1.Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside on renal injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy
Chong ZHANG ; Chundong SONG ; Mo WANG ; Shuang LIANG ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Hanhan ZHANG ; Peijia LI ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):815-819
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TWM) on renal injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats through tumor protein p53/microRNA-214 (miR-214)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) axis. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=6) and modeling group (n=28); the modeling group was fed with high fat and high glucose plus intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish DN model. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, valsartan group [8.33 mg/(kg·d)] and TWM group[6.25 mg/(kg·d)], with 8 rats in each group. Rats in each group were gavaged with the corresponding medication or normal saline, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, liver and renal function indexes [24 h urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT)], blood lipid indexes (triglycerides, total cholesterol) and blood glucose index (fasting blood glucose) in urine/blood sample of rats were detected in each group. Renal pathologic change was observed, protein and mRNA expressions of p53, ULK1, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and expression of miR-214 in renal tissue were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the renal tubular epithelium of rats in the model group showed obvious edema, cell swelling, accompanied by lymphocyte infiltration; the levels of 24h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 in rats in the model group and administration groups were significantly increased or up-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1, Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the histopathological damage of the kidney in rats was improved in administration groups; the levels of 24 h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 were all significantly decreased or down-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1 and Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TG can alleviate renal damage in DN rats, and improve their liver and renal function, as well as glucose and lipid levels. These effects may be related to the regulation of the p53/miR-214/ULK1 axis and the restoration of cellular autophagy.
2.Development of DUS Test Guidelines for New Pinellia ternata
Xinyao LI ; Mingxing WANG ; Bingbing LIAO ; Changjie CHEN ; Xiufu WAN ; Lanping GUO ; Yuhuan MIAO ; Dahui LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):225-233
Pinellia ternata, belonging to the Pinellia genus within the Araceae family, is a medicinal plant due to its tubers. There are severe issues with unclear germplasm and mixed varieties in its cultivation, necessitating urgent new variety protection efforts. The distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing of the plant variety is the basis for protecting new plant varieties, and the DUS test guidelines are the technical basis for DUS testing. To develop the DUS test guidelines for P. ternata, agronomic traits of 229 germplasm of P. ternata were observed and measured during its two growth stages over the years, and each character was graded and described. A total of 38 traits were selected as the test traits of the DUS test guideline for P. ternata. There were three plant traits, 19 leaf traits, six flower traits, two fruit traits, two tuber traits, five bulbil traits, and one ploidy trait. These traits could be divided into 22 quality characters, 12 quantitative characters, and four pseudo-quantitative characters, as well as seven groups, including plants, leaves, flowers, fruit, tubers, bulbils, and ploidy. By searching for standard traits, 10 standard varieties were ultimately determined. Preparing these guidelines will have great significance for reviewing and protecting P. ternata varieties, safeguarding breeders' rights, and promoting the development of the P. ternata industry.
3.Discussion on Technical Characteristics of National Drug Standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing Granules
Shengjun CHEN ; Song LI ; Kejia GUO ; Yuntian ZHANG ; Haiqin ZHOU ; Xianglan PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):256-264
On the premise of respecting the objective law of the occurrence and development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dispensing granules, relevant national departments have gradually formed the research and formulation ideas of national drug standards for dispensing granules based on the experiences and lessons learned in the development process of quality standards, as well as the formation mechanism of national standards for dispensing granules. This has certain reference significance for the formulation path of TCM quality standards. Combined with the general situation of the published standards and specific cases, the research concepts of the national standards for dispensing granules were analyzed and summarized in this paper, and the analysis of the technical characteristics of the issued national standards was focused, including the introduction of standard decoction, the overall quality control of TCM, the whole process quality control and other research ideas. At the same time, it summarized the industry common problems in the research and development process of national standards for dispensing granules, such as the source and process control of medicinal materials, and strived to solve them together, encouraging the demonstration and application of new technological means in the field of TCM dispensing granules. Finally, based on the literature analysis, the shortcomings of the current national standards were discussed, and relevant suggestions were put forward to further improve the national standards for dispensing granules. Through the overall analysis, it is helpful to comprehensively understand the technical characteristics of the national standards for TCM dispensing granules, and provide reference for the scientific exploration and practice of quality control methods for TCM.
4.Factors affecting Pomacea distribution and prediction of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province
Zhongqiu LI ; Yuhua LIU ; Yunhai GUO ; Zixin WEI ; Junhu CHEN ; Qiang WANG ; Tianmei LI ; Shizhu LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):69-75
Objective To investigate the factors affecting the distribution of Pomacea and project the trends in the spread of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in 2050 and 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, so as to provide insights into Pomacea control in the prefecture. Methods The longitudes and latitudes of Pomacea sampling sites were captured based on Pomacea field survey data in 12 cities (counties) of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from 2023 to 2024. A total of 19 climatic factors (annual mean temperature, mean diurnal range, isothermality, temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, and mean temperature of the coldest quarter) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) were retrieved from the world climate database (www.worldclim.org). All climatic variables were employed to create a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The predictive accuracy of the model was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the contributions of these 19 climatic factors to the distribution of Pomacea were analyzed in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture using Jackknife test. In addition, the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were predicted with the MaxEnt model in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024 and in 2050 and 2070 under RCP4.5. Results Data pertaining to 91 Pomacea sampling sites were captured. ROC analysis revealed the MaxEnt model had an AUC value of 0.885 ± 0.088 for predicting the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Of the 19 climatic factors, the maximum temperature of the warmest month had the highest contribution to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, followed by mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the wettest quarter and minimum temperature of the coldest month. The suitable distribution area of Pomacea was predicted to be 14 555.69 km2 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024, and would expand gradually to the southeastern part of the prefecture in the future due to climatic factors. The suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were projected to expand to 21 475.61 km2 in 2050 and 25 782.52 km2 in 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, respectively. Conclusions Temperature is an important contributor to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the suitable distribution area of Pomacea will gradually expand to the southeastern part of the prefecture in 2050 and 2070.
5.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
6.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
7.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
8.Analysis of the clinical effect of tirofiban in the treatment of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Xiaohui LI ; Xiaomin LI ; Mingyang WEI ; Huimin GUO ; Chen WANG ; Jianbin ZHANG ; Zhiqiang ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1221-1225
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of tirofiban for early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS A total of 126 patients with early neurological deterioration of acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected and divided into observation group and control group according to random number table method, with 63 cases in each group. All patients received standardized treatment such as lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering therapy. Based on the standard treatment, patients in the control group additionally took Aspirin enteric-coated tablets 100 mg+Clopidogrel bisulfate tablets 75 mg orally (once a day, for 14 consecutive days). The patients in the observation group received Tirofiban hydrochloride and sodium chloride injection based on the standardized treatment [first intravenous infusion of 0.40 μg/(kg·min) for 30 min, and then continuous intravenous infusion of 0.10 μg/(kg·min) for 47.5 h]; subsequently, patients were given Aspirin enteric-coated tablets (100 mg) and Clopidogrel bisulfate tablets (75 mg) once a day for 14 consecutive days. The clinical efficacy, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, and hemorheological indexes before and after treatment were compared between the two groups, and the adverse reactions were recorded. RESULTS The total effective rate (87.30%) of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (71.43%) (P<0.05). NIHSS scores of the two groups at 1st, 7th and 14th day after treatment, the mRS score at 90th day after treatment, and the platelet aggregation rate, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and fibrinogen at 14th day after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group at the same period (P<0.05). The total incidences of adverse reactions such as nausea, headache, fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, oral and nasal mucosal bleeding and thrombocytopenia in both groups of patients were 28.57% respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS For patients with early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke, the addition of tirofiban can accelerate the recovery of neurological function, improve blood hyperviscosity and platelet aggregation, and improve the prognosis of patients with good safety.
9.PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Ranran FENG ; Yilin GUO ; Meilin CHEN ; Ziying TIAN ; Yijun LIU ; Su JIANG ; Jieyu ZHOU ; Qingluan LIU ; Xiayu LI ; Wei XIONG ; Lei SHI ; Songqing FAN ; Guiyuan LI ; Wenling ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2025;59(1):68-83
Background:
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear.
Methods:
We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP).
Results:
We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin.
Conclusions
PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.
10.Depressive symptoms and associated factors among middle school and college students from 2021 to 2023 in Hunan Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):96-101
Objective:
To investigate the current status and trends of depressive symptoms among middle school and college students in Hunan Province, and to explore the primary related factors of depressive symptoms, so as to provide a scientific basis for strengthening mental health among students.
Methods:
A total of 279 382 students in Hunan Province were selected through a stratified cluster random sampling method from 2021 to 2023. National Survey Questionnaire on Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors among Students was adopted for the survey, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used to assess their depressive symptoms. The χ 2 test and trend χ 2 test were used to analyze depressive symptoms prevalence and trends, and multivariable Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of depressive symptoms.
Results:
The prevalence of depressive symptoms among students in Hunan Province from 2021 to 2023 were 19.66%, 20.17% and 21.47%, respectively, showing an upward trend ( χ 2 trend =9.07, P <0.01). In addition, the results of the multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that students with healthy diet ( OR=0.43, 95%CI =0.40-0.45), adequate sleep ( OR=0.88, 95%CI =0.86-0.90), and acceptable screen time ( OR=0.61, 95%CI =0.60-0.62) had lower risks in depressive symptoms detection, while students with smoking ( OR= 1.95, 95%CI =1.88-2.02), secondhand smoke exposure ( OR=1.33, 95%CI =1.30-1.36) and Internet addiction ( OR= 4.19 , 95%CI =4.05-4.34) had higher risks in depressive symptoms detection, with differences in the degree of association among different genders, educational stages and urban rural groups ( OR=0.40-6.04, Z =-12.69-11.98) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is an increasing trend of depressive symptoms among middle school and college students in Hunan Province from 2021 to 2023.Targeted depression prevention measures should be taken for students with different demographic characteristics to promote their mental health.


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