1.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
2.Exercise Regulates Structural Plasticity and Neurogenesis of Hippocampal Neurons and Improves Memory Impairment in High-fat Diet-induced Obese Mice
Meng-Si YAN ; Lin-Jie SHU ; Chao-Ge WANG ; Ran CHENG ; Lian-Wei MU ; Jing-Wen LIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):995-1007
ObjectiveObesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise can ameliorate learning and memory deficits by reversing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of treadmill exercise could alleviate hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and investigate the potential mechanisms involved. MethodsA total of sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-30 g, were randomly assigned to 3 distinct groups, each consisting of 20 mice. The groups were designated as follows: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with exercise (HFD-Ex). Prior to the initiation of the treadmill exercise protocol, the HFD and HFD-Ex groups were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) for 20 weeks. The mice in the HFD-Ex group underwent treadmill exercise at a speed of 8 m/min for the first 10 min, followed by 12 m/min for the subsequent 50 min, totally 60 min of exercise at a 0° slope, 5 d per week, for 8 weeks. We employed Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to assess hippocampus-dependent memory and utilized immunofluorescence, Western blot, Golgi staining, and ELISA to analyze axon length, dendritic complexity, number of spines, the expression of c-fos, doublecortin (DCX), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin (Syn), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) positive cells. ResultsMice with HFD-induced obesity exhibit hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, and treadmill exercise can prevent memory decline in these mice. The expression of DCX was significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group (P<0.001). Treadmill exercise increased the expression of c-fos (P<0.001) and DCX (P=0.001) in the hippocampus of the HFD-induced obese mice. The axon length (P<0.001), dendritic complexity (P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P<0.001) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise increased the axon length (P=0.002), dendritic complexity(P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P=0.001) of the hippocampus in the HFD-induced obese mice. Our study found a significant increase in MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise was found to reduce the number of MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of obese mice induced by a HFD. ConclusionTreadmill exercise led to enhanced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by increasing the axon length, dendritic complexity, dendritic spine numbers, and the expression of PSD95 and DCX, decreasing the number of MHC-II positive cells and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, we speculate that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic method that protects against HFD-induced hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction by enhancing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of obese mice.
3.Characteristics and trends of drowning mortality among Chinese residents from 2010 to 2021
WANG Jie ; SUN Nenghong ; MU Hongjie ; WANG Yun ; GAO Zhe ; LÜ ; Juncheng
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(11):1135-1139
Objective:
To analyze the characteristics and trends of drowning mortality among Chinese residents from 2010 to 2021, so as to provide a basis for developing targeted prevention strategies and reducing the burden of drowning deaths.
Methods:
Data on drowning mortality among Chinese residents from 2010 to 2021 were collected from the China Cause of Death Surveillance Dataset (2010-2021). The crude mortality was calculated and then standardized using the data from the Sixth National Population Census in 2010. The characteristics of drowning mortality were analyzed by genders, regions, and ages. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was employed to assess the trend in drowning mortality.
Results:
From 2010 to 2021, the overall crude drowning mortality among Chinese residents was 3.53/100 000, with a standardized mortality of 3.34/100 000, both showed decreasing trends (AAPC=-2.438% and -3.739%, both P<0.05). The crude and standardized mortality were higher in males than in females (4.55/100 000 vs. 2.47/100 000, 4.43/100 000 vs. 2.16/100 000, both P<0.05). Both the crude drowning mortality (AAPC=-2.974% and -1.337%) and standardized drowning mortality (AAPC=-3.806% and -3.599%) among males and females showed decreasing trends, respectively (all P<0.05). The crude and standardized drowning mortality were higher in rural residents than in urban residents (4.13/100 000 vs. 2.35/100 000, 3.86/100 000 vs. 2.27/100 000, both P<0.05). Both the crude and standardized drowning mortality in rural residents showed decreasing trends (AAPC=-3.343% and -4.515%, both P<0.05), whereas no statistically significant trends were observed in urban residents (both P>0.05). Both the crude and standardized drowning mortality were higher in western residents than in eastern residents and central residents (4.30/100 000 vs. 2.89/100 000 and 3.66/100 000, 4.14/100 000 vs. 2.64/100 000 and 3.49/100 000, all P<0.05). The standardized mortality showed decreasing trends in eastern, central and western residents (AAPC=-3.237%, -2.344%, and -5.467%, all P<0.05). The groups aged ≥65 years and 1-<5 years experienced relatively high crude drowning mortality of 8.81/105 and 7.38/105, respectively. Decreasing trends were observed in groups aged <1 year, 1-<5 years, and 5-<15 years (AAPC=-14.126%, -11.452%, and -7.443%, all P<0.05). In contrast, no statistically significant trends were observed in the other age groups (all P>0.05).
Conclusions
The overall drowning mortality rate among Chinese residents showed a declining trend from 2010 to 2021. However, the risks of drowning mortality remained relatively high among males, rural residents, residents in the western region, children, and the elderly.
4.Trend change of the mortality and disease burden of hypertensive nephropathy in Chongqing in 2012-2023
Xianbin DING ; Yan JIAO ; Rui DING ; Biao KANG ; Hao MU ; Jie XU ; Ting CHEN ; Jiawei XIE
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):43-47
Objective To analyze trend changes of disease burden of hypertensive nephropathy (HTN) between 2012 and 2023 in Chongqing, and to provide the suggestion for HTN prevention and treatment. Methods Death cases of HTN from Chongqing death registration data between 2012 and 2023 were analyzed to calculate indicators such as mortality, age standardization mortality rate (ASMR), rate of years of life lost (YLL) and Average years of life lost. The mortality of HTN between male and female, urban and rural were compared by Chi-square test. The trend change was explained by average annual percent of change (AAPC). Results The mortality and standardized mortality of HTN in Chongqing decreased from 5.44/100 000 and 3.13/100 000 in 2012 to 2.76/100 000 and 1.07/100,000 in 2023 respectively. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was -5.41% and -8.35% respectively, and the differences in the change trends were statistically significant (P<0.01). The mortality and standardized mortality of HTN in males and females decreased with AAPC of 5.50%, 8.07%, 5.27% and 8.69% respectively, and the differences in the change trends were all statistically significant (all P< 0.05). From 2012 to 2014, 2019 and 2021, the mortality rate of HTN in rural areas was higher than that in urban areas (all P < 0.05). The mortality and standardized mortality of HTN in rural areas decreased with AAPC of 6.58% and 9.46% respectively, and the differences in the change trends were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). The rate of YLL and standardized YLL of HTN in Chongqing decreased from 96.02/100 000 and 60.42/100 000 in 2012 to 44.98/100 000 and 21.49/100 000 in 2023 respectively. The AAPC was -5.83% and -7.80% respectively, and the differences in the change trends were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). AYLL of HTN were 17.88 years in 2012, and it was 17.08 years in 2023. There were no statistically significant differences in the changes (both P > 0.05). The standardized AYLL of HTN in rural areas increased at an average annual rate of 1.14%, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The mortality and YLL rate of HNT in Chongqing was lower than it in China. Moreover, its trend was decreased. It should be strengthened early screening and healthy management of HNT.
5.The effects of evolocumab combined with atorvastatin on post-PCI efficacy and coronary microcirculation in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Yun ZHU ; Keli HAN ; Jie LI ; Qing MU ; Cong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(23):2958-2962
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of evolocumab combined with atorvastatin on post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) efficacy and coronary microcirculation in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 194 hospitalized patients with acute STEMI who underwent PCI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from Jan. 2022 to Dec. 2024. The patients were divided into control group (100 cases) and combination therapy group (94 cases) according to the different therapy plans. The control group was given Atorvastatin calcium tablets orally, at a dose of 20 mg, once a day. On the basis of the control group, the combination therapy group received an initial injection of Evolocumab injection 140 mg within 24 hours after PCI, followed by subsequent injections every 2 weeks. Both groups received continuous treatment for at least 30 days. Blood lipid indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol], inflammation indicators [C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], vascular Δ 基金项目河南省医学科技攻关计划项目(No.LHGJ20230971) endothelial function and microcirculation indicators [fibrinogen, ankle-brachial index (ABI) and nitric oxide (NO)], cardiac function indicators [left ventricular ejection (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter] before treatment and after 30 days of treatment, as well as the occurrence of adverse reactions during the treatment, were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of the indicators of blood lipid, inflammation, vascular endothelial function and microcirculation, and cardiac function between the two groups (P>0.05). After 30 days of treatment, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, CRP, IL-6 and fibrinogen in both groups were significantly reduced compared to those before treatment within the same group. The levels of NO and LVEF in both groups, as well as ABI in the combination therapy group, were significantly elevated compared to those before treatment within the same group. Moreover, the improvements in the levels of TC, LDL-C, CRP, IL-6, fibrinogen and NO in the combination therapy group were more pronounced than those in the control group during the same period (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of liver function impairment, gastrointestinal adverse reactions, or the overall incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with atorvastatin alone, evolocumab combined with atorvastatin more effectively reduces the blood lipid levels, improves the inflammatory status, vascular endothelial function and coronary microcirculation in patients with acute STEMI after PCI, while the safety is comparable to that of atorvastatin alone.
