1.α-ketoglutarate ameliorated arsenic-induced hepatic lipid deposition in offspring via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Shuangrui BAO ; Hongyan WU ; Ying SUN ; Tong ZHAN ; Qian YANG ; Xinru LIANG ; Zhiyan WAN ; Wenyi CHEN ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):225-231
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males, and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, arsenic group, α-KG group, arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 (GD0-GD16), the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ,15 mg/L) in drinking water everyday, and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG (2 g/kg) everyday. On GD16, pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver, and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides (TGs) and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis, transport, and degradation, and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver; body weight and crown-rump length were reduced (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.05); oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of PI3K, AKT decreased(PTuKey<0.05). Compared with the arsenic group, the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05), the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased (PTuKey<0.05). Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
2.Occupational health literacy level and its influencing factors among key industry groups in Huangshan City from 2022 to 2023
Yongguo ZHAN ; Min WANG ; Qian WU ; Tingwei WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):208-213
Background Occupational groups are facing a "dual health threat". Research indicates that enhancing the occupational health literacy (OHL) of workers is crucial for safeguarding their health and well-being. However, at present, the research on OHL in China is still in its infancy and there is an urgent need to carry out systematic studies. Objective To analyze the OHL level and influencing factors of key industry groups in Huangshan City, and to provide a basis for targeted intervention activities. Methods From 2022 to 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 621 frontline workers from 20 companies in four industries: non-metallic mineral mining and dressing, textile and apparel, rubber and plastic products, and non-metallic mineral products in Huangshan City. The participants were asked to anonymously complete the National Key Population Occupational Health Literacy Monitoring Survey Personal Questionnaire. The overall and 4 dimension levels of OHL were calculated according to the "2022 Calculation Standards for Occupational Health Literacy Levels of Key Populations". The OHL level was defined as the proportion of the target population possessing adequate OHL (indicated by an overall or dimension-specific score rate ≥80% on the questionnaire). Results A total of 621 workers were surveyed during the study period, with 597 valid questionnaires collected, resulting in an effective rate of 96.14%. The participants were mainly frontline workers in small enterprises, presenting the pattern of "three lows and one long". The male-to-female ratio was 1.16∶1. The overall OHL level of the participants was 45.06% during the study period. The dimension-specific levels of occupational health legal knowledge, basic knowledge, basic skills, and healthy working methods and behaviors were 50.25%, 73.53%, 30.49%, and 60.13%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the overall OHL level and the four dimension-specific levels among workers across different industries (P<0.05), with the lowest overall OHL level in the textile and apparel industry (32.06%). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those with a monthly income of less than
3.Effect of Heat-sensitive Moxibustion on Quality of Life and Immune Function in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Qi Deficiency and Phlegm Stasis Syndrome Undergoing Chemotherapy:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Wenhao ZHAN ; Qian DING ; Zhiwei DONG ; Ting LI ; Shumei FU ; Ning TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1289-1296
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion on quality of life and immune function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. MethodsSeventy NSCLC patients with qi deficiency and phlegm stasis syndrome were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. The control group received chemotherapy combined with routine symptomatic treatment, while the intervention group additionally received heat-sensitive moxibustion since the first day of chemotherapy. Acupoints included Dazhui (GV14), bilateral Feishu (BL13), Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), and Guanyuan (CV4). The site exhibiting the strongest heat-sensitization response was selected for moxibustion. Treatment was administered for 45 minutes per session, three times weekly for three consecutive weeks, totaling nine sessions. Before and after treatment, quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were evaluated. Peripheral blood levels of natural killer (NK) cells and T-lymphocyte subsets including CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were measured. Levels of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), including PD-1⁺CD4⁺ and PD-1⁺CD8⁺ cells, were also assessed. Liver and renal function were monitored before and after treatment, and adverse events were recorded. ResultsIn the intervention group, 1 participant withdrew and 1 was excluded, while in the control group, 2 participants withdrew. Ultimately, 33 participants in each group were included in the final analysis. The intervention group showed significant improvements in physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning, as well as global health status after treatment, while scores for fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, appetite loss, diarrhea, and TCM syndrome scale were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, the intervention group demonstrated higher scores in physical functioning, role functioning, and global health status, as well as lower scores for fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, appetite loss, diarrhea, and the TCM syndrome scale than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of peripheral NK cells and PD-1⁺CD8⁺ T cells in the intervention group increased significantly; furthermore, the intervention group exhibited higher peripheral NK cell levels and lower PD-1⁺CD8⁺ T cell levels than the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in liver or renal function between the two groups (P>0.05). In addition, no adverse events such as burns or moxibustion-induced syncope occurred during the study. ConclusionHeat-sensitive moxibustion as an adjunctive therapy may enhance immune function, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve quality of life, while demonstrating a favorable safety profile in NSCLC patients with qi deficiency and phlegm stasis.
