1.Association of microRNA gene polymorphisms with risk, clinicopathological characteristics and therapeutical efficacy among Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.
Yanlun ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao SHAO ; Daopo LIN ; Yuan XU ; Guolong MA ; Yi JIANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):111-122
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the association of microribonucleic acid (miRNA) gene polymorphisms with the risk and clinicopathological characteristics of Crohn's disease (CD) and the influence of miRNA gene variants on the response to ustekinumab (UST) treatment among CD patients.
METHODS:
From January 2018 to February 2025, 312 patients diagnosed with CD and 527 gender- and age-matched normal controls were selected as the study subjects at the Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Genotypes of miR-155 (rs767649), miR-21 (rs13137), miR-124 (rs531564) and miR-146a (rs57095329, rs2431697) were determined with multiplex polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) technique. The patients were divided into different subgroups according to the Montreal Classification Criteria for CD. Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and simplified endoscopic score for CD were respectively applied to assess the clinical and endoscopic disease activity of CD. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups, as well as their influence on the clinicopathological characteristics of CD patients. Among them, 185 CD patients received first-line UST treatment, with the first sufficient dose of UST (6 mg/kg) administered intravenously. Based on the changes in HBI at week 8, the response of patients to UST treatment was evaluated. Unconditional logistic regression model was employed to analyze the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between clinically responsive group (the decline of HBI ≥ 3 scores compared to week 0) and non-responsive group. All of the P values were adjusted by Bonferroni correction. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ethics No.: 2025-K-12-01).
RESULTS:
No significant difference was found in the distribution of miRNA gene polymorphisms between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The variant genotype (TC+CC) of rs2431697 was more common among patients with terminal ileal-type and ileocolic-type CD than those with the colonic-type CD (OR = 4.98, 95%CI: 1.49~16.68, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045). However, the opposite conclusion was drawn for the homozygous variant genotype (TT) of rs13137 and variant genotype (GC+CC) of rs531564 (OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.18~0.76, P = 0.007, adjusted P = 0.035; OR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.18~0.73, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). Compared to patients with non-stricturing and penetrating CD, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common in those with stricturing and penetrating CD (OR = 4.06, 95%CI: 2.46~6.71, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 3.12, 95%CI: 2.06~4.73, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). However, the frequencies of variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 were lower among patients with stricturing and penetrating CD than in those without (OR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15~0.41, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005; OR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.33~0.63, P < 0.001, adjusted P < 0.005). Additionally, the variant genotype (AG+GG) and variant allele (G) of rs57095329 were more common among those with moderately to severely endoscopic activity than those with mildly endoscopic activity (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.19~3.42, P = 0.009, adjusted P = 0.045; OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.28~3.25, P = 0.003, adjusted P = 0.015). In total 117 cases had shown clinical response by week 8, while 68 cases showed no response. Compared with t he clinically non-responsive group, the variant genotype (TC+CC) and variant allele (C) of rs2431697 were more common in the clinically responsive group (OR = 3.86, 95%CI: 1.80~8.32, P = 0.001, adjusted P = 0.005; OR = 2.60, 95%CI: 1.34~5.06, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025). However, the variant genotype (TA+AA) of rs767649 was less frequent in the clinically responsive group than the non-responsive group (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.21~0.74, P = 0.004, adjusted P = 0.020). The same conclusion was drawn for the variant genotype (AT+TT) and variant allele (T) of rs13137 when the clinically responsive group was compared with the non-responsive group (OR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.14~0.63, P = 0.002, adjusted P = 0.010; OR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.35~0.82, P = 0.005, adjusted P = 0.025).
CONCLUSION
Genetic polymorphisms of miRNAs are not associated with the risk of developing CD. The miR-146a (rs57095329) variant may increase the endoscopic activity of CD and the risk for stenosis or penetration. However, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the risk of ileal involvement. The miR-21 (rs13137) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement and the risk of stenosis or penetration. The miR-124 (rs531564) variant may reduce the risk of ileal involvement. Among patients receiving UST treatment, the miR-146a (rs2431697) variant may increase the clinical response by week 8. However, both the miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-21 (rs13137) variants may decrease the clinical response by week 8.
Humans
;
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Crohn Disease/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Middle Aged
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Genotype
;
Young Adult
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Adolescent
;
East Asian People
2.Current Status,Strategies and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yandong WEN ; Zhi YANG ; Shaogang HUANG ; Zhongyu LI ; Xiangxue MA ; Qing XU ; Liqing DU ; Bochao YUAN ; Yibing TIAN ; Wentong GE ; Xiaofan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):404-409
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment, including syndrome distribution, development of TCM formulas, clinical efficacy evaluation, external therapies, and psychosocial regulation. However, it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria, and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment, combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion and acupoint application), and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas, so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
3.Body image disturbance status in AS patients and analysis of its influencing factors
Min NIU ; Jingman YUAN ; Liya MA ; Hao XU ; Jun LI ; Meixi YAN ; Xinru DU ; Hanhui MA ; Xichao YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):158-162
Objective To understand the status of body image disturbance and its influencing factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical management of AS. Methods A total of 353 AS patients admitted from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as research subjects. Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ) was used to investigate the body image disturbance in AS patients. Single factor analysis was performed by t test and analysis of variance, and multiple factors were analyzed by multivariate linear regression. Results The total score of BIDQ in 342 AS patients was (25.01±4.22). Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that self-paid medical expense, nighttime VAS score and negative emotion PANAS score could positively predict body image disturbance in AS patients (standardized regression coefficient=0.413, 0.413, 0.460, P<0.05), and PSSS score, positive emotion PANAS score and exercise management CDSSM score could negatively predict body image disturbance (standardized regression coefficient=-0.245, -0.134, -0.247, P<0.05). Conclusion The body image disturbance in AS patients is worthy of clinical attention. Nighttime pain, negative emotion and self-paid medical treatment can increase the risk of body image disturbance. Positive emotion, social support and high self-management level of exercise behavior can reduce the formation of body image disturbance, which can provide new ideas for clinical management of AS patients.
4.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
5.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Compound Xishu Granules Inhibit Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating Ferroptosis
Yuan TIAN ; Yuxi WANG ; Zhen LIU ; Yuncheng MA ; Hongyu ZHU ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Qian LI ; Jian GAO ; Weiling WANG ; Wenhui XU ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):37-45
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of compound Xishu granules (CXG) in inhibiting the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating ferroptosis. MethodsThe transplanted tumor model of human Huh7 was established with nude mice and the successfully modeled mice were randomized into model, Fufang Banmao (0.21 g·kg-1), low-dose (1.87 g·kg-1) CXG, medium-dose (3.74 g·kg-1) CXG, and high-dose (7.49 g·kg-1) CXG groups. Mice were administrated with drinking water or CXG for 28 days, and the body weight and tumor volume were measured every 4 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the histopathological changes of tumors. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to examine the survival rate of Huh7 cells treated with different concentrations (0, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1 000 mg·L-1) of CXG for 24 h and 48 h. CA-AM, DCFH-DA, and C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescent probes were used to determine the intracellular levels of ferrous ion (Fe2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxide (LPO), respectively. The colorimetric method was employed to measure the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), respectively. ResultsIn the animal experiment, compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reductions in the tumor volume from day 12 (P<0.01). After treatment, the Fufang Banmao and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups had lower tumor volume, relative tumor volume, and tumor weight than the model group (P<0.05), with tumor inhibition rates of 48.99%, 79.93%, 91.38%, and 97.36%, respectively. Moreover, the CXG groups had lower tumor volume and relative tumor volume (P<0.05 in all the three dose groups) and lower tumor weight (P<0.05 in medium-dose and high-dose groups) than the Fufang Banmao group. Compared with the model group, the drug treatment groups showed reduced number of tumor cells, necrotic foci with karyopyknosis, nuclear fragmentation, and nucleolysis, and the high-dose CXG group showed an increase in the proportion of interstitial fibroblasts. In the cell experiment, compared with the blank group, CXG reduced the survival rate of Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner after incubation for 24 h and 48 h (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed a decrease in the relative fluorescence intensity of CA-AM and increases in the fluorescence intensity of DCFH-DA and fluorescence ratio of C11-BODIPY581/591, which indicated elevations in the levels of Fe2+ (P<0.01), ROS (P<0.05), and LPO (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with the blank group, the RSL3 and low-, medium-, and high-dose CXG groups showed lowered levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.05). In addition, the RSL3 group and the medium- and high-dose CXG groups showed down-regulated expression of GPX4 and FTH1 (P<0.05), and the low- and high-dose CXG groups presented up-regulated expression of TFR1 (P<0.05). ConclusionCXG suppresses the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing ferroptosis via downregulating the GSH-GPX4 signaling axis and increasing intracellular Fe2+and LPO levels.
