1.Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Xueqing LIU ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Tingting WANG ; Ning WANG ; Man LIU ; Li WU ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):69-78
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes and one of its most common complications. Prolonged hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and pathological angiogenesis, ultimately disrupting the blood-retinal barrier(BRB) and leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Recent studies show that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of DR's pathological changes. Meanwhile, Chinese herbal monomers have been shown to modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby intervening in the development of DR. In terms of inhibiting oxidative stress, saponin compounds such as platycodin-D and ginsenoside Rb1 downregulate the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), thereby ameliorating retinal oxidative stress. Flavonoids such as total flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flower and puerarin upregulate the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), effectively clearing lipid peroxides. Regarding the suppression of inflammation, phenolic compounds like resveratrol and chlorogenic acid inhibit the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, reducing the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and mitigating inflammatory responses. In the context of inhibiting apoptosis, polysaccharides such as Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide and Angelica sinensis polysaccharide downregulate the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and suppress the activity of the executioner Caspase-3, thereby reducing the apoptosis rate. As for the inhibition of neovascularization, compounds including bilobalide and physcion significantly decrease the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to a reduction in retinal pathological angiogenesis. Furthermore, Chinese herbal compound prescriptions such as Tongluo Zhujing pills, Yiqi Huoxue Yangyin decoction, Qiming granules, and Danlou tablets can also intervene in the onset and progression of DR through the mechanisms described above. In summary, both Chinese herbal monomers and Chinese herbal compound prescriptions can modulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, alleviate inflammation, and participate in maintaining BRB integrity, suppressing retinal neovascularization, and preventing neurodegeneration, thereby delaying the progression of DR. Therefore, this paper reviews and summarizes recent studies at home and abroad on how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) works to treat DR, and the relationship between the Nrf2 pathway and DR. It aims to provide research ideas for preventing and treating DR.
2.Advancements in the smartification of reproductive health care: examining the utilization and convergence of artificial intelligence technologies in assisted reproduction
Na WANG ; Jing LIU ; Shimin WANG ; Junmei FAN ; Xueqing WU ; Jia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(2):121-125
Recently, intelligent care is gradually changing the traditional care way, and artificial intelligence (AI) application is gradually broadening in the field of assisted reproduction. This review systematically analyzes the AI application in multiple aspects of reproductive health care. It also indicates the challenge during the process, including data privacy, technical reliability, ethics and legal provisions, and humanistic care. Both the opportunities of AI in assisted reproduction are highlighted and the ensuing problems are analyzed in depth. The purpose is to provide ideas for future studies to ensure that AI technology can be safely, efficiently and responsibly integrated with the field of reproductive health care.
3.Progress on key genes in oocyte maturation and its fertilization process
Jiayao CHEN ; Zhiping ZHANG ; Shimin WANG ; Pengfei ZHU ; Xueqing WU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):90-95
Oocyte maturation disorders and fertilization failures are caused by a variety of factors, including complex factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and poor oocyte quality. With the widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technology, more and more genetic mutations have been found to be associated with oocyte maturation and fertilization process in infertile patients. This paper summarizes and discusses 11 key genes ( TRIP13, TBPL2, LHX8, PATL2, TUBB8, CDC20, WEE2, ZP, ASTL, JUNO and CD9) related to oocyte maturation and fertilization-related disorders in females, providing a basis for research on the prevention of diseases associated with oocyte maturation blockage and fertilization failure and the development of targeted therapies.
4.Research progress on the effect of enzyme deficiencies and female reproductive health in patients with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Shimin WANG ; Xiuping ZHANG ; Jiayao CHEN ; Pengfei ZHU ; Xueqing WU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):637-643
Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH), an autosomal recessive disorder, stems from genetic mutations affecting the enzymes and cofactors integral to adrenal steroidogenesis. These mutations may result in diminished activity or a complete loss of function for critical enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The impairment of these enzymatic processes has profound implications for reproductive health in females, mediated through both genetic and endocrine pathways. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis of various enzyme defects in different types of NCCAH, their clinical features, and their impact on female fertility. It is hoped that this will help refine the diagnostic strategies for infertility associated with NCCAH, thereby enhancing fertility of patients and providing new directions and opportunities for further research in this field.
