1.Mechanistic study of regulatory T cells resisting ferroptosis under hypoxic stress in oral squamous cell carcinoma
GUO Ruiyu ; ZHANG Fangyu ; XU Qin ; CHEN Wantao ; YAN Ming
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(10):953-969
Objective:
To explore the metabolic molecular mechanism of regulatory T cells (Tregs) resisting ferroptosis under a hypoxic stress microenvironment, and to provide scientific support for finding intervention targets to improve the immune microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods:
This study was approved by the Institutional Medical Ethics Committee. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used to detect the distribution of Tregs and the localization of hypoxic regions in clinical pathological specimens from patients with OSCC tissues. Animal experiments were approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee. A tumor-bearing model was established in C57BL/6 mice. The submandibular, subscapular, inguinal, and popliteal lymph nodes were collected along with the spleen, and were homogenized to prepare single cell suspensions. C57BL/6 mouse naive CD4⁺ T cells were induced to differentiate into Tregs in vitro, and a 1% hypoxic culture model was established. Normoxia and hypoxia groups were established, and Treg viability under hypoxic conditions was assessed by flow cytometry. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were applied to analyze differentially expressed genes, metabolic pathways, and changes in cholesterol metabolites. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of emopamil-binding protein (EBP), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). The safe concentration of the EBP inhibitor TASIN-30 was determined by the CCK-8 assay. On this basis, four groups were established: normoxia control, hypoxia, hypoxia+TASIN-30, and hypoxia+TASIN-30+7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC). Treg viability in each group was measured by flow cytometry; intracellular Fe2+ content, lipid peroxidation level, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were detected by cellular immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; the reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio was measured using a microplate reader; and mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. In vivo tumor-inhibition experiments in C3H/HeJ mice were performed to validate the in vivo effects of EBP inhibition, and clinical prognostic survival analysis based on the TCGA-HNSC cohort was performed to evaluate the clinical prognostic value of ferroptosis resistance in Tregs.
Results:
Tregs were highly enriched in OSCC tissue, preferentially accumulated in hypoxic areas, and could maintain cell survival under hypoxia. The cholesterol metabolism pathway was upregulated in the hypoxic group, with increased EBP mRNA expression (P < 0.001) and 7-DHC accumulation. Compared with the hypoxic group alone, the hypoxic + TASIN-30 group showed decreased GPX4 and FSP1 expression (P < 0.001, P = 0.003); increased ACSL4 expression (P < 0.001); a decreased viable cell ratio (P < 0.001); increased Fe2+, lipid peroxidation, and ROS levels (P < 0.001); a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio (P < 0.001); and mitochondrial shrinkage. Exogenous supplementation of 7-DHC reversed the effects of EBP inhibition. In vivo inhibition of EBP significantly inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Tregs upregulate EBP and promote 7-DHC accumulation in hypoxic microenvironments, thereby inhibiting Treg ferroptosis and maintaining their survival and immunosuppressive function. Inhibition of EBP can weaken the resistance of Tregs to ferroptosis under hypoxia.
2.Protective Effect of Huayu Jiedu Prescription Against PC12 Cell Damage Induced by Combination of NETs and OGD
Wuchaonan LIU ; Ruiyu HUANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Mengge ZHANG ; Yunhao YI ; Tao GAO ; Dingxiang LI ; Yihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):120-130
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Huayu Jiedu prescription against PC12 cell damage induced by a combination of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). MethodsFirst, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used to induce the differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60) into neutrophil-like cells (dHL-60), and cell differentiation was assessed through Giemsa staining and flow cytometry. Next, phorbol myristate (PMA) was used to induce the formation of NETs in dHL-60 cells. The formation of NETs was assessed via SYTOX Green staining, and NETs were extracted by low-speed centrifugation. Finally, the NETs prepared through the conditioned medium were combined with OGD to induce a high-differentiation PC12 neuronal cell damage model through the co-culture method. This model was treated with the Huayu Jiedu prescription-containing serum. Cells were randomly allocated into a normal control group, a model (NETs + OGD) group, a traditional Chinese medicine (NETs + OGD + 5% Huayu Jiedu prescription-containing serum) group, and a NETosis inhibitor (100 mg·L-1 DNase I + NETs + OGD) group. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cell viability and screen the optimal intervention concentrations of NETs and Huayu Jiedu Formula-containing serum, as well as the optimal intervention time for OGD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the levels of myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), and neutrophil elastase (NE). Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of CitH3 and cleaved Caspase-3. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry were employed to assess neuronal apoptosis. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, cells in the model group successfully differentiated into dHL60 cells after DMSO induction. Wright-Giemsa staining revealed that the cells in the model group had disappeared nucleoli, distinct reniform and lobulated changes of nuclei, highly condensed chromatin, and the cytoplasm containing pale purple fine granules. Flow cytometry showed that the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD11b in the model group was enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with those in the normal control group, dHL60 cells in the model group successfully generated NETs after PMA induction. SYTOX Green staining revealed loss of cell membrane integrity, with chromatin released from the cytoplasm to form abundant extracellular, cloud-like fibrillar structures, and a marked increase in fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). Through the CCK-8 assay for assessing the viability of highly differentiated PC12 cells, the optimal concentration for NETs was determined as 1 000 ng·L-1, the optimal concentration of Huayu Jiedu formula-containing serum as 5%, and the optimal duration for OGD as 2 h. Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed elevated levels of MPO-DNA, CitH3, and NE (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of CitH3 and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Furthermore, TUNEL staining revealed an increased proportion of apoptotic cells (P<0.01) and flow cytometry showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the Huayu Jiedu formula-containing serum group and the NETosis inhibitor group exhibited declined levels of MPO-DNA, CitH3, and NE (P<0.05,P<0.01) and downregulated protein levels of CitH3 and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.01). In addition, TUNEL staining showed a decrease in the proportion of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and flow cytometry revealed a decrease in the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). ConclusionHuayu Jiedu prescription may exert a protective effect against ischemic neuronal damage by inhibiting NET formation or alleviating NET-induced neurotoxicity
3.Protective Effect of Huayu Jiedu Prescription Against PC12 Cell Damage Induced by Combination of NETs and OGD
Wuchaonan LIU ; Ruiyu HUANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Mengge ZHANG ; Yunhao YI ; Tao GAO ; Dingxiang LI ; Yihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):120-130
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Huayu Jiedu prescription against PC12 cell damage induced by a combination of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). MethodsFirst, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used to induce the differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60) into neutrophil-like cells (dHL-60), and cell differentiation was assessed through Giemsa staining and flow cytometry. Next, phorbol myristate (PMA) was used to induce the formation of NETs in dHL-60 cells. The formation of NETs was assessed via SYTOX Green staining, and NETs were extracted by low-speed centrifugation. Finally, the NETs prepared through the conditioned medium were combined with OGD to induce a high-differentiation PC12 neuronal cell damage model through the co-culture method. This model was treated with the Huayu Jiedu prescription-containing serum. Cells were randomly allocated into a normal control group, a model (NETs + OGD) group, a traditional Chinese medicine (NETs + OGD + 5% Huayu Jiedu prescription-containing serum) group, and a NETosis inhibitor (100 mg·L-1 DNase I + NETs + OGD) group. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cell viability and screen the optimal intervention concentrations of NETs and Huayu Jiedu Formula-containing serum, as well as the optimal intervention time for OGD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the levels of myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), and neutrophil elastase (NE). Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of CitH3 and cleaved Caspase-3. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry were employed to assess neuronal apoptosis. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, cells in the model group successfully differentiated into dHL60 cells after DMSO induction. Wright-Giemsa staining revealed that the cells in the model group had disappeared nucleoli, distinct reniform and lobulated changes of nuclei, highly condensed chromatin, and the cytoplasm containing pale purple fine granules. Flow cytometry showed that the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD11b in the model group was enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with those in the normal control group, dHL60 cells in the model group successfully generated NETs after PMA induction. SYTOX Green staining revealed loss of cell membrane integrity, with chromatin released from the cytoplasm to form abundant extracellular, cloud-like fibrillar structures, and a marked increase in fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). Through the CCK-8 assay for assessing the viability of highly differentiated PC12 cells, the optimal concentration for NETs was determined as 1 000 ng·L-1, the optimal concentration of Huayu Jiedu formula-containing serum as 5%, and the optimal duration for OGD as 2 h. Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed elevated levels of MPO-DNA, CitH3, and NE (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of CitH3 and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Furthermore, TUNEL staining revealed an increased proportion of apoptotic cells (P<0.01) and flow cytometry showed an increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the Huayu Jiedu formula-containing serum group and the NETosis inhibitor group exhibited declined levels of MPO-DNA, CitH3, and NE (P<0.05,P<0.01) and downregulated protein levels of CitH3 and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.01). In addition, TUNEL staining showed a decrease in the proportion of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and flow cytometry revealed a decrease in the apoptosis rate (P<0.01). ConclusionHuayu Jiedu prescription may exert a protective effect against ischemic neuronal damage by inhibiting NET formation or alleviating NET-induced neurotoxicity
4.Analysis of rate-limiting steps and construction of a predictive model for the difficulty of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy
Ruiyu YUE ; Zhipeng WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuwen GUO ; Lei ZHANG ; Jingcheng LYU ; Yichen ZHU
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(10):686-693
Objective:To investigate the rate-limiting steps of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, analyze the relevant factors affecting surgical difficulty, and subsequently construct a mathematical model to predict the difficulty of the procedure preoperatively.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 100 kidney donors who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy performed by the same surgeon at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2021 to January 2024. Preoperative demographic data, imaging findings, general condition, donor kidney size, and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. The surgeon′s subjective rating (1-3 points) was used as a quantitative measure of surgical difficulty. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were employed to explore the differences in postoperative complications, recovery, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss among groups with varying levels of difficulty. The main procedure was divided into four steps (excluding abdominal closure): Trocar placement, renal hilar dissection, perinephric dissection, and kidney retrieval. The time for each step and the total operative time were recorded. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the relationship between each step and the total operative time, and ANOVA test was used to assess the time differences between steps and to determine if the time for the same step varied across different difficulty subgroups, thereby identifying the rate-limiting step of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. In terms of the risk factors influencing the difficulty of surgery, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were used to investigate the relationship between preoperative donor data and surgical difficulty scores, and a predictive model was constructed using multiple linear regression. Finally, the model was internally and externally validated to confirm its accuracy and effectiveness.Results:As the surgical difficulty increased (groups 1, 2, and 3), the postoperative drainage tube duration was correspondingly prolonged [(5.92±1.48) d, (8.00±1.75) d, and (11.88±4.45) d, respectively, P<0.05], and the severity of postoperative complications also significantly increased (the incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥2 was 5.66%, 31.82% and 64.00%, respectively, P<0.01). In the analysis of rate-limiting steps, the time taken for all steps, except for Trocar placement, showed significant differences among the difficulty subgroups ( P<0.001). However, the average time for renal hilar dissection was (19.82±5.65) min, which was significantly longer than the other steps ( P<0.001). Therefore, renal hilar dissection was identified as the rate-limiting step of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. In terms of the influencing factors of surgical difficulty, donor obesity, kidney width, abdominal anteroposterior sagittal diameter, number of renal arteries, distance from renal artery bifurcation to the abdominal aorta, degree of renal artery calcification, and mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score were all correlated with the surgical difficulty score ( P<0.05). However, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only the number of renal arteries and the MAP score were the independent risk factors for higher surgical difficulty of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The predictive equation was: surgical difficulty=0.649×number of renal arteries+ 0.770×MAP score. Both internal and external validation confirmed the model's good accuracy. Conclusions:This study established a reliable and objective predictive model for the difficulty of hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy based on the number of renal arteries and the MAP score. Renal hilar dissection was identified as the rate-limiting step of the procedure. This provides a reference for selecting an appropriate surgeon based on the predicted surgical difficulty.
5.Correlation analysis of genetic and environmental factors with clinical characteristics of pediatric upper urinary tract calculi
Youquan ZHAO ; Xiaochuan WANG ; Boyu YANG ; Chen NING ; Houyu ZHOU ; Huimin ZHAO ; Xiaochen WANG ; Ruiyu YUE ; Shao ZHANG ; Manjiang SUN ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):728-733
Objective:To investigate the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the clinical characteristics of upper urinary tract calculi in pediatric patients.Methods:This study was a retrospective case series. The clinical data of 179 children under the age of 14 with upper urinary tract calculi treated at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University,from August 2014 to February 2023 were analyzed. There were 121 males(67.60%)and 58 females(32.40%),with a median age at onset of 2.10(1.14,5.17)years. Thirty-three cases(18.44%)had a family history of urinary stone disease. Stone characteristics was defined by CT,with a median stone burden(sum of the diameters of all stones)of 1.3(1.00,1.60)cm. Fifty-four(30.17%)children had staghorn calculi. Multiple stones were present in 92 cases(51.40%),and bilateral stones in 52 cases(29.05%),with hydronephrosis was present in 119 children(66.48%). The median follow-up time was 67 months,and 36 children(20.11%)experienced stone recurrence. Dietary habits and related information were collected by electronic questionnaire,including a total of 115 children(64.25%)with an unbalanced diet,101(56.42%)with insufficient water intake,and 32 children(17.88%)with a preference for a high-protein diet. Tap water was used as the source of drinking water by 128 patients(71.51%),and 107(59.78%)took dietary supplements. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that 55 children(30.73%)carried pathogenic mutations in stone-related genes. Binary logistic regression was used for univariate analysis of above risk factors. Variables with P < 0.1 in univariate analysis and without multicollinearity were included in multivariate logistic regression to further screen for independent risk factors. Results:Multivariate analysis confirmed that carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 3.06,95% CI 1.25?7.45, P = 0.014)and insufficient water intake( OR = 3.28,95% CI 1.14?9.47, P = 0.028)were independent risk factors for higher stone burden. A high-protein diet( OR = 2.40,95% CI 1.03?5.63, P = 0.044),carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 4.57,95% CI 2.21?9.46, P<0.01),and a family history of stones( OR = 3.18,95% CI 1.28 ~ 7.91, P = 0.013)were independent risk factors for staghorn calculi. Multiple stones were closely associated with a family history of stones( OR = 2.66,95% CI 1.15-6.17, P = 0.022)and carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 3.22,95% CI 1.60-6.48, P = 0.001). Moreover,carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 5.19,95% CI 2.52?13.82, P < 0.01)were an independent risk factor for stone recurrence,whereas dietary supplement intake was a protective factor( OR = 0.26,95% CI 0.11?0.62, P = 0.002). Conclusions:Genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in the occurrence and development of pediatric upper urinary tract stones. A high-protein diet as well as a positive family history of stones are independent risk factors for staghorn calculi,and insufficient water intake is a critical environmental factor for stone formation,while appropriate use of dietary supplements may help reduce the risk of stone recurrence. Genetic testing indicates that approximately 30% of children carry stone-related pathogenic gene mutations,and these patients prone to severe stone and an increased risk of recurrence.
6.Effect of incorporation of comprehensive geriatric assessment into WeChat-based whole-process case health management on elderly population with annual physical examinations
Meiling LIU ; Feifei YU ; Er CHEN ; Suijuan PENG ; Ruiyu ZHENG ; Yan WANG ; Hongyao HE ; Yingfen ZHANG
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(9):1-7
Objective To study the effect of incorporating comprehensive geriatric assessment(CGA)into the whole-process WeChat-based case health management in elderly population who took annual physical examinations,thereby to improve their ability in health self-management.Methods A randomised controlled trial was conducted to select 100 elderly people who took annual physical examinations in our hospital from July 2022 to June 2023.The elderly were randomly divided into a control group and an trial group,with 50 people per group.CGA was applied to both groups,but the control group was under conventional health management,while the trial group received the incorporation of CGA into a whole-process WeChat-based case health management.The self-rated abilities for health practices scale(SRAHP)was used to compare the scores between the two groups before intervention,at 3,6 and 12 months after intervention.The scores of fatigue,resistance,ambulation,illnesses&loss of weight scale(FRAIL)and the mini nutritional assessment-short form(MNA-SF)were compared between the two groups before intervention and at 12 months after intervention.Incidence of falls was also evaluated after intervention.Results All the participants completed the study.Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that total SRAHP scores had statistical significances in main effect on time,group and interaction(Ftime=193.451,P<0.001;Fgroup=23.661,P<0.001;Finteraction=29.970,P<0.001).Further analysis revealed that the elderly in trial group had higher total scores in SRAHP than those in the control group at 6 and 12 months after intervention(both P<0.001).At 12 months after intervention,the trial group showed better scores in FRAIL and MNA-SF than the control group(both P<0.05)as well as with a lower incidence of falls(P<0.05).Conclusion Incorporation of CGA into a comprehensive WeChat-based case health management,over a long-term,can effectively enhance the ability in health self-management among elderly individuals who take annual health examinations,improve frailty and nutritional status and reduce the incidence of falls.The health self-management discovered from this study provides a valuable reference for health management among the elderly people who take annual physical examinations.
7.Anthraquinones of Cassiae Semen alleviate lipid accumulation in obesity by regulating brown adipose tissue and liver function.
Yijie LI ; Ruiyu WU ; Xin LI ; Jianan LI ; Yinhao ZHANG ; Yanbo HUANG ; Guifang FAN ; Xiaojiaoyang LI
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):488-499
OBJECTIVE:
Cassiae Semen (CS, Juemingzi in Chinese) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of anthraquinones of CS (AQS) for adiposity.
METHODS:
The chemical components of the AQS were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict potential anti-obesity targets of action for AQS. We constructed high fat with high sugar water diet-induced obese mice and observed their body weight and whole-body lipid metabolism to evaluate the efficacy of AQS in promoting lipid metabolism. Subsequently, the epidermal temperature at the brown adipose tissue (BAT) before and after cold stimulation was observed and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver and BAT tissues was detected to clarify the mechanism of action of AQS.
RESULTS:
Network pharmacology analysis showed that AQS was involved in the regulation of liver and adipose tissue function under obesity. Pathological and biochemical results showed that AQS reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue induced by an unhealthy diet. With the increase of cold tolerance, the volume and weight of BAT were increased by AQS, suggesting that it regulated the body heat production dominated by BAT. After AQS treatment, the levels of genes related to uncoupling protein1 (UCP1)-mediated adaptive thermogenesis in BAT tissues and lipid metabolism in the liver were also increased, which further proved that AQS activated BAT function to promote lipid metabolism in the whole body.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed the pharmacological effects of AQS, thereby providing a scientific basis for regulating BAT thermogenesis and liver lipid metabolism to alleviate obesity and providing clues for further exploring the application of natural active ingredients in the treatment of metabolism-related diseases.
8.Mechanism of Modified Erxian Decoction Regulating Perimenopausal Syndrome via SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH Signaling Pathway
Ruiyu HUANG ; Fang LEI ; Wuchaonan LIU ; Jingjing YANG ; Qianru ZENG ; Shengping LUO ; Yanling CHEN ; Mengge ZHANG ; Fanshun SHEN ; Yihui DENG ; Dingxiang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):51-62
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kisspeptin)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus, so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method, with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling, including a sham operation group, a model group, an estradiol valerate group (0.09 mg∙kg-1∙d-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups (7.614, 3.807,1.903 5 g∙kg-1∙d-1), with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days, and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1, Kisspeptin, kisspeptin receptor (GPR54), and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight (P0.01), reduced wet weight and index of uterus (P0.01), endometrial thinning or atrophy, glandular atrophy, and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally, serum levels of E2 and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased (P0.01). Serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, the expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the estradiol valerate group and the high-, medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight, serum levels of FSH, LH, and GnRH, and expression of Kisspeptin, GPR54, and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary (P0.05, P0.01) and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus, serum level of E2, and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus (P0.05, P0.01). In addition, they showed thickened endometrium, increased number of endometrial glands, and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets, and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus, the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway, the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary, the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins, and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.
9.Correlation analysis of genetic and environmental factors with clinical characteristics of pediatric upper urinary tract calculi
Youquan ZHAO ; Xiaochuan WANG ; Boyu YANG ; Chen NING ; Houyu ZHOU ; Huimin ZHAO ; Xiaochen WANG ; Ruiyu YUE ; Shao ZHANG ; Manjiang SUN ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):728-733
Objective:To investigate the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the clinical characteristics of upper urinary tract calculi in pediatric patients.Methods:This study was a retrospective case series. The clinical data of 179 children under the age of 14 with upper urinary tract calculi treated at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University,from August 2014 to February 2023 were analyzed. There were 121 males(67.60%)and 58 females(32.40%),with a median age at onset of 2.10(1.14,5.17)years. Thirty-three cases(18.44%)had a family history of urinary stone disease. Stone characteristics was defined by CT,with a median stone burden(sum of the diameters of all stones)of 1.3(1.00,1.60)cm. Fifty-four(30.17%)children had staghorn calculi. Multiple stones were present in 92 cases(51.40%),and bilateral stones in 52 cases(29.05%),with hydronephrosis was present in 119 children(66.48%). The median follow-up time was 67 months,and 36 children(20.11%)experienced stone recurrence. Dietary habits and related information were collected by electronic questionnaire,including a total of 115 children(64.25%)with an unbalanced diet,101(56.42%)with insufficient water intake,and 32 children(17.88%)with a preference for a high-protein diet. Tap water was used as the source of drinking water by 128 patients(71.51%),and 107(59.78%)took dietary supplements. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that 55 children(30.73%)carried pathogenic mutations in stone-related genes. Binary logistic regression was used for univariate analysis of above risk factors. Variables with P < 0.1 in univariate analysis and without multicollinearity were included in multivariate logistic regression to further screen for independent risk factors. Results:Multivariate analysis confirmed that carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 3.06,95% CI 1.25?7.45, P = 0.014)and insufficient water intake( OR = 3.28,95% CI 1.14?9.47, P = 0.028)were independent risk factors for higher stone burden. A high-protein diet( OR = 2.40,95% CI 1.03?5.63, P = 0.044),carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 4.57,95% CI 2.21?9.46, P<0.01),and a family history of stones( OR = 3.18,95% CI 1.28 ~ 7.91, P = 0.013)were independent risk factors for staghorn calculi. Multiple stones were closely associated with a family history of stones( OR = 2.66,95% CI 1.15-6.17, P = 0.022)and carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 3.22,95% CI 1.60-6.48, P = 0.001). Moreover,carrying stone-related pathogenic gene mutations( OR = 5.19,95% CI 2.52?13.82, P < 0.01)were an independent risk factor for stone recurrence,whereas dietary supplement intake was a protective factor( OR = 0.26,95% CI 0.11?0.62, P = 0.002). Conclusions:Genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in the occurrence and development of pediatric upper urinary tract stones. A high-protein diet as well as a positive family history of stones are independent risk factors for staghorn calculi,and insufficient water intake is a critical environmental factor for stone formation,while appropriate use of dietary supplements may help reduce the risk of stone recurrence. Genetic testing indicates that approximately 30% of children carry stone-related pathogenic gene mutations,and these patients prone to severe stone and an increased risk of recurrence.
10.Effect of incorporation of comprehensive geriatric assessment into WeChat-based whole-process case health management on elderly population with annual physical examinations
Meiling LIU ; Feifei YU ; Er CHEN ; Suijuan PENG ; Ruiyu ZHENG ; Yan WANG ; Hongyao HE ; Yingfen ZHANG
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(9):1-7
Objective To study the effect of incorporating comprehensive geriatric assessment(CGA)into the whole-process WeChat-based case health management in elderly population who took annual physical examinations,thereby to improve their ability in health self-management.Methods A randomised controlled trial was conducted to select 100 elderly people who took annual physical examinations in our hospital from July 2022 to June 2023.The elderly were randomly divided into a control group and an trial group,with 50 people per group.CGA was applied to both groups,but the control group was under conventional health management,while the trial group received the incorporation of CGA into a whole-process WeChat-based case health management.The self-rated abilities for health practices scale(SRAHP)was used to compare the scores between the two groups before intervention,at 3,6 and 12 months after intervention.The scores of fatigue,resistance,ambulation,illnesses&loss of weight scale(FRAIL)and the mini nutritional assessment-short form(MNA-SF)were compared between the two groups before intervention and at 12 months after intervention.Incidence of falls was also evaluated after intervention.Results All the participants completed the study.Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that total SRAHP scores had statistical significances in main effect on time,group and interaction(Ftime=193.451,P<0.001;Fgroup=23.661,P<0.001;Finteraction=29.970,P<0.001).Further analysis revealed that the elderly in trial group had higher total scores in SRAHP than those in the control group at 6 and 12 months after intervention(both P<0.001).At 12 months after intervention,the trial group showed better scores in FRAIL and MNA-SF than the control group(both P<0.05)as well as with a lower incidence of falls(P<0.05).Conclusion Incorporation of CGA into a comprehensive WeChat-based case health management,over a long-term,can effectively enhance the ability in health self-management among elderly individuals who take annual health examinations,improve frailty and nutritional status and reduce the incidence of falls.The health self-management discovered from this study provides a valuable reference for health management among the elderly people who take annual physical examinations.


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