1.Notoginsenoside R1 modulates mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes viathe Pink1/Parkin pathway after hypoxia/reoxygenation
Xiaoman XIONG ; Huan WU ; Shanglin LU ; Yong WANG ; Yuhua ZHENG ; Yi XIANG ; Haiyan ZHOU ; Xingde LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) ameliorates hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury in AC16 human cardiomyocyte cell lines through the regulation of mitophagy. MethodsCommon genes linked to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and mitophagy were identified by intersecting data from GeneCards and MitoCarta databases. AC16 cell viability was assessed via CCK-8 assay under varying NGR1 concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol/L). AC16 cells were divided into the following groups: control group (Control), model group (H/R), and treatment groups (H/R + NGR1 at 100, 200 and 300 μmol/L). Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining. Transcriptional levels of mitophagy-related genes (Parkin, Pink1, P62) were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein expression of mitophagy-related markers (Parkin, Pink1, P62, and LC3BⅡ) was evaluated via Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsCompared to the control group, cell viability in the H/R group significantly decreased (P<0.01). Treatment with NGR1 at concentrations above 100 μmol/L significantly enhanced the cell viability of AC16 cells compared to the H/R group (P<0.01). H/R induced a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), which was restored by NGR1 treatment (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of Parkin, Pink1, and P62 in the H/R group were upregulated compared to the control group (P<0.05), while NGR1 intervention downregulated their expression (P<0.05). Protein expression levels of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ in the H/R group significantly increased, while P62 expression decreased compared to the control group (P<0.01). In contrast, different doses of NGR1 treatment significantly reduced the expression of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ while increasing P62 expression (P<0.05). TEM revealed that the mitochondrial structure in the H/R group was severely disrupted, with fragmented and disorganized cristae, which was alleviated by NGR1. ConclusionNGR1 ameliorates H/R-induced AC16 cell injury, and its mechanism may be associated with modulating the Pink1/Parkin pathway to suppress excessive mitophagy.
2.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
3.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
4.LIU Shangyi's Experience in Treating Pruritus Vulvae Using Self-Prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方)
Xiao LIU ; Zhaozhao HUA ; Yiyuan ZHOU ; Taiwei ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Shuang HUANG ; Qiang GAO ; Kaiyang XUE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):992-995
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in treating pruritus vulvae. It is believed that women have the physiological characteristics of liver and kidney as the root, and their pubic area is easily attacked by wind-dampness pathogenic qi, so the core mechanism of pruritus vulvae is proposed as wind-dampness accumulation and deficiency of liver and kidney. The core treatment method is to dispel wind-dampness and nourish the liver and kidneys, and modify the Danggui Decoction (当归饮子) to form a self-prescribed Yinyang Formula (阴痒方) as the basic prescription to treat pruritus vulvaen.
5.Effect of Icariin on Myocardial Remodeling in Rats Based on Vitamin D Regulation of Dendritic Cell Phenotype
Qian LI ; Yujia CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Wen LI ; Liancheng GUAN ; Huanzhen WANG ; Yunzhi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):76-85
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on the phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs) in heart tissue of the Dahl salt-sensitive myocardial remodeling model of rats and its regulation on the vitamin D system. MethodsMale Dahl salt-resistant rats were divided into a normal group, and male Dahl salt-sensitive rats were divided into a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups (30, 60, 120 mg·kg-1·d-1), and Vitamin D group (3×10-5 mg·kg-1·d-1). In addition to the normal group, the other groups were given an 8% high salt diet to establish a myocardial remodeling model and received intragastric administration after successful modelling once a day for six weeks. The dynamic changes in tail artery blood pressure were monitored, and detection of cardiac ultrasound function in rats was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes in rat heart tissue. The phenotype of DCs and T helper cell 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR), 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), forkhead frame protein 3 (FoxP3), solitaire receptor γt (RORγt), myocardial type Ⅰ collagen (ColⅠ), and type collagen (ColⅢ) in heart tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed disordered arrangement and rupture of myocardial cells, nuclear condensation, significant edema of myocardial tissue, significant proliferation of collagen fibers in a network distribution, and a significant increase in tail artery blood pressure, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs was CD40, CD80, and CD86, and the levels of major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ (MHC-Ⅱ), Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly increased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt in the heart, as well as the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ, were significantly increased (P<0.05). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWD) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The phenotype of cardiac DCs such as CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells, were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression of cardiac VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group significantly reduced myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation in rats. The high-dose ICA group and vitamin D group showed a small amount of myocardial cell rupture and nuclear consolidation, improving myocardial fiber arrangement to varying degrees and significantly reducing myocardial fiber rupture and proliferation. The tail artery blood pressure, LVEDD, and LVESD were significantly decreased in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05), and the phenotype of cardiac DCs including CD40, CD80, CD86, MHC-Ⅱ, Th17 cells, and Th17/Treg were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1 and RORγt, and the mRNA expression of ColⅠ and ColⅢ in the heart were significantly decreased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). The LVEF, IVSD, and LVPWD of myocardial remodeling model rats in the low-, medium-, and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group were significantly increased (P<0.05). The phenotypes of cardiac DCs including CD11, CD11b, and Treg cells were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and the Vitamin D group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of VDR, CYP27B1, and FoxP3 in the heart were significantly increased in the medium- and high-dose ICA groups and vitamin D group (P<0.05). ConclusionICA can regulate tail artery blood pressure, cardiac structural and functional damage, and myocardial tissue fibrosis and inhibit phenotype and functional maturation of DCs in heart tissue in the myocardial remodeling model of Dahl salt-sensitive rats. It can also affect the gene and protein expression of VDR, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1, achieving its intervention in Th17/Treg balance in the immune process of myocardial remodeling possibly by regulating vitamin D/VDR in heart tissue.
6.Effects of air pressure, humidity, wind and sunshine on the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in Guiyang
Zhengjing DU ; Yuanyuan SHANG ; Chong QU ; Qiang WANG ; Jie ZHOU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):32-36
Objective To explore the effects of air pressure, humidity, wind, and sunshine on the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) in Guiyang, and to provide reference for the prevention of CVD. Methods Using CVD incidence data from September 2021 to August 2022 in Guiyang City and meteorological data including average air pressure, average humidity, wind, and sunshine during the same period, the effects of meteorological factors on CVD incidence were explored and the importance of each factor was analyzed. Results When air pressure was below 868 hPa, above 887 hPa, or between 877 and 883 hPa, and when air pressure dropped less than 5.3 hPa within 24 hours, there was a higher risk of CVD. When the humidity was above 81%, the wind speed was small (<1.2 m/s) or high (>4m/s), and there was less sunlight (less than 3 hours), the risk of CVD was higher. Low humidity (<60%) was not conducive to the onset of CVD. There were highest risks at lag 5~10 days and 4-25 days for high pressure and low sunlight, respectively. When the relative humidity was saturated, there was an immediate effect. When the wind speed was low and high, the immediate effect and hysteresis effects were significant. Among the above meteorological factors, the impact of 24-hour variation of pressure and high or low atmospheric pressure on the incidence of CVD was the most significant, while the impact of sunlight and humidity was the weakest. The impact of diurnal variations in wind and atmospheric pressure was not clear. Conclusion The impact of air pressure on the incidence of CVD does not exhibit a simple linear relationship. The risk of CVD is high in high humidity, low light, and moderate or strong winds. It is necessary to fully consider changes in meteorological factors for CVD prevention and control.
7.Cognition status quo of wild mushroom poisoning and its influencing factors among students in Guizhou Province
ZHOU Qianqian, ZUO Peipei, TIAN Jigui, WU Anzhong, GUO Hua, ZHU Shu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):335-338
Objective:
To assess the awareness and associated factors of wild mushroom poisoning among students in Guizhou Province, so as to provide a scientific foundation for wild mushroom poisoning prevention and control among students.
Methods:
By a multi stage stratified cluster random sampling method, 1 162 students from Guizhou Province were selected in May 2024. The questionnaire survey was administered to evaluate knowledge regarding wild mushroom poisoning. Data were analyzed employing the χ 2 test and Logistic regression model.
Results:
Among the nine questions assessing awareness of wild mushroom poisoning, only three had the awareness rate exceeding 70%. Binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that students who "actively learn about the prevention of wild mushroom poisoning" ( OR=0.48, 95%CI =0.26-0.92) and "spread knowledge about wild mushroom poisoning to others" ( OR=0.47, 95%CI =0.33-0.69) scored higher on the wild mushroom poisoning knowledge questions ( P <0.05). Conversely, students with a habit of consuming wild mushrooms ( OR=1.52, 95%CI =1.15-2.02) scored lower ( P < 0.05 ). 42.3% of the students suggested that scientific dissemination and publicity about wild mushrooms should be intensified.
Conclusions
The awareness rate of wild mushroom poisoning knowledge among students in Guizhou Province requires further attention. Comprehensive knowledge should be disseminated systematically through various channels to further improve students awareness of the prevention and control of wild mushroom poisoning.
8.Trends in Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Income among United States Adults, 1999 to 2018
Wen ZENG ; Weijiao ZHOU ; Junlan PU ; Juan LI ; Xiao HU ; Yuanrong YAO ; Shaomei SHANG
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):475-484
Background:
This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) among United States (US) adults by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income from 1999 to 2018.
Methods:
We included 17,230 non-pregnant adults from a nationally representative cross-sectional study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MUO was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 with any metabolic disorders in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was calculated, and linear regression models estimated trends in MUO.
Results:
The weighted mean age of adults was 47.28 years; 51.02% were male, 74.64% were non-Hispanic White. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO continuously increased in adults across all subgroups during 1999–2018, although with different magnitudes (all P<0.05 for linear trend). Adults aged 45 to 64 years consistently had higher percentages of MUO from 1999–2000 (34.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.85% to 42.66%) to 2017–2018 (42.03%; 95% CI, 35.09% to 48.97%) than the other two age subgroups (P<0.05 for group differences). The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was the highest among non-Hispanic Blacks while the lowest among non-Hispanic Whites in most cycles. Adults with high-income levels generally had lower MUO percentages from 1999–2000 (22.63%; 95% CI, 17.00% to 28.26%) to 2017–2018 (32.36%; 95% CI, 23.87% to 40.85%) compared with the other two subgroups.
Conclusion
This study detected a continuous linear increasing trend in MUO among US adults from 1999 to 2018. The persistence of disparities by age, race/ethnicity, and income is a cause for concern. This calls for implementing evidence-based, structural, and effective MUO prevention programs.
9.Trends in Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Income among United States Adults, 1999 to 2018
Wen ZENG ; Weijiao ZHOU ; Junlan PU ; Juan LI ; Xiao HU ; Yuanrong YAO ; Shaomei SHANG
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):475-484
Background:
This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) among United States (US) adults by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income from 1999 to 2018.
Methods:
We included 17,230 non-pregnant adults from a nationally representative cross-sectional study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MUO was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 with any metabolic disorders in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was calculated, and linear regression models estimated trends in MUO.
Results:
The weighted mean age of adults was 47.28 years; 51.02% were male, 74.64% were non-Hispanic White. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO continuously increased in adults across all subgroups during 1999–2018, although with different magnitudes (all P<0.05 for linear trend). Adults aged 45 to 64 years consistently had higher percentages of MUO from 1999–2000 (34.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.85% to 42.66%) to 2017–2018 (42.03%; 95% CI, 35.09% to 48.97%) than the other two age subgroups (P<0.05 for group differences). The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was the highest among non-Hispanic Blacks while the lowest among non-Hispanic Whites in most cycles. Adults with high-income levels generally had lower MUO percentages from 1999–2000 (22.63%; 95% CI, 17.00% to 28.26%) to 2017–2018 (32.36%; 95% CI, 23.87% to 40.85%) compared with the other two subgroups.
Conclusion
This study detected a continuous linear increasing trend in MUO among US adults from 1999 to 2018. The persistence of disparities by age, race/ethnicity, and income is a cause for concern. This calls for implementing evidence-based, structural, and effective MUO prevention programs.
10.Trends in Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Income among United States Adults, 1999 to 2018
Wen ZENG ; Weijiao ZHOU ; Junlan PU ; Juan LI ; Xiao HU ; Yuanrong YAO ; Shaomei SHANG
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):475-484
Background:
This study aimed to estimate temporal trends in metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) among United States (US) adults by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income from 1999 to 2018.
Methods:
We included 17,230 non-pregnant adults from a nationally representative cross-sectional study, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). MUO was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 with any metabolic disorders in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipids. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was calculated, and linear regression models estimated trends in MUO.
Results:
The weighted mean age of adults was 47.28 years; 51.02% were male, 74.64% were non-Hispanic White. The age-adjusted percentage of MUO continuously increased in adults across all subgroups during 1999–2018, although with different magnitudes (all P<0.05 for linear trend). Adults aged 45 to 64 years consistently had higher percentages of MUO from 1999–2000 (34.25%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.85% to 42.66%) to 2017–2018 (42.03%; 95% CI, 35.09% to 48.97%) than the other two age subgroups (P<0.05 for group differences). The age-adjusted percentage of MUO was the highest among non-Hispanic Blacks while the lowest among non-Hispanic Whites in most cycles. Adults with high-income levels generally had lower MUO percentages from 1999–2000 (22.63%; 95% CI, 17.00% to 28.26%) to 2017–2018 (32.36%; 95% CI, 23.87% to 40.85%) compared with the other two subgroups.
Conclusion
This study detected a continuous linear increasing trend in MUO among US adults from 1999 to 2018. The persistence of disparities by age, race/ethnicity, and income is a cause for concern. This calls for implementing evidence-based, structural, and effective MUO prevention programs.


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