1.Consistency and risk factor analysis of 2 growth chart in the diagnosis of extrauterine growth restriction in preterm infants with a gestational age at birth of less than 32 weeks
Fan ZHANG ; Xiaohua ZHANG ; Shushu LI ; Shuping HAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):61-67
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic consistency of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) assessed by the Fenton 2013 preterm growth charts (Fenton 2013) and the growth charts by International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century (IG-21).Methods:This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 5 591 preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) at birth of less than 32 weeks admitted to 19 member hospitals of the Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative Network of Suxinyun from January 1 st, 2019, to December 31 st, 2024. Clinical data including baseline characteristics, complications, feeding practices and anthropometrics were processed and analyzed. EUGR was assessed using both the Fenton 2013 and the IG-21. A decrease in weight Z-score at discharge compared to admission by more than 1 was defined as longitudinal EUGR, and discharge weight below the P10 for the corresponding corrected GA was defined as cross-sectional EUGR. Diagnostic consistency was assessed using the Kappa coefficient between the 2 standards, and diagnostic performance of the 2 standards was compared using the McNemar test. Risk factors for EUGR under different definitions were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results:A total of 5 591 preterm infants were included, with a GA at birth of (29.7±1.6) weeks and a birth weight of (1 360±315) g and at discharge with a corrected GA of (36.3±2.0) weeks and weight of (2 246±370) g. Detection rates of cross-sectional and longitudinal EUGR diagnosed by Fenton 2013 were both higher than those by IG-21 (37.0% (2 214/5 991) vs. 23.7% (1 324/5 591), 61.1% (3 662/5 991) vs. 30.7% (1 714/5 591), χ2=326.77 and 1 358.05, both P<0.001). Using Fenton 2013 as a reference, IG-21 demonstrated superior diagnostic value and consistency in identifying cross-sectional EUGR compared with longitudinal EUGR (sensitivity of 100.0% (3 377/3 377) vs. 99.6% (1 922/1 929), specificity of 59.8% (1 324/2 214) vs. 46.6% (1 707/3 662), positive predictive value of 79.1% (3 377/4 267) vs. 49.6% (1 922/3 877), negative predictive value of 100.0% (1 324/1 324) vs. 99.6% (1 707/1 714), accuracy of 84.1% (4 701/5 591) vs. 64.9% (3 629/5 591), and Kappa 0.64 vs. 0.37, all P<0.001). In multivariate Logistic regression models, risk factors common to EUGR across both standards included smaller GA at birth, lower birth weight, boy, early-onset sepsis, late-onset sepsis and the elder age at full enteral feeding (all P<0.05). Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus remained an independent risk factor for longitudinal EUGR regardless of whether by the Fenton 2013 or IG-21 standard (adjust odds ratio ( aOR) =1.25 and 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.42 and 1.11-1.45). In addition, under the IG-21 standard, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was an independent risk factor for cross-sectional EUGR ( aOR=1.54, 95% CI 1.00-2.38), while severe necrotizing enterocolitis was an independent risk factor for longitudinal EUGR ( aOR=2.18, 95% CI 1.01-4.73). Conclusions:IG-21 showed lower detection rates of both cross-sectional and longitudinal EUGR than Fenton 2013, suggesting greater clinical applicability of IG-21 by reducing overdiagnosis while maintaining sensitivity for predicting complications. Across both standards, cross-sectional EUGR facilitates early identification of growth restriction, whereas longitudinal EUGR better tracks dynamic growth patterns and complications of preterm infants.
2.Analysis of thermal environment and students thermal comfort in primary and secondary school classrooms in winter
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):168-172
Objective:
To evaluate the current situation of thermal environment in primary and secondary school classrooms during winter, and to analyze students thermal comfort needs, so as to provide a basis for improving classroom thermal environment.
Methods:
From December 16 to 26, 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 90 classrooms from 15 primary and secondary schools in centralized/air conditioned heating areas(Liaoning Province, Tianjin City, Shanghai City) and naturally ventilated areas(Anhui Province and Jiangxi Province)for on site environmental measurement. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 743 students. The differences between groups using the χ 2 test were compared. Based on actual measurement data, a predicted mean vote prepared percentage of dissatisfied (PMV-PPD) model for centralized/air conditioned classrooms and an adaptive model for naturally ventilated classrooms were established, and the thermal neutral temperature and comfort interval were calculated.