6.Challenges in the study of self-assembled aggregates in decoction of traditional Chinese medicine: A preliminary review
Qi WANG ; Xiao-meng GUO ; Qian-kun NI ; Mei-jing LI ; Rui XU ; Xing-jie LIANG ; Mu-xin GONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):94-104
Decoction is the most commonly used dosage form in the clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). During boiling, the violent movement of various active ingredients in TCM creates molecular forces such as hydrogen bonding,
8.Predicting the Risk of Arterial Stiffness in Coal Miners Based on Different Machine Learning Models.
Qian Wei CHEN ; Xue Zan HUANG ; Yu DING ; Feng Ren ZHU ; Jia WANG ; Yuan Jie ZOU ; Yuan Zhen DU ; Ya Jun ZHANG ; Zi Wen HUI ; Feng Lin ZHU ; Min MU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(1):108-111
9.The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and related targeted therapies
Xiuyan LI ; Na LEI ; Hongfei SONG ; Ling ZENG ; Dong WANG ; Jie MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(11):2300-2305
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a series of diseases characterized by hepatic steatosis and is also a metabolism-associated disease and an important factor for liver fibrosis,liver cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma.Endoplasmic reticulum is a core organelle for the regulation of lipid metabolism,and unfolded protein response is an important process of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS).Based on the important stress role of endoplasmic reticulum in metabolism-associated diseases,this article explores the influencing mechanism between ERS and NAFLD and reviews the research advances in lipid metabolism,inflammatory response,hepatocyte death,fibrosis,and ERS-targeted therapies in the pathological development of NAFLD.
10.Real-world meta-analysis of the safety of domestically produced rotavirus vaccine
Feng SU ; Yunzhi SHI ; Min XU ; Mu LI ; Jun CHEN ; Yifei HUO ; Yifeng CHEN ; Jie ZHAO ; Jinfeng SU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(5):431-440
Objective:To evaluate the real-world safety of the domestic rotavirus attenuated live vaccine in China.Methods:Studies on the incidence of adverse event following immunization (AEFI) published from January 1, 2020 to July 31, 2023 were retrieved from National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), CQVIP, Wanfang Database, PubMed, Medline, and Embase. Surveillance data about AEFI reports related to the domestic rotavirus vaccine rotavirus were collected. A meta-analysis on the safety of the rotavirus vaccine after vaccination was conducted using R software, and subgroup analyses were conducted on the incidence of AEFI in different regions and time periods.Results:A total of 36 articles were included involving 25.332 million doses of vaccine. The incidence of AEFI associated with the domestic rotavirus vaccine was 19/100 000 doses [95%CI: 15/100 000-24/100 000 doses]; the incidence was 26/100 000 doses [95%CI: 17/100 000-39/100 000 doses] in the northern regions and 16/100 000 doses [95%CI: 11/100 000-23/100 000 doses] in the southern regions; it was 24/100 000 doses [95%CI: 12/100 000-45/100 000 doses] before 2017 and 27/100 000 doses [95%CI: 18/100 000-39/100 000 doses] after 2017.Conclusions:The incidence of AEFI related to the domestic rotavirus vaccine is within the expected range, and the safety of the vaccine is good based on the real-world data.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail