1.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
2.Three cases of acquired ocular toxoplasmosis
Rui-rui LI ; Shu ZHOU ; Hua LIU ; Bo ZHOU ; Yu-zhang HU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):66-68
In this study, there were three toxoplasmosis patients, two of whom developed symptoms in both eyes. One patient had a slight deviation of the lesion from the central fovea, which had a minor impact on vision. The diagnosis of this disease requires not only a close pet contact history and typical clinical manifestations, but also serology and the gold standard Goldmann-Witmer coefficient(GWC). However, the GWC of some patients cannot be detected at the initial stage, such as the first patient′s GWC, which did not meet the standard. All three patients underwent metagenomic testing to assist with diagnosis.
3.Effect of Zhengan Xifengtang on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats via FXR-MLCK/p-MLC Pathway
Meilong SI ; Hua JIN ; Yu WANG ; Qiuju ZHANG ; Tao LIU ; Yun YONG ; Xuan BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the repair effects of Zhengan Xifengtang on intestinal mucosal barrier in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) through the pathways of farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)/phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) and its potential mechanism. MethodsForty 10-week-old male SHRs were randomly divided into model group, amlodipine besylate group (0.5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and high, middle and low dose groups of Zhengan Xifengtang (34.5, 17.25, 8.625 g·kg-1·d-1); eight age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats of the same origin served as the normal control group. Drug intervention was carried out for 8 weeks, and the blood pressure of the rats was measured regularly. After the intervention, the rats were euthanized to collect tissue samples. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining were used to evaluate the pathological morphology and the number of goblet cells in colonic mucosa. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels in each group of rats. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of FXR and p-MLC in colonic tissue. Western blot was used to detect the zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1, junctional adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), mucin-2 (MUC2), FXR, MLCK, and p-MLC protein expression in colon tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, JAM-1, MUC2, FXR, MLCK, and MLC in colon tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the blood pressure in the model group increased significantly (P<0.01), the colonic mucosal structure was seriously damaged, and the number of goblet cells decreased significantly. The contents of LPS and DAO increased significantly (P<0.01), the relative fluorescence intensity of FXR in colon decreased, while that of p-MLC increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of ZO-1, Claudin-1, JAM-1, Occludin, MUC2 and FXR decreased significantly (P<0.01), whereas the protein expression of MLCK and p-MLC increased significantly (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expression of MLCK and MLC increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zhengan Xifengtang groups at various dosages and the amlodipine besylate group showed significantly reduced blood pressure (P<0.01). The damage of colonic mucosa structure was alleviated, the infiltration of inflammatory cells decreased, and the number of goblet cells increased. LPS and DAO levels were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the colon, the relative fluorescence intensity of FXR increased, while that of p-MLC decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Claudin-1, JAM-1, Occludin, and FXR increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of MLCK and p-MLC decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of MLCK and MLC decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression of MUC2 increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of MUC2 mRNA in each dose group of Zhengan Xifengtang increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZhengan Xifengtang may regulate the FXR-MLCK/p-MLC signaling pathway and enhance the expression of tight junction protein, thereby reducing intestinal mucosal permeability, promoting mucosal barrier repair, decreasing LPS release into the blood, and ultimately lowering blood pressure.
4.Effect of Zhengan Xifengtang on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats via FXR-MLCK/p-MLC Pathway
Meilong SI ; Hua JIN ; Yu WANG ; Qiuju ZHANG ; Tao LIU ; Yun YONG ; Xuan BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the repair effects of Zhengan Xifengtang on intestinal mucosal barrier in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) through the pathways of farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)/phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) and its potential mechanism. MethodsForty 10-week-old male SHRs were randomly divided into model group, amlodipine besylate group (0.5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and high, middle and low dose groups of Zhengan Xifengtang (34.5, 17.25, 8.625 g·kg-1·d-1); eight age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats of the same origin served as the normal control group. Drug intervention was carried out for 8 weeks, and the blood pressure of the rats was measured regularly. After the intervention, the rats were euthanized to collect tissue samples. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining were used to evaluate the pathological morphology and the number of goblet cells in colonic mucosa. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels in each group of rats. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of FXR and p-MLC in colonic tissue. Western blot was used to detect the zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1, junctional adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), mucin-2 (MUC2), FXR, MLCK, and p-MLC protein expression in colon tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1, JAM-1, MUC2, FXR, MLCK, and MLC in colon tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the blood pressure in the model group increased significantly (P<0.01), the colonic mucosal structure was seriously damaged, and the number of goblet cells decreased significantly. The contents of LPS and DAO increased significantly (P<0.01), the relative fluorescence intensity of FXR in colon decreased, while that of p-MLC increased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of ZO-1, Claudin-1, JAM-1, Occludin, MUC2 and FXR decreased significantly (P<0.01), whereas the protein expression of MLCK and p-MLC increased significantly (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expression of MLCK and MLC increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zhengan Xifengtang groups at various dosages and the amlodipine besylate group showed significantly reduced blood pressure (P<0.01). The damage of colonic mucosa structure was alleviated, the infiltration of inflammatory cells decreased, and the number of goblet cells increased. LPS and DAO levels were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the colon, the relative fluorescence intensity of FXR increased, while that of p-MLC decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Claudin-1, JAM-1, Occludin, and FXR increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the protein expression of MLCK and p-MLC decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of MLCK and MLC decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression of MUC2 increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of MUC2 mRNA in each dose group of Zhengan Xifengtang increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZhengan Xifengtang may regulate the FXR-MLCK/p-MLC signaling pathway and enhance the expression of tight junction protein, thereby reducing intestinal mucosal permeability, promoting mucosal barrier repair, decreasing LPS release into the blood, and ultimately lowering blood pressure.
5.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
6.International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025).
Sheng-Sheng ZHANG ; Lu-Qing ZHAO ; Xiao-Hua HOU ; Zhao-Xiang BIAN ; Jian-Hua ZHENG ; Hai-He TIAN ; Guan-Hu YANG ; Won-Sook HONG ; Yu-Ying HE ; Li LIU ; Hong SHEN ; Yan-Ping LI ; Sheng XIE ; Jin SHU ; Bin-Fang ZENG ; Jun-Xiang LI ; Zhen LIU ; Zheng-Hua XIAO ; Jing-Dong XIAO ; Pei-Yong ZHENG ; Shao-Gang HUANG ; Sheng-Liang CHEN ; Gui-Jun FEI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):502-518
Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by persistent or recurrent dyspeptic symptoms without identifiable organic, systemic or metabolic causes, is an increasingly recognized global health issue. The objective of this guideline is to equip clinicians and nursing professionals with evidence-based strategies for the management and treatment of adult patients with FD using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Guideline Development Group consulted existing TCM consensus documents on FD and convened a panel of 35 clinicians to generate initial clinical queries. To address these queries, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine (SinoMed) Database, Wanfang Database, Traditional Medicine Research Data Expanded (TMRDE), and the Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS). The evidence from the literature was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The strength of the recommendations was ascertained through a consensus-building process involving TCM and allopathic medicine experts, methodologists, pharmacologists, nursing specialists, and health economists, leveraging their collective expertise and empirical knowledge. The guideline comprises a total of 43 evidence-informed recommendations that span a range of clinical aspects, including the pathogenesis according to TCM, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, efficacy assessments, and prognostic considerations. Please cite this article as: Zhang SS, Zhao LQ, Hou XH, Bian ZX, Zheng JH, Tian HH, Yang GH, Hong WS, He YY, Liu L, Shen H, Li YP, Xie S, Shu J, Zeng BF, Li JX, Liu Z, Xiao ZH, Xiao JD, Zheng PY, Huang SG, Chen SL, Fei GJ. International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025). J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):502-518.
Dyspepsia/drug therapy*
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
7.Profiling the chemical differences of diterpenoid alkaloids in different processed products of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry combined with untargeted metabolomics and mass spectrometry imaging.
Yang YU ; Changliang YAO ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Yong HUANG ; Shuai YAO ; Hua QU ; Tong ZHANG ; Dean GUO
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):1009-1015
Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) represents a significant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that exhibits both notable pharmacological effects and toxicity. Various processing methods are implemented to reduce the toxicity of raw Fuzi by modifying its toxic and effective components, primarily diterpenoid alkaloids. To comprehensively analyze the chemical variations between different Fuzi products, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) was employed to systematically characterize Shengfuzi, Heishunpian and Baifupian. A total of 249 diterpenoid alkaloids present in Shengfuzi were identified, while only 111 and 61 in Heishunpian and Baifupian were detected respectively, indicating substantial differences among these products. An untargeted metabolomics approach combined with multivariate statistical analysis revealed 42 potential chemical markers. Through subsequent validation using 52 batches of commercial Heishunpian and Baifupian samples, 8 robust markers distinguishing these products were identified, including AC1-propanoic acid-3OH, HE-glucoside, HE-hydroxyvaleric acid-2OH, dihydrosphingosine, N-dodecoxycarbonylvaline and three unknown compounds. Additionally, the MS imaging (MSI) technique was utilized to visualize the spatial distribution of chemical constituents in raw Fuzi, revealing how different processing procedures affect the chemical variations between Heishunpian and Baifupian. The distribution patterns of different diterpenoid alkaloid subtypes partially explained the chemical differences among products. This research provides valuable insights into the material basis for future investigations of different Fuzi products.
Diterpenes/chemistry*
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Alkaloids/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Aconitum/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Metabolomics
;
Mass Spectrometry/methods*
;
Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Molecular Structure
8.Nogo-A Protein Mediates Oxidative Stress and Synaptic Damage Induced by High-Altitude Hypoxia in the Rat Hippocampus.
Jin Yu FANG ; Huai Cun LIU ; Yan Fei ZHANG ; Quan Cheng CHENG ; Zi Yuan WANG ; Xuan FANG ; Hui Ru DING ; Wei Guang ZHANG ; Chun Hua CHEN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):79-93
OBJECTIVE:
High-altitude hypoxia exposure often damages hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Nogo-A is an important axonal growth inhibitory factor. However, its function in high-altitude hypoxia and its mechanism of action remain unclear.
METHODS:
In an in vivo study, a low-pressure oxygen chamber was used to simulate high-altitude hypoxia, and genetic or pharmacological intervention was used to block the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway. Contextual fear conditioning and Morris water maze behavioral tests were used to assess learning and memory in rats, and synaptic damage in the hippocampus and changes in oxidative stress levels were observed. In vitro, SH-SY5Y cells were used to assess oxidative stress and mitochondrial function with or without Nogo-A knockdown in Oxygen Glucose-Deprivation/Reperfusion (OGD/R) models.
RESULTS:
Exposure to acute high-altitude hypoxia for 3 or 7 days impaired learning and memory in rats, triggered oxidative stress in the hippocampal tissue, and reduced the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons. Blocking the Nogo-A/NgR1 pathway ameliorated oxidative stress, synaptic damage, and the learning and memory impairment induced by high-altitude exposure.
CONCLUSION:
Our results demonstrate the detrimental role of Nogo-A protein in mediating learning and memory impairment under high-altitude hypoxia and suggest the potential of the Nogo-A/NgR1 signaling pathway as a crucial therapeutic target for alleviating learning and memory dysfunction induced by high-altitude exposure.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
available in www.besjournal.com.
Animals
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Oxidative Stress
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Hippocampus/metabolism*
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Rats
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Nogo Proteins/genetics*
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Hypoxia/metabolism*
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Altitude
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Synapses
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Humans
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Altitude Sickness/metabolism*
9.A Retrospective Study of Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes in Mothers with Hepatitis C Viremia.
Wen DENG ; Zi Yu ZHANG ; Xin Xin LI ; Ya Qin ZHANG ; Wei Hua CAO ; Shi Yu WANG ; Xin WEI ; Zi Xuan GAO ; Shuo Jie WANG ; Lin Mei YAO ; Lu ZHANG ; Hong Xiao HAO ; Xiao Xue CHEN ; Yuan Jiao GAO ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Ming Hui LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):829-839
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development.
METHODS:
A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected.
RESULTS:
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ 2 = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans
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Female
;
Pregnancy
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Adult
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Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology*
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Retrospective Studies
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Pregnancy Outcome
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Infant, Newborn
;
Viremia/virology*
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Hepatitis C
;
Hepacivirus/physiology*
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Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology*
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Young Adult
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Alanine Transaminase/blood*
10.Generalized Functional Linear Models: Efficient Modeling for High-dimensional Correlated Mixture Exposures.
Bing Song ZHANG ; Hai Bin YU ; Xin PENG ; Hai Yi YAN ; Si Ran LI ; Shutong LUO ; Hui Zi WEIREN ; Zhu Jiang ZHOU ; Ya Lin KUANG ; Yi Huan ZHENG ; Chu Lan OU ; Lin Hua LIU ; Yuehua HU ; Jin Dong NI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):961-976
OBJECTIVE:
Humans are exposed to complex mixtures of environmental chemicals and other factors that can affect their health. Analysis of these mixture exposures presents several key challenges for environmental epidemiology and risk assessment, including high dimensionality, correlated exposure, and subtle individual effects.
METHODS:
We proposed a novel statistical approach, the generalized functional linear model (GFLM), to analyze the health effects of exposure mixtures. GFLM treats the effect of mixture exposures as a smooth function by reordering exposures based on specific mechanisms and capturing internal correlations to provide a meaningful estimation and interpretation. The robustness and efficiency was evaluated under various scenarios through extensive simulation studies.
RESULTS:
We applied the GFLM to two datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In the first application, we examined the effects of 37 nutrients on BMI (2011-2016 cycles). The GFLM identified a significant mixture effect, with fiber and fat emerging as the nutrients with the greatest negative and positive effects on BMI, respectively. For the second application, we investigated the association between four pre- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and gout risk (2007-2018 cycles). Unlike traditional methods, the GFLM indicated no significant association, demonstrating its robustness to multicollinearity.
CONCLUSION
GFLM framework is a powerful tool for mixture exposure analysis, offering improved handling of correlated exposures and interpretable results. It demonstrates robust performance across various scenarios and real-world applications, advancing our understanding of complex environmental exposures and their health impacts on environmental epidemiology and toxicology.
Humans
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Environmental Exposure/analysis*
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Linear Models
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Nutrition Surveys
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Environmental Pollutants
;
Body Mass Index


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