Results:
The average outdoor temperature during on site measurement was 4.00(0.20,7.00)℃. In classrooms with centralized or air conditioned heating systems, the measured average temperature was (19.33±2.59)℃, with a thermal comfort range of 20.35-25.35 ℃ and a thermal neutral temperature of 22.85 ℃. And 13.92% of students reported feeling cold, while 80.80% felt comfortable. In classrooms with natural ventilation, the measured average temperature was (12.26±1.83)℃, with a thermal neutral temperature of 19.67 ℃ and a thermal comfort range of 16.17-23.17 ℃. About 48.33% of students reported feeling cold, and 49.81 % felt comfortable.The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in shoe thickness, temperature sensation, relative humidity sensation and wind speed sensation between centralized/air conditioned heating areas ( χ 2= 7.01 , 31.47, 13.57, 13.80,all P <0.05). There were also statistically significant differences in school stage for primary and secondary school students, body mass index, classroom location for seat, temperature sensation, relative humidity sensation and wind speed sensation between naturally ventilated areas ( χ 2=42.13, 11.13, 11.04, 60.39, 29.27, 38.46,all P <0.05).
Conclusions
There are differences in thermal environment and students subjective thermal comfort in primary and secondary schools under different ventilation modes in winter. The temperature standards for heated classrooms should be revised, and differentiated environmental regulation strategies should be adopted based on different ventilation methods to improve students health and comfort levels.
3.Research progress on the bidirectional association between periodontal disease and depression/anxiety
WANG Liwen ; CAI Yutai ; RUAN Yaru ; ZHANG Fan ; YU Hongmei ; GAO Yanhui
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):281-291
There are practical and cost-effective opportunities for the prevention and early intervention of periodontal disease, a common oral condition. Depression and anxiety represent major global mental health challenges, and they are characterized by high prevalence rates and an elevated suicide risk. Their clinical management is complicated by extended treatment timelines and substantial healthcare costs. Accumulating evidence demonstrates a statistically significant bidirectional association between periodontal disease and depression/anxiety disorders. However, established clinical pathways integrating these conditions remain lacking. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of current research examining the relationship between periodontal disease and mood disorders, specifically depression and anxiety. This study explored the bidirectional mechanisms within the microbiota-oral-brain axis, which includes both periodontal disease inducing neuroinflammation through pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activating the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and depression and anxiety leading to “glucocorticoid resistance” through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, thus causing dual immune dysfunction that exacerbates periodontal tissue destruction, as well as the mechanisms by which biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the bidirectional association between periodontal disease and depression/anxiety. We propose implementing bidirectional referral protocols between dental and psychiatric services in clinical practice, incorporating mental health screening tools, such as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7), for patients with moderate-to-severe periodontal disease, and incorporating periodontal examination into routine assessment during psychiatric services. This multidisciplinary approach aims to break the vicious circle between these conditions and provide clinicians with pragmatic intervention strategies.
4.Association between occupational noise exposure and depressive symptoms among employees in a petrochemical enterprise
Jianye PENG ; Zhuna SU ; Ruilian MO ; Jiaxin LI ; Qisheng WU ; Shiheng FAN ; Bingxian ZHOU ; De’e YU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):189-195
Background Depressive symptoms have become a significant factor affecting the physical and mental health of the occupational population, and workers in petroleum refining enterprises face multiple stressors in their work environment. Objective To explore the impact of occupational noise exposure on depressive symptoms among workers in a petroleum refining enterprise. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2024 using a questionnaire survey among workers of a petroleum refining enterprise in Hainan Province. Basic information of the subjects was collected. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure depressive symptoms, the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to assess sleep quality, and the Chinese version of the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) scale was used to evaluate occupational stress. Chi-square test was employed to compare the differences in reporting depressive symptoms among populations with different characteristics. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of occupational noise exposure and other factors on depressive symptoms. Results The overall positive rate of depressive symptoms in the study population was 42.7%. The results of the multifactor analysis indicated that compared with the control group, employees in both the low-exposure and high-exposure groups had elevated odds of depressive symptoms, with OR (95%CI) of 2.244 (1.131, 4.454) and 1.970 (1.009, 3.850), respectively. This association remained robust after adjusting for potential confounders, including gender, age, work tenure, and other occupational exposures. Additionally, female [OR (95%CI)=1.483 (1.039, 2.118)], exposure to benzene, toluene, or xylene [OR (95%CI)=1.621 (1.208, 2.174)], sleep disturbance [OR (95%CI)=3.772 (2.942, 4.838)], and occupational stress [OR (95%CI)=2.018 (1.575, 2.585)] were also significantly associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms. Conclusion The positive rate of depressive symptoms is relatively high among employees in this petrochemical enterprise, and occupational noise exposure may be a risk factor for depressive symptoms.
