1.Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharides Improve Colonic Injury in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism in the Colon
Wanrong LI ; Mengting TAO ; Yuanfeng ZOU ; Dan HE ; Nengyuan TANG ; Xin TAN ; Lixia LI ; Dandan CHEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):431-443
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Polygonatum neutral polysaccharides from sibiricum (PSP-NP) on colon injury in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a COPD model group, and a PSP-NP group. The COPD model was established using smoke exposure combined with intranasal LPS administration. The PSP-NP group was simultaneously treated daily with 200 mg/kg of PSP-NP via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received an equal volume of saline. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon. ELISA was employed to detect the levels of LPS in serum and the expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, IL-6, and TNF-α in colon tissue. UPLC-MS was used to detect the types and contents of bile acids in colonic content, and to screen for differential bile acids. Differential microbial flora were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and correlation analysis was conducted with differential bile acids. PSP-NP was combined with the differential bile acids cholic acid (CA), and deoxycholic acid (DCA) in vitro to analyze the binding capacity of PSP-NP for CA and DCA. PSP-NP was applied to NCM460 normal colonic epithelial cells cultured in CA and DCA. Cell migration ability was assessed using the scratch assay, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB were measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsPSP-NP effectively improved colonic damage in COPD model mice, enhanced mechanical barrier function, alleviated inflammatory response, and regulated abnormal changes in colonic flora and bile acid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed that PSP-NP regulated colonic bile acid metabolism and reduced the redundancy of secondary bile acids by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia, while decreasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Notably, in vitro binding assays demonstrated that PSP-NP bound to differential bile acids DCA and CA, with the strongest binding capacity for DCA at 58.2%. In cellular functional studies, DCA inhibited the migration ability of colonic epithelial cells NCM460 and significantly increased the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB. Importantly, co-treatment with PSP-NP significantly ameliorated the impact of DCA on NCM460 cells. ConclusionsPSP-NP may significantly improve colonic damage in COPD model mice. The mechanism may involve the regulation of colonic bile acid metabolism and bile acid profiles through both microbial modulation and direct binding, thereby reducing the damage caused by secondary bile acids such as DCA to colonic epithelial cells.
2.Houshihei San Repairs Skeletal Muscle Injury After Ischaemic Stroke by Regulating Ferroptosis Pathway
Hu QI ; Dan TIAN ; Xiongwei ZHANG ; Zeyang ZHANG ; Yuanlin GAO ; Yanning JIANG ; Xinran MIN ; Jiamin ZOU ; Jiuseng ZENG ; Nan ZENG ; Ruocong YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):1-11
ObjectiveTo investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of Houshihei San (HSHS) recorded with the effects of treating wind and limb heaviness on muscle tissue injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats through the ferroptosis pathway. MethodsThirty SD male rats were selected and randomly grouped as follows: sham, MCAO, deferoxamine mesylate, high-dose HSHS (HSHS-H, 0.54 g·kg-1), and low-dose HSHS (HSHS-L, 0.27 g·kg-1), with 6 rats in each group. A laser scattering system was used to evaluate the stability of the MCAO model, and rats were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. During the administration period, behavioral, imaging and other methods were used to systematically evaluate the skeletal muscle tissue injury after MCAO and the therapeutic effect in each administration group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to evaluate the cross-section of muscle cells. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry was used to detect tumor suppressor p53 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the soleus tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of p53, GPX4, myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Myostatin, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), muscle ring-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), and muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) to verify the therapeutic effect in each group. ResultsCompared with the MCAO group, HSHS enhanced the locomotor ability and promoted muscle regeneration, which suggested that the pharmacological effects of HSHS were related to the inhibition of muscle tissue ferroptosis to reduce the expression of muscle atrophy factors. Behavioral and imaging results suggested that compared with the MCAO group, HSHS ameliorated neurological impairments in rats on day 7 (P<0.01), enhanced 5-min locomotor distance and postural control (P<0.01), strengthened grasping power and promoted muscle growth (P<0.01), stabilized skeletal muscle length and weight (P<0.01), and increased the cross-section of muscle cells (P<0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, HSHS promoted the increases in glutathione and superoxide dismutase content and inhibited the increase in malondialdehyde content (P<0.05,P<0.01). Ferroptosis pathway-related assays suggested that HSHS reduced the p53-positive cells and increased the GPX4-positive cells (P<0.01). HSHS ameliorated muscle function decline after stroke by promoting the expression of GPX4, Nrf2, SLC7A11, and MyoD1 and inhibiting the expression of p53, Myostatin, MurRF1, and MAFbx to reduce ferroptosis in the muscle (P<0.01). ConclusionHSHS, prepared with reference to the method in the Synopsis of Golden Chamber, can simultaneously reduce the myolysis and increase the protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle tissue after ischemic stroke by regulating the ferroptosis pathway.
