1.Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction promoting spinal cord injury repair in mice
Ruihua ZHAO ; Sixian CHEN ; Yang GUO ; Lei SHI ; Chengjie WU ; Mao WU ; Guanglu YANG ; Haoheng ZHANG ; Yong MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1118-1126
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have confirmed that Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction can promote the recovery of spinal cord injury by inhibiting pyroptosis of splenic B cells,promoting the phagocytosis of myelin debris by microvascular endothelial cells,affecting the migration and infiltration of microglia,promoting the recovery of damaged neurons,and decreasing neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord injury,but the mechanism of this is still not clear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction on the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2(TREM2)and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in mice following spinal cord injury. METHODS:Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were selected and randomly divided into a sham-operation group,a model group and a Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group,with 12 mice in each group.In the model and Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction groups,mouse models of T10 spinal cord injury were prepared by the modified Allen's method.On the 1st day after modeling,the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group was given Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction by gavage,and the sham-operation group and the model group were given saline by gavage once a day for 28 days.During the drug administration period,mouse motor function was evaluated by Basso Mouse Scale score and inclined plane test.On the 7th and 28th days after modeling,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the spinal cord tissue of the mice;immunofluorescence double staining was used to detect the protein expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1(IBA1)and TREM2;and western blot assay was used to detect the expression of TREM2,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2,Bax and Caspase3 in spinal cord tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Basso Mouse Scale scores and inclined plane test results indicated that the motor function of the mouse hindlimbs was declined after spinal cord injury,and Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction significantly improved motor function in mice with spinal cord injury.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results revealed that Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction significantly ameliorated the pathological structure of spinal cord tissue compared with the model group,manifesting as reduced degrees of dorsal white matter and neuronal atrophy,decreased cytoplasmic vacuolization,and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.Immunofluorescence double staining results showed that on the 7th day after modeling,the protein expression of IBA1 and TREM2 in the model group was lower than that in the sham-operation group(P<0.05),and the protein expression of IBA1 and TREM2 in the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05);on the 28th day after modeling,the protein expression of TREM2 in the model group was lower than that in the sham-operation group(P<0.05),and the protein expression of TREM2 in the spinal cord tissue of the mice in the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05).Western blot results analysis demonstrated that on the 7th day after modeling,compared with the sham-operation group,the model group exhibited a significant reduction in TREM2,PI3K,and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in p-Akt,Bax and p-Akt/Aktp-PI3K(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group showed a significant increase in TREM2,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2,p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Ak,and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant decrease in Bax and Caspase3 protein expression(P<0.05).On the 28th day after modeling,compared with the sham-operation group,the model group exhibited a significant reduction in TREM2,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2 and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in Bax protein expression(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group showed a significant increase in TREM2,PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2,and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant decrease in Bax protein expression(P<0.05).To conclude,Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by up-regulating the expression of TREM2 protein in microglia,and then inhibit neuronal apoptosis,thus exerting neuroprotective effects and promoting the repair of spinal cord injury.
2.Effect of Exercise on Blood Glucose Metabolism of Type 2 Diabetes Patients in East Asian Population: A Meta-Analysis
Yuxin SUN ; Bingtai HAN ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Xueqing ZHENG ; Shi CHEN ; Hongbo YANG ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):492-505
To explore the effects of different exercise prescriptions on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to compare the differences in the impact of population characteristics and exercise components on glycemic metabolism. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EmBase, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform to identify relevant studies published from database inception to June 15, 2024, on the effects of exercise on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with T2DM. The study type was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where the intervention group received exercise interventions and the control group did not. Two researchers independently screened the literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted relevant data. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test in Stata 17.0 and funnel plots in RevMan 5.3. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. A total of 21 RCTs involving 1289 participants (675 in the intervention group and 614 in the control group) were included. Publication bias assessment indicated overall good quality of the included studies. The random-effects model showed that exercise interventions significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (MD=-1.31 mg/L, 95% CI: -1.55 to -1.07, Exercise interventions can improve glycemic control and reduce insulin resistance in East Asian patients with T2DM. Aerobic exercise and combined exercise are more effective exercise prescriptions for glycemic management in this population.
