1.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
2.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
3.Research progress on risk assessment and predictive early warning of severe perioperative complications in elderly lung cancer patients
Zixiao HE ; Ziyue LUO ; Ruihao ZHOU ; Yanbingshi WANG ; Le SHEN ; Guo CHEN ; Tao ZHU ; Lunxu LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1129-1141
With the aging population and the widespread implementation of lung cancer screening programs, an increasing number of elderly patients are undergoing curative lung resection. Due to diminished physiological reserve and complex comorbidities, this demographic exhibits a significantly higher incidence of severe perioperative complications (defined as Clavien-Dindo grade≥Ⅲ), which adversely affects both perioperative safety and long-term prognosis. In recent years, the research paradigm has shifted from univariate analysis toward multidimensional risk integration and the development of predictive models. This article systematically reviews the key risk factors for severe perioperative complications in elderly lung cancer patients, encompassing biological aging processes, frailty and sarcopenia, cardiopulmonary and renal functional reserves, inflammatory-immune and coagulation status, and perioperative interventions. Furthermore, it traces the evolution of risk assessment tools from traditional regression models to machine learning models that integrate multimodal data. The review also discusses common challenges in this field, including the standardization of outcome definitions, external validation, calibration assessment, and clinical translation. Future efforts should prioritize the deep integration of predictive tools with clinical decision support systems to establish a closed-loop care pathway from risk identification to stratified intervention, thereby effectively reducing complication rates and enhancing surgical outcomes for elderly lung cancer patients.
4.Causal relationship between gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis:data analysis in European populations based on GWAS data
Tao WANG ; Shunpu WANG ; Youjiang MIN ; Min WANG ; Le LI ; Chen ZHANG ; Weiping XIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(35):7663-7668
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that gut microbiota may affect the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.However,the causal relationship between the two is unknown.Mendelian randomization analysis of the two using published Genome Wide Association Study(GWAS)data can explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis,helping to develop targeted microbial therapies and provide methods and strategies for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis using two-sample two-way Mendelian randomization method.METHODS:Gut microbiota GWAS data from the MiBio-Gen consortium and rheumatoid arthritis GWAS data from the IEU Open GWAS database(a large gene-phenotype association database developed at the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit(IEU)at the University of Bristol,UK)were used.Inverse variance weighting was used as the main analysis method,and MR-Egger regression method,weighted median method,weighted model and simple model method were used as supplements to study the causal relationship between gut microbiota and rheumatoid arthritis.Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test,horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger intercept tests,robustness of results was tested using leave-one method,and reverse Mendelian randomization analysis was used to assess the presence or absence of reverse causality.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was a causal relationship between five kinds of enteric bacteria and rheumatoid arthritis.Ruminococcus gauvreauii group(β=0.262,odds ratio[OR]=1.300,P=0.013)and Butyricimonas(β=0.001,OR=1.001,P=0.014)increased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis,while Anaerostipes(β=-0.225,OR=0.798,P=0.025),Lachnospiraceae-UCG010(β=-0.177,OR=0.838,P=0.026)and Oxalobacter(β=-0.171,OR=0.843,P=0.001)reduced the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.Sensitivity analyses showed no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy(all P>0.05),and leave-one-out testing confirmed the robustness of the results,while the addition of the remaining four methods other than the inverse variance weighting method further validated the reliability and stability of the results.(2)Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis did not find a causal association between rheumatoid arthritis and the five kinds of enteric bacteria identified by Mendelian randomization analysis.These findings indicate that Ruminococcus gauvreauii group and Butyricimonas may be the risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis,while Anaerostipes,Lachnospiraceae-UCG010 and Oxalobacter may be the protective factors of rheumatoid arthritis.Gut microbiota may play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis,and provide new biomarkers for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.In addition,for the field of biomedical research in China,we can learn from international experience and gradually establish and improve a multi-center large-scale genetic database,so as to deeply explore the relationship between gut microbiota and disease risk,and promote the development of precision medicine and personalized treatment in China.
