1.Dental plaque microecological characteristics and salivary inflammatory factors levels in school aged children
TIAN Jincong, AO Yang, ZHAO Xiaoxue
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):121-124
Objective:
To analyze the dental plaque microecological characteristics and the levels of salivary interleukin (IL)-5, IL-12, and IL-16 in school aged children with mixed dentition, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of childhood dental caries.
Methods:
A total of 199 school aged children admitted aged 6-12 years to Tianjin Stomatological Hospital from January 2023 to January 2025 were selected. According to the decayed missing and filled teeth(DMFT) index, they were divided into high caries group ( n =68, DMFT index≥4), low caries group ( n =65, 1≤DMFT index≤3) and caries free group ( n =66, DMFT index=0). The microbial composition of dental plaque was analyzed by 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing. Salivary levels of IL-5, IL-12 and IL-16 were detected by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kit. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between levels of salivary IL-5, IL-12 and IL-16 and the DMFT index in children with caries.
Results:
Species richness and evenness (Shannon index) and uniformity (Shannonevenness index) in the high caries group were (3.28±0.64) and (0.61±0.13), respectively, which were lower than (3.66±0.52) and (0.74±0.15) in low caries group, and ( 3.60± 0.49) and (0.72±0.16) in caries free group ( F =9.08, 15.20, both P <0.05). The relative abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in the high caries group were higher than those in the low caries and caries free groups, while the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Candidate phylum TM7 were lower than those in the low caries and caries free groups. The relative abundances of Streptococcus, Leptotrichia, Veillonella, Prevotella, and Actinomycesin in the high caries group were higher than those in the low caries and caries free groups, while the relative abundances of Capnocytophagaand Porphyromonas were lower ( F = 47.55- 1 969.24 , all P <0.05). The levels of salivary IL-5, IL-12, and IL-16 in the high caries group [(12.57±3.21, 28.73±6.79, 45.31 ±11.14)pg/mL] were higher than those in the low caries [(8.63±2.39, 18.16±4.62, 32.60±9.46)pg/mL] and caries free groups [(7.84±2.17, 14.94±3.83, 29.55±8.21)pg/mL] ( F =62.08, 141.23, 49.35, all P <0.05). Pearson correlation test results showed that salivary IL-5, IL-12, and IL-16 levels were positively correlated with the DMFT index in children with caries ( r = 0.73 , 0.68, 0.65, all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The microecological structure of dental plaque in school aged children with mixed dentition caries is significantly altered, the levels of pro inflammatory factors are significantly elevated, and these levels are positively correlated with the severity of caries.Oral microbial dysbiosis and local inflammatory responses may play a key role in the development and progression of dental caries.
2.Mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Extract in Treating Parkinson's Disease Based on Lipidomics
Ningxia LU ; Ao GAO ; Yehao WANG ; Jinjin YANG ; Yi LU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):91-99
ObjectiveAbnormal lipids in neurons can cause the accumulation of α-synuclein(α-syn). This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis extract (ASH) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) mice using lipidomics combined with network pharmacology. MethodsMice were divided into the blank group, model group and ASH (45.5 mg·kg-1) group. Motor ability was evaluated by pole climbing time and autonomous activity count; The oxidative stress indicators were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lipid biomarkers in brain tissues were screened and identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and metabolic pathway analysis was conducted. The key targets of ASH for PD treatment were explored using network pharmacology. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used for pathway enrichment analysis, and the "compound-reaction-enzyme-gene" network was constructed using the MetScape plugin. The protein expression levels of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2), prostaglandin peroxide synthase 1 (PTGS1), prostaglandin peroxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES) were validated by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly prolonged pole climbing time and reduced autonomous activity count (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ASH group demonstrated significantly faster pole climbing and increased autonomous activity count (P<0.01). The model group exhibited significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in brain tissues compared with the blank group (P<0.01). The ASH group showed increased SOD and GSH-Px levels and decreased MDA level compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomics analysis identified 10 differential metabolites and 8 differential metabolic pathways. Network pharmacological analysis revealed 213 intersection targets between ASH components and PD, with KEGG enrichment involving the sphingolipid signaling pathway, lipid arteriosclerosis, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, and hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway. Integrated lipidomics and network pharmacology analysis highlighted the central role of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway. The Western blot results showed that ASH effectively up-regulated GSTP1, GSTM2, and PTGS1 protein expression, and down-regulated PTGS2 and PTGES protein expression. ConclusionASH can ameliorate behavioral deficits, exert antioxidant effects, regulate lipid differential metabolites and the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, thereby exerting therapeutic effects in PD model mice.
3.Development and application of a three-dimensional digital visualization system for children's neck acupoints
Xiaojing AO ; Kun LI ; Yuhang LIU ; Xiaoxuan YANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Xiaoyan REN ; Shaojie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1834-1840
BACKGROUND:Currently,there have been studies on three-dimensional digitalization and visualization systems for adult acupoints,but there are not many reports on the visualization of pediatric acupoints based on real pediatric digital sectional anatomical datasets. OBJECTIVE:To design and develop a digital three-dimensional visualization system for children's neck acupoints,to provide a basis for acupuncture and moxibustion,meridian and acupoint science teaching,clinical practice,acupuncture manipulation practice,and acupuncture safety research,and to provide a basis for the development of children's acupoint simulation system. METHODS:Based on a real cross-sectional anatomical dataset of pre-school boys,a three-dimensional digital virtual anatomical model of the neck region of children and internal multi-organ three-dimensional reconstruction were completed using PhotoShop 2021 and Digihuman Reconstruction System software.A database of 11 acupoints was compiled,including Fengfu and Fengchi,using the Unity database language.A three-dimensional model of children's neck anatomy,acupoint database,and writing acupuncture operation codes were integrated in Unity3D software.A three-dimensional digital visualization system for children's neck acupoints was successfully created,which integrated simulation acupoint positioning,three-dimensional acupoint anatomy,acupuncture training,clinical teaching,and acupuncture safety research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This study was based on real child specimens.Manual layer by layer segmentation of cross-sectional images was used to ensure the accuracy of the three-dimensional model to the greatest extent possible.The 3D software Digihuman Reconstruction System was utilized to extract and save independent segmentation data.PhotoShop 2021 software was collaborated with to complete dozens of three-dimensional reconstruction anatomical models of the outer skin of the neck and its internal bone structure,cervical spinal cord,blood vessels and nerves,muscles,and ligaments in children.The basic morphology and overall contour integrity verification of each independent structure were completed in MeshLab software.The 3-material research 13.0 software was applied for final fine tuning and anatomical position confirmation,successfully simulating and restoring the true anatomical morphology of the neck of preschool children.(2)Based on and referring to the national standards of the People's Republic of China,a database of commonly used acupoints in children's neck region was collected and organized,including their names,meridians,positioning,local anatomy,needle insertion levels,acupuncture methods,acupuncture accidents and prevention,acupoint indications,and two-dimensional anatomical sectional images.(3)Unity3D software was employed to integrate the three-dimensional model of children's neck,acupuncture simulation operation,and acupoint database,and a three-dimensional digital children's neck acupoint acupuncture visualization system was successfully constructed.The system displayed information on children's neck acupoints,two-dimensional and three-dimensional anatomical structures,and achieved two-dimensional and three-dimensional acupuncture simulation functions and acupuncture safety research functions for children's neck acupoints.Based on the ultra-thin sectional anatomical dataset of real child specimens,the first three-dimensional digital and visualization system for acupoints in the neck region of children had been constructed.Compared with previous acupoint acupuncture systems,it is more in line with the anatomical and morphological development characteristics of Asian children and has high application value in the fields of acupuncture safety research,clinical teaching,and acupuncture simulation training.
4.Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzofuro2,3-cpyridine derivatives as p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitors for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Yang LI ; Yan FANG ; Xiaoyu CHEN ; Linjiang TONG ; Fang FENG ; Qianqian ZHOU ; Shulun CHEN ; Jian DING ; Hua XIE ; Ao ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):438-466
The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a key regulator of malignancy, is negatively correlated with immune infiltration and has become an emergent drug target of cancer therapy. Given the lack of high efficacy PAK4 inhibitors, we herein reported the identification of a novel inhibitor 13 bearing a tetrahydrobenzofuro[2,3-c]pyridine tricyclic core and possessing high potency against MIA PaCa-2 and Pan02 cell lines with IC50 values of 0.38 and 0.50 μmol/L, respectively. This compound directly binds to PAK4 in a non-ATP competitive manner. In the mouse Pan02 model, compound 13 exhibited significant tumor growth inhibition at a dose of 100 mg/kg, accompanied by reduced levels of PAK4 and its phosphorylation together with immune infiltration in mice tumor tissue. Overall, compound 13 is a novel allosteric PAK4 inhibitor with a unique tricyclic structural feature and high potency both in vitro and in vivo, thus making it worthy of further exploration.
5.Discovery of a potential hematologic malignancies therapy: Selective and potent HDAC7 PROTAC degrader targeting non-enzymatic function.
Yuheng JIN ; Xuxin QI ; Xiaoli YU ; Xirui CHENG ; Boya CHEN ; Mingfei WU ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Hao YIN ; Yang LU ; Yihui ZHOU ; Ao PANG ; Yushen LIN ; Li JIANG ; Qiuqiu SHI ; Shuangshuang GENG ; Yubo ZHOU ; Xiaojun YAO ; Linjie LI ; Haiting DUAN ; Jinxin CHE ; Ji CAO ; Qiaojun HE ; Xiaowu DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1659-1679
HDAC7, a member of class IIa HDACs, plays a pivotal regulatory role in tumor, immune, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, due to the high similarity in the enzyme active sites of class IIa HDACs, inhibitors encounter challenges in discerning differences among them. Furthermore, the substitution of key residue in the active pocket of class IIa HDACs renders them pseudo-enzymes, leading to a limited impact of enzymatic inhibitors on their function. In this study, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology was employed to develop HDAC7 drugs. We developed an exceedingly selective HDAC7 PROTAC degrader B14 which showcased superior inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to TMP269 in various diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent investigations unveiled that B14 disrupts BCL6 forming a transcriptional inhibition complex by degrading HDAC7, thereby exerting proliferative inhibition in DLBCL. Our study broadened the understanding of the non-enzymatic functions of HDAC7 and underscored the importance of HDAC7 in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, particularly in DLBCL and AML.
6.Correlation of MET Status with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Advanced Prostatic Acinar Adenocarcinoma
Weiying HE ; Wenjia SUN ; Huiyu LI ; Yanggeling ZHANG ; De WU ; Chunxia AO ; Jincheng WANG ; Yanan YANG ; Xuexue XIAO ; Luyao ZHANG ; Xiyuan WANG ; Junqiu YUE
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):698-704
Objective To explore the correlation of MET status in patients with advanced prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma with the clinical pathological parameters and prognosis. Methods The specimen from 135 patients with advanced prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma was included. The expression of c-MET protein was detected via immunohistochemistry, and MET gene amplification was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The relationships of c-MET expression and gene amplification with clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Results The positive expression rate of c-MET was 52.60% (71/135). Compared with the c-MET expression in adjacent tissues, that in tumor tissues showed lower heterogeneous expression. Among the cases, 1.71% (2/117) exhibited MET gene polyploidy, but no gene amplification was detected. Positive c-MET expression was significantly correlated with high Gleason scores and grade groups (P=
7.Study on the effect and mechanism of Xinyang Tablet on myocardial ferroptosis in mice with chronic heart failure
Jinhua KANG ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Xiaoxiong ZHOU ; Ao LIU ; Zhongqi YANG ; Hongyan WU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):516-528
Objective:
Exploring the effect and mechanism of Xinyang Tablet on reduction of ferroptosis in myocardial cells from mice with chronic heart failure.
Methods:
Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the sham, model, Xinyang Tablet low-dose (0.34 g/kg), Xinyang Tablet medium-dose (0.68 g/kg), Xinyang Tablet high-dose (1.36 g/kg), and perindopril (0.607 mg/kg) groups using a random number table method (10 mice in each group). Except for the sham group, all other groups underwent aortic arch constriction surgery to construct a chronic heart failure model. On the third day after completion of the modeling, each treatment group was administered the corresponding medication by gavage, while the sham and model groups were administered equal volumes of water by gavage once a day for eight consecutive weeks. After treatment, cardiac ultrasound was used to detect the structure and function of the mouse heart. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in mouse heart tissue. Masson staining was used to detect the proportion of fibrotic area of mouse heart tissue. Realtime fluorescence PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), collagen 3α (Col3α), and myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) in mouse myocardial tissue. Transmission electron microscope was used to detect the ultrastructure of myocardial cell mitochondria. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining was used to detect the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS in myocardial tissue. Micro-determination was used to detect superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in myocardial tissue. An immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the mean fluorescence intensity of phosphorylated histone deacetylase 2 (p-HDAC2) in myocardial cell. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), p-HDAC2, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1 (NOX1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and cystine glutamate reverse transporter (xCT) in mouse myocardial tissue.
Results:
Compared to the sham group, the model group showed a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), an increase in left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), an increase in the proportion of cardiac fibrosis area, an increase in relative expression levels of ANP, BNP, Col3α, and MYH7 mRNA, an increase in ROS mean fluorescence intensity, a decrease in SOD activity, an increase in mean fluorescence intensity of p-HDAC2, an increase in relative expression levels of p-HDAC2 and NOX1 proteins, and a decrease in relative expression levels of Nrf2, GPX4, and xCT proteins (P<0.05). Myocardial fibrosis lesions are obvious, with disordered mitochondrial arrangement, decreased volume and shrinkage, increased membrane density, and reduced mitochondrial cristae. Compared to the model group, the LVEF and LVFS of mice in each dose group of Xinyang Tablet and the perindopril group increased, LVESD and LVEDD decreased, the proportion of fibrotic area of heart tissue decreased, the relative expression levels of ANP, BNP, Col3α, MYH7 mRNA decreased, ROS mean fluorescence intensity decreased, SOD activity increased, mean fluorescence intensity of p-HDAC2 decreased, relative expression levels of p-HDAC2 and NOX1 proteins decreased, and relative expression levels of Nrf2 and xCT proteins increased (P<0.05). Myocardial fibrosis was reduced, the mitochondrial arrangement was more regular, the mitochondria enlarged, the membrane density was reduced, and mitochondrial cristae increased. Compared to the model group, the relative expression level of the GPX4 protein in myocardial tissue increased in the Xinyang Tablet medium-, high-dose, and the perindopril groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Xinyang Tablet can improve ferroptosis and ventricular remodeling in mice with chronic heart failure by regulating the HDAC2-mediated Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
8.Analyzing the quality control evaluation results of occupational health examination institutions in Guizhou Province in 2022
Mei YANG ; Dongxia LI ; Yunxia AO ; Jun LI ; Hourui MA
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):71-75
Objective To understand the status of quality control in occupational medical examination (OME) institutions in Guizhou Province. Methods A total of 124 registered OME institutions actively conducting OME in Guizhou Province were selected as the study subjects using the judgment sampling method. The evaluation was conducted by on-site document reviews, practical skill assessments, and investigation of OME practices for quality evaluation and analyzing their quality control performance. Results The public institutions accounted for 71.0% with a 41.5% of OME workload, while private institutions accounted for 29.0% with a 58.5% of OME workload among these 124 OME institutions. The overall pass rate for quality evaluation of OME institutions was 16.9% (21/124), with a total of 1 296 items failed to pass the quality evaluation. Among the unqualified items, organizational structure, quality control management systems, OME quality control, and information reporting accounted for 15.2%, 21.7%, 52.8%, and 10.3%, respectively. The unqualified rate of quality assessment items of OME institutions was 24.5% (1 296/5 288), and the unqualified rate was lower in public institutions compared with private institutions (22.4% vs 29.3%, P<0.01). The rates of the three key unqualified items, including chest radiography conclusion evaluation, audiogram calculation and conclusion evaluation, and blood lead comparison were 9.8%, 74.8% and 71.4%, respectively. The rates of unqualified audiometry operation test and chief physician theory test were 74.8% and 9.7%, respectively. Conclusion The quality of OME institutions in Guizhou Province requires continuous improvement, particularly in enhancing the abilities of audiometry operation, calculating audiogram results and conducing right conclusion, and blood lead inter-laboratory comparision.
9.Efficacy and safety of transdermal delivery of compound glycyrrhizin injection as an adjunctive treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
Chunyu HUANG ; Yilin DU ; Zhuokun RAN ; Haixia KUANG ; Keyun WANG ; Ao ZHANG ; Yanling YANG ; Xiaoyin PENG ; Xinyu LIN
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(3):249-257
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transdermal delivery of compound glycyrrhizin injection as an adjunctive treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR).Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial conducted from March to October 2024. At Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital, 60 patients with newly diagnosed ETR were prospectively enrolled and randomized by a random number table into study group [ n=30; 6 male and 24 female; aged 18-60 (38.9±9.8) years] and control group [ n=30; 4 male and 26 female; aged 18-60 (35.7±10.1) years]. The study group received transdermal delivery of compound glycyrrhizin injection by a medium-frequency drug-delivery therapeutic apparatus together with oral azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine sulfate, whereas the control group received oral azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine sulfate. The efficacy evaluations were conducted at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 post-treatment. Outcome measures included percentage of erythema area, stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), clinician′s erythema assessment (CEA), erythema and telangiectasia scores, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and efficacy rate. Adverse reactions during treatment were also recorded. Results:Compared with baseline, both groups exhibited significant reductions in percentage of erythema area, TEWL, CEA, erythema and telangiectasia score, and DLQI, and significant increases in stratum corneum hydration at each post-treatment time point (all P<0.05). After 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment, the percentage of erythema area, erythema and telangiectasia scores in the study group were all lower than those in the control group, while the stratum corneum hydration level in the study group was higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). After 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment, TEWL, CEA, and DLQI in the study group were all lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the efficacy rate in the study group was 56.7% (17/30), which was higher than that of the control group at 23.3% (7/30, P=0.046). After 6 weeks of treatment, the efficacy rate in the study group was 83.3% (25/30), higher than that of the control group at 50.0% (15/30, P=0.020). After 8 weeks of treatment, the efficacy rate in the study group was 86.7% (26/30), higher than that of the control group at 66.7% (20/30, P<0.001). No severe adverse reactions were observed in either group. Conclusion:Transdermal delivery of compound glycyrrhizin injection as an adjunctive treatment for ETR demonstrates favorable efficacy and good safety.
10.Expression and characterization of the TsNas36 protein of Trichinella spiralis
Guangquan SI ; Junpeng SONG ; Qingbo LYU ; Xue BAI ; Yang WANG ; Xiaolei LIU ; Lixi-ao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1225-1232,1242
Trichinella spiralis zinc metalloproteinase NAS-36 gene(TsNas36)is a member of the zinc metalloproteinase family found in excretory secretory products(ESP)of T.spiralis.In this study,TsNas36 gene was cloned and expressed,and its biological characteristics and temporal and spatial characteristics were identified.These results provide a theoretical and material basis for ex-ploring the biological function of TsNas36 gene.Bioinformatics analysis showed that TsNas36 was 470 amino acids(AA)in length with a molecular weight of about 54.69 kDa,no transmembrane region,and contained a signal peptide(1-20 AA),an Astacins domain(116-320 AA)and a CUB domain(355-470 AA).There were five active site residues located at amino acids 216(His),217(Glu),220(His),226(His)and 275(Tyr).The expression plasmid pET-28a(+)/TsNas36 was constructed and induced to express in E.coli BL21(DE3)to obtain the recombinant protein rTs-Nas36.The recombinant protein was used to immunize rabbits to obtain anti-rTsNas36 polyclonal antibody serum.Indirect ELISA results showed that the antibody titer reached 1∶105.qRT-PCR and Western blot results showed that the transcription levels of TsNas36 were significantly higher in newborn larvae(NBL)than in adult worm(AW)and muscle larva(ML)stages.Immunofluo-rescence results showed that TsNas36 was only localized in the epidermis of NBL.In summary,this study characterized the biological characteristics of the TsNas36 gene and found that this gene is highly period-specific and may be involved in the unique developmental process of NBL.


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