3.Investigation on the current status of radiation protection management in animal diagnosis and treatment institutions in Foshan City
Ruifen SHI ; Weixu HUANG ; Yao GUO ; Lishan WEN ; Shaoxin HUO
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):110-113
Objective To assess the current status of occupational radiation hazards in animal diagnosis and treatment institutions in Foshan City. Methods A total of 214 animal diagnosis and treatment institutions in Foshan City in 2024 were selected as the study subjects using the judgment sampling method. The radiation protection management status was investigated. Results A total of 178 out of the 214 animal diagnosis and treatment institutions were equipped with radiation diagnostic equipment in Foshan City. Among these 178 institutions, 98 (accounting for 55.1%) obtained permits from the ecology and environmental department, 21 (accounting for 11.8%) completed occupational hazard project declarations, 53 (accounting for 29.8%) conducted workplace radiation level monitoring, 132 (accounting for 74.2%) were equipped with radiation protection equipment, 40 (accounting for 22.5%) conducted occupational health examinations for the radiation staff, 39 (accounting for 21.9%) provided radiation protection knowledge training for the radiation staff, and 52 (accounting for 29.2%) performed personal radiation dose monitoring. However, none of the institutions implemented the “Three Simultaneities (design, construct, put into operation and use simultaneously with the main body of the construction project)” system for occupational disease prevention facilities in construction projects. Conclusion sAnimal diagnostic and treatment institutions in Foshan City have low levels of radiation protection management and inadequate occupational health monitoring. The radiation staff has low awareness of radiation protection, Relevant department should strengthen supervision and management, organize radiation protection knowledge training, and standardize occupational health management to effectively safeguard workers' health rights.
4.Objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease
Zhaoxi DONG ; Yang SHI ; Jiaming SU ; Yaxuan WEN ; Zheyu XU ; Xinhui YU ; Jie MEI ; Fengyi CAI ; Xinyue ZANG ; Yan GUO ; Chengdong PENG ; Hongfang LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):398-411
Objective:
To investigate the objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Methods:
A cross-sectional study enrolled 134 patients with DKD G3-5 stages who met the diagnostic criteria for damp-heat syndrome in DKD. The patients were treated at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from May 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups: DKD G3, DKD G4, and DKD G5 stage, with 53, 33, and 48 patients in each group, respectively. Clinical general data (gender, age, and body mass index) and damp-heat syndrome scores were collected from the patients. The YZAI-02 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AI Tongue Image Acquisition Device was used to capture tongue images from these patients. The accompanying AI Open Platform for TCM Tongue Diagnosis of the device was used to analyze and extract tongue manifestation features, including objective data on tongue color, tongue quality, coating color, and coating texture. Clinical data and objective tongue manifestation characteristics were compared among patients with DKD G3-5 based on their DKD damp-heat syndrome status.
Results:
No statistically significant difference in gender or body mass index was observed among the three patient groups. The DKD G3 stage group had the highest age (P<0.05). The DKD G3 stage group had a lower score for symptoms of poor appetite and anorexia(P<0.05) than the DKD G5 group. No statistically significant difference was observed in damp-heat syndrome scores among the three groups. Compared with the DKD G5 stage group, the DKD G3 stage group showed a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue (P<0.05). The DKD G4 stage group exhibited an increased proportion of crimson at the root of the tongue, a decreased proportion of thick white tongue coating at the root, a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue, an increased hue value (indicating color tone) of the tongue color in the middle, an increased brightness value (indicating color lightness) of the tongue coating color in the middle, and an increased thickness of the tongue coating (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in other tongue color proportions, color chroma values, body characteristics, coating color proportions, coating color chroma values, and coating texture characteristics among the three groups.
Conclusion
Tongue features differ in different stages of DKD damp-heat syndrome in multiple dimensions, enabling the inference that during the DKD G5 stage, the degree of qi and blood deficiency in the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach is prominent. Dampness is more likely to accumulate in the lower jiao, particularly in the kidneys, whereas heat evil in the spleen and stomach is the most severe. These insights provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment of DKD.
5.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.
6.The Mediating Effect of Vitamin D on the Association Between Exercise and Triglyceride in Adolescents: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study
Bochuan HUANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Jiaxuan LIU ; Hui PAN ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):584-590
To investigate the mediating role of vitamin D in the association between exerciseand triglyceride among adolescents, as well as its potential molecular mechanisms. This prospective cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling, enrolling 2021-grade students from Jining No. 7 Middle School on June 5, 2023. Moderate-intensity exercise frequency was assessed via standardized questionnaires, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescence, and triglyceride levels were determined via fully automated biochemical analysis. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships among moderate-intensity exercise, triglyceride, and vitamin D. A mediation model was constructed using the Baron & Kenny causal steps approach, adjusting for confounders including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), dairy intake, sweet food consumption, and fast-food intake. Subgroup analyses were performed based on BMI. The significance of the mediation effect was confirmed using both the Bootstrap and Sobel tests. A total of 354 adolescents meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled, including 142 females (40.11%) and 212 males (59.89%), with a median age of 13.25(12.83, 13.83)years. Spearman's analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between moderate-intensity exercise and triglyceride levels ( Vitamin D serves as a key mediator in the triglyceride-lowering effect of exercise among adolescents, independent of age, sex, and dietary habits. This mediation effect is particularly pronounced in adolescents with BMI < 24 kg/m2. The underlying mechanism may involve vitamin D-regulated lipid metabolism-related gene expression and suppression of inflammatory pathways, suggesting that targeting vitamin D signaling could be a potential molecular strategy for early intervention in adolescent dyslipidemia.
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 peripheral blood genetic material damage in children with vascular malformations after interventional procedures
Yuelong SHI ; Ying PANG ; Zhanchun GUO ; Ya MA ; Yingmin CHEN ; Xiaoshan WANG ; Rui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):149-154
Objective To observe changes in genetic material in the peripheral blood of pediatric patients with vascular malformations after interventional procedures. Methods A total of 108 children with vascular malformations who underwent interventional procedures at Shandong University Affiliated Children’s Hospital between February 2021 and January 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Clinical data and peripheral venous blood samples before and after the interventional procedures were collected from the children. Two biological indicators, γ-H2AX and peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosomal aberration (CA), were used to determine the levels of genetic material damage in children with vascular malformations before and after interventional procedures. Results The median age of the children was 7 years and the median body weight was 27 kg. The median dose-area product (DAP) was 24.20 Gy·cm2 and the median DAP/kg was 1.04 Gy·cm2/kg. The incidence rates of both γ-H2AX foci and CA in children with vascular malformations significantly increased after the interventional procedures (Z = 5.924, P < 0.001; Z = 8.515, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative CA in 7 children were significantly higher than that in others, approaching or exceeding 4%. The incidence rates of postoperative γ-H2AX foci and CA in children with DAP/kg ≥ 1 Gy·cm2/kg were significantly higher than those in children with DAP/kg < 1 Gy·cm2/kg (U = 7.586, P = 0.031; U = 6.835, P = 0.009). No significant differences were observed in the incidence rates of postoperative γ-H2AX foci and CA among subgroups based on age, body weight, or surgical site. A positive correlation was observed between the difference in the incidence rates of γ-H2AX foci before and after the procedure and DAP/kg (R = 0.493, P = 0.027). Conclusion Ionizing radiation exposure during interventional procedures can increase peripheral blood genetic material damage levels in children with vascular malformations, and the damage levels show a correlation with the radiation dose, with some children being abnormally sensitive. Further research is needed to explore the influencing factors for genetic material damage in children with vascular malformations after interventional procedures, which is of great significance for reducing long-term cancer risks and achieving personalized treatment strategies.
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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