1.LSS deficiency ameliorates MASLD by downregulating NPC1L1 and activating the CD36/TLR4/JNK pathway
Zihan WANG ; Hongmei BAI ; Qingya HE ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Jian ZHONG ; Xiaoli JIANG ; Sumei ZHANG ; Shengquan ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):812-818
ObjectiveTo investigate whether intestinal deficiency of lanosterol synthase (LSS), a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, influences the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating intestinal cholesterol absorption and immune response. MethodsLSS heterozygous knockout (LSS+/-) mice and wild-type (WT) controls were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or regular chow (CHOW). The model was validated by genotyping. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by HE and oil red O staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression of NPC1L1 and CD36 proteins in the intestine. Western blot analysis was performed to measure JNK phosphorylation and TLR4 protein levels in intestinal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to examine the mRNA expression of TLR4 and IL-6. ResultsLSS+/- mice were successfully validated by genotyping and reduced intestinal LSS protein expression. HE and oil red O staining of liver sections showed that, compared with WT mice fed a CHOW diet, WT mice fed a HFD exhibited a marked increase in hepatic lipid vacuoles. In contrast, compared with HFD-fed WT mice, HFD-fed LSS+/- mice displayed significantly attenuated hepatic lipid deposition and reduced serum ALT levels (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that, compared with WT mice, the expression of the cholesterol absorption protein NPC1L1 in the intestinal villi of LSS+/- mice was downregulated under both CHOW and HFD conditions (PHFD<0.001). Conversely, the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 was upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/- mice (PCHOW<0.05, PHFD<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated that, compared with WT mice, TLR4 protein expression in the intestines of LSS+/- mice significantly increased under both CHOW and HFD conditions (both P<0.05). JNK phosphorylation level was significantly elevated in LSS+/- mice under CHOW condition (both P<0.05). Under HFD condition, total JNK protein expression increased, but its phosphorylation level showed no significant change. qPCR analysis showed that, compared with WT mice, the mRNA levels of TLR4 (PCHOW<0.01, PHFD<0.000 1) and IL-6 (PCHOW<0.001, PHFD<0.01) were significantly upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/-mice. ConclusionLSS deficiency counteracts hepatic lipid deposition by orchestrating a synergistic reprogramming involving restricted intestinal cholesterol absorption, enhanced fatty acid utilization, and activation of immune pathways, suggesting intestinal LSS as a potential therapeutic target of MASLD.
2.Standardized Use of the Anti-tumor Drug in 60 Beijing Hospitals in 2024
Juan YANG ; Chengcheng ZHOU ; Jincheng YANG ; Liming SHI ; Sufei ZHENG ; Wenjing YANG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(6):44-48
Objective To investigate the standardized use of anti-tumor drugs in Beijing hospitals in 2024,and put forward relevant policy suggestions on standardizing the use of anti-tumor drugs.Methods In 2024,Beijing Cancer Quality Control Center organized internal medicine and pharmacy experts to conduct a research on the standardized use of anti-tumor drugs in 556 medical records from 60 hospitals.The evaluation content included pathological diagnosis and tumor staging,treatment process and quality control.Results The evaluation of the use of anti-tumor drugs in 60 hospitals in Beijing found that the main problems of non-standardized use of anti-tumor drugs were incomplete or unsigned informed consent forms;incomplete,un-staged or incorrect staging of tumors;lack of adverse reaction evaluation;incomplete records of drug application on the day of treatment;no reasons given for adjustments in drug dosage and administration methods,and incomplete efficacy evaluation.Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the training and guidance of medical staff,carry out regular quality control inspections,enhance information construction,establish a multi-disciplinary diagnosis and treatment system,and establish a regular follow-up mechanism,so as to further standardize and improve the standard rate of antitumor drug use in hospitals.
