1.Shentong Zhuyutang Regulates SIRT1/Nrf2 Pathway to Ameliorate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Rats
Jiajun HUANG ; Diyou WU ; Guangyi TAO ; Yu ZHAO ; Junqing HUANG ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):29-39
ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Shentong Zhuyutang in treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in rats. MethodsIn the cell experiment, male rats were administrated with normal saline or low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.38, 6.75,13.5 g·kg-1, respectively) Shentong Zhuyutang by gavage, respectively, and serum samples were collected after 7 days of continuous administration. Another 10 male rats were selected for the isolation of nucleus pulposus cells. The cell model of IDD was established by treatment with interleukin (IL)-1β. The modeled cells were then treated with Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum and the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), respectively, to investigate the effects of Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum on the proliferation and ferroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells. To study the role of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the regulation of ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells by Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum, this study treated the cells with the SIRT1 inhibitor Ex 527 and the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, respectively, in addition to the treatment with IL-1β and high-dose Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and EdU staining were employed to measure the cell viability and proliferation, respectively. The Fe2+, glutathione (GSH), and malondiadehyde (MDA) levels were measured by colorimetric assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family 4 (ACSL4), Collagen Ⅱ, Aggrecan, SIRT1, and Nrf2. Immunofluorescence was used detect SIRT1 expression. In the animal experiment, male rats were treated with anulus puncture for the modeling of IDD. Rats were randomly assigned into sham operation, model, Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum (13.5 g·kg-1), and positive control (nimesulide dispersible tablets, 0.18 mg·kg-1) groups. Rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding agents at 1 mL·kg-1, and those in the sham operation and model groups were administrated with equal volumes of normal saline, once daily for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the last administration, the histopathological changes in the intervertebral discs of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and scored by the Masuda method. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, and Collagen Ⅱ in the nucleus pulposus tissue. ResultsCompared with the control group, the IL-1β group of nucleus pulposus cells showed elevated levels of Fe2+, MDA, and ACSL4 (P<0.05), decreased cell viability, lowered GSH level, and down-regulated protein levels of GPX4, Collagen Ⅱ, and Aggrecan (P<0.05). Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum and Fer-1 reversed the effects of IL-1β on the viability and ferroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and up-regulated the protein levels of Collagen Ⅱ and Aggrecan in nucleus pulposus cells (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the IL-1β group showcased down-regulated expression of Sirt1 and Nrf2 in nucleus pulposus cells (P<0.05). Compared with the IL-1β group, the high-dose Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum+IL-1β group showed up-regulated expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 in nucleus pulposus cells (P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose Shentong Zhuyutang-containing serum+IL-1β group, the ML385 group showed down-regulated protein levels of Nrf2 and GPX4, lowered GSH level, and elevated Fe2+ and MDA levels (P<0.05). In addition, the Ex 527 group showed down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 (P<0.05). The results of the animal experiment showed that compared with the sham operation group, the model group had severe degeneration of the intervertebral disc tissue with increased pathological score, up-regulated protein level of ACSL4 (P<0.05), and down-regulated protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, and Collagen Ⅱ (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Shentong Zhuyutang group showed alleviated IDD with declined pathological score, down-regulated protein level of ACSL4 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, and Collagen Ⅱ (P<0.05). ConclusionShentong Zhuyutang may activate the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit the ferroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells, thereby delaying the process of IDD in rats.
