1.Effects and mechanism of short-acting exenatide on improving diabetic cognitive dysfunction
Xin LING ; Deming WANG ; Qi LU ; Jinyue HUANG ; Xian ZHENG ; Xiaona ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):589-594
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effect and mechanism of short-acting exenatide on diabetic cognitive dysfunction. METHODS Spontaneously diabetic db / db mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline) and exenatide group (50 μg/kg), with db / m mice as the normal control group (normal saline), with 8 mice in each group. Mice in each group were subcutaneously injected with corresponding drugs or normal saline twice daily for 8 consecutive weeks. Body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured at a fixed time every week. Cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze test. The levels of oxidative st ress indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) ] , cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) were detected in hippocampus tissue of mice. The hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells of mice were divided into control group (25 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (125 mmol/L glucose), high glucose+exenatide group (125 mmol/L glucose+20 nmol/L exenatide), high glucose+exenatide+H89 (PKA inhibitor) group (125 mmol/L glucose+20 nmol/L exenatide+10 μmol/L H89), and high glucose+H89 group (125 mmol/L glucose+10 μmol/L H89). After 48 h of intervention with corresponding solutions/culture medium, the levels of oxidative stress indicators, cAMP and PKA, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and the phosphorylation level of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were measured. RESULTS Animal experiments showed that compared with the normal control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased body weight, fasting blood glucose and MDA level in the hippocampus ( P <0.05), as well as significantly prolonged escape latency ( P <0.05); swimming speed significantly slowed down, the time spent in the target quadrant, the number of platform crossings, and the levels of SOD, GSH, cAMP and PKA in the hippocampus were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with model group, all the above indicators (except for swimming speed) in the exenatide group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). Cell experiments showed that compared with high glucose group, the high glucose+exenatide group had significantly decreased MDA level ( P <0.05), and significantly increased levels of SOD, GSH, cAMP and PKA, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and phosphorylation level of Drp1 ( P <0.05). Compared with high glucose+exenatide group, the above indicators in the high glucose+exenatide+H89 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Short-acting exenatide can activate the cAMP/PKA pathway, promote Drp1 phosphorylation, and increase the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, thereby maintaining mitochondrial stability, reducing oxidative stress injury, and ultimately improving diabetic cognitive dysfunction.
2.Active Ingredients of Bupleuri Radix in Treatment of Central Nervous System: A Review
Shuhuan YANG ; Xin JIANG ; Runda YUAN ; Fang LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):325-334
Diseases of the central nervous system have become a growing global health concern. At present, there are many adverse reactions in the treatment with Western medicine. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine has shown unique efficacy and rich clinical practice accumulation in diseases of the central nervous system. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Bupleuri Radix has played an important role in the treatment of neurological diseases through multi-target regulation, multi-pathway intervention, and multi-pathway mechanism of action. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the pharmacological effects of Bupleuri Radix, it has been found that the active ingredients such as saikosaponin, baicalin, quercetin, and kaempferol in Bupleuri Radix can be used as the main material basis for the treatment of neurological diseases. The results of this study showed that in neurodegenerative diseases, active ingredients of Bupleuri Radix can inhibit β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein (Tau protein) in Alzheimer's disease, regulate the nuclear factor-κB/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NF-κB/Nrf2) pathway to play the anti-inflammatory role, and alleviate α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation and mitochondrial damage in Parkinson's disease. In epilepsy, depression, and cerebral ischemia, they can improve symptoms by regulating neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, and apoptosis pathways, and inhibit brain glioma proliferation. However, the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, and the complexity of compound components and poor blood-brain barrier penetration limit their clinical application. In the future, it is necessary to integrate multi-omics, network pharmacology, and nano-delivery technologies, focus on the optimization of active ingredient group compounds and the precise guidance of biomarkers, accelerate the development of innovative therapies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases for laying a solid theoretical foundation for further development and application and inspiring new research ideas.
3.Normal initial lactate level in sepsis patients: is lactate still useful for prognosis prediction?
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2026;17(1):57-64
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a highly heterogeneous organ dysfunction syndrome. There is limited evidence regarding phenotypes and clinical outcomes in sepsis patients with initial normal lactate levels. We sought to identify the lactate-based clinical phenotypes and outcomes of sepsis patients.
METHODS: The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) and eICU databases were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. Adult sepsis patients were included. Lactate was measured via blood gas, and the same assay type was used across both databases. Serial lactate measurements were analyzed via a two-point classification system based on the highest values recorded during two consecutive 24-hour periods following ICU admission. The first measurement window (T1) comprised the initial 24 h post-admission, whereas the second window (T2) covered 24-48 h post-admission. The lactate difference was defined as the numerical change between the highest lactate level at T2 and the highest level at T1. The time interval between these two measurements was fixed, with T2 commencing immediately after T1, together encompassing the first 48 h post-ICU admission. A normal lactate level was defined as ≤2 mmol/L, and an elevated level was defined as >2 mmol/L. Sepsis patients were stratified into four trajectory phenotypes: (1) normal‒normal (N‒N); (2) normal-elevated (N‒E); (3) elevated-normal (E‒N); and (4) elevated-elevated (E‒E). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.
RESULTS: This study enrolled 6,926 sepsis patients. The clinical phenotypes of the sepsis patients were as follows: N‒N (24.4%), N‒E (3.8%), E‒N (36.4%), and E‒E (35.3%). The in-hospital mortality rates of sepsis patients with the four phenotypes from the MIMIC-IV and eICU databases were as follows (N‒N: 18.9% vs. 17.6%, P=0.66; N‒E: 35.3% vs. 29.2%, P=0.45; E‒N: 16.6% vs. 14.2%, P=0.14; E‒E: 43.6% vs. 37.8%, P=0.01). After adjusting for age, sex, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, vasopressor therapy, and infection sites, the N‒E phenotype was associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.44; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 1.11-1.86; P=0.006; adjusted OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.23-2.11; P<0.001). The E‒N phenotype was associated with the most favorable outcomes for in-hospital mortality in the multivariable analysis (adjusted OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.36-0.46; P<0.001). The E‒E phenotype was associated with the highest risk of in-hospital mortality in the overall cohort (adjusted OR 3.00; 95% CI2.67-3.37; P<0.001).
CONCLUSION: In sepsis patients with normal initial lactate levels, serial lactate measurements could be valuable for prognostic assessment.
4.Occupational fatigue and influencing factors of live-line power distribution workers
Ruijian PAN ; Conghan LIU ; Xin LU ; Chu CHEN ; Min LI ; Lei LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):196-200
Background Fatigue among distribution network live-line workers in complex operational environments has become increasingly severe and requires widespread attention. Objective To investigate the positive rates of fatigue and associated influencing factors of live-line power distribution workers, and to make a reasonable strategy to reduce the fatigue of front-line workers. Methods Power supply companies in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces were selected by cluster sampling in 2023, and all front-line live-line workers in the selected companies were recruited. The questionnaire used in this study consisted of two parts: one was the Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) for investigating fatigue status and the other was for associated influencing factors. A FS-14 score greater than 3 points was defined as fatigue.
5.Mechanism of multi dimensional exercise in weight management for overweight and obesity children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):452-456
Abstract
To estavlish a more comprehensive theoretical framework for the weight management of children and adolescents, the study systematically expounds on the two core strategies for dietary and exercise intervention. It explores the mechanism of diet, physical activity, breating exercise, functional movement correction and multi dimensional integrated exercise modalities in preventing weight rebound after weight loss in overweight and obesity children and adolescents. Future advancements in research methodology are expected to improve the evidence system of collaborative interventions, so as to provide precise strategies for obesity management in children and adolescents.
