1.Effect and Mechanism of Icariin on Improving Spermatogenesis in Exercise-induced Fatigue Model Mice Through Regucalcin
Kunyang TANG ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Xiaoxue TAO ; Yue ZOU ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Zhipeng FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):117-127
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group, model group, vitamin C group, icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses, and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group, with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group, all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four, the icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses received 0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 g·kg-1 icariin via gavage, respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment, body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular testosterone (T), testicular Ca2+/Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (micro-assay), and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the testicular morphometric score (TMS) was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin (RGN, SMP30), cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein (GKAP1) was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence (IF). The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8), synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), and transition protein 1(TNP1) in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), significantly increased fatigue markers (LA, LDH, and BUN) and lipid peroxidation product MDA (P<0.01), reduced testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), decreased sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and downregulated the expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1. Compared with the model group, the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), reduced LA, LDH, BUN, and MDA levels (P<0.01), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.01), upregulated testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), improved sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and enhanced STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group, the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 in the testicular tissue (P<0.01) and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice, thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1, thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.
2.Effect and Mechanism of Icariin on Improving Spermatogenesis in Exercise-induced Fatigue Model Mice Through Regucalcin
Kunyang TANG ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Xiaoxue TAO ; Yue ZOU ; Chunchun ZHAO ; Zhipeng FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):117-127
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group, model group, vitamin C group, icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses, and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group, with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group, all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four, the icariin groups with low, medium, and high doses received 0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 g·kg-1 icariin via gavage, respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment, body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate (LA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular testosterone (T), testicular Ca2+/Mg2+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) (micro-assay), and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the testicular morphometric score (TMS) was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin (RGN, SMP30), cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (PKG), and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein (GKAP1) was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence (IF). The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8), synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SCP3), and transition protein 1(TNP1) in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), significantly increased fatigue markers (LA, LDH, and BUN) and lipid peroxidation product MDA (P<0.01), reduced testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), decreased sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and downregulated the expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1. Compared with the model group, the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time (P<0.01), reduced LA, LDH, BUN, and MDA levels (P<0.01), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.01), upregulated testicular RGN, PKG, GKAP1, testosterone, Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase, and cGMP levels (P<0.01), improved sperm motility, sperm count, and TMS scores, and enhanced STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group, the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8, SCP3, and TNP1 in the testicular tissue (P<0.01) and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels (P<0.01). ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice, thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1, thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.
3.Association between exposure to entertainment screen content on mobile phones and symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students
SUN Xuelian, LI Tingting, TAO Shuman, XIE Yang, YANG Yajuan, ZOU Liwei, TAO Fangbiao, WU Xiaoyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):369-373
Objective:
To determine the association between exposure to entertainment screen content on mobile phones and symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students,so as to provide evidence for mental health interventions.
Methods:
A baseline survey was conducted from April to May 2019. A total of 1 135 college students were selected from one university each in Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province and Hefei City, Anhui Province using cluster random sampling method. A follow up study was conducted in November 2019, resulting in 1 110 matched valid responses. Self rating questionnaires were used to assess the exposure of entertainment screen content. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21(DASS-21) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate the anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students. A multivariate binary Logistic regression model was constructed following initial intergroup comparisons with Chi-square test to determine the association between baseline exposure to mobile entertainment screen content and the risk of symptoms of anxiety depression co-morbidity at baseline and the 6 month follow up.
Results:
The prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students were 25.4% and 20.6% at baseline and follow up, respectively.After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, self rated family economic status and self rated health status, the results of multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the appropriate exposure level group, the exposure of entertainment screen content on mobile phones at baseline, including frequent exposure to reading( OR =1.65,95% CI =1.14-2.39), occasional exposure to other entertainment screen content ( OR =1.46,95% CI =1.01-2.10)and frequent exposure to other entertainment screen content( OR =1.76,95% CI =1.20-2.60), increased the co-occurrence risk of symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students during the follow up period (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Occasional or frequert exposure to mobile entertainment screen content can increase the risk of symptoms of anxiety depression co-morbidity among college students.
4.Association between screening myopia and mixed exposure to air pollution among primary school students in four cities in China
LIU Feng, LI Tingting, TAO Shuman, ZOU Liwei, TAO Fangbiao, WU Xiaoyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):714-718
Objective:
To investigate the association between screening detected myopia in primary school students and mixed exposure to air pollutants, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents.
Methods:
From May to July 2023, a cluster random sampling method was used to select 15 102 primary school students in grades 3 through 6 from Hefei, Zhongshan, Shenyang, and Nanchang citys. Data were collected through questionnaires, distance vision screening, and computerized refraction. Monthly average concentration data for particulate matter (PM 10 ), fine particulate matter (PM 2. 5), NO 2 and SO 2 were used to calculate the annual average pollutant concentrations for primary school students. Quantile g computation model was employed to analyze the association between mixed exposure to air pollutants and screening detected myopia.
Results:
The differences in concentrations of the four pollutants among cities were statistically significant ( H =12 886.0, 13 285.0, 8 559.0, 13 181.0, all P <0.01). In the overall sample, there was no statistically significant association between combined exposure to air pollutants and the risk of myopia ( β=0.033, 95%CI=-0.004-0.072, P =0.08). Stratified analysis by outdoor activity time showed that among primary school students with outdoor activity time ≤1 h/d, mixed exposure to air pollutants was positively associated with the risk of myopia ( β=0.050, 95%CI=0.002-0.099, P =0.04); after stratification by city, combined exposure to air pollutants was significantly associated with the risk of myopia among primary school students in Nanchang and Shenyang [ β (95% CI )= 0.232(0.175-0.289), 0.080(0.006-0.155), both P <0.05], whereas no statistically significant association was observed among primary school students in Hefei and Zhongshan [ β (95% CI )=-0.010(-0.071-0.051), -0.032(-0.167-0.102), both P > 0.05 ].
Conclusions
Exposure to multiple air pollutants may increase the risk of myopia in primary school students, with the risk influenced by time spent outdoors and geographical location. It is recommended that outdoor activity management for children be strengthened in areas with higher air pollution levels, and that environmental factors be incorporated into comprehensive myopia prevention and control strategies.
5.PET/CT imaging of PD-1 receptor probe targeting S180 sarcoma in mice
Haifeng HUANG ; Jiangnan SUN ; Huan ZOU ; Tao BAO ; Hua ZHU ; Xianteng YANG ; Shanshan LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):682-688
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of constructing a programmed death receptor-1(PD-1) molecular probe for non-invasive micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Micro-PET/CT) imaging of PD-1 protein in mouse S180 sarcoma. MethodsA transgenic PD-1 C57 S180 sarcoma mouse model was established using the S180 sarcoma cell injection. Furthermore, 124I-anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody probe was synthesized. 18.5 MBq of the 124I-anti-PD-1 probe was injected into the tail vein of transgenic PD-1 C57 mice. Subsequently, S180 sarcoma was imaged using Micro-PET/CT. ResultsStudy successfully established a transgenic PD-1 C57 S180 sarcoma mouse model. Immunohistochemical (IHC) results showed PD-1 protein expression in S180 sarcoma. Micro-PET/CT imaging successfully visualized the PD-1 protein receptor in S180 sarcoma at different time points (20, 48, 72, and 120 h) after probe injection. ConclusionThe 124I-anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody molecular probe successfully targets the PD-1 receptor in S180 sarcoma of transgenic PD-1 C57 mice, and presents clear Micro-PET/CT immunoassay results, thus it potentially enables the non-invasive screening of patients with PD-1 positive malignant tumors.
6.Research on the Current Situation and Countermeasures for Training and Education of Laboratory Animal Practitioners in Sichuan Province
Bing CHEN ; Xiaojie XIE ; Tifu TAO ; Jingdong WANG ; Yixing ZOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):456-463
Laboratory animal practitioners refer to various personnel engaged in work related to laboratory animals or animal experiments. Their development not only affects the occupational health and safety of practitioners but also directly impacts the development level of laboratory animal science and the accuracy of animal experiment results. This article reviews the training requirements for laboratory animal practitioners stipulated by national standards, regulations, normative documents, and management policies in Sichuan Province. It analyzes the scale and training status of laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province, compiles statistics on the changes in the scale of laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2024, and examines the number of practitioners in four categories (scientific researchers, management personnel, animal keepers, and other personnel) and three different educational levels (postgraduate degree, bachelor's degree, and below bachelor's degree). It summarizes the possible reasons for the changes in personnel structure from 2015 to 2024, namely the continuous refinement of the division of labor in laboratory animal-related work and the continuous development of disciplines such as life sciences, medicine, and pharmacy. The article analyzes the current training status of laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province from three aspects, including training organizations, the training system, and training methods for laboratory animal practitioners in Sichuan Province. It provides a detailed analysis of the series of training sessions on laboratory animal-related topics organized by the Office of the Laboratory Animal Management Committee of Sichuan Province and the Sichuan Laboratory Animal Society since 2019. It concludes that there are advantages such as an increasing proportion of highly educated personnel and a relatively well-established training system, and discusses issues such as inadequate top-level design and insufficient attention from some units. Finally, it proposes corresponding countermeasures and suggestions, including strengthening the assessment of practitioner training, formulating training plans for laboratory animal practitioners, and compiling specialized training materials. This article can provide a reference for the development and training of laboratory animal practitioners.
7.Identification of Chemical Constituents of Bidens pilosa and Analysis of Its Anti-gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation Activity in Vitro
Yu HAN ; Chang LIU ; Jiao LIU ; Tao ZHANG ; Zhongmei ZOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):154-164
ObjectiveTo study the chemical constituents of Bidens pilosa and the in vitro antiproliferative activity of some compounds against gastric cancer cells. MethodsThe chemical constituents were isolated and purified by methods such as silica gel column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography, medium pressure preparation chromatography, semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and recrystallization, their structures were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties, spectral data and circular dichroism spectra. Thiazole blue(MTT) assay was used to determine the in vitro inhibitory activityies of some isolated compounds against human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells, and molecular docking was used to predict their potential targets. ResultsTwenty-five compounds were isolated from the petroleum ether fraction of B. pilosa and identified as bidpillignan A(
8.Construction of an evaluation index system for community visual health services in Shanghai
Chengyuan ZHANG ; Yuting WU ; Yajun PENG ; Tao YU ; Yi XU ; Senlin LIN ; Haidong ZOU ; Lina LU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):282-287
ObjectiveTo improve the quality and service performance of community visual health services in Shanghai, and to establish a set of reasonable and effective evaluation index system for community visual health services. MethodsCentered on the national and Shanghai-based visual health policies and based on the current status and development trends of community visual health service program in Shanghai, the candidate indicators were formed through literature review and expert interviews, firstly. The framework of an evaluation index system was formulated through qualitative research successively, which was further revised and perfected using the Delphi method. Coefficient weights were calculated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), culminating in the establishment of the community visual health evaluation index system, lastly. ResultsA total of 22 visual health experts from district-level center for disease control, hospital ophthalmology and leaders in charging of visual health service in community health centers participated in the Delphi questionnaire survey, with a questionnaire recovery rate of 100% and an expert authority coefficient of 0.86, indicating high credibility. After a round of correspondence to experts’ importance ratings and discussions, a comprehensive evaluation index system comprising 3 primary indicators, 12 secondary indicators, and 47 tertiary indicators, along with 5 additional indicators, was finalized. ConclusionAn index system tailored to effective evaluation for community visual health initiatives was drawn up in this study, which can promote the capacity building in community eye health services, facilitating the high-quality development of visual health courses, and enhancing residents’ eye health.
9.Polygonatum Sibiricum Polysaccharides Improve Colonic Injury in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism in the Colon
Wanrong LI ; Mengting TAO ; Yuanfeng ZOU ; Dan HE ; Nengyuan TANG ; Xin TAN ; Lixia LI ; Dandan CHEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):431-443
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Polygonatum neutral polysaccharides from sibiricum (PSP-NP) on colon injury in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a COPD model group, and a PSP-NP group. The COPD model was established using smoke exposure combined with intranasal LPS administration. The PSP-NP group was simultaneously treated daily with 200 mg/kg of PSP-NP via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received an equal volume of saline. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon. ELISA was employed to detect the levels of LPS in serum and the expressions of ZO-1, Occludin, IL-6, and TNF-α in colon tissue. UPLC-MS was used to detect the types and contents of bile acids in colonic content, and to screen for differential bile acids. Differential microbial flora were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and correlation analysis was conducted with differential bile acids. PSP-NP was combined with the differential bile acids cholic acid (CA), and deoxycholic acid (DCA) in vitro to analyze the binding capacity of PSP-NP for CA and DCA. PSP-NP was applied to NCM460 normal colonic epithelial cells cultured in CA and DCA. Cell migration ability was assessed using the scratch assay, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB were measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsPSP-NP effectively improved colonic damage in COPD model mice, enhanced mechanical barrier function, alleviated inflammatory response, and regulated abnormal changes in colonic flora and bile acid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed that PSP-NP regulated colonic bile acid metabolism and reduced the redundancy of secondary bile acids by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia, while decreasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Notably, in vitro binding assays demonstrated that PSP-NP bound to differential bile acids DCA and CA, with the strongest binding capacity for DCA at 58.2%. In cellular functional studies, DCA inhibited the migration ability of colonic epithelial cells NCM460 and significantly increased the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB. Importantly, co-treatment with PSP-NP significantly ameliorated the impact of DCA on NCM460 cells. ConclusionsPSP-NP may significantly improve colonic damage in COPD model mice. The mechanism may involve the regulation of colonic bile acid metabolism and bile acid profiles through both microbial modulation and direct binding, thereby reducing the damage caused by secondary bile acids such as DCA to colonic epithelial cells.
10.Association between physical activity and inflammatory markers in college students
JIANG Tangjun, LI Tingting, TAO Shuman, ZOU Liwei, YANG Yajuan, TAO Fangbiao, WU Xiaoyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):847-851
Objective:
To analyze the association and dose response relationship between physical activity and inflammatory markers in college students, so as to provide a reference for promoting cardiometabolic health in college students.
Methods:
A cluster random sampling method was used to select 747 college students from two universities in Hefei, Anhui Province and Shangrao, Jiangxi Province from April to May 2019. Physical activity was assessed by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and peripheral blood was collected to detect plasma inflammatory factor levels [including hypersensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. The differences between the groups were compared by using the χ 2 test and the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and the association between physical activity and inflammatory markers was analyzed by using the Generalized Linear Model. The dose response relationship between physical activity and inflammatory markers was analyzed using the Restricted Cubic Spline Model.
Results:
The proportions of low physical activity, moderate physical activity, and high physical activity groups of college students were 15.9%, 53.7% and 30.4%, respectively. The levels of hsCRP, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the high physical activity group were 0.38(0.21, 1.10)mg/L, 70.74(47.90, 116.43)pg/mL, 1.75(1.21, 2.64)pg/mL, 4.33(2.93, 6.82) pg/mL , 5.27(3.89, 7.30)pg/mL,the levels in the low physical activity group were 0.80(0.31, 1.30)mg/L, 73.88 (47.90, 124.24)pg/mL, 1.88(1.42, 2.81) pg/mL, 4.82 (3.64, 6.67) pg/mL, 5.63 (4.34, 7.62)pg/mL, the levels in the moderate physical activity group were 0.63(0.25, 1.30)mg/L, 89.78(58.21, 127.65)pg/mL, 2.21(1.59, 3.27)pg/mL, 5.15( 3.72 , 7.72)pg/mL, 5.87( 4.63 , 8.00)g/mL, and the differences were statistically significant ( H=10.66, 11.38, 27.79, 14.13, 9.44, P <0.05). After adjusting for variables such as gender, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption and health status, the results of Generalized Linear Model showed that compared with the high physical activity group, the low physical activity group ( OR=2.20, 95%CI = 1.46- 3.31) and the moderate physical activity group ( OR=1.65, 95%CI =1.22-2.25) were more likely to have high levels of hsCRP, and the moderate physical activity group was more likely to have high levels of IL-1β ( OR=1.85, 95%CI =1.36-2.51), IL-6 ( OR=1.44, 95%CI =1.06-1.96), and TNF-α ( OR=1.43, 95%CI =1.05-1.94) ( P <0.05). The Restricted Cubic Spline Model showed that there was no linear dose response relationship between the time of moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly and IL-10, IL-6, II-1β, and TNF-α ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
There is an association between physical activity and inflammation in college students, and moderate to high intensity per week could reduce inflammation levels to promote cardiometabolic health in college students.


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