form of sperm defects leading to asthenozoospermia and male infertility. In this study, we identified a novel homozygous splicing mutation (c.871-4 ACA>A) in the adenylate kinase 7 (AK7) gene by whole-exome sequencing in infertile individuals. Spermatozoa from affected individuals exhibited typical MMAF characteristics, including coiled, bent, short, absent, and irregular flagella. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed disorganized axonemal structure and abnormal mitochondrial sheets in sperm flagella. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the absence of AK7 protein from the patients' spermatozoa, validating the pathogenic nature of the mutation. This study provides direct evidence linking the AK7 gene to MMAF-associated asthenozoospermia in humans, expanding the mutational spectrum of AK7 and enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility.
Humans ; Male ; Sperm Tail/ultrastructure* ; Homozygote ; Consanguinity ; Asthenozoospermia/pathology* ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; Mutation ; Pakistan ; Adenylate Kinase/genetics* ; Adult ; Pedigree ; RNA Splicing ; Exome Sequencing ; Spermatozoa

Male infertility can result from impaired sperm motility caused by multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF). Distinct projections encircling the central microtubules of the spermatozoal axoneme play pivotal roles in flagellar bending and spermatozoal movement. Mammalian sperm-associated antigen 17 ( SPAG17 ) encodes a conserved axonemal protein of cilia and flagella, forming part of the C1a projection of the central apparatus, with functions related to ciliary/flagellar motility, skeletal growth, and male fertility. This study investigated two novel homozygous SPAG17 mutations (M1: NM_206996.2, c.829+1G>T, p.Asp212_Glu276del; and M2: c.2120del, p.Leu707*) identified in four infertile patients from two consanguineous Pakistani families. These patients displayed the MMAF phenotype confirmed by Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy assays of spermatozoa. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of patients' spermatozoa also revealed a significant decrease in SPAG17 mRNA expression, and immunofluorescence staining showed the absence of SPAG17 protein signals along the flagella. However, no apparent ciliary-related symptoms or skeletal malformations were observed in the chest X-rays of any of the patients. Transmission electron microscopy of axoneme cross-sections from the patients showed incomplete C1a projection and a higher frequency of missing microtubule doublets 1 and 9 compared with those from fertile controls. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analyses of spermatogenesis-associated protein 17 (SPATA17), a component of the C1a projection, and sperm-associated antigen 6 (SPAG6), a marker of the spring layer, revealed disrupted expression of both proteins in the patients' spermatozoa. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that SPAG17 maintains the integrity of spermatozoal flagellar axoneme, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of SPAG17 mutations in humans.
Humans ; Male ; Infertility, Male/pathology* ; Sperm Tail/ultrastructure* ; Homozygote ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics* ; Axoneme/genetics* ; Spermatozoa/ultrastructure* ; Adult ; Mutation ; Sperm Motility/genetics* ; Pedigree ; Microtubules ; Microtubule Proteins/genetics*

Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia, characterized by morphological abnormalities and reduced motility of sperm, causing male infertility. Although approximately 60% of MMAF cases can be explained genetically, the etiology of the remaining cases is unclear. Here, we identified two novel compound heterozygous variants in the gene, dynein axonemal heavy chain 10 ( DNAH10 ), in three patients from two unrelated Pakistani families using whole-exome sequencing (WES), including one compound heterozygous mutation ( DNAH10 : c.9409C>A [p.P3137T]; c.12946G>C [p.D4316H]) in family 1 and another compound heterozygous mutation ( DNAH10 : c.8849G>A [p.G2950D]; c.11509C>T [p.R3687W]) in family 2. All the identified variants are absent or rare in public genome databases and are predicted to have deleterious effects according to multiple bioinformatic tools. Sanger sequencing revealed that these variants follow an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed MMAF, including sperm head abnormalities, in the patients. In addition, immunofluorescence staining revealed loss of DNAH10 protein signals along sperm flagella. These findings broaden the spectrum of DNAH10 variants and expand understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility associated with the MMAF phenotype.
Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Alleles ; Asthenozoospermia/pathology* ; Axonemal Dyneins/genetics* ; Dyneins/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Infertility, Male/pathology* ; Mutation ; Pakistan ; Pedigree ; Sperm Tail/pathology*

The syndrome of multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is one of the most serious kinds of sperm defects, leading to asthenoteratozoospermia and male infertility. In this study, we use whole-exome sequencing to identify genetic factors that account for male infertility in a patient born from a consanguineous Pakistani couple. A homozygous frameshift mutation (c.1399_1402del; p.Gln468ArgfsTer2) in axonemal dynein light chain domain containing 1 ( AXDND1 ) was identified in the patient. Sanger sequencing data showed that the mutation was cosegregated recessively with male infertility in this family. Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy analysis of the sperm revealed severely abnormal flagellar morphology in the patient. Immunofluorescence and western blot showed undetectable AXDND1 expression in the sperm of the patient. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed disorganized sperm axonemal structure in the patient, particularly missing the central pair of microtubules. Immunofluorescence staining showed the absence of sperm-associated antigen 6 (SPAG6) and dynein axonemal light intermediate chain 1 (DNALI1) signals in the sperm flagella of the patient. These findings indicate that AXDND1 is essential for the organization of flagellar axoneme and provide direct evidence that AXDND1 is a MMAF gene in humans, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum of AXDND1 frameshift mutations.
Humans ; Male ; Sperm Tail/ultrastructure* ; Frameshift Mutation ; Infertility, Male/pathology* ; Pakistan ; Pedigree ; Consanguinity ; Axonemal Dyneins/genetics* ; Adult ; Spermatozoa ; Exome Sequencing

OBJECTIVE: To identify the gene mutation types of 4 suspected β-thalassemia patients in Yunnan Province, and to analyze the genotypes and hematological phenotypes. METHODS: Whole genome sequencing was performed on the samples of 4 suspected β-thalassemia patients from the Dai ethnic group in a thalassemia endemic area of Yunnan Province, whose hematological phenotypes were not consistent with the results of common thalassemia gene mutations. The mutations of β-globin gene clusters were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger DNA sequencing technology. RESULTS: The 3.5 kb deletion in β-globin gene cluster (NC_000011.10: g. 5224302-5227791del3490bp) was detected in 4 patients' samples, of which 1 case was also detected with HbE mutation and 1 case with CD17 mutation. These 2 patients displayed moderate anemia phenotype, while the two patients with only the 3.5 kb deletion presented with other mild anemia phenotype. CONCLUSION Heterozygous carriers with rare 3.5 kb deletion of the β-globin gene cluster may develop mild anemia, compound mutations of the 3.5 kb deletion with other mutations may led to intermediate thalasemia with moderate to sever anemia. In areas with a high incidence of thalassemia, suspected patients should undergo genetic testing to avoid missing or misdiagnosing rare mutations.
Humans ; beta-Globins/genetics* ; Multigene Family ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Mutation ; Genotype ; Sequence Deletion ; Phenotype ; Male ; Female

Objective To observe the alteration of thoracic and lumbar physiological curvature in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)and the difference of physiological curvature between different types of scoliosis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 305 adolescent patients taken full spine X-ray in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021.The patients were divided into normal group and scoliosis group.The normal group was composed of 179 patients,79 males and 100 females,aged 10 to 18 years old with an average of(12.84±2.10)years old,with cobb agle less than 10 degrees.The scol-iosis group was composed of 126 patients,33 males and 93 females,aged 10 to 18 years old with an average of(13.92±2.20)years old.The gender,age,Risser sign,thoracic kyphosis(TK)and lumbar lordosis(LL)in 2 groups were compared,and the TK and LL were also compared between different genders,different degrees of scoliosis and different segments of scoliosis.Re-sults The female ratio(P=0.001)and age(P＜0.001)in scoliosis group were higher than them in normal group;the ratio of low-grade ossification was higher in normal group than in scoliosis group(P=0.038).TK was significantly smaller in scoliosis group than in normal group(P＜0.001),but there was no significant difference in LL between the 2 groups(P=0.147).There were no significant difference in TK and LL between male and female.The TK was significantly bigger in mild AIS patients than in moderate AIS patients(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference in LL between mild and moderate patients(P＞0.05).The TK and LL in different segments scoliosis were not found significant difference.Conclusion The physiological curvature of thoracic and lumbar spine is independent of gender.The thoracic physiological curvature becomes smaller in AIS patients,but lumbar curvature remains unchanged.The thoracic physiological curvature in mild AIS patients is greater than that in moderate AIS patients,but the lumbar curvature is almost unchanged between mild and moderate scoliosis and is similar with that in normal adolescent.The alteration of thoracic and lumbar physiological curvature in AIS patients may be related to relative an-terior spinal overgrowth,and the specific detailed mechanism needs to be further studied.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of miR-135a/MYC-mediated resistance to venaclar treatment in myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS)with acute myeloid leukaemia(AML).Methods Eighty-six cases of patients were selected,including 23 healthy donors(control group),47 MDS patients with vinecella resistance(MDS group),and 16 AML patients with vinecella resistance transformed from myelodysplastic syndrome(AML group).The expression levels of miR-135a and MYC in the tissues of the three groups were detected.THP1 cells were divided into miR-NC group(transfected with nonsense sequence)and miR-135a minics group(transfected with miR-135a minics),and the cells were treated with venaclar concentration of 0,0.01,1,and 100 μmol·L-1 for 24 hours,and then detected the cell viability and apoptosis rate in each group.Results The expression of MYC mRNA were 1.00±0.14,0.21±0.04,and 0.25±0.08 in patients of the NC,MDS,and AML groups,respectively;the protein expression of MYC were 1.00±0.15,1.31±0.12 and 1.49±0.16,respectively(P＜0.05).At the cellular level,miR-135a expression were 1.00±0.11,1.31±0.15 and 1.93±0.23 in the BMSCs,MUTZ-1 and THP1 groups;MYC protein expression were 1.00±0.15,1.57±0.22 and 1.97±0.31,the differences were significant(P＜0.05).The methods showed the cell viability of miR-NC group were(100.00±13.26)％,(92.33±10.28)％,(85.41±11.37)％and(28.24±6.02)％at 0,0.01,1,100 μmol·L-1venaclar drug concentration,respectively;cell viability of miR-135a mimics group were(105.12±12.35)％,(82.11±12.07)％,(46.13±8.06)％and(18.20±5.03)％,respectively,there was statistical difference between the two groups only in the 1 μmol·L-1 venaclar drug concentration(P＜0.05).The methods showed that the apoptosis rates in miR-NC group at 0,0.01,1,100 μmol·L-1 venaclar drug concentration were(100.00±11.45)％,(92.48±12.04)％,(108.72±9.63)％and(207.15±21.49)％,the apoptosis rates in miR-135a mimics group were(106.34±16.21)％,(117.26±10.13)％,(269.41±23.59)％and(184.33±19.28)％,respectively;there was statistical difference between the two groups only in 1 μmol·L-1 venaclar drug concentration(P＜0.05).Conclusion The results of this study reveal that miR-135a/MYC mediates the mechanism of resistance to venaclar in the treatment of MDS and AML.