1.Mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyutang in Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway to Promote Mitochondrial Function and Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Rats with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Ping ZHANG ; Lijuan YANG ; Shenghui CHEN ; Wenliang YAO ; Yuliang ZHOU ; Ling MA ; Huiying WU ; Yanwen XU ; Ziyan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):46-55
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyutang (YJZYT) on mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative stress damage mediated by the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), and to explore its mechanism in improving ovarian reserve function and follicular development. MethodsForty-two 8-week-old female SD rats with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into a blank control group (n=7) and a model group (n=35). Rats in the model group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CTX (90 mg·kg-1) to establish the DOR model. After modeling, estrous cycles were monitored for 7 consecutive days, and model success was confirmed based on criteria for estrous cycle disruption. After successful modeling, rats were divided into groups for intervention: estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and YJZYT high-, medium-, and low-dose groups (19.98, 9.99, 5.00 g·kg-1). The blank control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. All groups received daily gavage once for 4 consecutive weeks. The general state, body weight, and ovarian wet weight of rats were observed and recorded, and the ovarian organ index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe ovarian histomorphological changes and follicular development status. Immunofluorescence was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression levels. Colorimetric assays were employed to measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in ovarian tissues. Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the mRNA expression levels of key genes including SIRT1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited disrupted estrous cycles, obviously reduced body weight, and decreased ovarian index (P<0.05). Ovarian histopathology revealed cortical thinning, loose structure, and a significant reduction in both primordial and growing follicles (P<0.01). Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while E2 and AMH levels were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). ATP content and mtDNA copy number decreased in ovarian tissue (P<0.01), ROS expression increased, MDA levels rose, while SOD and GSH-Px activities obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA and protein expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM were obviously downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, body weight and ovarian index obviously recovered in rats administered various doses of YJZYT (P<0.05), serum E2 and AMH levels increased, while FSH and LH levels obviously decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), ovarian tissue ATP content and mtDNA copy number were up-regulated, ROS and MDA levels decreased, and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px activity obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), Gene and protein expression levels related to the SIRT1/PGC-1α /NRF1/TFAM signaling pathway were obviously up-regulated compared to the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), HE staining revealed that ovarian structure gradually recovered to integrity in all treatment groups, with a obviously increase in the number of primordial and growing follicles (P<0.05, P<0.01). Granulosa cells were neatly arranged, indicating marked improvement in ovarian function. ConclusionYJZYT may improve ovarian function and follicular development in rats with diminished ovarian reserve by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing mitochondrial function, and alleviating oxidative stress damage.
2.Role of liver cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma and related strategies for targeted therapy
Wenting CUI ; Ningning LIU ; Xiuzhen MA ; Ping MAI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):457-463
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with relatively high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, and its therapeutic resistance and recurrence mechanism are closely associated with liver cancer stem cells (LCSC). This article systematically introduces the biological characteristics of LCSC and their key role in the progression of HCC, reviews the functional characteristics of the specific surface markers (such as EpCAM and CD133) and related signaling pathways (such as Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, and STAT3), elaborates on the interaction between LCSC and tumor microenvironment, and summarizes the latest clinical treatment strategies targeting LCSC and the countermeasure for existing resistance mechanisms. The article points out that LCSC promote tumor development and progression through metabolic reprogramming and immune microenvironment remodeling, and it is proposed to establish a standardized detection system for LCSC specific markers and promote a triple synergistic therapeutic paradigm combining targeted therapy, immune regulation, and traditional chemotherapy, in order to provide new ideas for the clinical intervention of HCC.
3.Facilitators and barriers to work-related musculoskeletal disorder prevention behaviors among healthcare professionals: A comprehensive review
Haijing MA ; Su’e YUAN ; Hui ZHU ; Yujia CHEN ; Ping SONG ; Huiqin YU ; Yunxia LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):387-394
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant occupational health challenge among healthcare professionals globally, posing substantial threats to physical and mental well-being as well as work sustainability. Adopting preventive behaviors—including ergonomic postural adjustments, optimized work-rest scheduling, proper use of protective and assistive equipment, and regular physical activity—is essential for mitigating the risk of WMSDs. Guided by the social ecological model, the review synthesized current evidence on the determinants of WMSDs preventive behaviors across four levels: intrapersonal characteristics, work environment conditions, interpersonal support, and policy/institutional factors. The findings suggest that higher educational attainment, favorable health-related behavioral patterns, optimized ergonomic work environments, adoption of supportive collaborative systems, strong organizational support, as well as policy safeguards facilitate preventive behavior adoption. Conversely, limited prevention-related knowledge, low risk perception, insufficient physical activity, excessive workload, lack of appropriate protective equipment, inadequate ergonomic training, a prevailing culture of presenteeism, and inadequate policy implementation constitute significant barriers. Multi-dimensional intervention strategies targeting these determinants are warranted to enhance preventive behaviors, reduce the risk of WMSDs, and strengthen occupational health protection for healthcare professionals.
