1.α-ketoglutarate ameliorated arsenic-induced hepatic lipid deposition in offspring via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Shuangrui BAO ; Hongyan WU ; Ying SUN ; Tong ZHAN ; Qian YANG ; Xinru LIANG ; Zhiyan WAN ; Wenyi CHEN ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):225-231
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males, and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group, arsenic group, α-KG group, arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 (GD0-GD16), the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ,15 mg/L) in drinking water everyday, and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG (2 g/kg) everyday. On GD16, pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver, and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides (TGs) and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis, transport, and degradation, and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver; body weight and crown-rump length were reduced (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.05); oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression of PI3K, AKT decreased(PTuKey<0.05). Compared with the arsenic group, the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group (PTuKey<0.05); oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased (PTuKey<0.01); the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated (PTuKey<0.05), the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated (PTuKey<0.05); the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased (PTuKey<0.05). Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
2.4-Phenylbutyrate ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced bile acid metabolism disorder in maternal mice
Xinru LIANG ; Ying SUN ; Shuangrui BAO ; Tong ZHAN ; Hongyan WU ; Wenkang TAO ; Lun ZHANG ; Jianqing WANG ; Cheng ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1183-1190
ObjectiveTo explore the ameliorative effect of the endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) on bile acid metabolism disorders induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in late-pregnant mice, and to clarify the regulatory mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). MethodsTwenty-four pregnant mice were divided into control group, LPS group, 4-PBA group, and LPS+4-PBA group. On the 16th day of pregnancy, the LPS group received intraperitoneal injection of LPS (200 μg/kg) and the 4-PBA group received injection of 4-PBA (150 mg/kg). In the LPS+4-PBA group, 4-PBA was intraperitoneally injected first, followed by LPS administration 1 h later. Serum total bile acid (TBA), liver injury markers, bile acid profiles, and the expression of key genes and proteins were detected 6 h after LPS treatment. ResultsLPS exposure increased serum TBA levels in pregnant mice(P<0.05), activated ERS markers and inflammatory factors, and downregulated bile acid transporters and the expression of the rate limiting enzyme CYP7A1(all P<0.05). 4-PBA intervention effectively inhibited ERS, reduced TBA levels(P<0.05), and upregulated Ntcp, Bsep, Mdr3, and Mrp3 gene expression(all P<0.05). ConclusionERS plays an important role in LPS interference with the homeostasis of bile acid metabolism during pregnancy. Inhibiting ERS can improve bile stasis by regulating bile acid transporters, providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of ICP.
3.Peripheral Immune Response Patterns Under Vital Qi-Strengthening and Toxin-Eliminating Therapy and Their Value in Assessing Vital Qi Deficiency in Lung Cancer Metastasis: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling
Fan XU ; Jianhui TIAN ; Yuan YAO ; Zhenyang CHENG ; Yanhong WANG ; Bin LUO ; Jialiang YAO ; Wang YAO ; Xinyi LU ; Yuchen BAO ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Youjun LIU ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Jianchun WU ; Minghua LI ; Wenfei SHI ; Yajing CUI ; Qingzhong LIU ; Yan LI ; Yun YANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(9):711-717
Objective On the basis of the theory of the tumor metastatic state, this work aims to explore the metastasis trajectories and peripheral immune response patterns in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vital qi-strengthening and toxin-eliminating therapy (Fuzheng Juandu) and reveal the value of peripheral immunity in assessing vital qi deficiency during metastasis. Methods A retrospective study design was adopted. Patients with NSCLC admitted from January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2025 were enrolled. Data on metastasis status and peripheral immune indices were collected at the follow-up time points of one, two, three, and five years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to fit metastasis trajectories, and the independent predictors of trajectory grouping were analyzed through multifactor and multiclassification logistic regression. Results A total of 184 patients with NSCLC were included, and three different groups of metastasis trajectories were identified, namely, the low-risk stable (46.74%, n=86), low-risk rising (13.59%, n=25), and high-risk stable (39.67%, n=73) groups. Univariate analysis revealed substantial differences in peripheral immune indices among the three trajectory groups. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, absolute neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, absolute monocyte count, platelet volume, SAA:CRP ratio, and NLR were independent predictors of the low-risk rising group, whereas TNM stage, absolute monocyte count, basophil count, SII, and NLR were independent predictors of the high-risk stable group. Conclusion Under Fuzheng Juandu therapy, patients with NSCLC exhibit three distinct metastasis trajectories, each
