1.Network toxicology and its application in studying exogenous chemical toxicity
Yanli LIN ; Zehua TAO ; Zhao XIAO ; Chenxu HU ; Bobo YANG ; Ya WANG ; Rongzhu LU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):238-244
With the continuous development of society, a large number of new chemicals are continuously emerging, which presents a challenge to current risk assessment and safety management of chemicals. Traditional toxicology research methods have certain limitations in quickly, efficiently, and accurately assessing the toxicity of many chemicals, and cannot meet the actual needs. In response to this challenge, computational toxicology that use mathematical and computer models to achieve the prediction of chemical toxicity has emerged. In the meantime, as researchers increasingly pay attention to understanding the interaction mechanisms between exogenous chemical substances and the body from the system level, and multiomics technologies develop rapidly such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, huge amounts of data have been generated, providing rich information resources for studying the interactions between chemical substances and biological molecules. System toxicology and network toxicology have also developed accordingly. Of these, network toxicology can integrate these multiomics data to construct biomolecular networks, and then quickly predict the key toxicological targets and pathways of chemicals at the molecular level. This paper outlined the concept and development of network toxicology, summarized the main methods and supporting tools of network toxicology research, expounded the application status of network toxicology in studying potential toxicity of exogenous chemicals such as agricultural chemicals, environmental pollutants, industrial chemicals, and foodborne chemicals, and analyzed the development prospects and limitations of network toxicology research. This paper aimed to provide a reference for the application of network toxicology in other fields.
2.Interpretation of the Industry Standard Robotically-assisted Laparoscopic Surgical System
Chenxu YANG ; Shu LI ; Hao WANG ; Xiangfeng MENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1199-1206
With the widespread application of robotic technology in surgery, multiple robot-assisted laparoscopic endoscopic surgical systems are currently in the R&D phase, highlighting an urgent need for establishing a scientific and standardized quality evaluation framework. In 2024, the National Medical Products Administration issued the standard YY/T 1941-2024, entitled
3.Preventive effect of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine on emergence agitation in pediatric patients undergoing fracture fixation surgery under general anesthesia
Fangfang YANG ; Meichao WU ; Liang ZHAO ; Qiufeng WANG ; Chenxu DAI ; Xingjun MA ; Ning CAI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(7):818-822
Objective:To investigate the preventive effect of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine on emergence agitation (EA) in pediatric patients undergoing fracture fixation surgery under general anesthesia.Methods:This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty-two pediatric patients, aged 3-6 yr, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective closed reduction and internal fixation of humeral fractures at the People′s Hospital of Fuyang City from March 2023 to August 2024, were divided into 2 groups ( n=41 each) using simple random sampling: esketamine group (group E) and control group (group C). Group E received an intravenous injection of esketamine at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg before anesthesia induction, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C. The induction and maintenance of general anesthesia were the same in both groups. The drug was discontinued after operation and the children were transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit. The primary outcome was the occurrence of EA assessed using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. Secondary outcome measures included the acceptance of the facemask during anesthesia induction, the rate of propofol use during the emergence period, the Children′s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores at awakening and at 2 and 6 h postoperatively, the requirement for rescue analgesia in the emergence period, and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence of EA [38% (15/39) vs. 15% (6/40)] was significantly decreased, the usage rate of propofol during the emergence period was decreased, the degree of acceptance of the facemask during anesthesia induction was increased, and Children′s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores at all time points and the rate of rescue analgesia in the emergence period were decreased in group E ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Administering a subanesthetic dose of esketamine before anesthesia induction can reduce the risk of EA in pediatric patients undergoing fracture fixation surgery under general anesthesia and raise the the quality of recovery with a high safety.
4.Comparison of the prognostic value of 15 nutritional/inflammatory indicators in postoperative cancer patients
Xiaoqian LIU ; Kai SUN ; Xiaolin WANG ; Qianqian ZHAO ; Xiaoxiao WU ; Fangqi SHEN ; Xi CHEN ; Chenxu TIAN ; Di WU ; Chunhua SONG ; HongXia XU ; Minghua CONG ; Hanping SHI ; Pingping JIA
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(3):410-419
Objective To explore and identify the nutritional/inflammatory indicator with the highest predictive potential for overall survival(OS)in postoperative tumor patients so as to provide guidance for postoperative rehabilitation of tumor patients.Methods Data from 3 191 surgical patients were collected,including 15 nutritional/inflammatory indicators.The maximum selection rank statistic method was used to calculate the optimal cut-off values for continuous indicators.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess OS,and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the association between the aforementioned 15 indicators and survival.The predictive value of these 15 indicators was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and C-index.Results Multivariate analysis showed that all 15 indicators were significantly associated with poorer OS in surgical patients(P<0.05 for all).Time-dependent area under the curve(AUC)and C-index analysis indicated that 3 indicators with the highest predictive potential in OS in postoperative tumor patients were the nutritional risk index(NRI)(C-index:0.597),C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio(CAR)(C-index:0.587),and C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio(CLR)(C-index:0.587).The optimal cut-off value for NRI was determined to be 104.31(i.e.,NRI<104.31 suggests malnutrition)with the maximum selection rank statistic method,the optimal cut-off value for CAR to be 0.05(i.e.,CAR≥0.05 suggests a strong inflammatory response,often accompanied by malnutrition),and the optimal cut-off value for CLR to be 1.18(i.e.,CLR≥1.18 suggests a strong inflammatory response).Subgroup analysis indicated that NRI,CAR,and CLR had good correlation with tumor staging,and there were significant differences between tumor node metastasis(TNM)Ⅲ/Ⅳ stage patients and TNM Ⅰ/Ⅱ stage patients when there was a strong inflammatory response or malnutrition.Conclusion In postoperative tumor patients,NRI,CLR,and CAR have high prognostic value.Combining these with the patient's clinical stage,it enables more precise guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
5.Effects of chronic stress on hypothalamic appetite-regulating factors in mice
Lifeng YIN ; Qing LIU ; Jian ZHU ; Chenxu WANG ; Tianyu ZHENG ; Yongheng ZHU ; Fengfeng MO
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(1):72-78
Objective To explore the effects of chronic stress and stress cessation on hypothalamic appetite regulators in mice,and to explore the stress-dependent mechanism of appetite change.Methods A total of 32 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control(Ctrl)group(n=16)and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)group(n=16).The mice in the CUMS group were given CUMS to establish the stress model,and those in the Ctrl group were fed normally.The food intake and weight of mice were recorded.The CUMS model was verified through tail suspension experiments and forced swimming experiments.Eight mice in the Ctrl group and 8 mice in the CUMS group were randomly sacrificed at the 12th week.The Ctrl group was re-grouped into the cessation-control(C-Ctrl)group(n=8),the CUMS group was re-grouped into the cessation-stress(C-CUMS)group(n=8),and the mice were sacrificed at the 15th week.The mRNA and protein levels of appetite-regulating factors,including orexin 1 receptor(OX1R),leptin receptor(LEPR)and agouti-related protein(AgRP)in the hypothalamus,were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunochemistry.Results From week 2 to week 11 of stress,the food intake of the mice in the CUMS group was significantly higher than that in the Ctrl group(all P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in body weight between the 2 groups within 11 weeks(all P>0.05).Compared with the Ctrl group,the immobility durations of forced swimming and tail suspension of the CUMS group were markedly longer after 11 weeks(both P<0.01),indicating successful modeling.AgRP and OX1R mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of the CUMS group was significantly increased(both P<0.01),while LEPR mRNA expression was significantly decreased(P<0.01);AgRP protein in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of the CUMS group was significantly higher than that of the Ctrl group(P<0.05),and LEPR protein was markedly lower than that of the Ctrl group(P<0.01).However,after 3 weeks of stress cessation,the C-CUMS group had less food intake and lower body weight than the C-Ctrl group(both P<0.05).The LEPR mRNA of the C-CUMS group was significantly increased(P<0.01),while AgRP and OX1R mRNA were not significantly different(both P>0.05).There was no significant difference in AgRP protein levels between the C-CUMS group and the C-Ctrl group(P>0.05),while LEPR protein level of the C-CUMS group was significantly higher than that of the C-Ctrl group(P<0.01).Conclusion CUMS can lead to increased appetite in mice,which may involve the functional regulation of LEPR and AgRP.After the stress cessation,the appetite decreases,which may involve the functional regulation of LEPR.
6.Study on the mechanism of moxibustion regulating lipid antioxidation in inhibiting ferroptosis of spinal cord neurons and improving urinary retention after spinal cord injury
Jingyu CAO ; Kaiyan DU ; Chenxu QI ; Huixin WANG ; Shuting DUAN ; Meng CHEN ; Siwei HOU ; Xiaodan WANG ; Chengmei LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(10):1398-1403
Objective:To observe the effects of Yiyuan moxibustion on bladder function and antioxidant level of spinal cord tissues in rats with urinary retention after spinal cord injury (SCI); To explore the mechanism of inhibition of ferroptosis in spinal cord neurons after SCI by Yiyuan moxibustion.Methods:Wistar female rats were divided into sham-operation group, model group, and Yiyuan moxibustion group according to random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. The modified Allen′s vertical percussion method was used to construct the model of urinary retention after SCI in T10 segment. The rats in the Yiyuan moxibustion group were moxibued at the Zhongji acupoint, Guanyuan acupoint, and Shenque acupoint for 20 min per day, and the intervention was continued for 2 weeks. Urodynamic test was used to observe the degree of urinary retention in rats; HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the injured spinal cord tissues; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the spinal cord tissues; ferric ion kit was used to detect the ferric ion content of the spinal cord tissues; ELISA was used to detect the GSH and MDA contents of the spinal cord tissues of the rats; Western blot was used to measure the relative expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) proteins in rat spinal cord tissue.Results:Compared with the model group, the basal and leakage point pressures of the bladder, and bladder compliance were significantly reduced in the Yiyuan moxibustion group ( P<0.05); the spinal cord tissue structure was restored and mitochondrial morphology improved; the levels of iron ions and MDA in spinal cord tissue decreased ( P<0.05), while the level of GSH increased ( P<0.05), and the relative expressions of GPX4 and SLC7A11 proteins increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Yiyuan moxibustion can improve bladder function in rats with urinary retention after SCI, and the mechanism may involve the initiation of antioxidant defense and reduction of lipid peroxidation in spinal cord neuronal cells, thus preventing the occurrence of ferroptosis and achieving the protection of neuronal cells.
7.The impact of plasma bile acid level changes following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on the remission of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with obesity
Chenxu TIAN ; Qiqige WUYUN ; Liang WANG ; Zhehong LI ; Nengwei ZHANG ; Guangzhong XU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(4):257-261
Objective:To investigate the relationship between changes in total plasma bile acid (TBA) levels and the remission of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with obesity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data and follow-up information of 20 patients with obesity and NAFLD undergoing LSG in Beijing Shijitan Hospital between Mar to Jun 2022.Results:Postoperative weight loss was significant. Compared to preoperative values, the weight of 20 patients decreased [(115.92±16.13) kg vs. (78.20±7.77) kg, t=15.675, P<0.001]. The BMI also decreased [(40.66±5.18) kg/m2 vs. (27.43±2.22) kg/m2, t=13.230, P<0.001]. The fatty liver index and hepatic steatosis index decreased significantly [(96.34±5.23) vs. (27.96±20.36), t=16.829, P<0.001; (55.15±6.73) vs. (37.55±4.30), t=16.294, P<0.001]. Plasma TBA levels significantly increased [(7.06±2.80) vs. (12.27±3.79) μmol/L, P<0.001]. Indicators related to glucose, lipids, and liver function in patients significantly decreased. Conclusions:LSG can significantly reduce body weight in patients with obesity and NAFLD and improve NAFLD. LSG can increase plasma TBA levels, and the elevation in TBA levels is positively correlated with the degree of NAFLD remission.
8.Melatonin attenuates the inflammatory response in rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy through the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 pathway
Chenxu WANG ; Peilun XIAO ; Yuze ZHAO ; Lijun ZHANG ; Zhongbao LIU ; Yuxuan LIN ; Xiaoli WANG ; Yansong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(4):429-436
Objective:To investigate the effects of melatonin(Mel)on inflammatory damage in the retina of rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR)and the molecular mechanisms.Methods:Healthy neonatal SD rats were di-vided into the sham group(Sham),the model group(OIR),and the melatonin treatment group(OIR+Mel).The OIR model was induced by alternating 50%/10%oxygen concentration exposure for 14 d.The OIR+Mel group was in-jected intraperitoneally with 10 mg-kg-1 melatonin.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the morpho-logical changes in the retinal tissue;immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of retinal cleaved-caspase-1 and IL-1β proteins;and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of cGAS-STING-NL-RP3 signaling molecules and gasdermin(GSDMD)in the microglia of the retina.Results:HE staining results showed that compared with the Sham group,the retinal cells in the OIR group were disorganized and the thickness of the inner retina was significantly thinner,and the retinal cells in the OIR+Mel group were more neatly arranged compared with those in the OIR group(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical staining results showed that the number of cleaved-caspase-1+and IL-1β+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR group increased significantly compared with that in the Sham group,and the number of cleaved-caspase-1+and IL-1β+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR+Mel group decreased signifi-cantly compared with that of the OIR group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the number of cGAS+,STING+and NLRP3+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR group increased significantly compared with that in the Sham group,and the number of cGAS+,STING+and NLRP3+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR+Mel group de-creased significantly compared with that in the OIR group(P<0.05);The number of Iba-1+/N-GSDMD+cells in-creased significantly in the OIR group compared with the Sham group,whereas the number of Iba-1+/N-GSDMD+cells in the OIR+Mel group was significantly less than that in the OIR group,but still more than that in the Sham group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Mel inhibits the pyroptosis of retinal microglia,thus attenuates retinal inflammatory injury in OIR rats,and its mechanism may be related to the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 signaling pathway.
9.Preventive effect of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine on emergence agitation in pediatric patients undergoing fracture fixation surgery under general anesthesia
Fangfang YANG ; Meichao WU ; Liang ZHAO ; Qiufeng WANG ; Chenxu DAI ; Xingjun MA ; Ning CAI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(7):818-822
Objective:To investigate the preventive effect of a subanesthetic dose of esketamine on emergence agitation (EA) in pediatric patients undergoing fracture fixation surgery under general anesthesia.Methods:This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eighty-two pediatric patients, aged 3-6 yr, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective closed reduction and internal fixation of humeral fractures at the People′s Hospital of Fuyang City from March 2023 to August 2024, were divided into 2 groups ( n=41 each) using simple random sampling: esketamine group (group E) and control group (group C). Group E received an intravenous injection of esketamine at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg before anesthesia induction, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C. The induction and maintenance of general anesthesia were the same in both groups. The drug was discontinued after operation and the children were transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit. The primary outcome was the occurrence of EA assessed using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. Secondary outcome measures included the acceptance of the facemask during anesthesia induction, the rate of propofol use during the emergence period, the Children′s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores at awakening and at 2 and 6 h postoperatively, the requirement for rescue analgesia in the emergence period, and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence of EA [38% (15/39) vs. 15% (6/40)] was significantly decreased, the usage rate of propofol during the emergence period was decreased, the degree of acceptance of the facemask during anesthesia induction was increased, and Children′s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores at all time points and the rate of rescue analgesia in the emergence period were decreased in group E ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Administering a subanesthetic dose of esketamine before anesthesia induction can reduce the risk of EA in pediatric patients undergoing fracture fixation surgery under general anesthesia and raise the the quality of recovery with a high safety.
10.Melatonin attenuates the inflammatory response in rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy through the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 pathway
Chenxu WANG ; Peilun XIAO ; Yuze ZHAO ; Lijun ZHANG ; Zhongbao LIU ; Yuxuan LIN ; Xiaoli WANG ; Yansong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(4):429-436
Objective:To investigate the effects of melatonin(Mel)on inflammatory damage in the retina of rats with oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR)and the molecular mechanisms.Methods:Healthy neonatal SD rats were di-vided into the sham group(Sham),the model group(OIR),and the melatonin treatment group(OIR+Mel).The OIR model was induced by alternating 50%/10%oxygen concentration exposure for 14 d.The OIR+Mel group was in-jected intraperitoneally with 10 mg-kg-1 melatonin.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the morpho-logical changes in the retinal tissue;immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of retinal cleaved-caspase-1 and IL-1β proteins;and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of cGAS-STING-NL-RP3 signaling molecules and gasdermin(GSDMD)in the microglia of the retina.Results:HE staining results showed that compared with the Sham group,the retinal cells in the OIR group were disorganized and the thickness of the inner retina was significantly thinner,and the retinal cells in the OIR+Mel group were more neatly arranged compared with those in the OIR group(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical staining results showed that the number of cleaved-caspase-1+and IL-1β+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR group increased significantly compared with that in the Sham group,and the number of cleaved-caspase-1+and IL-1β+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR+Mel group decreased signifi-cantly compared with that of the OIR group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the number of cGAS+,STING+and NLRP3+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR group increased significantly compared with that in the Sham group,and the number of cGAS+,STING+and NLRP3+cells in the retina of rats in the OIR+Mel group de-creased significantly compared with that in the OIR group(P<0.05);The number of Iba-1+/N-GSDMD+cells in-creased significantly in the OIR group compared with the Sham group,whereas the number of Iba-1+/N-GSDMD+cells in the OIR+Mel group was significantly less than that in the OIR group,but still more than that in the Sham group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Mel inhibits the pyroptosis of retinal microglia,thus attenuates retinal inflammatory injury in OIR rats,and its mechanism may be related to the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 signaling pathway.

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