1.Effect and mechanism of Biejiajian Pill on subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells
Lu LU ; Huanling CHEN ; Jian XU ; Yuanqin DU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Yingsheng WU ; Chengting WU ; Wei BAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Hongna HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):125-133
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejiajian Pills (BJJW) on the growth of liver cancer, as well as its potential mechanism in mediating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway through mitochondrial energy metabolism. MethodsHuman hepatoma Huh7 cells were used to establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft tumor. A total of 18 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into model group, BJJW group (2.2 g/kg), and metformin group (250 mg/kg), and the corresponding drug was given by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Tumor volume and weight were monitored during the experiment; HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes; the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in tumor tissue were measured; immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with the AMPK/mTOR pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, the BJJW group had a tumor inhibition rate of 45.73%, with significant reductions in both tumor volume and weight (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant reduction in the number of tumor cells and the presence of extensive necrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant increase in ROS level (P<0.001) and a significant reduction in ATP level (P<0.001), as well as significant increases in p-AMPK/AMPK ratio (0.81±0.20 vs 0.13±0.04, P<0.01) and p-ULK1/ULK1 ratio (0.69±0.17 vs 0.18±0.13, P<0.01) and a significant reduction in p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (1.34±0.16 vs 3.20±0.62, P<0.01). ConclusionBJJW may inhibit the growth of liver cancer by inducing mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction, increasing the level of ROS, reducing the level of ATP, and activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
2.Risk of Hospitalization for Genitourinary System Diseases Following Exposure to Cold Spells.
Qing Hua SUN ; Chen CHEN ; Jie BAN ; Han Shuo ZHANG ; Jing Yi SUN ; Hang DU ; Tian Tian LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(11):1369-1377
OBJECTIVE:
To assess relationships between cold spells and genitourinary hospitalization risk.
METHODS:
Hospitalization records for genitourinary system diseases (GUDs) from 16 districts in Beijing (2013-2018) were analyzed. Cold spells were defined based on varying intensity thresholds. A two-stage analytical method was employed: first, generalized linear models assessed district-specific associations between cold spells and hospitalizations; second, random-effects meta-analysis aggregated the district-level results. Subgroup analyses were performed by admission type (emergency vs. outpatient), age, and sex.
RESULTS:
A total of 271,579 GUD-related hospitalizations were recorded. Cold spells (p1day2,daily mean temperature below the 1 st percentiles of the daily mean temperature distribution from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, lasting for two or more consecutive days) were linked to a significant rise in hospitalization risks: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32-1.56) for all GUDs, 1.35 (95% CI: 1.23-1.49) for urinary system diseases, and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.28-1.67) for renal failure, when compared to non-cold spell days. Emergency admissions showed higher risk increases than outpatient admissions.
CONCLUSION
Extreme cold spells significantly elevate hospitalization risks for GUDs. This highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to mitigate cold-related health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.
Humans
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Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data*
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Male
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Female
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Cold Temperature/adverse effects*
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Infant
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Child, Preschool
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Middle Aged
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Adult
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Child
;
Aged
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Adolescent
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Young Adult
;
Beijing/epidemiology*
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Female Urogenital Diseases/etiology*
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Male Urogenital Diseases/etiology*
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Infant, Newborn
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Risk Factors
3.Discovery of novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Zhipei SANG ; Shuheng HUANG ; Wanying TAN ; Yujuan BAN ; Keren WANG ; Yufan FAN ; Hongsong CHEN ; Qiyao ZHANG ; Chanchan LIANG ; Jing MI ; Yunqi GAO ; Ya ZHANG ; Wenmin LIU ; Jianta WANG ; Wu DONG ; Zhenghuai TAN ; Lei TANG ; Haibin LUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2134-2155
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC50 = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC50 = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.
4.NAT10 inhibition alleviates astrocyte autophagy by impeding ac4C acetylation of Timp1 mRNA in ischemic stroke.
Li YANG ; Xiaotong LI ; Yaxuan ZHAO ; Hao CHEN ; Can WANG ; Angrong WU ; Xintong GUO ; Yue HUANG ; Qihui WANG ; Lingyun HAO ; Xiaowen LI ; Ying JI ; Jin BAN ; Guangtian WANG ; Junli CAO ; Zhiqiang PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2575-2592
Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.
5.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
6.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
7.Influence of CECT on online dose calculation of adaptive MRgRT for rectal cancer
Shaojuan WU ; Jing CHEN ; Baolong NIU ; Liang JIN ; Peichao BAN ; Xiangkun DAI ; Chuanbin XIE
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(10):20-25
Objective:To investigate the influence of contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)on dose calculation in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-guided online adaptive radiotherapy(oART)based on the electron density(ED)assignment method for rectal cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 15 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer at middle-low segments,who admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital between December 2023 and April 2025.All patients underwent both plain computed tomography(PCT)and CECT scans during location.The average HU and ED value of all organs that were extracted from PCT and CECT images in the treatment plan system were obtained,and the influences of contrast agent of intake on image characteristics of the structure of each organ(small intestine,femoral head,bladder)were analyzed.PCT was used as referred image to design reference plan(Pref).The synthetic CT(sCT)was simulated and generated on the basis of PCT and CECT,respectively.The beam flow field that was same with Pref was used to recalculate dose on sCT,and then,the online plan(PPCT)based on PCT,and the online plan(PCECT)based on CECT were obtained,respectively,which can simulate the online dose calculation of MRI-guided online adaptive radiotherapy(oART).The Pref was used as reference to compare dosimetric parameters for target region and organ at risk(OAR)through dose volume histogram(DVH)and planed evaluation indicators.Additionally,three dimension(3D)slicer software was used to perform γ analysis for the results of dose distribution,and explore the differences among PPCT,PCECT and Pref on dose distribution.Results:In terms of image characteristics,the HU values of soft-tissue organs(intestine,bladder,spinal cord,soft tissue)and planning target volume(PTV)in CECT were higher than those in PCT,and the differences of them were statistically significant(Zintestines=-2.188,Zbladder=-3.196,tspinal cord=-3.767,tsoft tissue=-10.083,tPTV=-4.693,P<0.05),while its influence was less on bone tissue.The statistical results of ED were consistent with those of HU.Regarding to dosimetric parameters,there was no statistically significant difference in target coverage rate between PPCT and Pref(P>0.05),and the D50%of the PPCT[(2724.25±19.91)cGy]was higher than that of the Pref[(2718.99±21.13)cGy],and the difference was statistically significant(t=-3.679,P=0.002).However,the target coverage rate of PCECT was 94.65(94.04,95.27)%,and the difference of that between PCECT and Pref was statistically significant(Z=-2.158,P=0.031).For OAR,the differences of Dmax value of the small intestine,and the V20 of the left femoral head between PPCT and Pref were significant(Z=-2.556,-2.529,P<0.05).The differences of the Dmax of small intestine,and the D50%of bladder between PCECT and Pref were significant(t=-4.821,2.171,P<0.05).The comparative γ passed rates of PPCT,PCECT and Pref under the standards of 3 mm/3%and 2 mm/2%were all above 95%,and the differences were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:The influence of CECT on dose calculation in MRI-guided oART based on ED assignment method for rectal cancer is relatively small,which can be directly used in the design of reference plan,but the maximum dose of radiation-sensitive organs such as the small intestine should be paid attention.
8.Analysis of clinical factors affecting live birth outcomes in the first FET cycle after intrauterine adhesion separation: a real-world study
Chen WANG ; Yangqin PENG ; Hui CHEN ; Deying BAN ; Yuan LI ; Fei GONG ; Ge LIN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(1):45-58
Objective:To investigate the independent clinical factors of live birth rate of the first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle after transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA).Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of patients with intrauterine adhesion (IUA) who received FET in Reproductive Center of Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA from January 2019 to June 2022 ( n=6 154). According to the severity of intrauterine adhesions in patients, they were classified into mild adhesions ( n=172), moderate adhesions ( n=5 723), and severe adhesions ( n=259). Based on the FET outcome, the patients were divided into live birth group and non-live birth group. The risk factors and protective factors of live birth were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results:1) No independent factor of live birth was found in the mild IUA group. 2) In the moderate IUA group, the protective factors of live birth included secondary infertility ( OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.80, P=0.015), hysteroscopic polypectomy ( OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.05-1.83, P=0.023), No. of high-quality embryos transferred (one embryo: OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.37-1.82, P<0.001; two embryos: OR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.80-3.64, P<0.001), two embryos transferred ( OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.48-2.12, P<0.001), embryo stage (blastocyst transferred, OR=4.93, 95% CI: 3.68-6.63, P<0.001; blastocyst+cleavage transferred OR=1.90, 95% CI: 1.11-3.21, P=0.021), preimplantation genetic testing embryo ( OR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.69, P<0.001), endometrial thickness before transplantation ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.15, P<0.001). Risk factors of live birth included female age ( OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.92-0.96, P<0.001), infertility due to male factor ( OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.71-0.96, P=0.011), combined repeated implantation failure ( OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.87, P=0.007), combined unicornuate uterus/uterus didelphys ( OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.06-0.79, P=0.033), American Fertility Society score ( OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.98, P=0.010), No. of TCRA ( OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90, P<0.001), gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists down-regulation combined with artificial cycle ( OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.45-0.69, P<0.001), artificial cycle ( OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.51-0.76, P<0.001). 3) In the severe IUA group, the risk factor of live birth was artificial cycle ( OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.80, P=0.027). Conclusion:The clinical factors that affect the live birth outcome of the first FET cycle after TCRA have different results in patients with different degrees of adhesion. In patients with moderate adhesions, there are 17 clinical indicators that affect the live birth rate. In patients with severe adhesions, the artificial cycle is an independent factor affecting the live birth rate.
9.Evaluating value of multimodal MRI combined with digital breast 3D tomography on lymphatic vascular infiltration in patients with invasive breast cancer-non special type mass type
Xiaozhu WU ; Ban CHEN ; Meifang LI ; Zhenhua LI ; Guixiang LENG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(4):599-602,613
Objective To explore the value of multimodal MRI combined with digital breast 3D tomography(DBT)in evaluating lymphatic vascular infiltration(LVI)in patients with invasive breast cancer-non special type(IBC-NST)mass type.Methods A total of 102 patients with IBC-NST mass type were divided into LVI group and non LVI group based on whether LVI occurred.The influencing factors of LVI were analyzed by using multivariate logistic regression.Clinical value of multimodal MRI combined with DBT in evaluating LVI in patients with IBC-NST mass type were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Multivariate logistic analysis showed that apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value,maximum tumor diameter and peritumoral edema were independent risk factors for LVI in IBC-NST mass type(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of ADC value,maximum tumor diameter and peritumoral edema alone and in combination for LVI in patients with IBC-NST mass type were 0.749,0.655,0.638 and 0.791,respectively.Conclusion ADC value and its combined application model have high efficacy in evaluating LVI in patients with IBC-NST mass type.
10.Ameliorative effects of tea on metabolic disorders in obesity mice induced by high-fat diet
Chen WANG ; Xiang BAN ; Jia-xing LIU ; Si-yao SANG ; Xue AO ; Ming-jie SU ; Bin-wei HU ; Hui LI
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(3):393-402
Objective To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of six types of tea(green tea,cyan tea,red tea,white tea,black tea and yellow tea)on metabolic disorders in obesity mice induced by high-fat diet(HFD).Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 8 groups with 7 mice per group.An HFD-induced obese mouse model was established,and the mice in control group maintained on standard diet followed by intragastric administration of different teas for 5 weeks.The body weight,liver weight ratio,fasting blood glucose,and lipid profile of the mice were measured to assess glucose and lipid metabolism.Serum inflammatory factors including IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and oxidative stress markers[malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured.Additionally,liver histopathology and the expression of key glycolipid metabolism-related genes,adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1(CPT-1),were analyzed to explore underlying mechanisms.Results Cyan tea significantly suppressed weight gain,demonstrating superior weight control.White tea markedly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and decreased the area under the curve of oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)and insulin tolerance test(ITT),indicating synergistic improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.Yellow tea exhibited exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,reducing hepatic IL-6 and MDA while enhancing SOD activity.Green tea activated the lipid oxidation pathway by upregulating AMPK/CPT-1 expression.All kinds of tea significantly attenuated hepatic lipid droplet accumulation.Conclusion All six types of tea alleviated metabolic disorders by reducing hepatic fat content in obesity mice.However,different types of tea exert their unique effects on improving metabolic disorders through differential mechanisms such as glucose metabolism regulation,lipid oxidation,and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

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