1.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
2.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
3.Comparative analysis of the characteristics of imported malaria cases in Nanning City in 2024 and the same period of the previous year
Shu-lin WEI ; Zhi-qiang QU ; Yuan-yuan LUO ; Yan-cui HUANG ; Shu-qin DIAO ; Xue LI ; Sheng-long YANG ; Xiao-yu HUANG ; Mi-fang LUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):81-84
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and provide a basis for developing improved prevention and control measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Malaria surveillance data for Nanning City from January 1,2023, to December 31,2024, were exported from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management Subsystem. The characteristics of the two groups of malaria cases were compared. Results A total of 103 imported malaria cases were reported in Nanning City in 2024, representing a 38.32% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. No statistically significant difference were observed between cases reported in 2023 and 2024 in terms of average age, gender ratio, proportion of parasite species, and monthly reporting distribution;however, statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of reporting areas and current residence areas(χ2= 13.572 and 10.355, respectively; P = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). The proportion of cases reported in Shanglin County and the proportion of cases residing in Shanglin County were both lower than those during the same period of the previous year. Conclusions The high aggregation of imported malaria cases in Nanning City has decreased. Medical institutions in areas other than Shanglin County should strengthen their vigilance against malaria.
4.Synthesis of A New Naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Detection of Glyphosate
Rong-Rong ZHAO ; Hong-Lin LIU ; Ying-Ping HUANG ; Cui-Wen DENG ; Song-Yan LI ; Shui-Lian YU ; Mao-Sheng TAO ; Yi-Qun TIAN ; Xi YUAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):903-913
Widespread utilization of glyphosate has led to environmental residues,posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health.Traditional methods for detection of glyphosate are limited by specialized equipment and operational techniques,resulting in inefficient responses.Therefore,it is urgent to develop a convenient,sensitive and accurate detection method for detection of glyphosate.Herein,a new naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"fluorescent probe was synthesized using 2-chloroaniline and dansyl chloride as raw materials through a one-step process,which showed a good linear relationship between the glyphosate concentration in concentration range of 0.003-70 μmol/L and the fluorescence intensity(R2=0.995),with a detection limit of 2.73 nmol/L(S/N=3).Analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)were used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the fluorescent probe and glyphosate.The results indicated that a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurred between the probe and the secondary amine(—NH—)of glyphosate,inducing a photoinduced electron transfer(PET)effect which enhanced the fluorescence intensity by 11.2 times.The probe showed good anti-interference ability towards coexisting metal ions,anions and pesticides in water.When applied to determination of glyphosate in the samples such as tap water,river water(Xiangxi River Reservoir),soil,soybeans,and corn,the spiking recoveries ranged from 94.7%to 109.9%,demonstrating the high accuracy and broad applicability of this detection method.A portable test strip based on this fluorescent probe was developed for rapid semi-quantitative analysis of glyphosate.The developed method was rapid,sensitive,and portable,providing theoretical and technical support for on-site measurement of environmental contaminants.
5.Predictive value of circulating exosomal miR-16,miR-25,miR-30b and miR-92a in gestational diabetes mellitus complicated with premature delivery
Wenwen ZHU ; Lin YUAN ; Jiali FANG ; Xianwei CUI ; Tianying ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(7):505-513
Objective To investigate serum exosomal miRNA spectrum in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and eval-uate its clinical value in the diagnosis of GDM complicated with premature delivery.Methods Serum samples of pregnant women with GDM registered and delivered in our hospital were collected and divided into the premature delivery group and term labor group based on pregnancy outcomes,with 22 cases in each group.Serum exosomal miRNAs were sequenced,and the differentially expressed miRNAs were further verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drew according to the verified expression level of miRNAs,and the value of exosomal miRNAs in the diagnosis of GDM complicated with premature de-livery was analyzed.The potential functions of candidate miRNAs were predicted using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).Results A total of 94 differentially expressed miRNAs,including 50 up-regulated and 44 down-regulated,were identified in the premature delivery group and term labor group.The verification results of fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that 7 miRNAs had significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).Moreover,the expression trend was consistent with the sequencing results.The analysis results of the ROC curve showed that the seven miRNAs had good diagnostic efficacy for GDM combined with premature delivery.The areas under the ROC curve(AUCROC)of hsa-miR-16-5p,hsa-miR-25-3p,hsa-miR-30b-5p,and hsa-miR-92a-3p were all more than 0.7.Their sensitivity and specificity were 0.375 and 1.000,0.563 and 0.941,0.563 and 0.824,and 0.765 and 0.647,respectively.The binary logistic regression analysis showed that the AUCROC of the combination of hsa-miR-16-5p,hsa-miR-25-3p,hsa-miR-30b-5p,and hsa-miR-92a-3p for the diagnosis of GDM complicated with premature delivery increased to 0.982,and that its sensi-tivity and specificity were both more than 0.850.These candidate miRNAs were related to the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathway,actin cytoskeleton regulatory pathway,mTOR signaling pathway,and P53 signaling pathway.Conclusion Serum exosomal miRNAs in GDM patients complicated with premature delivery have significant difference,which may be served as potential diagnostic markers.
