1.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
2.Compound glutamine enteric-coated capsules in the treatment and prevention of radiotherapy-and chemotherapy-related intestinal dysfunction in patients with malignant tumors:a systematic review
Yuxian CHEN ; Dan ZOU ; Qiaozhi HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1068-1073
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of Compound glutamine enteric-coated capsules in the treatment and prevention of radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-related intestinal dysfunction in patients with malignant tumors. METHODS PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang data were searched to collect randomized controlled trial (RCT) and cohort studies comparing Compound glutamine enteric-coated capsules (experimental group) with or without other treatments versus other treatments or blank control (control group). The search period was from the establishment of each database to November 19, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 23 studies were included, involving 2 014 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that the effective rate in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, the overall incidence and moderate-to-severe incidence of radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-related intestinal dysfunction, quality of life scores, and interleukin-6 levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P <0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of Karnofsky Performance Status score improvement rate and tumor necrosis factor-α levels ( P >0.05). The results of subgroup analysis based on different medications in the control group showed that, when used for treatment, regardless of whether patients in the control group received blank control or positive control, the efficacy in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P <0.05). When used for prevention, compared with patients who received blank control in the control group, the overall incidence and the incidence of moderate-to-severe radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-related intestinal dysfunction in the experimental group were significantly reduced ( P <0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the overall incidence or incidences of moderate-to-severe radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-related intestinal dysfunction with positive control between the two groups ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compound glutamine enteric-coated capsules can effectively treat and prevent radiotherapy- and chemotherapy-related intestinal dysfunction in patients with malignant tumors, improve patients’ quality of life, and alleviate inflammatory responses.
3.Long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy for duodenal papillary adenomas and risk factors for incomplete resection
Kun LIU ; Xintong ZHANG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Muhan NI ; Peng YAN ; Bei TANG ; Wenting LI ; Dan XU ; Wen LI ; Pin WANG ; Dehua TANG ; Xiaoping ZOU ; Lei WANG ; Shanshan SHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2025;42(7):545-551
Objective:To evaluate long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy (EP) for duodenal papillary adenomas and to identify risk factors for incomplete resection.Methods:Clinical data of 180 patients diagnosed as having duodenal papillary adenoma via postoperative pathology after EP in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from January 2010 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on their postoperative margin status: the complete resection group (negative resection margins) and the incomplete resection group (positive/uncertain resection margins). Recurrence rates were compared between the two groups, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for incomplete resection.Results:Among the 180 patients included in the study, 137 underwent complete resection, and 43 had incomplete resections. Recurrence rate was significantly higher in the incomplete resection group than that in the complete resection group (30.2% VS 15.3%, χ2=4.75, P=0.029). logistic regression analysis indicated that high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia was an independent risk factor for incomplete resection ( OR=2.43, 95% CI:1.12-5.26, P=0.024). Conclusion:Patients with incomplete resection after EP have a higher recurrence rate in the long-term follow-up. High-grade intraepithelial neoplasia is an independent risk factor for incomplete resection. Close surveillance and aggressive management are warranted for patients with positive or uncertain resection margins to mitigate the recurrence risk.
4.Hand eczema among health care workers and its association with hand hygiene
Dan WANG ; Shu NIE ; Min XIA ; Dan ZHU ; Xi TAN ; Zhouwei WU ; Ni ZOU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(18):2842-2846
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of prevalence of hand eczema(HE)among the health care workers,explore the influencing factors and analyze the association with hand hygiene.METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted for the health care workers.The health care workers who had HE were followed up by the dermatology department and were completed the assessment of severity.Logistic regression analysis was per-formed for the influencing factors.RESULTS The questionnaires were distributed to the health care workers of Shanghai First Peoples Hospital in Jul.2024,and 659 valid questionnaires were recycled.The prevalence rate of HE by self-report was 37.03%in recent almost one year.The finger and dorsal hand were the predilection sites of skin damage,with the symptom dominated by itching;dryness,desquamation and vesicles were the primary man-ifestations of skin damage,most of which(64.81%)were moderate.Wearing gloves in work environment and contact with hand sanitizer and disinfectants could make the HE symptoms ever more severe.The use of hand san-itizer/frequent hand washing with soap lye and prolonged glove-wearing were the leading causes of HE.The nurses were dominant among the health care workers with HE(P=0.003),and the proportion of those with allergic his-tory was even higher(P<0.001).As for the health care workers who washed hands for surgeries,high volume of daily surgical procedures(OR=1.325,95%CI:1.121 to 1.567)and glove-wearing duration more than 120 min(OR=3.177,95%CI:1.087 to 9.281)were the risk factors for HE.As for the common hand-washing health care workers,daily hand washing more than 15 times(OR=3.199,95%CI:1.014 to 10.137),glove-wearing dura-tion more than 120 min(OR=2.216,95%CI:1.117 to 4.391)and use of powdered latex glove(OR=1.591,95%CI:1.058 to 2.390)were the risk factors for HE.CONCLUSION The prevalence rate of HE is high among the health care workers.It is necessary to attach great importance to the hand skin health of the health care work-ers and take comprehensive intervention measures for prevention of HE such as optimization of hand hygiene pro-cedure,enhancement of barrier protection and stress on occupational health education so as to achieve the dual goals of infection control and skin health.
5.Incidence of postoperative pneumonia in a tertiary first-class general hos-pital in Shanghai from 2017 to 2023
Dan ZHU ; Dan WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Ni ZOU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):512-517
Objective To analyze the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia(POP)in a tertiary general first-class hospital in Shanghai,and provide basis for strengthening the implementation of POP prevention and control meas-ures for the target population.Methods The real-time monitoring data of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)from 2017 to 2023 were retrospectively surveyed.The occurrence of POP in all surgical patients(including minimal-ly invasive interventional surgery)were analyzed.Results A total of 701 postoperative patients had POP.The inci-dence of POP was 0.30%.Incidence of POP was higher in male patients than in female patients(0.48%vs 0.15%),in 65-year-old-population than in<65-year-old-population(0.58%vs 0.17%),and in elective surgery than in emergency surgery(0.35%vs 0.27%),differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The inter-val from postoperative time to POP occurrence in 701 POP patients was 6(4,10)days,with emergency surgery pa-tients developing POP later than elective surgery(7[4,11]days vs 6[3,10]days),and difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The top five departments with higher incidences of POP were neurosurgery(5.84%),cardi-ac surgery(4.01%),thoracic surgery(1.92%),abdominal surgery(0.74%),and minimally invasive intervention(0.17%).Incidence of POP in emergency neurosurgery was higher than that in elective neurosurgery(9.71%vs 2.14%),while incidences of POP in elective cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery were both higher than emergency surgery(5.09%vs 2.93%,2.46%vs 0.58%,respectively),differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).A total of 675 strains of pathogens were detected from 701 POP patients,with Gram-negative bacteria being the major pathogens(n=520,77.04%).The predominant detected pathogens were Acinetobacter baumannii(n=119),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(n=116),Staphylococcus aureus(n=108),Klebsiella pneumoniae(n=104),and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(n=47).Conclusion In the prevention and control of perioperative infection,the key populations for POP prevention and control should be males and those aged ≥65 years old,and the key depart-ments should be neurosurgery,cardiac/thoracic surgery,and abdominal surgery.Minimal invasive surgery also has the risk of POP,which should be paid more attention.
6.Effect of Different Doses of Estrogen on Endometrial Blood Flow after TCRA in Patients with IUA
Jie YANG ; Dabao XU ; Yiran JIN ; Sang LUO ; Che YANG ; Xiaojie ZOU ; Dan LIU
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(2):130-135
Objective:To analyze the effect of different doses of estrogen on endometrial blood flow after tran-scervical resection of adhesion(TCRA)surgery in patients with intrauterine adhesion(IUA).Methods:A total of 70 moderate and severe IUA patients who underwent TCRA in the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from 2021 to 2023 were divided into group A(4 mg/day)and group B(6 mg/day)according to the dosage of es-trogen after operation.Reexamination of hysteroscopy was performed 2 months later,menstrual volume was fol-lowed up,uterine parameters in secretory phase were detected by B-ultrasound,and factors related to prolifera-tion,fibrosis and blood flow were detected by immunofluorescence after 3 months.Results:① In the severe IUA group,there was no difference in the rate of intrauterine re adhesion between group A2 and group B2.The satis-faction rate of endometrial epithelialization and endometrial glandular duct density in group B2 was higher than that in group A2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the three indicators within the moderate IUA group(P>0.05).②Three months after operation,in the severe IUA group,there were statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in menstrual flow,endometrial thickness ET,endo-metrial volume EV,endometrial blood flow values(VI,FI,VFI),and uterine artery blood flow values(PI,RI)be-tween the two groups;The above indicators showed no statistically significant differences within the moderate IUA group(P>0.05).③Detection of endometrial markers:the expression of proliferation marker(Ki-67)and angio-genesis marker(CD31,CD34,CD146,b-FGF,VEGF)in group B2 was higher than that in group A2,while the ex-pression of fibrosis marker(α-SMA,TGF-β1)was lower,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There was no sig-nificant difference in the expression of above indexes between group A,and group B,in moderate IUA group(P>0.05).Conclusions:Short-term application of relatively high dose estrogen(6 mg/day)after TCRA can pro-mote better endometrial repair by improving endometrial blood flow in patients with severe IUA,while in patients with moderate IUA there is no significant difference in the effect on endometrial repair.
7.Incidence of postoperative pneumonia in a tertiary first-class general hos-pital in Shanghai from 2017 to 2023
Dan ZHU ; Dan WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Ni ZOU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):512-517
Objective To analyze the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia(POP)in a tertiary general first-class hospital in Shanghai,and provide basis for strengthening the implementation of POP prevention and control meas-ures for the target population.Methods The real-time monitoring data of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)from 2017 to 2023 were retrospectively surveyed.The occurrence of POP in all surgical patients(including minimal-ly invasive interventional surgery)were analyzed.Results A total of 701 postoperative patients had POP.The inci-dence of POP was 0.30%.Incidence of POP was higher in male patients than in female patients(0.48%vs 0.15%),in 65-year-old-population than in<65-year-old-population(0.58%vs 0.17%),and in elective surgery than in emergency surgery(0.35%vs 0.27%),differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The inter-val from postoperative time to POP occurrence in 701 POP patients was 6(4,10)days,with emergency surgery pa-tients developing POP later than elective surgery(7[4,11]days vs 6[3,10]days),and difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The top five departments with higher incidences of POP were neurosurgery(5.84%),cardi-ac surgery(4.01%),thoracic surgery(1.92%),abdominal surgery(0.74%),and minimally invasive intervention(0.17%).Incidence of POP in emergency neurosurgery was higher than that in elective neurosurgery(9.71%vs 2.14%),while incidences of POP in elective cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery were both higher than emergency surgery(5.09%vs 2.93%,2.46%vs 0.58%,respectively),differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).A total of 675 strains of pathogens were detected from 701 POP patients,with Gram-negative bacteria being the major pathogens(n=520,77.04%).The predominant detected pathogens were Acinetobacter baumannii(n=119),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(n=116),Staphylococcus aureus(n=108),Klebsiella pneumoniae(n=104),and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(n=47).Conclusion In the prevention and control of perioperative infection,the key populations for POP prevention and control should be males and those aged ≥65 years old,and the key depart-ments should be neurosurgery,cardiac/thoracic surgery,and abdominal surgery.Minimal invasive surgery also has the risk of POP,which should be paid more attention.
8.ApoAⅠ and AIBP inhibit P2X7R-mediated pyroptosis in macrophages through ABCA1
Mengjiao CHEN ; Zhenwang ZHAO ; Siqi WANG ; Jianfeng WU ; Dan LIU ; Jin ZOU ; Min ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(5):402-411
Aim To explore the effects of apolipoprotein A Ⅰ(ApoA Ⅰ)and apolipoprotein A Ⅰ binding protein(AIBP)on THP-1-derived macrophage pyroptosis.Methods The lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)detection kit was used to evaluate cell membrane integrity,Hoechst33342/PI staining was used to observe cell membrane permeability,ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1 β(IL-1β)and interleukin-18(IL-18),Western blot was used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related protein nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3(NLRP3),gasdermin D(GSDMD),cleaved Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18.Results Oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)upregulated the expression of NLRP3,GSDMD-N,cleaved Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18 in THP-1-derived macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner,and promoted the release of IL-1β,IL-18 and LDH(P<0.05 or P<0.01),indicating that ox-LDL induced pyroptosis in THP-1-derived macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner.Co-treatment of macrophages with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP significantly downregulated the ex-pression of NLRP3,GSDMD-N,cleaved Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18,reduced the release of IL-1 β,IL-18 and LDH,and inhibited ox-LDL induced pyroptosis(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After ATP-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1)siRNA transfection,co-treatment with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP had no significant effect on the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and secretion of inflammatory factors(P>0.05).Co-treatment of macrophages with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP significantly re-duced the expression of purinergic 2X7R receptor(P2X7R)on the cell membrane,inhibited P2X7R mediated protein ki-nase R(PKR)phosphorylation and NLRP3 inflammasome assembly(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After P2X7R siRNA trans-fection,co-treatment with ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP had no significant effect on the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and secretion of inflammatory factors(P>0.05).Conclusion ApoA Ⅰ and AIBP reduce the expression of P2X7R on the cell membrane through ABCA1,inhibiting P2X7R/PKR/NLRP3 mediated macrophage pyroptosis.
9.Analysis on the disease burden trend and attributable risk factors of common gynecological cancers in China from 1990 to 2021
Xiao-hui ZHOU ; Yi-xin ZOU ; Zhuo-ying LI ; Yu-xuan XIAO ; Dan-dan TANG ; Yu-xin ZHOU ; Pei-wen LU ; Qun XU ; Yong-bing XIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):783-793
Objective To describe and analyze the current status,changing trend and influencing factors of the disease burden of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer in China from 1990 to 2021.Methods Data on incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life year(DALY),and other indicators for cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer were collected from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease database.Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze time trends,and age-period-cohort(APC)models assessed their impact on incidence and mortality.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the sociodemographic index(SDI)and the cancer indicators.Finally,the attributable risk factors for the disease burden were analyzed.Results From 1990 to 2021,age-standardized incidence rates of cervical and endometrial cancers in China significantly increased,while ovarian cancer showed no significant change.Age-standardized mortality,DALY,and years of life lost due to premature death(YLL)decreased significantly.The disease burden was heavier in middle-aged and older groups.APC model indicated an increase in cervical cancer incidence and a decrease in mortality over time.Furthermore,the incidence risks of cervical and endometrial cancers were elevated in successive birth cohorts,whereas a lower risk was observed for ovarian cancer.Correlation analysis showed significant associations between cancer incidence and mortality with SDI.Obesity has significantly contributed to the disease burden of common gynecologic cancers in China.Conclusion Mortality rates of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer have declined,while the incidence of cervical and endometrial cancers has significantly increased.The trends in incidence and mortality are influenced by age,period and cohort effects.Future efforts should focus on controlling risk factors like obesity to reduce the disease burden.
10.Neuroinflammation-related mechanism of puerarin in improving cognitive impairment induced by alcohol exposure/withdrawal in female mice
Changlan WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Huanhuan BIAN ; Dan ZOU
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(11):988-994
Objective To investigate how puerarin affects cognitive behavior and pro-inflammatory factors in the hippocampal formation of 52%(v/v)alcohol exposure/withdrawal in mice and reveal the underlying neuroimmunological mechanism by which puerarin improves alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction.Methods A total of 120 adult female mice were randomly divided into control,52%alcohol,puerarin+52%alcohol,and normal saline(NS)+52%alcohol groups.The cognitive function of the animals was assessed using the Morris water maze,and the expression of target proteins in the hippocampal formation was detected using Western blotting and immunohistochemi-stry.Results The cognitive ability of mice in the puerarin+52%alcohol group was significantly higher than that of mice in the 52%alcohol and NS+52%alcohol groups.At the 20th hour after alcohol withdrawal,IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β expressions in the hippocampal formation of the puerarin+52%alcohol group were higher than those of the 52%and NS+52%alcohol groups.However,no significant difference could be observed in the expression levels of these cytokines between the puerarin+52%alcohol and control groups.Con-clusion In a female mouse model chronically exposed to 52%alcohol,puerarin can improve cognitive dysfunction during acute alcohol withdrawal,potentially related to the involvement of puerarin in regulating pro-inflammatory factor expressions in murine hippocampus formation.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail