1.Effects and mechanisms of combined exposure to noise and microwave on hippocampal structure and function in mice
Chunxue LU ; Lei SHI ; Yue WANG ; Yanhui HAO ; Xuelong ZHAO ; Yang LI ; Hongyan ZUO ; Liqian ZHU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):419-426
Background Co-exposure to noise and microwave radiation occurs frequently. The central nervous system has been identified as a sensitive target organ for both noise and microwave exposure individually, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The specific biological effects resulting from co-exposure to these two factors have yet to be fully elucidated. Objective To clarify the effects of co-exposure to noise and microwave on neurobehavior and hippocampal tissue structure, and to explore the underlying mechanism through the assessment of serum cytokines. Methods C57BL/6N mice were selected and randomly assigned to a blank control group, a noise group, a microwave group, and a combined noise & microwave exposure group. To establish the exposure models, the noise group was subjected to broadband noise at 100 dB for 2 h, while the microwave group received radiation at a central frequency of 9.375 GHz with an average power density of 12 mW·cm−2 and a specific absorption rate of 2.58 W·kg−1 for 15 min. Open field and tail suspension tests assessed anxiety-like emotional behaviour; novel object recognition and Y-maze tests evaluated cognitive function. Histological changes in hippocampal tissue were examined using haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining under light microscopy. Serum cytokine levels were measured using radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results After 3 d of exposure, the noise, microwave, and combined exposure groups showed significant reductions in exploration frequency, duration, and distance within the central zone of the open field test compared to the control group (P < 0.01); the combined exposure group exhibited increased ratios of peripheral-to-central exploration time and distance (P < 0.05). After 7 d of exposure, compared with the control group, the noise group maintained a decrease in central zone exploration time (P < 0.01), while the combined exposure group showed persistent decline across all central zone metrics (P < 0.05) and elevated peripheral-to-central ratios (P < 0.05); compared to the microwave group, the combined exposure group showed significant less time in the central zone (P < 0.05) and higher peripheral-to-central ratios (P < 0.05). Regarding behaviour and cognition, compared with the control group, the combined exposure group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test after 3 d of exposure (P < 0.01). At this interval, all exposure groups demonstrated reduced frequency and duration of novel object recognition (P < 0.05), with the combined exposure group showing a marked decrease in novel arm exploration time (P < 0.01). After 7 d of exposure, compared with the control group, the noise group showed reduced novel object recognition frequency (P < 0.05), and both the noise and microwave groups exhibited decreased novel arm exploration time (P < 0.05). Pathological alterations including an increased number of hyperchromatic nuclei and depleted Nissl bodies were observed in the CA3 and DG regions across all exposure groups with the most severe lesions observed in the combined exposure group. Serum levels of central nervous system-specific protein β (S-100β), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and corticosterone (CORT) were significantly elevated in all exposure groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) levels increased in the combined exposure group (P < 0.05), while CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) levels rose in both the noise and combined groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Specifically, S-100β and CXCL10 levels in the combined exposure group were higher than those in the microwave group (P < 0.05); moreover, levels of S-100β, GFAP, CORT, AQP4, and CXCL10 in the combined exposure group were significantly higher than those in the noise group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Combined exposure to noise and microwave radiation induces pathological changes in the hippocampus of mice, increases levels of serum stress hormones and neuro-specific biomarkers. These impairments are more severe than those observed following single-factor exposure. The underlaying mechanism may be related to systemic stress response, neuronal damage, astrocyte activation, and changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, leading to emotional behavioral abnormalities and cognitive decline.
