1.Elucidating the Epigenetic Landscape of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multi-Omics Analysis Revealing Novel CpG Sites and Their Association with Cardiometabolic Traits
Ren-Hua CHUNG ; Chun-Chao WANG ; Djeane Debora ONTHONI ; Ben-Yang LIAO ; Tzu-Sheng HSU ; Eden R. MARTIN ; Chao A. HSIUNG ; Wayne Huey-Herng SHEU ; Hung-Yi CHIOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):153-164
Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, multifactorial disease with a significant global burden. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many T2DM-associated variants, most lie in non-coding regions, making it difficult to interpret their functional roles.
Methods:
We aimed to identify genetically regulated Cytosine–phosphate–Guanine (CpG) sites associated with T2DM by conducting a methylome-wide association study (MWAS), followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) and functional validation using human pancreatic cells and mouse models. MWAS was performed using summary statistics from large-scale GWAS and a DNA methylation (DNAm) prediction model to test associations between genetically predicted DNAm and T2DM.
Results:
We identified 111 CpG sites significantly associated with T2DM in Europeans, including 8 novel sites near genes not previously linked to T2DM. These findings were replicated in independent datasets. Many CpGs also showed associations with cardiometabolic traits, highlighting shared epigenetic mechanisms. Trans-ethnic MR analysis confirmed consistent effects for six CpGs in East Asians. Functional analysis revealed that several CpGs regulate gene expression in human pancreatic α- and β-cells. Among them, 2´-5´-oligoadenylate synthetase like (OASL) expression, regulated by a significant CpG, was differentially expressed in α-cells of T2DM cases compared to controls. Supporting evidence from mouse models suggests a role for OASL in glucose regulation.
Conclusion
Our study identifies novel genetically regulated CpG sites associated with T2DM risk and highlights OASL as a potential epigenetic regulator of glucose metabolism in α-cells. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the epigenetic architecture of T2DM and suggest potential targets for cross-ethnic biomarker development and therapeutic intervention.
2.Intra-abdominal Hernia with Bowel Obstruction Triggering Multi-organ Failure: The Role of Preoperative Enteritis
Yue-zhen Wang ; Ben-yi Tian ; Jian-hui Qin ; Hao Liang
Journal of Surgical Academia 2026;16(1):1-4
Intra-abdominal Hernia with Bowel Obstruction Triggering Multi-organ Failure: The Role of Preoperative Enteritis
This report details the clinical course of a 41-year-old male who developed fulminant multiple organ dysfunction syndrome following emergency surgery for a strangulated intra-abdominal hernia. Preoperative manifestations, including diarrhea and marked leukocytosis, pointed towards an underlying infectious enteritis. We posited that surgical release of the obstructed, ischemic bowel segment precipitated a massive systemic influx of endotoxins and inflammatory mediators, triggering septic shock and rapid sequential organ failure. This case underscored the critical need to suspect concomitant gastrointestinal infection in patients presenting with mechanical bowel obstruction accompanied by infectious signs. Aggressive perioperative sepsis management encompassing early empiric antimicrobial therapy, vigilant hemodynamic monitoring, and preparedness for advanced organ support is essential to mitigate this severe complication.
3.β-glucan attenuates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice by promoting glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion
Wei WANG ; Ben HAN ; Lihua SUN ; Huichao XIE ; Xiong ZENG ; Weidong XIAO ; Jian WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(2):112-121
Objective To investigate the protective effect of β-glucan(BG)against intestinal ischemia reperfusion(II/R)injury by regulating the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1).Methods Male C57BL/6 mice(6~8 weeks old)were subjected,and finally,the experiments had sham group,II/R group,II/R+BG group(0.1 mg/mL BG in drinking water for 2 weeks before modeling),II/R+liraglutide(LLT,GLP-1 analogue)group(0.2 μg/g LLT injected every 12 hours for 3 consecutive days before modeling),and II/R+BG+Ex9-39(GLP-1 R antagonist)group(intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg/g Ex9-39 1 h before modeling).After modeling,HE staining was used to observe intestinal morphological changes,and RT-qPCR and Western blotting were employed to evaluate the molecules(Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-1)related to intestinal barrier damage.The effect of 0.1 mg/mL BG treatment on the GLP-1 level in the serum and intestinal tissues of normal mice was determined with ELISA and immunofluorescence assay,respectively,and RT-PCR for the molecules related to GLP-1 expression(Gcg,Pcsk1/2,GIP and Foxa2).The effects of LLT and Ex9-39 pretreatment on intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier damage were also determined by morphological observation and expression levels of related molecules.Results II/R induced significant decreases in the mRNA levels of Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-1 and increase in Chiu's score when compared with sham control mice(P<0.05).While,the mRNA levels of the 3 molecules were obviously higher and the Chiu's score was lower in the II/R+BG group than the II/R group(P<0.05).BG pretreatment induced notably enhanced secretion of GLP-1 in the serum and intestinal tract of normal mice,and improved the mRNA expression of GLP-1-related molecules(P<0.05).The intervention of GLP-1 analogue LLT could attenuate the II/R damage and decreased Chiu's score,with statistical difference in comparison with the II/R group(P<0.05).GLP-1 receptor antagonist Ex9-39 reversed the protective effects of BG pretreatment against II/R damage,with notably differences in the expression of Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-1 and Chiu's score(P<0.05).Conclusion BG can attenuate intestinal mucosal and functional injury after II/R by promoting intestinal GLP-1 secretion.