5.Changing trajectories of sleep problems and teacher support among first year junior high school students
FAN Xuemei, LIU Guangzeng, CHENG Gang, PAN Yangu, ZHAO Zhanfeng, ZHU Zhengguang, ZHANG Dajun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):241-245
Objective:
To examine the changing trajectories of sleep problems and teacher support among first year middle school students and their covariant relationship,so as to provide theoretical basis for the prevention strategy of sleep problems for the first year junior high school students.
Methods:
In September 2020, a multistage cluster random sampling method was used to select 1 027 first year junior high school students from two schools of Anshun and Guiyang cities in Guizhou Province for survey and follow up assessments (T1:September 2020, T2:October 2020, T3:November 2020, T4:December 2020). The Student Perceived Teacher Support Behavior Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale were administered to assess sleep problems and teacher support among first year junior high school students. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between sleep problems and teacher support. A multivariate latent growth curve model was employed to analyze the changing trajectories and covariant relationship between teacher support and sleep problems, followed by a multi group analysis.
Results:
For first year junior high school students, teacher support scores at T1-T4 were 4.00 (3.47, 4.53), 4.00 (3.47, 4.58), 3.95 (3.47, 4.61) and 4.00 (3.48, 4.67), respectively; sleep problem scores were 0.83 (0.50, 1.17), 0.67 (0.50, 1.17), 0.83 (0.50, 1.17) and 0.67 (0.33, 1.17), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that teacher support and sleep problems were negatively correlated across all four period ( r =-0.28 to -0.14, all P <0.01). Teacher support perceived by students showed a linear increasing trend (intercept=3.98, slope=0.02), while sleep problems showed a linear decreasing trend (intercept=0.86, slope= -0.02 ) (all P <0.05). The multivariate latent growth model indicated that the rate of increase in teacher support after enrollment effectively predicted the rate of decrease in sleep problem levels ( β=-0.34, P <0.01). Multigroup analysis showed that the covariant relationship was not moderated by gender or boarding status (both P >0.05).
Conclusions
The increase in teacher support experienced by first year junior high school students during the transition period after enrollment, accompanied by a reduction in sleep problems, constitutes a dynamic protective process. The process is not moderated by gender or boarding status.
6.Analysis of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease among individuals aged≥60 years globally and in China from 1990 to 2021
Jiali LI ; Chunzhen REN ; Fan LIU ; Keyan WANG ; Zhijiang BI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Lixin KE ; Haibo WANG ; Wenxi PENG ; Zhifei WANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Peng XU ; Yingdong LI ; Xiuxiu DENG ; Xinke ZHAO ; Cuncun LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):281-290
Objective To systematically analyze the characteristics of the disease burden of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) in the elderly (≥60 years) globally and in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict its future trends from 2022 to 2040, with the aim of providing data support for optimizing comprehensive prevention and control strategies for HHD. Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database, the number of prevalent cases and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of HHD in the elderly were extracted for the world, China, and five regions categorized by sociodemographic index (SDI). Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized DALYs rate of HHD in the elderly. A three-factor decomposition method was applied to evaluate the relative contributions of aging, population growth, and epidemiological changes to the variations in the elderly HHD burden. Additionally, a Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the elderly HHD burden from 2022 to 2040. Results In 2021, the number of prevalent elderly HHD cases reached 10 283 000 globally and 3 412 400 in China, representing increases of 179.20% and 159.20% respectively, compared with 1990. The DALYs of elderly HHD were 18 812 700 person-years globally and 4 731 400 person-years in China, rising by 76.08% and 29.45% respectively from 1990. Meanwhile, the growth rates of the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD varied across different SDI regions. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate of elderly HHD in China, as well as the age-standardized DALYs rate of elderly HHD both globally and in China, showed significant downward trends (all average annual percentage changes<0, all P<0.001). In 2021, the 70-74 years age group accounted for the highest proportion of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD, both globally and in China. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth was the dominant factor driving the increase in the elderly HHD burden across all regions. The prediction model results indicated that the number of prevalent cases and DALYs of elderly HHD would continue to rise globally and in China from 2022 to 2040, with the growth rate of the elderly HHD burden in China between 2021 and 2040 expected to exceed the global average. Conclusion Over the past 32 years, although the age-standardized disease rates of elderly HHD have mainly shown a downward trend globally and in China, the absolute number of the disease burden has increased substantially. The projection model indicates a continued upward trajectory, with the growth rate in China higher than the global average. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement precise prevention and control strategies to effectively mitigate the disease burden of elderly HHD.