2.Visualization analysis of research hotspots of artificial intelligence in field of spinal cord nerve injury and repair
Bin YANG ; Guangyi TAO ; Shun YANG ; Junjie XU ; Junqing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):761-770
BACKGROUND:In recent years,artificial intelligence has gradually emerged and has been applied in various fields such as spinal cord nerve injury and repair,which has a positive impact on clinical treatment. OBJECTIVE:To study the application progress of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation of spinal cord nerve injury and repair,clarify the research hotspots and shortcomings in this field,and provide suggestions for future research work. METHODS:Relevant literature on artificial intelligence in the field of spinal cord nerve injury and repair was retrieved on the Web of Science core collection database until 2023.CiteSpace 6.1.R6 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software was used to perform general literature analysis,co-citation of literature,co-citation of journals,double image overlay of journals,keyword clustering,and other visual analysis on the literature data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 1 713 articles were selected,and the annual publication volume in this field showed a fluctuating upward trend,with the United States taking the lead,and Kadone and Hideki being the authors with the highest publication volume.ARCH PHYS MED REHAB was the journal with the highest number of citations.(2)Keyword co-occurrence and cluster analysis showed that after removing keywords similar to the search terms,the main keywords were divided into three main clusters:Exoskeleton and exercise rehabilitation(the largest core hotspot);machine learning and neural plasticity;robotics and rehabilitation training.(3)Keyword burst analysis showed that deep learning and artificial intelligence had become burst terms in the past five years.(4)The results of in-depth analysis of co cited and highly cited literature showed that the hotspots of artificial intelligence in the field of spinal cord nerve injury and repair were mainly focused on powered exoskeletons,gaits,electrical nerve stimulation,intracortical brain-computer interface(IBCI),robots,and polymer biomaterials,and neural stem cell.(5)The research on artificial intelligence in the field of spinal cord nerve injury and repair has shown an upward trend in recent years.The focus of this field had gradually shifted from single treatment methods such as exoskeletons and electrical stimulation to intelligent,precise,and personalized directions.(6)There were some limitations in this field,such as the consequences of missing or imbalanced data,low data accuracy and reproducibility,and ethical issues(such as privacy,research transparency,and clinical reliability).Future research should address the issue of data collection,requiring large sample,high-quality clinical datasets to establish effective artificial intelligence models.At the same time,the research on genomics and other mechanisms in this field is very weak.In the future,various machine learning technologies such as brain chips can be used,and gene editing therapy,single-cell spatial transcriptome and other methods can be used to study the basic mechanisms of regeneration-related gene upregulation and axon growth structural protein production.
3.Anemia and iron metabolism characteristics in pregnant women with different genotypes of thalassemia: a retrospective cohort study
Linqing GUO ; Junqing LONG ; Lin KONG ; Dongru LI ; Yanqing TANG ; Xiaofeng HUANG ; Hui CHEN ; Yuqin QIN ; Yanyan LIANG ; Hongwei WEI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(5):363-370
Objective:To investigate the anemia conditions and characteristics of iron metabolism during different stages of pregnancy in women with different genotypes of thalassemia.Methods:This cohort study selected 3 303 singleton pregnant women who underwent regular prenatal examinations and genetic tests of thalassemia and were delivered at Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2019 to December 2023. According to the results of thalassemia gene testing, the women were divided into groups: those without thalassemia genes served as the control group (1 539 cases), and those with thalassemia genes (1 764 cases) were further divided based on genotype into the -α/αα group (326 cases), --/αα or -α/-α group (649 cases), point mutation α-thalassemia group (201 cases), β 0-thalassemia group (368 cases), β +-thalassemia group (91 cases), and α combined with β-thalassemia group (129 cases). Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy. Differences in anemia and iron reserves among the groups at different pregnancy stages were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance, LSD test, Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, and Bonferroni correction. Results:Compared to the first trimester, Hb levels decreased in the second and third trimester across all groups (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the severity of anemia increased (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.017). The severity of anemia varied among the groups at the same pregnancy stage ( Hfirst trimester=918.20, Hsecond trimester=1 224.50, Hthird trimester=980.19; all P<0.001), and Hb levels also differed ( Ffirst trimester=282.54, Fsecond trimester=352.31, Fthird trimester=239.02; all P<0.001). The β 0-thalassemia group had higher rates of moderate anemia in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy [38.6% (142/368), 85.3% (314/368), and 73.6% (271/368)] compared to other groups (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002), and lower Hb levels [(102.1±8.9), (92.0±7.3), and (94.6±7.7) g/L] than other groups (LSD test, all P<0.05). As pregnancy progresses, SF levels in each group of pregnant women gradually decreased (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the degree of iron deficiency worsened (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.05). The iron deficiency rate in thalassemia pregnant women during the third trimester ranges from 21.5% (79/368) to 46.0% (150/326). The degree of iron deficiency varies among groups within the same gestational period ( Hfirst trimester=79.13, Hsecond trimester=203.98, Hthird trimester=130.55; all P<0.001), and SF levels also differ ( Ffirst trimester=17.28, Fsecond trimester=44.60, Fthird trimester=31.87; all P<0.001). Among them, the β 0-thalassemia group had the lowest iron deficiency rates in the second, and third trimesters [9.8% (36/368), and 21.5% (79/368)] (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002). SF levels in the β 0-thalassemia and β +-thalassemia groups were higher than those in other groups during each gestational period (LSD test, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Pregnant women with thalassemia may experience varying degrees of iron deficiency during pregnancy, with the severity of iron deficiency and anemia increasing with gestational age. The degree of iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy varies among pregnant women with different genotypes of thalassemia. Clinically, individualized management should be provided for pregnant women with thalassemia based on their genotypes, with dynamic monitoring of anemia and iron metabolism changes.