4.Genetic Diversity and Genetic Structure Analysis of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans Based on SSR Markers
Lingfeng PENG ; Ben DENG ; Kai ZHANG ; Shengkun GAN ; Miaomiao WANG ; Qiangqiang PI ; Hegang LIU ; Zhigang HU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):65-74
Objective Based on the transcriptome data of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L.Koch,SSR primers were designed and developed to evaluate the genetic diversity and analyze the population structure of the germplasm resources of S.mutilans,which can provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of the germplasm resources of S.mutilans.Methods We collected 301 samples of S.mutilans from major production areas,and analyzed the population genetic diversity and population structure of the germplasm resources of S.mutilans using 18 pairs of highly polymorphic SSR primers after screening.Results A total of 142 alleles were amplified by 18 primer pairs across all samples,with an average of 7.89 alleles amplified per locus.The mean of observed heterozygosity(HO)of the 18 populations was 0.39,the mean of expected heterozygosity(HE)was 0.46,the mean of polymorphism information content(PIC)was 0.41,the mean of Nei's gene diversity index(H)was 0.46,and the mean of Shannon information index(I)was 0.81.The results showed that the wild resources of S.mutilans collected in this study had a high level of genetic diversity,Four populations in Anhui and Zhejiang had higher genetic diversity than populations in Hubei.Molecular analysis of variance(AMOVA)of the population showed that most of the genetic variation in the materials of this study mainly occurred within populations.The STRUCTURE analysis of germplasm resources showed that all germplasm could be divided into four populations.Conclusion This study showed that the natural population of S.mutilans possesses high genetic diversity with high genetic variation and is better adapted to changes in the environment.Our results provided a research basis for the rational utilization of the germplasm resources of S.mutilans and the selection and breeding of superior varieties.
5.A cohort study and Mendelian randomization study on association between osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease
Xuan WU ; Xunying ZHAO ; Jinyu ZHOU ; Tao HAN ; Xia JIANG ; Ben ZHANG ; Wenzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):888-894
Objective:To analyze the association between osteoporosis and the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods:A total of 471 922 study subjects were selected from the UK Biobank database, including 12 818 osteoporosis cases and 459 104 controls. Cox proportional hazard regression model and competing risk model were used to evaluate the association between osteoporosis and AD after adjusting confounding factors. Furthermore, a Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted by using the data of two published genome-wide association studies, and 1 050 highly relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified from the bone mineral density data as instrumental variables. The association between bone mineral density and the risk for AD was evaluated by using inverse variance weighted method, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimator method. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were performed.Results:After adjusting for confounders, no significant association between osteoporosis and an increased risk for AD was found in the cohort study (Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis: HR=1.10, 95% CI: 0.78-1.56, P=0.588). The MR analysis revealed no association between bone mineral density and the risk for AD (inverse-variance weighted: OR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.98-1.09, P=0.252), and the results remained robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Conclusion:The study result does not support the association between osteoporosis and risk for AD.
6.Study on the mechanism of total saponins of diaphragma juglandis fructus improving testicular function in rats
Peng LIU ; Zhen WANG ; Ying WANG ; Ben-xiang HU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):284-288
Objective To explore the effect of total saponins of diaphragma juglandis fructus(DJF)on testicular function in rats and its possible mechanism.Methods Fifty SD male rats were randomly divided into NC group,MG model group(MG group),DJF low-dose group(LDJF group),DJF medium-dose group(MDJF group)and DJF high-dose group(HDJF group),with 10 rats in each group.The NC group was given daily subcutaneous injection of normal saline 500 mg/kg,and the other groups were given daily subcutaneous injection of D-galactose 500 mg/kg for 8 weeks to establish the subacute aging rat model.After 4 weeks of subcutaneous injection,rats of the LDJF group,MDJF group and HDJF group were given 100 mg/kg,200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg DJF total saponin extract by gavage,respectively,and rats of the NC group and MG group were given 100 mg/kg normal saline by gavage,respectively,for 28 consecutive days.The body weight of rats in each group was measured,the testicular index and sperm parameters of rats in each group were analyzed,and the pathological changes of testicular tissue were observed.The serum levels of testosterone,oxidation factor superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in each group were detected.The expression of related proteins was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the NC group,testicular weight,testicular index,serum testosterone and SOD levels,sperm density,sperm survival rate and sperm activity of rats in MG group were decreased,and MDA level of rats in MG group was increased;the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in testicular tissue of rats in MG group were down-regulated,and the protein expressions of p53 and p21 in testicular tissue of rats in MG group were up-regulated,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Compared with the MG group,testicular weight,testicular index,serum testosterone and SOD levels,sperm density,sperm survival rate and sperm activity of rats in HDJF group were increased,and MDA level of rats in HDJF group was decreased;the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 in testicular tissue of rats in HDJF group were up-regulated,and the protein expressions of p53 and p21 in testicular tissue of rats in HDJF group were down-regulated,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the above indexes between LDJF group,MDJF group and MG group(P>0.05).Compared with the NC group,the arrangement of spermatogenic cells in testicular tissue was disordered,the number of spermatogenic cells was reduced,and the number of spermatozoa in seminiferous tubule was reduced in the MG group.Compared with the MG group,the testicular morphology was improved and the number of spermatozoa was increased after DJF total saponins intervention,and the improvement was most obvious in the HDJF group.Conclusion DJF total saponins can effectively ameliorate the decline of testicular functionin in rats,which may be related to activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,enhancement of antioxidant stress level and inhibition of aging-related protein expression.
7.A cohort study and Mendelian randomization study on association between osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease
Xuan WU ; Xunying ZHAO ; Jinyu ZHOU ; Tao HAN ; Xia JIANG ; Ben ZHANG ; Wenzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):888-894
Objective:To analyze the association between osteoporosis and the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods:A total of 471 922 study subjects were selected from the UK Biobank database, including 12 818 osteoporosis cases and 459 104 controls. Cox proportional hazard regression model and competing risk model were used to evaluate the association between osteoporosis and AD after adjusting confounding factors. Furthermore, a Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted by using the data of two published genome-wide association studies, and 1 050 highly relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified from the bone mineral density data as instrumental variables. The association between bone mineral density and the risk for AD was evaluated by using inverse variance weighted method, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimator method. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were performed.Results:After adjusting for confounders, no significant association between osteoporosis and an increased risk for AD was found in the cohort study (Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis: HR=1.10, 95% CI: 0.78-1.56, P=0.588). The MR analysis revealed no association between bone mineral density and the risk for AD (inverse-variance weighted: OR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.98-1.09, P=0.252), and the results remained robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Conclusion:The study result does not support the association between osteoporosis and risk for AD.
8.Application and management status of midline catheters in 1 954 hospitals
Lele BEN ; Jianping CAI ; Chunyan LI ; Fangfang DONG ; Jingzhi GENG ; Wei GAO ; Caixia GUO ; Ruonan HAO ; Qiaofang YANG ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(14):1920-1925
Objective:To investigate the application and management status of midline catheters in 1 954 hospitals, providing a basis for optimizing intravenous therapy nursing practices.Methods:This study used convenience sampling. From November 2023, members of the Intravenous Therapy Nursing Professional Committee of the Chinese Nursing Association selected 1 954 hospitals across various regions of China. Questionnaire on the Current Status of Intravenous Therapy in Hospitals at All Levels designed by the committee, based on literature review and expert discussions, was used to collect data on intravenous therapy practices in different hospitals. Multiple response analysis was applied to analysis the results of multiple-choice questions, where response numbers represent the total number of times each option was selected, and response rates refer to the proportion of selected times for each option out of all selected responses.Results:A total of 1 954 questionnaires were distributed across 31 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions, and 1 954 valid questionnaires were returned, achieving a 100.0% valid response rate. Among the hospitals surveyed, 844 used midline catheters. Regarding the skin disinfection area for midline catheter insertion, the highest response rate was for a range of>20 cm. The highest response rate for catheter insertion techniques was ultrasound-guided Seldinger puncture. The highest response rate for maintenance interval was once a week. The top three responses for nursing documentation related to midline catheters were informed consent for intubation, puncture record, and maintenance record. The most frequently chosen processes were catheter placement, maintenance, removal, and complication management processes. The qualification for midline catheter intravenous therapy specialist nurses was mostly obtained through specialized nurse training, followed by hospital-based and department-based training.Conclusions:The application of midline catheters has rapidly developed but still reveals some deficiencies, including the choice of puncture tools, infection control, and catheter maintenance. It is recommended to improve nursing documentation and management processes related to midline catheters, establish industry standards suitable for China's national conditions, and strengthen and standardize the specialized training of intravenous therapy nurses to promote the healthy development of intravenous therapy in China.
9.Clinical Application Effects of Preloaded Snare Technique in Patients With Risk of Occluder Displacement During Percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect Closure
Gang HAN ; Zirui SUN ; Yan HAN ; Lele BEN ; Yuanhao ZHANG ; Weizhen XING ; Saifei WANG ; Yu HAN
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(7):703-707
Objectives:To analyze the clinical application effect of the preloaded snare technique in patients with risk of atrial septal occluder migration during percutaneous atrial septal defect(ASD)occlusion.Methods:The clinical data of 24 patients with secundum ASD who underwent preloaded snare-assisted transcatheter closure in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital between December 2022 and August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.The preprocedural echocardiography revealed that all patients presented with large secundum ASD or insufficient margins,indicating potential risk of device migration during percutaneous ASD occlusion.Consequently,preloaded snare technique was applied for ASD closure.Postprocedural evaluations were conducted to assess device stability(migration or shedding),residual shunt,pericardial effusion,and new-onset arrhythmia during the procedure,immediately after intervention,and at 1-month follow-up.Results:Among 24 patients,there were 4 males,with an average age of(37.88±13.18)years and an average weight of(59.70±10.78)kg.Twenty-two cases underwent successful interventional closure.Two cases occurred atrial septal occluder migration during the procedure,both were successfully retrieved using the preloaded snare and subsequently scheduled for surgical repair.Postprocedural electrocardiograms and echocardiograms(obtained immediately and at 1-month follow-up)demonstrated no device migration,residual shunt,occluder dislodgement,pericardial effusion,or new-onset arrhythmias.Conclusions:The preloaded snare technique can reduce the risk of atrial septal occluder migration and shedding,simplify the process of retrieving the occluder,enhance the safety of the intervention,and avoid emergency surgical intervention in high-risk populations.
10.Distribution and drug resistance of pathogens isolated from renal transplantation patients with postoperative nosocomial infections
Zhina YANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Yingnan CHEN ; Chang LIU ; Xuefang BEN ; Minmin PENG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(12):1814-1817
OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution and drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria in hospital-associat-ed infections for patients after renal transplantation,and to provide a reference for the rational selection of antibac-terial drugs for anti-infective treatment in such patients.METHODS Clinical data were collected from 89 hospital-ized patients who underwent renal transplantation and developed hospital-associated infection at Beidaihe Rehabili-tation and Recuperation Center(formerly known as 281 Hospital)from 2017 to 2021.The pathogenic bacteria de-tected in different types of hospital-associated infections and the drug resistance of the main pathogenic bacteria were analyzed.RESULTS A total of 89 pathogenic bacterial strains were isolated from the 89 patients with hospi-tal-associated infection,including 74 gram-negative bacterial strains(83.15%)and 15 gram-positive bacterial strains(16.85%).The predominant pathogenic bacterial strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Respiratory tract infection was the most common.E.coli showed severe drug re-sistance,with high drug resistance rates to various antibacterial drugs(complete drug resistance to piperacillin and ampicillin).K.pneumoniae was generally drug resistant to ampicillin.Enterobacter cloacae showed high sensitivi-ty to carbapenems,amikacin and enzyme inhibitor combinations.P.aeruginosa had low drug resistance rates to imipenem and meropenem.Staphylococcus aureus was completely drug resistant to antibacterial drugs such as penicillin,erythromycin and gentamicin,and no drug-resistant strains to vancomycin and linezolid were found.CONCLUSIONS The gram-negative bacteria are dominant among the bacteria isolated from the renal trans-planted patients with postoperative hospital-associated infections,with a high detection rate of E.coli and a severe drug resistance situation.Therefore,it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of drug resistance in renal trans-plant recipients and make rational choices of antibacterial drugs.


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