1.Study on The Anti-aging Effects of Longevity-enriched Metabolite Dimethylglycine
Jie HU ; Gong-Yu PU ; Jun-Lin LI ; Ju CAO ; Zhi-Xin LIN ; Wei-Wei AN ; Xue-Meng LI ; Jing AN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1048-1061
ObjectiveThe exacerbating trend of global population aging poses profound socioeconomic and public health challenges, making the comprehensive elucidation of biological aging mechanisms and the discovery of effective anti-aging interventions an urgent priority in the life sciences. Based on our previous serum metabolomics findings that dimethylglycine, an intermediate metabolite of amino acid metabolism naturally present in the human body, was significantly enriched in the serum of longevity families, this study aimed to systematically investigate the anti-aging effects of dimethylglycine both in living organisms and in controlled laboratory environments, and to preliminarily elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. While existing literature indicates that dimethylglycine possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, its direct anti-aging efficacy and the specific molecular pathways through which it operates remain largely unexplored. MethodsTo comprehensively evaluate the anti-aging properties of dimethylglycine, we utilized replicative senescent human embryonic lung fibroblasts, specifically the WI-38 cell line, as an experimental model in a controlled laboratory environment. Cell viability and safety were thoroughly assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays across various concentrations of dimethylglycine. The impact of dimethylglycine on cellular senescence phenotypes, oxidative stress, and proliferative capacity was evaluated via senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, reactive oxygen species fluorescence detection, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assays. Furthermore, the molecular alterations of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and core senescence signaling pathways were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the messenger RNA levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of p16 and p21 protein expression levels. For the living organism model, the wild-type nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate systemic physiological effects. We conducted a comprehensive lifespan analysis at 20°C, heat stress resistance survival assays at 35℃, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, lipofuscin accumulation tracking, intracellular reactive oxygen species measurement, and Oil Red O staining to ascertain systemic lipid accumulation. Additionally, network pharmacology bioinformatics tools, including PharmMapper and STRING databases, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were utilized to predict target pathways, alongside highly detailed molecular docking simulations utilizing SwissDock and Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler to examine interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein. ResultsThe experimental outcomes robustly demonstrate the potent anti-aging capabilities of dimethylglycine. At the cellular level, toxicity analyses firmly confirmed that dimethylglycine is highly safe; continuous treatment with 50 mol/L and 70 mol/L of dimethylglycine for 5 d did not induce any cellular membrane damage or cytotoxicity, but rather actively promoted cellular proliferation. Utilizing the optimal standardized concentration of 50 mol/L, dimethylglycine treatment significantly ameliorated senescent phenotypic markers in human embryonic lung fibroblasts, which was evidenced by a drastic and highly significant reduction in the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase positive cell percentage (P<0.000 1) and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels (P<0.000 1), alongside a marked increase in the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-positive proliferation rate (P=0.003 5). On a molecular expression scale, dimethylglycine significantly downregulated the messenger RNA expression of multiple core senescence-associated secretory phenotype inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1. Concurrently, it effectively suppressed the protein expression of critical cell cycle arrest markers, diminishing p16 protein levels by 57.3% (P=0.000 4) and p21 protein levels by 27.2% (P=0.000 7). In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans animal model, dimethylglycine significantly extended the mean lifespan from 20.402 d to an impressive 23.066 d (P<0.000 1) and notably enhanced overall survival rates under severe heat stress environmental conditions (P=0.017). Furthermore, systemic dimethylglycine intervention significantly mitigated age-related physiological decline by decreasing bodily lipofuscin accumulation (P<0.000 1), significantly reducing senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, lowering systemic reactive oxygen species fluorescence (P=0.008), and effectively alleviating overall fat accumulation (P<0.000 1). Mechanistically, extensive network pharmacology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses strongly revealed that the potential targets of dimethylglycine are significantly enriched in fundamental drug metabolism and oxidative stress response pathways. Precision molecular docking simulations conclusively demonstrated that dimethylglycine forms highly stable structural interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein, specifically highlighting the definitive formation of 5 stable hydrogen bonds involving serine 365, leucine 366, and serine 429 residues, as well as two critical salt bridge formations with arginine 97 and histidine 368 residues. It is additionally predicted to interact favorably with glutathione S-transferase family proteins. ConclusionDimethylglycine exhibits a profoundly significant and multifaceted anti-aging activity at both the cellular and entire living animal levels. By powerfully alleviating oxidative stress, heavily suppressing the core p16 and p21-dependent cellular senescence signaling pathways, and substantially mitigating the detrimental senescence-associated secretory phenotype, dimethylglycine effectively delays fundamental cellular senescence processes and drastically extends whole-organism lifespan. The biological mechanisms driving these robust protective effects are highly likely closely associated with its direct stable interactions with crucial metabolic and detoxifying enzyme systems, such as cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 and glutathione S-transferase family proteins, thereby systemically improving metabolic dysregulation and restoring critical redox homeostasis. This comprehensive study provides highly solid experimental evidence supporting dimethylglycine as a highly potent and safe potential anti-aging intervention agent, while simultaneously offering a clear molecular mechanistic explanation for the previously documented high abundance of dimethylglycine observed within exceptionally long-lived human populations.
3.Evaluation system for standardized surgery in elderly patients with lung cancer
Xingqi MI ; Nan CHEN ; Jiandong MEI ; Hecheng LI ; Shuguang ZHANG ; Huanwen CHEN ; Peng JIAO ; Jun WANG ; Chunfang ZHANG ; Guangjian ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Qiang PU ; Peng LIN ; Lunxu LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):866-873
To address the growing challenge of an increasing number of elderly lung cancer patients amidst China's aging population and to fill the gap in quality control standards for surgical treatment in this special population, this study aimed to develop a standardized surgical evaluation system for elderly lung cancer patients tailored to China's national conditions. The system was established through a literature review, integrated the pathophysiological characteristics of elderly patients, and was constructed following review, feedback, and revision by experts from multiple thoracic surgery centers. Employing a 100-point scoring system, it comprises three primary domains: physical infrastructure and geriatric adaptability foundational conditions (10 points); management level and perioperative care models (20 points); and technical proficiency and clinical outcomes (70 points). The system places a strong emphasis on geriatric adaptability, proposing specific, quantifiable indicators for age-friendly facility modifications, control of elderly-specific complications, multidisciplinary collaboration, and standardized perioperative management. It provides a convenient and measurable assessment tool for quality control in the surgical treatment of elderly lung cancer in China, which is expected to promote the standardization and homogenization of diagnosis and treatment.
4.From transmission to elimination: progress of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province
Jiajia WAN ; Zisong WU ; Lin CHEN ; Nannan WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PU ; Rongzhi LI ; Xianhong MENG ; Liang XU ; Jingye SHANG ; Ding LU ; Bo ZHONG ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):232-239
Sichuan Province is a hilly schistosomiasis-endemic province in China with the highest endemicity and largest coverage. During the period of more than 70 years of integrated control, there are five distinct phases of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province, including baseline investigation, Oncomelania hupensis snail control, chemotherapy for both humans and livestock, management of source of Schistosoma japonicum infections, and sustained control and intensified surveillance and early warning, and a package of key interventions are implemented, including environmental modification, snail control with chemical treatment, large-scale chemotherapy for humans and livestock, management of source of S. japonicum infections, intensified integrated control, establishment of an early warning and surveillance system. As a result, schistosomiasis has been eliminated across all 63 disease-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Sichuan Province by June 2025. Government-led multi-sectoral collaborations, science and technology-supported precision control strategies, and a sustainable control model tailored to the ecological and socio-economic conditions in endemic regions are essential to achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province.