4.Clinical characteristics and influencing factors of retinopathy of prematurity
Ping MA ; Xiangsheng WANG ; DILIDALE ; Xiangqian CAO
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):905-912
AIM: To study the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP), and to construct a nomogram model for predicting ROP in premature infants.METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled premature infants who underwent fundus examinations in the hospital from January 2022 to September 2025 for analysis. Fundus examinations were performed using the RetCam III system, and the occurrence of ROP was recorded. The data were split into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and multivariate analysis was performed using binary Logistic regression on the training set data. Variables identified in the multivariate analysis were used to construct a nomogram, which was subsequently validated.RESULTS: The incidence of ROP(428 cases)among the 3 841 premature infants was 11.43%, with 138 cases(32.24%)in stage I, 151 cases(35.28%)in stage II, 103 cases(24.07%)in stage III, 33 cases(7.71%)in stage IV, and 3 cases(0.70%)in stage V. No statistically significant differences were found in the clinical data between the training and validation sets(all P>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified neonatal sepsis, mechanical ventilation, transfusion therapy, coagulation dysfunction, bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS), formula feeding, and non-invasive respiratory support duration >1 wk as risk factors for ROP(all P<0.05). Birth weight(1 500-2 499 g, ≥2 500 g), gestational age(32-34 wk, 35-36 wk), weight gain rate ≥20 g/d, and 5-minute Apgar score ≥8 were identified as protective factors(all P<0.05). The area under curve(AUC)of the nomogram prediction model was 0.890 in the training set and 0.907 in the validation set, with sensitivity of 80.67% and 82.81%, and specificity of 83.18% and 85.14%, respectively. The calibration curves in both sets approached the ideal curve, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated good agreement between the predicted and observed values(χ2=12.918, P=0.115; χ2=4.047, P=0.853). The decision curve analysis demonstrated high net benefits in both the training and validation sets.CONCLUSION: The incidence of ROP in premature infants was 11.43%. The nomogram model, constructed based on multivariate Logistic regression and integrating key risk and protective factors such as birth weight, gestational age, sepsis, and mechanical ventilation, demonstrates high predictive value, good calibration, and high net benefit. It can serve as an intuitive and effective tool for early individualized risk assessment of ROP in premature infants.
5.A prediction model for mild cognitive impairment risk among the elderly
MA Zongkang ; LIU Xinglang ; LI Huihui ; HE Guowei ; YAN Ping ; ZHANG Chuanrong ; MA Xuan ; CHE Yajie ; YU Shan ; CHEN Fenghui
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):124-129
Objective:
To develop a prediction model for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk among the elderly, so as to provide a tool for MCI early screening.
Methods :
From July 2022 to September 2024, a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to recruit permanent residents aged ≥65 years from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as study participants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, body composition indices, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Sarcopenia was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength. MCI was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with adjustments for educational level. Participants were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio. LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to screen for predictors and construct an MCI risk prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:
A total of 1 641 participants were surveyed, including 755 males (46.01%) and 886 females (53.99%). The majority of participants were aged 65-<75 years, comprising 1 154 individuals (70.32%). MCI was detected in 517 participants, corresponding to a detection rate of 31.51%. Resultsfrom LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residence (rural, OR = 2.323, 95% CI: 1.682-3.210), age (75-<85 years, OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.019-1.937; ≥85 years, OR = 3.655, 95% CI: 1.696-7.875), educational level (primary school, OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.247-0.472; junior high school, OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.160-0.408; high school, OR = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.154-0.531; bachelor's degree or above, OR = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.041-0.351), history of alcohol consumption (yes, OR = 3.216, 95% CI: 2.164-4.779), risk of malnutrition (yes, OR = 1.464, 95% CI: 1.064-2.014), sarcopenia (yes, OR = 3.197, 95% CI: 2.332-4.385), and waist-to-hip ratio (abnormal, OR = 1.540, 95% CI: 1.159-2.048) were identified as predictive factors for MCI among the elderly. In the training set, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.788, 0.719, and 0.712, respectively. In the validation set, the corresponding values were 0.784, 0.913, and 0.542, respectively. DCA demonstrated that the model provided a higher clinical net benefit for predicting MCI risk when the risk threshold probability ranged from 0.124 to 0.764.
Conclusion
The prediction model developed in this study demonstrates good discriminative ability and clinical utility, indicating its substantial value for predicting the MCI risk among the elderly.
