1.Consistency and risk factor analysis of 2 growth chart in the diagnosis of extrauterine growth restriction in preterm infants with a gestational age at birth of less than 32 weeks
Fan ZHANG ; Xiaohua ZHANG ; Shushu LI ; Shuping HAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):61-67
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic consistency of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) assessed by the Fenton 2013 preterm growth charts (Fenton 2013) and the growth charts by International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century (IG-21).Methods:This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 5 591 preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) at birth of less than 32 weeks admitted to 19 member hospitals of the Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative Network of Suxinyun from January 1 st, 2019, to December 31 st, 2024. Clinical data including baseline characteristics, complications, feeding practices and anthropometrics were processed and analyzed. EUGR was assessed using both the Fenton 2013 and the IG-21. A decrease in weight Z-score at discharge compared to admission by more than 1 was defined as longitudinal EUGR, and discharge weight below the P10 for the corresponding corrected GA was defined as cross-sectional EUGR. Diagnostic consistency was assessed using the Kappa coefficient between the 2 standards, and diagnostic performance of the 2 standards was compared using the McNemar test. Risk factors for EUGR under different definitions were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results:A total of 5 591 preterm infants were included, with a GA at birth of (29.7±1.6) weeks and a birth weight of (1 360±315) g and at discharge with a corrected GA of (36.3±2.0) weeks and weight of (2 246±370) g. Detection rates of cross-sectional and longitudinal EUGR diagnosed by Fenton 2013 were both higher than those by IG-21 (37.0% (2 214/5 991) vs. 23.7% (1 324/5 591), 61.1% (3 662/5 991) vs. 30.7% (1 714/5 591), χ2=326.77 and 1 358.05, both P<0.001). Using Fenton 2013 as a reference, IG-21 demonstrated superior diagnostic value and consistency in identifying cross-sectional EUGR compared with longitudinal EUGR (sensitivity of 100.0% (3 377/3 377) vs. 99.6% (1 922/1 929), specificity of 59.8% (1 324/2 214) vs. 46.6% (1 707/3 662), positive predictive value of 79.1% (3 377/4 267) vs. 49.6% (1 922/3 877), negative predictive value of 100.0% (1 324/1 324) vs. 99.6% (1 707/1 714), accuracy of 84.1% (4 701/5 591) vs. 64.9% (3 629/5 591), and Kappa 0.64 vs. 0.37, all P<0.001). In multivariate Logistic regression models, risk factors common to EUGR across both standards included smaller GA at birth, lower birth weight, boy, early-onset sepsis, late-onset sepsis and the elder age at full enteral feeding (all P<0.05). Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus remained an independent risk factor for longitudinal EUGR regardless of whether by the Fenton 2013 or IG-21 standard (adjust odds ratio ( aOR) =1.25 and 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.42 and 1.11-1.45). In addition, under the IG-21 standard, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was an independent risk factor for cross-sectional EUGR ( aOR=1.54, 95% CI 1.00-2.38), while severe necrotizing enterocolitis was an independent risk factor for longitudinal EUGR ( aOR=2.18, 95% CI 1.01-4.73). Conclusions:IG-21 showed lower detection rates of both cross-sectional and longitudinal EUGR than Fenton 2013, suggesting greater clinical applicability of IG-21 by reducing overdiagnosis while maintaining sensitivity for predicting complications. Across both standards, cross-sectional EUGR facilitates early identification of growth restriction, whereas longitudinal EUGR better tracks dynamic growth patterns and complications of preterm infants.
2.Mechanism of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Presciption in Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Improving Low-grade Inflammation in Rats with Chronic Gouty Arthritis
Yuwan LI ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Siyuan LIN ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Qianglong CHEN ; Fan YANG ; Jun LIU ; Bingyan CHEN ; Peng CHEN ; Jiemei GUO ; Youxin SU ; Yan XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):93-104
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Huazhuo SanJie Chubi presciption (HSCD) on chronic gouty arthritis (CGA) rats with low-grade inflammation and to explore the underlying mechanism with a focus on macrophage polarization. MethodsThe 41 male 6-week-old SD rats were randomly allocated, using the random number table, to a normal group (n=8) and a model group (n =33). CGA with low-grade inflammation was induced in the model group by daily gavage of potassium oxonate (250 mg·kg-1·d-1) and hypoxanthine (300 mg·kg-1·d-1), combined with intra-articular injection of a monosodium urate (MSU) crystal suspension (50 μL, 25 g·L-¹) into the left ankle twice weekly. After 4 weeks of modeling, 3 rats were randomly selected from each group for model validation. The remaining successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an HSCD group (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1, gavage once daily), an M1 polarization agonist group (L-methionine sulfoximine, 300 mg·kg-1, subcutaneous injection every other day), an M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group, an M2 polarization inhibitor group (PD0325901, 10 mg·kg-1·d-1, gavage once daily), and M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group. The corresponding drug or drug combination was administered according to group assignment, whereas rats in the normal and model groups received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na) vehicle (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1, gavage once daily). All interventions were continued for four weeks. During the intervention period, except for the normal group, potassium oxonate (250 mg·kg⁻¹) and hypoxanthine (300 mg·kg-1) were co-administered by gavage every other day to maintain the model. At the end of treatment, serum uric acid (SUA), ankle joint diameter and joint swelling index were measured. The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 (S100A8/A9), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and arginase-1 (Arg-1) in serum and joint fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). High-frequency ultrasound was used to assess MSU deposition in the ankle joint. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate synovial histopathological changes. Quantitative Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the M1 macrophage polarization markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the M2 macrophage polarization marker scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1 protein M130 (CD163) in synovial tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly elevated SUA level and joint swelling index, and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, CCL2, and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid (P<0.05), accompanied by MSU deposition and synovial inflammation in the ankle joint. The mRNA and protein expression levels of macrophage polarization M1/M2 markers iNOS and CD163 in synovial tissues were also significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with model group, rats in HSCD group had significantly lower SUA levels, attenuated joint swelling, reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid, accompanied with alleviated MSU deposition and synovial inflammation (P<0.05). HSCD markedly downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of M1 marker iNOS (P<0.05), whereas it had no significant effect on the expression of M2 marker CD163. Compared with the M1 polarization agonist group, the M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group showed significantly reduced joint swelling, lower serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid (P<0.05). In addition, synovial inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis were attenuated, and iNOS mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the M2 polarization inhibitor group, the M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group exhibited reduced joint swelling, decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid and ameliorated synovial inflammation (P<0.05), whereas the levels of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, Arg-1) and CD163 mRNA and protein expression were not significantly increased. ConclusionHSCD alleviates low-grade inflammation in CGA rats, at least in part, by inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype.
3.Effect and Action Mechanism of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi Prescription on Gouty Bone Erosion Model Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Zhuoming ZHENG ; Jun LIU ; Meiling WANG ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Yuwan LI ; Siwei PENG ; Yingjie ZHANG ; Ruifang YANG ; Youxin SU ; Yan XIAO ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):105-117
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the effect of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi prescription (HSCD) on the gouty bone erosion model rats and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsThirty-six two-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group with nine rats and the modeling group with 27 rats. The rats in the modeling group were administered hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1·d-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1·d-1, combined with intra-articular injection of 200 μL monosodium urate (MSU) crystal suspension at 25 g·L-1 into the right ankle joint (joint injection once every three days), so as to induce the gouty bone erosion model. After four weeks of modeling, three rats were selected from these two groups to validate the model. The modeled 24 rats were randomly divided into the model group, HSCD group (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1), allopurinol group (20 mg·kg-1·d-1), and inhibitor group (LY294002, 10 mg·kg-1·d-1), with six rats per group. Except for the blank group, rats in all other groups continued to receive hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg-1 via gavage concurrently with administration to maintain modeling intervention. The rats in the HSCD group and allopurinol group received administration by gavage at the above doses. The rats in the inhibitor group received an intraperitoneal injection at the above dose. The rats in the blank group and model group received saline (10.35 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage for four consecutive weeks. After administration, ankle joint swelling of the rats in all groups was observed, and the diameters were measured. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone surface area to bone volume (BS/BV) were observed and quantitatively analyzed by Micro-CT. Histopathological changes in the ankle joint were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green staining. The uric acid in the rats' serum was determined by enzyme colorimetry. The levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and phosphorylated (p)-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) in ankle joint tissues of rats were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of the proteins related to the bone erosion, including RANKL, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
4.Association between random urine electrolytes and hypertension in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):314-318
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the association between random urinary electrolyte levels and hypertension among children and adolescents in Guizhou Province, so as to provide evidence for region specific dietary guidance and interventions.
