1.Correlation of mitochondrial genetic differentiation and spatial variables of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province
Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Jing SONG ; Yuwan HAO ; Zaogai YANG ; Xinping SHI ; Siqi NING ; Hongqiong WANG ; Chunhong DU ; Jihua ZHOU ; Zongya ZHANG ; Kai LI ; Shizhu LI ; Yi DONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):54-59
Objective Objective To analyze the potential spatial factors affecting the genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province. Methods A total of 13 administrative villages were selected from schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province as O. hupensis snail sampling sites. At least 200 snails were collected in each site, and the spatial variable data of each site were recorded, including longitude, latitude and altitude. Thirty active and Schistosoma japonicum uninfected O. hupensis snails were selected from each sampling site by means of the crawling method and the cercarial shedding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from O. hupensis snails. Following PCR amplification, purification of PCR amplification products and sequencing, the gene sequences of O. hupensis snail samples were spliced and edited using the DNAstar software and the NCBI database to yield the complete mitochondrial sequences of O. hupensis snails at each sampling site, and the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni was calculated at each sampling site. The geographical coordinates of each sampling site were marked using the software ArcGIS 10.2, and the straight-line geographical distance between each sampling site was calculated. The altitude difference, longitude difference and latitude difference between each sampling site were calculated using the Excel software, and the correlation between the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni and each spatial variable matrix was examined by using the Mantel test at 13 sampling sites in Yunnan Province. Results Among the 13 O. hupensis snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province, the largest mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Caizhuang Village, Midu County (26.244 2), and the largest geographical distance was seen between Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (272.64 km). The highest altitude difference was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1 086.10 m), and the largest longitude difference was found between Qiandian Village, Eryuan County and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (1.86°), while the largest latitude difference was measured between Leqiu Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1.81°). In addition, the mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was positively correlated with altitude at 13 snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province (r = 0.542 8, P < 0.001), and showed no significant correlations with geographical distance (r = 0.093 4, P > 0.05), longitude (r = −0.199 5, P > 0.05) or latitude (r = 0.205 7, P > 0.05). Conclusion Altitude may be a potential spatial factor affecting the genetic differentiation of O. hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province.
2.Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Alleviating Inflammatory Pain in Rats by Regulating ErbB Subtypes in the Spinal Dorsal Horn
Yuxin WU ; Shuxin TIAN ; Zhengyi LYU ; Dingru JI ; Xingzhen LI ; Yue DONG ; Binyu ZHAO ; Yi LIANG ; Jianqiao FANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):69-78
ObjectiveTo observe the changes in the levels of different subtypes of epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB), namely ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4, in the spinal dorsal horn of inflammatory pain model rats, and to explore their mechanism of mediating hyperalgesia as well as the intervention mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)". MethodsThe study was divided into five parts. In experiment 1, 14 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control and inflammatory pain group (7 rats each group) to observe the pain behavior and the protein expression of different ErbB receptor subtypes in the spinal dorsal horn. In experiment 2, 30 rats were randomly divided into control group 1, inflammatory pain group 1, and low-, medium-, and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups, with 6 rats in each group, to observe the effect of inhibiting spinal ErbB3 on inflammatory pain. In experiment 3, 12 rats were randomly divided into control virus group and ErbB3 knockdown virus group, with 6 rats in each group, to observe the effect of knocking down ErbB3 in the spinal dorsal horn on inflammatory pain. In experiment 4, 44 rats were randomly divided into control group 2, inflammatory pain group 2, electroacupuncture group, and sham electroacupuncture group, with 11 rats in each group, to observe the effect of electroacupuncture. In experiment 5, 40 rats were randomly divided into control group 3, inflammatory pain group 3, electroacupuncture group 1, and electroacupuncture + NRG1 group, with 10 rats in each group, to observe the effect of activating ErbB3 on electroacupuncture. A rat model of inflammatory pain was established by subcutaneous injection of 100 μl of complete Freund's adjuvant into the sole of the unilateral hind foot of SD rats. Rats in the low-, medium-, and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups were intrathecally injected with ErbB3 inhibitor TX1-85-1 on day 5 to day 7 after modeling. Rats in the ErbB3 knockdown virus group were injected with ErbB3 knockdown virus packaged with adenovirus vector-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into the spinal dorsal horn in situ 3 weeks before modeling. Rats in each electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at bilateral "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)" from day 1 to day 7 after modeling, with dense-sparse waves at a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of 0.5-1.5 mA for 30 minutes once a day. Rats in the electroacupuncture + NRG1 group were intrathecally injected with ErbB3 ligand recombinant human neuregulin-1 (NRG1) after electroacupuncture intervention from day 5 to day 7 after modeling. The mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats were measured on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling to evaluate behavior, and Western Blot was used to detect the protein and phosphorylation levels of each ErbB subtype in the spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the inflammatory pain group showed decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats, and increased expression of phosphorylated ErbB3 (p-ErbB3) protein in the spinal dorsal horn on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling (P<0.01). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the inflammatory pain group 1, the mecha-nical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the medium- and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups increased, and the expression of p-ErbB3 protein decreased (P<0.05). On day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling, compared with the control virus group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the ErbB3 knockdown virus group increased (P<0.05). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the inflammatory pain group 2 and the sham electroacupuncture group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group increased, and the expression of p-ErbB3 protein decreased (P<0.05). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the electroacupuncture + NRG1 group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group 1 increased (P<0.05). ConclusionThe p-ErbB3 in the spinal dorsal horn involved in hyperalgesia in rats with inflammatory pain, and electroacupuncture at "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)" can alleviate inflammatory pain by inhibiting the expression of p-ErbB3 protein in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.
3.Mechanisms of Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Regulating Ferroptosis
Haihang DONG ; Yuying TU ; Xingrong LI ; Yujie CAI ; Yi REN ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xiaozhi Qinggan decoction (XQD) in preventing and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating ferroptosis, network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, mouse MASLD models were established by high-fat diet (HFD) induction. The model mice were randomly assigned to a positive control group (silybin, 50 mg·kg-1), low-, medium- and high-dose XQD groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g·kg-1), with a normal control group. After 4 weeks of modeling, mice except the normal group were administered intragastrically for 8 consecutive weeks. Liver function, serum lipid levels, hepatic histopathology, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and Fe2+ were detected. The mRNA and protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 were determined by quantitative Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. In the network pharmacology analysis, active components and potential targets of XQD for MASLD were screened, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking was performed to verify the target binding activity. In the in vitro experiment, the optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum was screened by cytotoxicity assay. HepG2 cells were transfected with ov-NC or ov-p53 plasmid, and a lipid accumulation model was induced by free fatty acid (FFA, 1.0 mmol·L-1). Cells were divided into a normal group, FFA model group, ov-NC+XQD (15%) group and ov-p53+XQD (15%) group. Intracellular Fe2+ level and lipid accumulation were evaluated, and the protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited markedly elevated body weight, liver weight, liver index, fasting blood glucose, AUC of glucose tolerance test, serum liver function and blood lipid levels at week 12 (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were observed by pathological staining. Additionally, hepatic levels of MDA, SOD and Fe2+ were increased (P<0.01), while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and medium-dose XQD groups showed significantly decreased body weight at week 12 (P<0.05). The silybin group, together with the medium- and high-dose XQD groups, presented reduced liver weight and liver index (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and the AUC of glucose tolerance test were lowered in all four treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological staining revealed alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, accompanied by decreased serum liver function and blood lipid levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, hepatic MDA and SOD levels were markedly reduced, while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Hepatic Fe2+ level was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was downregulated, and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, tanshinone IIA and isorhamnetin as the core active components of XQD, with p53 serving as the key target. Stable binding was verified between these active components and the p53 protein. The optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum in vitro was determined to be 15%. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased intracellular Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, significantly upregulated p53 protein expression (P<0.01), and markedly downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ov-NC group exhibited reduced Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, downregulated p53 expression, and upregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression. In the ov-p53 group, p53 expression was upregulated (P<0.01), while SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression was downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionXQD inhibits ferroptosis by downregulating p53 and upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes and improving MASLD.
4.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.
5.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
6.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
7.The Mechanism of Exercise Regulating Intestinal Flora in The Prevention and Treatment of Depression
Lei-Zi MIN ; Jing-Tong WANG ; Qing-Yuan WANG ; Yi-Cong CUI ; Rui WANG ; Xin-Dong MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1418-1434
Depression, a prevalent mental disorder with significant socioeconomic burdens, underscores the urgent need for safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions. Recent advances in microbiome research have revealed the pivotal role of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of depression. Concurrently, exercise, as a cost-effective and accessible intervention, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on the interplay among exercise, gut microbiota modulation, and depression, elucidating the mechanistic pathways through which exercise ameliorates depressive symptoms via the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. Depression is characterized by gut microbiota alterations, including reduced alpha and beta diversity, depletion of beneficial taxa (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Coprococcus), and overgrowth of pro-inflammatory and pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Morganella, Klebsiella, and Enterobacteriaceae). Metagenomic analyses reveal disrupted metabolic functions in depressive patients, such as diminished synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), impaired tryptophan metabolism, and dysregulated bile acid conversion. For instance, Bifidobacterium longum deficiency correlates with reduced synthesis of neuroactive metabolites like homovanillic acid, while decreased Coprococcus abundance limits butyrate production, exacerbating neuroinflammation. Furthermore, elevated levels of indole derivatives from Clostridium species inhibit serotonin (5-HT) synthesis, contributing to depressive phenotypes. These dysbiotic profiles disrupt the MGB axis, triggering systemic inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity. Exercise exerts profound effects on gut microbiota composition, diversity, and metabolic activity. Longitudinal studies demonstrate that sustained aerobic exercise increases alpha diversity, enriches SCFA-producing genera (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia, and Akkermansia), and suppresses pathobionts (e.g., Desulfovibrio and Streptococcus). For example, a meta-analysis of 25 trials involving 1 044 participants confirmed that exercise enhances microbial richness and restores the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a biomarker of metabolic health. Notably, endurance training promotes Veillonella proliferation, which converts lactate into propionate, enhancing energy metabolism and delaying fatigue. Exercise also strengthens intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, occludin), thereby reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation and systemic inflammation. However, excessive exercise may paradoxically diminish microbial diversity and exacerbate intestinal permeability, highlighting the importance of moderate intensity and duration. Exercise ameliorates depressive symptoms through multifaceted interactions with the gut microbiota, primarily via 4 interconnected pathways. First, exercise mitigates neuroinflammation by elevating anti-inflammatory SCFAs such as butyrate, which suppresses NF-κB signaling to attenuate microglial activation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Animal studies demonstrate that voluntary wheel running reduces hippocampal TNF‑α and IL-17 levels in stress-induced depression models, while fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from exercised mice reverses depressive behaviors by modulating the TLR4/NF‑κB pathway. Second, exercise regulates neurotransmitter dynamics by enriching GABA-producing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, thereby counteracting neuronal hyperexcitability. Aerobic exercise also enhances the abundance of Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus thermophilus, which facilitate 5-HT and dopamine synthesis. Clinical trials reveal that 12 weeks of moderate exercise increases fecal Coprococcus and Blautia abundance, correlating with improved 5-HT bioavailability and reduced depression scores. Third, exercise normalizes HPA axis hyperactivity by reducing cortisol levels and restoring glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity. In rodent models, chronic stress-induced corticosterone elevation is reversed by probiotic supplementation (e.g., Lactobacillus), which enhances endocannabinoid signaling and hippocampal neurogenesis. Furthermore, exercise upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) via microbial metabolites like butyrate, promoting histone acetylation and synaptic plasticity. FMT experiments confirm that exercise-induced microbiota elevates prefrontal BDNF expression, reversing stress-induced neuronal atrophy. Fourth, exercise reshapes microbial metabolic crosstalk, diverting tryptophan metabolism toward 5-HT synthesis instead of neurotoxic kynurenine derivatives. Butyrate inhibits indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a key enzyme in the kynurenine pathway linked to depression. Concurrently, exercise-induced Akkermansia enrichment enhances mucin production, fortifies the gut barrier, and reduces LPS-driven neuroinflammation. Collectively, these mechanisms underscore exercise as a potent modulator of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, offering a holistic approach to alleviating depression through microbial and neurophysiological synergy. Current evidence supports exercise as a potent adjunct therapy for depression, with personalized regimens (e.g., aerobic, resistance, or yoga) tailored to individual microbiota profiles. However, challenges remain in optimizing exercise prescriptions (intensity, duration, and type) and integrating them with probiotics, prebiotics, or FMT for synergistic effects. Future research should prioritize large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate causality, multi-omics approaches to decipher MGB axis dynamics, and mechanistic studies exploring microbial metabolites as therapeutic targets. The authors advocate for a paradigm shift toward microbiota-centric interventions, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and gut ecosystem resilience in mental health management. In conclusion, this review underscores exercise as a multifaceted modulator of the gut-brain axis, offering novel insights into non-pharmacological strategies for depression. By bridging microbial ecology, neuroimmunology, and exercise physiology, this work lays a foundation for precision medicine approaches targeting the gut microbiota to alleviate depressive disorders.
8.Study on the mechanism of berberine in improving diabetes mellitus type 2 combined with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Yi LI ; Shuyu KANG ; Qiwen WANG ; Manting HUANG ; Congyan ZENG ; Jun TONG ; Gengting DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):1975-1980
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of berberine improving diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) combined with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) by regulating ceramide. METHODS Thirty-two db/db mice with blood glucose levels>11.1 mmol/L (T2DM model) were divided into four groups: model group, berberine low- and high-dose groups [100, 200 mg/(kg·d)] and metformin group [300 mg/(kg·d)], with 8 mice in each group. Additionally, 8 wt/wt mice were selected as the normal control group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or water by gavage once daily for a continuous period of 6 weeks. During the experiment, the body weight of the mice was monitored, and the differences in final body weight were analyzed. After the last administration, the body shape of the mice in each group was observed, and their fasting blood glucose (FBG) and the lipid indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] were measured. Fasting serum insulin (FINS) levels were also measured, and the insulin resistance index HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were calculated. Liver weight, liver index and serum liver function indicators [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST)] were assessed, and hepatic histopathological changes were observed. Additionally, the expression of fatty acid synthesis-related proteins [sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1)] in liver tissue was examined. Serum samples from the normal control group, model group, and berberine high-dose group were collected for non-targeted lipidomics analysis and validation. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the pathological changes, including disordered liver tissue cell arrangement and lipid vacuoles, were significantly improved in the berberine low- and high-dose groups. The significant decreases or down-regulations were observed in body weight in the last week, as well as FBG, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, HOMA-IR (except for the berberine low-dose group), liver weight, liver index, AST and ALT levels, and protein expressions of SREBP1, FASN and ACC1. Additionally, HDL-C levels, FINS (except for the berberine high-dose group), and ISI (except for the berberine low-dose group) were significantly increased (P<0.05). A total of 21 potential differential metabolites, including multiple types of ceramides, were identified; these metabolites were primarily enriched in sphingolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Verification experiments confirmed that high-dose berberine significantly reduced the serum content of ceramide in model mice (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Berberine reduces insulin resistance, improves liver damage and lipid accumulation in the T2DM combined with MAFLD mice, and these effects may be related to the reduction of ceramide content.
9.Longitudinal cross lagged analysis of body mass index and weight stigma with depressive symptom in adolescents
DONG Ziqi, SONG Xinli, YUAN Wen, LI Jing, YANG Tian, ZHANG Xiuhong, SONG Yi, DONG Yanhui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1242-1245
Objective:
To explore the bidirectional associations among body mass index Z scores (BMI Z scores) and weight stigma with depressive symptoms in adolescents, thereby providing evidence for targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
A stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 18 301 adolescents aged 12-18 years from all 12 prefectures (103 counties) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and two waves of longitudinal surveys were conducted in September 2023 (T1) and September 2024 (T2) among the adolescents. Weight stigma was assessed by using a self developed questionnaire, depressive symptom was measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and BMI Z scores were calculated according to the World Health Organization standards. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine associations among variables, and cross lagged panel models were constructed to investigate the dynamic bidirectional relationships among the three variables.
Results:
Adolescents BMI Z scores and weight stigma with depressive symptoms all exhibited autoregressive stability across the two time points (autoregressive paths, all P <0.01). Cross lagged model comparisons indicated that the bidirectional path model achieved the best fit ( χ 2=12.65, RMSEA =0.017, CFI =1.000; △ χ 2=193.39, P <0.01), supporting dynamic bidirectional associations among the three variables. After adjusting for gender, age, subjective social status and only child status, T1 BMI Z scores among adolescents positively predicted T2 weight stigma ( β =0.061), and T1 weight stigma positively predicted T2 depressive symptoms ( β =0.608); in the reverse direction, T1 depressive symptoms predicted T2 weight stigma ( β =0.003), and T1 weight stigma predicted T2 BMI Z scores ( β =0.081) (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
There is a bidirectional cross lagged relationship among adolescents BMI Z scores and weight stigma with depressive symptoms, suggesting that weight stigma may serve as a key psychological variable linking obesity and depressive symptoms. Greater attention should be paid to the potential threat of weight stigma to adolescents mental health, with intervention strategies expanded from a solely physiological focus to encompass psychosocial dimensions.
10.A retrospective cohort study on the protective effectiveness of influenza vaccine against influenza A among the individuals aged between 3‒17 years old in Fenghua District, Ningbo City from 2022 to 2023
Yuqi SHAO ; Weibo DONG ; Yingping XIA ; Chuan ZHANG ; Yi LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):654-658
ObjectiveTo analyze the protective effect of different types of influenza vaccines (InfV) against influenza A among the individuals aged between 3‒17 years old, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of influenza in the future. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect data on the incidence and InfV vaccination of the individuals aged between 3‒17 years during the influenza epidemic season from 2022 to 2023. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated, and a log-binomial regression model was used to calculate the corrected VE. ResultsThe incidence rate of influenza in InfV vaccinated and un-vaccinated groups was 7.32% (1 937/ 26 446) and 9.65% (4 421/45 837), respectively. After adjusting for age and gender factors, the unadjusted VE (95%CI) was 54.57% (52.24%‒56.78%). The unadjusted VE (95%CI) was 53.66% (50.36%‒56.74%) for males and 55.60% (52.24%‒58.72%) for females, respectively. The unadjusted VE (95%CI) for the age group of 3‒ years, 6‒ years, 9‒ years, 12‒ years, and 15‒17 years were 64.08% (60.89%‒67.01%), 57.40% (53.71%‒60.80%), 57.77% (52.49%‒62.47%), 24.36% (9.49%‒36.79%), and 24.09% (-17.59%‒51.00%), respectively. The unadjusted VE (95%CI) for quadrivalent split-virion inactivated influenza vaccine, trivalent split-virion inactivated influenza vaccine, trivalent subunit influenza vaccine, and trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine were 53.84% (51.32%‒56.24%), 62.17% (56.28%‒67.26%), 79.83% (69.94%‒86.46%), and 31.59% (19.07%‒42.18%), respectively. ConclusionThe InfV used during the 2022‒2023 influenza season had a good protective effect against influenza A among the individuals aged between 3‒17 years old, especially in those aged between 3‒11 years old.


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