1.Role and mechanism of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in the cytoskeleton of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis
Qiaofeng CHEN ; Qingzi FU ; Huiying YANG ; Junbo HONG ; Liang ZHU ; Zhenzhen YANG ; Guodu TANG ; Shiyu ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):400-408
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) on the cytoskeleton of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells in a mouse model of acute pancreatitis (AP) induced by caerulein (CAE), to analyze the role of MCU in the development of AP, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, wild-type male C57BL6/J mice, aged 4 weeks, were randomly divided into control group and AP group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the AP group were given intraperitoneal injection of CAE to establish a model of AP, and those in the control group were given intraperitoneal injection of an equal volume of normal saline. Serum and pancreatic tissue samples were collected after 24 hours of modeling. HE staining was used to observe pancreatic histopathological changes; Western Blot was used to measure the expression levels of MCU, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ASCL4); kits were used to measure the serum level of amylase. In the in vitro experiment, the human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line HPDE6-C7 was co-cultured with CAE for 24 hours to establish an in vitro AP model, and the cells were divided into control group, CAE group, RR (an MCU activity inhibitor) group, CAE+RR group, Fer-1 (an ferroptosis inhibitor) group, CAE+Fer-1 group, Erastin (an ferroptosis inducer) group, and CAE+Erastin group. CCK-8 assay was used to observe the influence of different agents on cell viability; Western Blot was used to measure the expression levels of MCU, GPX4, and ASCL4; immunofluorescence assay was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS), actin cytoskeleton, and monolayer permeability; kits were used to measure the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Fe2+, and total iron. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the in vivo experiment, compared with the control group, the AP group had significant increases in pancreatic histopathological score, the serum level of amylase, and the expression levels of MCU and ASCL4, as well as a significant reduction in the expression of GPX4 (all P<0.05). In the in vitro experiment, compared with the control group, the CAE group had significant increases in the expression levels of MCU and ASCL4, a significant reduction in the expression of GPX4, and significant increases in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability, as well as a significant reduction in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with the presence of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+RR group had a significant increase in the expression level of GPX4, a significant reduction in the expression level of ASCL4, and significant reductions in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant increase in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with alleviation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+Fer-1 group had significant reductions in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant increase in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with alleviation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. Compared with the CAE group, the CAE+Erastin group had significant increases in the concentrations of Fe2+, total iron, and MDA, the green fluorescence intensity of ROS, and monolayer permeability and a significant reduction in the concentration of GSH (all P<0.05), with aggravation of actin cytoskeleton disruption. ConclusionDuring the onset of AP, MCU mediates oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis and leads to the disruption of the pancreatic ductal epithelial barrier, which may be one of the possible pathogeneses of AP.
2.Disposal of the first imported case of Zika virus disease in Shanghai
Jixing YANG ; Zhenzhen QI ; Xiaofan REN ; Liang HONG ; Hong YAO ; Shenghua MAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(4):270-273
ObjectiveTo describe the disposal process of the first imported case of Zika virus disease in Shanghai, and to provide a reference for the prevention and control of imported infectious diseases in the future. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of the process by which epidemiological investigation, etiological testing, and case management were performed by the Shanghai municipal-and district-level Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after one imported case of Zika virus disease was identified by Shanghai Customs. ResultsOn April 8th, 2025, customs authority at a certain airport in Shanghai identified a febrile inbound case (case A, female, 40 years old). An antecubital venous blood specimen was obtained and analyzed by nucleic acid testing for various vector-borne pathogens, by which Zika virus nucleic acid was found to be positive. On 9 April, the district CDC collected antecubital venous blood specimens again from Case A and her three accompanying travelers (B, C, and D), and nucleic acid testing was conducted for multiple mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Case A again tested positive for Zika virus nucleic acid, while Traveler D (male, aged 6 years) tested positive for dengue virus nucleic acid. The other two travelers tested negative. Case A and Traveler D were subsequently transferred to a designated district hospital for isolation and treatment. After discharge, both cases left China and returned to their overseas residence. ConclusionCase A was the first imported case of Zika virus disease in Shanghai. For cases with a history of living in endemic areas of multiple infectious diseases such as dengue virus, Zika virus and chikungunya virus, it is necessary to carry out rapid testing of multiple pathogens simultaneously to prevent missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