4.Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome with gender transition in adulthood: A case report
Meicen PU ; Dan WANG ; Meinan HE ; Xinzhao FAN ; Mengchen ZOU ; Yijuan HUANG ; Jiming LI ; Shanchao ZHAO ; Yunjun LIAO ; Yaoming XUE ; Ying CAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(7):602-607
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome(CAIS) is characterized by lack of androgen response in target organs due to androgen receptor dysfunction, resulting in feminized external genitalia. Individuals with CAIS are typically advised to live as females. This article reports a patient diagnosed with CAIS and gender dysphoria in adulthood. Following the removal of a left pelvic mass, pathology indicated cryptorchidism with a concurrent Leydig cell tumor. Genetic testing revealed a deletion mutation in exon 3 of androgen receptor gene. During follow-up, the patient underwent gender reassignment, transitioning socially from female to male. This case provides new insights into gender allocation for CAIS patients.
5.A retrospective study of 96 cases of adrenal metastases
Dan CAI ; Xiaojiao LI ; Lu TAN ; Mingxi ZOU ; Jia SHEN ; Ying CHEN ; Hong GUO ; Yan REN ; Haoming TIAN ; Tao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2024;63(9):855-860
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, etiological composition, imaging features, and prognosis of adrenal metastases.Methods:This study is a retrospective case series that included 96 patients with pathologically confirmed adrenal metastases who were treated at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from 2007 to 2017. Clinical features such as sex, age, tumor size, biochemical tests, imaging characteristics, postoperative pathology, treatment methods, and prognosis were collected and analyzed. The prognosis of patients and its influencing factors were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve and single-factor Cox risk proportional model.Results:Among the 96 included patients, 64 were male and 32 were female, with a median age of 60 years. There were 89 cases of unilateral adrenal metastases, five cases of bilateral metastases, and two cases with unspecified laterality. The median diameter of the metastases was 3.5 cm×2.9 cm, with an average CT value of 31 HU. Thirty-four cases of adrenal hormones were evaluated, and no abnormality was found.The primary tumor sites were as follows: lung ( n=36), kidney ( n=19), liver ( n=12), pancreas ( n=7), rectum ( n=3), stomach ( n=2), and one case each of tumor in the esophagus, skin, thyroid, left maxillary muscle, breast, bladder, cervix, chest wall, and gastrointestinal tract. There were three cases with unknown primary tumors. The most common pathological type was lung adenocarcinoma (20.8%, 20/96), followed by hepatocellular carcinoma (9.4%, 9/96) and high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma of the kidney (8.3%, 8/96). Thirty-nine cases were diagnosed concurrently with the primary tumor, while 37 cases were diagnosed after the primary tumor, with a median interval of 15 months (range: 2-144 months). There was no significant correlation between the death risk of adrenal metastatic tumor patients and gender, age, and the size of the metastatic tumor (all P>0.05). There were 4 patients with radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone, 19 patients with surgery alone, and 6 patients with combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The median overall survival was 1, 3, and 7 years, respectively. Conclusions:Adrenal metastases were mostly diagnosed at the same time as the primary tumor or within 15 months after the diagnosis of the primary tumor. Unilateral metastasis is common. The lungs are the most common primary lesion, followed by the kidney and liver. CT is the preferred method for the diagnosis of adrenal metastases, and the plain CT value is more than 30 HU. The overall prognosis of adrenal metastases is poor. The prognosis was better for patients who underwent surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy than those who received only surgery or radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone.
6.Association of different sleep characteristics and cardiometabolic risk in college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(1):25-29
Objective:
To describe the association of different sleep characteristics and cardiometabolic risk among college students, so as to provide reference for health promotion of college students.
Methods:
By random cluster sampling method, a questionnaire survey and physical examination including blood pressure, waist circumference and blood lipid indicators, which were conducted in April and May of 2019 among a total of 1 179 college students from the first grade in two universities in Hefei City of Anhui Province and Shangrao City of Jiangxi Province. A total of 729 college students with valid questionnaires were included into analysis. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to investigate sleep behavior, and the Morning And Evening Questionnaire-5 (MEQ-5) was used to investigate sleep characteristics. The cardiometabolic risk score was derived using the sum of the standardized sex specific Z scores of waist circumference, mean arterial pressure, HDL cholesterol (multiplied by -1), triglycerides, and insulin resistance index. The rank sum tests were used to compare differences in cardiometabolic risk scores across demographic characteristics. Generalized linear models were used to compare the association of different sleep characteristics with cardiometabolic risk scores among college students.
Results:
The average cardiovascular metabolic risk score of college students was -0.32(-2.03, 1.58). There were statistically significant differences in cardiovascular metabolic risk scores among college students in variables such as smoking, health status, and physical activity levels ( t/F=-3.41, 12.88, 51.07, P <0.01). The results of the generalized linear model showed that nighttime preference ( B=1.89, 95%CI =1.02-3.49), insomnia symptoms ( B=3.25, 95%CI =1.79-5.90), and short or long sleep duration ( B=1.92, 95%CI =1.21-3.05) were positively correlated with the cardiovascular metabolic risk score of college students ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Poor sleep patterns among college students are positively correlated with the risk of cardiovascular metabolism. The sleep behavior of college students should be actively changed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
7.Virus spectrum of inpatients with acute respiratory infection in Pudong New Area , Shanghai
Zou CHEN ; Dan LIU ; Chuchu YE ; Hong ZHANG ; Qi ZHAO ; Lipeng HAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(2):21-24
Objective To understand the viral spectrum of inpatients with acute respiratory infection in Pudong New Area, and to explore the composition of pathogens in hospitalized children and adults. Methods Samples of acute respiratory infection cases from 10 medical institutions were collected from 2011 to 2020 and tested for human influenza virus, human adenovirus, rhinovirus, human parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human coronavirus, human metapneumovirus and human boca virus. Results A total of 3 145 inpatients were monitored, with a median age of 61 years. The positive rate of any virus was 32.43% (1 020/3 145), and the single virus infection accounted for 85.98% (877/1 020). In single virus infection, the positive rate of human influenza virus was the highest (9.67%, 304/3 145), with influenza A (80.26%, 244/304) as the main virus. The second was rhinovirus (3.97%, 125/3 145). The positive rate of any virus in different age groups was statistically significant (χ2=103.38,P<0.001). The positive rate of respiratory syncytial virus was the highest in the ~5-year-old group, adenovirus was the highest in the 6-14-year-old group, and influenza virus was the highest in the 15-64-year-old group and the 65year-old group. There was a significant difference in the positive rate of any virus in each month (χ2=123.06,P<0.001). The human influenza virus was the dominant virus in winter (December to February) and summer (July to September), and rhinoviruses distributed sporadically in each month. The positive rate of any virus in different departments was significantly different (χ2=90.37,P<0.001). Conclusion The positive rate of virus in hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infection is relatively high in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, with human influenza virus being the main virus. The virus spectrum of hospitalized children and adults is inconsistent. In the future, in-depth research should be strengthened, focusing on the distribution of pathogens in different populations and seasonal prevention and treatment.
8.Effects of alfentanil on myocardial fibrosis in rats with acute myocardial infarction by regulating the SphK1/S1P signaling pathway
Jinliang XIAO ; Xue ZOU ; Jiapeng DAN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(8):955-960
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of alfentanil (ALF) on myocardial fibrosis in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by regulating sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1)/sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway. METHODS Male SD rats were collected to construct AMI model by the ligation of anterior descending branch of left coronary artery. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into AMI model group (Model group), ALF low-dose group (ALF-L group, 0.25 mg/kg ALF), ALF high-dose group (ALF-H group, 0.5 mg/kg ALF), high dose of ALF+SphK1 activator group (ALF-H+K6PC-5 group, 0.5 mg/kg ALF+1 μg/g K6PC-5). At the same time, a sham operation group (Sham group) was set up to perform only chest opening/closing operations without ligating the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery, with 15 rats in each group. Rats in each drug group were intraperitoneally injected with the corresponding drug solution, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. Twelve hours after the last medication, cardiac function indicators [left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular systolic diameter (LVSD), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS)] of rats were detected in each group; the condition of myocardial infarction, pathological changes in myocardial tissue, and degree of fibrosis were observed; serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiac troponin Ⅰ (cTnⅠ) in rats were detected. The protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ , collagen Ⅲ , matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), SphK1 and S1P were alsodetected in the myocardial tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with the Sham group, the arrangement of myocardial cells in the Model group was disordered, with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating. The levels of LVSP, LVFS and LVEF in the Model group were significantly reduced (P<0.05); LVSD level, myocardial infarction area, collagen volume fraction, serum levels of BNP and cTnⅠ, the protein expressions of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, MMP-2, SphK1 and S1P in myocardial tissue were significantly increased or enlarged (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, the pathological changes and degree of fibrosis in the myocardial tissue of rats in each dose group of ALF were improved or relieved, while the quantitative indicators of rats in the ALF-H group were significantly improved and significantly better than those in ALF-L group (P<0.05). K6PC-5 could significantly reverse the improvement effect of high-dose ALF on the above quantitative indicators in rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS ALF can reduce myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in AMI rats, and the effect may be related to the inhibition of the SphK1/S1P signaling pathway.
9.Adult-onset idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: An evaluation of the diagnosis and treatment for three cases
Jing LUO ; Meicen PU ; Yijuan HUANG ; Dan WANG ; Mengchen ZOU ; Xinzhao FAN ; Meinan HE ; Cuihua XIE ; Yaoming XUE ; Ying CAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;40(1):5-10
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and offer diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for adult-onset idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(AIHH).Methods:Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data, as well as follow-up information, of three male patients diagnosed with AIHH at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, were systematically reviewed and analyzed.Results:All three patients were male, with a median age of 39 years(range, 22 to 40). Two patients reported symptoms of enlarged breasts and reduced sexual function, while one case solely reported a decline in sexual function. Physical examination showed that the median length of the penis was 6 cm(range, 5 to 6 cm), and the bilateral testicular volume was 7.96 mL(4.70-8.82 mL). Basal hormone levels at the time of initial visit to our hospital as follows: the median testosterone level was 0.32 ng/mL(0.24-2.96 ng/mL), median follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) level was 0.56 mIU/mL(0.1-0.75 mIU/mL), and the median luteinizing hormone(LH) level was 0.69 mIU/mL(0.1-1.03 mIU/mL). The levels of other hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland were normal. Hypothalamic-pituitary magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed that 1 patient had a pituitary microadenoma. Three patients were treated with pulsatile GnRH or gonadotropins, one of which had hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal(HPG) axis function reversal after GnRH pulse pump therapy and lasted for 1 year, but then still had irreversible reduction.Conclusion:AIHH is marked by adult-onset disease and idiopathic hypogonadism. Enhancing fertility remains a critical requirement for these patients. Pulsatile GnRH treatment or gonadotropin therapy, as viable treatments, exhibit therapeutic effects, albeit with occasional fluctuations. Therefore, the emphasis lies in the timely consideration of fertility preservation.
10.Analysis of current status and related factors of breakfast among primary and secondary school students in Zhejiang Province
ZHAO Dong, SU Danting, ZOU Yan, HUANG Lichun, HE Mengjie, HAN Dan, GU Wei, ZHANG Ronghua
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(9):1260-1263
Objective:
To understand current status and related factors of breakfast among primary and secondary school students in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving breakfast habits of primary and secondary school students.
Methods:
During May to November of 2023, 33 326 students from grade four to six of primary schools and grade one to two of secondary schools were selected from 90 counties and cities in Zhejiang Province by using the stratified cluster random sampling method. General information and breakfast consumption were collected by questionnaire. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of breakfast.
Results:
About 81.29% of the primary and secondary school students reported regular breakfast consumption. The rate of regular breakfast consumption was higher on the school days (92.23%) than on the weekends (85.17%), and higher in primary school students (85.83%) compared to secondary school students (74.71%), with statistically significant differences ( χ 2=827.42, 655.03, P <0.01). About 49.19% of primary and secondary school students had their breakfast within 10 minutes or less, and 83.30% of primary and secondary school students had 3-5 food groups for breakfast. The proportions of students who consumed cereals and potatoes, milk, and eggs were respectively 18.76%, 28.85%, 14.63%. About 22.84%, 28.00 %, 32.60% and 32.23% of the students had no meat, soybeans, vegetables and fruits in their breakfast. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that girls, rural area, secondary school, place of living (dormitory, others), migrant parent (one or both outside the hometown), late bedtime (22:00-22:59, 23:00 and later) and late wake up time (9:00 and later) on the weekends were positively correlated with no having breakfast every day ( OR=1.22, 1.40, 1.46, 1.20, 1.20, 1.34, 1.36, 1.41 , 3.51, 2.32, P <0.05). The time of physical activity per day (30-<60, 60-<90, 90-120, >120 min), bedtime (21:00-21:59, 22:00-22:59) and wake up time (6:00-6:59, 7:00-7:59) on school days were negatively correlated with no having breakfast every day ( OR=0.75, 0.64, 0.67, 0.64, 0.77, 0.82, 0.75, 0.67, P <0.05).
Conclusions
There is a considerable number of primary and secondary school students with irregular breakfast consumption, which are related to multiple factors. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen nutrition education and improve the behavior of breakfast for primary and secondary school students.


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