Methods:
In 2023, a total of 2 480 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years were recruited from a nine-year coherent style school in Guizhou Province in a children health cohort, with follow ups conducted in 2024 and 2025. Random urine samples were collected to measure urinary sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride, and the urinary sodium to potassium ratio (Na/K) was calculated. The diagnosis of hypertension was based on the criteria established by the Chinese Guidelines for Hypertension Prevention and Treatment (2024 revised edition) and relevant research. Linear mixed models and multinomial Logistic regression were used to assess the associations of urinary electrolytes with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the risk of hypertension.
Results:
At baseline, SBP, DBP, and MAP were 102.33 (94.33, 110.33), 61.33 (56.33, 67.00) and 75.22 (69.67, 81.33)mmHg among children and adolescents, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders and two follow-ups, higher urinary Na/K ratio was positively associated with higher of SBP ( β=0.054, 95%CI =0.028- 0.081 ) and MAP ( β=0.038, 95%CI =0.010-0.066), as well as higher risks of hypertension ( OR=1.248, 95%CI =1.006-1.548) (all P <0.05). Higher of urinary chloride levels were positively associated with higher of SBP ( β=0.088, 95%CI = 0.009- 0.167), whereas higher of urinary potassium (SBP: β=-0.062, 95%CI =-0.096 to -0.028; MAP: β=-0.041, 95%CI = -0.078 to -0.005) and calcium levels (SBP: β=-0.036, 95%CI =-0.065 to -0.007) were negatively associated with blood pressure (all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusion
The urinary Na/K, as a comprehensive electrolyte marker, more stably reflects sodium load and excretory pressure in children and adolescents, and may serve as an early predictor of hypertension risk.
5.Analysis of the Burden of Acute Lymphoid Leukemia in China and Globally from 1990 to 2021
Derong LIN ; Jingya FANG ; Yue LI ; Xiaohua XIE ; Xiaolin YE ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Jiexuan LI ; Aiguo XUE
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):463-475
To analyze the disease burden of acute lymphoid leukemia(ALL) and its changing trends in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for disease prevention, treatment, and policy formulation. Data on the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability adjusted life years(DALYs) of ALL in China and globally from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) 2021 database. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC) to assess the trends in disease burden. Decomposition analysis was employed to identify and quantify the contributions of different factors to the changes in ALL disease burden. The population attributable fraction(PAF) was used to compare the risk factors for ALL in China and globally in 1990 and 2021. Stratified by the sociodemographic index(SDI), the locally estimated scatterplot smoothing(LOESS) method was used to assess the association between age-standardized incidence rate(ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate(ASMR), and SDI. The incidence-mortality ratio(IMR) was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic level and current treatment status of ALL. From 1990 to 2021, ASIR of ALL in the Chinese population increased from 3.385/100 000 to 3.637/100 000(AAPC: 0.005), the age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR) increased from 6.596/100 000 to 22.022/100 000(AAPC: 0.478), the ASMR decreased from 3.051/100 000 to 1.357/100 000(AAPC: -0.056), and the age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDR) decreased from 195.792/100 000 to 74.063/100 000(AAPC: -3.996). Globally, the corresponding figures were: ASIR decreased from 1.789/100 000 to 1.371/100 000(AAPC: -0.014), ASPR increased from 4.122/100 000 to 5.425/100 000(AAPC: 0.039), ASMR decreased from 1.551/100 000 to 0.898/100 000(AAPC: -0.021), and ASDR decreased from 94.894/100 000 to 48.858/100 000(AAPC: -1.494). During this period, the aforementioned disease burden indicators were generally higher in males than in females, both in China and globally.In 2021, the peak incidence of ALL in China and globally was primarily concentrated in the 0-19 years age group, with the highest rate observed in those under 5 years of age. The burden of prevalence and DALYs was also mainly concentrated in this age group. Regarding mortality, the death burden in China was predominantly observed in the older adult age group, particularly among those aged ≥60 years. Globally, the mortality burden was highest in the under-5 age group, while remaining at a relatively high level in the older adult population. SDI correlation analysis based on data from 204 countries/regions globally from 1990 to 2021 showed that ASIR gradually increased with increasing SDI, whereas ASMR showed an initial increase followed by a decreasing trend. The ASIR and ASMR for the overall Chinese population and by sex were higher than expected. PAF results indicated that smoking and high body mass index were the main attributable risk factors for ALL mortality and DALYs burden, with their contribution consistently increasing. Decomposition analysis revealed that population growth and epidemiological changes were the primary drivers behind the changes in ALL incidence and mortality burden. Compared with 1990, the IMR for ALL in both China and globally increased in 2021. Over the past three decades, the ASMR and ASDR for ALL in China and globally have generally declined. During the same period, the ASIR and ASPR for ALL increased in China, while globally, the ASIR decreased and the ASPR increased. However, the disease burden of ALL remains high in males, children, and the older adult population. Differentiated prevention and control measures should be implemented in accordance with changes in SDI. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening prevention and early diagnosis, and suggest the need for targeted screening and treatment strategies for different age and sex groups. Concurrently, attention should be paid to the role of weight management and tobacco control in comprehensive prevention and control efforts to further reduce the disease burden of ALL.
6.Evaluation of repeated testing with blood screening platform in confirmation of NAT non-discriminatory reactive samples
Mengfan LI ; Xuelian DENG ; Liang ZANG ; Lei ZHOU ; Xiaochun LIU ; Xiaohua LIANG ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):458-464
Objective: To evaluate repeated testing on blood screening platforms in confirmation of non-discriminatory reactive (NDR) samples in nucleic acid testing (NAT). Methods: A total of 102 HBsAg-negative/NAT NDR samples were collected from voluntary blood donors at Dalian Blood Center between January 2021 and December 2023. Repeated testing was performed using two NAT platforms (Cobas s201 and Panther). For the first round of repeated testing, all samples were tested 12 times on each system; for the second round, the samples which were non-reactive or only reactive once in the first round were tested an additional 8 times. Anti-HBc and anti-HBs was detected using electrochemiluminescence assay (ECA). Meanwhile, blood donors were followed up. Results: The proportion of anti-HBc+ in 102 NDR samples was 88.2%. Forty-one samples (40.2%, 41/102) and 7 samples were confirmed HBV DNA+ in first-round and second-round repeated testing, respectively. The cumulative confirmation rate of HBV DNA+ was 47.1% (48/102) after repeated testing. Extra five blood donors detected HBV DNA+ in follow-up were identified as anti-HBc+ occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI), while no window period infection was observed. Ultimately, there were 53 HBV infected donors confirmed, 46 HBV infection-unconfirmed, and 3 HBV uninfected. No significant difference was observed between the confirmation rate of the first-round testing and the cumulative confirmation rate after the second-round testing (P>0.05). The proportion of anti-HBc+ donors was quite high in both HBV infection-confirmed (98.1%) and unconfirmed group (82.6%), and donors with seronegative and anti-HBs-only occupied a high proportion in the latter (P<0.05). Conclusion: Numerous repeated testing of NDR samples using NAT platforms cannot achieve complete confirmation of HBV infection. Supplementary anti-HBc testing can minimize potential OBI risk among NDR donors, and is low-cost and efficient.