6.Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of GP73 Interactome Using Proximity-dependent Labeling Technology
Mu-Yi LIU ; Chang ZHANG ; Meng-Xin YANG ; Xin-Long YAN ; Lu-Ming WAN ; Cong-Wen WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):711-723
ObjectiveProtein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to the execution of biological functions within living cells. However, traditional biochemical methods, such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), often fail to capture transient, weak, or membrane-associated interactions due to the stringent detergent requirements for cell lysis. Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged in recent years as a transformative technology for mapping the proteomes of specific subcellular compartments and identifying dynamic interactomes in situ. Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2), a resident type II Golgi transmembrane protein, is a well-recognized clinical biomarker for liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical significance, the comprehensive physiological and pathological functions of GP73 remain partially understood. This study aims to establish an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling system specifically targeting GP73 to map its interactome in a living cellular environment, thereby providing new insights into its molecular roles and regulatory mechanisms. MethodsTo achieve spatial specificity, we first constructed a stable cell line expressing a fusion protein consisting of GP73 and the engineered soybean peroxidase APEX2. The localization of the GP73-APEX2 fusion protein was validated to ensure it correctly targeted the Golgi apparatus. The proximity labeling reaction was initiated by incubating the cells with biotin-phenol (BP) for 30 min, followed by a brief (1 min) treatment with1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This catalytic reaction converts BP into highly reactive, short-lived biotin-phenoxyl radicals that covalently attach to endogenous proteins within a small labeling radius of the GP73-APEX2 enzyme. Subsequently, the cells were quenched, and biotinylated proteins were enriched using high-affinity streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured “neighbor” proteins were subjected to on-bead digestion and analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-throughput identification. Rigorous bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network mapping, was performed to interpret the biological significance of the identified candidates. ResultsOur results demonstrate the successful establishment of a robust and sensitive APEX2-based proximity labeling system for GP73. We identified a total of 95 high-confidence interacting proteins that were significantly enriched in the GP73 proximity proteome compared to control groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these interactors were predominantly associated with biological processes such as vesicular transport, protein localization, and, most notably, molecular functions related to “ribosome binding” and “translation regulation”. This suggested an unexpected role for the Golgi-resident GP73 in the cellular translation machinery. To validate these findings, we performed targeted biochemical assays which confirmed a direct interaction between GP73 and the subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, specifically EIF3G and EIF3I. Furthermore, functional validation using the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) assay—a non-radioactive method to monitor protein synthesis—revealed that the overexpression of GP73 significantly promoted global protein translation levels in the cell, whereas its depletion or inhibition resulted in reduced translation efficiency. ConclusionThis study successfully utilized APEX2-mediated proximity labeling to provide the first systematic map of GP73 interactome in living cells. Our findings uncover a novel, unconventional function of GP73 as a regulator of cellular protein translation, likely mediated through its interaction with the eIF3 complex. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the biological roles of GP73 beyond its traditional function in the Golgi apparatus and suggests that it may act as a bridge between Golgi-related trafficking and the protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, the technical framework established in this study provides a valuable template for investigating other complex organelle-associated protein networks and resolving transient macromolecular interactions in various physiological and pathological contexts.
7.Association between daytime outdoor physical activity and common oral diseases among primary school students
ZHAO Binbin, ZHOU Yi, LU Xiuzhen, SUN Ying, CHEN Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):719-722
Objective:
To explore the association between daytime outdoor physical activity (OPA) and oral health indicators among primary school students, aiming to provide evidence for developing oral health intervention strategies based on natural exposure.
Methods:
In October 2023, based on the "Tianchang Children s Light Exposure and Growth Development Cohort", 799 second and third grades children were recruited from two primary schools in Tianchang, Chuzhou City, Anhui Province. Physical activity intensity and light exposure were objectively monitored for 24 hours over 5 consecutive days using triaxial accelerometers synchronized with portable illuminance meters. Standardized oral examinations were performed to record dental caries, gingivitis, and malocclusion. Demographics, lifestyle variables, and household socioeconomic data were collected via questionnaires. Multiple linear regression (for the number of carious teeth) and Logistic regression (for gingivitis risk) were used to analyze the relationship between daytime outdoor moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and oral health outcomes.
Results:
The average daytime outdoor MVPA was (0.76±0.35)h, with (0.95±0.40)h on weekdays and (0.49±0.47)h on weekends. The detection rates for dental caries, gingivitis, and malocclusion were 31.0%, 4.6%, and 59.7%, respectively. Compared with children with good oral health, the duration of outdoor MVPA on school days was reduced in children with caries or gingivitis ( Z =-11.4, -5.01, both P <0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that after adjusting for factors such as gender, age, body mass index, oral hygiene behaviors, an increase in daytime outdoor MVPA duration was associated with a decrease in the number of dental caries ( β=-0.64, 95%CI =-0.93 to -0.35) and a reduced risk of gingivitis ( OR= 0.58 , 95%CI =0.34-0.98) in primary school students (both P <0.05). The association was primarily observed on school days ( β=-0.72, 95%CI = -1.07 to -0.37; OR=0.42, 95%CI =0.21-0.85) (both P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Daytime outdoor MVPA on weekdays is significantly associated with a lower number of carious teeth and a reduced risk of gingivitis in primary school students. Increasing daytime outdoor activities on weekdays may serve as a promising and potential strategy for promoting children s oral health.
