1.Zuogui Wan Improve Ovarian Inflammatory Microenvironment and Stemness of Ovarian Germline Stem Cells in Ovarian Aging via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Yunling ZHENG ; Xinyi PAN ; Zuang LI ; Yixuan WANG ; Junyi AN ; Yuxin ZOU ; Mengting XIAO ; Zheng CHEN ; Ling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Zuogui Wan (ZGW) in improving ovarian inflammatory microenvironment and stemness of ovarian germline stem cells (OSCs) for treating ovarian aging via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a low-dose ZGW group (2.7 g·kg-1), a high-dose ZGW group (5.4 g·kg-1), and an estradiol valerate group (0.15 mg·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Except the blank group, all other groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at 120 mg·kg-1 to establish an ovarian aging mouse model. After successful modeling, each group was continuously administered for 4 weeks, once daily. The physiological status of the mice was observed, and the ovarian index was calculated. The estrus cycle of the mice was monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in ovarian tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum sex hormone levels. Serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and mouse interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using kits. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cGAS, STING, p-STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p-TBK1, interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (Fragilis), and Vasa homolog protein (MVH). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed to locate OSCs in ovarian tissues, and fluorescence intensities of OSCs markers MVH and octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) were calculated. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.01) and a disordered estrus cycle (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were increased (P<0.01), while anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) levels were decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of OSCs stemness factors MVH and Fragilis was reduced (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence indicated a reduction in MVH and Oct4 expression in OSCs (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improved body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.05) and a reduced rate of estrus cycle disorder (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum FSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while AMH and E2 levels were increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of MVH and Fragilis was increased (P<0.05), and the fluorescence intensities of MVH and Oct4 were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue was decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionZGW alleviate ovarian inflammatory response, regulate ovarian microenvironment homeostasis, and maintain stemness of OSCs in ovarian aging mice probably by modulating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thereby improving ovarian function and delaying ovarian aging.
2.Research progress on effects, toxic mechanisms, and risk assessment of organophosphate flame retardants on blood system
Ziyuan LI ; Lin LU ; Xiaoting JIN ; Yuxin ZHENG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):509-515
Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have been widely used as the main alternatives to bromine-based flame retardants, resulting in their widespread detection in environmental media and even in human blood. The potential health risks arising therefrom, particularly the direct impacts on the blood system, have become a focus in the field of environmental health. This article systematically reviewed the latest research progress on the hematotoxicity of OPFRs, covering three core aspects: the toxic effects aspect, which systematically elaborated on the bidirectional interference of OPFRs with coagulation function, their toxic effects on the hematopoietic system, and their disruptive effects on blood biochemical metabolism; the mechanistic analysis aspect, which dissected the multi-pathway, multi-target toxic mechanism network of OPFRs, including common pathways based on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, the direct and indirect regulation of coagulation function mediated by nuclear receptors and endocrine disruption, and the disturbance of blood cell production at the source through disruption of the hematopoietic microenvironment; and the risk assessment aspect, which, in response to the limitations of traditional methods, focused on the application prospects and core advantages of novel approaches based on structure-activity relationships in filling data gaps and achieving precise risk prediction. This review aims to systematically summarize the research progress on the mechanisms of OPFR-induced hematotoxicity, providing systematic theoretical support for subsequent in-depth mechanistic studies, targeted epidemiological investigations, and the optimization of risk assessment models.
3.Increased CT Attenuation of Pericolic Adipose Tissue as a Noninvasive Marker of Disease Severity in Ulcerative Colitis
Jun LU ; Hui XU ; Jing ZHENG ; Tianxin CHENG ; Xinjun HAN ; Yuxin WANG ; Xuxu MENG ; Xiaoyang LI ; Jiahui JIANG ; Xue DONG ; Xijie ZHANG ; Zhenchang WANG ; Zhenghan YANG ; Lixue XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):411-421
Objective:
Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results:
The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85.
Conclusion
Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.
4.Comprehensive management of peritoneal dialysis-associated abdominal external hernia
Jiehua ZHENG ; Miaojie XU ; Yongxuan YUAN ; Jiayi XIE ; Kangni CHEN ; Yuxin CHENG ; Fan WANG ; Zhiyang LI ; Liuming LIN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(9):1208-1213
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a crucial renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), offering significant advantages as high flexibility, hemodynamic stability, and high cost-effectiveness. However, prolonged exposure to intra-abdominal dialysate may predispose to the mechanical complication of abdominal external hernia. Abdominal external hernia may lead to various adverse clinical outcomes. In severe cases, it can progress to incarceration or even rupture, ultimately necessitating discontinuation of the therapy. The authors systematically review PD-associated abdominal external hernias, including their clinical landscape, risk factors, surgical treatment strategies and prognostic determinants. They also assess the effects of hernia repair on residual renal function, aiming to provide references for clinical decision-making.
5.Biomechanical Analysis of Cervical Rotation Manipulation after ACDF Surgery
Yisong WANG ; Huihao WANG ; Zhongxiang YU ; Min ZHANG ; Yuxin ZHENG ; Hongsheng ZHAN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):126-133
Objective To explore the biomechanical safety of applying traditional Chinese orthopedic manipulation therapy after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF)surgery,so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment in biomechanics.Methods Based on CT data,a three-dimensional finite element model of the normal C0-T1 cervical spine was established,and an ACDF postoperative finite element model of the C5-6 segment was constructed on this basis.Cervical spine rotation manipulation was simulated at the C4 and C7 segments of both models,and the von Mises stresses of the vertebral body,bilateral facet joints,intervertebral discs,and internal fixation system under manipulation loading of the C4 and C7 segments in both models were compared and analyzed.Results When the C4 segment was manipulated,the stress on the C5,C6,and C7 vertebral bodies in the ACDF postoperative model decreased by 12.3%,11.5%,and 26.4%,compared to the normal model.The stress on the left facet joints of the C4-5,C5-6,and C6-7 segments decreased by 12.3%,58.8%,and 15.4%,and the stress on the right facet joints decreased by 16.6%,92.1%,and 17.2%.The stress on the C4-5 and C6-7 segments decreased by 13.2%and 4.0%,while the maximum stress of the fusion cage,titanium plate,and screws in the C5-6 segment were 9.349,111.9,and 300.8 MPa.When the C7 segment was manipulated,the stress on the C4,C5,and C6 vertebral bodies in the ACDF postoperative model increased significantly compared to the normal model,especially the C5 vertebral body,with an increase of nearly 18 times.Except for the stress on the left facet joint of the C4-5 segment increased by 57.7%,the stress on the bilateral facet joints of other segments generally decreased,but the stress on the C4-5 and C6-7 segments increased by 43.2%and 21.7%and the stresses on the fusion cage,titanium plate,and screws in the C5-6 segment were 2.926,205.4,and 256.2 MPa.Conclusions The safety of performing manipulation on the upper vertebral body of the fusion segment after ACDF surgery is relatively high,but performing manipulation on the lower vertebral body of the fusion segment may lead to stress concentration and increase the risk of injury.When postoperative conservative treatment is implemented,the manipulation safety and indications should be considered to avoid operations in high-risk areas,and more precise and safe manipulation intervention treatment should be implemented based on the specific postoperative biomechanical state of the patient.
6.Role of cannabinoid receptor 1 in spinal membrane in electroacupuncture-induced alleviation of morphine-triggered opioid-induced hyperalgesia in rats: relationship with phosphorylated ERK1/2
Yuxin ZHENG ; Chao QIN ; Yang YU ; Yu BAI ; Kai ZHANG ; Yi CHEN ; Yonghao YU
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(5):581-585
Objective:To evaluate the role of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the spinal membrane in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced alleviation of morphine-triggered opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) and the relationship with phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in rats.Methods:Forty-eight clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2-3 months, weighing 240-260 g, in which intrathecal catheters were successfully implanted, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: normal saline group (NS group), morphine group (M group), morphine+ EA group (ME group), and morphine+ EA+ CB1 antagonist group (MEA group). The OIH model was established by intrathecal injection of morphine 15 μg (10 μl) twice a day for 7 consecutive days. The equal volume of normal saline 10 μl was given instead in NS group. EA of the " Yanglingquan" (GB34) and " Zusanli" (ST36) acupoints lasting 30 min was performed after the first administration of medication each day, with a current intensity of 2 mA and frequency of 2 Hz in ME group. In MEA group, morphine (15 μg) and CB1 antagonist AM251 30 μg (10 μl) were intrathecally injected twice a day for 7 consecutive days, with other treatments similar to those previously described in ME group. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before administration (T 0) and on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after administration (T 1-4). Rats were deeply anesthetized and sacrificed at T 3, 4 after administration, and the L 4-6 spinal cord tissues were collected for determination of the expression of membrane CB1, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 by Western blot. Results:Compared with NS group, the MWT was significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at T 3, 4 in M, ME and MEA groups, the expression of spinal membrane CB1 and p-ERK1/2 was significantly up-regulated at T 4 after administration in M group, and the expression of spinal membrane CB1 was significantly up-regulated at T 3, 4 after administration in ME and MEA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with M group, the MWT was significantly increased and the TWL was prolonged at T 3, 4, and the expression of p-ERK1/2 was down-regulated at T 4 after administration in ME group ( P<0.05), no significant change was found in MWT or TWL at T 3, 4 in MEA group ( P>0.05), and the expression of spinal membrane CB1 was significantly up-regulated at T 3, 4 after administration in ME and MEA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with ME group, the MWT was significantly decreased and the TWL was shortened at T 3, 4, and the expression of spinal membrane CB1 and p-ERK1/2 was up-regulated at T 4 after administration in MEA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Up-regulation of spinal membrane CB1 expression is involved in EA-mediated alleviation of morphine-induced OIH, which is associated with the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rats.
7.Comprehensive management of peritoneal dialysis-associated abdominal external hernia
Jiehua ZHENG ; Miaojie XU ; Yongxuan YUAN ; Jiayi XIE ; Kangni CHEN ; Yuxin CHENG ; Fan WANG ; Zhiyang LI ; Liuming LIN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(9):1208-1213
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a crucial renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), offering significant advantages as high flexibility, hemodynamic stability, and high cost-effectiveness. However, prolonged exposure to intra-abdominal dialysate may predispose to the mechanical complication of abdominal external hernia. Abdominal external hernia may lead to various adverse clinical outcomes. In severe cases, it can progress to incarceration or even rupture, ultimately necessitating discontinuation of the therapy. The authors systematically review PD-associated abdominal external hernias, including their clinical landscape, risk factors, surgical treatment strategies and prognostic determinants. They also assess the effects of hernia repair on residual renal function, aiming to provide references for clinical decision-making.
8.Biomechanical Analysis of Cervical Rotation Manipulation after ACDF Surgery
Yisong WANG ; Huihao WANG ; Zhongxiang YU ; Min ZHANG ; Yuxin ZHENG ; Hongsheng ZHAN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):126-133
Objective To explore the biomechanical safety of applying traditional Chinese orthopedic manipulation therapy after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF)surgery,so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment in biomechanics.Methods Based on CT data,a three-dimensional finite element model of the normal C0-T1 cervical spine was established,and an ACDF postoperative finite element model of the C5-6 segment was constructed on this basis.Cervical spine rotation manipulation was simulated at the C4 and C7 segments of both models,and the von Mises stresses of the vertebral body,bilateral facet joints,intervertebral discs,and internal fixation system under manipulation loading of the C4 and C7 segments in both models were compared and analyzed.Results When the C4 segment was manipulated,the stress on the C5,C6,and C7 vertebral bodies in the ACDF postoperative model decreased by 12.3%,11.5%,and 26.4%,compared to the normal model.The stress on the left facet joints of the C4-5,C5-6,and C6-7 segments decreased by 12.3%,58.8%,and 15.4%,and the stress on the right facet joints decreased by 16.6%,92.1%,and 17.2%.The stress on the C4-5 and C6-7 segments decreased by 13.2%and 4.0%,while the maximum stress of the fusion cage,titanium plate,and screws in the C5-6 segment were 9.349,111.9,and 300.8 MPa.When the C7 segment was manipulated,the stress on the C4,C5,and C6 vertebral bodies in the ACDF postoperative model increased significantly compared to the normal model,especially the C5 vertebral body,with an increase of nearly 18 times.Except for the stress on the left facet joint of the C4-5 segment increased by 57.7%,the stress on the bilateral facet joints of other segments generally decreased,but the stress on the C4-5 and C6-7 segments increased by 43.2%and 21.7%and the stresses on the fusion cage,titanium plate,and screws in the C5-6 segment were 2.926,205.4,and 256.2 MPa.Conclusions The safety of performing manipulation on the upper vertebral body of the fusion segment after ACDF surgery is relatively high,but performing manipulation on the lower vertebral body of the fusion segment may lead to stress concentration and increase the risk of injury.When postoperative conservative treatment is implemented,the manipulation safety and indications should be considered to avoid operations in high-risk areas,and more precise and safe manipulation intervention treatment should be implemented based on the specific postoperative biomechanical state of the patient.
9.Burden of influenza-associated consultations in China from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years
Yuxin SHEN ; Zhibin PENG ; Ying QIN ; Xiaoying YU ; Rina SU ; Qingyi WANG ; Jiandong ZHENG ; Hongting ZHAO ; Xiaokun YANG ; Yanping ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):612-618
Objective:To estimate the burden of influenza-associated outpatient consultations in China from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years to provide a reference for developing influenza prevention, control strategies, and vaccination policies.Methods:Data on influenza-like illness (ILI) and virological confirmation of sentinel specimens from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years were extracted from China's national sentinel surveillance system. Generalized additive models were fitted to estimate influenza-associated excess ILI outpatient burden, accounting for seasonal baselines and meteorological factors.Results:Influenza was associated with an average of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.51-1.80) excess ILI consultations per 1 000 person-years (py) in China each year from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years. The influenza-associated outpatient burden was similar across different virus types/subtypes. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 led to a higher rate of influenza- associated ILI consultations [0.65 (95% CI: 0.53-0.76) per 1 000 py] compared to other types/subtypes. The age groups with the highest burdens were children aged 0-4 years and 5-14 years, with excess outpatient consultation rates of 15.23 (95% CI: 13.73-16.73) per 1 000 py and 13.53 (95% CI: 12.49-14.52) per 1 000 py, respectively. Conclusions:Influenza caused many outpatient consultations in China, particularly among children aged 0-14. Continuous influenza monitoring and disease burden assessment should be conducted, and close attention should be paid to the changing trends of various influenza virus types/subtypes. When formulating vaccination strategies, priority should be given to recommending vaccination for high-risk populations, such as children.
10.Efficacy and safety of cisplatin combined with paclitaxel concurrent radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Tao FENG ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Guanghao ZHENG ; Xiaojuan LV ; Dingding YAN ; Yue FENG ; Hanmei LOU
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(1):e10-
Objective:
This study aimed to compare outcomes and adverse events of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with cisplatin single-agent chemotherapy vs. CCRT with cisplatin combined with paclitaxel dualagent therapy. The primary outcomes are overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM) and the occurrence of adverse events.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included patients with FIGO 2009 stage IB1-IVA cervical squamous cell carcinoma undergoing radical CCRT. Patients were divided into groups A and B, treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups after 1:1 proportional propensity score matching.
Results:
Medical records of 1,203 patients were reviewed and 572 patients were finally included for propensity score matching. After propensity score matching, 121 pairs of patients were selected for analysis. The OS, PFS, LR and DM rates were 78.5% and 83.5% (p=0.417), 73.3% and 78.5% (p=0.312), 6.6% and 2.5% (p=0.123), 19% and 15.7% (p=0.497) for groups A and B, respectively. Further subgroup analysis according to stage and lymph node metastatic status showed no difference in survival between the two groups. The incidence of grade 3–4 acute haematological toxicities was different between the two groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Cisplatin combined with paclitaxel CCRT couldn’t improve the survival rates of patients with LACC. However, the hematological toxicity of combination chemotherapy is more severe but controllable. Cisplatin single-agent therapy remains the first choice for CCRT. Further prospective studies are indicated to provide evidence for the efficacy of cisplatin plus paclitaxel in dual-agent concurrent therapy.

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