8.Clinical practice status of nutrition support care among specialized nurses in ICUs
Xinyi ZHOU ; Jianhua SUN ; Haibo DENG ; Lei WANG ; Xiaojie WANG ; Yu WANG ; Ranxun AN ; Manna SHAO ; Ni YANG ; Yufen MA ; Yuan XU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(20):2514-2519
Objective To investigate the current nursing practice of nurses specializing in nutritional support in ICUs and analyze their influencing factors in order to improve the training program and promote the development of standardized and precise nursing practice.Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select nutritional support nurses in ICUs in 29 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities)from October 2023 to March 2025,and the self-developed questionnaire on nursing practice behaviors of nutritional support nurses in ICUs was used to conduct the survey.SPSS 21.0 software was used for descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.Results A total of 774 questionnaires were distributed,and 766 valid questionnaires were collected,with a recovery rate of 98.97%,and the score of the questionnaire on nursing practice behaviors of nurses specializing in nutritional support in ICU was(90.41±1 1.82).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender,presence of a nutritional support nursing team in the hospital,a standardized process of nutritional support nursing in the department,clear positional responsibilities of the nutritional support nursing team members,and inclusion of the nutritional support status of the patients in the quality management of the department were the factors influencing the nursing practice behavior scores of the nurses specializing in nutritional support in ICUs(P<0.05).Conclusion Nurses in the ICUs have a high level of nursing practice behavior,but there is a need for further standardization in parenteral nutrition infusion and monitoring of complications.ICU nursing managers should formulate improvement strategies to address the weaknesses of clinical practice,strengthen nutritional support training,and improve the quality management program,and further improve the practical ability of nurses specializing in nutritional support.
9.Characteristics of weight gain during pregnancy and its relationship with gestational diabetes mellitus in women with weight loss in early pregnancy
Kaiwen MA ; Wei ZHENG ; Xianxian YUAN ; Puyang ZHANG ; Lili XU ; Guanghui LI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):36-42
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of weight gain in the mid and late pregnancy of women with early pregnancy weight loss, and the relationship between weight gain and weight gain rate before the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and GDM.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 2 614 singleton pregnant women who underwent prenatal care and delivered at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2014 to December 2021, and whose weight decreased compared to pre-pregnancy weight by 16 weeks of gestation. The rate of weight gain in mid and late pregnancy, also weight gain and weight gain rate at each stage were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of total weight gain and weight gain rate at each stage before the diagnosis of GDM on the risk of GDM.Results:The rates of weight gain in mid and late pregnancy for women with early pregnancy weight loss who were underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese before pregnancy were (0.60±0.15), (0.59±0.18), (0.53±0.20), and (0.42±0.20) kg/week, respectively, all higher than the "Chinese Recommended Standards for Weight Gain During Pregnancy" [which are (0.37-0.56), (0.26-0.48), (0.22-0.37), and (0.15-0.30) kg/week, respectively]. The weight gain rates at each stage of mid and late pregnancy in women with early pregnancy weight loss showed a "bimodal" trend, with the first peak in weight gain rate occurring at 16-20 or 20-24 weeks of gestation [weight gain rates for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese women before pregnancy were 0.75 kg/week (0.44-1.00 kg/week), 0.74 kg/week (0.50-1.00 kg/week), 0.63 kg/week (0.39-0.86 kg/week), and 0.50 kg/week (0.25-0.74 kg/week), respectively] and the second peak occurring at 28-32 weeks [weight gain rates for underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese women before pregnancy were 0.63 kg/week (0.50-1.00 kg/week), 0.63 kg/week (0.38- 0.88 kg/week), 0.60 kg/week (0.25-0.88 kg/week), and 0.50 kg/week (0.22-0.75 kg/week). As of 28 weeks and 36 weeks of gestation, 53.7% (1 404/2 614) and 77.4% (1 946/2 512) of pregnant women, respectively, reached the lower limit of the recommended weight gain for the corresponding gestational weeks. No association was found between insufficient weight gain ( aOR=0.828, 95% CI: 0.639-1.071, P=0.151) or excessive weight gain ( aOR=0.936, 95% CI: 0.598-1.465, P=0.773) before the diagnosis of GDM and the risk of GDM. However, obese women with a weight loss greater than 5% of their pre-pregnancy weight in early pregnancy and a rapid weight gain rate (> P 75) between 16-20 weeks of gestation had an increased risk of developing GDM ( aOR=32.870, 95% CI: 1.625-664.775, P=0.023). Conclusions:In clinical practice, dynamic monitoring of weight changes at various stages of pregnancy in women who lose weight in early pregnancy is recommended. Targeted weight management during mid-pregnancy for women who are obese before pregnancy and experience significant weight loss in early pregnancy may help prevent excessive gestational weight gain and decrease the risk of GDM.
10.Investigation and analysis of the current status of picc-associated thrombosis prevention nursing among surgical nurses
Ning ZHANG ; Yuan XU ; Liyun ZHU ; Qiaodan LU ; Ranxun AN ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Yufen MA ; Haibo DENG ; Lei WANG ; Jianhua SUN ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojie WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(17):2302-2308
Objective:To investigate the current status of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) -associated thrombosis prevention nursing practices among surgical nurses, and to provide a scientific basis for targeted future interventions.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to select 3 151 surgical nurses from tertiary hospitals in 11 provinces and municipalities who attended the Surgical Nursing Academic Symposium of the Chinese Nursing Association between April and May 2023. The survey utilized a standardized questionnaire assessing current practices in PICC-associated thrombosis prevention among clinical nurses.Results:A total of 3 151 questionnaires were distributed, and 2 341 valid responses were collected, yielding a valid response rate of 74.29% (2 341/3 151) . Among the respondents, the training rate on PICC-associated thrombosis prevention was only 62.45% (1 462/2 341) , and just 1.28% (30/2 341) had received full-time (off-duty) training. The usage rate of standardized procedures for PICC-related thrombosis prevention was 92.40% (2 163/2 341) , and the risk assessment rate was 79.79% (1 868/2 341) . Compared to urology and cardiothoracic surgery departments, breast surgery departments had significantly higher rates of thrombosis risk assessment ( P<0.05) . Additionally, 56.69% (1 327/2 341) of surgical nurses used risk assessment tools specific to PICC-associated thrombosis. Among non-pharmacological prevention measures, the implementation rate of encouraging patients to perform grip strength exercises was only 68.26% (1 598/2 341) . Conclusions:The current level of PICC-associated thrombosis prevention nursing among surgical nurses needs further improvement. Efforts should be strengthened in professional training, implementation of standardized protocols, risk assessment, and non-pharmacological interventions.


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