3.Association between DNA methylation clock and obesity-related indicators:A longi-tudinal twin study
Shunkai LIU ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LV ; Canqing YU ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Runhua HU ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Yu LIU ; Wenjing GAO ; Liming LI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(3):456-464
Objective:To explore the relationship between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks acceleration,and to analyze their temporal sequence.Methods:Data were obtained from two sur-veys conducted in 2013 and 2017-2018 by the Chinese National Twin Registry.Peripheral blood DNA methylation data were measured using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip and EPIC BeadChip.DNA methylation clocks/acceleration metrics(GrimAA,PCGrimAA and Dunedin-PACE)were calculated using the DNA methylation online tool(https://dnamage.genetics.ucla.edu/)or R code provided by researchers.Obesity indicators included weight,body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,waist-hip ratio,and waist-height ratio.A total of 1 070 twin individuals were included in the cross-sectional analysis,comprising 378 monozygotic(MZ)twin pairs and 155 dizygotic(DZ)twin pairs for within-pair analysis.Mixed-effects models were used to examine the associations between obesity indicators and DNA methylation clocks,as well as their acceleration measures.The longitudinal analysis included 314 twin individuals,comprising 95 MZ twin pairs and 62 DZ twin pairs for within-pair analy-sis.Cross-lagged panel models were applied to further explore the temporal relationships between obesity and DNA methylation clock indicators.All analyses were conducted both in the full twin sample and separately within MZ and DZ twin pairs.Results:In the cross-sectional analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 71.0%,males for 68.0%,and the mean chronological age was(49.9±12.1)years.In the longitudinal analysis population,monozygotic twins accounted for 60.5%,males for 60.8%,with a mean baseline chronological age of(50.4±10.2)years and a mean follow-up duration of(4.6±0.6)years.Except for the waist-to-hip ratio,which was significantly higher at follow-up com-pared with baseline,no statistically significant differences were observed in the means of other obesity in-dicators between baseline and follow-up.Correlation analysis revealed that weight,BMI,waist circumfe-rence,waist-hip ratio(WHR),and waist-height ratio(WHtR)were positively correlated with Dunedin-PACE in all the twins,with WHtR showing the strongest association(β=0.21,95%CI:0.11 to 0.31).Weight and BMI were negatively associated with GrimAA(β=-0.03,95%CI:-0.05 to-0.01;β=-0.07,95%CI:-0.12 to-0.02),while weight was negatively associated with PCGrim-AA(β=-0.02,95%CI:-0.03 to 0.00).However,within-twin-pair analyses showed no statistically significant correlations.Cross-lagged panel model analysis indicated that higher baseline weight might lead to increased GrimAA at follow-up,while elevated baseline weight,BMI,and waist circumference might increase PCGrimAA.Higher baseline WHR was associated with increased DunedinPACE at follow-up.Conclusion:Obesity indicators correlate with DNA methylation clock acceleration metrics.Baseline obesity may influence changes in certain DNA methylation clock indicators over time,suggesting that obesity could exert long-term health effects by accelerating DNA methylation aging.However,these associations may be confounded by shared genetic or environmental factors among the twins.
4.Design of New Essential Oil Prescriptions for Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome and Research on their Activity and Mechanism
Wenjing WEI ; Huiming ZHU ; Yuran WANG ; Zizhe ZHOU ; Yansong LIU ; Li QIAO ; Xing ZHAO ; Haoying LI ; Xiaolong FENG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2569-2584
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of combined prescriptions of essential oils from five traditional Chinese medicinal herbs,namely peppermint,turmeric,ginger,Tibetan fennel,and cumin,on symptoms related to functional abdominal pain syndrome(FAPS).Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was employed to analyze the chemical constituents of five essential oils,while network pharmacology was utilized to predict the key targets and signaling pathways associated with these essential oils in alleviating functional abdominal pain syndrome.A formula design methodology centered on these core targets and signaling pathways was developed for creating new prescriptions.Molecular docking technology was conducted to predict its the underlying mechanisms.Subsequently,animal experiments were performed to assess pharmacological activity,including hot plate tests and acetic acid-induced writhing assays to validate the analgesic effects of the newly formulated prescription,as well as xylene-induced ear swelling tests to evaluate its anti-inflammatory properties.The impact of the essential oil formulation on intestinal peristaltic function was examined through intestinal propulsion experiments.Additionally,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)methods were employed to measure levels of serotonin(5-HT),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in brain tissue.Western blot analysis was conducted to determine protein expression levels of TPH1 and SERT in the intestine,along with TPH2 and SERT in the brain.Results The main chemical components in five essential oils were identified and screened(peppermint:12,turmeric:8,ginger:14,cumin:2,fennel:6).Based on the network pharmacology analysis,four new essential oil prescriptions were successfully designed according to the complementary relationship between the five essential oils in improving functional abdominal pain syndrome at the target level,including 4 new prescription named Prescription A,B,C and D,these four prescriptions were all based on ginger and turmeric essential oils,with other essential oils serving as supplements or enhancements.The results of animal experiments showed that Prescription D could significantly reduce the writhe frequency of mice(P<0.05),all the four groups could significantly prolong the pain threshold of mice(P<0.05),and Prescription C had a significant effect on reducing the degree of ear swelling(P<0.05).The prescription of essential oil did not significantly affect the function of peristalsis and the speed of propulsion.The levels of 5-HT and PGE2 in the brain tissue were significantly inhibited(P<0.05),and the level of GABA was significantly increased(P<0.05).Prescription C could reduce the expression of TPH1 in the intestinal tissue(P<0.05),Prescription A,C and D could reduce the expression of TPH2,and all groups had a tendency to increase the expression of SERT in the brain tissue.Conclusion In summary,the therapeutic effects of the four novel prescriptions composed of the five essential oils demonstrated potential in improving symptoms related to FAPS,the mechanism might be through modulating abnormalities in the brain-gut axis system.
5.Construction and optimization of inpatient medical quality evaluation index system in public hospitals based on life cycle theory
Xinxiang PAN ; Zhongliang BAI ; Wenjing CHEN ; Wenjie FU ; Huan ZHOU ; Hongju WANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(1):20-25
Objective:To construct a medical quality evaluation index system for inpatients in public hospitals based on the life cycle theory,starting from the entire process of medical treatment.Method:A comprehensive study was conducted on the screening of medical quality evaluation indicators for hospitalized patients using literature analysis,key informant interviews,and expert inquiry methods.Results:The effective recovery rate of the two rounds of expert consultation was 100%,with high enthusiasm from the experts.The authority coefficient was above 0.7,and Kendall's W coordination coefficient was 0.267(P<0.05).The evaluation indicators for medical quality of hospitalized patients,including 3 primary indicators,10 secondary indicators,and 51 tertiary indicators,were determined.Conclusions:The medical quality evaluation index system for inpatients in public hospitals based on the life cycle theory has certain scientificity and reliability.However,the weight analysis of the index system has not been carried out and is still in the theoretical exploration stage.Further empirical research is needed for verification and improvement.
6.Guideline for assessment and maintenance of intrinsic capacity in older adults
Wenjing LIU ; Zhiwen WANG ; Yuelin YU ; Xin REN ; Hui JU ; Hong CHEN ; Junxin WANG ; Shan-shan CHEN ; Jia ZHOU ; Mo YI ; Wenxia WANG ; Lingjuan ZHANG ; Siye CHEN ; Yufan YANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Hong SUN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(3):261-265
Objective This study aims to develop a guideline for assessing and maintaining intrinsic capacity in older adults,offer recommendations to professionals regarding these assessments,and encourage the implementation of evidence-based clinical practices across various settings,including communities,hospitals,nursing homes,and other geriatric care environments.Methods An evidence-based approach guided the collection of questions through a lit-erature review.Preliminary recommendations were developed through a systematic search of domestic and interna-tional guideline networks,professional association websites,and comprehensive databases.Subsequently,the recom-mendations were revised,and the consensus was achieved through a round of expert consensus meetings and 3 rounds of expert correspondence,culminating in the formation of the guidelines.Results The developed guideline encompasses 2 aspects and 5 dimensions of assessment and maintenance,comprising a total of 28 questions and 39 recommendations.Specifically,6 questions and 9 recommendations were formulated for the cognitive dimension,5 questions and 7 recommendations for the locomotion dimension,6 questions and 7 recommendations for the vitality dimension,6 questions and 9 recommendations for the psychological dimension,and 5 questions and 7 recommenda-tions for the sensory dimension.Among these,34 are classified as strong recommendations,while 5 are categorized as weak recommendations.Conclusion The guideline offers scientifically robust,acceptable,and comprehensible rec-ommendations that equip the professionals with a foundation for decision-making aiming at preserving the intrinsic capacity of older adults.
7.Controversy and consensus on the role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer
Zhang WENJING ; Zhou YI ; Ji LIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(5):244-247
The incidence of breast cancer(BC)is on the rise.The effective and precise management of BC continues to be topical.Tumor in-filtrating lymphocytes(TILs),significant biomarkers indicative of the biological behavior of BC,have not been well recognized in clinical prac-tice.There are some impediments,including the lack of a standard protocol for the quantification of TILs,an optimized threshold for TILs,and a repeatable noninvasive method for the assessment of TILs.These issues are the major controversies preventing the use of TILs as bio-markers in the clinical management of BC.Nevertheless,the value of TILs as biomarkers in the assessment of the prognosis and prediction of the response to treatment cannot be neglected,as they show promise in promoting precise and individualized management of BC.We aimed to offer a comprehensive outline of the current controversies and consensus regarding TILs as biomarkers in the management of BC,with the aim of providing a basis for the rational application of TILs as biomarkers.
8.Standardized Use of the Anti-tumor Drug in 60 Beijing Hospitals in 2024
Juan YANG ; Chengcheng ZHOU ; Jincheng YANG ; Liming SHI ; Sufei ZHENG ; Wenjing YANG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(6):44-48
Objective To investigate the standardized use of anti-tumor drugs in Beijing hospitals in 2024,and put forward relevant policy suggestions on standardizing the use of anti-tumor drugs.Methods In 2024,Beijing Cancer Quality Control Center organized internal medicine and pharmacy experts to conduct a research on the standardized use of anti-tumor drugs in 556 medical records from 60 hospitals.The evaluation content included pathological diagnosis and tumor staging,treatment process and quality control.Results The evaluation of the use of anti-tumor drugs in 60 hospitals in Beijing found that the main problems of non-standardized use of anti-tumor drugs were incomplete or unsigned informed consent forms;incomplete,un-staged or incorrect staging of tumors;lack of adverse reaction evaluation;incomplete records of drug application on the day of treatment;no reasons given for adjustments in drug dosage and administration methods,and incomplete efficacy evaluation.Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the training and guidance of medical staff,carry out regular quality control inspections,enhance information construction,establish a multi-disciplinary diagnosis and treatment system,and establish a regular follow-up mechanism,so as to further standardize and improve the standard rate of antitumor drug use in hospitals.
9.Analysis of risk factors for hypokalemia caused by piperacillin/tazobactam
Lijun ZHOU ; Wenjing ZENG ; Qin HU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(9):937-941
Objective To analyze risk factors of hypokalemia after treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam(PTZ)and to provide a reference for safe clinical medication.Methods A retrospective collection of 1 355 inpatients treated with PTZ was conducted.Patients were assigned to the hypokalemia group(serum potassium<3.5 mmol/L,374 cases)and the non-hypokalemia group(serum potassium≥3.5 mmol/L,981 cases)based on whether they suffered from hypokalemia after PTZ treatment.Clinical data were collected and compared in both groups of patients.Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of hypokalemia induced by PTZ.Results In the hypokalemia group,there were 308 cases of mild hypokalemia(82.3%),63 cases of moderate hypokalemia and 3 cases of severe hypokalemia.The incidence of moderate to severe hypokalemia was 4.9%,with the lowest serum potassium concentration recorded at 2.1 mmol/L.The proportion of females,treatment duration,cumulative dosage,age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index(aCCI),the percentage of patients with platelets(PLT)<100×109/L and the proportion of patients using glucocorticoids were all higher in the hypokalemia group than those of the non-hypokalemia group(P<0.05).Conversely,baseline serum potassium levels and red blood cell(RBC)were lower in the hypokalemia group than those of the non-hypokalemia group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that female,increased cumulative dosage,elevated aCCI and lower baseline serum potassium concentration were risk factors for PTZ induced hypokalemia(P<0.05).Conclusion Female,lower basline serum potassium level,long-term high-dose use of PTZ and high comorbidity index are risk factors for the occurrence of PTZ-induced hypokalemia.The changes in serum potassium during the medication period of this type of patients should be closely monitored to ensure the safety of drug use for patients.
10.Analysis of risk factors for hypokalemia caused by piperacillin/tazobactam
Lijun ZHOU ; Wenjing ZENG ; Qin HU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(9):937-941
Objective To analyze risk factors of hypokalemia after treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam(PTZ)and to provide a reference for safe clinical medication.Methods A retrospective collection of 1 355 inpatients treated with PTZ was conducted.Patients were assigned to the hypokalemia group(serum potassium<3.5 mmol/L,374 cases)and the non-hypokalemia group(serum potassium≥3.5 mmol/L,981 cases)based on whether they suffered from hypokalemia after PTZ treatment.Clinical data were collected and compared in both groups of patients.Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of hypokalemia induced by PTZ.Results In the hypokalemia group,there were 308 cases of mild hypokalemia(82.3%),63 cases of moderate hypokalemia and 3 cases of severe hypokalemia.The incidence of moderate to severe hypokalemia was 4.9%,with the lowest serum potassium concentration recorded at 2.1 mmol/L.The proportion of females,treatment duration,cumulative dosage,age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index(aCCI),the percentage of patients with platelets(PLT)<100×109/L and the proportion of patients using glucocorticoids were all higher in the hypokalemia group than those of the non-hypokalemia group(P<0.05).Conversely,baseline serum potassium levels and red blood cell(RBC)were lower in the hypokalemia group than those of the non-hypokalemia group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that female,increased cumulative dosage,elevated aCCI and lower baseline serum potassium concentration were risk factors for PTZ induced hypokalemia(P<0.05).Conclusion Female,lower basline serum potassium level,long-term high-dose use of PTZ and high comorbidity index are risk factors for the occurrence of PTZ-induced hypokalemia.The changes in serum potassium during the medication period of this type of patients should be closely monitored to ensure the safety of drug use for patients.

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