5.Exploration and effect evaluation of pharmacy practice research path for PIVAS
Hui ZHANG ; Zhou GENG ; Jingwen PU ; Weiwei LIN ; Jie PAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):1943-1947
OBJECTIVE To improve the research capacity and research enthusiasm of dispensing pharmacists in pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS), facilitate their career development, and further promote the sustainable development of hospital pharmacy disciplines. METHODS A full-chain pharmacy practice research path covering topic orientation, topic evaluation, and implementation was explored and constructed for PIVAS. Multiple approaches including framework condensation for topic selection, department empowerment and improved incentive mechanisms were adopted to systematically boost the research competence and enthusiasm of PIVAS dispensing pharmacists. Four dimensions of indicators, including PIVAS research output, operational level, career development of staff and external influence, were compared between the pre-implementation period (2020- 2022) and post-implementation period (2023-2025) to evaluate the implementation effect of the path. RESULTS After the application of the PIVAS pharmacy practice research path, the number of published papers and comprehensive quality score of papers increased by 150.00% and 161.90% respectively compared with those before implementation. The number of approved research projects and comprehensive quality score of projects rose by 166.67% and 225.00%, and the number of authorized patents increased by 100.00%. The monthly number of external errors decreased from (0.42±0.18) pieces/month pre-implementation to (0.28±0.23) pieces/month post-implementation (P>0.05). Dispensing efficiency was elevated from (121.83±2.48) bags/(hour· person) to (139.00±3.46) bags/(hour·person) (P<0.05). The research participation rate of PIVAS dispensing pharmacists grew from 15.00% to 50.00%, and the overall satisfaction rate of staff increased from 55.00% to 85.00% (P<0.05). Within the 3 years after path implementation, our hospital PIVAS received a total of 22 trainees from external medical institutions, and the number of external institutional visits increased by 374.07% versus the pre-implementation stage. CONCLUSIONS The constructed pharmacy practice research path for PIVAS can significantly improve PIVAS research output, operational efficiency and external influence, and effectively promote the career growth of dispensing pharmacists working in PIVAS.
6.Analysis of the influencing factors of health-related quality of life in community-dwelling elderly with mild cognitive impairment from the perspective of health ecology
Jiayi LIN ; Yanbo ZHU ; Jiameng JIA ; Yuhao LUO ; Jiaju REN ; Jianni CONG ; Yueheng LOU ; Liqun LONG ; Rui CAO ; Pu GE
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(3):245-251
Objective:To analyze the current situation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its influencing factors among community-dwelling elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) based on the health ecology model (HEM).Methods:From December 2023 to September 2024, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 997 community-dwelling elderly in Beijing, Shandong, Chongqing and other regions. The EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire 5 level (EQ-5D-5L), the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were used to assess the subjects.Descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Tobit regression analysis were performed using Stata 18.0 software. Results:A total of 324 valid samples were finally obtained, and the health utility value of MCI elderly was 0.842(0.815, 0.951). Tobit regression analysis showed that ≥80 years old( β=-0.121, 95% CI=-0.193--0.050) in individual traits level, don't exercise( β=-0.196, 95% CI=-0.255--0.137) and poor quality of sleep ( β=-0.064, 95% CI=-0.116--0.013) in behavior characteristics level, and poor subjective economic status( β=-0.153, 95% CI=-0.261--0.045) in living and working conditions level were risk factors for the health utility value of the elderly with MCI. Drinking( β=0.096, 95% CI=0.022-0.171) in behavior characteristics level and participating in social activities( β=0.126, 95% CI=0.062-0.190) in interpersonal network level were protective factors for the health utility value of the elderly with MCI. Conclusions:The HRQOL of the community-dwelling elderly with MCI in China is low, and its influencing factors are multi-level. HEM should be combined to strengthen the intervention and management of the elderly with MCI from personal constitution to policy environment to improve their HRQOL.