4.Mechanism by which sanguis draconis flavones regulating ROS/TXNIP pathway-mediated pyroptosis to ameliorate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Chao-Xia ZHU ; Zhi-Ying LI ; Xiao-Fei LÜ ; Qian ZHAO ; Bao-Cang CHENG ; Hui-Jie YANG ; Li-Ping ZHOU ; Li-Min ZENG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(6):673-680
Objective To explore the mechanism by which the sanguis draconis flavones(SDF)regulates the reactive oxygen species(ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)pathway to mediate cell pyroptosis and improve cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CIRI)in rats.Methods The experimental rats were randomly divided into the control group(Ctrl),the CIRI group,the low-dose SDF group(SDF-L),the high-dose SDF group(SDF-H),and the SDF-H+ROS/TXNIP pathway activator,trimethylamine oxide(TMAO)group(SDF-H+TMAO).Among them,except for the control group,the remaining rats all needed to establish the CIRI rat model by the modified suture method.Zea Longa scoring was performed on rats from each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-18 and oxidative stress-related factors superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px).Flow cytometry was used to measure the ROS levels.Cerebral edema was detected.Cerebral infarction was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining.HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of brain tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of pyrolytic effector protein dermolin D(GSDMD).Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the ROS/TXNIP pathway.Results Compared with the control group,a large area of cerebral infarctions were observed in the brain tissue of the CIRI group,accompanied by mild hemorrhage and obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells.Neuronal cells underwent degeneration and necrosis,with sparse and disordered arrangement.The phenomena of nuclear condensation and nucleolus lysis were obvious.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-related punctate protein(ASC),and Caspase-1 increased,while the activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the CIRI group,the pathological damage of brain tissues in the SDF-L group and the SDF-H group was significantly improved.The Zea Longa score,cerebral infarction volume,brain tissue water content,levels of IL-1β,IL-18,ROS,MDA,and the expressions of GSDMD,TXNIP,NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 decreased.The activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased(P<0.05);TMAO treatment partially reversed the improvement effect of SDF on CIRI in rats.Conclusion SDF ameliorates cerebral CIRI in rats by inhibiting ROS/TXNIP pathway-mediated pyroptosis.
5.Impact of sarcopenia on efficacy and adverse reactions of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Mo YANG ; Wen QIAN ; Liangliang BAO ; Jiawen YU ; Jin CHENG ; Ruiran YU ; Wenjuan YAO
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(17):38-42,58
Objective To analyze the impact of sarcopenia on the efficacy and adverse reactions of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer.Methods Patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer confirmed by pathology who were not eligible for radical surgery were selected as study subjects.A body composition analyzer was used to measure the appendicular muscle mass of the patients and calculate the skeletal muscle mass index(SMI).Based on the SMI,the patients were divided into sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenia group.On the basis of nutritional intervention and comprehensive exercise therapy,the patients were administered immu-notherapy combined with chemotherapy.The efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated.The primary endpoint was progression-free survival(PFS),and the secondary endpoints were the objec-tive response rate(ORR)and treatment-related adverse reactions.Results A total of 52 gastric cancer patients were included,with 23 in the sarcopenia group and 29 in the non-sarcopenia group.The median PFS in the non-sarcopenia group was 9.8 months(95%CI,8.9 to 12.4),and was 5.4 months in the sarcopenia group(95%CI,4.9 to 8.1).The median PFS in the non-sarcopenia group was longer than that in the sarcopenia group,and the difference was statistically significant[HR(95%CI)=0.41(0.23 to 0.73),P=0.003].The results of the multivariate Cox propor-tional hazards regression model showed that comorbidities,treatment cycles,and sarcopenia were all independent prognostic factors affecting the PFS of gastric cancer patients(P<0.05).The ORR in the non-sarcopenia group was 48.28%(14/29),and was 17.39%(4/23)in the sarcopenia group(x2=5.276,P<0.05).Treatment-related adverse reactions with grading ≥3 in both groups were mainly hematological toxicities.In the non-sarcopenia group,the incidence of grading ≥ 3 treat-ment-related adverse reactions was 27.59%(8/29),and the incidence of grading<3 treatment-re-lated adverse reactions(including those with no adverse reactions)was 72.41%(21/29).In the sarcopenia group,the incidence of grading ≥3 treatment-related adverse reactions was 56.52%(13/23),and the incidence of grading<3 treatment-related adverse reactions(including those without adverse reactions)was 43.48%(10/23).The incidence of grading ≥3 treatment-related adverse reactions in the non-sarcopenia group was lower than that in the sarcopenia group(P=0.035).Conclusion For patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer complicated with sarcopenia,the median PFS of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is shorter,the ORR is lower,and the incidence of treatment-related adverse reactions is increased.Therefore,ear-ly intervention for sarcopenia should be implemented to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced gastric cancer.
6.Exploratory Study on the Ultrasound Characteristics of the Vagus Nerve in a Healthy Han Population in a Hospital in Qujing,Yunnan
Lingli HOU ; Yan CHENG ; Fang YANG ; Junsu YANG ; Zizhen ZHANG ; Jianjian BAO ; Guohui ZHANG ; Kang DU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(1):129-135
Objective To explore the characteristics of the cross-sectional area(CSA)of the vagus nerve in a healthy population in Qujing,Yunnan,and its correlation with demographic characteristics.Methods High-resolution nerve ultrasound examinations were conducted on the vagus nerve of 201 healthy volunteers from a hospital in Qujing,Yunnan from September 2022 to March 2023.The CSA was measured through transverse scans of the vagus nerve.The correlation of vagus nerve CSA with age,body mass index(BMI),and gender was assessed.Results The mean CSA of the bilateral VN were 1.9 mm2(right)and 1.3 mm2(left),respectively.The average CSA of the right vagus nerve was significantly greater than that of the left(P<0.001).In the high-age group(>50 years),the average CSA of the right vagus nerve was significantly higher than that of the low-age group(≤50 years)(P=0.0142).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the average CSA of the right vagus nerve between the BMI>24 kg/m2 group and the≤24 kg/m2 group(P=0.0852).The average CSA of the left vagus nerve showed no statistically significant differences across different age groups and BMI groups(P>0.05),but the average CSA of the bilateral vagus nerve in the male group was greater than that in the female group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Correlation analysis further confirmed a negative correlation between the average CSA of the right vagus nerve and age(r=-0.17,P=0.0139).Multiple linear regression models indicated that age(P=0.007)and gender(P=0.001)were independent influencing factors for the average CSA of the right vagus nerve.Conclusion In the healthy population of Qujing,Yunnan,the CSA of the right vagus nerve is significantly greater than that of the left,and males also exhibit a significantly greater CSA than females.With increasing age,the vagus nerve gradually becomes thinner.
7.Chemical constituents from the buds of Aralia chinensis var.nuda and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities
Juan WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Peng-cheng YIN ; Shao-hua LI ; Shuai CHEN ; Hai-shan QIAN ; Hong-fang LI ; Hong-ping HE ; Bao-jing LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):101-107
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the buds of Aralia chinensis L.var.nuda Nakai and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.METHODS The 70%ethanol extract from the buds of A.chinensis var.nuda was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their anti-inflammatory activities in vitro were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Sixteen compounds were isolated and identified as 4-(2,2-dibutoxyethyl)phenol(1),trans-linalool-3,7-oxide-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(2),2'-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)glyceryl β-D-galactopyranoside(3),quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(3'→ O-3''')quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside(4),syringaresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(5),p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(6),7α-hydroxystigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7),trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid methyl ester(8),funingensin A(9),3,4-dihydroxy-acetophenone(10),N-acetyltyramine(11),3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid(12),chlorogenic acid(13),aralia cerebroside(14),caffeic acid methyl ester(15),tetradecanoic acid(16).The IC50values of compounds 8,10,12 and 13 were(22.19±1.59),(35.25±1.30),(13.38±0.72),(15.73±1.16)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compound 1 is a new compound,2-13 are isolated from genus Aralia for the first time.Compounds 8,10,12,13 exhibit significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.
8.Application of smart wearable device in postoperative rehabilitation of patient with glioma
Xinna WANG ; Jiajun XU ; Cheng JIANG ; Lu ZHANG ; Ying BAO ; Xiaoxiong WANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(7):82-86
Objective:To investigate the application effect of smart wearable device in the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with glioma and its influence on postoperative recovery.Methods:Eighty patients with glioma who underwent surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between January 2022 and September 2024 were selected,and they were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table,with 40 cases in each group.Patients in the control group received routine follow-up and rehabilitation management after surgery.Patients in the observation group received smart wearable devices to monitor their postoperative recovery on the basis of the management for control group.The study evaluated the scores of the Cancer-Related Fatigue Scale(CFS),exercise amount(steps and activity time),sleep quality(total sleep time and sleep efficiency),and vital signs(heart rate and blood oxygen saturation)at the 1st week,1st month,and 3rd month after surgery for both groups.Results:At the 1st week after surgery,the differences of CFS scores,daily steps and activity time between two groups were not significant(P>0.05).At the 1st month and 3rd month after surgery,the CFS score of observation group was lower than that of control group,and the differences were significant(t=8.914,11.268,P<0.05).Additionally,the daily average steps of observation group were higher than that of control group,and the differences were significant(t=15.259,20.024,P<0.05).Furthermore,the activity time of observation group was significantly longer than that of control group,and the difference was significant(t=8.994,10.667,P<0.05).In the observation group,the heart rate and amplitude of blood oxygen fluctuation at the 1st month and 3rd month after surgery were less than them at the 1st week after surgery,and the recovery after surgery in patients was more stability,while the difference was not significant among them(P>0.05).Conclusion:Smart wearable device can effectively monitor the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with glioma,and help patients to improve fatigue,and increase physical activity,and enhance sleep quality,and stabilize vital signs by real-time feedback.
9.Effects of Wenyang Jiedu Tongluo Recipe on a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy based on macrophage recruitment and polarization
Fan LI ; Jie WANG ; Cheng-ji CUI ; Hong-bao ZHANG ; Hong-kai LIU ; Xu HUANG ; Yu-tong LIU ; Shou-lin ZHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1494-1501
AIM To investigate the effects of Wenyang Jiedu Tongluo Recipe(WYJDTLR)on macrophage recruitment and polarization function in a mouse model of diabetic kidney disease(DKD).METHODS 50 db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group,the valsartan group(10.29 mg/kg)and the high-dose,medium-dose and low-dose WYJDTLR groups(26.52,13.26 and 6.63 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group,in contrast to another 10 db/m mice of the blank group.After 8 weeks of administration,the mice had their levels of fasting blood glucose,24-hour urinary protein quantity(24h-UTP),serum creatinine(Scr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)observed;their morphological changes of renal tissues observed by HE staining;their degree of renal glycogen deposition observed by PAS staining;their degree of renal fibrosis observed by Masson staining;their levels of MCP-1 and MCF-1 in serum and TNF-α and IL-1 β in renal tissue detected by ELISA;their renal protein expressions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 detected by IHC and Western blot;and their renal expressions of CD86 and CD206 detected by IF.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the WYJDTLR groups displayed decreased levels of fasting blood glucose,24h-UTP,Scr and BUN(P<0.05,P<0.01);improved degree of glomerular hypertrophy,mild proliferation of mesangial cells,dilatation of renal tubular,vacuolar degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells,deposition of glomerular glycogen,and fibrosis of renal tissues(P<0.01);decreased levels of MCP-1 and MCF-1 in serum and TNF-α and IL-1β in renal tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased renal protein expressions of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1(P<0.05,P<0.01),thus reduced the recruitment of macrophages to the kidney;decreased renal CD86 protein expression(P<0.01);and increased CD206 protein expression(P<0.01),thus inhibited M1-type polarization of macrophages and promoted M2-type polarization of macrophages.CONCLUSION WYJDTLR can delay the DKD progression in mice by reducing the occurrence of inflammatory reactions through reducing the level of macrophage recruitment factor,inhibiting the M1-type polarization,and promoting the M2-type polarization.
10.Correlation between levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and atrial fibrillation in patients with hypertension
Fang XIONG ; Hongdong JIANG ; Zhongjie HONG ; Wei ZHOU ; Huihui BAO ; Xiaoshu CHENG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(8):740-745,753
Objective To investigate the correlation between levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and atrial fibrillation in a hypertensive population.Methods Hypertension screening was performed in the Wuyuan County of Jiangxi Province from June to August 2022.Data were collected using face-to-face questionnaire surveys,physical measurements,and biochemical tests.Logistic regres-sion analysis was used to analyze the effect of LDL-C on atrial fibrillation.The restricted cubic spline method was used to fit the correlation curve.Results A total of 14 314 patients with hypertension were included in the analysis,with an average age of 65.7±9.2 years.There were 570 patients detected with atrial fibrillation(the rate of atrial fibrillation was 4.0%).The rates of atrial fibrillation for LDL-C<1.80 mmol/L,1.80-<2.60 mmol/L,2.60-<3.40 mmol/L and≥3.40 mmol/L were 10.2%(67/654),5.7%(216/3 807),3.3%(189/5 805),and 2.4%(98/4 048),respectively.Logistic regression analysis showed that,compared with LDL-C<1.80 mmol/L group,LDL-C 1.80-<2.60 mmol/L group,2.60-<3.40 mmol/L group,and ≥ 3.40 mmol/L group had a lower risk of atrial fibrillation(OR=0.53,95%CI:0.39-0.72,P<0.001;OR=0.32,95%CI:0.23-0.45,P<0.001;OR=0.22,95%CI:0.16-0.32,P<0.001).Curve-fitting results showed that LDL-C levels were negatively associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation.Subgroup analysis showed that LDL-C level was negatively associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients without a history of stroke(OR=0.51,95%CI:0.44-0.58,P<0.001),while the association was not statistically significant in patients with a history of stroke(OR=0.80,95%CI:0.54-1.19,P=0.273).Conclusion In hyperten-sive patients without a history of stroke,LDL-C levels negatively correlated with the risk of atrial fibrillation.

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