5.Mechanistic Study of Demethylzeylasteral in Alleviating Ulcerative Colitis and Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Regulating Th17 Cell Differentiation
Peiyin YANG ; Le SHI ; Dahai DOU ; Jianxin SHI ; Tao LIANG ; Dongping YUAN ; Yun YU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(10):1288-1299
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of demethylzeylasteral(Dem)in ulcerative colitis(UC)and collagen-induced arthritis(CIA),focusing on its regulation of Th17 cell differentiation and associated signaling pathways.METHODS UC was induced in C57BL/6 mice using dextran sulfate sodium(DSS),and Dem was administered by gavage at low(1 mg·kg-1)or high(2 mg·kg-1)doses.Disease severity was assessed by body weight loss,colon length,and stool consisten-cy.Serum cytokines(TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6)were quantified by ELISA,and Th17 cell ratio in mesenteric lymph nodes was deter-mined by flow cytometry.The anti-inflammatory efficacy of Dem was further validated using a CIA mouse model.The efficacy of Dem was further verified in the CIA model,and the expression of JAK2 and STAT3 was intervened by siRNA to investigate its mechanism of action in Th17 differentiation.RESULTS Dem-treated mice showed reduced weight loss and colon shortening,and decreases in ser-um TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.01)and Th17 cell proportion(P<0.01).Western blot and siRNA assays showed that Dem significantly inhibited the differentiation and activation of Th17 cells by suppressing the phosphorylation of the JAK2-STAT3 path-way.Dem also significantly alleviated arthritis symptoms and related markers in the CIA model,confirming its anti-inflammatory effects.CONCLUSION Dem improves UC and rheumatoid arthritis by downregulating the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway,inhibi-ting Th17 cell differentiation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression,suggesting its potential therapeutic value in immune-related diseases.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer in China and worldwide
Yumeng DING ; Bingjie JIANG ; Huanqing TAO ; Weiyan YU ; Chen ZHU ; Le WANG ; Lingbin DU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):850-857
Objective:To analyze the current status and trends of lung cancer incidence and mortality in China and selected global regions, providing evidence for lung cancer prevention strategies in China.Methods:We extracted data from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. Age-standardized Incidence rate (ASIR) and Age-standardized Mortality rate (ASMR) were calculated using Segi's world standard population. Epidemiological patterns were analyzed by region, age, sex, and human development index (HDI). Simple linear regression and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to examine associations between HDI and ASIR/ASMR.Results:In 2022, global lung cancer incidence and mortality reached 2.48 million and 1.82 million cases respectively, with age-standardized rates of 23.6 per 100 000 (ASIR) and 16.8 per 100 000 (ASMR). Gender disparities were prominent, with male ASIR and ASMR being 2.0-fold and 2.5-fold higher than females. Elderly populations showed 11.6-fold higher ASIR and 14.4-fold higher ASMR compared to working-age adults. HDI demonstrated strong positive correlations with both ASIR ( r=0.79, P<0.001) and ASMR ( r=0.74, P<0.001). China accounted for 1.06 million new cases and 0.73 million deaths, with ASIR (40.8 per 100 000) and ASMR (26.7 per 100 000) exceeding global averages by 1.7-fold and 1.6-fold respectively. Chinese males showed 1.7-fold higher ASIR and 2.7-fold higher ASMR than females. Trend analysis revealed persistently high male incidence in China whereas rapidly increasing female rates, narrowing gender disparities. Projections estimate 1.80 million incident cases and 1.41 million deaths by 2050, representing 69.3% and 92.0% increases from 2022 levels. Conclusions:Significant heterogeneity exists in lung cancer burden across demographics and development levels, with strong HDI correlations. China bears disproportionate disease burden, necessitating intensified prevention efforts. These findings underscore the urgency of targeted interventions in high-risk populations.