6.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
7.Prevention and Treatment Ideas of Epileptogenesis in Children under the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine
Hanjiang CHEN ; Ping RONG ; Xilian ZHANG ; Siyuan HU ; Rong MA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):251-255
Epileptogenesis is a dynamic process of gradual progression from normal developing brain to pathological epileptic brain, which is the latent and budding stage of epilepsy. Combining the understanding of epileptogenesis in children from Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), we proposed that the viewpoints of constitutional transformation, phlegm pathogen inducing epilepsy, and brain collateral damage, which correspond to key pathological mechanisms, namely gene polymorphism, immunoinflammation, and microvascular dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier, respectively. Based on these insights, strategies for prevention and treatment of epileptogenesis in children, as well as potential research directions are explored.
8.One-year clinical observation of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking on the treatment of progressive keratoconus
Jing LU ; Ping MA ; Changjun LAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):451-454
AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL)in the management of progressive keratoconus over 1 a period.METHODS:A retrospective pre-post self-controlled study. Data were collected from complete cases of 63 patients(84 eyes)with progressive keratoconus who underwent epithelial-off accelerated CXL between August 2018 and September 2021. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), refraction, corneal transparency, maximum keratometry(Kmax)of the anterior corneal surface, minimum corneal thickness, endothelial cell counts, and intraocular pressure(IOP)were analyzed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:No significant differences were observed in UCVA and spherical power before and after surgery(all P>0.05). However, there were significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, Kmax, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP(all P<0.05). At 12 mo postoperatively, there were no significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP compared with preoperative values(all P>0.05), while Kmax was decreased compared with preoperative value(P<0.05). At 1 mo postoperatively, the corneal endothelial cell count(2519.87±345.28 cells/mm2)was decreased compared with preoperative value(2693.63±313.39 cells/mm2; P<0.001). At 1 wk postoperatively, 22 eyes developed corneal haze(grade 0.5 to 1), and 15 eyes presented with linear corneal stromal opacity at 1 mo postoperatively. In 7 eyes, corneal opacity subsided within 3 to 6 mo after the operation, however, 5 eyes still exhibited corneal nebula or macula without affecting visual acuity.CONCLUSION: After epithelial-off accelerated CXL, the UCVA, BCVA and spherical diopter of patients remained stable over time. The astigmatism and corneal curvature temporarily increased and then gradually decreased. The cornea minimum thickness decreased initially but subsequently returned to preoperative levels. The corneal curvature at 6 and 12 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery, which could effectively prevent the progression of keratoconus. Despite potential localized corneal opacity and macular complications, as well as a possible decrease in corneal endothelial cell count, BCVA remained unaffected, demonstrating favorable safety outcomes.
9.One-year clinical observation of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking on the treatment of progressive keratoconus
Jing LU ; Ping MA ; Changjun LAN
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):451-454
AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of epithelial-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL)in the management of progressive keratoconus over 1 a period.METHODS:A retrospective pre-post self-controlled study. Data were collected from complete cases of 63 patients(84 eyes)with progressive keratoconus who underwent epithelial-off accelerated CXL between August 2018 and September 2021. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), refraction, corneal transparency, maximum keratometry(Kmax)of the anterior corneal surface, minimum corneal thickness, endothelial cell counts, and intraocular pressure(IOP)were analyzed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:No significant differences were observed in UCVA and spherical power before and after surgery(all P>0.05). However, there were significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, Kmax, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP(all P<0.05). At 12 mo postoperatively, there were no significant differences in BCVA, cylinder power, minimum corneal thickness, and IOP compared with preoperative values(all P>0.05), while Kmax was decreased compared with preoperative value(P<0.05). At 1 mo postoperatively, the corneal endothelial cell count(2519.87±345.28 cells/mm2)was decreased compared with preoperative value(2693.63±313.39 cells/mm2; P<0.001). At 1 wk postoperatively, 22 eyes developed corneal haze(grade 0.5 to 1), and 15 eyes presented with linear corneal stromal opacity at 1 mo postoperatively. In 7 eyes, corneal opacity subsided within 3 to 6 mo after the operation, however, 5 eyes still exhibited corneal nebula or macula without affecting visual acuity.CONCLUSION: After epithelial-off accelerated CXL, the UCVA, BCVA and spherical diopter of patients remained stable over time. The astigmatism and corneal curvature temporarily increased and then gradually decreased. The cornea minimum thickness decreased initially but subsequently returned to preoperative levels. The corneal curvature at 6 and 12 mo after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery, which could effectively prevent the progression of keratoconus. Despite potential localized corneal opacity and macular complications, as well as a possible decrease in corneal endothelial cell count, BCVA remained unaffected, demonstrating favorable safety outcomes.
10.Determination of biological activity of teduglutide by a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence method
Xiao-ming ZHANG ; Ran MA ; Li-jing LÜ ; Lü-yin WANG ; Ping LÜ ; Cheng-gang LIANG ; Jing LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):211-217
In this study, we constructed a GLP-2R-HEK293 cell line and established a method for the determination of the


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