1.Qiangjing Tablets Regulate CDK4-E2F Signaling Pathway to Delay Aging of Leydig Cells and Testicular Tissue in Rats
Xiucheng LAN ; Meijing WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Junjun LI ; Liang DONG ; Xujun YU ; Fang YANG ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):328-336
ObjectiveTo reveal the molecular mechanism by which the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Qiangjing tablets regulate the aging of the testicular tissue and Leydig cells in rats through the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)-early 2 factor (E2F) signaling pathway. MethodsFor the cell experiment, 2-month-old SPF-grade SD male rats were selected and randomly assigned into a blank control group (administrated with an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection) and a Qiangjing tablets group (20 rats in each group) according to body weight. The Leydig cell model of aging was established by treatment of TM3 cells with 100 μmol·L-1 H2O2, and the modeling performance was evaluated based on the levels of p16 and p21 determined by Western blot. The antioxidant NAC (1 mmol·L-1) was used as the positive control for eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells were intervened with Qiangjing tablets-containing serum at low (2.5%), medium (5%), and high (10%) concentrations. The testosterone level in the cell supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 were analyzed by Western blot. In the animal experiment, 19-month-old naturally aging rats were used as the model group, and 2-month-old rats as the young control group. The positive control group was subcutaneously injected with 5.21 mg·kg-1·d-1 testosterone propionate. Qiangjing tablets were administered by gavage at low, medium, and high doses of 0.72, 1.44, 2.88 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. The general conditions of rats were observed, and the protein levels of CDK4, E2F1, and E2F2 in the testicular tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsIn the cell experiment, compared with the blank control group, the model group showed upregulated expression of CDK4 and E2F1 (P<0.05) and slightly downregulated expression of E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the NAC group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05), slightly upregulated in the medium-dose Qiangjing tablets group, and downregulated in the high-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05). The NAC group showed downregulated expression of E2F1 (P<0.05) and E2F2, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Qiangjing tablets groups showed downregulated expression of both E2F1 and E2F2 (P<0.05). Compared with that in the NAC group, the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group and downregulated in the medium-dose and high dose (P<0.05) groups. The expression of E2F1 was down-regulated in all the three dose groups, with statistically significance in the high dose group (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 were downregulated in all the three dose groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiment, compared with the young control group, the model group exhibited downregulated expression of CDK4 (P<0.05) and slightly upregulated expression of E2F1 and E2F2. Compared with that in the model group, the expression of CDK4 decreased in the testosterone propionate group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group (P<0.05) but increased in the medium-dose (P<0.05) and high-dose groups. In addition, the expression of E2F1 decreased (P<0.05), and that of E2F2 was slightly elevated. Compared with that in the NAC group, CDK4 expression was elevated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Similarly, the E2F1 expression was also upregulated in the Qiangjing tablets groups, with statistical significance in the medium-dose group (P<0.05). The expression of E2F2 was downregulated in all the Qiangjing tablets groups. ConclusionQiangjing tablets delay the aging process of Leydig cells and testicular tissue by up-regulating the expression of CDK4 and lowering the levels of E2F1 and E2F2.
2.Correlation between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1125-1129
Objective:
To explore the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students, providing empirical evidence for improving their sleep quality.
Methods:
From December 2024 to January 2025, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 3 974 college students from four universities in Anhui Province. The Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students (BASCS) was used to assess beverage dependence, and the Self rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS) was used to evaluate sleep quality. A multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the dose response relationship between the two.
Results:
The positive rate of beverage dependence symptoms among college students was 7.6%, with positive rates of 9.6%, 13.8%, and 7.4% for the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions, respectively. The detection rate of sleep disorders was 23.6%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates such as grade, gender, and body mass index, compared with the no beverage dependence group, students with positive beverage dependence symptoms had a higher risk of sleep disorders( OR =3.71, 95% CI =2.87-4.80, P <0.01). The OR (95% CI ) for sleep disorders among students with positive symptoms in the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions were 2.80(2.22-3.53), 2.38(1.95-2.91), and 2.45(1.89-3.18)(all P <0.01). Further analysis using a restricted cubic spline model revealed that the overall beverage dependence score and its three dimensional scores were approximately linearly related to the risk of sleep disorders among college students (all nonlinear P >0.05).
Conclusions
Beverage dependence is associated with sleep quality among college students. Schools should take multiple approaches, such as health education on beverage awareness, to improve students sleep quality.
3.Comparative analysis of the value of immunotherapy in bladder preservation with chemoradiotherapy for bladder cancer
Ping TANG ; Yuchen HAN ; Mengqi ZHANG ; Junjun GAO ; Yueping LIU ; Hui FANG ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Linjun HU ; Xingang BI ; Jianzhong SHOU ; Ye-xiong LI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(9):921-928
Objective:To compare the preliminary efficacy and adverse events of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with or without immunotherapy in bladder preservation therapy for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) confined to the pelvis.Methods:Clinical data of 60 patients with MIBC who received CRT with or without immunotherapy for bladder preservation at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into CRT plus immunotherapy group and CRT-alone group. Survival outcomes, bladder function preservation, recurrence and metastasis, as well as early and late radiation toxicities were evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival rates were compared by the log-rank test. Results:In the CRT plus immunotherapy group ( n=23), the median follow-up was 20 months. The median OS and median PFS were not reached. The 2-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS rates were 95.7%, 70.7%, 70.7%, and 92.9%, respectively, and 22 patients (96%) preserved normal bladder function. Patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 had significantly higher 1-year PFS rate than those with CPS <1 (100% vs. 66.7%, P=0.004). In the CRT-alone group ( n=37), the median follow-up was 37 months, with median OS and PFS of 68 and 19 months, respectively. The 2-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS rates were 92.0%, 41.1%, 60.9% and 81.5%, respectively, and 33 patients (89%) preserved normal bladder function. Compared with the CRT-alone group, the CRT plus immunotherapy group showed a significant improvement in PFS ( χ2=4.38, P=0.036), while no significant differences were observed in OS, LRFS, or DMFS (all P>0.05). The incidence of acute hematologic toxicity in the CRT plus immunotherapy group and CRT-alone group were 52% (12/23), 27% (10/37) respectively, and late genitourinary toxicity was 22% (5/23), 8% (3/37), respectively, with no significant differences in overall acute or late toxicities (all P>0.05). Conclusions:For localized MIBC, bladder preservation with CRT combined with immunotherapy significantly improves PFS compared with CRT alone, while maintaining comparable safety. The PD-L1 status may serve as a favorable predictor for immunotherapy efficacy.
4.Comparative analysis of the value of immunotherapy in bladder preservation with chemoradiotherapy for bladder cancer
Ping TANG ; Yuchen HAN ; Mengqi ZHANG ; Junjun GAO ; Yueping LIU ; Hui FANG ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Linjun HU ; Xingang BI ; Jianzhong SHOU ; Ye-xiong LI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(9):921-928
Objective:To compare the preliminary efficacy and adverse events of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with or without immunotherapy in bladder preservation therapy for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) confined to the pelvis.Methods:Clinical data of 60 patients with MIBC who received CRT with or without immunotherapy for bladder preservation at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into CRT plus immunotherapy group and CRT-alone group. Survival outcomes, bladder function preservation, recurrence and metastasis, as well as early and late radiation toxicities were evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group comparisons. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival rates were compared by the log-rank test. Results:In the CRT plus immunotherapy group ( n=23), the median follow-up was 20 months. The median OS and median PFS were not reached. The 2-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS rates were 95.7%, 70.7%, 70.7%, and 92.9%, respectively, and 22 patients (96%) preserved normal bladder function. Patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 had significantly higher 1-year PFS rate than those with CPS <1 (100% vs. 66.7%, P=0.004). In the CRT-alone group ( n=37), the median follow-up was 37 months, with median OS and PFS of 68 and 19 months, respectively. The 2-year OS, PFS, LRFS, and DMFS rates were 92.0%, 41.1%, 60.9% and 81.5%, respectively, and 33 patients (89%) preserved normal bladder function. Compared with the CRT-alone group, the CRT plus immunotherapy group showed a significant improvement in PFS ( χ2=4.38, P=0.036), while no significant differences were observed in OS, LRFS, or DMFS (all P>0.05). The incidence of acute hematologic toxicity in the CRT plus immunotherapy group and CRT-alone group were 52% (12/23), 27% (10/37) respectively, and late genitourinary toxicity was 22% (5/23), 8% (3/37), respectively, with no significant differences in overall acute or late toxicities (all P>0.05). Conclusions:For localized MIBC, bladder preservation with CRT combined with immunotherapy significantly improves PFS compared with CRT alone, while maintaining comparable safety. The PD-L1 status may serve as a favorable predictor for immunotherapy efficacy.
5.Pharmacological Effects of Icariin on Male Reproductive System:A Review and Literature Visualization
Jingyi ZHANG ; Junjun LI ; Chunyan FANG ; Shiyun PU ; Feng ZHANG ; Aili YANG ; Xujun YU
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(1):96-105
Icariin,which belongs to the class of flavonoids,is the main active ingredient of the traditional tonic Chinese herb Epimedii Folium.Modern studies have shown that icariin has a wide range of effects on the male reproductive system.It has various pharmacological activities such as regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis,antioxidants,promoting testosterone secretion,improving erectile function,inhibiting prostate cancer cell migration,invasion,and regulating cell cycle.It has research value and application prospects in the field of urology and assisted reproduction.Therefore,Icariin's pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms on the male reproductive system are reviewed in this paper combined with literature visualization analysis.It is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the therapeutic value development and application of icariin in male reproductive health.
6.Rapid detection of illicit drugs in blood based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Liang SHEN ; Renxiang ZHU ; Fang CHEN ; Biyun SHI ; Wukui ZHONG ; Junjun GUO
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;39(6):706-709,716
Objective To establish a rapid surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)method for detection of five banned benzodiazepines in blood,including alprazolam,nitrovalam,Temazepam,diazepam and cloazepine.Methods Ethanol was used as extraction agent to extract nitrodiazepam,nitrazepam,diazepam and clonazepam from blood,a mixture of PSA and C18 was added for optimization,and SERS technology was used for detection.Results Experiments showed that nitalprazolam,nitrodiazepam,Temazepam,diazepam and chlorazepine all had corresponding Raman characteristic signal peaks,which could be used as the basis for qualitative discrimination.The detection limits of these benzodiazepines in blood were between 0.5 and 1 μg/mL.Conclusion This method is simple to operate and has a fast analysis speed.It is suitable for the rapid detection of drugs in blood samples.
7.Identification of disulfidptosis pathway-related genes and construction of prognostic model in lung adenocarcinoma
Jing QIAN ; Guowen ZHAO ; Junjun YANG ; Xingxiang XU ; Mingjun GAO ; Fang WANG ; Wei PAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(14):1-6
Objective To establish a prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) based on genes associated with the disulfidptosis (DS) pathway, and to elucidate its potential biological mechanisms. Methods LUAD-related gene sequencing and clinical information were sourced from public databases.The correlation between results of gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and mRNA expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used to screen genes that were significantly active in the disulfur death (DS) pathway.The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) analysis and Random Forest (RF) algorithm were employed to screen out DS pathway prognosis-related genes (DPRGs) and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to construct risk score (RS) model, which was validated using external GEO datasets.The samples were divided into high and low-risk groups based on the median score of RS.A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network corresponding to 7 DPRGs was established, with LDHA identified as the protein with the most interactions, thereby further investigating its function and expression patterns. Results In this study, 7 DPRGs were screened, including
8.Rapid detection of illicit drugs in blood based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Liang SHEN ; Renxiang ZHU ; Fang CHEN ; Biyun SHI ; Wukui ZHONG ; Junjun GUO
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2024;39(6):706-709,716
Objective To establish a rapid surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)method for detection of five banned benzodiazepines in blood,including alprazolam,nitrovalam,Temazepam,diazepam and cloazepine.Methods Ethanol was used as extraction agent to extract nitrodiazepam,nitrazepam,diazepam and clonazepam from blood,a mixture of PSA and C18 was added for optimization,and SERS technology was used for detection.Results Experiments showed that nitalprazolam,nitrodiazepam,Temazepam,diazepam and chlorazepine all had corresponding Raman characteristic signal peaks,which could be used as the basis for qualitative discrimination.The detection limits of these benzodiazepines in blood were between 0.5 and 1 μg/mL.Conclusion This method is simple to operate and has a fast analysis speed.It is suitable for the rapid detection of drugs in blood samples.
9.The influence of embodied emotion priming on the attentional bias of individuals with depression tendency
Jianxin CHEN ; Zimeng FANG ; Ling HUANG ; Yue CHEN ; Junjun QIANG ; Chang SHU ; Liuqing WEI
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2023;32(7):599-604
Objective:To explore the effects of embodied emotion priming on attentional bias of individuals with depression tendency.Methods:From June to December 2018, a total of 91 college students with depression tendency were recruited to participate in the experiment.A 3(embodied emotion priming: positive priming, negative priming and no priming) × 2 (emotional face: happy and sad) mixed design was adopted to measure the attentional bias of individuals with depression tendency using the dot probe paradigm. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for repeated measurement analysis of variance.Results:In terms of attentional bias, the interaction effect between embodied emotion priming types and emotional faces was significant ( F(2, 88)=5.97, P=0.004, ηp2=0.119). Further simple effect analysis showed that, under the happy-face condition, participants' attentional bias reaction time(△RT) was significantly higher when primed with embodied positive emotion than those primed with embodied negative emotion((14.30±18.23)ms, (-6.53±38.17)ms, P<0.05). The participants' attentional bias △RT was significantly lower when primed with embodied negative emotion than participants with no priming ((-6.53±38.17)ms, (9.16±30.62)ms, P<0.05). Under the sad-face condition, the participants' attentional bias △RT was significantly higher when primed with embodied negative emotion((28.22±35.33)ms) than participants primed with embodied positive emotion((11.71±29.24)ms, P<0.05) and no priming ((7.63±30.60)ms, P<0.05). Conclusion:Embodied emotion priming can affect the attentional bias of individuals with depression tendency.
10.A decade of liver organoids: Advances in disease modeling
Yue LIU ; Jian-Ying SHENG ; Chun-Fang YANG ; Junjun DING ; Yun-Shen CHAN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2023;29(3):643-669
Liver organoids are three-dimensional cellular tissue models in which cells interact to form unique structures in culture. During the past 10 years, liver organoids with various cellular compositions, structural features, and functional properties have been described. Methods to create these advanced human cell models range from simple tissue culture techniques to complex bioengineering approaches. Liver organoid culture platforms have been used in various research fields, from modeling liver diseases to regenerative therapy. This review discusses how liver organoids are used to model disease, including hereditary liver diseases, primary liver cancer, viral hepatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Specifically, we focus on studies that used either of two widely adopted approaches: differentiation from pluripotent stem cells or epithelial organoids cultured from patient tissues. These approaches have enabled the generation of advanced human liver models and, more importantly, the establishment of patient-tailored models for evaluating disease phenotypes and therapeutic responses at the individual level.


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