1.Study on the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality risk in seven provinces of China
Zhiying JIANG ; Ruilin MENG ; Ruoyi ZHANG ; Xuelong GU ; Jianxiong HU ; Min YU ; Yang CHEN ; Chunliang ZHOU ; Biao HUANG ; Ziyi LIANG ; Sujuan CHEN ; Jianhao LI ; Guanhao HE ; Tao LIU ; Hua GUO ; Wenjun MA
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):566-572
Objective:To evaluate the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality.Methods:A total of 61 421 fall-related mortality from 2013 to 2022 in 7 provinces of China were included in a time-stratified case-crossover design, with daily meteorological data derived from the fifth generation European Reanalysis dataset produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Conditional logistic regression chimeric distributed lag nonlinear model was used to analyze the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality and stratified analysis was conducted according to gender and age.Results:Heatwaves were associated with an increased risk of fall-related morality. The risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves was higher than during non-heatwave periods ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18). The attributable fraction of fall-related motality due to heatwaves was 10.25% (95% CI: 4.49%-15.36%). For each 1 ℃ increase above the heatwave threshold, the risk of fall-related mortality increased by 34% ( OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.76). The effect of heatwave duration on fall-related mortality was not statistically significant. Stratified analyses indicated that women experienced a higher risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves ( OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22) compared to man ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17). Conclusions:Heatwave increases the risk of fall-related mortality, and the intensity of heatwaves modify this risk. Women are vulnerable populations.
2.Chaihu Shugansan Combined with Ferulic Acid Regulates BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway and Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Frontal Cortex of Rat Model of CUMS
Yuexin LI ; Zhijing ZHANG ; Ziyi GUO ; Di YAN ; Xueyan HU ; Jianping YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):28-37
ObjectiveTo observe the antidepressant effect of Chaihu Shugansan combined with ferulic acid on the rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and explore the mechanism from the histomorphology of frontal cortex, expression of key molecules in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling pathway, and changes in monoamine neurotransmitter levels. MethodsSixty adult male SD rats were randomized into six groups (n=10): blank control, depression model, Chaihu Shugansan (3.3 g·kg-1·d-1), ferulic acid (50 mg·kg-1·d-1), Chaihu Shugansan (3.3 g·kg-1·d-1) + ferulic acid (50 mg·kg-1·d-1), and fluoxetine (2.1 mg·kg-1·d-1). Rats in other groups except the blank control group were subjected to a mild chronic unpredictable stress stimulus every day. Seven stimuli were used, including fasting with free access to water for 24 h, water deprivation with free access to food for 24 h, wetting the bedding with water in the cage, restraint for 3 h, tail clamping for 1 min, swimming in ice water at 4 ℃, and day and night reversal. Each stimulus was used 1 to 3 times, and the modeling lasted for a total of 21 days. At the same time of stimulation, rats in each medication group were treated with corresponding agents by gavage, while those in the blank control group and the depression model group received equal volumes of normal saline by gavage. The open field test, sucrose preference test, and forced swimming test were conducted before and after modeling. The rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of 3% pentobarbital sodium, and the frontal cortex was isolated on ice. The mRNA and protein levels of BDNF, TrkB, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) in the frontal cortex were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The levels of monoamine neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) in the frontal cortex were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Light microscopy was employed to observe the histopathological changes in the frontal cortex. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the depression model group showed reduced body mass (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased number of crossings and rearings in the open field test and sucrose preference (P<0.01), prolonged time of immobility in the forced swimming test (P<0.01), reduced neuronal cells, increased necrotic cells, and darkening cell staining in the frontal cortex, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of BDNF, TrkB, CREB, and lowered levels of 5-HT, NE, and DA in the frontal cortex (P<0.01). Compared with the depression model group, each intervention group showed improved general state, increased body mass (P<0.05), increased number of crossings (P<0.05), shortened immobility time in the forced swimming test (P<0.01), increased neuronal cells, reduced necrotic cells, and lightened cellular staining in the frontal cortex, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of BDNF, TrkB and CREB, and elevated levels of 5-HT, NE, and DA in the frontal cortex (P<0.01). Moreover, the Chaihu Shugansan + ferulic acid group outperformed the Chaihu Shugansan group and the ferulic acid group in increasing the body mass and the 5-HT content in the frontal cortex (P<0.05). The combination group outperformed the Chaihu Shugansan group regarding the number of rearings and up-regulation in the mRNA level of BDNF in the frontal cortex (P<0.05), and it was superior to the ferulic acid group in terms of shortening the immobility time in the forced swimming test, up-regulating the mRNA levels of BDNF, TrkB, and CREB and the protein levels of BDNF and CREB in the frontal cortex, and increasing the DA content in the frontal cortex (P<0.05). ConclusionChaihu Shugansan combined with ferulic acid can exert antidepressant effect on the rat model of CUMS by regulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and monoamine neurotransmitter content in the frontal cortex. Moreover, the antidepressant effect of Chaihu Shugansan combined with ferulic acid was more significant than that of Chaihu Shugansan and ferulic acid used alone.
3.The effect of remimazolam on modulating the ROS/RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-induced microglial inflammation
Xingwei WU ; Jianying WANG ; Chengxiao GUO ; Ziyi LIU ; Chao SUN ; Fei YU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(2):153-161
Objective To investigate the anti-inflammatory protective effects of remimazolam on microglial cells and elucidates the potential molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods The mouse microglial cell line (BV2) was selected as the research object. The following groups were set up:the control group (complete medium),the Rema group (200 μg/mL remimazolam),the model group (1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide,LPS),and different-concentration administration groups (1 μg/mL LPS+50,100,200 μg/mL remimazolam). In the Rema group,cells were treated with 200 μg/mL remimazolam alone for 26 h. In the model group,cells were treated with LPS for 24 h. In the different-concentration administration groups,cells were pre-treated with different concentrations of remimazolam for 2 h,and then treated with LPS for 24 h. The effects of LPS and remimazolam on the morphology of BV2 cells were observed and evaluated using an optical microscope. Cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay,while the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using a fluorescent probe. Additionally,malondial-dehyde (MDA) content,superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) activity were evaluated using respective assay kits. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of Bax,Bcl-2,IL-1β,RAGE,NF-κB,p-NF-κB,IκBα,p-IκBα,iNOS,and Arg-1. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to visualize NF-κB nuclear translocation and M1/M2 polarization in the cells. Results Compared to the control group,LPS-treated BV2 cells demonstrated significantly reduced cell viability,elevated expression and se-cretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β),decreased activities of SOD and GSH,and increased in-tracellular levels of MDA and ROS. Additionally,RAGE protein levels were upregulated,along with enhanced phos-phorylation of IκBα and NF-κB,leading to observable NF-κB nuclear translocation. The expression of the M1 marker iNOS was upregulated,while that of the M2 marker Arg-1 was downregulated. In contrast,in the LPS+Rema group,cell viability was restored,expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were attenuated,SOD and GSH activities were improved,and levels of MDA and ROS were reduced compared to the LPS group. Furthermore,RAGE protein expression and phosphorylation levels of IκBα and NF-κB were diminished,inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation. The expression of the M1 marker iNOS was downregulated,while that of the M2 marker Arg-1 was up-regulated. Conclusion Remimazolam mitigates LPS-induced inflammation by facilitating the transition of microglial cells from the M1 to the M2 phenotype via modulation of the NF-κB pathway and reduction of ROS production.
4.Impact of body mass index on the perioperative and long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Ziyi CHEN ; Wenjin YANG ; Zeqing CHEN ; Hongqian GUO ; Changwei JI
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(11):918-921,931
Objective To investigate the impact of body mass index(BMI)on the perioperative outcomes and prognosis in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy(RAPN),so as to provide reference for optimizing clinical management strategies.Methods The clinical data of 745 ccRCC patients undergoing RAPN at our hospital during 2014 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were categorized into three groups according to preoperative BMI:normal weight(18<BMI<24,n=202),overweight(24<BMI<28,n=428),and obese(BMI≥28,n=115).Baseline characteristics,surgical parameters,postoperative complications,pre-and post-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),and overall survival(OS)were compared among the groups.Multivariate regression analyses were performed to adjust potential confounders.Results Among baseline characteristics,only the gender distribution differed significantly among the three groups(P=0.009).Multivariate analysis showed that gender had no significant effects on reoperation,transfusion,operation time,intraoperative blood loss,or postoperative renal function.The median follow-up was 32(12,55)months.Compared with the normal-weight group,the obese group had longer operation time[140.0(115.0,170.0)min vs.160.0(125.0,190.0)min,P=0.009]and greater intraoperative blood loss[50.0(50.0,100.0)mL vs.100.0(50.0,150.0)mL,P=0.003].No statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in pre-and post-operative eGFR,overall complication rate,long-term follow-up eGFR,or OS(P>0.05).Conclusion RAPN provides comparable surgical benefits across BMI categories in patients with ccRCC;however,obese patients may experience increased operation time and blood loss.
5.Comparative transcriptome profiling of three different murine modelsof metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Tianwen Liu ; Ziyi Guo ; Hanqi Bi ; Bing Zhou ; Yan Lu ; Fei Mao ; Hua Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1445-1453
Objective:
To compare the transcriptomic profiles between three distinct metabolic dysfunction⁃associat⁃mal murine model that more closely resembles human MASH progression .
Methods:
Forty 8 ⁃week⁃old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to either a control group fed normal chow diet ( NCD) or one of three MASH model groups receiving high⁃fat high⁃cholesterol diet (HFHCD) , choline⁃deficient high⁃fat diet (CDHFD) ,from three randomly selected mice per group were collected for mRNA sequencing ( mRNA⁃seq) analysis . Mean⁃bases . Overlap of functional profiles was analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) profiles to compare the mouse transcriptome with that of human patients at different stages of the disease . Additionally , Pearson ′s correla⁃tion analysis was used to explore the correlation between gene expression of murine models and human MASH .
Results:
Seven commonly up⁃regulated genes (Col1a1 , Smoc2 , Col6a1 , Gpx3 , Col16a1 , Spp1 and Crtap) were de⁃ways involving steatosis , hepatocellular injury and fibrosis were detected in the three MASH models at the pathway level . HFHCD and MCD might share more common traits . In comparing gene expression and pathway profiles be⁃tween different murine models and patients with different stages of MASH , all three murine MASH models showed a closer resemblance to the human progressive stages of MASH . Notably , the transcriptomic features of the CDHFD model were more consistent with those of human MASH .
Conclusion
There are certain similarities and differences among the transcriptional profiles of the three MASH models . The MASH models are more similar to the advanced stage of MASH in human patients . Compared to the other two models , the CDHFD model ′ s transcriptome profile more closely resembles human MASH .
6.Spatial metabolomics combined with machine learning in colon cancer diagnosis research.
Ling WENG ; Huanhuan WANG ; Chunxiang ZHAI ; Qi WANG ; Yanyan GUO ; Ziyi ZHONG ; Chenying MA ; Jing WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101367-101367
Image 1.
7.Buqi-Tongluo Decoction inhibits osteoclastogenesis and alleviates bone loss in ovariectomized rats by attenuating NFATc1, MAPK, NF-κB signaling.
Yongxian LI ; Jinbo YUAN ; Wei DENG ; Haishan LI ; Yuewei LIN ; Jiamin YANG ; Kai CHEN ; Heng QIU ; Ziyi WANG ; Vincent KUEK ; Dongping WANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Bin MAI ; Yang SHAO ; Pan KANG ; Qiuli QIN ; Jinglan LI ; Huizhi GUO ; Yanhuai MA ; Danqing GUO ; Guoye MO ; Yijing FANG ; Renxiang TAN ; Chenguang ZHAN ; Teng LIU ; Guoning GU ; Kai YUAN ; Yongchao TANG ; De LIANG ; Liangliang XU ; Jiake XU ; Shuncong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(1):90-101
Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals
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NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Ovariectomy
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Osteoclasts/metabolism*
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Female
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
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NF-kappa B/genetics*
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Osteoporosis/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Bone Resorption/genetics*
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Humans
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RANK Ligand/metabolism*
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics*
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Transcription Factors
8.Correlation of oncogene c-MYC expression with mitochondrial metabolic enzyme DLAT/DLST and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Yeting XU ; Ziyi QIN ; Yucheng WANG ; Huanwen WU ; Rui JU ; Lei GUO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(4):450-455
Objective To investigate the correlation between c-MYC expression and mitochondrial metabolism in malignant duct epithelial cells of pancreatic cancer patients.Methods GEPIA database was used to analyze the correlation between c-MYC expression and overall survival.The expression of c-MYC in tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining.The difference of DLAT and DLST gene expression between tumor and normal tis-sues was compared in GEPIA database.HP A database was used to analyze the correlation between c-MYC and DLAT,DLST expression in tumor tissues.The expression level of DLAT and DLST in tumor tissues was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining.Results The high expression of c-MYC gene was negatively correlated with overall survival(P<0.01).The level of c-MYC protein was positively correlated with the pathological grade of PanIN.Compared with normal tissues,the expression of DLAT and DLST genes in pancreatic cancer cells was increased(P<0.01).The protein level of c-MYC was positively correlated with those of DLAT and DLST(P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusions The high expression of mitochondrial metabolic enzymes DLAT and DLST in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells is significantly correlated with the expression level of c-MYC,which increases with the progression of pancreatic cancer.
9.Exploration on the Mechanism of Yizhu Wendan Decoction in Treating Eczema Based on GEO Database Combined with Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Yijie WANG ; Tingting GUO ; Yongjun LI ; Ziyi LI ; Meng ZHANG ; Mengdi SHI ; Shengnan GU ; Youpeng WANG ; Zhijun LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(4):32-41
Objective To explore the mechanism of Yizhu Wendan Decoction in treating eczema through GEO database combined with network pharmacology and experimental verification.Methods TCMSP,BATMAN-TCM and ETCM databases were used to screen the active components of Yizhu Wendan Decoction.Disease target information related to eczema was collected through GEO database.The drug-component-target network and PPI network were constructed by intersections of active component targets and disease targets.GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID database.CCK-8 method was used to screen out the optimal intervention concentration of freeze-dried powder of Yizhu Wendan Decoction.HaCaT cells were divided into control group,model group,Yizhu Wendan Decoction low concentration group,Yizhu Wendan Decoction high concentration group,si-IL-17RA group,si-IL-17RA+Yizhu Wendan Decoction low concentration group,si-IL-17RA+Yizhu Wendan Decoction high concentration group,Dexamethasone group,si-IL-17RA+Dexamethasone group.Each group was given relevant intervention.The expressions of chemokines and inflammatory factors were detected by qPCR.EdU and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis.Western blot was performed to detect the expressions of proteins related to apoptosis,skin barrier and IL-17 signaling pathway.Results By using databases,180 active components of Yizhu Wendan Decoction were obtained.Combined with GEO database microarrays related to eczema(GSE6012 and GSE57225),8 potential targets of Yizhu Wendan Decoction in the treatment of eczema were obtained.KEGG enrichment pathway mainly involved IL-17 signaling pathway,lipid and atherosclerotic,TNF signaling pathway,fluid shear stress and atherosclerotic,etc.When Yizhu Wendan Decoction freeze-dried powder concentration was 100 μg/mL,cell viability was the strongest.Yizhu Wendan Decoction could significantly inhibit the mRNA expressions of chemokines and inflammatory factors CCL17,CCL22,IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,IFN-γ,and increase the mRNA expression of IL-4 in eczema.It promoted the proliferation of HaCaT cells,increased the protein expression of Bcl-2,and reduced the protein expressions of Bad and Cleaved Caspase-3,thus inhibiting HaCaT cells apoptosis;promoted the protein expressions of FLG and LOR,and reduced the expression of MMP9,MMP1,CCL2,FOSL1,IL-17RA proteins in IL-17 signaling pathway.Conclusion Yizhu Wendan Decoction can treat eczema with multiple components,multiple pathways and multiple targets,promote the proliferation of HaCaT cells,inhibit their apoptosis,and restore the skin barrier.Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of IL-17 signaling pathway.
10.Extracellular vesicles as a multicomponent biomarker platform for sepsis.
Feng CHEN ; Zhe GUO ; Xuesong WANG ; Haiyan LIAO ; Ziyi WANG ; Zhiqing CHEN ; Zhong WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2838-2840


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