2.Effect of Shaoyao Gancaotang on Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in Rats with Limb Spasticity of Cerebral Apoplexy
Runbo WU ; Chunxue MENG ; Fei WANG ; Qianxi NA ; Bin GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):11-20
ObjectiveThis paper aims to analyze the damage degree of muscle tone in rats with spasticity of cerebral apoplexy (SCA) and the expression of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex, thereby investigating the action mechanism of different doses of Shaoyao Gancaotang on rats with SCA. MethodsThe rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a positive control group (baclofen, 5.25 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Shaoyao Gancaotang (2.1, 4.2, 8.4 g·kg-1), with nine rats in each group. A rat model with SCA was established by using a modified phrenic nerve block combined with intraventricular injection of anhydrous ethanol. Following behavioral scoring to confirm model validity, drug interventions were conducted. Neurological deficits and muscle tone were evaluated by behavioral assessments. The open field test was used to measure locomotor distance. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the synaptic structures. Skeletal muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase staining was used to analyze myofibrillar changes. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histomorphological changes. Immunohistochemistry, Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot were employed to detect mRNA levels and protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), markedly elevated muscle tone scores (P<0.01), substantially reduced locomotor distance (P<0.01), prominent structural swelling and blurring, severe destruction of cerebral cortical cells, a significant increase in the proportion of skeletal muscle ATPase type Ⅰ fibers (P<0.01), a significant decrease in mRNA levels and protein expression of Nestin (P<0.01), and a significant increase in mRNA levels and protein expression of β-catenin (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyao Gancaotang group exhibited reduced neurological deficit scores and muscle tone scores in rats with SCA (P<0.01) and increased locomotor distance (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed clearer and more intact synaptic structures in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group, with increased vesicle numbers and improved morphology. HE staining revealed intact neuronal cell structures with regular arrangement and reduced vacuolated cells in the rats from Shaoyao Gancaotang. ATPase staining result indicated a decreased proportion of type Ⅰ muscle fibers in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Real-time PCR results demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses indicated elevated protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in rats with SCA from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyao Gancaotang may improve neurological function impairment and limb spasticity in model rats with SCA by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the cerebral cortex M1 region.
3.Study on the mechanism of Naozhenning granules in improving learning and memory impairment in multiple cerebral concussion model rats
Xinru WANG ; Yaozhou YAN ; Chunxue ZHANG ; Le ZHAO ; Li GAO ; Yonghui WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1416-1421
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Naozhenning granules (NZN) improve learning and memory impairment in a rat model of multiple cerebral concussion (MCC). METHODS The MCC rat model was established using the closed controlled cortical impact method. The experiment was set up with a blank group (normal saline), a model group (normal saline), a piracetam group (positive control group, 0.324 g/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose NZN groups (5.4, 2.7, 1.35 g/kg), with 11 rats in each group. Drugs or normal saline were administered by gavage once daily for 28 consecutive days. General condition and body weight were monitored throughout the experiment. The sucrose preference rate and novel object recognition index were measured; Evans blue (EB) extravasation in the cerebral cortex was detected; pathological changes of cortical neurons were observed; the levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cerebral cortex were determined; and the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and Tau protein were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the model group showed poor mental state, sluggish response to external stimuli, reduced food and water intake, decreased limb flexibility, and disheveled fur. Body weight, sucrose preference rate, and novel object recognition index were significantly decreased ( P <0.05); EB extravasation in the cerebral cortex was significantly increased ( P <0.05), with severe neuronal damage. The positive area ratio of Bax protein, IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and Tau protein phosphorylation level were all significantly increased ( P <0.05), whereas the positive area ratio of Bcl-2 protein, IL-10 level, and AMPK and GSK3β protein phosphorylation levels were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, all NZN dose groups showed improvements in general condition and pathological damage, with quantitative indices partially restored, and the differences in quantitative indices in high-dose NZN group were statistically significant ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS NZN can effectively improve learning and memory impairment in MCC model rats. The mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/GSK3β pathway, inhibiting inflammatory response, reducing Tau protein phosphorylation level, and then repairing the neuronal injury.
4.Predictive value of cardiac MR feature tracking for adverse left ventricular remodeling in patients with acute anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Junlei MA ; Chunxue ZHOU ; Cheng LI ; Chaofan WANG ; Tongda XU ; Dongye LI ; Junhong CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(9):1482-1486
Objective To investigate the predicting value of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking(CMR-FT)for adverse left ventricular remodeling(ALVR)in patients with acute anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods The clinical data and cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)images of 161 acute anterior wall STEMI patients within 1 week and 6 months after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)were retrospectively analyzed.ALVR was defined as an increase of left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)over 20%at the second CMR examination compared to the baseline.The CMR parame-ters were analyzed by CVI42 post-processing software.The logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent predictors of ALVR,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficiency of ALVR.Results The incidence of ALVR at 6 months was 21.7%(35/161).The logistic regression analysis showed that the left ventricular global circumferential strain(LVGCS)and right ventricular global longitudinal strain(RVGLS)at baseline were independent predictors for ALVR(P<0.001).When LVGCS was-13.89%and RVGLS was-15.07%at baseline,the sensitivity of predicting ALVR was 0.714 and 0.743,the specificity was 0.833 and 0.810,and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.806 and 0.835,respectively.The sensitivity of LVGCS combined with RVGLS in predicting ALVR was 0.802,the specificity was 0.952,and the AUC was 0.888.The DeLong test showed that the AUC of LVGCS com-bined with RVGLS in predicting ALVR was significantly higher than that of individuals,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The LVGCS and RVGLS at baseline are independent predictors for ALVR in patients with acute anterior wall STEMI,their combination can significantly improve the pre-dictive efficiency of ALVR in these patients.
5.Predictive value of cardiac MR feature tracking for adverse left ventricular remodeling in patients with acute anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Junlei MA ; Chunxue ZHOU ; Cheng LI ; Chaofan WANG ; Tongda XU ; Dongye LI ; Junhong CHEN
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(9):1482-1486
Objective To investigate the predicting value of cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking(CMR-FT)for adverse left ventricular remodeling(ALVR)in patients with acute anterior wall ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods The clinical data and cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)images of 161 acute anterior wall STEMI patients within 1 week and 6 months after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)were retrospectively analyzed.ALVR was defined as an increase of left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)over 20%at the second CMR examination compared to the baseline.The CMR parame-ters were analyzed by CVI42 post-processing software.The logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent predictors of ALVR,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficiency of ALVR.Results The incidence of ALVR at 6 months was 21.7%(35/161).The logistic regression analysis showed that the left ventricular global circumferential strain(LVGCS)and right ventricular global longitudinal strain(RVGLS)at baseline were independent predictors for ALVR(P<0.001).When LVGCS was-13.89%and RVGLS was-15.07%at baseline,the sensitivity of predicting ALVR was 0.714 and 0.743,the specificity was 0.833 and 0.810,and the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.806 and 0.835,respectively.The sensitivity of LVGCS combined with RVGLS in predicting ALVR was 0.802,the specificity was 0.952,and the AUC was 0.888.The DeLong test showed that the AUC of LVGCS com-bined with RVGLS in predicting ALVR was significantly higher than that of individuals,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The LVGCS and RVGLS at baseline are independent predictors for ALVR in patients with acute anterior wall STEMI,their combination can significantly improve the pre-dictive efficiency of ALVR in these patients.