7.Differentiation and treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis based on the"midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory
Lingfei MENG ; Chaolun ZHU ; Zixu ZHAO ; Ranran SONG ; Yifan WANG ; Congling FAN ; Liuyue MI ; Shuangxi zhang
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):16-23
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research indicates that immune dysregulation resulting from disruptions in circadian rhythm is closely associated with its pathogenesis. Both Western chronomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)" treatment based on temporal factors" emphasize the temporal relationship between natural rhythms and human physiology and pathology. The " midnight-noon and ebb-flow " theory represents the concrete application and deepening of TCM " treatment based on temporal factors" within the realm of chronomedicine. This article correlates the onset time of ulcerative colitis with specific periods in the " midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory:the Mao period(05:00-07:00),when the yangming large intestine meridian of hand is dominant; the Si period(09:00-11:00),when the taiyin spleen meridian of foot is dominant; and the You period(17:00-19:00),when the shaoyin kidney meridian of foot is dominant. According to this perspective,if the disease manifests during the Mao period,the pathogenesis is attributed to dampnessheat accumulation and disorder of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on clearing heat,resolving dampness,and harmonizing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Shaoyao Decoction or Baitouweng Decoction. If it occurs during the Si period,the pathogenesis involves spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen,eliminating dampness,and restoring qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Huangya Decoction or Shenling Baizhu Powder. If it presents during the You period,the pathogenesis is characterized by fire failing to warm earth,and consumption resulting in qi and blood leakage. Treatment should focus on warming the kidney and spleen,and securing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Sishen Pill or Tianhun Decoction. In addition to oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine,comprehensive therapies including acupuncture,herbal enemas,and acupoint application can provide novel insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
8.Evaluation of the effectiveness of school-family-community comprehensive intervention on sugar sweetened beverage consumption among primary and secondary school students
FAN Xiaomi, LI Jingling, XU Hao, ZHANG Yi, WANG Chenchen
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):337-341
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of school-family-community comprehensive intervention aimed at reducing sugar sweetened beverage(SSB) consumption among primary and secondary school students, so as to provide scientific basis for relevant departments to formulate campus sugar reduction measures for primary and secondary school students.
Methods:
In October 2023, a multi stage random cluster sampling method was used to select four primary schools (grade 4) and four junior high schools (grade 7) in Nanjing City, and they were randomly divided into the intervention group ( n =1 601) and the control group ( n = 1 433 ) (primary and secondary schools). The intervention group received a one year comprehensive intervention activity with the theme of “drinking less SSBs and enjoying a healthy life” for one consecutive year. The measures included the school conducting health education courses (once a month, 15 minutes each time), environmental support (posting promotional posters, changing them once a month), class bulletin board and interest projects (once a semester); interventions for families included conducting parent lectures (once per semester 30 min each time), new media (once a month) and hand in hand activities (once per semester); community carried out square promotion and create a supportive environment (post promotional posters and replace them once a month). The control group did not receive any intervention measures except regular health education classes. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect knowledge, attitudes, and intake of SSB at the baseline and after the intervention among primary and secondary school students.
Results:
After the intervention, the proportion of students in the intervention group with an SSB related knowledge awareness rate of 60% or above was 91.4%, which was higher than that of the control group (81.9%) ( χ 2=60.35, P < 0.01 ). The reporting rate of the behavior of choosing to drink beverages when thirsty in the intervention group was 25.4%, which was lower than that of the control group (33.3%); the reporting rates of informing parents about the hazards of sugar sweetened beverages and paying attention to nutrition labels were 62.0% and 78.0% respectively, both of which were higher than those of the control group (52.3%, 65.9%); the reporting rate of having sugar sweetened beverages at home frequently was 43.7% in the intervention group, which was lower than that of the control group (62.3%); the reporting rate of parents restricting the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages was 84.1%, which was higher than that of the control group (78.4%) ( χ 2= 22.66, 29.05, 54.40, 104.84, 16.24, all P <0.05). The reporting rate of students in the intervention group who consumed sugar sweetened beverages more than 4 times per week was 21.5%, which was lower than that of the control group (28.6%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=20.36, P <0.01).
