1.In Vitro Anti-psoriatic Effect of Kangfuxin Liquid via Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Migration Ability and Blocking JAK3/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Shuai LI ; Xuan LIU ; Wenyan TANG ; Zhenqi WU ; Chunhui CHEN ; Dadan QIU ; Yi XU ; Chenggui ZHANG ; Jianquan ZHU ; Jiali ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):123-133
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity and potential mechanism of Kangfuxin liquid (KFX liquid), providing experimental evidence for the anti-psoriasis effect of KFX liquid. MethodsFirstly, the uninduced human immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) were divided into seven groups, namely the control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effect of KFX liquid on the normal cell proliferation was detected by using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. Secondly, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group and recombinant human interleukin-7A (rh-IL-7A) groups with different doses (5, 10, 50, 100, 120 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-17A (rh IL-17A) liquid, the effect of rh IL-17A on cell proliferation was detected. The optimal induction concentration was screened. Then, normal HaCaT cells were divided into a control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups established psoriasis cell models with the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effects of KFX liquid on the psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation were investigated. Finally, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group, rh IL-17A group, methotrexate (MTX) group, and KFX liquid groups with different doses (20, 40, 80 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups used the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A to establish psoriasis cell models. After being treated with different drugs, the cell migration levels were detected through scratch assays, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki-67 antigen (Ki67), S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8), and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), thereby comprehensively evaluating the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity of KFX liquid. By detecting the relative mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine-20 (CXCL-20) inflammatory-related factors in psoriasis-like HaCaT cells and the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), phosphorylated Janus kinase 3 (p-JAK3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), the mechanism was explored. ResultsCompared with that of control group, when treated with 80 g·L-1 KFX liquid for 72 h (P<0.05) and at different times with 160 g·L-1 KFX liquid, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly affected (P<0.01), while the other concentrations of KFX liquid had no significant differences in cell morphology and cell proliferation activity at different times, indicating that the KFX liquid is relatively safe for HaCaT cells and has no obvious toxic side effects. Compared with that of control group, when treated with different concentrations of rh IL-17A for 24 h, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly enhanced, and the cell activity was the strongest when the concentration was 100 μg·L-1 (P<0.05), with a density close to 100% and intact cell morphology, indicating that 100 μg·L-1 is the optimal concentration for inducing HaCaT cell proliferation. The results of the KFX liquid treatment on rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells show that the KFX liquid not only effectively inhibits the rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation activity (P<0.01), but also significantly reduces the migration ability of rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cells (P<0.01), and the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki67, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 (P<0.01). Moreover, the KFX liquid can significantly reduce the relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and CXCL-20 in rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells (P<0.01), and significantly inhibit the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe KFX liquid has no obvious toxicity to uninduced HaCaT cells. It can inhibit rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation, reduce the cell migration ability, and has good in vitro anti-psoriasis activity. Its action mechanism may be related to downregulating the expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines in the JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins.
2.In Vitro Anti-psoriatic Effect of Kangfuxin Liquid via Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Migration Ability and Blocking JAK3/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Shuai LI ; Xuan LIU ; Wenyan TANG ; Zhenqi WU ; Chunhui CHEN ; Dadan QIU ; Yi XU ; Chenggui ZHANG ; Jianquan ZHU ; Jiali ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):123-133
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity and potential mechanism of Kangfuxin liquid (KFX liquid), providing experimental evidence for the anti-psoriasis effect of KFX liquid. MethodsFirstly, the uninduced human immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) were divided into seven groups, namely the control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effect of KFX liquid on the normal cell proliferation was detected by using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. Secondly, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group and recombinant human interleukin-7A (rh-IL-7A) groups with different doses (5, 10, 50, 100, 120 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-17A (rh IL-17A) liquid, the effect of rh IL-17A on cell proliferation was detected. The optimal induction concentration was screened. Then, normal HaCaT cells were divided into a control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups established psoriasis cell models with the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effects of KFX liquid on the psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation were investigated. Finally, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group, rh IL-17A group, methotrexate (MTX) group, and KFX liquid groups with different doses (20, 40, 80 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups used the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A to establish psoriasis cell models. After being treated with different drugs, the cell migration levels were detected through scratch assays, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki-67 antigen (Ki67), S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8), and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), thereby comprehensively evaluating the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity of KFX liquid. By detecting the relative mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine-20 (CXCL-20) inflammatory-related factors in psoriasis-like HaCaT cells and the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), phosphorylated Janus kinase 3 (p-JAK3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), the mechanism was explored. ResultsCompared with that of control group, when treated with 80 g·L-1 KFX liquid for 72 h (P<0.05) and at different times with 160 g·L-1 KFX liquid, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly affected (P<0.01), while the other concentrations of KFX liquid had no significant differences in cell morphology and cell proliferation activity at different times, indicating that the KFX liquid is relatively safe for HaCaT cells and has no obvious toxic side effects. Compared with that of control group, when treated with different concentrations of rh IL-17A for 24 h, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly enhanced, and the cell activity was the strongest when the concentration was 100 μg·L-1 (P<0.05), with a density close to 100% and intact cell morphology, indicating that 100 μg·L-1 is the optimal concentration for inducing HaCaT cell proliferation. The results of the KFX liquid treatment on rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells show that the KFX liquid not only effectively inhibits the rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation activity (P<0.01), but also significantly reduces the migration ability of rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cells (P<0.01), and the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki67, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 (P<0.01). Moreover, the KFX liquid can significantly reduce the relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and CXCL-20 in rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells (P<0.01), and significantly inhibit the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe KFX liquid has no obvious toxicity to uninduced HaCaT cells. It can inhibit rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation, reduce the cell migration ability, and has good in vitro anti-psoriasis activity. Its action mechanism may be related to downregulating the expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines in the JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins.
3.Identification of tortoiseshell glue and antler glue in Qixiong zuogui granules and content determination of 12 chemical components
Mengxiao JIA ; Chunhui CHANG ; Yang LIU ; Yaqian WANG ; Yunke ZHANG ; Yongyan JIA
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):540-545
OBJECTIVE To identify tortoiseshell glue and antler glue in Qichong zuogui granules, and determine the contents of 12 chemical components. METHODS Identification and content determination were performed by using liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The identification was performed on Hypersil GOLD column with a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid solution (gradient elution); the electrospray ion source was used to scan in the positive ion multi-reaction detection mode. The mass charge ratio (m/z) 631.3→546.4, 631.3→921.4 was the detection ion pair for tortoiseshell glue, and the m/z 765.4→554.0, 765.4→733.0 was the detection ion pair for antler glue. The determination method for 12 chemical components was as follows: Accucore C18 column, methanol-0.1% formic acid as mobile phase (gradient elution); scanning range of positive and negative ions was m/z 100→1 000 with the electric spray ion source and single ion detection scanning mode. RESULTS Average retention times of the molecular ion peaks for characteristic peptide segments of tortoiseshell glue and antler glue were 6.28 and 6.77 min, respectively; the linear relationship of 12 chemical components was good within their respective concentration ranges, such as astragaloside Ⅳ, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, calycosin, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, betaine, amygdalin, rutin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, hyperoside, loganin, cyasterone (r>0.999); RSDs for precision, stability (24 h) and reproducibility tests were all less than 5%. The average sample recovery rates ranged from 98.04% to 101.08%. The average contents of 12 components were 1.83, 25.73, 13.76,56.71, 23.80, 49.82, 807.49, 15.01, 317.02, 60.21, 202.71 and 17.70 μg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this study, tortoiseshell glue and antler glue in Qixiong zuogui granules are identified, and the contents of 12 chemical components therein are determined. This provides a reference for the quality control of this granule.
4.Viral inactivation in von Willebrand factor preparations via UVC irradiation: an experimental approach
Yalu ZHANG ; Jie MA ; Rong ZHANG ; Chunhui YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):673-677
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet-C (UVC) irradiation in inactivating porcine parvovirus (PPV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), pseudorabies virus (PRV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) within von Willebrand factor (vWF) preparations. Methods: An ultraviolet inactivator (254 nm primary wavelength) was employed to optimize UV exposure dosages for the samples, and the initial test groups were set at five irradiation gradients: 100, 200, 400, 1 000, and 1 500 J/m
gradients. Based on the results of the preliminary experiments, subsequent formal experiments implemented refined dosage parameters at 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m
. Virucidal efficacy against various pathogenic strains was evaluated via cytopathic effect (CPE) observation methodology, while simultaneously quantifying von Willebrand factor antigen levels (vWF∶Ag) and collagen-binding activity (vWF∶CBA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and automated coagulation analysis systems before and after UVC treatment. Results: The results showed that > 100 J/m
UVC irradiation achieved a≥4.0 log reduction factor in vWF. For vWF antigen, retention rates were observed to be 93.67%, 91.72%, 93.54%, 79.05%, and 85.50% at UVC doses of 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m
, respectively. Similarly, the retention rates of vWF collagen-binding activity were 81.11%, 87.81%, 86.15%, 73.73%, and 73.72% under the same dose conditions. Conclusion: Considering both inactivation efficacy and functional preservation while ensuring safety and effectiveness, 100-150 J/m
represents the optimal inactivation dose.
5.Effect of heterologous expression of Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene SqME on photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation in tobacco leaves.
Yizhen LIU ; Mengyuan LI ; Zhanqian LI ; Yushuang GUO ; Jingfang JI ; Wenchao DENG ; Ze YANG ; Yan SUN ; Chunhui ZHANG ; Jin'ai XUE ; Runzhi LI ; Chunli JI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2829-2842
Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO2, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO2 and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics*
;
Photosynthesis/physiology*
;
Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis*
;
Plant Leaves/genetics*
;
Scenedesmus/enzymology*
;
Carbon Cycle/genetics*
;
Lipid Metabolism/genetics*
;
Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*
6.Fundamental scientific research questions of human related safety in complex tightly-coupled human-machine systems
Shanguang CHEN ; Yijing ZHANG ; Zhizhong LI ; Liezhong GE ; Chunhui WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):1-6
Under the"Four Specials"conditions(special environments,special tasks,special equipment,and special personnel),complex tightly-coupled human-machine systems exhibit distinct characteristics such as human-in-the-loop,frequent human-machine interactions,and significant mutual influence between humans and machines.These features lead to prominent and typical human related safety issues.Through aggregating knowledge from literature review,accident case studies,and engineering practice,this paper elaborates on the characteristics of complex tightly-coupled human-machine systems,clarifies the definition of human related safety(including its research subjects,topics,and methods),and provides a systematic analysis framework on the causes of human related safety from a whole life-cycle perspective of system development.Furthermore,theoretical hypotheses are proposed for human related safety,along with its fundamental scientific research questions and methods.
7.Influence of long-term spaceflight on human speed perception characteristics
Duming WANG ; Xinqi ZHANG ; Yu TIAN ; Xiaolei SONG ; Xianliang GE ; Lidong WANG ; Rui ZHAO ; Zongxiao SUN ; Chunhui WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):7-14
Objective Accurate speed perception is crucial for tasks such as man-controlled rendezvous and docking,and teleoperation of space manipulator.Therefore,it is necessary to conduct in-orbit experiments to explore the influence of long-term spaceflight on human speed perception characteristics.Methods The Time-to-Collision(TTC)paradigm was selected to develop experimental software,using a tablet computer for stimulus presentation.Human speed perception characteristics were evaluated based on the subjects'keystroke response data on the keyboard.Through ground-based experiments,the usability and reliability of the paradigm were explored,and the gravity internal model effect was quantitatively analyzed.Through in-orbit experiments on space station tasks,the influence of long-term spaceflight on human speed perception characteristics was further investigated.Results Under the 1G environment on the ground,the TTC paradigm has a high test-retest reliability(r>0.8),and indicators such as average deviation rate and absolute value of average deviation rate show no practice effect.In addition,ground experiments found that compared to vertical upward movement,vertical downward movement is estimated to be faster(i.e.,keystroke time is advanced),showing the existence of the gravity internal model effect.In the microgravity environment of spaceflight,there are no significant differences in average deviation rate and absolute value of average deviation rate among three stages(pre-flight,in-flight,post-flight)and seven tests,indicating that no obvious changes in astronauts'speed perception ability were found at the existing test time points and paradigms.However,the gravity internal model effect(difference between vertical downward and vertical upward)showed a trend of fading in the early stage of astronauts entering orbit.Conclusion Based on the computer screen TTC estimation paradigm,no significant changes in human speed perception ability were found during long-term spaceflight,but microgravity may weaken the human brain's gravity internal model.
8.Exosome derived from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells prevented bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency.
Chunhui SHENG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Longwei LV ; Yongsheng ZHOU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):217-226
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effect of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) exosomes on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) extracted from osteoporotic mice, and to evaluate the effect of hASCs exosomes on preventing bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency.
METHODS:
hASCs exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation. The osteoporotic mice were established by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). BMSCs were isolated from osteo-porotic mice and cultured for further analysis. In the experimental group, these BMSCs were exposed to an osteogenic induction medium supplemented with hASCs exosomes to evaluate their potential effects on osteogenesis. In contrast, the control group was treated with the same osteogenic induction medium, but without the addition of hASCs exosomes, to serve as a baseline comparison for the study. To comprehensively assess the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs influenced by hASCs exosomes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity quantitative analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed. These evaluations provided critical insights into the role of hASCs exosomes in promoting osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in osteoporotic conditions. The fluorescence labeled hASCs exosomes were injected via the tail vein to observe the biodistribution of exosomes. Two weeks after OVX, the mice were divided into three groups: The experimental group consisted of estrogen-deficient mice receiving hASCs exosome injections; the negative control group consisted of estrogen-deficient mice receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injections; and the positive control group consisted of mice that underwent Sham surgery and received PBS injections.The injections were administered once every 3 days, for a total of 8 injections. Afterward, the femurs were collected from the mice, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was performed to measure bone mineral density and conduct bone morphometric analysis.
RESULTS:
hASCs exosomes were successfully extracted using ultracentrifugation. After the induction by hASCs exosomes, ALP staining and ALP activity in the BMSCs extracted from osteoporotic mice were significantly enhanced, the expression of osteogenesis related genes in BMSCs were significantly up-regulated. More trabecular bone and higher bone mineral density were observed in estrogen-deficient mice injected with hASCs exosomes compared with estrogen-deficient mice injected with PBS, and there was no significant decrease in bone mineral density compared with the Sham operation group.
CONCLUSION
hASCs exosomes promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs extracted from osteoporotic mice. hASCs exosomes prevented bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency.
Animals
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology*
;
Exosomes
;
Estrogens/deficiency*
;
Humans
;
Osteogenesis
;
Cell Differentiation
;
Female
;
Mice
;
Osteoporosis/prevention & control*
;
Ovariectomy
;
Adipose Tissue/cytology*
;
Cells, Cultured
9.A research on tissue damage detection based on mutations in cell-free DNA
Shishi LAN ; Ye HUANG ; Chunhui WANG ; Hongxing ZHANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(5):337-348
Objective To investigate the feasibility of using the cell-free DNA(cfDNA)carrying tissue-specific mutations as biomarkers for assessing the severity of exercise-induced tissue injury.Methods Based on a public gene expression database,ten tissue-specific and highly-expressed genes were selected for each of ten different human tissues.A total of 34 young healthy volunteers were recruited,and their peripheral blood samples were collected after running 5 km per day for one week.Genomic DNA from leukocytes,plasma exosomal RNA,and plasma cfDNA were extracted and subjected to high-throughput sequencing respectively.Tissue-specific somatic mutations in plasma exosomal RNA were identified,and the relationship between cfDNA carrying these mutations and traditional protein biomarkers was analyzed.Results Tissue-specific cfDNA mutations related to five tissues(myocardium,skeletal muscle,intestine,stomach,and kidney)were detected in more than five volunteers.The correlation coefficients between total plasma cfDNA levels and the levels of tissue-specific protein biomarkers associated with these five tissues were less than 0.3(n=34,r=-0.51-0.28,P=0.0022-0.65).Notably,for each specific tissue,the levels of tissue-specific cfDNA mutations were positively correlated with the corresponding protein biomarker levels,and correlation coefficients were over 0.8(n=7-13,r=0.81-0.92,P=9.0×10-4-0.020).Conclusion Tissue-specific cfDNA mutations may serve as novel potential biomarkers for non-invasive evaluation of exercise-related tissue injury.
10.Association between exposure to multiple metals and lung function in welders by multi-pollutant statistical models
Yue LI ; Huanqiang WANG ; Meibian ZHANG ; Chunhui NI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(3):251-258
Background Welders' exposure to welding fumes with multiple metals leads to decreased pulmonary function. Previous studies have focused on single metal exposure, while giving little attention to the impact of metal mixtures. Objective To assess the association between metal levels in urine and blood of welders and pulmonary function indicators, and to identify key metals for occupational health risk assessment. Methods Questionnaire surveys, lung function tests, urine and blood sampling were conducted among welders and control workers in a shipyard in Shanghai. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect the concentrations of 12 metals such as vanadium, chromium, and manganese in urine and blood. Spearman correlation was applied to analyze the correlations between the metals in urine and blood. Multiple linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to analyze the relationships between mixed metal exposure and pulmonary function parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced vital capacity as a percentage of predicted value (FVC%), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume in the first second as a percentage of predicted value (FEV1%), and forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). Results This study enrolled 445 subjects, including 322 welders (72.36%) and 123 controls (27.64%). The mean age of the 445 participants was (37.64±8.80) years, and 87.19% participants were male. The welders had significantly higher levels of urinary cadmium (0.88 vs 0.58 μg·L−1), blood chromium (5.86 vs 5.06 μg·L−1), and blood manganese (24.24 vs 21.38 μg·L−1) than the controls (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation coefficients between the metals in urine and blood ranged from −0.46 to 0.68. After adjustment for confounders, the multiple linear regression indicted that the urine molybdenum of the welders was negatively correlated with FVC and FEV1. There were also negative correlations between the molybdenum in blood and FVC, FVC%, FEV1, and FEV1%, and between the copper in blood and FEV1/FVC. The WQS model showed that FEV1 and FVC decreased by 0.112 L and 0.353 L with each quartile increase of metal mixture concentrations in urine and blood among the welders respectively, and the leading contributors were copper, zinc, vanadium, and antimony. The BKMR model showed a negative overall effect of metal mixtures in urine and blood among the welders on FVC, FVC%, FEV1, and FEV1%, and the univariate exposure response-relationship between the molybdenum concentration in urine or blood and FVC, FVC%, FEV1, or FEV1% had an approximately linear decreasing trend. Meanwhile, there may be an interaction of cadmium with manganese, nickel, or vanadium, and an interaction of vanadium with iron, molybdenum, zinc, or copper, when different metals in urine among the welders interacted with FEV1%. Conclusion Exposure to multiple metals in welders leads to a decline in lung function, with molybdenum, antimony, copper, and zinc as the leading contributors.

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