4.Depression comorbidity animal model based on data mining
Haotian QIAN ; Xi HUANG ; Zhan GAO
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1165-1177
Objective To understand the current status of animal experimental research on comorbidities of depression,and to provide method for preparing and evaluating relevant animal models of comorbidities of depression.Methods We searched the CNKI and PubMed databases to identify research literature on comorbidities of depression in animals.We summarized and analyzed the data regarding animal species,comorbidity types,modeling method,and model evaluation indicators.Results This study included 100 Chinese and 143 English studies.The total number of papers published in China and elsewhere has shown an upward trend since 2011.The top three comorbidity models in terms of the number of papers published were depression pain(97,39.91%),depression epilepsy(37,15.23%),and depression diabetes(20,8.23%).The depression neuropathic pain model was the most common comorbid type of depression and pain,and the most commonly used preparation method was selective injury of the sciatic nerve branch,often using C57BL/6J mice.The depression acute epilepsy model was the most common comorbid type of depression epilepsy,and was usually prepared using the lithium chloride pilocarpine model,often using SD rats.The most commonly used method for preparing the depression diabetes model was by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin,using C57BL/6J mice.We systematically summarized the evaluation method for the above comorbidity models.Conclusions Increasing research is being carried out using animal models of comorbidities of depression.While a few animal models for the preparation and evaluation of comorbidities of depression are gradually progressing,most animal experimental studies on comorbidities of depression are still in their infancy,and further studies are required to explore these.
5.Application of intelligent telerehabilitation based on reinforcement theory on out-of-hospital rehabilitation in patients after reconstructive surgery of anterior cruciate ligament
Hongjuan LIU ; Xue ZHAN ; Minglong WU ; Qi XIAO ; Qian WANG ; Jing LIAO
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(8):30-37
Objective To investigate the effect of an intelligent telerehabilitation developed with reinforcement theory on the postoperative functional recovery and return to sport in patients after reconstructive surgery of anterior cruciate ligament.Methods By using the convenience sampling method,120 patients after reconstructive surgery of anterior cruciate ligament at a tertiary general hospital in Wuhan from June 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the research subjects.Sixty patients admitted to our hospital between June 2022 and December 2022 were assigned to a control group,while another 60 patients admitted to our hospital between January 2023 and June 2023 were assigned to an trial group.The patients in the control group received conventional surgical treatment,nursing care and instructions for rehabilitation,whereas additional rehabilitation based on the intelligent telerehabilitation developed with reinforcement theory was given to the patients in the trial group.The two groups were compared in terms of postoperative knee function and compliance with rehabilitation exercise.Results The compliance of the trial group with home rehabilitation training was higher than that of the control group.The comparison between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).12 months after surgery,patients in the trial group exhibited higher scores in International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective knee form(IKDC)and Lysholm and Gillquist knee scores compared with those in the control group(both P<0.05.Also,the patients in trial group showed lower incidences of pain,swelling and joint instability compared with those in the control group(all P<0.05).At 12 months after surgery,the patients in trial group showed better capability to perform daily activities and participate in sports in comparison with those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion The intelligent telerehabilitation based on reinforcement theory can improve the compliance of patient with rehabilitation.It therefore is able to reduce incidences of postoperative complications such as pain,swelling,knee instability and locking in patients who had the surgery for reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.It also enhances the function recovery of knee,and helps patients to resume the activities in life and sports.
