1.Brain Aperiodic Dynamics
Zhi-Cai HU ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiang WANG ; Gui-Ping LI ; Shan LIU ; Hai-Tao YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):99-118
Brain’s neural activities encompass both periodic rhythmic oscillations and aperiodic neural fluctuations. Rhythmic oscillations manifest as spectral peaks of neural signals, directly reflecting the synchronized activities of neural populations and closely tied to cognitive and behavioral states. In contrast, aperiodic fluctuations exhibit a power-law decaying spectral trend, revealing the multiscale dynamics of brain neural activity. In recent years, researchers have made notable progress in studying brain aperiodic dynamics. These studies demonstrate that aperiodic activity holds significant physiological relevance, correlating with various physiological states such as external stimuli, drug induction, sleep states, and aging. Aperiodic activity serves as a reflection of the brain’s sensory capacity, consciousness level, and cognitive ability. In clinical research, the aperiodic exponent has emerged as a significant potential biomarker, capable of reflecting the progression and trends of brain diseases while being intricately intertwined with the excitation-inhibition balance of neural system. The physiological mechanisms underlying aperiodic dynamics span multiple neural scales, with activities at the levels of individual neurons, neuronal ensembles, and neural networks collectively influencing the frequency, oscillatory patterns, and spatiotemporal characteristics of aperiodic signals. Aperiodic dynamics currently boasts broad application prospects. It not only provides a novel perspective for investigating brain neural dynamics but also holds immense potential as a neural marker in neuromodulation or brain-computer interface technologies. This paper summarizes methods for extracting characteristic parameters of aperiodic activity, analyzes its physiological relevance and potential as a biomarker in brain diseases, summarizes its physiological mechanisms, and based on these findings, elaborates on the research prospects of aperiodic dynamics.
2.Discussion on the Holistic Functional Perspective in Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation
Xiaoling LI ; Zhen HE ; Sinuo WANG ; Danhong LIN ; Jing TAO ; Lidian CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):437-442
By exploring theories related to yin-yang, body and spirit, and the relationship between nature and human beings, this study proposed the holistic functional perspective in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rehabi-litation. This perspective emphasizes the influence of various internal and external factors on the body's function and health status, with the integration of form and spirit as its core concept. It integrates the principles of correspondence between nature and human beings, as well as the unity of individuals and society, positioning holistic function as the key focus in TCM rehabilitation practice. It guides the prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation treatment of functional disorders, ultimately achieving the goal of comprehensive recovery of health. Additionally, the study reviewed the current application status of the holistic functional perspective in clinical TCM rehabilitation, clarified its integration throughout the entire TCM rehabilitation process, with the goal of providing a theoretical and practical foundation for further research and application in TCM rehabilitation.
3.A Case Study of Using Assisted Reproductive Technology to Rescue Genetically Modified Mice with Reproductive Disorder Phenotypes
Qianqian WANG ; Sijue TAO ; Zhen WEI ; Huihui JIN ; Ping LIU ; Lie WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):79-86
ObjectiveThe utilization of assisted reproductive technology to rescue genetically modified mouse strains with reproductive disorders provides a reference for improving techniques to preserve valuable experimental mouse strains. MethodsIn vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) technology was performed on 28 strains of infertile male mice aged 9-18 months. Several indicators such as sperm density and sperm motility in infertile male mice were assessed to select the most viable sperm for IVF-ET experiments. Fertility rate, abnormal egg rate, and birth rate were recorded after the birth of the pups. An optimized ovarian transplantation procedure was applied to 12 strains of infertile female mice aged 8-18 months. 6-week-old female mice with the same genetic background were selected as recipients. One intact ovary was removed from each recipient mouse, and the contralateral oviduct was ligated. An ovary from a donor mouse was isolated and transplanted orthotopically into the side where the ovary had been removed in the recipient mouse. Twenty-one days post-surgery, recipient mice were co-housed with 8-week-old wild type male mice of the same genetic background for breeding. Data such as the pregnancy rate and live birth rate of the recipients were recorded after the birth of the pups. ResultsIVF-ET successfully rescued 28 mouse strains, with the oldest male mice being 18 months old. The success rate of the first round of IVF-ET experiments was 89.29% (25/28). The average fertility rate of IVF in infertile male mice was (51.01±14.97)%, the abnormal egg rate was (9.03±5.28)%, and the birth rate of offspring mice was (18.60±7.03)%. 39 out of 40 ovarian transplant recipient mice survived, with a pregnancy rate of 33.33% (13/39) for ovarian transplant recipients, and a live birth rate of 17.95% (7/39). Four mouse strains were successfully rescued using optimized ovarian transplantation technology, with the oldest female mice being 18 months old. 8 strains were not rescued as they failed to produce offspring that survived to sexual maturity. ConclusionIVF-ET is an effective approach for rescuing mice with reproductive disorders caused by different reasons, especially for those beyond the optimal breeding age. Ovarian transplantation technology can also be used as an alternative for aged female mice. But its success rate is relatively lower than that of IVF-ET, and carries a higher experimental risk.
4.Treating immunoglobulin A nephropathy based on the " qi cycle in round" theory
Leying ZHAO ; Yaoxian WANG ; Zhen WANG ; Yaotan LI ; Boning CAO ; Jiayin TAO ; Danting LI ; Qingqing LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):223-228
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a globally prevalent type of primary glomerulonephritis, characterized by complex symptoms and diverse clinical manifestations. The internationally recognized " multiple hit hypothesis" explains the systemic immune disease features of IgA nephropathy. However, current treatment strategies primarily focus on local pathological changes, inadequately addressing its complex systemic mechanisms. The " qi cycle in round" theory, an integral concept of the academic thought of HUANG Yuanyu, a prominent medical expert from the Qing Dynasty, offers a concise and insightful framework for understanding complex pathologies. For example, this theory provides valuable insights for elucidating the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy and guiding its clinical management by simplifying intricate systemic processes. This study applies the " qi cycle in round" theory to postulate that patients with IgA nephropathy experience disrupted qi flow owing to spleen-stomach qi deficiency and dampness-heat accumulation. These imbalances manifest as internal symptoms, such as diarrhea; external vulnerability to illness; upper body symptoms, like sore throat; and lower body symptoms, such as hematuria and proteinuria. Pathologically, the condition is characterized by immune complex deposition. This article also emphasizes strategies that prioritize tonifying spleen-stomach qi to enhance the pivotal functions of transportation and transformation. Regulating qi and relieving stagnation are emphasized to harmonize ascending and descending dynamics. Additionally, eliminating turbidity and unblocking collaterals are highlighted to promote qi transformation. These approaches aim to restore the harmonious operation of organ qi dynamics and harmonious qi transformation functions. This study aims to provide a reference for syndrome differentiation and IgA nephropathy treatment using traditional Chinese medicine based on the " qi cycle in round" theory.
5.Correlation between social jetlag and psychological behavior in upper primary school students
ZHAO Ruilan*, ZHU Guiyin, PENG Tao, ZHEN Guoxin, ZHAO Fangfang, SONG Qingqing, LI Li, MA Yinghua
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):364-367
Objective:
To investigate the correlation between social jetlag and psychological behavior in upper primary school students,so as to provide reference for sleep health promotion in primary school students.
Methods:
From April to June 2024, a survey was conducted among 4 341 fourth and fifth grade students from 9 public primary schools in a district in Beijing. Sleep patterns were assessed using a self designed questionnaire, while psychological behavior was evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)(parent version). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to examine the association between different levels of social jetlag and psychological behavior problem scores in primary school students.
Results:
The proportions of students with social jetlag of <1.0, 1.0-<2.0, and ≥2.0 h were 57.6%, 30.6%, and 11.8%, respectively. The GEE model analysis found that after adjusting for covariates, compared with primary school students with social jetlag of <1.0 h, those with 1.0 -<2.0 and ≥2.0 h had higher scores for internalizing behavior problems [ β (95% CI ) =0.23(0.05-0.41),0.28(0.02-0.54), P < 0.01]. Primary school students with ≥2.0 h of social jetlag had higher scores for externalizing behavior problems [ β (95% CI )=0.42 (0.13-0.71), P <0.01]. Among boys and primary school students with an average nighttime sleep duration of ≥9 h, comparied with social jetlag of <1.0 h,those with sucial jetlag 1.0-<2.0 h had higher scores on internalizing and externalizing behavior problems[ β (95% CI )=0.32(0.07-0.56),0.51 (0.11-0.90), 0.26 (0.06-0.46),0.58 (0.25-0.91), P <0.05].
Conclusions
Greater social jetlag may be a risk factor for internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in upper primary school students. Reducing social jetlag may help decrease the occurrence of psychological behavior problems in primary school students.
6.Predicting Postoperative Motor Function in High-risk Glioma Based on The Morphology Change of Motor Fiber Tracts
Qiang MA ; Song-Lin YU ; Chu-Yue ZHAO ; Xi-Jie WANG ; Song LIN ; Zhen-Tao ZUO ; Tao YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1018-1026
ObjectiveGliomas in the motor functional area can damage the corticospinal tract (CST), leading to motor dysfunction. Currently, there is a lack of unified methods for evaluating the extent of CST damage, especially in patients with high surgical risk where the minimum distance from the lesion to the CST is less than 10 mm. This study aims to further clarify the classification method and clinical significance of CST morphological changes in these patients. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 109 high-risk functional area glioma patients who underwent neurosurgical treatment with preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) imaging and intraoperative neurostimulation guidance between 2014 and 2024. All patients had a lesion-to-tract distance (LTD) of less than 10 mm between the CST and the lesion. Preoperative DTI evaluation of CST involvement-induced morphological changes were reviewed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 17 cases (15.6%) with symmetric CST morphology compared to the healthy side (CST symmetry), 48 cases (44.0%) with significant CST morphology changes compared to the healthy side (CST deformation), and 44 cases (40.4%) with CST overlap with the tumor (CST overlap). Then we classified patients according to preoperative assessment of tumor-induced morphological changes, and analyze postoperative motor function for each category. ResultsPostoperative pathology showed a significantly higher proportion of high-grade gliomas (HGG) in the CST overlap group compared to the other two groups (P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CST overlap was a predictor of HGG (P=0.000). The rate of total tumor resection in the CST deformation group and overlap group was lower than in the CST symmetric group (P=0.008). There was a total of 41 postoperative hemiplegic patients, with 4 cases (23.5%) in the CST symmetric group, 11 cases (22.9%) in the CST deformation group, and 26 cases (59.1%) in the CST overlap group. CST overlap with the tumor predicted postoperative hemiplegia (P=0.016). Two-way ANOVA analysis of the affected/healthy side and CST morphology groups showed significant main effects of CST grouping and healthy-affected side (P=0.017 and P=0.010), with no significant interaction (P=0.31). The fractional anisotropy (FA) value in the CST overlap group and the affected side was lower. A decrease in the FA value on the affected side predicted postoperative hemiplegia (sensitivity 69.2%, specificity 71.9%). ConclusionWe have established a method to predict postoperative hemiplegia in high-risk motor functional area glioma patients based on preoperative CST morphological changes. CST overlap leads to a decrease in CST FA values. This method can be used for precise patient management and aid in accurate preoperative surgical planning.
7.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
8.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
9.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
10.Danggui Shaoyaosan Regulates Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Xinqiao CHU ; Yaning BIAO ; Ying GU ; Meng LI ; Tiantong JIANG ; Yuan DING ; Xiaping TAO ; Shaoli WANG ; Ziheng WEI ; Zhen LIU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on ferroptosis in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore the underlying mechanism based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe sixty SD rats were randomly grouped as follows: control, model, Yishanfu (0.144 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.44, 4.88, and 9.76 g·kg-1, respectively) Danggui Shaoyaosan. A high-fat diet was used to establish the rat model of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of modeling, rats were treated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks. Then, the body weight and liver weight were measured, and the liver index was calculated. At the same time, serum and liver samples were collected. The levels or activities of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Fe2+ in the serum and TC, TG, free fatty acids (FFA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and Fe2+ in the liver were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the liver. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the liver were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increases in the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), and decreases in the activities of SOD, GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the liver tissue in the model group presented steatosis, iron deposition, mitochondrial shrinkage, and blurred or swollen mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group, all doses of Danggui Shaoyaosan reduced the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), while increasing the activities of SOD and GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.01). Furthermore, Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviated steatosis, iron deposition, and mitochondrial damage in the liver. ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway to treat NAFLD.


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