7.Incidence and Mortality of Prostate Cancer in Zhejiang Cancer Registration Areas in 2021 and Trends from 2000 to 2021
Xiayan ZHU ; Huanqing TAO ; Le WANG ; Huizhang LI ; Qiongyan LI ; Lingbin DU
China Cancer 2025;34(10):775-782
[Purpose]To analyze the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in Zhejiang cancer registration areas in 2021 and the trends from 2000 to 2021.[Methods]Data of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Zhejiang cancer registration areas from 2000 to 2021 were collected.The crude incidence/mortality rates,age-standardized incidence/mortality rates by Chinese stan-dard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)and world standard population(ASIRW/ASMRW),cumulative rates(0~74 years old)were calculated.Joinpoint regression model was used to estimate the annual percentage change(APC)and average annual percentage change(AAPC)to assess trends.[Results]In 2021,6 683 new prostate cancer cases were reported in Zhejiang cancer registration areas,the crude incidence rate and ASIRC of prostate cancer were 61.21/105 and 26.78/105,respec-tively.The number of prostate cancer deaths was 1 036,the crude mortality rate and ASMRC were 9.49/105 and 3.28/105,respectively.From 2000 to 2021,a total of 30 876 new prostate cancer cases and 7 458 deaths were reported.The average crude incidence rate was 25.50/105,and the ASIRC was 13.35/105;the crude mortality rate and ASMRC rates were 6.16/105 and 2.82/105,respectively.The ASIRC was higher in urban areas(13.58/105)than that in rural areas(12.84/105),while the ASMRC was lower in urban areas(2.60/105)than that in rural areas(3.33/105).From 2000 to 2021,both the ASIRC and ASMRC showed significant upward trends in Zhejiang cancer registration areas with AAPC of 13.88%(95%CI:11.43%~16.08%,P<0.001)and 4.35%(95%CI:2.21%~6.18%,P<0.001),respectively.[Conclusion]Prostate cancer incidence in Zhejiang Province had risen rapidly in last two decades,with rural areas facing a heavier mortality burden.Special attention should be paid to the elderly male population in rural areas,and the three-level prevention strategy should be strengthened to reduce the disease burden.
8.Effects of Liangxue Heying Formula-medicated serum on the activation of LPS-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Chun-lan XIA ; Xia FENG ; Ye-min CAO ; Zhi-qiang LIANG ; Yi LE ; Hong-tao XU ; Fei QI ; Ji LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(4):1150-1156
AIM To investigate the effects of Liangxue Heying Formula-medicated serum(LXHY-MS)on human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS).METHODS CCK-8,DCFH-DA fluorescence probe and Western blot method were used to screen the LPS concentration in modeling and the serum LXHY concentration for treatment.The HUVECs divided into the normal group,the model group and the LXHY-MS group had their SOD activity detected by automatic biochemical analyzer;their MDA level detected by colorimetry;their protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 detected by Western blot;and their mROS expression and recruitment effect on THP-1 photographed with high connotation.With the use of JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor(AG490),the HUVECs divided into the normal group,the AG490 group,the LPS group,the LPS+AG490 group,the LPS+LXHY-MS group,and LPS+LXHY-MS+AG490 group were subjected to the corresponding treatment,followed by the detection of their protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the model group displayed decreased SOD activity(P<0.01),increased MDA level(P<0.05),increased ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2,p-STAT3 protein expressions(P<0.05,P<0.01),and increased mROS expression and THP-1 cells recruitment.Compared with the model group,the LXHY-MS group shared increased SOD activity(P<0.05),decreased MDA level(P<0.01),decreased ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2,p-STAT3 protein expressions(P<0.05,P<0.01),reduced mROS expression and THP-1 cells recruitment.Given the use of AG490,the model group displayed increased protein expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-6,TNF-α,p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in contrast to the normal group(P<0.05,P<0.01);each intervened group showed decreased expressions of related proteins in contrast to the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION LXHY-MS may protect the injury due to the activation of HUVECs by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
9.Loneliness in mid- to late pregnancy and risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms in late pregnancy: a longitudinal cohort study
Ziwei DING ; Lanfang ZHAO ; Le WANG ; Shuangqin YAN ; Lanci XIE ; Guopeng GAO ; Tianli ZHU ; Jingjing LIU ; Tuyan FAN ; Fengyu YANG ; Hui GAO ; Huayan MO ; Wenjing QIANG ; Beibei ZHU ; Fangbiao TAO
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(12):1107-1114
Objective:To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and longitudinal associations of loneliness during mid- to late pregnancy with anxiety and depressive symptoms in late pregnancy.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, 1 107 pregnant women at 24-28 weeks' gestation were enrolled between June 2021 and December 2022. Psychological status was assessed during mid-pregnancy (24-28 weeks) and late pregnancy (≥32 weeks) using standardized electronic questionnaires, including the Revised University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA) Loneliness Scale-Short Form (Cronbach's α=0.82), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ( α=0.86), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 ( α=0.88). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors for loneliness. Cross-lagged path models analyzed the longitudinal predictions between loneliness and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Results:The prevalence of loneliness decreased significantly from 10.8% (120/1 107) in mid-pregnancy to 4.8% (37/777) in late pregnancy ( χ2=21.81, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for loneliness: age <30 years ( OR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.15-2.50), annual household income <50 000 CNY ( OR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.28-5.02), unemployment during pregnancy ( OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.03-2.39), history of alcohol consumption ( OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.03-2.56), and the presence of mid-pregnancy depressive ( OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.51-5.04) and anxiety symptoms ( OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.01-2.71) (all P<0.05). Cross-lagged path models indicated bidirectional associations between loneliness and both anxiety ( β=0.32, P<0.01) and depressive symptoms ( β=0.28, P<0.01). However, the predictive effect of loneliness on subsequent depressive and anxiety symptoms ( β=0.28-0.32) was substantially stronger than the reverse prediction (mid-pregnancy anxiety on late-pregnancy loneliness: β=0.12; mid-pregnancy depression on late-pregnancy loneliness: β=0.11). Loneliness demonstrated high temporal stability (autoregressive effects β=0.29-0.32). Conclusion:Loneliness in mid-pregnancy exhibits a symmetric bidirectional association with anxiety and depressive symptoms in late pregnancy, suggesting it may be a core driver in the development of these emotional symptoms. Younger maternal age (<30 years), low household income (<50 000 CNY/year), unemployment during pregnancy, and a history of alcohol consumption were associated with a higher risk of loneliness and should be prioritized for psychological screening and intervention.
10.Comparison of the toxicity and safety of protein derivatives from novel fusion strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Hao-qi XU ; Jiang-tao DONG ; Jie ZHANG ; Fang WU ; Su LIANG ; Xiao-ling LIU ; Lan-ru GAO ; Ju WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Jiang-dong WU ; Le ZHANG ; Xi-ling DENG ; Wan-jiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):376-384
The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and safety of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion strain protein derivatives,referred to as B/R strain active proteins.In cellular experiments,RAW264.7 cells were treated with each vaccine preparation,and apoptosis rates were measured.In subsequent animal experiments,C57BL/6 mice were immunized via subcutaneous injection,and their survival and body weight changes were monitored and recorded at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks.The lungs and spleens were harvested to calculate organ coefficients,and pathological examinations were conducted.At the eighth week of immunization,the mice were infected with high concentrations of BCG,and pathological changes in the lungs and spleens were observed 4 weeks post-infection.The apoptosis rate at 6 hours was significantly higher in the experimental group than the PBS group(P<0.05).At 12 and 24 hours,the apoptosis rate in the experimental group remained higher than that in the PBS group,although this difference was not statistically significant.After immunization,mice in all four groups exhibited normal growth patterns,as indicated by stable body weight changes.At 4 and 12 weeks post-immunization,the lung coefficients in the protein group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at the same time points.Additionally,the lung coefficients in the BCG group were significantly elevated across all time periods(P<0.05).The spleen coefficients in the protein and BCG groups were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks,whereas the ICD B/R group showed higher spleen coefficients than the PBS group only at week 8(P<0.05).Pathological examination revealed normal lung and spleen tissues in the PBS group.However,during the 2-8 weeks immunization period,lung and spleen tissues in all experimental groups exhibited varying degrees of damage,which gradually diminished by 12-16 weeks.Notably,no tuberculosis nodules were observed in any experimental group.After infection with high concentrations of BCG,no overt pathological changes were observed on the surfaces of the lungs and spleens in any group.Microscopic examination revealed less severe pathological changes in the lungs and spleens of mice in the experimental groups than the PBS group.Furthermore,no statistically significant differences were observed between the protein group and the BCG group.Our findings suggested that the B/R strain active proteins'toxicity and safety profiles were comparable to those of BCG,and showed immunoprotective effects.This study provides an experimental foundation for the development of a novel tuberculosis vaccine.

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