6.Correlation between poor sleep status in late pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety
Jiali ZHANG ; Yuezhen LI ; Xiaoxin SHI ; Tao LI ; Chunxue WANG ; Ning ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(10):809-814
Objective:To analyze the correlation between poor sleep status in late pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, a total of 401 women in early pregnancy were consecutively enrolled at Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from December 2020 to April 2021. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were used to assess the sleep status in late pregnancy. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used to assess the emotional status in late pregnancy and 6 weeks after delivery. During the follow-up, 123 subjects did not complete the sleep and emotional assessment in late pregnancy, 77 subjects did not complete the postpartum emotional assessment, and 201 cases were finally included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between poor sleep status in late pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety.Results:Among 201 women in early pregnancy included in the analysis, the detection rate of postpartum depression and anxiety was 15.4% (31/201) and 27.4% (55/201), respectively. Poor sleep quality ( OR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.02-6.07), difficulty falling asleep ( OR=6.74, 95% CI: 2.31-19.70), and excessive daytime sleepiness ( OR=6.34, 95% CI: 2.08-19.32) in late pregnancy were positively correlated with postpartum depression (all P0.05). Poor sleep quality ( OR=3.89, 95% CI: 1.81-8.40), difficulty falling asleep ( OR=6.75, 95% CI: 2.43-18.77), short-time sleep ( OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.36-6.11), fragmented sleep ( OR=5.69, 95% CI: 2.27-14.28) and excessive daytime sleepiness ( OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.07-8.78) in late pregnancy were positive correlation factors for postpartum anxiety (all P0.05). Conclusions:Poor sleep status in late pregnancy is associated with postpartum depression and anxiety. Strengthening screening and management of poor sleep status in late pregnancy may help maintain healthy postpartum emotion.
7.Correlation between poor sleep status in late pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety
Jiali ZHANG ; Yuezhen LI ; Xiaoxin SHI ; Tao LI ; Chunxue WANG ; Ning ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(10):809-814
Objective:To analyze the correlation between poor sleep status in late pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, a total of 401 women in early pregnancy were consecutively enrolled at Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from December 2020 to April 2021. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were used to assess the sleep status in late pregnancy. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used to assess the emotional status in late pregnancy and 6 weeks after delivery. During the follow-up, 123 subjects did not complete the sleep and emotional assessment in late pregnancy, 77 subjects did not complete the postpartum emotional assessment, and 201 cases were finally included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between poor sleep status in late pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety.Results:Among 201 women in early pregnancy included in the analysis, the detection rate of postpartum depression and anxiety was 15.4% (31/201) and 27.4% (55/201), respectively. Poor sleep quality ( OR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.02-6.07), difficulty falling asleep ( OR=6.74, 95% CI: 2.31-19.70), and excessive daytime sleepiness ( OR=6.34, 95% CI: 2.08-19.32) in late pregnancy were positively correlated with postpartum depression (all P0.05). Poor sleep quality ( OR=3.89, 95% CI: 1.81-8.40), difficulty falling asleep ( OR=6.75, 95% CI: 2.43-18.77), short-time sleep ( OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.36-6.11), fragmented sleep ( OR=5.69, 95% CI: 2.27-14.28) and excessive daytime sleepiness ( OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.07-8.78) in late pregnancy were positive correlation factors for postpartum anxiety (all P0.05). Conclusions:Poor sleep status in late pregnancy is associated with postpartum depression and anxiety. Strengthening screening and management of poor sleep status in late pregnancy may help maintain healthy postpartum emotion.
8.Impact of inhaled corticosteroid use on elderly chronic pulmonary disease patients with community acquired pneumonia.
Xiudi HAN ; Hong WANG ; Liang CHEN ; Yimin WANG ; Hui LI ; Fei ZHOU ; Xiqian XING ; Chunxiao ZHANG ; Lijun SUO ; Jinxiang WANG ; Guohua YU ; Guangqiang WANG ; Xuexin YAO ; Hongxia YU ; Lei WANG ; Meng LIU ; Chunxue XUE ; Bo LIU ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Yanli LI ; Ying XIAO ; Xiaojing CUI ; Lijuan LI ; Xuedong LIU ; Bin CAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(2):241-243
9.Effect of Electricity Targeting TGF-β 1/smads Signaling in Oligoasthenthymic Rats
Chunxue MENG ; Fei WANG ; Wenjing SUN ; Nan YANG ; Hailong ZHAO ; Shengfu ZHANG ; Huisheng MA ; Bin GUO
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):797-805
[Objective]To explore the effects of electricity on sperm quality,sex hormone levels,and related proteins in TGF-β 1/smads signaling in testicular tissue.[Methods]Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,electroacupuncture group,and positive drug group.Adenine gavage method was used to establish the model,in the electroacupuncture group,rats received electroacupuncture treatment at the acupoints Zhongji,Guanyuan,Zusanli,and Sanyinjiao once daily for 30 minutes;in the positive drug group,rats were administered L-carnitine oral solution via gavage at a dosage of 10 mL/kg,both intervention groups underwent continuous treatment for 28 days.After treatment,the changes of sperm number,sperm motility rate,follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteizing hormone(LH)and serum sex hormone testosterone(T)were detected by HE staining,and the expression of TGF-β-1/smads signaling pathway in testicular tissue was examined by Western Blot.[Results]Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significant decrease in sperm count and sperm motility rate(P<0.05),both the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group exhibited significant increases compared to the model group(P<0.05).Compared to the blank group,the model group had a significant decrease in serum testosterone(T)levels(P<0.05),and significant increases in serum FSH and LH levels(P<0.05);in comparison to the model group,the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group showed significant increases in serum T levels(P<0.05),and significant decreases in serum FSH and LH levels(P<0.05).The HE staining results showed typical pathological features of AR in the testicular tissue of model group rats,with varying degrees of improvement observed in electroacupuncture and positive drug group rats.Western Blot analysis revealed that in the model group,the protein levels of TGF-β,p-smad2,and p-smad3 in the TGF-β1/smads pathway in testicular tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05);in comparison to the model group,the electroacupuncture group and the positive drug group showed significant decreases in the protein levels of TGF-β,p-smad2,and p-smad3(P<0.05).[Conclusion]Acupuncture can improve the sperm number and sperm motility rate,regulate sex hormone level and improve the spermatogenic environment,and affect the spermatogenesis process via TGF-β 1/smads signaling pathway.
10.The influence of employment status on depressive symptomatology during pregnancy
Yuezhen LI ; Jiali ZHANG ; Yixin YAO ; Wenjuan FAN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Ning ZHANG ; Chunxue WANG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2024;57(2):94-99
Objective:To evaluate the mood and psychological state of pregnant women with different working states and analyze the influence of working on depression state during the entire pregnancy.Methods:A total of 396 women aged 20-45 years were prospectively enrolled in Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Tian Tan Hospital in early pregnancy from December 2020 to April 2020. The ones who had a history of depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental disorders were excluded. Their psychological states were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) at baseline, the second and third trimester of pregnancy accordingly. Based on employment status during pregnancy, they were analyzed into Full-time (252 cases), Part-time (97 cases), and Unemployed (47 cases) groups. A 3 (Group) ×3 (Pregnancy trimester) repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the differences in EPDS scores among the three groups. Multivariate Linear Regression was used to analyze the effects of employment status and other factors on EPDS scores during pregnancy.Results:Compared to the Full-time and Part-time employment groups, the Unemployed group had lower education levels and higher FSS scores [ones who own a bachelor′s degree or below: 85.2% (40/47) vs 64.3% (162/252); FSS score: (37.5±9.3) vs (33.1±11.2)] (all P<0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA showed the main effect of group and time on EPDS depression scores was statistically significant ( F=3.19, P=0.043; F=6.20, P=0.002). EPDS scores in early pregnancy were significantly higher than those in late pregnancy [(0.6±0.01) vs (0.5±0.01), P=0.003]. There was no significant difference in EPDS scores among different groups ( PBonferroni correction >0.017). There were no statistically significant interaction effects between the three groups and three trimesters of pregnancy ( F=1.34, P=0.253). Regression analysis results showed that Full-time or Part-time employment, higher marital satisfaction, better psychological resilience contributed fewer depression scores in the second trimester of pregnancy ( R 2adjusted=0.34, F=22.37, P<0.001). Conclusion:Both Full-time and Part-time employment during pregnancy have a positive impact on depressive mood in the second trimester of pregnancy but probably no impact in the early and late pregnancy.

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