8.Application of Insect and Vine Medicinal Pairs in the Treatment of Postoperative Recurrence and Metastasis of Bladder Cancer:from the Perspective of Blood Collaterals Theory
Canlin WANG ; Sijia LIU ; Xin CHEN ; Jianxin LU ; Yaqiang ZHANG ; Shuqi SONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1120-1124
Based on the theory of blood collateral, postoperative recurrence and metastasis of bladder cancer are considered to arise primarily from the binding of stasis and toxin, which accumulate and hide within the blood collaterals. Accordingly, treatment should focus on clearing and resolving the deeply concealed stasis toxin retained in the blood collaterals. The paired use of insect and vine medicinals may exert synergistic effects by simultaneously searching out and eliminating pathogenic factors, guiding the action of herbs to the channels, and unblocking the collaterals. Drawing on clinical practice, the stasis-toxin pathogenesis of postoperative recurrence and metastasis of bladder cancer can be divided into four stages including stagnation and astringent of collateral qi, formation of fixed stasis nests, transformation of persistent stasis into toxin, and deficiency of healthy qi with lingering toxin. Accordingly, four herb pairs are proposed for each stage based on conventional treatment, which are Dilong (Pheretima)-Daxueteng (Caulis Sargentodoxae), Shuizhi (Hirudo)-Jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi), Wugong (Scolopendra)-Luoshiteng (Caulis Trachelospermi), and Quanxie (Scorpio)-Qianjinteng (stephania). Their potential modern pharmacological mechanisms are further discussed.
9.The study of m6A methylation-related proteins in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD mice
Jiaying LU ; Luodong YANG ; Keke LU ; Wenlong XIN ; Bin LI ; Qulong LI ; Guiqing ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):495-500
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of prefrontal cortical neurons, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), and AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) proteins in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MethodsA PTSD mouse model was established using a single prolonged stress and foot shock stimulation (SPSS) method. The despair, anxiety, and learning and memory functions of PTSD mice were assessed through the open field test, Y-maze test, and forced swimming test. Neuronal damage was detected via HE and Nissl staining. The expression levels of METTL3, FTO, ALKBH5, and neuronal nuclear protein (NEUN) were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared to control group, PTSD mice subjected to SPSS exhibited signs of despair, anxiety, and impaired learning and memory. HE and Nissl staining results showed neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD mice. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression of the m6A-related proteins METTL3 and FTO decreased, while the expression of ALKBH5 increased in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, NEUN protein levels showed a declining trend. ConclusionThe pathogenesis of PTSD may be associated with neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex and alterations in m6A methylation proteins.
10.Efficacy of Zishen Huoxue Formula in treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer
Jing JING ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Simiao YU ; Xin WANG ; Yongqiang SUN ; Yiling WANG ; Ruixin GAO ; Yinying LU ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):874-881
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Zishen Huoxue Formula (ZSXHF) on molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC), to assess the efficacy of ZSXHF in the treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among the PLC patients with molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria who were diagnosed and treated in The Department of Hepatology of Chinese PLA General Hospital, from January 1, 2022 to July 1, 2025. With ZSXHF treatment as the exposure factor, the patients with a cumulative treatment duration of ≥9 weeks were enrolled as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, while those without TCM treatment were enrolled as control group. Propensity score matching was performed for the two groups at a ratio of 1∶1 based on sex, age, 24-hour urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for promoting the improvement of targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria. ResultsA total of 137 PLC patients with targeted-therapy-associated proteinuria were enrolled, with 34 patients in the TCM group and 103 in the control group. After follow-up for 6 months, the TCM group had a significant improvement in urinary protein grade compared with the control group (χ2=9.261, P=0.016). There were 25 patients in each group after propensity score matching, and after follow-up for 6 months, there were significant differences between the two groups in urinary protein grade (χ2=15.689, P<0.001) and 24-hour urinary protein (Z=-3.075, P=0.002). After cumulative treatment with ZSXHF for ≥9 weeks, the TCM group had a significantly greater change in 24-hour urinary protein from baseline compared with the control group (t=-2.514, P=0.016), while there were no significant differences in the changes in liver and renal function after ZSXHF intervention between the two groups (all P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ZSXHF treatment (odds ratio=2.901, 95% confidence interval: 1.135 — 7.417, P=0.026) was an independent influencing factor for improvement in molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria. ConclusionZSHXF can effectively alleviate molecular-targeted therapy-associated proteinuria in PLC patients with a favorable safety profile, which provides a new reference for TCM prevention and treatment of molecular-targeted therapy-associated adverse reactions in PLC patients.


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