6.Prediction Model of Large for Gestational Age Infants in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Hongying ZHA ; Shasha LI ; Yumeng CUI ; Lu SUN ; Lin YU ; Qingxin YUAN
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(10):825-830
Objective:To establish a prediction model for larger for gestational age(LGA)infants in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)in order to improve pregnancy outcomes.Methods:A retro-spective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 338 pregnant women with GDM who underwent routine prenatal examinations and were hospitalized for delivery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical Universi-ty from January 1,2018 to December 31,2023.Pregnant women with complete HbAlc data during pregnancy were divided into a training set of 241 cases and a validation set of 97 cases.Lasso and Logistic regression analysis and variable screening combined with previous clinical experience were used to construct a nomogram model,and its degree of differentiation and calibration were evaluated.Result:①By Lasso regression analysis,age,family histo-ry of type 2 diabetes,body mass index(BMI),gestational weight gain(GWG),fasting blood glucose(FBG),postprandial 1-hour blood glucose(1h PBG),HbAlc,free triiodothyronine(FT3),free thyroxine(FT4)and insulin treatment were important predictors of LGA.②Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that GWG and HbAlc were independent risk factors for LGA in pregnant women with GDM(OR>1,P<0.05).③Combined with Lasso and Logistic regression analysis,previous literature reports and clinical experience,BMI,GWG,FBG,1h PBG,HbAlc and FT3 were selected as independent variables,and LGA as dependent variable.A nomogram pre-diction model was constructed in the training set,and the C-index of 0.71.ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values of the training set and the validation set were 0.709 and 0.700,respectively,and the discriminative a-bility of the model was acceptable.The calibration curve of the model was close to the ideal curve,and the clinical decision curve suggested that the model showed a positive net benefit at the threshold of 10%to 50%.Conclu-sion:The predictive model has certain value in predicting the occurrence of LGA in pregnant women with GDM,and provides help for early diagnosis,treatment and clinical intervention of GDM and its complications,in order to improve perinatal and long-term adverse outcomes.
7.Effects of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on glycolipid metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signalling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Kai-yin ZHANG ; Feng-yun YAO ; Yao-yao HAN ; Jie-lin JIANG ; Lin WANG ; Wen LI ; Hong-fang YANG ; Huan-yuan ZHANG ; Yan-kun CUI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3242-3248
AIM To investigate the impact of varying dosages of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 glycolipid metabolic pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the concentration of Supplemented Wendan Decoction-medicated serum.The mature adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after induction were further divided into the blank control group,the model group,the rosiglitazone group(10 mg/L),and the Supplemented Wendan Decoction groups(5%,10%,and 20%),followed by the sample collections after 48 hours of treatment.Oil red O staining quantified lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes;extracellular glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase(GOD)assay;RT-qPCR analyzed mRNA expressions of IRS-1,PI3K,Akt,GLUT4,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;Western blot assessed protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt,FOXO1 and GLUT4.RESULTS No significant changes in cell viability(P>0.05)were observed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes exposed to serum containing supplemented Wendan Decoction at different concentrations for 24,48,or 72 hours.The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes held the capacity to differentiate into mature adipocytes within a 14-day induction period.Compared to the model group,all supplemented Wendan Decoction groups exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and downregulated mRNA expression of IRS-1,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);the low-dose group demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of PI3K and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01),alongside elevated protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01);the medium-dose group showed enhanced GLUT4 mRNA expression,and upregulated protein expressions of INSR and FOXO1(P<0.01).After 24 hours intervention,the high-dose Supplemented Wendan Decoction group exhibited increased glucose consumption in adipocytes(P<0.01),and elevated protein expression of INSR,Akt and FOXO1(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Supplemented Wendan Decoction reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes,regulates glucose and lipid metabolism,and promotes metabolic homeostasis through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
8.Research progress of transcription factor EB and myocardial ischemic injury
Yuan ZHANG ; Hao LIN ; Xiaoting ZHU ; Yinghua CUI
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(11):997-1003
Acute myocardial infarction is caused by continuous ischemia and hypoxia of myocardial cells,leading to myocardial cell necrosis.Reperfusion therapy is the standard strategy for reducing infarct size and improving the prognosis of myocardial infarction.However,myocardial injury caused by reperfusion therapy is accompanied by various pathophys-iological processes,such as oxidative stress,inflammatory response,myocardial fibrosis,extracellular matrix remodeling,etc.Transcription factor EB(TFEB)is a central regulatory factor in the autophagy-lysosome signaling pathway,involved in signaling pathways such as stress response,myocardial energy metabolism,autophagy,and lysosomal biogenesis.It is closely related to the repair of myocardial injury after myocardial infarction.This review aims to elucidate the mechanism of TFEB in myocardial ischemic injury.
9.Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity in elderly patients with free anterolateral thigh perforator flaps: a report of 24 cases
Hua ZHENG ; Linjun TANG ; Lin HE ; Taian CUI ; Xuying ZHAO ; Ye YUAN ; Chen ZHANG ; Yaping LIU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(4):394-398
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity in elderly patient.Methods:From February 2018 to August 2024, 24 elderly patients (14 males, 10 females. Age range: 70-89 years, mean age: 73.47 years) with soft tissue defects in lower extremity were treated with free ALTPFs in the Department of Hand Microsurgery, Sichuan Modern Hospital. All patients had comorbidities including chronic pulmonary diseases (10 cases), anaemia in various severity (15 cases), atherosclerosis (9 cases), diabetes mellitus (6 cases), hypertension (5 cases) and great saphenous varicose veins (4 cases). Fourteen patients were admitted to hospital though emergency department due to trauma. Of these patients, 2 underwent emergency flap transfer surgery, 12 had temporary wound coverage with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or bone cement, followed by flap surgery at 3-7 days later. Ten patients with chronic wounds were admitted through outpatient clinic and underwent flap surgery at approximately 7 days after multidisciplinary team consultation and completion of preoperative preparation. A total of 15 patients received blood transfusion: 3 before the surgery, 10 in the surgery and 2 after the surgery. Defect locations were: right calf and ankle (6 cases), right foot (5 cases), left calf and ankle (10 cases) and left foot (3 cases). Defect sizes ranged from 5.0 cm×7.0 cm to 9.0 cm×30.0 cm, with exposure of tendon, bone or internal fixation. The size of ALTPFs ranged from 6.0 cm×8.0 cm to 10.0 cm×40.0 cm. All artery of flaps was end-to-end anastomosed with the recipient artery, and the vein of flaps was anastomosed with the accompanying vein by recipient artery. Donor sites were either closed directly or reconstructed with skin grafts. All patients were included in postoperative follow-up via visit of outpatient clinic or WeChat for evaluation of flap and donor sites.Results:All 24 flaps survived. Two cases presented with venous occlusion after surgery and surgical exploration discovered: 1 patient had a long-segment venous thrombosis in the recipient vein and was treated with great saphenous vein transposition for re-anastomosis; the other had a deep haematoma compressing of the flap, which was removed surgically with haemostasis. Follow-up lasted for 3 to 24 months. All donor sites healed well without local tenderness, leaving only linear or skin graft scars. The flap survived well, without infection, ulceration or necrosis. All ankle function was preserved.Conclusion:Transfer of free ALTPF is a valuable technique for treatment of soft tissue defects in lower extremity in elderly patients. Despite higher risks, satisfactory outcome can be achieved with thorough preoperative evaluation and surgical intervention, especially when the condition of a patient is stable, an early ambulation for functional recovery should be started.
10.Prediction Model of Large for Gestational Age Infants in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Hongying ZHA ; Shasha LI ; Yumeng CUI ; Lu SUN ; Lin YU ; Qingxin YUAN
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(10):825-830
Objective:To establish a prediction model for larger for gestational age(LGA)infants in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)in order to improve pregnancy outcomes.Methods:A retro-spective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 338 pregnant women with GDM who underwent routine prenatal examinations and were hospitalized for delivery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical Universi-ty from January 1,2018 to December 31,2023.Pregnant women with complete HbAlc data during pregnancy were divided into a training set of 241 cases and a validation set of 97 cases.Lasso and Logistic regression analysis and variable screening combined with previous clinical experience were used to construct a nomogram model,and its degree of differentiation and calibration were evaluated.Result:①By Lasso regression analysis,age,family histo-ry of type 2 diabetes,body mass index(BMI),gestational weight gain(GWG),fasting blood glucose(FBG),postprandial 1-hour blood glucose(1h PBG),HbAlc,free triiodothyronine(FT3),free thyroxine(FT4)and insulin treatment were important predictors of LGA.②Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that GWG and HbAlc were independent risk factors for LGA in pregnant women with GDM(OR>1,P<0.05).③Combined with Lasso and Logistic regression analysis,previous literature reports and clinical experience,BMI,GWG,FBG,1h PBG,HbAlc and FT3 were selected as independent variables,and LGA as dependent variable.A nomogram pre-diction model was constructed in the training set,and the C-index of 0.71.ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values of the training set and the validation set were 0.709 and 0.700,respectively,and the discriminative a-bility of the model was acceptable.The calibration curve of the model was close to the ideal curve,and the clinical decision curve suggested that the model showed a positive net benefit at the threshold of 10%to 50%.Conclu-sion:The predictive model has certain value in predicting the occurrence of LGA in pregnant women with GDM,and provides help for early diagnosis,treatment and clinical intervention of GDM and its complications,in order to improve perinatal and long-term adverse outcomes.


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