1.Impact of adverse childhood experiences and psychological symptoms on health risk behaviors among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):398-402
Objective:
To explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health risk behaviors (HRBs) among college students and the mediating role of psychological symptoms, so as to provide a basis for developing intervention strategies.
Methods:
From March to April 2023, a convenience cluster sample of 1 801 students from 12 universities in Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou of Guangxi completed an online survey. A self designed questionnaire, Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were used for evaluation tools. Binary Logistic regression, structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bootstrap methods were used to analyze the associations and mediating effects.
Results:
Overall, 71.2% of college students experienced at least one type of ACE, with emotional neglect (40.3%) and emotional abuse ( 25.2 %) having the highest detection rates. The top three HRBs were unhealthy diet (77.8%), physical inactivity (54.1%), and smoking/alcohol use (18.5%). Logistic regression showed that poor family functioning, abuse, and extra familial violence were each associated with an increased risk of smoking/alcohol use ( OR =1.14, 1.11, 1.18) and deliberate self harm ( OR =1.26, 1.19,1.30) (all P <0.05). Experience of abuse increased the risk of high risk sexual behavior and family dysfunction increaded the risk of physical inactivity, respectively ( OR = 1.07 , 1.04, both P <0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that anxiety ( β =0.20) and depression ( β = 0.09 ) partially mediated the pathway from poor family functioning to deliberate self harm; paranoia ( β =0.02) partially mediated the pathway from abuse to high risk sexual behavior; and obsessive-compulsive symptoms ( β =0.26) and depression ( β =0.10) partially mediated the pathway from extra familial violence to deliberate self harm (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Psychological symptoms play a mediating role in the association between ACEs and HRBs, and mental health interventions may reduce the risk of HRBs among college students.
2.Animal Models of Functional Constipation: A Review
Youcheng HE ; Shijin LIN ; Fengru JIANG ; Sihan LI ; Xiao KE ; Wenrong WANG ; Jianye YUAN ; Minghan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):196-209
Functional constipation (FC) is a clinically common functional bowel disorder characterized by a protracted course and associations with various chronic disorders and psychological abnormalities. Although not life-threatening, FC significantly impairs patients' quality of life. FC subtypes include slow-transit constipation (STC), defecatory disorder (DD), and normal-transit constipation (NTC). The pathological mechanisms underlying FC have not been fully elucidated, and overall clinical efficacy remains unsatisfactory. Animal models of FC serve as essential tools for the study of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutics. This article systematically reviews the current state of research on the animal models of FC and identifies that rodents, particularly rats and mice, are the most commonly used species. Dogs and pigs are also employed in complex intervention studies due to their physiological similarities to humans, though their use is limited by housing challenges and ethical considerations. Induction methods vary across different FC subtypes. STC models are primarily established with chemical agents such as loperamide or compound diphenoxylate. DD modeling often involves low-fiber diets combined with methylene blue injection or rectal narrowing. NTC modeling mainly relies on low-fiber dietary interventions. In addition, disease-syndrome combination models based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory have been developed, encompassing excess patterns such as heat accumulation, cold accumulation, and Qi stagnation, as well as deficiency patterns including Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency. These are achieved through an approach of disease model + syndrome induction, enabling the integration of mechanisms from both Western and TCM perspectives. Models are evaluated from two aspects: disease and syndrome manifestations (e.g., colonic transit, secretory function, and TCM syndrome indicators such as mental state and body weight) and disease mechanisms (e.g., enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal, smooth muscle cells, gut microbiota, and metabolites). However, current research still faces challenges such as poor consistency in some models, non-specific interference in mechanism interpretation, insufficient studies on NTC, and lack of TCM tongue and pulse diagnosis in evaluation. Future efforts should focus on optimizing model stability and specificity to provide a more reliable experimental basis for investigating the pathological mechanisms of FC and developing therapeutic agents.
3.Effects of SHMT1 rs1979277 genetic polymorphisms on serum concentrations and adverse reactions of methotrexate in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Lingjia MENG ; Sihan LIU ; Miao LI ; Shumei WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):292-300
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) rs1979277 polymorphisms on pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical prognosis of methotrexate (MTX) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). MethodsMatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was used for SHMT1 rs1979277 genotyping in children with ALL . Clinical data including serum MTX concentrations, incidences of adverse events, and ALL relapse after chemotherapy with MTX were collected. The associations of SHMT1 rs1979277 G>A genotypes with dose-adjusted serum concentrations (C/D ratios), adverse events of MTX, and relapse were analyzed. The associations between rs1979277 genotypes and SHMT1 expression were explored based on Bioinformatics methods. ResultsAmong the 146 children with ALL included, the rs1979277 GG homozygous genotype accounted for 85.62% (125/146), while the GA heterozygous genotype accounted for 14.38% (21/146). The frequency of the G allele was 92.81% (271/292), while the A allele was only 7.19% (21/292). Children with the GG homozygous genotype had higher median C/D ratios of MTX in 24 h [12.06 (μmol·m2)/(L·g)] and higher relapse rates (12.80%) than those in GA heterozygous genotype carriers [10.96 (μmol·m2)/(L·g), and 9.52%, respectively]. However, none of the above differences were statistically significant (all P>0.05). The incidences of respiratory (19.05%) and liver disorders (33.33%) in children with the GA heterozygous genotype were significantly higher than those in GG homozygous genotype carriers (4.00% and 12.00%, respectively, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of other adverse events. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the rs1979277 A allele was significantly associated with higher SHMT1 expression in multiple tissues, such as the tibial artery, pancreas, and adrenal gland (P<0.05). ConclusionSHMT1 rs1979277 GA genotype may be a risk factor for respiratory and liver disorders in ALL children treated with MTX.
4.Determination of prototype components and metabolites of Si-Ni-San in healthy and ulcerative colitis mice by an integrated targeted and pseudo-targeted UPLC-QqQ-MS method
Yanfang CAO ; Yuan ZHENG ; Yongshun CHEN ; Sihan LI ; Kai FENG ; Xingjia LI ; Rui SONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):351-359
This study aimed to establish an analytical method capable of simultaneously quantifying the prototype components of Si-Ni-San and screening their metabolites to elucidate its tissue distribution and metabolic characteristics in an ulcerative colitis (UC) mouse model. To this end, an integrated analysis strategy based on UPLC-QqQ-MS was developed and validated, combining the targeted quantification of 12 prototype components with a pseudo-targeted metabolite screening technique based on ion pair list-triggered data-dependent acquisition. Samples were extracted with 80% methanol (100 mg/mL) and processed with internal standards. Separation was achieved on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS PFP column using a gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate containing 0.1% formic acid. Analysis was performed using an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Methodological validation confirmed that all parameters met the requirements for bio-sample analysis. Application of this method revealed that the content of Si-Ni-San prototype components in the colon, liver, and kidneys of UC mice was significantly higher than that in healthy mice. Furthermore, the number of phase II metabolites was markedly greater than that of phase I metabolites in all tested samples. The results demonstrate the reliability of the established method and preliminarily reveal the tissue distribution characteristics of Si-Ni-San under UC conditions and its metabolism pattern dominated by phase II conjugation, which provides a methodological basis and experimental data for further in-depth research into its effective target tissues and pharmacodynamic material basis.
5.Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Based on Theory of Vigorous Fire Consuming Qi and ROS/NLRP3-mediated Inflammation-mitochondrial Damage Axis
Yu SHEN ; Shijin LIN ; Sihan LI ; Minghan HUANG ; Jingyao SHI ; Zeyu ZHENG ; Chunbo YANG ; Youcheng HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):287-295
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), a premalignant gastric condition, represents a critical stage in inflammation-cancer transformation. In this pathological process, mitochondrial damage serves as a key mediator in the inflammation-driven transformation of normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells into gastric cancer cells, while the dysregulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) axis plays a key role in perpetuating the vicious cycle of inflammation-mitochondrial damage. The classical theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), vigorous fire consuming Qi, aptly encapsulates this pathological feature. The essence of this theory lies in the struggle between pathogenic and vital factors, wherein vigorous fire shares similarities with chronic inflammation and may be regarded as a driving force behind inflammation-cancer transformation. Qi reflects the mitochondrial function, and consuming Qi signifies structural and functional impairment of mitochondria. Thus, this theory accurately summarizes the pathological characteristics of inflammation-mitochondrial damage during CAG progression. Building upon this theoretical framework, the theory of vigorous fire consuming Qi provides a holistic understanding of CAG pathogenesis. Reviewing the clinical expertise of TCM master YANG Chunbo in treating spleen-stomach disorders, this paper further elucidates its therapeutic implications: modulating systemic inflammatory responses to restore gastric mucosal homeostasis and targeting mitochondrial damage as a pivotal intervention to delay CAG progression. Clinically, achieving dynamic equilibrium between fire and Qi is essential, mitigating excessive inflammation without compromising vital Qi, while reinforcing Qi without exacerbating pathological fire. This approach offers novel insights for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies against CAG.
6.Research progress in curcumin nanomedicines
Zhangran ZHU ; Ran XIE ; Lingyu JIA ; Sihan SHEN ; Yiqun WANG ; Yu ZHAO ; Guangwei ZHU ; Weiyan CAI ; Jinjing LI ; Umer AWAN ; Gejing DE ; Shujing ZHOU ; Qinghe ZHAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(3):232-243
Curcumin (Cur), a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizomes of plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae and Araceae families, has attracted considerable interest for its remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Extensive studies have focused on its potential in treating various diseases, including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. However, its clinical application has been hampered by inherent physicochemical challenges, such as poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, and low bioavailability. To address these challenges, nanodrug delivery systems have been developed to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of curcumin, thereby enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. This review summarizes the pharmacological activities and underlying mechanisms of curcumin, encompassing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Furthermore, it highlights the significant advancements achieved through the development of curcumin-based nanomedicines. By synthesizing current findings, this review aims to provide insights that may inspire innovative strategies for the future design and broader applications of curcumin nanomedicines.
7.Evaluation of radiation-induced intestinal injury via a new human intestinal organ-on-a-chip model
Liang HU ; Lin LÜ ; Xuan TANG ; Sihan WANG ; Zuyin YU ; Yanhua LI
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(3):171-177
Objective To establish a human intestinal organ-on-a-chip model using a multi-array chip array to simulate the microphysiological structure of the human intestine and to investigate the impact of ionizing radiation on radiation-induced damage to human intestinal cells.Methods Caco-2 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were co-cultured in an organ chip.The cells were subjected to fluid shear stress via a precision shaker.After 7 days of dynamic culture,the morphological structure of intestinal epithelial cells and venous endothelial cells within the intestinal organ chip was examined using phase contrast microscopy,immunofluorescence staining,and confocal microscopy for three-dimensional(3D)imaging.γ-H2AX and TUNEL immunofluorescence staining were employed to assess DNA damage and apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells two days post-irradiation.Villin immunofluorescence staining was used to evaluate villus height three days post-irradiation.EdU incorporation assay and Ki67 immunofluorescence staining were conducted to observe the effects of ionizing radiation on the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells.Results After 7 days of dynamic culture,phase contrast microscopy and immunofluorescence staining combined with confocal 3D imaging revealed that the upper intestinal epithelial cells in the middle compartment of the chip formed a 3D intestinal villus structure,while the vascular endothelial cells in the lower compartment developed a vascular network structure.The chip was subsequently irradiated by 10 Gy X-ray.Immunofluorescence staining results indicated that the mean fluorescence intensity of γ-H2AX and TUNEL in the irradiated group was significantly higher than in the non-irradiated group 2 days after irradiation(P<0.01),and that the proportion of EDU+and Ki67+cells in the irradiated group was significantly lower than in the non-irradiated group three days after irradiation(P<0.05).Conclusion Caco-2 cells and HUVECs co-culture on an organ chip can generate the biomimetic structure of human intestinal villus.Ionizing radiation has been found to shorten intestinal villus,increase DNA damage and apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells,and inhibit the proliferation of these cells.
8.The expression and function of circular RNA hsa_circ_0002938 in gastric cancer
Xiaopeng Li ; Sihan Liu ; Yijie Zhao ; Shumei Li ; Xiaolei Yin
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1043-1051
Objective :
To investigate the expression and biological function of circular RNA(circRNA) hsa_circ_0002938 in gastric cancer.
Methods :
45 pairs of tumor tissues and para-cancerous tissues from gastric cancer patients who underwent tumor reduction surgery at the hospital were collected. Human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901, BGC-823, HGC-27, MGC-803 and immortalized gastric mucosal epithelial cells GES-1 were routinely cultured. RT-qPCR was utilized to detect the expression of hsa_circ_0002938 in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Chi-square test was used to analyze its association with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients, and the Kaplan-Meier method was employed to assess the relationship between hsa_circ_0002938 expression levels and patient prognosis. The effects of hsa_circ_0002938 on the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of gastric cancer cells were detected by CCK-8, scratch wound healing and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics was used to predict the miRNA and its downstream target genes that hsa_circ_0002938 might bind to. The competitive endogenous RNA regulatory network was constructed and the functions of the target genes were enriched.
Results :
The expression of hsa_circ_0002938 in gastric cancer tissues and cells was much higher than that in para-cancerous tissues and GES-1 cells(P<0.05). By contrast, patients in the high hsa_circ_0002938 expression group had significantly shorter 2-year progression-free survival than that in the low expression group after surgery(P<0.01). Moreover, knocking down the expression of hsa_circ_0002938 reduced the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of gastric cancer cells(P<0.05). Bioinformatics predictive analysis showed that hsa_circ_0002938 could bind to hsa-miR-342-3p and hsa-miR-503-5p. The downstream target genes of miRNA were involved in several cancer-related pathways, like mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), hippo and Wnt signaling pathway.
Conclusion
Hsa_circ_0002938, which is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells, is closely associated with poor patient prognosis. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0002938 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of gastric cancer cells. The study reveals the potential role of hsa_circ_0002938 in the progression of gastric cancer, offering new insights into its prevention and treatment.
9.Developing diagnosis and treatment strategies for functional constipation from the perspective of the liver's"using bitter herbs to nourish or purge"via"liver communicates with the large intestine"
Bowen ZHANG ; Zichen LYU ; Yunlong LIU ; Rongkun XUE ; Xiaohui YU ; Sihan LI ; Shengwei GAO ; Yuhong HUANG ; Xinping PENG ; Jiting LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1121-1126
Based on the theory of the liver's"using bitter herbs to nourish or purge"from Huangdi Neijing,this paper systematically elucidates the theoretical foundation for treating functional constipation from liver.Focusing on the physiological characteristic of"liver desires to disperse"and the pathological manifestation of"liver bitterness and urgency,"combined with the"liver communicates with the large intestine"theory,this paper establishes a diagnostic and therapeutic framework for managing functional constipation by regulating liver function.The pathological evolution of functional constipation manifests in three distinct stages:in the early stage,liver qi stagnation leads to large intestine qi obstruction,where damaged by an excess of seven emotions resulting in symptoms such as difficult defecation,abdominal bloating,and hypochondriac pain;in the middle stage,liver depression transforms into fire,scorching bodily fluids to generate dryness,thereby creating a pathological interplay of stagnation,fire,and dryness,which is marked by anal heat,dry mouth,and yellow urine;in the late stage,yin deficiency in liver and kidney causes large intestine malnutrition,resulting in a complex pathological state where yin deficiency,collateral blockage,dryness accumulation,and blood stasis intertwine,clinically manifesting as pellet-like stools(resembling sheep feces)and soreness and weakness of the waist and knees.In treatment,the formula design follows the principle of"sweetness to relieve,acridity to tonify,and sourness to purge,"with treatment principles varying across stages.In the early stage,the focus is on dispersing liver and regulating qi,and unblocking the zang-fu viscera;in the middle stage,the priority shifts to clearing heat-fire,nourishing large intestine,and promoting fluid production;whereas,in the late stage,the emphasis lies on nourishing yin,unblocking collaterals,and promoting blood circulation.This staged treatment of functional constipation overcomes the limitations of solely focusing on nourishing large intestine and facilitating feces excretion,thereby advancing the treatment of different stages based on syndrome differentiation and personalized treatment.It provides theoretical support for improving patients' intestinal function and enhancing overall health outcomes.
10.Cutibacterium acnes promotes inflammation in acne by inducing Gasdermin E-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes
Fengyuan ZHANG ; Sihan CHEN ; Zizhen ZHOU ; Meng ZHOU ; Rong ZENG ; Xu CHEN ; Ni LIAN ; Min LI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(7):623-629
Objective:To investigate the role of Gasdermin E (GSDME) -mediated keratinocyte pyroptosis induced by Cutibacterium acnes ( C.acnes) in the pathogenesis of acne. Methods:The human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells were stimulated with heat-inactived C.acnes for 15 minutes to 24 hours, and Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of cleaved GSDME (GSDME-NT) in HaCaT cells at different time points. Skin tissue samples were collected from 5 acne patients and 4 healthy controls, who visited the Hospital for Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2 to December 1, 2024; additionally, 3 samples of acne cyst contents and 3 samples of normal follicle contents were collected. Immunohistochemical study and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine GSDME-NT expression in the epidermis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin (IL) -1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α in acne cyst or normal follicle contents. GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells were constructed by transfection with lentivirus carrying GSDME-shRNA, and HaCaT cells transfected with lentivirus carrying the nonsense sequence control (NC) served as controls; ELISA was performed to detect the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in GSDME-knockdown HaCaT cells after C. acnes stimulation ( C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group) , as well as in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + NC group, C. acnes + NC group, and PBS + GSDME knockdown group. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the GSDME-NT expression in HaCaT cells pretreated with or without retinol after C. acnes stimulation. Results:The cleavage of GSDME in HaCaT cells began at 1 hour after in vitro C. acnes stimulation, and GSDME-NT could be detected at this time. Compared with the control epidermis, the proportion of GSDME-NT-positive HaCaT cells (9.34% ± 2.92% vs. 3.05% ± 1.14%, t = -3.47, P = 0.026) and GSDME-NT protein expression levels ( t = -3.51, P = 0.025) significantly increased in the lesional epidermis of acne patients. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the acne cyst contents than in the normal follicle contents (IL-1β: 1 337.24 [1 182.32, 2 230.61] pg/ml vs. 0.00 [0.00, 108.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.99, P = 0.046; TNF-α: 811.31 [438.26, 817.73] pg/ml vs. 46.67 [12.41, 53.21] pg/ml, Z = 1.96, P = 0.049) . ELISA showed that the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the C. acnes + NC group (12.12 ± 3.07 pg/ml, 26.06 ± 1.57 pg/ml, respectively) than in the PBS + NC group (3.73 ± 2.24 pg/ml, 10.14 ± 0.79 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) ; compared with the C. acnes + NC group, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased in the C. acnes + GSDME knockdown group (3.38 ± 0.93 pg/ml, 12.67 ± 2.10 pg/ml, P = 0.003, < 0.001, respectively) . The GSDME-NT expression was significantly lower in the retinol + C. acnes group than in the C. acnes group ( P = 0.029) . Conclusion:C. acnes may induce GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in keratinocytes, thereby promoting the release of inflammatory factors and aggravating the inflammatory response in acne, while retinol may be able to inhibit this process.


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