1.Effects of Early Postoperative Changes in Graft Viscoelasticity on Stress Distributions Within the Knee Joint Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Zizhan LIAN ; Bin SUN ; Shanjiang YU ; Yichen YAN ; Qinqin YANG ; Bin YANG ; Jie YAO
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(5):1129-1135
Objective To investigate stress distributions of the knee joint at 0 and 15th day after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction(ACLR)under a compressive force through the axis of the femoral shaft onto the proximal femur.Methods A three-dimensional(3D)finite element model of the human knee joint incorporating viscoelastic material properties was developed.The one-dimensional(1D)Prony series viscoelastic constitutive model parameters for articular cartilage,menisci,ligaments,and anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)grafts were determined by fitting experimental creep curves.The viscoelastic parameters of ACL grafts at 15th day after ACLR surgery were extrapolated.Finite element simulations were then performed to analyze the von Mises stress distributions in knee ligaments,ACL grafts,articular cartilage,and menisci under 1.5 kN vertical downward compressive load applied to the femur,with loading durations of 1 second and 600 seconds.Results At 15th day after ACLR surgery,the initial relaxation modulus and equilibrium modulus of human ACL grafts remained elevated compared to native ACL tissues,resulting in a significantly higher stress concentration within the grafts relative to healthy ACL.Despite the compromised mechanical properties of the grafts after ACLR surgery,the vertical downward compressive force applied to the femur under both short-term(1s)and prolonged(600 s)loading durations,exhibited a minimal biomechanical impact on articular cartilage and meniscal structures.Conclusions Following ACLR,vertical compressive loads during weight-bearing rehabilitation exercises such as standing demonstrate minimal impact on articular cartilage and meniscus,while promoting fibrous regeneration of the graft.This renders such exercises a prudent early-stage rehabilitation strategy.Graft preparation requires balanced consideration of elastic and viscous properties,with grafts exhibiting higher relaxation modulus and viscosity coefficient than healthy ACL proving more effective in maintaining early postoperative knee stability.
2.Effects of Early Postoperative Changes in Graft Viscoelasticity on Stress Distributions Within the Knee Joint Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Zizhan LIAN ; Bin SUN ; Shanjiang YU ; Yichen YAN ; Qinqin YANG ; Bin YANG ; Jie YAO
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(5):1129-1135
Objective To investigate stress distributions of the knee joint at 0 and 15th day after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction(ACLR)under a compressive force through the axis of the femoral shaft onto the proximal femur.Methods A three-dimensional(3D)finite element model of the human knee joint incorporating viscoelastic material properties was developed.The one-dimensional(1D)Prony series viscoelastic constitutive model parameters for articular cartilage,menisci,ligaments,and anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)grafts were determined by fitting experimental creep curves.The viscoelastic parameters of ACL grafts at 15th day after ACLR surgery were extrapolated.Finite element simulations were then performed to analyze the von Mises stress distributions in knee ligaments,ACL grafts,articular cartilage,and menisci under 1.5 kN vertical downward compressive load applied to the femur,with loading durations of 1 second and 600 seconds.Results At 15th day after ACLR surgery,the initial relaxation modulus and equilibrium modulus of human ACL grafts remained elevated compared to native ACL tissues,resulting in a significantly higher stress concentration within the grafts relative to healthy ACL.Despite the compromised mechanical properties of the grafts after ACLR surgery,the vertical downward compressive force applied to the femur under both short-term(1s)and prolonged(600 s)loading durations,exhibited a minimal biomechanical impact on articular cartilage and meniscal structures.Conclusions Following ACLR,vertical compressive loads during weight-bearing rehabilitation exercises such as standing demonstrate minimal impact on articular cartilage and meniscus,while promoting fibrous regeneration of the graft.This renders such exercises a prudent early-stage rehabilitation strategy.Graft preparation requires balanced consideration of elastic and viscous properties,with grafts exhibiting higher relaxation modulus and viscosity coefficient than healthy ACL proving more effective in maintaining early postoperative knee stability.
3.Analysis of lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity in patients with hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis
Qi YANG ; Na PU ; Yichen DUAN ; Kun GAO ; Jing ZHOU ; Bo YE ; Gang LI ; Lu KE ; Yuxiu LIU ; Zhihui TONG ; Weiqin LI ; Baiqiang LI
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2025;25(1):44-49
Objective:To investigate lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) patients.Methods:Clinical data of 495 HTG-AP patients admitted from June 2018 to June 2020 in the center for severe acute pancreatitis of Eastern Theater General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Whole-exome sequencing and mutation verification were performed by next-generation sequencing technology and Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of gene mutation was analyzed by population mutation ratio, pathogenicity prediction software, conservation scoring software, protein structure prediction, and in vitro experiments. Results:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, namely LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, were 14.81%, 55.78%, 43.61%, 1.62%, and 0.61%, respectively. Among them, 44 heterozygous mutations in LPL gene were detected including 36 missense mutations, 5 nonsense mutations and 3 frameshift mutations, which were all rarely carried in single patient. Six HTG-AP patients carried the LPL gene heterozygous mutation c.835C>G (p.Leu279Val). The mean level of serum triglyceride at the onset of HTG-AP was 27.4 mmol/L. All of them had a history of recurrent HTG-AP, and most of them had severe acute pancreatitis. The serum LPL concentration and activity were lower than the normal level. The pathogenicity analysis results suggested that the LPL p.Leu279Val was a rare, highly possible pathogenic and highly conserved gene mutation. The in vitro results showed that the LPL p.Leu279Val could significantly reduce the synthesis and secretion ability of LPL as well as its enzymatic activity. Conclusions:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, including LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, are relatively high in the HTG-AP patients. The LPL p.Leu279Val is a rare and highly possible pathogenic gene mutation, which may lead to recurrent episodes of HTG-AP.
4.Clinical Study on Ziyu Prescription in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Related Infertility of Kidney Deficiency
Qitian LU ; Yichen ZHOU ; Bingyi YANG ; Weiwei ZENG ; Xinmin CHEN ; Xiuqi YIN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(9):1224-1231
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of Ziyu Prescription in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome relat-ed infertility of kidney deficiency and its effect on endometrial receptivity.METHODS A total of 120 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome related infertility of kidney deficiency were enrolled and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group,with 60 cases in each group.After excluding dropout cases and excluded cases,56 cases were completed in each group.The control group was treated with letrozole and placebo,while the treatment group was treated with letrozole and Ziyu Prescription.The treatment course of both groups was 3 menstrual cycles.The clinical pregnancy rate and ultrasound Salle score during the implantation window were the main outcome indicators.The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score and serum estradial(E2),testosterone(T),anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),luteinizing hormone(LH),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),serum E2 and progesterone(P)levels during the implantation window were used as secondary outcome indica-tors.Multivariate Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were used to evaluate the effect and predictive ability of ultrasound Salle score on pregnancy outcome.Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the effect of estrogen and progesterone levels during the implantation window on ultrasound Salle score.RESULTS After treatment,the clinical pregnancy rate and ultrasound Salle score during the implantation window in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The total TCM syndrome score of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.01);the ser-um T,LH/FSH,and HOMA-IR levels of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01);the serum E2 and P levels of the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group during the implanta-tion window period(P<0.01).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis showed that ultrasound Salle score was significantly positively correlated with pregnancy rate and had a high predictive value for pregnancy outcome.Multiple linear regression analysis found that there was a linear relationship between the ultrasound Salle score and E2 and P during the implantation window peri-od,and the P level had a greater impact.CONCLUSION Ziyu Prescription can improve the clinical pregnancy rate of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome related infertility of kidney deficiency,effectively improve their endometrial receptivity,regulate the levels of sex hormones and glucose metabolism,reduce the TCM syndrome score,and improve the reproductive quality of patients.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma, Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Li LU ; Yichen YANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Hui CHANG ; Li AN ; Shibao WANG ; Cunde MA ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):218-247
This article systematically reviews and verifies the medicinal materials of Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma(DHR), Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma(DSR), Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma(SCR) and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR) from the aspects of name, origin, producing area, quality, harvesting, processing and efficacy by consulting historical literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing the four medicinal materials. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR have a long history of application as medicinal materials. However, due to their similar growth environment and medicinal properties, as well as their functions of promoting dampness, dispelling wind and removing numbness, there have been instances of homonymous foreign objects and homonymous synonyms throughout history, resulting in confusion of the origin. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct comparative analysis and systematic research for clarifying the historical development and changes of the four, in order to provide a basis for safe and effective medication. According to research, Bixie was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing and has been historically known as Baizhi, Chijie, Zhumu, and other aliases. From ancient times to the mid-20th century, there has always been a situation where the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants and Smilax plants, and even the rhizomes of Heterosmilax plants, were mixed together to be used as medicinal herbs for Bixie. However, since the Tang dynasty, it has been clearly advocated that the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants have excellent quality and have been the mainstream throughout history. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorized it into two types of medicinal herbs(DHR and DSR). Among them, the origin of DHR is the dry rhizomes of Dioscorea hypoglauca, and the origins of DSR are the dry rhizomes of D. spongiosa and D. futschauensis. In ancient times, due to different types, the corresponding production areas of DHR and DSR were also different. Nowadays, They are mainly produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Since the Tang dynasty, the quality of Bixie has been characterized by its white color and soft nature. In modern times, it has been summarized that those with white color, large and thin pieces, powdery texture, tough and elastic texture, and neat and unbreakable are the best. The harvesting times of DHR and DSR are in spring or autumn, with the best quality harvested in autumn. The mainstream processing methods of them are slicing and then using the raw products or wine-processed products. SCR was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu and has been known as Jinganggen, Tielingjiao, Tieshuazi, and other aliases in history. The mainstream source is the dry rhizomes of Smilax china in the past dynasties, with the best quality being those that are tough and rich in powder. The harvesting time is from the late autumn to the following spring, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. SGR was first recorded under the item of Yuyuliang in Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It was listed as an independent medicinal material from Bencao Gangmu. In history, there were such aliases as Cao Yuyuliang, Lengfantuan, Xianyiliang, Tubixie, etc. The main source of the past dynasties was dry rhizomes of S. glabra. In history, there have also been instances of multiple plants belonging to the same genus, and even cases of mixing the rhizomes of plants in the genus Heterosmilax. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other regions, its quality has been summarized as large in size, powdery in texture, with few veins, and light brown in cross-section since modern times. The harvesting time is in spring or autumn, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR all have the effects of promoting dampness, dispelling wind, relieving rheumatism and detoxifying. However, their detoxification abilities are ranked as follows:SGR>SCR>Bixie(DHR and DSR). Especially for the treatment of limb spasms, arthralgia and myalgia, scrofula, and scabies caused by syphilis and mercury poisoning, SGR has a unique effect. Based on the research results, DHR is recommended to develop the famous classical formulas containing Bixie as the first choice for medicinal herbs. It should be harvested in autumn, sliced thinly while fresh, and processed according to the requirements of the famous classical formulas, without any requirements for raw use. Selecting the rhizomes of S. china, harvested in late autumn, and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, use it raw. Selecting the rhizomes of S. glabra, it is harvested in autumn and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, raw products can be used.
6.Analysis of lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity in patients with hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis
Qi YANG ; Na PU ; Yichen DUAN ; Kun GAO ; Jing ZHOU ; Bo YE ; Gang LI ; Lu KE ; Yuxiu LIU ; Zhihui TONG ; Weiqin LI ; Baiqiang LI
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2025;25(1):44-49
Objective:To investigate lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) patients.Methods:Clinical data of 495 HTG-AP patients admitted from June 2018 to June 2020 in the center for severe acute pancreatitis of Eastern Theater General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Whole-exome sequencing and mutation verification were performed by next-generation sequencing technology and Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of gene mutation was analyzed by population mutation ratio, pathogenicity prediction software, conservation scoring software, protein structure prediction, and in vitro experiments. Results:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, namely LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, were 14.81%, 55.78%, 43.61%, 1.62%, and 0.61%, respectively. Among them, 44 heterozygous mutations in LPL gene were detected including 36 missense mutations, 5 nonsense mutations and 3 frameshift mutations, which were all rarely carried in single patient. Six HTG-AP patients carried the LPL gene heterozygous mutation c.835C>G (p.Leu279Val). The mean level of serum triglyceride at the onset of HTG-AP was 27.4 mmol/L. All of them had a history of recurrent HTG-AP, and most of them had severe acute pancreatitis. The serum LPL concentration and activity were lower than the normal level. The pathogenicity analysis results suggested that the LPL p.Leu279Val was a rare, highly possible pathogenic and highly conserved gene mutation. The in vitro results showed that the LPL p.Leu279Val could significantly reduce the synthesis and secretion ability of LPL as well as its enzymatic activity. Conclusions:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, including LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, are relatively high in the HTG-AP patients. The LPL p.Leu279Val is a rare and highly possible pathogenic gene mutation, which may lead to recurrent episodes of HTG-AP.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
8.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
9.Clinical Study on Ziyu Prescription in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Related Infertility of Kidney Deficiency
Qitian LU ; Yichen ZHOU ; Bingyi YANG ; Weiwei ZENG ; Xinmin CHEN ; Xiuqi YIN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(9):1224-1231
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of Ziyu Prescription in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome relat-ed infertility of kidney deficiency and its effect on endometrial receptivity.METHODS A total of 120 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome related infertility of kidney deficiency were enrolled and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group,with 60 cases in each group.After excluding dropout cases and excluded cases,56 cases were completed in each group.The control group was treated with letrozole and placebo,while the treatment group was treated with letrozole and Ziyu Prescription.The treatment course of both groups was 3 menstrual cycles.The clinical pregnancy rate and ultrasound Salle score during the implantation window were the main outcome indicators.The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score and serum estradial(E2),testosterone(T),anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),luteinizing hormone(LH),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),serum E2 and progesterone(P)levels during the implantation window were used as secondary outcome indica-tors.Multivariate Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were used to evaluate the effect and predictive ability of ultrasound Salle score on pregnancy outcome.Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the effect of estrogen and progesterone levels during the implantation window on ultrasound Salle score.RESULTS After treatment,the clinical pregnancy rate and ultrasound Salle score during the implantation window in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The total TCM syndrome score of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.01);the ser-um T,LH/FSH,and HOMA-IR levels of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01);the serum E2 and P levels of the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group during the implanta-tion window period(P<0.01).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis showed that ultrasound Salle score was significantly positively correlated with pregnancy rate and had a high predictive value for pregnancy outcome.Multiple linear regression analysis found that there was a linear relationship between the ultrasound Salle score and E2 and P during the implantation window peri-od,and the P level had a greater impact.CONCLUSION Ziyu Prescription can improve the clinical pregnancy rate of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome related infertility of kidney deficiency,effectively improve their endometrial receptivity,regulate the levels of sex hormones and glucose metabolism,reduce the TCM syndrome score,and improve the reproductive quality of patients.
10.Metagenomics reveals an increased proportion of an Escherichia coli-dominated enterotype in elderly Chinese people.
Jinyou LI ; Yue WU ; Yichen YANG ; Lufang CHEN ; Caihong HE ; Shixian ZHOU ; Shunmei HUANG ; Xia ZHANG ; Yuming WANG ; Qifeng GUI ; Haifeng LU ; Qin ZHANG ; Yunmei YANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(5):477-492
Gut microbial communities are likely remodeled in tandem with accumulated physiological decline during aging, yet there is limited understanding of gut microbiome variation in advanced age. Here, we performed a metagenomics-based enterotype analysis in a geographically homogeneous cohort of 367 enrolled Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 94 years, with the goal of characterizing the gut microbiome of elderly individuals and identifying factors linked to enterotype variations. In addition to two adult-like enterotypes dominated by Bacteroides (ET-Bacteroides) and Prevotella (ET-Prevotella), we identified a novel enterotype dominated by Escherichia (ET-Escherichia), whose prevalence increased in advanced age. Our data demonstrated that age explained more of the variance in the gut microbiome than previously identified factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or diet. We characterized the distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of ET-Escherichia, and found the strongest cohesion and highest robustness of the microbial co-occurrence network in this enterotype, as well as the lowest species diversity. In addition, we carried out a series of correlation analyses and co-abundance network analyses, which showed that several factors were likely linked to the overabundance of Escherichia members, including advanced age, vegetable intake, and fruit intake. Overall, our data revealed an enterotype variation characterized by Escherichia enrichment in the elderly population. Considering the different age distribution of each enterotype, these findings provide new insights into the changes that occur in the gut microbiome with age and highlight the importance of microbiome-based stratification of elderly individuals.
Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
;
Female
;
Humans
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Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Bacteroides
;
China
;
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology*
;
Escherichia coli/classification*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics*
;
Metagenomics
;
East Asian People

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