7.Dosimetry effect of fluence smoothing in Monaco Treatment Planning System for short-course volumetric modulated arc therapy of preoperative rectal cancer
Yao XIAO ; De-li ZHOU ; Kun-pu SU ; Lin-shan LI ; Meng-yuan SI ; Yan-hai LIU ; Chuan CHEN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(5):48-53
Objective To investigate the dosimetric differences in preoperative short-course volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)for rectal cancer using different fluence smoothing(FS)levels in the Monaco Treatment Planning System(Monaco TPS).Methods Twenty rectal cancer patients who received preoperative neoadjuvant short-course VMAT at some hospital from September 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively selected.Four groups of radiotherapy plans were formulated using the Monaco TPS for each case,which were classified into an off group,a low group,a medium group and a high group based on the FS levels.Then the four groups were compared in terms of the dosimetric parameters,monitor unit and number of the segments in the planning target volume(PTV)and organ at risk(OAR).Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software.Results All the four groups had the doses to the target volume meeting clinical requirements,which had no significant differences in the doses to 5%(D5%)and 95%(D95%)to the target volume and the maximum dose(Dmax),minimum dose(Dmin),mean dose(Dmean)and conformity index(all P>0.05).Statistical differences were found between the homogeneity indexes of the four groups(P<0.05),with the medium group behaving the best.The number of the segments rose while the mornitor units decreased siginificantly with the increase of FS levels,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the V25,V20,V15 and V10 of the small intestine,the V25 and V20 of the bladder and the V15 and V10 of the left and right femur(all P>0.05).Conclusion In preoperative short-course VMAT for rectal cancer,clinical requirements can be met with different FS levels in the Monaco TPS,and medium-level FS results in optimal overall dose distribution in terms of treatment planning.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(5):48-53]
8.A Subgroup Investigation and Genetic Analysis of Blood Donors in Zhongshan,Guangdong Province,and Research on Preservation Related Blood Group Antigen and Antibody
Qiao LI ; Ainong SUN ; Huiyan LIN ; Jianbao HU ; Xianguo XU ; Fei PU ; Yanting LIAO ; Yonglun WU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(6):154-158,180
Objective To investigate the distribution of A subgroups in the A and AB blood type populations among voluntary blood donors in Zhongshan,study the antigen-antibody characteristics of A subgroups,establish a local A subgroup database,and support the development of precision medicine.Methods ABO subgroup screening was performed using the microplate method.Specimens negative for monoclonal anti-A1 reactivity underwent sequencing of exons 1~7 of the ABO gene to confirm genotypes.Cryopreservation and thawing of glycerolized subgroup red blood cells(RBCs),as well as preservation efficacy of concentrated human-derived antibodies with preservatives,were studied.Results Among 1 212 blood donor specimens,28 subgroup specimens were identified,with a prevalence of 1.54%(15/971)in blood type A and 5.39%(13/241)in blood type AB.Sequencing of 10 specimens revealed 7 ABO genotypes:ABO*A2.01/O.01.02(2 cases),ABO*A1.02/B.01(3 cases),ABO*BA.02/O.01.02,ABO*AW.31.02-05/A2.05,ABO*A2.05/B.01,ABO*A2new/O.01.01,and ABO*A1.02/O.01.01(1 case each).Additionally,one rare allele mutation(c.700C>G)and one novel allele mutation(c.203G>T)(GenBank accession number:PQ152337)were identified.Human anti-A1 antibodies with a titer of 8 were successfully concentrated.Optimal preservation conditions included 0.1%preservative concentration and cryopreserved subgroup RBCs stored at 4℃for 3 days post-thaw.Conclusion The predominant A subgroups in Zhongshan donors are A2 and B(A).A preliminary database for A2 and A2B subgroups is established,along with the discovery of a novel ABO allele mutation.Cryopreservation with glycerol,PEG antibody concentration,and ProClin 300 preservative demonstrate effective applications in preserving ABO blood group antigens and antibodies.
9.Impact of lymph node dissection extent on survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at different anatomical sites
Weixuan XIE ; Yang BAI ; Huaisheng XU ; Yifeng PU ; Lin WANG ; Zheng FANG ; Qingzhou ZHU ; Kunlun LUO
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(8):1680-1687
Background and Aims:The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)has been increasing in recent years.Due to its insidious onset and low rate of early diagnosis,radical resection remains the only potential curative treatment.Lymph node metastasis is a major adverse prognostic factor in ICC,but the scope and therapeutic value of lymphadenectomy remain controversial.Previous studies suggest that patients with central ICC may derive greater survival benefit from lymphadenectomy than those with peripheral ICC.Preoperative assessment of lymph node status mainly relies on imaging,but its accuracy is limited.This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of lymphadenectomy in ICC patients at different anatomical sites to inform surgical decision-making.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 220 ICC patients who underwent radical resection at the 904th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the PLA from May 2016 to May 2021.The cohort included 126 males and 94 females,with a mean age of(56.76±13.15)years.Patients were categorized into peripheral ICC(n=144)and central ICC(n=76)groups.Clinical characteristics,albumin-bilirubin(ALBI)grade,preoperative risk of lymph node metastasis,number of lymph nodes dissected,lymph node metastasis status,and postoperative survival outcomes were compared.Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the prognostic value of the number of lymph nodes dissected under different risk stratifications.Results:Significant differences were observed between peripheral and central ICC in ALBI grade(x2=9.952,P=0.002),preoperative lymph node metastasis risk(x2=6.166,P=0.014),number of lymph nodes dissected(x2=4.167,P=0.042),and lymph node metastasis rate(x2=7.331,P=0.007).The 3-year overall survival(OS)rate was higher in peripheral ICC(31.94%)than in central ICC(15.79%)(x2=13.890,P<0.001).Among central ICC patients,those with ≥6 lymph nodes dissected had better 3-year OS than those with<6(16.89%vs.13.04%,x2=3.894,P=0.048).In the high-risk subgroup of central ICC,≥6 lymph nodes dissected was also associated with improved 3-year OS compared with<6(15.62%vs.11.11%,x2=3.962,P=0.047).In contrast,the number of lymph node dissections had no significant prognostic impact in peripheral ICC or in patients classified as low risk.Conclusion:Patients with peripheral ICC had a better prognosis than those with central ICC.Adequate lymphadenectomy(≥6 nodes)improved survival and enhanced staging accuracy in central ICC patients at high risk of lymph node metastasis,highlighting the importance of preoperative risk assessment for optimizing surgical strategies.
10.Dioscin inhibits IL-17+γδT cells to exert an anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect
Lin-mei PU ; Hao-hong ZHANG ; Chao-yu CHU ; Yuan-yuan NI ; Zhao WU ; Qing-yan MO ; Hong-yun WANG ; Ying XU ; Chun-ping WAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2082-2088
Aim To explore the mechanism by which dioscin regulates IL-17+γδT cells in the treatment of arthritis.Methods A collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)model was established in DBA/1 mice using bovine type Ⅱ collagen.The mice were randomly divid-ed into the CIA model group,methotrexate(MTX)positive control group,and dioscin low-dose(Dioscin-L),medium-dose(Dioscin-M),and high-dose(Dios-cin-H)groups.After intervention,the therapeutic effects were evaluated using scoring methods.Joint pathological damage was analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The levels of anti-collagen-spe-cific antibodies and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 were measured by ELISA.The expressions of γδT cells and their subtypes,as well as the secretion level of IL-17,were detected by flow cytometry.Results Dioscin significantly reduced the arthritis severity score in collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)mice,alleviated joint pathological damage,inhibited the production of IL-17 by splenic lymphocytes and the levels of anti-col-lagen-specific antibodies total IgG and IgG3,and de-creased the proportion of γδT cells in the lymph nodes,splenic γδT cells,and the Vδ4+T-cell subset.The level of IL-17 produced by the Vδ4 subtype in the lymph nodes of the intervention groups was lower than that in the model group,but the difference was not sta-tistically significant.Conclusion Dioscin has signifi-cant therapeutic effect on CIA,and its mechanism may be through the inhibition of γδT cells,but it is unlikely to be related to IL-17 derived from γδT cells.

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