3.Mechanism of action of Gegen QinLian Decoction in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting ferroptosis based on the Nrf2/SCLC7A11/GPX4 pathway
Qian LUO ; Tao LUO ; Zhenzhen SONG ; Fang LIANG ; Junsen LI ; Shuhong PENG ; Lan CAO ; Haiping ZHAO ; Changhua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(2):72-84
Objective To investigate the mechanism of action of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)signaling pathway in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and to explore the mechanism of Gegen QinLian Decoction for the treatment of NAFLD,using in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods Rats were fed with high-fat chow for 24 weeks to induce NAFLD,and were then divided randomly into normal(C),model(M),high-,medium-,and low-dose Gegen QinLian Decoction(GGQLT-H,GGQLT-M,GGQLT-L),and metformin(Met)groups.From week 25 onwards,the rats were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage for 2 weeks according to the grouping,until sampling.Levels of the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde(MDA)and glutathione(GSH)in the liver tissues were measured in each group using biochemical kits and ferrous iron(Fe2+)in rat liver tissues was detected using a Fe2+kit.Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),SLC7A11,glutathione synthetase(GSS),GPX4,and acyl coenzyme A synthetase 4(ACSL4)mRNA levels in rat liver tissues were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.For cellular experiments lipid acc umulation was induced in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells using 1 mmol/L free fatty acid,to mimic the NAFLD in vitro model.Different concentrations of Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin-containing serum were added for treatment.Lipid accumulation was detected in the cells in each group by Oil red O staining.The MDA and GSH contents of HepG2 cells in the different groups were determined using appropriate kits,and the ferrous contents were detected using a cell-specific ferrous kit.Expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11,GSS,GPX4,and ACSL4 mRNA was detected in each group of cells using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results In the animal experiments,MDA and Fe2+liver levels were significantly higher in the M group than in the C group,while GSH levels were significantly lower(P<0.01).GGQLT-H,GGQLT-M and Met groups showed significantly reduced MDA and Fe2+and elevated GSH levels compared with the M group(P<0.01,P<0.05).High-and medium-dose Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin increased Nrf2,HO-1,GSS,and GPX4 mRNA and decreased ACSL4 mRNA expression levels(P<0.01,P<0.05).In cellular experiments,lipid droplets were significantly increased in the HepG2 cell M group compared with those in the C group,and lipid droplets were significantly reduced by Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin.MDA and Fe2+levels were significantly increased and GSH levels were significantly decreased in the HepG2 M group compared with the levels in the C group(P<0.01),while all doses of Gegen QinLian Decoction and metformin significantly decreased MDA and Fe2+levels(P<0.01)and increased the GSH content(P<0.01,P<0.05).Nrf2,GSS,GPX4,and SLC7A11 mRNA expression levels in the GGQLT-H group,Nrf2,HO-1,and SLC7A11 in the GGQLT-L group,HO-1,SLC7A11,and GSS in the GGQLT-M group,and GSS,Nrf2,and HO-1 in the Met group were all significantly increased compared with the findings in the M group(P<0.01,P<0.05).ACSL4 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in the GGQLT-M and GGQLT-L groups and the Met group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusions Gegen QinLian Decoction can improve NAFLD by inhibiting ferroptosis,and its mechanism may he related to regulation of the Nrf2/SLC7A 11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
4.Research progress on quorum sensing in the caries-causing effects of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans
LIAO Zhenzhen ; LI Wenxiu ; LIANG Yan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(4):328-335
Dental caries is a major disease that seriously endangers human oral health. Dental plaque biofilm composed of many microorganisms is the primary factor of dental caries. Inhibiting biofilm formation has become the focus of research on the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, as common pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, are closely related to the occurrence of dental caries. The interaction between the two can lead to the rapid onset of dental caries. In recent years, many studies have found that Candida albicans promotes the occurrence of caries by interacting with Streptococcus mutans, including physical adhesion, promoting the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), reducing the pH of the microecological environment, forming a highly cariogenic acidic environment, and secreting quorum