Conclusion
The comprehensive intervention of school-family-community can effectively improve primary and secondary school students knowledge and attitudes regarding SSBs and reduce their consumption of these beverages.
9.Short-Term Efficacy and Long-Term Recurrence Rate of Traditional Chinese Medicine Versus Western Surgical Treatment for Mixed Hemorrhoids:A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Real-World Data
Kang DING ; Zhimin FAN ; Xiaojie ZHOU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Yuanyuan GE ; Huiting ZHU ; Yuxin ZHU ; Xia YANG ; Jun DU ; Shicai HUANG ; Yang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):747-754
ObjectiveTo observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) surgical operations in treating mixed hemorrhoids. MethodsA multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting clinical data from 17,831 mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients in 8 top-tier TCM hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Standardized and structured datasets were obtained through artificial intelligence models. Patients who underwent western surgical treatment were categorized into the western surgery group (11,646 cases), and those receiving TCM surgical operations were categorized into the TCM surgery group (6185 cases). Propensity score matching (1∶1 matching) was used to balance baseline data between groups. The primary outcome was the one-year recurrence rate, and secondary outcomes included the main symptoms (rectal bleeding, degree of prolapse) and secondary symptoms (anal distension, anal edema, wound secretion and exudation, anal stenosis, residual skin tags, perianal itching, and anal pain) measured on days 7, 28, and 60 after discharge. ResultsAfter matching, 2194 patients were included in each group. Symptom scores showed that at 28 days after discharge, the TCM surgical group had superior improvement in rectal bleeding [OR=5.786, 95%CI (3.092,10.827)], degree of prolapse [OR=4.510, 95%CI (1.649,12.333)], and anal edema [OR=3.188, 95%CI (1.295,7.845)] compared to the western surgical group. At 60 days post-discharge, the TCM group still showed advantages in improving rectal bleeding [OR=5.237, 95%CI (1.077,25.464)] and anal pain [OR=11.697, 95%CI (1.186,115.336)] (P<0.05). Long-term follow-up showed that the one-year recurrence rate in the TCM surgery group was 1.1% (8/726), while that in the western surgery group was 2.3% (10/444), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionBased on real-world data, TCM surgical treatment for mixed hemorrhoids shows significant short-term symptom improvement, particularly in terms of hemostasis, reducing swelling, and alleviating prolapse of anal masses.
10.Quercetin Ameliorates Gouty Arthritis in Rats via ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway
Baowei FENG ; Yan WANG ; Chang LI ; Yujing ZHANG ; Dingxing FAN ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):145-153
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of quercetin on acute gouty arthritis (GA) in rats by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-1β (IL-1β) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into normal, model, colchicine (0.3 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (25, 50, 100 mg·kg-1, respectively) quercetin groups (n=10). The rats in the dosing groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs (10 mL·kg-1) by gavage once a day for one week. An equal volume of normal saline was given by gavage to rats in normal and model groups. One hour after drug administration on day 5, an acute GA model was established in other groups except the control group via intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) suspension into the right posterior ankle joint cavity. The joint swelling and gait were scored at the time points of 6, 12, 24, 48 h after modeling. Histopathological alterations in the ankle joint tissue from each group were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) assay kits were used to assess the levels of MDA, XOD, and T-SOD in the serum. The levels of tumor interleukin-6 (IL-6), necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β in the rat serum, as well as ROS in the ankle joint tissue, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of NLRP3, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain (ASC), precursor cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 (pro-Caspase-1), cleaved Caspase-1 (Caspase-1 p20), and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased spontaneous activity, mental fatigue, increased ankle joint swelling and gait scores (P<0.01), aggravated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.01), elevated levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), a declined level of T-SOD (P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3, TXNIP, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the medium- and high-dose quercetin groups showed improved general conditions, decreased gait scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced joint swelling (P<0.01), alleviated synovial tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered levels of XOD, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and ROS in the joint tissue (P<0.01), increased levels of T-SOD (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, and IL-1β in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the ankle joint tissue (P<0.01). Low-dose quercetin also ameliorated some of the above parameters (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQuercetin exerts anti-GA effects by blocking the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway, downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail