1.Association of combined cold and hypoxia exposure with pulmonary heart disease hospitalization risk and experimental pulmonary hypertension in rats
Huan CHEN ; Ya XIAO ; Huanhuan WEI ; Li HE ; Ce LIU ; Jiangtao LIU ; Hao ZHAO ; Zhaoru YANG ; Bin LUO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(9):1049-1058
Background Pulmonary heart disease (PHD) is a critical cardiopulmonary disease in high-altitude areas, with pulmonary hypertension (PH) as its central pathological basis. Cold and hypoxia are vital environmental characteristics of high-altitude regions; however, their joint effect on the hospitalization risk for PHD and the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. Objective To evaluate the associations of cold, hypoxia, and their joint exposure with PHD hospitalization risk, and to investigate PH-related pathological changes induced by combined cold and hypoxic exposure and the intervention effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rats. Methods Based on hospitalization data for 92986 PHD cases from 333 hospitals in Gansu Province (2018–2022), a generalized additive model (GAM) with a quasi-Poisson distribution was used to assess the associations between daily mean temperature, atmospheric oxygen content (AOC) and the daily number of PHD hospitalizations. Four joint exposure categories were constructed using the fifth percentile of temperature (P5, −7.90℃) and AOC grades (high or low) to assess the associations between different exposure combinations and daily PHD hospital admissions. To further investigate PH-related pathological changes and the intervention effects of GABA, 24 specific-pathogen-free male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): normal temperature and normoxia control group (NC), combined cold and hypoxia exposure group (CH), combined exposure plus low-dose GABA intervention group (CHL), and combined exposure plus high-dose GABA intervention group (CHH). After 5 weeks, pulmonary hemodynamics and vascular remodeling were evaluated. Gut microbiota and inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results Each 1 g·m−3 decrease in AOC and each 1 ℃ decrease in daily mean temperature were associated with 2.6% (RR=1.026, 95%CI: 1.024, 1.027) and 1.8% (RR=1.018, 95%CI: 1.015, 1.020) increases in PHD hospitalization risk, respectively. Compared with the non-low-temperature and high-AOC group, the low-temperature and low-AOC group had the highest risk estimate (RR=1.673, 95%CI: 1.567, 1.785). Animal experiments demonstrated that, compared with the NC group, rats in the CH group showed shortened pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT) and increased mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), pulmonary arterial wall thickness, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression (P<0.05). The Observed Species and Chao1 indices of the gut microbiota were significantly lower in the CH group than in the NC group (P<0.05), while levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in lung tissue were elevated (P<0.05). GABA intervention improved selected hemodynamic, vascular remodeling, and inflammatory indices. Conclusion Decreases in daily mean temperature and AOC are associated with an increased risk of PHD hospitalization, with the highest risk estimate observed in the low-temperature and low-AOC group. Animal experiments suggest that combined cold and hypoxic exposure induce PH-related pathological changes accompanied by alterations in the gut microbiota and pulmonary inflammation. GABA may partially ameliorate these changes.
2.Mechanisms of Hematopoietic Promotion by Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Their Active Components: A Review
Shuning LIU ; Xiaotong WANG ; Huanhuan SUN ; Yaohui XIE ; Nan NAN ; Na LI ; Xu LI ; Xiaocheng WEI ; Chengyi LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):322-330
The herb pair Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix is a classic combination embodying the theory of replenishing Qi and tonifying blood in traditional Chinese medicine. The two herbs are often used together to achieve the effects of replenishing Qi, tonifying blood, activating blood, and unblocking collaterals. Clinically, this herb pair is widely applied in the treatment of blood deficiency syndrome and hematopoietic dysfunction disorders such as myelosuppression induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Modern research indicates that Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix and their active components can synergistically promote hematopoiesis through multiple targets and pathways. At the cellular level, the active components directly activate hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), promoting their proliferation and differentiation, while simultaneously stimulating the production and release of peripheral blood cells. Regarding molecular regulation, this herb pair can regulate the expression of various hematopoietic-related cytokines, such as stem cell factor and erythropoietin. Additionally, it modulates key signaling pathways, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and Wnt/β-catenin, providing signal support for the hematopoietic process. Furthermore, Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix can improve the hematopoietic microenvironment, protect bone marrow stromal cells, and eliminate free radicals through antioxidant effects, thereby reducing damage to hematopoietic cells. Furthermore, this herb pair regulates apoptosis-related proteins to inhibit excessive apoptosis of hematopoietic cells and increase their survival rate. Its material basis primarily includes active components such as Hedysarum polybotrys polysacchcrides and flavonoids, as well as Angelica sinensis polysaccharides and ferulic acid, which synergistically contribute to its hematopoietic-promoting effects. By elaborating on the active components and mechanisms of Hedysari Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix in promoting hematopoiesis, this paper aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their hematopoietic effects and provide a reference for further research and clinical application.
3.Regression analysis of serum microRNAs in predicting early neurological deterioration in patients with branch atheromatous disease
Li NIE ; Xiangliang QIAO ; Wei CHENG ; Suhua HU ; Huanhuan HU
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(8):1047-1050
Objective To perform a regression analysis on the predictive value of serum micro-RNAs(miR)for early neurological deterioration(END)in patients with branch atheromatous dis-ease(BAD).Methods A total of 134 BAD patients admitted in our department from February 2020 to February 2023 were enrolled,and according to the END status,they were divided into de-terioration group(28 cases)and non-deterioration group(106 cases).Serum levels of miR-130a,miR-210,miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p were measured at admission.NIHSS score was used to eval-uate the END status at admission and at 7 d after admission.Binary logistic regression analysis was adopted to construct a model of above four miRs in predicting END in BAD patients.ROC curve was plotted to assess the predictive value of the four miRs alone or combined together for END.Results The serum levels of miR-130a and miR-210 were significantly higher,while those of miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p were obviously lower in the deterioration group than the non-deterioration group(P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum miR-130a,miR-210,miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p were independent predictors of END in BAD patients(P<0.05,P<0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of the four miRs combined together in predicting END in BAD patients was 0.977(95%CI:0.936-0.995),with a sensitivity of 96.43%and a specificity of 90.57%,and the combined detection exhibited better predictive effi-ciency than each indicator alone(P<0.01).Conclusion Serum miR-130a,miR-210,miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p have certain value in predicting END in BAD patients,and their combined detec-tion can enhance its predictive efficiency.
4.The impact and potential mechanisms of Sorbs2 on the progression of ventricular arrhythmias in mice
Xiaolu ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Huanhuan LIU ; Tianpeng WEI ; Yufei DAI ; Lei ZHANG ; Lingling QIAN ; Ruxing WANG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(8):922-930
Objective:To investigate the impact and potential mechanisms of Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 2 (Sorbs2) on ventricular arrhythmias in mice.Methods:In the animal experiments, mating was performed using six 8-week-old Sorbs2 +/- mice (3 males and 3 females) weighing 20-22 g. Wild-type (Sorbs2 +/+, n=8) and homozygous (Sorbs2 -/-, n=6) offspring were selected as experimental subjects through genotyping. Echocardiography was performed at 16 weeks of age to record cardiac function parameters in both groups. Resting-state and caffeine-dobutamine-induced electrocardiograms were also conducted. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Sorbs2 messenger RNA expression in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, small intestine, and skeletal muscle tissues of wild-type mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein expression levels of Sorbs2 and voltage-dependent sodium channel alpha subunit 1.5 (Na v1.5) in myocardial tissues from both groups. In the cell experiments, H9C2 cells were transfected with Sorbs2 small interfering RNA as the si-Sorbs2 group, with a corresponding si-negative control group established. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of Sorbs2 and Na v1.5 in both groups. Results:Sorbs2 was abundantly expressed in cardiac tissue. Compared with wild-type mice, homozygous mice exhibited larger left ventricular end-systolic diameter, along with lower left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening ( P all<0.05). Resting-state electrocardiograms revealed no spontaneous arrhythmias in either group; however, homozygous mice showed shorter RR intervals but longer QRS and QTc intervals versus wild-type mice ( P all<0.05). Following caffeine and dobutamine induction, homozygous mice demonstrated a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, longer arrhythmia duration, and higher ventricular arrhythmia scores than wild-type mice ( P all<0.05). Western blot analysis revealed that Na v1.5 protein expression was markedly lower in myocardial tissues of homozygous mice compared to wild-type mice. Similarly, si-Sorbs2-transfected H9C2 cells exhibited lower Na v1.5 protein levels compared to the si-negative control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Sorbs2 plays a critical role in maintaining normal cardiac electrophysiological function. Deficiency of Sorbs2 may lead to impaired cardiac function and increased susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in mice, which could be associated with reduced expression of Na v1.5 protein.
5.Relationship between serum ANGPTL8 and Sema 3A levels and postoperative cerebral vasospasm in patients with intracranial aneurysm rupture
Li NIE ; Xiangliang QIAO ; Wei CHENG ; Suhua HU ; Huanhuan HU
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(9):1238-1241
Objective To analyze the relationship between serum angiopoietin-like protein 8(ANGPTL8)and semaphorin 3A(Sema 3A)levels and postoperative cerebral vasospasm(CVS)in patients with intracranial aneurysm(IA)rupture.Methods A total of 188 patients with IA rupture receiving surgical treatment in our hospital were prospectively selected during October 2021 and October 2023,and according to whether CVS occurred after surgery,they were classified into a spasm group(75 cases)and a non-spasm group(113 cases).Serum ANGPTL8 and Sema 3A levels were measured after admission.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation of the levels with CVS occurrence.Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to construct a prediction model with serum ANGPTL8 and Sema 3A as variables.ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive value of the levels for postoperative CVS.Results The serum ANGPTL8 level was significantly higher while that of Sema 3A was obviously lower in the spasm group then the non-spasm group(P<0.01).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of serum ANGPTL8 and Sema 3A were independent predictors of postoperative CVS in patients with ruptured IA(OR=1.021,95%CI:1.013-1.029,P=0.000;OR=0.980,95%CI:0.967-0.993,P=0.003).ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC value,sensitivity and speci-ficity of the two indicators combined together in predicting postoperative CVS was 0.939(95%CI:0.894-0.969),89.33%and 89.38%,respectively,with better predictive efficiency than each indicator alone(P<0.01).Conclusion Serum ANGPTL8 and Sema 3A levels are closely associat-ed with postoperative CVS in patients with IA rupture,and they can be used as effective indicators for early prediction of postoperative CVS.
6.The surface electromyography characteristics of essential tremor, Parkinson′s disease and essential tremor-Parkinson′s disease syndrome
Huanhuan FENG ; Zhongxi LIN ; Ping ZHUANG ; Yongtao ZHOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Erhe XU ; Chan PIU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(3):254-260
Objective:To compare the surface electromyography characteristics of essential tremor (ET), Parkinson′s disease (PD) and essential tremor-Parkinson′s disease syndrome (ET-PD).Methods:A total of 74 patients [ET group ( n=23), PD group ( n=30), and ET-PD group ( n=21)] admitted to the Parkinson′s and Movement Disorders Center of the Department of Neurology of Xuanwu Hospital from August 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled, and results of their bilateral upper limbs surface electromyography (sEMG) were collected. sEMG activities were analyzed offline. Power spectral analysis was performed to explore the sEMG activities. One-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were used to compare the differences of electrophysiological parameters. Results:For the ET group characterized by postural tremor, the frequency was (6.06±0.68) Hz, the amplitude was (1 200.91±360.69) μV, the proportion of alternating contractions was 30.4% (7/23), and the proportion of harmonic resonances was 34.8% (8/23). For the PD group characterized by rest tremor, the frequency was (4.81±0.61) Hz, the amplitude was (1 057.40±354.52) μV, the proportion of alternating contractions was 73.3% (22/30), and the proportion of harmonic resonances was 70.0% (21/30). For the ET-PD group in rest and postural state respectively, the frequencies were (5.04±0.44) Hz and (5.80±0.47) Hz, the amplitudes were (1 026.05±191.90) μV and (1 196.67±212.12) μV, the proportions of alternating contractions were 52.4% (11/21) and 38.1% (8/21), and the proportions of harmonic resonances were 52.4% (11/21) and 33.3% (7/21). Analysis of variance revealed that tremor frequencies for the PD group and the ET-PD group in rest state were lower than the ET group and the ET-PD group in postural state ( F=27.439, P<0.001). The proportion of alternating contractions for the PD group was higher than the ET group ( χ 2=9.669, P=0.002) and the ET-PD group in postural state ( χ 2=6.333, P=0.012). The proportion of harmonic resonances for the PD group was higher than the ET group ( χ 2=6.517, P=0.011) and the ET-PD group in postural state ( χ 2=6.708, P=0.010). No statistically significant differences were found for tremor amplitudes among all the groups ( F=2.143, P=0.100). Conclusions:ET is characterized by postural tremors, with a higher frequency and a lower alternating contractions and harmonic resonances. PD is characterized by rest tremors, with a lower frequency and a higher alternating contractions and harmonic resonances. The parameters of ET-PD are between ET and PD, which provide objective evidences for differential diagnosis of tremors.
7.Relationship between post-traumatic growth and stress perception in patients with primary liver cancer: the chain-mediated role of psychological resilience and navigational social support
Yaling ZHANG ; Yang YIN ; Lei BAI ; Huanhuan WEI ; Yuanyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(27):2088-2095
Objective:To explore the relationship between post-traumatic growth and stress perception as well as the chain-mediated roles of psychological resilience and navigating social support in patients with primary liver cancer(PLC), in order to provide theoretical ideas for the nursing and intervention of PLC patients.Methods:Convenience sampling was used to select PLC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital, and Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2023 to May 2024 as the research subjects. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.Results:A total of 236 PLC patients were ultimately included, including 189 males and 47 females. Age distribution was as follows: 18-40 years years (7 cases), 41-60 years (128 cases), and ≥61 years (101 cases). Posttraumatic growth showed a significant negative correlation with perceived stress ( r=-0.512, P<0.01), while demonstrating positive correlations with psychological resilience and perceived social support ( r=0.605, 0.515, both P<0.01). Psychological resilience and perceived social support had mediating and chain mediating effects between perceived stress and posttraumatic growth, with mediating effects of -0.176 and -0.069, accounting for 29.24% and 11.46% of the total effect, respectively. The chain mediating effect value was 0.073, accounting for 12.13% of the total effect. Conclusions:The pathway of stress perception on post-traumatic growth in patients with PLC is indirect, and stress perception can contribute to the growth of post-traumatic growth in patients through psychological resilience, and navigating social support.
8.Regression analysis of serum microRNAs in predicting early neurological deterioration in patients with branch atheromatous disease
Li NIE ; Xiangliang QIAO ; Wei CHENG ; Suhua HU ; Huanhuan HU
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(8):1047-1050
Objective To perform a regression analysis on the predictive value of serum micro-RNAs(miR)for early neurological deterioration(END)in patients with branch atheromatous dis-ease(BAD).Methods A total of 134 BAD patients admitted in our department from February 2020 to February 2023 were enrolled,and according to the END status,they were divided into de-terioration group(28 cases)and non-deterioration group(106 cases).Serum levels of miR-130a,miR-210,miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p were measured at admission.NIHSS score was used to eval-uate the END status at admission and at 7 d after admission.Binary logistic regression analysis was adopted to construct a model of above four miRs in predicting END in BAD patients.ROC curve was plotted to assess the predictive value of the four miRs alone or combined together for END.Results The serum levels of miR-130a and miR-210 were significantly higher,while those of miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p were obviously lower in the deterioration group than the non-deterioration group(P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum miR-130a,miR-210,miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p were independent predictors of END in BAD patients(P<0.05,P<0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of the four miRs combined together in predicting END in BAD patients was 0.977(95%CI:0.936-0.995),with a sensitivity of 96.43%and a specificity of 90.57%,and the combined detection exhibited better predictive effi-ciency than each indicator alone(P<0.01).Conclusion Serum miR-130a,miR-210,miR-141-3p and miR-29a-3p have certain value in predicting END in BAD patients,and their combined detec-tion can enhance its predictive efficiency.
9.Application of unrelated umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of 2 cases with congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and literature review
Shufang SU ; Dao WANG ; Yufeng LIU ; Bai LI ; Huanhuan LI ; Jiao CHEN ; Lei ZHANG ; Yan XU ; Shuting MAO ; Linlin WEI
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(4):295-298
Objective:To investigate the clinical experience and efficacy of unrelated umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the treatment of congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT).Methods:A case summary was conducted.The clinical data of 2 children with CAMT who were finally cured by unrelated umbilical cord blood HSCT in the Department of Pediatric Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2020 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Related studies were retrieved from databases CNKI, Wanfang and PubMed using search terms including " congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia" and " hematopoietic stem cell transplantation" from the inception to July 2024.The clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment processes, and prognosis of CAMT patients treated by HSCT were then summarized.Results:Both cases exhibited scattered skin haemorrhages throughout the body and carried 2 compound heterozygous mutations with pathogenicity in the MPL gene.Both patients were finally diagnosed with CAMT.Case 1 was a girl aged 3 at the time of transplantation, and case 2 was also a girl, who aged 5 at the time of transplantation.Both of them received unrelated umbilical cord blood HSCT and hematopoietic reconstruction was achieved.The time of neutrophil and platelet implantation was 21 and 40 days after transplantation in case 1, and 20 and 31 days in case 2, respectively.The chimerism rate of neutrophil implantation in both children was complete chimerism of donor cells.Implantation syndrome was detected in case 1 following transplantation.Case 2 suffered implantation syndrome, hypertensive encephalopathy, and cytomegalovirus infection following transplantation.Both children showed no graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).Both children had hematopoietic and immune reconstruction after transplantation and their primary diseases were cured.Cases 1 and 2 were followed up for more than 14 and 17 months, respectively.Both of them achieved disease-free survival during the follow up.Literature review of 26 cases with CAMT treated by HSCT, including the above-mentioned 2 cases was conducted, with an overall disease-free survival rate of 92.3%(24/26).Of 12 cases with CAMT typing, 10 were type Ⅰ and 2 were type Ⅱ.Of the 26 cases treated by HSCT, 17 had bone marrow HSCT, with an overall survival rate of 88.2%(15/17), and 2 had peripheral blood HSCT.Seven cases had umbilical cord blood HSCT (6 cases receiving unrelated umbilical cord blood HSCT and 1 case receiving related umbilical cord blood HSCT), with an overall survival rate of 100%.Unlike bone marrow and peripheral blood HSCT, unrelated umbilical cord blood HSCT did not result in 3-4 grade GVHD. Conclusions:Unrelated umbilical cord blood HSCT can achieve good therapeutic effects in CAMT patients when there is no suitable donor.Myeloablative pretreatment is conducive to CAMT patients.
10.Role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in arsenic-induced apoptosis in mouse hippocampal neuron cells
Yao CHEN ; Man YU ; Xin LI ; Yuting WEI ; Xudan LIU ; Huanhuan WANG ; Mei WANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(1):24-29
Objective To investigate the role of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)/cAMP response element binding protein(CREB)signaling pathway in arsenic-induced apoptosis in HT-22 cells.Methods HT-22 cells were cultured in vitro and exposed to NaAsO2.The cells were divided into the following groups:control group,4,6,8,and 10 μmol/L NaAsO2 groups,NAC(5 mmol/L)group,and NAC(5 mmol/L)+NaAsO2(10 μmol/L)group.ROS levels were measured using a DCFH-DA assay.The expression of ERK/CREB signaling pathway-related and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed by Western blotting.Apop-tosis rates were evaluated using flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control group,ROS levels in HT-22 cells significantly increased,while p-ERK protein level in the nucleus and p-CREB and Bcl-2 protein levels in the cells significantly decreased in the NaAsO2 only exposed groups(P<0.05).Additionally,the apoptosis rate significantly increased in the 8 and 10 μmol/L NaAsO2 groups compared with the control group(P<0.05).In the NAC+NaAsO2 group,ROS levels and the apoptosis rate significantly decreased while p-ERK protein level in the nucleus and p-CREB and Bcl-2 protein levels in the cells significantly increased compared with the 10 μmol/L NaAsO2 group(P<0.05).Conclusion Arsenic exposure induces oxidative stress,inhibits the nuclear translocation of p-ERK,and dis-rupts the CREB signaling pathway,leading to apoptosis.

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