1.The Prospect of Trimethylamine N-oxide Combined With Short-chain Fatty Acids in Atherosclerosis Risk Prediction
Zhi-Chao SHI ; Xu-Ping TIAN ; Si-Yi CHEN ; Shi-Guo LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):404-417
Atherosclerosis (AS), the primary pathological contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), has increasingly affected younger populations due to modern dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Current diagnostic modalities, including ultrasound, MRI, and CT, primarily identify advanced lesions and inadequately evaluate plaque vulnerability, thereby hindering early detection. Conventional treatments, which involve long-term medications associated with side effects such as hepatic injury and surgical interventions that carry risks of restenosis and hemorrhage, underscore the urgent need for non-invasive, cost-effective early diagnostic methods and targeted therapies. Gut microbiota metabolites are pivotal in AS pathogenesis, with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) serving as functionally opposing biomarkers. TMAO is produced when gut bacteria, specifically Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, metabolize dietary choline and carnitine into trimethylamine (TMA), which the liver subsequently converts to TMAO via flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3); TMAO is then excreted in urine. Variability in TMAO levels is influenced by marine food consumption and FMO3 modulation, which can be affected by genetics, age, and diet. Mechanistically, TMAO exacerbates AS by disrupting cholesterol metabolism, inducing endothelial dysfunction through the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, and reducing nitric oxide levels. Additionally, TMAO activates NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways while enhancing platelet reactivity. Clinically, elevated TMAO levels correlate with early AS and serve as predictors of mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in stroke patients. Conversely, SCFAs—namely acetate, propionate, and butyrate—are produced by gut bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii through the fermentation of dietary fiber. These metabolites exert anti-AS effects: acetate aids in maintaining metabolic homeostasis; propionate protects endothelial function and reduces plaque area; and butyrate fortifies intestinal barriers while suppressing inflammation. Furthermore, SCFAs cross-regulate bile acid metabolism, thereby influencing TMAO levels, and antagonize the pro-inflammatory and lipid-disrupting effects of TMAO. The use of TMAO and SCFAs as standalone biomarkers is constrained by limitations. TMAO lacks specificity, while SCFA levels fluctuate based on gut microbiota and dietary intake. Traditional AS risk assessment tools, which include clinical indicators, imaging techniques, and single biomarkers such as CRP, LDL-C, and ASCVD scores, overlook gut metabolism and demonstrate inadequate performance in younger populations. This review advocates for an “antagonistic-complementary” combined strategy: utilizing acetate and TMAO for early AS, propionate and TMAO for progressive AS, and butyrate and TMAO for advanced AS, addressing endothelial dysfunction, lipid deposition, and plaque stability/thrombosis risk, respectively. For clinical application, standardization of detection methods is crucial; liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is the gold standard, necessitating a unified sample pretreatment protocol, such as extraction with 1% formic acid in methanol. Additionally, dried blood spots (DBS) facilitate non-invasive testing, provided that dietary controls are implemented prior to detection, including a 12-hour fast and avoidance of high-choline and high-fiber foods. Existing challenges encompass the absence of standardized systems, limited large-scale validation, and ambiguous interactions with conditions such as hypertension. The authors’ team has previously established connections between gut metabolites and AS, including the reduction of TMAO as a preventive measure for AS, thereby reinforcing this proposed strategy. Future research should prioritize standardization, the development of machine learning-optimized models, validation of interventions, and the exploration of multi-omics-based “gut microbiota-metabolite-vascular” networks. In conclusion, the combined detection of TMAO and SCFAs offers a novel framework for AS risk assessment, facilitating early diagnosis and targeted interventions while enhancing the integration of gut metabolism into cardiovascular disease management.
2.The Prospect of Trimethylamine N-oxide Combined With Short-chain Fatty Acids in Atherosclerosis Risk Prediction
Zhi-Chao SHI ; Xu-Ping TIAN ; Si-Yi CHEN ; Shi-Guo LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):404-417
Atherosclerosis (AS), the primary pathological contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), has increasingly affected younger populations due to modern dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Current diagnostic modalities, including ultrasound, MRI, and CT, primarily identify advanced lesions and inadequately evaluate plaque vulnerability, thereby hindering early detection. Conventional treatments, which involve long-term medications associated with side effects such as hepatic injury and surgical interventions that carry risks of restenosis and hemorrhage, underscore the urgent need for non-invasive, cost-effective early diagnostic methods and targeted therapies. Gut microbiota metabolites are pivotal in AS pathogenesis, with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) serving as functionally opposing biomarkers. TMAO is produced when gut bacteria, specifically Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, metabolize dietary choline and carnitine into trimethylamine (TMA), which the liver subsequently converts to TMAO via flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3); TMAO is then excreted in urine. Variability in TMAO levels is influenced by marine food consumption and FMO3 modulation, which can be affected by genetics, age, and diet. Mechanistically, TMAO exacerbates AS by disrupting cholesterol metabolism, inducing endothelial dysfunction through the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, and reducing nitric oxide levels. Additionally, TMAO activates NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways while enhancing platelet reactivity. Clinically, elevated TMAO levels correlate with early AS and serve as predictors of mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in stroke patients. Conversely, SCFAs—namely acetate, propionate, and butyrate—are produced by gut bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii through the fermentation of dietary fiber. These metabolites exert anti-AS effects: acetate aids in maintaining metabolic homeostasis; propionate protects endothelial function and reduces plaque area; and butyrate fortifies intestinal barriers while suppressing inflammation. Furthermore, SCFAs cross-regulate bile acid metabolism, thereby influencing TMAO levels, and antagonize the pro-inflammatory and lipid-disrupting effects of TMAO. The use of TMAO and SCFAs as standalone biomarkers is constrained by limitations. TMAO lacks specificity, while SCFA levels fluctuate based on gut microbiota and dietary intake. Traditional AS risk assessment tools, which include clinical indicators, imaging techniques, and single biomarkers such as CRP, LDL-C, and ASCVD scores, overlook gut metabolism and demonstrate inadequate performance in younger populations. This review advocates for an “antagonistic-complementary” combined strategy: utilizing acetate and TMAO for early AS, propionate and TMAO for progressive AS, and butyrate and TMAO for advanced AS, addressing endothelial dysfunction, lipid deposition, and plaque stability/thrombosis risk, respectively. For clinical application, standardization of detection methods is crucial; liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is the gold standard, necessitating a unified sample pretreatment protocol, such as extraction with 1% formic acid in methanol. Additionally, dried blood spots (DBS) facilitate non-invasive testing, provided that dietary controls are implemented prior to detection, including a 12-hour fast and avoidance of high-choline and high-fiber foods. Existing challenges encompass the absence of standardized systems, limited large-scale validation, and ambiguous interactions with conditions such as hypertension. The authors’ team has previously established connections between gut metabolites and AS, including the reduction of TMAO as a preventive measure for AS, thereby reinforcing this proposed strategy. Future research should prioritize standardization, the development of machine learning-optimized models, validation of interventions, and the exploration of multi-omics-based “gut microbiota-metabolite-vascular” networks. In conclusion, the combined detection of TMAO and SCFAs offers a novel framework for AS risk assessment, facilitating early diagnosis and targeted interventions while enhancing the integration of gut metabolism into cardiovascular disease management.
3.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.
4.Overview of Physical Biological Research on the Activation of Acupoint Effects by Acupuncture
Junyi LI ; Shiwei TU ; Yangyang LIU ; Baomin DOU ; Zezhi FAN ; Jiangjiang FU ; Jiangqi ZHOU ; Kaiyuan DENG ; Yanwei LI ; Yi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1130-1136
By reviewing the physical biological research on the activation of acupoint effects by acupuncture, this paper explains the activation mechanism from the perspective of the generation and transmission of mechanical signals caused by acupuncture, and reveals the physical-chemical coupling processes in the acupoint microenvironment. Future research should focus on locally mechanosensitive cells, further exploring how acupuncture mechanical signals trigger dynamic changes in cells and molecules in the acupoints, and the physical-chemical information transduction mechanism, which will provide scientific evidence for the acupoint activation during acupuncture. Related studies will contribute to a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind acupuncture and promote its clinical application and development.
5.Study on The Effect and Mechanism of Luteolin Against Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Xia OU ; Zhao-Hong LIU ; Lei TANG ; Jian-Ming XIA ; Kai YANG ; Kai-Yi DING ; Guo-Yang LIAO ; Ze LIU ; Ji-Hong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1207-1223
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) activity of luteolin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsLuteolin was identified as the primary active compound from the polyphenol extract ofF. diotrys using network pharmacology. Its efficacy was evaluated against two MP strains: the standard strain M129 and the multidrug-resistant strain M19. A modified culture medium with visual characteristics was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of luteolin. The expression of key proteins involved in MP growth and pathogenicity was assessed by qRT-PCR following luteolin treatment. Additionally, the viability of A549 cells infected with MP was compared between luteolin-treated and untreated groups. In vivo anti-MP activity was evaluated using a mouse model, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues was analyzed. ResultsLuteolin effectively inhibited both MP strains, with MIC90 values of 100 mg/L for M19 and M129. Treatment with luteolin significantly downregulated the expression of adhesion proteins P1 and P30 in both strains. However, the expression of P65, HMW3, TrmB, and CARDS TX was reduced only in the M19 strain following luteolin intervention. Luteolin also enhanced the growth and viability of A549 cells infected with MP. In the mouse model, luteolin treatment resulted in steady weight gain and was well tolerated. The bacteriostatic rate of luteolin in lung tissues was 50.7%, significantly higher than the 25.2% observed in the roxithromycin group. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1, in MP-infected mice. ConclusionLuteolin effectively and safely inhibits the proliferation and pathogenicity of MP, particularly the drug-resistant M19 strain, by downregulating the expression of toxicity-associated proteins (P1, P30, P65, HMW3, TrmB, CARDS TX) and modulating host inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that luteolin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating MP infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.
6.Study on The Effect and Mechanism of Luteolin Against Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Xia OU ; Zhao-Hong LIU ; Lei TANG ; Jian-Ming XIA ; Kai YANG ; Kai-Yi DING ; Guo-Yang LIAO ; Ze LIU ; Ji-Hong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1207-1223
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) activity of luteolin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsLuteolin was identified as the primary active compound from the polyphenol extract ofF. diotrys using network pharmacology. Its efficacy was evaluated against two MP strains: the standard strain M129 and the multidrug-resistant strain M19. A modified culture medium with visual characteristics was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of luteolin. The expression of key proteins involved in MP growth and pathogenicity was assessed by qRT-PCR following luteolin treatment. Additionally, the viability of A549 cells infected with MP was compared between luteolin-treated and untreated groups. In vivo anti-MP activity was evaluated using a mouse model, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues was analyzed. ResultsLuteolin effectively inhibited both MP strains, with MIC90 values of 100 mg/L for M19 and M129. Treatment with luteolin significantly downregulated the expression of adhesion proteins P1 and P30 in both strains. However, the expression of P65, HMW3, TrmB, and CARDS TX was reduced only in the M19 strain following luteolin intervention. Luteolin also enhanced the growth and viability of A549 cells infected with MP. In the mouse model, luteolin treatment resulted in steady weight gain and was well tolerated. The bacteriostatic rate of luteolin in lung tissues was 50.7%, significantly higher than the 25.2% observed in the roxithromycin group. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1, in MP-infected mice. ConclusionLuteolin effectively and safely inhibits the proliferation and pathogenicity of MP, particularly the drug-resistant M19 strain, by downregulating the expression of toxicity-associated proteins (P1, P30, P65, HMW3, TrmB, CARDS TX) and modulating host inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that luteolin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating MP infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.
7.Correlation between depressive symptom and traditional Chinese medicine constitution among school aged children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1222-1225
Objective:
To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents, so as to provide evidences for informing constitution based regulation and prevention of depressive symptom.
Methods:
From June to December 2024, a total of 4 729 students aged 6-14 were recruited by cluster random sampling from 10 primary schools in Baoding (Hebei Province), Heze and Liaocheng (Shandong Province). General information, TCM constitution and depressive symptom were collected. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to analyze related factors and threshold effects of depressive symptom. Binary Logistic regression was applied to examine the association between depressive symptom and TCM constitution, with subgroup analyses conducted.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptom among the included children and adolescents was 25.82%. RCS analyses indicated non linear associations between depressive symptom and age (inflection point at 10 years old), bedtime (inflection point at 22:00), and wake up time (inflection point at 6:30 ) (all P non linearity <0.01). Linear associations were observed with body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration (all P non linearity > 0.05 ). After adjusting for covariates such as age, BMI and sleep status, binary Logistic regression analyses showed that Yin deficient constitution ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.09-1.45) and Phlegm-dampness constitution ( OR =1.42, 95% CI =1.11-1.82) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among children and adolescents (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Depressive symptom among school aged children and adolescents is primarily associated with Yin deficiency and Phlegm dampness constitutions in TCM constitution. Active attention should be paid to susceptible TCM constitution among children and adolescents. Targeted health guidance and interventions should be implemented to improve TCM constitution health status for preventing the occurrence of depressive symptom.
8.Modified Lianpoyin Formula Treats Hp-associated Gastritis by Regulating Mitochondrial Autophagy and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway
Siyi ZHANG ; Haopeng DANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Wentao ZHOU ; Wei GUO ; Lin LIU ; Lan ZENG ; Yujie SUN ; Luming LIANG ; Yi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):178-187
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula (LPYJWF) in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control, model, high-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-H, 27.3 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-M, 13.65 g·kg-1·d-1), low-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-L, 6.83 g·kg-1·d-1), and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group, other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole (6.06 mg·kg-1·d-1) + amoxicillin (303 mg·kg-1·d-1) + clarithromycin (151.67 mg·kg-1·d-1) + colloidal pectin capsules (30.3 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa, and Warthin-Starry (W-S) silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue, and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 (TOMM20). The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively, in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, p62, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, p62, and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage, colonization of a large number of Hp, severe mitochondrial damage, vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy, reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue, and reduced SOD and increased MDA (P<0.01). In addition, the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 (P<0.01, as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa, reduced Hp colonization, mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group (P<0.01), and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin, and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). The LPYJWF-M, LPYJWF-H, and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated protein level of p62 (P<0.01). The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice, which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy, thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
9.Modified Lianpoyin Formula Treats Hp-associated Gastritis by Regulating Mitochondrial Autophagy and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway
Siyi ZHANG ; Haopeng DANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Wentao ZHOU ; Wei GUO ; Lin LIU ; Lan ZENG ; Yujie SUN ; Luming LIANG ; Yi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):178-187
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula (LPYJWF) in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control, model, high-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-H, 27.3 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-M, 13.65 g·kg-1·d-1), low-dose LPYJWF (LPYJWF-L, 6.83 g·kg-1·d-1), and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group, other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole (6.06 mg·kg-1·d-1) + amoxicillin (303 mg·kg-1·d-1) + clarithromycin (151.67 mg·kg-1·d-1) + colloidal pectin capsules (30.3 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa, and Warthin-Starry (W-S) silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue, and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 (TOMM20). The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively, in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, p62, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, p62, and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage, colonization of a large number of Hp, severe mitochondrial damage, vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy, reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue, and reduced SOD and increased MDA (P<0.01). In addition, the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 (P<0.01, as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa, reduced Hp colonization, mitigated mitochondrial damage, and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group (P<0.01), and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin, and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 (P<0.01). The LPYJWF-M, LPYJWF-H, and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level (P<0.05, P<0.01) and up-regulated protein level of p62 (P<0.01). The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice, which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy, thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
10.Trend in disease burden of injuries among children and adolescents in China from 1990 to 2021
GUO Shihong ; HUANG Jingjing ; CHEN Yi ; LI Qingqing ; LIU Chunting ; HE Yunyan ; MENG Tingting ; ZHOU Jiali
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):1069-1074
Objective:
To investigate the trend in disease burden of injuries among children and adolescents in China from 1990 to 2021, so as to provide a basis for formulating prevention and control strategies and reducing this disease burden.
Methods:
Data on mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rate, incidence, and prevalence of injuries among children and adolescents aged <20 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. All rates were standardized using the GBD 2021 world standard population. The trend in incidence of disease burden of injuries among children and adolescents across differents genders and ages from 1990 to 2021 was evaluated using average annual percent change (AAPC).
Results:
From 1990 to 2021, the standardized mortality (AAPC=-5.435%), standardized DALY rate (AAPC=-5.311%), standardized incidence (AAPC=-0.466%), and standardized prevalence (AAPC=-0.810%) of injuries among children and adolescents in China showed downward trends (all P<0.05). Among these, the standardized mortality of animal contact (AAPC=-9.138%) and the standardized DALY rate of medical side effects (AAPC=-8.389%) decreased at a relatively fast pace, while the standardized incidence of falls (AAPC=0.083%) and the standardized prevalence of exposure to natural forces (AAPC=2.656%) showed upward trends (all P<0.05). The standardized mortality, standardized DALY rate, standardized incidence and standardized prevalence of injuries were higher in males than in females. The trend in males showed a downward trend (all P<0.05), consistent with the total population. The crude incidence of injuries in the group aged 15-<20 years showed an upward trend (AAPC=0.391%, P<0.05), while the trend in the group aged 10-<15 years was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The crude incidence of injuries in the groups aged 5-<10 years and <5 years showed downward trends (AAPC=-0.488% and -2.275%, both P<0.05). In 2021, the <5 years age group had the highest crude mortality and crude DALY rate of injuries, at 13.94/100 000 and 1 257.26/100 000, respectively. The 15-<20 years age group exhibited the highest crude incidence and crude prevalence, at 4 874.05/100 000and 4 050.35/100 000, respectively. Drowning and falls were major components of the disease burden across all age groups.
Conclusions
From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of injuries among children and adolescents in China showed an overall downward trend. The disease burden was consistently higher in males than in females. Children aged <5 years face a high risk of fatality and disability, while adolescents aged 15-<20 years experience a high incidence and frequency of injuries. Drowning and falls were key priorities for prevention and control.


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