6.Effects of Electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF Pathway-Related Protein Expressions in Ulcerative Colitis Model Mice
Xiaomei HU ; Xiqin YI ; Lifen ZHAN ; Qian LI ; Qiangsheng DING ; Shifeng DENG ; Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):112-118
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions in model mice of ulcerative colitis(UC);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture improving the intestinal mucus barrier.Methods Totally 48 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank group(12 mice)and modeling group(36 mice).The UC models were established in the modeling group using 3%dextran sulfate sodium free drinking.After successful modeling,mice were further randomly divided into model group,electroacupuncture group and sulfasalazine(SASP)group,with 12 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Guanyuan","Tianshu","Zusanli"and"Shangjuxu"acupoints for 20 minutes per day,the SASP group was administered sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablet suspension(500 mg/kg)by gavage,the blank group received no intervention,the model group was only confined for continuous 7 days.The general conditions were observed and disease activity index(DAI)score were recorded,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue and evaluate the colonic mucosal damage index(CMDI)score,AB-PAS staining was used to observe the number of goblet cells in colonic tissue,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of mucin 2(MUC2)protein in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and γ interferon(IFN-γ),and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of interleukin(IL)-4,signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)6 and epithelial specific transcription factor(SPDEF)in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed mucous stool,bloody stool,reduced intake of food and water,reduced body mass,increased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.01),with intestinal villi shedding and necrosis,destruction of colonic crypt villi structure,accompanied by severe neutrophil infiltration,thinning of mucus layer,atrophy and reduction of goblet cells(P<0.01),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significant decreased(P<0.01),the contents of TNF-α and INF-γ in serum significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the electroacupuncture group and SASP group showed improved mucous stool,bloody stool,increased body mass,decreased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.05),the morphology of the intestinal epithelium was basically normal,the glandular structure has improved,there was a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration and slight edema,the thickness of the mucus layer was restored,the atrophy reduced and number of goblet cells increased(P<0.05),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),while the contents of TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can facilitate the repair of the intestinal mucus barrier and inhibit inflammation,potentially through the activation of IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions.
7.Effects of Electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF Pathway-Related Protein Expressions in Ulcerative Colitis Model Mice
Xiaomei HU ; Xiqin YI ; Lifen ZHAN ; Qian LI ; Qiangsheng DING ; Shifeng DENG ; Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):112-118
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions in model mice of ulcerative colitis(UC);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture improving the intestinal mucus barrier.Methods Totally 48 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank group(12 mice)and modeling group(36 mice).The UC models were established in the modeling group using 3%dextran sulfate sodium free drinking.After successful modeling,mice were further randomly divided into model group,electroacupuncture group and sulfasalazine(SASP)group,with 12 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Guanyuan","Tianshu","Zusanli"and"Shangjuxu"acupoints for 20 minutes per day,the SASP group was administered sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablet suspension(500 mg/kg)by gavage,the blank group received no intervention,the model group was only confined for continuous 7 days.The general conditions were observed and disease activity index(DAI)score were recorded,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue and evaluate the colonic mucosal damage index(CMDI)score,AB-PAS staining was used to observe the number of goblet cells in colonic tissue,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of mucin 2(MUC2)protein in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and γ interferon(IFN-γ),and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of interleukin(IL)-4,signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)6 and epithelial specific transcription factor(SPDEF)in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed mucous stool,bloody stool,reduced intake of food and water,reduced body mass,increased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.01),with intestinal villi shedding and necrosis,destruction of colonic crypt villi structure,accompanied by severe neutrophil infiltration,thinning of mucus layer,atrophy and reduction of goblet cells(P<0.01),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significant decreased(P<0.01),the contents of TNF-α and INF-γ in serum significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the electroacupuncture group and SASP group showed improved mucous stool,bloody stool,increased body mass,decreased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.05),the morphology of the intestinal epithelium was basically normal,the glandular structure has improved,there was a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration and slight edema,the thickness of the mucus layer was restored,the atrophy reduced and number of goblet cells increased(P<0.05),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),while the contents of TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can facilitate the repair of the intestinal mucus barrier and inhibit inflammation,potentially through the activation of IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions.
8.Analysis of the Current Status of Clinical Trial Registration for TCM in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Yiheng YANG ; Zhan ZHANG ; Biao LIANG ; Shiwei QIAN ; Jiachun NI ; Shuo HUANG ; Changpeng HAN ; Zhenyi WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(7):67-72
Objective To analyze the clinical trial projects of TCM treatment for psoriasis registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR);To provide references for clinical research in this field.Methods Clinical trial studies on the TCM treatment for psoriasis were retrieved from the ChiCTR database from the establishment of the database to June 17,2024.Excel 2019 and GraphPad Prism 9.0 were used to organize and analyze the general characteristics included in registered clinical trials.Results Totally 65 TCM-related trials were included,of which 58(89.23%)were prospectively registered,and 55(84.62%)had undergone ethical review.The majority of trials were registered in Guangdong,Beijing and Shanghai,collectively accounting for 78.46%(n=51)of the total.The leading institution,Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine,contributed 19 trials.Funding was predominantly sourced from governmental bodies,with 72.31%(n=47)supported by national or regional grants.Among the registered studies,interventional trials predominated(n=56),including 46 randomised parallel-controlled designs.Blinding was implemented in 23 trials,and biospecimen collection was reported in 48 studies.40 trials were single-centre studies,and a cumulative sample size was 17 695 participants.Common interventions included oral administration of classical TCM formulations or hospital-prepared remedies,alongside topical applications such as medicated baths and ointments.The primary outcome measure in most trials was the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index.Conclusion While the number of registered clinical trials on TCM for psoriasis in China demonstrates a fluctuating yet upward trend,the overall volume remains modest.Disparities in regional distribution,methodological variability,and incomplete trial registration details highlight areas for improvement.
9.Depression comorbidity animal model based on data mining
Haotian QIAN ; Xi HUANG ; Zhan GAO
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1165-1177
Objective To understand the current status of animal experimental research on comorbidities of depression,and to provide method for preparing and evaluating relevant animal models of comorbidities of depression.Methods We searched the CNKI and PubMed databases to identify research literature on comorbidities of depression in animals.We summarized and analyzed the data regarding animal species,comorbidity types,modeling method,and model evaluation indicators.Results This study included 100 Chinese and 143 English studies.The total number of papers published in China and elsewhere has shown an upward trend since 2011.The top three comorbidity models in terms of the number of papers published were depression pain(97,39.91%),depression epilepsy(37,15.23%),and depression diabetes(20,8.23%).The depression neuropathic pain model was the most common comorbid type of depression and pain,and the most commonly used preparation method was selective injury of the sciatic nerve branch,often using C57BL/6J mice.The depression acute epilepsy model was the most common comorbid type of depression epilepsy,and was usually prepared using the lithium chloride pilocarpine model,often using SD rats.The most commonly used method for preparing the depression diabetes model was by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin,using C57BL/6J mice.We systematically summarized the evaluation method for the above comorbidity models.Conclusions Increasing research is being carried out using animal models of comorbidities of depression.While a few animal models for the preparation and evaluation of comorbidities of depression are gradually progressing,most animal experimental studies on comorbidities of depression are still in their infancy,and further studies are required to explore these.
10.Application of intelligent telerehabilitation based on reinforcement theory on out-of-hospital rehabilitation in patients after reconstructive surgery of anterior cruciate ligament
Hongjuan LIU ; Xue ZHAN ; Minglong WU ; Qi XIAO ; Qian WANG ; Jing LIAO
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(8):30-37
Objective To investigate the effect of an intelligent telerehabilitation developed with reinforcement theory on the postoperative functional recovery and return to sport in patients after reconstructive surgery of anterior cruciate ligament.Methods By using the convenience sampling method,120 patients after reconstructive surgery of anterior cruciate ligament at a tertiary general hospital in Wuhan from June 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the research subjects.Sixty patients admitted to our hospital between June 2022 and December 2022 were assigned to a control group,while another 60 patients admitted to our hospital between January 2023 and June 2023 were assigned to an trial group.The patients in the control group received conventional surgical treatment,nursing care and instructions for rehabilitation,whereas additional rehabilitation based on the intelligent telerehabilitation developed with reinforcement theory was given to the patients in the trial group.The two groups were compared in terms of postoperative knee function and compliance with rehabilitation exercise.Results The compliance of the trial group with home rehabilitation training was higher than that of the control group.The comparison between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).12 months after surgery,patients in the trial group exhibited higher scores in International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective knee form(IKDC)and Lysholm and Gillquist knee scores compared with those in the control group(both P<0.05.Also,the patients in trial group showed lower incidences of pain,swelling and joint instability compared with those in the control group(all P<0.05).At 12 months after surgery,the patients in trial group showed better capability to perform daily activities and participate in sports in comparison with those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion The intelligent telerehabilitation based on reinforcement theory can improve the compliance of patient with rehabilitation.It therefore is able to reduce incidences of postoperative complications such as pain,swelling,knee instability and locking in patients who had the surgery for reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament.It also enhances the function recovery of knee,and helps patients to resume the activities in life and sports.

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