5.The Effect of Different Heights of Salto Tibial Components on Stability of the Bone-Prosthesis Interface after Total Ankle Replacement Surgery
Shengyu PAN ; Da LU ; Yangyang XU ; Yong WU ; Le ZHANG ; Xueqing WU ; Hui DU ; Liangpeng LAI ; Baoqing PEI
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):428-434
Objective To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of Salto Talaris tibial components with different heights at the bone-prosthesis interface during different gait support phases after total ankle replacement.Methods An ankle joint model was reconstructed using a weight-bearing CT from a 61-year-old female patient with ankle arthritis,and Salto Talaris tibial components with different heights(5,7,9,11 mm)were modelled to simulate the loading of the tibial-prosthesis during four gait support phases,and to analyse the micromotion and stresses at the bone-prosthesis interface.Results The 11 mm and 9 mm models had a poorer prosthesis stability,with the peak micromotion exceeding 50 μm and the peak internal tibial stresses of 30.75 MPa and 29.86 MPa,respectively,which exceeded the yield stress of the cancellous bone.The tibial stresses of the 7 mm and 5 mm models were within reasonable ranges and the average peak micromotions were only 42.66 μm and 40.32 μm.In contrast,the initial stability of the 5 mm model prosthesis was the best.Conclusions For total ankle replacement with Salto prosthesis,the height of the tibial component should be chosen appropriately,and the optimal height was about 5 mm.Excessive flexion and extension activities of the ankle joint should be avoided to maintain the stability of the prosthesis after surgery.This study provides a theoretical basis for the improvement of the structural parameters of the Salto prosthesis,which is valuable for the selection of clinical surgical prostheses and helps to improve the results of total ankle replacement.
6.The Effect of Different Heights of Salto Tibial Components on Stability of the Bone-Prosthesis Interface after Total Ankle Replacement Surgery
Shengyu PAN ; Da LU ; Yangyang XU ; Yong WU ; Le ZHANG ; Xueqing WU ; Hui DU ; Liangpeng LAI ; Baoqing PEI
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):428-434
Objective To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of Salto Talaris tibial components with different heights at the bone-prosthesis interface during different gait support phases after total ankle replacement.Methods An ankle joint model was reconstructed using a weight-bearing CT from a 61-year-old female patient with ankle arthritis,and Salto Talaris tibial components with different heights(5,7,9,11 mm)were modelled to simulate the loading of the tibial-prosthesis during four gait support phases,and to analyse the micromotion and stresses at the bone-prosthesis interface.Results The 11 mm and 9 mm models had a poorer prosthesis stability,with the peak micromotion exceeding 50 μm and the peak internal tibial stresses of 30.75 MPa and 29.86 MPa,respectively,which exceeded the yield stress of the cancellous bone.The tibial stresses of the 7 mm and 5 mm models were within reasonable ranges and the average peak micromotions were only 42.66 μm and 40.32 μm.In contrast,the initial stability of the 5 mm model prosthesis was the best.Conclusions For total ankle replacement with Salto prosthesis,the height of the tibial component should be chosen appropriately,and the optimal height was about 5 mm.Excessive flexion and extension activities of the ankle joint should be avoided to maintain the stability of the prosthesis after surgery.This study provides a theoretical basis for the improvement of the structural parameters of the Salto prosthesis,which is valuable for the selection of clinical surgical prostheses and helps to improve the results of total ankle replacement.
7.Prevalence of sarcopenia and influencing factors in middle-aged and older adults in Zhejiang Province
Yincun WANG ; Xucheng WU ; Kaili SUN ; Xueqing JIA ; Liming ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Jing SHAO ; Zuobing CHEN ; Xiaoting LIU ; Peng ZHAN ; Zuyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(7):1224-1230
Objective:To investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and potential influencing factors in middle-aged and elderly populations in Zhejiang Province.Methods:Data were obtained from Zhejiang Provincial Household Economic Status Survey, a cross-sectional survey was condcuted in middle-aged and olde adults selected through multi-stage sampling in three cities in Zhejiang (Huzhou, Jiaxing and Shaoxing) in July 2023. A total of 3 019 study participants, average age 62.3 years old, 53.5% men, were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sarcopenia screening was conducted by using the questionnaire with five sarcopenia related-items. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with sarcopenia.Results:The prevalence of sarcopenia in the middle-aged and old study participants was 4.47%. Significant differences were observed between the participants with or without sarcopenia in terms of age, educational level, BMI, alcohol consumption status, diet habit, physical activity level, sleep quality, number of chronic diseases, childhood socioeconomic status, adulthood community socioeconomic status, muscle strength, walking assistance, ability to stand from seat, ability to climb stairs, and fall frequency ( P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that old age (≥75 years: OR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.60-4.97), low body weight ( OR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.06-3.62), unhealthy diet habit ( OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.01-2.46), physical inactivity ( OR=5.80, 95% CI: 3.09-10.88), poor or very poor sleep quality ( OR=1.65, 95% CI:1.23-2.41), number of chronic diseases (1 chronic disease: OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.08-3.14; 2 chronic diseases: OR=3.22, 95% CI: 1.81-5.71; 3 or more chronic diseases: OR=3.74, 95% CI: 2.11-6.65), poor childhood socioeconomic status ( OR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.23-7.20), and poor adulthood community socioeconomic status ( OR=3.87, 95% CI: 1.63-9.17) were significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Conclusions:The prevalence of sarcopenia was relatively low in middle-aged and old population in Zhejiang. Age, BMI, unhealthy diet, physical activity level, sleep quality, number of chronic diseases, childhood socioeconomic status, and adulthood community socioeconomic status were identified as significant influencing factors.
8.Advancements in the smartification of reproductive health care: examining the utilization and convergence of artificial intelligence technologies in assisted reproduction
Na WANG ; Jing LIU ; Shimin WANG ; Junmei FAN ; Xueqing WU ; Jia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(2):121-125
Recently, intelligent care is gradually changing the traditional care way, and artificial intelligence (AI) application is gradually broadening in the field of assisted reproduction. This review systematically analyzes the AI application in multiple aspects of reproductive health care. It also indicates the challenge during the process, including data privacy, technical reliability, ethics and legal provisions, and humanistic care. Both the opportunities of AI in assisted reproduction are highlighted and the ensuing problems are analyzed in depth. The purpose is to provide ideas for future studies to ensure that AI technology can be safely, efficiently and responsibly integrated with the field of reproductive health care.
9.Progress on key genes in oocyte maturation and its fertilization process
Jiayao CHEN ; Zhiping ZHANG ; Shimin WANG ; Pengfei ZHU ; Xueqing WU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):90-95
Oocyte maturation disorders and fertilization failures are caused by a variety of factors, including complex factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and poor oocyte quality. With the widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technology, more and more genetic mutations have been found to be associated with oocyte maturation and fertilization process in infertile patients. This paper summarizes and discusses 11 key genes ( TRIP13, TBPL2, LHX8, PATL2, TUBB8, CDC20, WEE2, ZP, ASTL, JUNO and CD9) related to oocyte maturation and fertilization-related disorders in females, providing a basis for research on the prevention of diseases associated with oocyte maturation blockage and fertilization failure and the development of targeted therapies.
10.Research progress on the effect of enzyme deficiencies and female reproductive health in patients with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Shimin WANG ; Xiuping ZHANG ; Jiayao CHEN ; Pengfei ZHU ; Xueqing WU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):637-643
Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH), an autosomal recessive disorder, stems from genetic mutations affecting the enzymes and cofactors integral to adrenal steroidogenesis. These mutations may result in diminished activity or a complete loss of function for critical enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The impairment of these enzymatic processes has profound implications for reproductive health in females, mediated through both genetic and endocrine pathways. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis of various enzyme defects in different types of NCCAH, their clinical features, and their impact on female fertility. It is hoped that this will help refine the diagnostic strategies for infertility associated with NCCAH, thereby enhancing fertility of patients and providing new directions and opportunities for further research in this field.

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