7.Consistency and risk factor analysis of 2 growth chart in the diagnosis of extrauterine growth restriction in preterm infants with a gestational age at birth of less than 32 weeks
Fan ZHANG ; Xiaohua ZHANG ; Shushu LI ; Shuping HAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):61-67
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic consistency of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) assessed by the Fenton 2013 preterm growth charts (Fenton 2013) and the growth charts by International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century (IG-21).Methods:This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 5 591 preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) at birth of less than 32 weeks admitted to 19 member hospitals of the Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative Network of Suxinyun from January 1 st, 2019, to December 31 st, 2024. Clinical data including baseline characteristics, complications, feeding practices and anthropometrics were processed and analyzed. EUGR was assessed using both the Fenton 2013 and the IG-21. A decrease in weight Z-score at discharge compared to admission by more than 1 was defined as longitudinal EUGR, and discharge weight below the P10 for the corresponding corrected GA was defined as cross-sectional EUGR. Diagnostic consistency was assessed using the Kappa coefficient between the 2 standards, and diagnostic performance of the 2 standards was compared using the McNemar test. Risk factors for EUGR under different definitions were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results:A total of 5 591 preterm infants were included, with a GA at birth of (29.7±1.6) weeks and a birth weight of (1 360±315) g and at discharge with a corrected GA of (36.3±2.0) weeks and weight of (2 246±370) g. Detection rates of cross-sectional and longitudinal EUGR diagnosed by Fenton 2013 were both higher than those by IG-21 (37.0% (2 214/5 991) vs. 23.7% (1 324/5 591), 61.1% (3 662/5 991) vs. 30.7% (1 714/5 591), χ2=326.77 and 1 358.05, both P<0.001). Using Fenton 2013 as a reference, IG-21 demonstrated superior diagnostic value and consistency in identifying cross-sectional EUGR compared with longitudinal EUGR (sensitivity of 100.0% (3 377/3 377) vs. 99.6% (1 922/1 929), specificity of 59.8% (1 324/2 214) vs. 46.6% (1 707/3 662), positive predictive value of 79.1% (3 377/4 267) vs. 49.6% (1 922/3 877), negative predictive value of 100.0% (1 324/1 324) vs. 99.6% (1 707/1 714), accuracy of 84.1% (4 701/5 591) vs. 64.9% (3 629/5 591), and Kappa 0.64 vs. 0.37, all P<0.001). In multivariate Logistic regression models, risk factors common to EUGR across both standards included smaller GA at birth, lower birth weight, boy, early-onset sepsis, late-onset sepsis and the elder age at full enteral feeding (all P<0.05). Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus remained an independent risk factor for longitudinal EUGR regardless of whether by the Fenton 2013 or IG-21 standard (adjust odds ratio ( aOR) =1.25 and 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.42 and 1.11-1.45). In addition, under the IG-21 standard, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was an independent risk factor for cross-sectional EUGR ( aOR=1.54, 95% CI 1.00-2.38), while severe necrotizing enterocolitis was an independent risk factor for longitudinal EUGR ( aOR=2.18, 95% CI 1.01-4.73). Conclusions:IG-21 showed lower detection rates of both cross-sectional and longitudinal EUGR than Fenton 2013, suggesting greater clinical applicability of IG-21 by reducing overdiagnosis while maintaining sensitivity for predicting complications. Across both standards, cross-sectional EUGR facilitates early identification of growth restriction, whereas longitudinal EUGR better tracks dynamic growth patterns and complications of preterm infants.
8.The role of shed syndecan-4 in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in rats
HE Kangping ; CHEN Xiaohua ; LI Jinru ; ZHAN Ying ; HE Feng ; JIANG Tianlu ; LI Feifei ; YU Shibin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(5):443-455
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of shed syndecan-4 (sSDC4) in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) in rats, aiming to provide experimental evidence for its prevention and treatment.
Methods:
This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Twelve 6-week-old female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups. They received a single intra-articular injection into the bilateral superior cavity of temporomandibular joint, which consisted of either 50 μL of 4 mg/mL monosodium iodoacetate (TMJOA model group) or 50 μL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, control group). After 4 weeks, the mandibular condylar cartilage was harvested for hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining, Safranin O-fast green (SO) staining, and type II collagen (Col-Ⅱ) immunohistochemical staining to assess the degree of cartilage degeneration. The synovium of the temporomandibular joint was collected for immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to evaluate the degree of synovial inflammation. Synovial fluid from the temporomandibular joint cavity was collected to measure sSDC4 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, 12 6-week-old female SD rats were randomly divided into a His-SDC4 group and a control group, receiving injections into the bilateral superior cavity of temporomandibular joint of either 100 ng/mL (50 μL) of His-SDC4 protein or 50 μL of PBS once every 3 days for a total of 28 days. The same experimental procedures were performed for H&E staining, SO staining, and immunohistochemical staining (Col-Ⅱ IL-6, TNF-α) to observe condylar cartilage degeneration and detect synovial inflammation. Rat synovial fibroblasts and condylar chondrocytes were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into a His-SDC4-stimulated (10 ng/mL) group and control group. Perform CCK-8 cytotoxicity assays and observe cellular morphology under optical microscopy, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in cell culture supernatants were measured by ELISA.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the TMJOA group showed decreased condylar cartilage thickness, percentage of SO-positive area, and percentage of Col-Ⅱ-positive area (all P<0.001); an increased synovitis score (P<0.001) and increased percentages of IL-6- and TNF-α-positive cells in the synovium (all P<0.001); and a significant increase in sSDC4 levels in the synovial fluid (P=0.011). Following intra-articular injection of His-SDC4, condylar cartilage thickness, percentage of SO-positive area, and percentage of Col-Ⅱ-positive area all decreased (all P<0.001); the synovitis score increased (P=0.006), and the percentages of IL-6- and TNF-α-positive cells in the synovium increased (all P<0.001). In vitro experiments showed that His-SDC4 stimulation significantly upregulated the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in both synovial fibroblasts and condylar chondrocytes (all P<0.01), and the levels of these two cytokines in the culture supernatants also significantly increased (all P<0.01).
Conclusion
During TMJOA progression, the level of sSDC4 in the synovial fluid is significantly elevated, which can directly stimulate synovial fibroblasts and condylar chondrocytes to secrete more pro-inflammatory cytokines, forming a vicious cycle that accelerates TMJOA progression.
9.Association between obesity and six minute walk test distance among children and adolescents
ZHANG Hang, NA Xiaona, YUAN Yuxing, WANG Jinghui, CHEN Lanling, CHEN Lijing, LI Tao, LIANG Xiaohua
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):619-623
Objective:
To investigate the associations between childhood obesity and performance of six minute walk test (6MWT), providing evidence for exercise tolerance assessment and exercise intervention strategies for children and adolescents.
Methods:
From March 2021 to December 2023, a cohort study was conducted among students recruited from a primary and secondary school in Chongqing, a total of 709 valid samples were included. The 6MWT was used to assess exercise tolerance, with vital signs measured before and after the test. Anthropometric indicators, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were measured using standardized procedures. Generalized additive models (GAM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were employed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between obesity related indicators and six minute walk distance (6MWD).
Results:
The mean 6MWD of participants was (602.59±70.73)m. GAM showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, body mass index (BMI) and weight had non linear relationships with 6MWD [effective degrees of freedom were 1.55 and 7.13 respectively], and overweight/obesity was associated with a decrease in 6MWD ( β =-18.65) (all P <0.01). Further RCS regression analysis showed that both BMI and weight showed an "inverted U shaped" non linear relationship with 6MWD in the overall population and sex stratified subgroups; the 6MWD of females was lower than that of males, and it showed a significant downward trend with the increase of BMI or weight (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Body weight and BMI in children and adolescents have an important impact on 6MWD, and obesity in children and adolescents is markedly associated with decline in exercise tolerance.
10.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail