1.Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Function of Aging Mice by Regulating Intestinal Flora-metabolite Network
An-Feng WANG ; Tong WU ; Hu ZHANG ; Ji-Ling LIANG ; Ning CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1484-1498
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in aging mice and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which aerobic exercise ameliorates cognitive decline through the regulation of gut microbiota-metabolite network. By providing novel insights into the interplay between exercise, gut microbiota, and cognitive health, this research seeks to offer a robust theoretical foundation for developing anti-aging strategies and personalized exercise interventions targeting aging-related cognitive dysfunction. MethodsUsing naturally aged C57BL/6 mice as the experimental model, this study employed a multi-omics approach combining 16S rRNA sequencing and wide-targeted metabolomics analysis. A total of 18 mice were divided into 3 groups: young control (YC, 4-month-old), old control (OC, 21-month-old), and old+exercise (OE, 21-month-old with 12 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill training) groups. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze (MWM) test, were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Histopathological examinations of brain tissue sections provided morphological evidence of neuronal changes. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota and metabolite profiling via 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Data were analyzed using a combination of statistical and bioinformatics tools to identify differentially abundant microbial taxa and metabolites and to construct interaction networks between them. ResultsBehavioral tests revealed that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly improved spatial learning and memory capacity of aged mice, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and increased target area exploration and platform crossings in the MWM. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that exercise mitigated aging-related neuronal damage in the hippocampus, enhancing neuronal density and morphology. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that exercise increased gut microbiota α‑diversity and enriched beneficial bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Rikenella. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially regulated metabolites between OC and OE groups, with 94 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated in the OE group when compared with OC group. These metabolites were primarily involved in energy metabolism reprogramming (e.g., L-homocitrulline), antioxidant defense (e.g., L-carnosine), neuroprotection (e.g., lithocholic acid), and DNA repair (e.g., ADP-ribose). Network analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between specific bacteria and metabolites, such as Parabacteroides with ADP-ribose and Bifidobacterium with lithocholic acid, suggesting potential neuroprotective pathways mediated by the gut microbiota-metabolite axis. ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive evidence that aerobic exercise elicits cognitive benefits in aging mice by modulating the gut microbiota-metabolite network. These findings highlight three key mechanisms: (1) the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria enhances metabolic reprogramming to boost DNA repair pathways; (2) elevated neuroinflammation-inhibiting factors reduce neurodegenerative changes; and (3) enhanced antioxidant defenses maintain neuronal homeostasis. These results underscore the critical role of the “microbiota-metabolite-brain” axis in mediating the cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise. This study not only advances our understanding of the gut-brain axis in aging but also offers a scientific basis for developing personalized exercise and probiotic-based interventions targeting aging-related cognitive decline. Future research should further validate these mechanisms in non-human primates and human clinical trials to establish the translational potential of exercise-induced gut microbiota-metabolite modulation for combating neurodegenerative diseases.
2.Research on the equity of maternal health service utilization in Changning District, Shanghai
Ying HUANG ; Wenli FANG ; Fang BU ; Ye SHEN ; Ning QIAN ; Xuelin BAI ; Shuo YU ; Ji LIANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):137-141
Objective To understand the equity and influencing factors of maternal health service utilization in Changning District, Shanghai. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among mothers of children aged 1 to 1.5 years old who received health services from the child health care clinics and EPI clinics of 10 community health service centers in Changning District, Shanghai from March to April 2022. Count data was expressed by frequency and percentage. Chi-square analysis, binomial logistic regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze fairness-related factors. Rate difference, rate ratio and concentration index were used to represent fairness. Results A total of 696 subjects were investigated, with an average age of (33.35±4.76) years. There were statistically significant differences in service utilization among women with different household registrations only in early pregnancy registration (χ2=11.026, P=0.001) and postpartum visits (χ2=4.989, P=0.026). Women with a career showed differently in folic acid supplement (χ2=6.247, P=0.012), early pregnancy registration (χ2=12.989, P=0.002), physical examination in 42 days postpartum (χ2=4.446, P=0.035) and postpartum contraception (χ2=4.061, P=0.044), and the differences were statistically significant. Women with different monthly family income had a statistically significant difference in pre-pregnancy examination (χ2=8.977, P=0.030) and postpartum visit (χ2=16.114, P=0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between women with maternity insurance or not in the early pregnancy registration (χ2=10.576, P=0.001) and physical examination in 42 days postpartum (χ2=8.166, P=0.004). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that occupation (OR=2.616, 95% CI: 1.142-5.990) and maternity insurance (OR=4.490, 95% CI: 1.992~10.120) affected the utilization of service in early pregnancy registration. The monthly household income (OR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.124-0.625) affected the utilization of services in postpartum visit. At the same time, the monthly household income (10,000-19,999: OR=0.286, 95% CI: 0.090-0.907; ≥30,000: OR=0.180, 95% CI: 0.041-0.801) also affected the utilization of service in physical examination in 42 days postpartum. Conclusion The equity of maternal health care service utilization overall is good in central area in Shanghai, but there is still room for improvement. It is necessary to strengthen community mobilization, propagandize maternal health services, and expand the coverage of maternity insurance to improve the equity of maternal health service utilization and provide equal access to maternity health services.
3.The Effect and Mechanism of Fructus lycii on Improvement of Exercise Fatigue Using a Network Pharmacological Approach with in vitro Experimental Verification
Ning Xiao JI ; Ping Zhao LIU ; Zheng Chao ZHANG ; Min CHEN ; Jiang LIANG ; Jiang LU ; Lei ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(1):42-53
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of Fructus lycii in improving exercise fatigue.Methods A network pharmacological approach was used to explore potential mechanisms of action of Fructus lycii. Skeletal muscle C2C12 cells and immunofluorescence were employed to verify the effect and mechanism of the representative components in Fructus lycii predicted by network pharmacological analysis.Results Six potential active components, namely quercetin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, 7-O-methylluteolin-6-C-beta-glucoside_qt, atropine, and glycitein, were identified to have potency in improving exercise fatigue via multiple pathways, such as the PI3K-Akt, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, IL-17, TNF, and MAPK signaling pathways. The immunofluorescence results indicated that quercetin, a significant active component in Fructus lycii, increased the mean staining area of 2-NBDG, TMRM, and MitoTracker, and decreased the area of CellRox compared to the control. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of p-38 MAPK, p-MAPK, p-JNK, p-PI3K, and p-AKT markedly increased after quercetin treatment.Conclusion Fructus lycii might alleviate exercise fatigue through multiple components and pathways. Among these, quercetin appears to improve exercise fatigue by enhancing energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. The PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways also appear to play a role in this process.
4.Effect of ciprofol on hemodynamics in elderly patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction after anesthesia induction
Wei ZHANG ; Liang WANG ; Qiuchan HUANG ; Muhuo JI ; Ning YIN
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(8):825-829
Objective To observe the effect of ciprofol on hemodynamics in elderly patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunctionfrom induction of anesthesia to incision.Methods Eighty-two elderly patients,42 males and 40 females,aged 65-90 years,BMI 18.5-30.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ,undergoing non-cardiac surgery under elective general anesthesia were enrolled.The patients were ran-domly divided into two groups:ciprofol group(group C)and propofol group(group P),41 patients in each group.Anesthesia induction was performed using ciprofol at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg in group C or propofol at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg in group P.The number of patients with hypotension between anesthesia induction and skin incision were recorded.HR,SBP,DBP,and cardiac index(CI)were recorded immediately before an-esthesia induction(T0),3 minutes after induction(T1),immediately after tracheal intubation(T2),3 mi-nutes after tracheal intubation(T3),5 minutes after tracheal intubation(T4),and 10 minutes after tracheal intubation(T5).Intraoperative use of vasoactive drugs,the incidence of injection pain,bucking,movement and bradycardia from induction of anesthesia to incision were recorded.The occurrence of adverse reactions such as postoperative agitation,nausea and vomiting within 48 hours after surgery were also recor-ded.Results Compared with group P,the incidence of hypotension in group C from induction of anesthesia to incision was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with T0,HR at T1—T5 in the two groups slowed down significantly(P<0.05),and SBP,DBP,and CI were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with group P,CI in group C was significantly higher at T5(P<0.05),and the incidence of in-jection pain was significantly decreased(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in HR,SBP and DBP between two groups at different time points.There was no significant differences in the rates of ephed-rine,phenylephrine and atropine,bucking,intraoperative movement,bradycardia,postoperative agitation and nausea and vomiting within 48 hours after surgery between the two groups.Conclusion Ciprofol has a smaller impact on the hemodynamics of elderly patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and can be safely used for anesthesia induction in elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
5.Analysis of genetic diagnosis results of 1501 suspected Cases of thalassemia patients from 2020 to 2022
Xue-Li YANG ; Zhen-Yu LIU ; Jun-Ning ZHANG ; Guang-Yu WANG ; Ji-Ming LI ; Chun-Hong LI ; Xian-Liang HOU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(6):1848-1851
Objective:To explore the genotypes and frequency distribution of thalassemia in Lingui District,Guilin City,and provide reference for the prevention and control of thalassemia in this area. Methods:The results of genetic testing for thalassemia in 1501 suspected cases at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. The deletional mutations of α-thalassemia were detected by gap-PCR,the non-deletional mutations of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia mutations were detected by PCR-reverse dot blot (PCR-RDB). Results:In 1501 samples,a total of 678 cases of thalassemia carriers were detected,with a detection rate of 45.17%. Among them,379 cases were α-thalassemia (including deletional α-thalassemia and non-deletional α-thalassemia),with a detection rate of 25.25%,the most common genotype was--SEA/αα (227 cases,15.12%),followed by-α3.7/αα (53 cases,3.53%). 270 cases of β-thalassemia were detected,with a detction rate of 17.99%,and βCD41-42/βN (144 cases,9.59%) was the main genotypes,followed by βCD17/βN (66 cases,4.40%) . In addition,there were 29 cases of αβ compound thalassemia,accounting for 1.93%,and the most common genotype was--SEA/αα complex βCD41-42/βN (5 cases,0.33%). Conclusion:Lingui District in Guilin City is a high-incidence area of thalassemia,and the genotypes of carriers are complex and diverse,with genetic heterogeneity. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in this area.
6.Investigation on quality of disinfection in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid sampling sites in Shanghai, 2022
Yucheng ZHANG ; Junhua FAN ; Liang TIAN ; Ning JIANG ; Xiaofan JI ; Lyulan HUANG ; Xing ZHANG ; Renyi ZHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(5):505-507
ObjectiveTo investigate the quality of disinfection in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid sampling sites in Shanghai. MethodsSwab samples of medical staff’ hands and environments of different SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid sampling sites were collected from July to September 2022, with the total number of bacterial colonies cultured and counted. ResultsA total of 728 swab samples were collected from 69 sampling sites. The median total number of bacterial colonies on hand surface, object surface and air samples were 0 CFU·cm-2, 0 CFU·cm-2, and1 CFU·(petri dish∙5 min)-1, respectively, and P95 was 13 CFU·cm-2, 5.3 CFU·cm-2, and 17.8 CFU·(culture vessel∙5 min)-1, respectively. According to the GB 15982‒2012 Hygienic Standard for Disinfection in Hospitals class Ⅳ environment, 680 samples met the standard (93.4%). Furthermore, 96.9%, 92.0%, and 92.2% of the samples in the sampling sites of tertiary/secondary hospitals, community health centers, and community convenience sampling sites met the standard, respectively. Quality of disinfection did not differ significantly across these sampling sites. ConclusionThe quality of disinfection in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid sampling sites in Shanghai is generally good. Additionally, hand hygiene of medical staff and disinfection on object surface in some sampling sites need to be strengthened.
8.Revealing characteristics and rules of acupoint sensitization phenomena: based on knee osteoarthritis.
Gui-Xing XU ; Yu-Mei ZHOU ; Ning SUN ; Jin CUI ; Xiao-Rong CHANG ; Lai-Xi JI ; Si-Yu LIU ; Liao-Jun LUO ; Xiao-Jia LIU ; Dan WANG ; Ling ZHAO ; Ding-Jun CAI ; Hui ZHENG ; Ming-Sheng SUN ; Guo-Yan GENG ; Jian CHENG ; Fan-Rong LIANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2022;42(1):51-57
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the characteristics and rules of acupoint sensitization phenomena based on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), one of the clinical dominant diseases of acupuncture-moxibustion.
METHODS:
In combination with literature and expert experiences, the acupoints with the highest use frequency in treatment of KOA were screened, e.g. Heding (EX-LE 2), Liangqiu (ST 34), Mingmen (GV 4), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Ququan (LR 8) and Dubi (ST 35). In 814 patients with KOA and 217 healthy subjects, the acupoint temperature, mechanic pain threshold and pressure pain threshold were detected separately. Using machine learning method, the sensitization was judged at each acupoint.
RESULTS:
Compared with healthy subjects, the acupoint temperature was increased and the mechanic pain threshold and pressure pain threshold were reduced in KOA patients (P<0.05). Besides, the cut-off value was presented to distinguish whether the acupoint was sensitized or not. The results of machine learning showed that the highest prediction accuracy of acupoint sensitization was 86.7% (Shenshu [BL 23]) and the lowest one was 73.9% (Heding [EX LE 2]). The prediction accuracy at the third clinical stage trial was higher, the highest was 93.3% (Ququan [LR 8]) in KOA patients.
CONCLUSION
It is confirmed that the acupoint sensitization reflects the characteristics of disease and is correlative with the conditions of illness, which may provide the reference for the auxiliary diagnosis and condition assessment of KOA.
Acupuncture Points
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Acupuncture Therapy
;
Humans
;
Moxibustion
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Osteoarthritis, Knee/therapy*
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Treatment Outcome
9.Assessment of the Benefits of Targeted Interventions for Pandemic Control in China Based on Machine Learning Method and Web Service for COVID-19 Policy Simulation.
Jie Wen WU ; Xiao Kang JIAO ; Xin Hui DU ; Zeng Tao JIAO ; Zuo Ru LIANG ; Ming Fan PANG ; Han Ran JI ; Zhi Da CHENG ; Kang Ning CAI ; Xiao Peng QI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2022;35(5):412-418
Taking the Chinese city of Xiamen as an example, simulation and quantitative analysis were performed on the transmissions of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the influence of intervention combinations to assist policymakers in the preparation of targeted response measures. A machine learning model was built to estimate the effectiveness of interventions and simulate transmission in different scenarios. The comparison was conducted between simulated and real cases in Xiamen. A web interface with adjustable parameters, including choice of intervention measures, intervention weights, vaccination, and viral variants, was designed for users to run the simulation. The total case number was set as the outcome. The cumulative number was 4,614,641 without restrictions and 78 under the strictest intervention set. Simulation with the parameters closest to the real situation of the Xiamen outbreak was performed to verify the accuracy and reliability of the model. The simulation model generated a duration of 52 days before the daily cases dropped to zero and the final cumulative case number of 200, which were 25 more days and 36 fewer cases than the real situation, respectively. Targeted interventions could benefit the prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak while safeguarding public health and mitigating impacts on people's livelihood.
COVID-19/prevention & control*
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China/epidemiology*
;
Humans
;
Machine Learning
;
Pandemics/prevention & control*
;
Policy
;
Reproducibility of Results
;
SARS-CoV-2
10.Effect of Trans-PRK combined with 0.02% MMC on corneal density in patients with moderate myopia
Tian-Xu PEI ; Lin JIN ; Chun-Jing YU ; Ya-Nan MU ; Chun-Xiao YAN ; Ji-Liang NING ; Ruo-Yu CHEN ; Ze-Qun XING ; Si-Yu SUN ; Li-Jun ZHANG
International Eye Science 2022;22(8):1345-1351
AIM: To evaluate the effect of 0.02% mitomycin-C(MMC)on the corneal density after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(Trans-PRK). METHODS: Retrospective case analysis. Selected 28 patients with 56 eyes in moderate myopia who underwent Trans-PRK surgery from January 2021 to June 2021 in our hospital. They were divided into MMC group in 28 eyes with a combination of 0.02% MMC 20s during the surgery and the control group in 28 eyes was not use MMC during the surgery. The Pentacam anterior segment analyzer was used to measured the corneal density in different diameter ranges and different thickness layers before and after surgery at 14d, and after surgery at 1 and 3mo.RESULTS: The total corneal density value of MMC group was 16.60(15.70,17.10 )before the surgery, after the surgery at 14d was 16.63(15.90,17.50 ), at 1mo was 16.57(15.10,16.70 ), at 3mo was 16.04(14.60,16.60 ). The total corneal density value of control group was 16.30(15.50,17.30 )before the surgery, after the surgery at 14d was 16.20(15.20,17.10 ), at 1mo was 16.08(14.90,16.40 )and at 3mo was 15.60(14.60,16.40 ). In the zone of 0-2mm diameter was centered on the corneal vertex, the corneal density of the two groups at 14d after the surgery was higher than those before surgery(P<0.001 ). In the zone of 2-6mm diameter, the corneal density of the two groups at 1mo and 3mo after surgery was higher than those before the surgery(P<0.001). In the zone of 6-10mm, the corneal density of the two groups at 14d, 1 and 3mo after surgery was higher than those before the surgery(P<0.001). In the layer of anterior 120 μm, the corneal density of the two groups at 1mo and 3mo after the surgery was decreased than that before surgery(P<0.01). In the middle layer, the corneal density of the two groups at 1mo after the surgery was decreased than those before surgery(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The use of 0.02% MMC during the operation can reduce the corneal density and increase the corneal light transmittance in the early postoperative period. The occurrence and prognosis of haze can be effectively quantified by observing the changes of corneal optical density in different ranges in different time periods after operation.


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