sensing molecules to trigger quorum sensing. As a communication mechanism between microorganisms, the quorum sensing system mainly includes three main types: autoinducing peptide (AIP) system, autoinducer-2 (AI-2) system, and Acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) system. At present, quorum sensing has been shown to promote the occurrence of diseases by activating the expression of microbial pathogenicity-related genes, promoting EPS synthesis and biofilm formation. The CSP-ComDE and ComRS quorum sensing systems of Streptococcus mutans allow the bacteria to survive and cause disease in extreme environments that are unfavorable for survival, while the quorum sensing system of Candida albicans is mainly mediated by farnesol, which has a negative regulatory effect on the yeast-hyphae transformation of Candida albicans. Studying the quorum sensing phenomenon of the two bacteria is helpful to understand the etiology of caries. In recent years, many studies have reported the use of quorum sensing inhibitors in anti-microbial applications. The study of microbial quorum sensing systems and inhibitors will help the prevention and treatment of caries. With the increasing interest in biofilm-related research, and a new method for in-depth study of the biofilm formation process and quorum sensing behavior using microfluidic and chip laboratory technology is proposed. The author summarizes the cariogenic effects, the quorum sensing system and quorum sensing inhibitors of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.
5.Mechanism of Weissella viridescens induces trained immunity
Xin AN ; Chengkai ZHOU ; Liang ZHANG ; Zhenzhen LIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1143-1149
Weissella viridescens(W.viridescens)was used as the trained immunity inducer.We mo-nitored the protective efficacy against lethal infection of Candida albicans.After W.viridescens training,inflammatory mediator level was measured by NO assay kit upon re-stimulation,and the bacterial killing ability of peritoneal macrophages(PMs)was detected by counting CFU after Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)infection.The expression proteins in the classical signaling pathway of trained immunity were detected.Meanwhile,the PMs were pretreated with the corre-sponding inhibitors for the corroborative mechanism.The results showed that W.viridescens could induce trained immunity.The survival rate of Galleria mellonella treated with W.viridescens was still as high as 70%at 48 h,which protected against lethal infection of Candida albicans.W.viri-descens-trained PMs presented immune-enhancing activity,producing more inflammatory mediator(NO)after LPS stimulation and accelerating the clearance of S.aureus.To our delight,the high ex-pression levels of AKT/mTOR/HIF1α were observed under W.viridescens training.Moreover,in-hibiting the AKT/mTOR/HIF1α signaling with inhibitors dampened the trained response to LPS after W.viridescens training.Altogether,these results suggested that W.viridescens induces trained immunity through the AKT-mTOR-HIF-1α pathway to enhance the pro-inflammatory and anti-in-fective capacities of host cells.
6.The effects of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking of stroke survivors
Liang WANG ; Hongjian LU ; Dongyan ZHU ; Huiyuan JI ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Yuejiao CAO ; Qian XU ; Weiguan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(8):693-698
Objective:To explore the effect of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation (iTBS) of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking function of stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-five stroke survivors complicated with lower extremity dysfunction were divided into an iTBS group, an exoskeleton group and a combined group, each of 25, according to a random number table. In addition to conventional rehabilitation training, the iTBS group was given cerebellar iTBS combined with traditional walking training, the exoskeleton group received sham cerebellar iTBS combined with walking training assisted by a lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The combined group received both therapies. The schedule was once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the 10-metre walking test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE) were used to evaluate the subjects′ walking ability, balance and lower extremity motor ability. Gait and neuro-electrophysiological tests were also conducted in all three groups.Results:After the treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the 10MWT times, BBS scores, FMA-LE scores, stride frequency and stride speed of all three groups compared with before the treatment. On average, the results of the exoskeleton and combined groups were significantly better than those of the iTBS group, and those of the combined group were significantly better than among the exoskeleton group. Almost everyone′s MEP latency and amplitude had improved significantly compared with before the treatment, but the improvements in the exoskeleton group tended to be superior to those in the iTBS group ( P≤0.05). The latency in the combined group averaged (21.25±1.70)ms, and the amplitude averaged (184.17±6.54)μV, both significantly better than the exoskeleton group′s averages. Conclusions:Cerebellum iTBS combined with lower extremity exoskeleton walker training can significantly improve the motor functioning, balance and walking ability of stroke survivors.
7.Combining peripheral with transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating subacute stroke
Yuejiao CAO ; Weiguan CHEN ; Zhidong HUANG ; Dongyan ZHU ; Liang WANG ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Huiyuan JI ; Wei SHI ; Hongjian LU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(11):984-990
Objective:To explore the effect of combining repeated peripheral (rPMS) and central transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke.Methods:Seventy-eight patients with upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke were randomly divided into a control group, an rTMS group and a combined magnetic stimulation group, each of 26. All three groups underwent routine rehabilitation, while the rTMS group was repeatedly given low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation of the M1 region on the unaffected side, and the combined group also received repeated peripheral magnetic stimulation at Erb′s point on the affected upper limb. There was one treatment session a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb motor function was quantified using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Wolf motor function test (WMFT). Skill in the activities of daily living was quantified in terms of a Barthel index (BI). Motor recovery of the upper limbs and hands was assessed using Brunnstrom staging. The latency and amplitude of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the subjects′ affected abductor pollicis brevis muscles were also recorded before and after the treatment. Pearson correlation coefficients quantified the correlation between the changes in FMA-UE scores and MEP amplitudes before and after the treatment in the three groups.Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups before the treatment. Afterward, however, the average FMA-UE, WMFT and BI scores, as well as the upper limb and hand Brunnstrom stages and the average MEP latencies and amplitudes of all the three groups had improved significantly. The combined group′s average results were then significantly better than the other two groups′ averages, except for the upper limb Brunnstrom stages. The increases in MEP amplitude were positively correlated with the increases in FMA-UE scores among the rTMS and the combined group, but there was no significant correlation between them in the control group.Conclusions:The combined application of rPMS and contralateral low frequency rTMS can effectively relieve motor dysfunction in the upper limbs in the early stages after a stroke.
8.Immunogenicity and immune persistence of human rabies vaccine (Vero cell) in healthy people aged 10-17 years
Zhenzhen LIANG ; Yugang SHEN ; Xiaosong HU ; Bo XING ; Xinpei ZHANG ; Yingping CHEN ; Yu MAO ; Huakun LYU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(2):135-140
Objective:To evaluate the immunogenicity and immune persistence of human rabies vaccine (Vero cell) in healthy people aged 10-17 years and compare it with a group of adults aged 18-60 years.Methods:This study was conducted between July 2021 and November 2022 with Shangyu district and Shengzhou city of Shaoxing city, Zhejiang Province selected as the research sites. Zagreb regimen (2-1-1 schedule) and Essen regimen (1-1-1-1-1 schedule) were used for rabies vaccine administration. Serum samples were collected at different time points before and after immunization to compare the differences in seropositivity rates and geometric mean concentrations (GMC) between the 10-17 age group and the 18-60 age group.Results:A total of 1 200 healthy participants aged 10-60 were included, with 157 individuals (13.1%) in the 10-17 age group and 1 043 individuals (86.9%) in the 18-60 age group. Both groups displayed a nearly 100% seropositivity rate at 3, 6 and 12 months, and the participants in the same age group had similar antibody levels. The GMC of antibodies gradually increased after vaccination and peaked on 14 d. The 10-17 age group showed higher GMC of antibodies than the 18-60 age group at 14 d after the first dose (Zagreb regimen: 81.85 IU/ml vs 63.15 IU/ml, t=2.411, P=0.018; Essen regimen: 86.61 IU/ml vs 69.24 IU/ml, t=3.906, P<0.001). Similar differences were observed in the GMC of antibodies at 14 d and 3 months after the full vaccination course, but these differences gradually decreased and disappeared at 6 and 12 months after vaccination. Conclusions:Human rabies vaccine (Vero cell) has lasting immune protection in all participants within one year after vaccination, with no significant differences between the two vaccination regimens. Participants aged 10-17 have higher antibody levels compared to adults aged 18-60, but there is no significant difference in immune persistence between the two age groups.
9.The effects of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking of stroke survivors
Liang WANG ; Hongjian LU ; Dongyan ZHU ; Huiyuan JI ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Yuejiao CAO ; Qian XU ; Weiguan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(8):693-698
Objective:To explore the effect of combining intermittent θ pulse stimulation (iTBS) of the cerebellum with lower extremity exoskeleton robot support on the balance and walking function of stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-five stroke survivors complicated with lower extremity dysfunction were divided into an iTBS group, an exoskeleton group and a combined group, each of 25, according to a random number table. In addition to conventional rehabilitation training, the iTBS group was given cerebellar iTBS combined with traditional walking training, the exoskeleton group received sham cerebellar iTBS combined with walking training assisted by a lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The combined group received both therapies. The schedule was once a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the 10-metre walking test (10MWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE) were used to evaluate the subjects′ walking ability, balance and lower extremity motor ability. Gait and neuro-electrophysiological tests were also conducted in all three groups.Results:After the treatment, a significant improvement was observed in the 10MWT times, BBS scores, FMA-LE scores, stride frequency and stride speed of all three groups compared with before the treatment. On average, the results of the exoskeleton and combined groups were significantly better than those of the iTBS group, and those of the combined group were significantly better than among the exoskeleton group. Almost everyone′s MEP latency and amplitude had improved significantly compared with before the treatment, but the improvements in the exoskeleton group tended to be superior to those in the iTBS group ( P≤0.05). The latency in the combined group averaged (21.25±1.70)ms, and the amplitude averaged (184.17±6.54)μV, both significantly better than the exoskeleton group′s averages. Conclusions:Cerebellum iTBS combined with lower extremity exoskeleton walker training can significantly improve the motor functioning, balance and walking ability of stroke survivors.
10.Combining peripheral with transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating subacute stroke
Yuejiao CAO ; Weiguan CHEN ; Zhidong HUANG ; Dongyan ZHU ; Liang WANG ; Zhenzhen HAN ; Huiyuan JI ; Wei SHI ; Hongjian LU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(11):984-990
Objective:To explore the effect of combining repeated peripheral (rPMS) and central transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke.Methods:Seventy-eight patients with upper limb motor dysfunction after a stroke were randomly divided into a control group, an rTMS group and a combined magnetic stimulation group, each of 26. All three groups underwent routine rehabilitation, while the rTMS group was repeatedly given low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation of the M1 region on the unaffected side, and the combined group also received repeated peripheral magnetic stimulation at Erb′s point on the affected upper limb. There was one treatment session a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb motor function was quantified using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Wolf motor function test (WMFT). Skill in the activities of daily living was quantified in terms of a Barthel index (BI). Motor recovery of the upper limbs and hands was assessed using Brunnstrom staging. The latency and amplitude of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the subjects′ affected abductor pollicis brevis muscles were also recorded before and after the treatment. Pearson correlation coefficients quantified the correlation between the changes in FMA-UE scores and MEP amplitudes before and after the treatment in the three groups.Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups before the treatment. Afterward, however, the average FMA-UE, WMFT and BI scores, as well as the upper limb and hand Brunnstrom stages and the average MEP latencies and amplitudes of all the three groups had improved significantly. The combined group′s average results were then significantly better than the other two groups′ averages, except for the upper limb Brunnstrom stages. The increases in MEP amplitude were positively correlated with the increases in FMA-UE scores among the rTMS and the combined group, but there was no significant correlation between them in the control group.Conclusions:The combined application of rPMS and contralateral low frequency rTMS can effectively relieve motor dysfunction in the upper limbs in the early stages after a stroke.


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