1.Mechanism of benzoapyrene-induced mitochondrial DNA damage mediated by PDX-1/TFAM pathway
Rong CUI ; Yi CHENG ; Li WANG ; Xiaohe ZHAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):575-581
Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L−1), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.
2.Mechanism of benzoapyrene-induced mitochondrial DNA damage mediated by PDX-1/TFAM pathway
Rong CUI ; Yi CHENG ; Li WANG ; Xiaohe ZHAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):575-581
Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L−1), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.
3.Relationship between GST gene polymorphism and susceptibility to occupational noise induced hearing loss
Fang JI ; Jian ZHANG ; Li RONG ; Xiaowen DING ; Xianglan CUI ; Xiaodong LIU ; Jue LI
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(10):728-734
Objective:To investigate the relationship between susceptibility to hearing loss in noise-exposed Han Chinese male homo sapiens and glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms, providing a scientific basis for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and screening for genetic susceptibility biomarkers.Methods:In May 2024, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to recruit 332 male Han workers exposed to noise from a prominent mechanical maintenance enterprise. Workers were classified into the hearing loss group if they exhibited a binaural high-frequency average hearing threshold exceeding 25 dB and a binaural speech frequency average hearing threshold loss that was less than the binaural high-frequency average hearing threshold loss, resulting in a total of 332 individuals in this group. Furthermore, a matched group of 332 hearing-normal workers was established on a 1∶1 basis for each hearing-impaired worker, using criteria such as the same job type, age, and a noise exposure duration of ≤4 years. Basic data of worker was collected through a questionnaire survey, and individual noise exposure levels were assessed using cumulative noise exposure (CNE). Various PCR and high-throughput sequencing techniques were employed to identify polymorphisms in the GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1rs1695 genes. The basic information and genotypes of the two groups were compared using paired t-tests and paired chi-square tests. A Cox regression model was utilized to establish a 1∶1 paired logistic regression model to examine the correlation between GST gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to NIHL. Results:Individuals with GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletion are more susceptible to NIHL compared to those with existing genes, even after adjusting for other factors ( OR=1.464, 95% CI: 1.02-2.09; OR=0.68, 95% CI: 1.06-2.02). Wearing protective equipment occasionally, rather than consistently, significantly increases the risk of NIHL ( OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.01-1.88). There was no link between GSTP1rs1695 polymorphism and NIHL risk ( P>0.05) . Conclusion:The deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes is an independent influencing factor that increases the risk of NIHL, and can be considered as a genetic susceptibility biomarker for the NIHL population. Strengthening personal hearing protection is an effective measure to reduce the risk of NIHL.
4.Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis versus laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Yang LUO ; Taotao HOU ; Yifei MU ; Chundi MIAO ; Tingyue GONG ; Jun QIN ; Dongyang WANG ; Dawei SONG ; Hao LI ; Shaolan QIN ; Rong CUI ; Tingfeng WANG ; Ming ZHONG ; Minhao YU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(12):1426-1433
Objective:To compare postoperative anal function recovery between laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis and laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation.Methods:This multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled patients meeting the following criteria: (1) severe constipation symptoms (<2 bowel movements/week), absent or insignificant defecation urge, abdominal distension, requiring laxatives to maintain bowel movements or laxatives being ineffective; (2) constipation symptoms for over 5 years, ineffective after >2 years of medical treatment, with strong desire for surgery; (3) significantly prolonged colon transit time (>72 hours) without significant gastric or small intestinal transit dysfunction; (4) no organic colonic lesions confirmed by colonoscopy and abdominal CT. Exclusion criteria: (1) patients undergoing open surgery; (2) exclusion of outlet obstruction constipation (e.g., rectocele, rectal prolapse, puborectalis spasm) by functional defecation MRI; (3) comorbid psychiatric disorders; (4) missing clinical data or loss to follow-up (postoperative follow-up <24 months). Based on these criteria, clinical and follow-up data were collected from 220 patients who underwent either laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis (LSC group, n = 115) or laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (LTC group, n = 105) for slow transit constipation between January 2013 and December 2022. Subjective anal function (Constipation Severity Score and Wexner Fecal Incontinence Score) and objective anal function (positive rate of rectoanal inhibitory reflex [RAIR] and anorectal manometry) were observed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results:No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P >0.05). All surgeries were completed successfully without major significant complications. Subjective anal function assessment: At 24 months postoperatively, Constipation Severity Scores decreased significantly compared to preoperative scores in both groups [LSC group: (25.2±2.8) vs. (2.9±1.8), P <0.001; LTC group: (25.8±2.9) vs. (2.8±1.9), P<0.001]. No significant differences were found between the groups at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively (all P>0.05). Wexner Fecal Incontinence Scores at 24 months were significantly lower than those at 6 months in both groups [LSC group: (12.9±1.8) vs. (3.9±2.5), P<0.001; LTC group: (12.6±1.8) vs. (5.4±2.4), P<0.001]. Although no significant difference was found at 6 months ( P = 0.190), the LSC group had significantly lower Wexner scores than the LTC group at 12 and 24 months postoperatively (both P < 0.001). Objective anal function assessment: (1) Positive RAIR rate: Preoperative positive RAIR rates were 33.0% (38/115) in the LSC group and 25.7% (27/105) in the LTC group ( P > 0.05). At 24 months, positive rates increased significantly in both groups [LSC: 66.1% (76/115); LTC: 63.8% (67/105)] compared to preoperative rates (both P<0.001), but no significant differences were found between groups at 6, 12, and 24 months (all P>0.05). (2) Resting pressure (RP) and squeeze pressure (SP): No significant differences were found in preoperative RP and SP between groups (all P>0.05). The LSC group had significantly higher RP and SP than the LTC group at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (all P<0.05), but no significant differences were found at 24 months ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Both laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis and laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis are safe for patients with slow transit constipation. However, laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis offers superior postoperative anal function recovery.
5.Residual Inflammatory Risk and Intracranial Atherosclerosis Plaque Vulnerability: Insights From High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ying YU ; Rongrong CUI ; Xin HE ; Xinxin SHI ; Zhikai HOU ; Yuesong PAN ; Mingyao LI ; Jiabao YANG ; Zhongrong MIAO ; Yongjun WANG ; Rong WANG ; Xin LOU ; Long YAN ; Ning MA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):207-216
Background:
and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement.
Results:
Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage.
Conclusion
In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.
6.Precise suctioning scheme for intravenous drug dispensing based on vial dispensing robot
Xian-tao QIN ; Tai-min LUO ; Li YANG ; Peng GAO ; Jian-rong CUI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(9):45-51
Objective To propose a precise suctioning scheme for intravenous drug dispensing based on the vial dispensing robot to enhance the quality of finished infusion.Methods Six kinds of typical representative vial drugs were selected as the research objects,including pantoprazole sodium for injection,papaverine hydrochloride for injection,cefuroxime sodium for injection,Bozhi Glycopeptide Injection,Esomeprazole Sodium for Injection and Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for injection.The optimal suction speed was determined by studying the relationship between the size parameters of vials and the suction speed of robot dispensing,which was used to carry out drug dispensing with the vial dispensing robot to verify whether the minimum drug residue could be obtained with the speed.The drug residue was compared with that by manual dispensing.SPSS 24.0 and Excel 2021 were applied to statistical analysis.Results The optimal suction efficiency and minimized drug residue could be got with the depth of the syringe needle hole into the rubber plug(X)less than the height of the rubber plug(H)and the optimal suction speed(Vs)of 7.48 mm/s;the suction efficiency could be ensured without air drawn in when X not less than H and Vs ranging from 10.64 to 39.31 mm/s.The mean values of the drug residue by the robot were all lower than those by manual dispensing,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The proposed scheme can be used for optimizing the parameters of the vial vial dispensing robot to obtain infusion solution with high stability and reliability,which promotes standardization and normalization of intravenous infusion dispensing process.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(9):45-51]
7.The application value of CT-based radiomics in differentiating pneumonia-type mucinous adenocarcinoma from organizing pneumonia
Xiaoqing LI ; Kexin XIE ; Rong LIU ; Can CUI ; Shuai REN ; Hai XU ; Liang ZENG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(8):1304-1309
Objective To explore the application value of CT-based radiomics in differentiating pneumonia-type mucinous adenocarcinoma(PTMA)from organizing pneumonia(OP).Methods A total of 52 PTMA patients and 102 OP patients were retrospectively included and randomly divided into training set(n=124)and test set(n=30)in an 8∶2 ratio.Eight PTMA patients and 22 OP patients from another hospital during the same period were included as external validation set(n=30).Clinical characteristics and CT signs of the patients were selected to construct the clinical model.Radiomics features were extracted and dimensionality reduction was performed through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)algorithm.A radiomics model was constructed and the Radiomics score(Radscore)was calculated.The Radscore was combined with clinical factors to establish the combined model and a nomogram was illustrated.The models' fitting degree was analyzed by the calibration curve,while their efficacy was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results The clinical model,established based on the border,cystic space and bronchial leafless tree sign,achieved area under the curve(AUC)of 0.850,0.782,and 0.759 in the training set,test set,and external validation set,respectively.Thirteen features were obtained to construct the radiomics model,with AUC of 0.925,0.865,and 0.830,respectively.The AUC of the combined model were 0.970,0.905,and 0.864,respectively,in which the calibration curve demonstrated good model fitting.DCA indicated that the combined model had the greatest clinical net benefit.Conclusion The combined model based on CT radiomics can effectively distinguish PTMA from OP.
8.Establishment and application of quadruplex RT-qPCR for differentiation of viral pathogens associated with diarrhea in pig herds
Chunlin LI ; Zhou SHA ; Jin CUI ; Hui ZHENG ; Fulong NAN ; Yaqin DONG ; Rong WEI ; Rui WU ; Bo NI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(11):2325-2333,2342
A quadruplex RT-qPCR method was developed for rapid identification and diagnosis of transmissible gastroenteritis virus(TGEV)of swine,porcine epidemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),porcine deltacorona virus(PDCoV),and porcine rotavirus type A(PoRVA).The full-length sequences of PEDV(77 strains),TGEV(63 strains),PDCoV(17 strains)that are prevalent in China,as well as the 85 VP6 gene sequences of PoRVA,were downloaded from the NCBI database for homology analysis.Based on the relatively conserved sequences,the corresponding primers and probes for each virus were designed and used to establish the quadruplex RT-qPCR method.After optimization of the probes and the reaction conditions,the specificity,sensitivity,and repeatability were determined.Using the established method,109 clinical samples of diarrhea were tested and further compared with the results by standard method.The results showed that the quadruplex RT-qPCR method established in this experiment has good amplification effect,with the C,value linearly correlated with the copies of templates(R2>0.99).Specificity assay demonstrated that the quadruplex RT-qPCR method can identify TGEV,PEDV,PDCoV,PRoVA strains,and do not de-tect African swine fever virus(ASFV),porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2),porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV),classical swine fever virus(CSFV),pseudorabies virus(PRV)and other epidemic viruses.Sensitivity assay showed that the detection limits for TGEV,PEDV,PDCoV and PoRVA were 10,20,20 and 50 copies/μL,respectively.The method exhibits excellent reproducibility,with coefficients of variation(Cv)for both intra-and inter-assay repli-cates being less than 1%.Detection of 109 samples of diarrhea by this method yielded the coinci-dence rate of 100%with the industry standard,indicating high practical applicability.The devel-oped method possesses the advantages of strong strain compatibility,high sensitivity,strong speci-ficity,good repeatability and stability.It is suitable for virus diagnosis and large-scale clinical sam-ple testing,providing technical support for disease prevention and control as well as epidemiologi-cal investigation.
9.Establishment and application of RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas13a diagnostic method for porcine Senecavirus
Chenyu LI ; Zhou SHA ; Hui ZHENG ; Jin CUI ; Tianying CHI ; Feng CHEN ; Zhenshan CAO ; Hui ZHANG ; Shengqiang GE ; Rong WEI ; Fulong NAN ; Shaopeng GU ; Bo NI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):195-203
The objective of this study was to develop a rapid and precise detection technique for por-cine Senecavirus A(SVA)employing reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification(RT-RAA)in conjunction with CRISPR Cas13a technology.Additionally,the study aimed to opti-mize the assay's reaction conditions to enhance amplification efficiency.Eight RT-RAA primer sets were designed based on the conserved gene sequence of porcine SVA,and a series of reaction condi-tions were evaluated to refine the RT-RAA reaction system.Subsequently,CRISPR-derived RNA(crRNA)sequences were developed and selected to construct the RT-RAA-CRISPR reaction sys-tem.The method's specificity was determined by examining six prevalent porcine pathogenic nucleic acids,while its sensitivity was assessed using SVA cRNA standards quantified by digital PCR.The method's stability and the consistency of clinical sample analysis were also evaluated.The findings revealed that the optimized RT-RAA and CRISPR reaction systems exhibited the highest amplifi-cation efficiency at a reaction temperature of 37 ℃.Among the eight crRNAs,five were identified as exhibiting the strongest detection signals.The formulated RT-RAA-CRISPR Cas13a method demonstrated exceptional specificity,showing no cross-reactivity with other common porcine disea-ses,including ASFV,PRRSV,PEDV,PCV2,CSFV,and PRV.The method achieved high sensitivi-ty,detecting as low as 0.86 copies/μL of SVA,and exhibited stable fluorescence output,robust re-producibility,and the ability to complete clinical sample analysis within 50 minutes.Consistency e-valuation with six positive and 58 negative samples indicated 100%agreement in outcomes.These results substantiate that the study successfully established a rapid and specific RT-RAA-CRISPR Cas13a detection method for the on-site identification of porcine Senecavirus A,demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity,and holds promise for application in SVA monitoring and control initia-tives.
10.Effect of optimized prehospital emergency intervention combined with green channel on prehospital de-lay and prognosis of patients with acute cor pulmonale
Rong-ping CUI ; Yang-hui CUI ; Ai-xia LI ; Yong-hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(1):56-60
Objective:This article aims to investigate the effect of optimized prehospital emergency intervention com-bined with green channel on prehospital delay and prognosis of patients with acute cor pulmonale(ACP).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 116 ACP patients admitted in Hai'an People's Hospital between January 2021 and January 2023.They were divided into control group(n=58,routine emergency nursing procedure)and in-tervention group(n=58,optimized prehospital emergency intervention combined with green channel program).After 1-month intervention,therapeutic effect,emergency indicators,cardiopulmonary function,quality of life and incidence of complications were compared between two groups.Results:After 1-month,total effective rate of intervention group was significantly higher than that of control group(84.48%vs.62.07%,P=0.006).Com-pared with patients in control group,those in intervention group had significant lower emergency stay time[(19.80±1.90)min vs.(27.92±1.62)min],triage assessment time[(2.01±0.18)min vs.(2.99±0.17)min]and transport time[(33.69±1.90)min vs.(35.91±1.74)min],and significant higher left ventricular ejection frac-tion(LVEF)[(59.85±1.36)%vs.(46.97±1.79)%],forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)[(3.66±0.17)L vs.(3.00±0.17)L],scores of nursing quality and each domain of Quality of Life Instruments for Chro-nic Diseases-Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease(QLICD-CPHD)(P<0.001 all).Incidence of complications in intervention group was significantly lower than that of control group(5.17%vs.17.24%,P=0.039).Conclusion:Optimized prehospital emergency intervention combined with green channel has significant clinical effect on ACP patients.It could reduce emergency,triage and transport time,improve nursing quality and quality of life,enhance cardiopulmonary function,and reduce the incidence of complications.

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