1.Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Sleep Deprivation-induced Acceleration of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology
Si-Ru YAN ; Ming-Yang CAI ; Ya-Xuan SUN ; Qing HUO ; Xue-Ling DAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2474-2485
Sleep deprivation (SD) has emerged as a significant modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with mounting evidence demonstrating its multifaceted role in accelerating AD pathogenesis through diverse molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms. SD is refined within the broader spectrum of sleep-wake and circadian disruption, emphasizing that both acute total sleep loss and chronic sleep restriction destabilize the homeostatic and circadian processes governing glymphatic clearance of neurotoxic proteins. During normal sleep, concentrations of interstitial Aβ and tau fall as cerebrospinal fluid oscillations flush extracellular waste; SD abolishes this rhythm, causing overnight rises in soluble Aβ and tau species in rodent hippocampus and human CSF. Orexinergic neurons sustain arousal, and become hyperactive under SD, further delaying sleep onset and amplifying Aβ production. At the molecular level, SD disrupts Aβ homeostasis through multiple converging pathways, including enhanced production via beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) upregulation, coupled with impaired clearance mechanisms involving the glymphatic system dysfunction and reduced Aβ-degrading enzymes (neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme). Cellular and histological analyses revealed that these proteinopathies are significantly exacerbated by SD-induced neuroinflammatory cascades characterized by microglial overactivation, astrocyte reactivity, and sustained elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) through NF‑κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of neurotoxicity. The synaptic and neuronal consequences of chronic SD are particularly profound and potentially irreversible, featuring reduced expression of critical synaptic markers (PSD95, synaptophysin), impaired long-term potentiation (LTP), dendritic spine loss, and diminished neurotrophic support, especially brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) depletion, which collectively contribute to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits. Mechanistic investigations identify three core pathways through which SD exerts its neurodegenerative effects: circadian rhythm disruption via BMAL1 suppression, orexin system hyperactivity leading to sustained wakefulness and metabolic stress, and oxidative stress accumulation through mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species overproduction. The review critically evaluates promising therapeutic interventions including pharmacological approaches (melatonin, dual orexin receptor antagonists), metabolic strategies (ketogenic diets, and Mediterranean diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids), lifestyle modifications (targeted exercise regimens, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia), and emerging technologies (non-invasive photobiomodulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation). Current research limitations include insufficient understanding of dose-response relationships between SD duration/intensity and AD pathology progression, lack of long-term longitudinal clinical data in genetically vulnerable populations (particularly APOE ε4 carriers and those with familial AD mutations), the absence of standardized SD protocols across experimental models that accurately mimic human chronic sleep restriction patterns, and limited investigation of sex differences in SD-induced AD risk. The accumulated evidence underscores the importance of addressing sleep disturbances as part of multimodal AD prevention strategies and highlights the urgent need for clinical trials evaluating sleep-focused interventions in at-risk populations. The review proposes future directions focused on translating mechanistic insights into precision medicine approaches, emphasizing the need for biomarkers to identify SD-vulnerable individuals, chronotherapeutic strategies aligned with circadian biology, and multi-omics integration across sleep, proteostasis and immune profiles may delineate precision-medicine strategies for at-risk populations. By systematically examining these critical connections, this analysis positions sleep quality optimization as a viable strategy for AD prevention and early intervention while providing a comprehensive roadmap for future mechanistic and interventional research in this rapidly evolving field.
2.Association of higher serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels with successful microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcomes in nonobstructive azoospermic men with reduced testicular volumes.
Ming-Zhe SONG ; Li-Jun YE ; Wei-Qiang XIAO ; Wen-Si HUANG ; Wu-Biao WEN ; Shun DAI ; Li-Yun LAI ; Yue-Qin PENG ; Tong-Hua WU ; Qing SUN ; Yong ZENG ; Jing CAI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(3):440-446
To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval, we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with different testicular volumes (TVs) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles. Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%. FSH levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was <5 ml (first quartile [Q1: TV <3 ml]: 43.32 [17.92] IU l -1 vs 32.95 [18.56] IU l -1 , P = 0.048; second quartile [Q2: 3 ml ≤ TV <5 ml]: 31.31 [15.37] IU l -1 vs 25.59 [18.40] IU l -1 , P = 0.042). Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were <5 ml (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11; P = 0.011). In men with TVs ≥5 ml, larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval (adjusted OR: 0.84 per 1 ml increase; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98; P = 0.029). In conclusion, elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs <5 ml. In men with TV ≥5 ml, increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
Humans
;
Male
;
Azoospermia/surgery*
;
Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data*
;
Adult
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Testis/pathology*
;
Microdissection
;
Organ Size
3.FOXO3-engineered human mesenchymal stem cells efficiently enhance post-ischemic stroke functional rehabilitation.
Fangshuo ZHENG ; Jinghui LEI ; Zan HE ; Taixin NING ; Shuhui SUN ; Yusheng CAI ; Qian ZHAO ; Shuai MA ; Weiqi ZHANG ; Jing QU ; Guang-Hui LIU ; Si WANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(5):365-373
4.Pulmonary rehabilitation restores limb muscle mitochondria and improves the intramuscular metabolic profile
Shiwei QUMU ; Weiliang SUN ; Jing GUO ; Yuting ZHANG ; Lesi CAI ; Chaozeng SI ; Xia XU ; Lulu YANG ; Xuanming SITU ; Tianyi YANG ; Jiaze HE ; Minghui SHI ; Dongyan LIU ; Xiaoxia REN ; Ke HUANG ; Hongtao NIU ; Hong LI ; Chang'An YU ; Yang CHEN ; Ting YANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(4):461-472
Background::Exercise, as the cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation, is recommended to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The underlying molecular basis and metabolic process were not fully elucidated.Methods::Sprague-Dawley rats were classified into five groups: non-COPD/rest ( n = 8), non-COPD/exercise ( n = 7), COPD/rest ( n = 7), COPD/medium exercise ( n = 10), and COPD/intensive exercise ( n = 10). COPD animals were exposed to cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide instillation for 90 days, while the non-COPD control animals were exposed to room air. Non-COPD/exercise and COPD/medium exercise animals were trained on a treadmill at a decline of 5° and a speed of 15 m/min while animals in the COPD/intensive exercise group were trained at a decline of 5° and a speed of 18 m/min. After eight weeks of exercise/rest, we used ultrasonography, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, oxidative capacity of mitochondria, airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI), and transcriptomics analyses to assess rectal femoris (RF). Results::At the end of 90 days, COPD rats’ weight gain was smaller than control by 59.48 ± 15.33 g ( P = 0.0005). The oxidative muscle fibers proportion was lower ( P < 0.0001). At the end of additional eight weeks of exercise/rest, compared to COPD/rest, COPD/medium exercise group showed advantages in weight gain, femoral artery peak flow velocity (Δ58.22 mm/s, 95% CI: 13.85-102.60 mm/s, P = 0.0104), RF diameters (Δ0.16 mm, 95% CI: 0.04-0.28 mm, P = 0.0093), myofibrils diameter (Δ0.06 μm, 95% CI: 0.02-0.10 μm, P = 0.006), oxidative muscle fiber percentage (Δ4.84%, 95% CI: 0.15-9.53%, P = 0.0434), mitochondria oxidative phosphorylate capacity ( P < 0.0001). Biomolecules spatial distribution in situ and bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomics suggested COPD-related alteration in metabolites and gene expression, which can be impacted by exercise. Conclusion::COPD rat model had multi-level structure and function impairment, which can be mitigated by exercise.
5.Exploration and Practice of the "One Combination, Two Highlights, Three Combinations, Four in One" Innovative Talents Training Mode in Forensic Medicine.
Jiang-Wei YAN ; Jun-Hong SUN ; Hong-Xing WANG ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Xiang-Jie GUO ; Ji LI ; Cai-Rong GAO ; Geng-Qian ZHANG ; Xin-Hua LIANG ; Qiang-Qiang ZHANG ; Hong-Wei WANG ; Si-Jin LI ; Ying-Yuan WANG ; Ke-Ming YUN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2023;39(2):193-199
Talent is one of the basic and strategic supports for building a modern socialist country in all aspects. Since the 1980s, the establishment of forensic medicine major and the cultivation of innovative talents in forensic medicine have become hot topics in higher education in forensic medicine. Over the past 43 years, the forensic medicine team of Shanxi Medical University has adhered to the joint education of public security and colleges, and made collaborative innovation, forming a training mode of "One Combination, Two Highlights, Three Combinations, Four in One" for innovative talents in forensic medicine. It has carried out "5+3/X" integrated reform, and formed a relatively complete talent training innovation mode and management system in teaching, scientific research, identification, major, discipline, team, platform and cultural construction. It has made a historic contribution to China's higher forensic education, accumulated valuable experience for the construction of first-class major and first-class discipline of forensic medicine, and provided strong support for the construction of the national new forensic talent training system. The popularization of this training mode is conducive to the rapid and sustainable development of forensic science, and provides more excellent forensic talents for national building, regional social development and the discipline construction of forensic science.
Humans
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Forensic Medicine/education*
;
Aptitude
6.Medication guidelines for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (2023 edition)
Haijiao SI ; Limei ZHAO ; Shuang CAI ; Keke WANG ; Jiaxin WANG ; Fei GAO ; Huixia LIU ; Ming SUN ; Yu WANG ; Tong LIU
China Pharmacy 2023;34(11):1281-1292
The prevalence of diabetes in China is increasing year by year, and has become a health issue of close concern to the whole society. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), as a new class of glucose-lowering drugs, is now widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of its significant glucose-lowering efficacy and low risk of hypoglycemia. As the level of evidence for its effects on improving cardiovascular system and renal protection and reducing body mass continues to improve, its status in the treatment guidelines for T2DM is gradually increasing. Currently, nine GLP-1RA drugs have been approved for the clinical treatment of T2DM in China. Although all of these drugs exert hypoglycemic effects based on the activation of GLP-1 receptors in the body, the differences in their own structures and natural GLP-1 amino acid homology lead to large differences in pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical efficacy among different analogs. In order to enable clinicians and pharmacists to have a full understanding of the characteristics and clinical evidence of these analogs and to better perform their therapeutic effects, Liaoning Provincial Pharmaceutical Society organized clinical medicine and pharmacy experts to develop a medication guide for nine GLP-1RA drugs to provide a reference for clinical medication needs and promote rational and standardized use by compiling and summarizing the pharmacological characteristics, clinical applications, adverse reactions, interactions, the medications in special populations and medication management.
7.High-risk human papillomavirus negative cervical lesions in the cervical cancer screening population
Jing ZHAO ; Jing CAI ; Si SUN ; Zaiju HUANG ; Zehua WANG ; Liying WU
Journal of Chinese Physician 2023;25(5):656-660
Objective:To investigate the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) negative cervical lesions in the screening population, and based on this, to preliminarily evaluate the potential harm (missed diagnosis) and benefits (reduced colposcopy referral) of HPV primary screening compared to combined screening so as to provide reference for the selection of cervical cancer primary screening methods.Methods:This study was a single center cross-sectional study. Women who underwent joint screening [hrHPV typing test combined with cervical liquid based cytology test (LCT)] at the Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 were included in the cervical cancer screening. The proportion of hrHPV negative cytological abnormalities and cervical lesions in the population was analyzed and the theoretical colposcopy referral rate of the combined screening and HPV initial screening protocol was calculated. In the population with cervical pathological results, the number of colposcopy examinations required for the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and above (CIN2+ ) was calculated.Results:A total of 35 321 screened women were included. The overall incidence of hrHPV infection, LCT abnormalities and severe LCT abnormalities in the population was 17.13%(6 051/35 321), 18.07%(6 384/35 321), and 3.97%(1 402/35 321), respectively. The negative rate of hrHPV in women with severe cervical cytology abnormalities was as high as 51.28%(719/1 402), and in CIN2+ lesions diagnosed by cervical biopsy, hrHPV negative accounted for 7.15% (49/685). The theoretical colposcopy referral rates for combined screening and initial HPV screening were 11.28%(3 985/35 321) and 8.33%(2 943/35 321), respectively, with an average diagnosis of CIN2+ requiring 3.51 and 2.81 colposcopy examinations, respectively.Conclusions:In the opportunistic screening population, the proportion of hrHPV negative CIN2+ lesions cannot be ignored, and the HPV initial screening strategy may cause missed diagnosis of these lesions. However, compared to combined screening, HPV initial screening has the potential to improve the efficiency of colposcopy. These results suggest that we should carefully choose the HPV initial screening plan.
8.The Link between Exposure to Phthalates and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Study Based on NHANES Data and Bioinformatic Analysis.
Xue Kui LIU ; Shan Wen SI ; Yan YE ; Jia Yi LI ; He He LYU ; Ya Mei MA ; Cai Yan ZOU ; Hao Jie SUN ; Lei XUE ; Wei XU ; Hou Fa GENG ; Jun LIANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2023;36(9):892-896
9.A single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of primate testicular aging reveals exhaustion of the spermatogonial stem cell reservoir and loss of Sertoli cell homeostasis.
Daoyuan HUANG ; Yuesheng ZUO ; Chen ZHANG ; Guoqiang SUN ; Ying JING ; Jinghui LEI ; Shuai MA ; Shuhui SUN ; Huifen LU ; Yusheng CAI ; Weiqi ZHANG ; Fei GAO ; Andy PENG XIANG ; Juan Carlos Izpisua BELMONTE ; Guang-Hui LIU ; Jing QU ; Si WANG
Protein & Cell 2023;14(12):888-907
The testis is pivotal for male reproduction, and its progressive functional decline in aging is associated with infertility. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying primate testicular aging remains largely elusive. Here, we resolve the aging-related cellular and molecular alterations of primate testicular aging by establishing a single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas. Gene-expression patterns along the spermatogenesis trajectory revealed molecular programs associated with attrition of spermatogonial stem cell reservoir, disturbed meiosis and impaired spermiogenesis along the sequential continuum. Remarkably, Sertoli cell was identified as the cell type most susceptible to aging, given its deeply perturbed age-associated transcriptional profiles. Concomitantly, downregulation of the transcription factor Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1), essential for Sertoli cell homeostasis, was associated with accelerated cellular senescence, disrupted tight junctions, and a compromised cell identity signature, which altogether may help create a hostile microenvironment for spermatogenesis. Collectively, our study depicts in-depth transcriptomic traits of non-human primate (NHP) testicular aging at single-cell resolution, providing potential diagnostic biomarkers and targets for therapeutic interventions against testicular aging and age-related male reproductive diseases.
Animals
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Male
;
Testis
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Sertoli Cells/metabolism*
;
Transcriptome
;
Spermatogenesis/genetics*
;
Primates
;
Aging/genetics*
;
Stem Cells
10.Blood metabolites in preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity based on tandem mass spectrometry: a preliminary study.
Qiu-Ping YANG ; Si-Tao LI ; Hu HAO ; Xia GU ; Cong-Cong SHI ; Xin XIAO ; Yao CAI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2023;25(2):140-146
OBJECTIVES:
To study new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by analyzing the differences in blood metabolites based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and metabolomics.
METHODS:
Dried blood spots were collected from 21 infants with ROP (ROP group) and 21 infants without ROP (non-ROP group) who were hospitalized in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2013 to December 2016. LC-MS/MS was used to measure the metabolites, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis was used to search for differentially expressed metabolites and biomarkers.
RESULTS:
There was a significant difference in blood metabolic profiles between the ROP and non-ROP groups. The pattern recognition analysis, Score-plot, and weight analysis obtained 10 amino acids with a relatively large difference. Further statistical analysis showed that the ROP group had significant increases in blood levels of glutamic acid, leucine, aspartic acid, ornithine, and glycine compared with the non-ROP group (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that glutamic acid and ornithine had the highest value in diagnosing ROP.
CONCLUSIONS
Blood metabolites in preterm infants with ROP are different from those without ROP. Glutamic acid and ornithine are the metabolic markers for diagnosing ROP. LC-MS/MS combined with metabolomics analysis has a potential application value in the early identification and diagnosis of ROP.
Infant, Newborn
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Infant
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Humans
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Infant, Premature
;
Chromatography, Liquid
;
Retinopathy of Prematurity/diagnosis*
;
Glutamic Acid
;
Ornithine

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