4.Pueraria lobata decoction intervenes in neuroinflammatory response and apoptosis in rats with cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Diyou WU ; Jiajun HUANG ; Guangyi TAO ; Yu ZHAO ; Junqing HUANG ; Bin YANG ; Yun XUE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(20):4249-4257
BACKGROUND:Inflammation and apoptosis play key roles in the pathological process of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Previous studies have shown that Pueraria lobata decoction has favorable therapeutic effects on cervical spondylotic myelopathy.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and mechanism of Pueraria lobata decoction in neuroinflammatory response and apoptosis in rats with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.METHODS:Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups:a normal group,a sham-operated group,a model group,and three groups that received low,medium,and high doses of Pueraria lobata decoction.An animal model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy was constructed through compression of the spinal cord with water-absorbing and expanding material.Gastric administration of Pueraria lobata decoction(4.86,9.72,and 19.44 g/kg)was given in the three Pueraria lobata decoction groups 2 weeks after surgery,and the resting groups were given saline by gavage,once daily for 4 weeks.Motor function evaluation(Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score)was performed in rats on days 1,7,14,21 and 28 after drug administration.At 4 weeks after drug administration,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathomorphologic changes in spinal cord tissue;immunofluorescence double staining was used for the detection of microglial cell polarization in spinal cord tissue;quantitative fluorescence PCR was used to detect the changes in the expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β mRNA;western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression of p-NF-κB p65,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved Caspase-1,Bax,Bcl-2,Cleaved Caspase-3,NOX4,p-Drp1,Drp1,and Mfn2 in spinal cord tissues;TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptosis in spinal cord tissues;and DHE staining was used to detect reactive oxygen species levels in rat spinal cord tissues.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal and sham-operated groups,reduced Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores were observed in the model group(P<0.05),spinal cord neurons were crumpled and malformed with vacuolike changes.The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores in the low-,medium-and high-dose Pueraria lobata decoction groups were significantly higher than those in the model group(P<0.05),and spinal cord neuronal damage reduced significantly.(2)Compared with the normal and sham-operated groups,there were elevated levels of Iba-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase proteins and increased interleukin-6 and interluekin-1β mRNA expression in the spinal cord tissue of rats in the model group(P<0.05).The expression levels of Iba-1,inducible nitric oxide synthase,p-NF-κB,NLRP3,ASC and cleaved caspase-1 proteins as well as interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β mRNAs in the spinal cord tissues of rats in the low-,medium-and high-dose Pueraria lobata decoction groups were reduced compared with those in the model group(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the normal and sham-operated groups,the rate of TUNEL-positive cells and the levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins were increased in the spinal cord tissues of rats in the model group(P<0.05),while the expression of Bcl-2 protein was reduced(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the above indexes were significantly improved in the low-,medium-and high-dose Pueraria lobata decoction groups.(4)Compared with the normal and sham-operated groups,the model group exhibited increased levels of reactive oxygen species,along with elevated expression of NOX4 and p-Drp1 proteins(P<0.05)and reduced expression of Mfn2 protein(P<0.05)in the rat spinal crod tissue.Compared with the model group,the low-,medium-,and high-dose Pueraria lobata decoction groups exhibited reduced levels of reactive oxygen species,as well as decreased expression of NOX4 and p-Drp1 proteins(P<0.05)and increased expression of Mfn2 protein(P<0.05)in the rat spinal cord tissue.To conclude,Pueraria lobata decoction inhibits neuroinflammatory responses and neuronal apoptosis in the rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy,and the mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the NOX4/reactive oxygen species/DRP1 signaling pathway.
5.Comparison of Two Methods of LPS-Induced Two-Hit Acute Lung Injury Models and Analysis of Clinical Syndrome Characteristics in Chinese and Western Medicine
Guofeng CHEN ; Junqing LIANG ; Xu HE ; Xiaojia HUANG ; Ye LIN ; Jing SUN ; Yan LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(8):2340-2350
Objective To explore the efficacy of two lipopolysaccharide(LPS)two-hit methods in establishing an acute lung injury(ALI)mouse model and analyze the characteristics of this model within the context of both Western and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Methods Healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups:PBS instillation control group,PBS nebulization control group,instillation two-hit group,nebulization two-hit group I,nebulization two-hit group Ⅱ,and nebulization two-hit group Ⅲ.Using LPS as a stimulant,a"two-hit"approach was employed to establish an ALI mouse model.Body temperature,weight,pulse oximetric oxygen saturation(SpO2),lung tissue wet-to-dry weight ratio(W/D),levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity in lung tissue,as well as total protein concentration and white blood cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured.Through evaluating the consistency between TCM and Western medical syndromes,the classification,characteristics,modeling methods,advantages,and disadvantages of the two-hit ALI animal model were summarized and analyzed based on the clinical diagnostic criteria and syndrome characteristics of ALI in both TCM and Western medicine.Results Compared with the control group,the body temperature,weight,and SpO2 of model group decreased,W/D increased,levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and MPO activity in lung tissue increased.The alveolar walls thickened with a large exudate of red blood cells.The total protein concentration and white blood cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid significantly increased.The existing two-hit ALI animal model showed a high degree of consistency with Western medical diagnostic main symptoms.Conclusion Both methods of two-hit can prepare mouse ALI models,among which the nebulization two-hit Group Ⅲ showed more pronounced effects in simulating the pathological changes and clinical symptoms of ALI.
6.Hypericin Ameliorates Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis via Inhibiting YAP
Junqing WANG ; Huifan YU ; Linsheng HUANG
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(2):190-197
Objective To clarify the anti-fibrotic effect of hypericin on preventing renal fibrosis.To explore if hypericin can improve renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting the Yes-associated protein(YAP).Methods Thirty-six male mice were randomly allocated into 6 groups(n=6 per group):sham group,sham+hypericin(120 mg/kg)group,UUO model group,hyperi-cin(30,60,120 mg/kg)treatment groups.Except for the sham group,renal interstitial fibrosis was induced in all other groups via unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).Mice in the hypericin treatment group received corresponding doses of hypericin sus-pension via oral gavage,while sham group and UUO model group were administered equivalent volumes of normal saline through the same route for 14 consecutive days.Additionally,an in vitro model was established using NRK-52E cells treated with TGF-β1(10 ng/mL).To evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of hypericin,protein expression levels of α-SMA,fibronectin,col-lagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were assessed in both the UUO mouse kidney tissues and TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-52E cells using Western blotting.Blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and creatinine(Cr)levels in mice were measured to assess the renal protective effects of hypericin.Histological changes and collagen deposition in the kidneys were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining.The expression levels of YAP and its downstream target gene CTGF were also determined using Western blot-ting.The specific mechanism of hypericin in improving renal interstitial fibrosis was further explored using the YAP inhibitor verteporfin.Results The protein expression levels of α-SMA,FN,collagen Ⅰ,and collagen Ⅲ in renal tissues of UUO mice and TGF-β1-induced NRK-52E cells were markedly reversed by hypericin(all P<0.01).The levels of Cr and BUN in UUO mice se-rum were effectively reduced(both P<0.01),and renal histopathological alterations and interstitial collagen deposition were markedly ameliorated.Potent inhibitory effects on YAP and CTGF protein expression were observed both in vivo and in vitro(both P<0.01),exhibiting similar effects to verteporfin.Both treatments dramatically reduced TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in NRK-52E cells.Conclusion Hypericin can inhibit renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting YAP.
7.Related factors of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and old-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jiayu WANG ; Yangfan CHAI ; Qirun LI ; Jun MA ; Ying GAO ; Wei LIU ; Youyuan HUANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Jia JIA ; Shuyu WANG ; Wenbo WANG ; Liguang DONG ; Anping WANG ; Yingkui SI ; Guilan KONG ; Jian ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(1):13-19
Objective:To investigate the related factors of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and old-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:A total of 970 patients with T2DM(585 middle-aged group and 385 old-aged group)were selected from residents of a large community in Beijing from September to December 2018.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)was used to assess the cognitive func-tion.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors.Results:The detection rates of cognitive impairment were 12.0%and 13.5%in middle-aged and old-aged patients with T2DM,respectively.Among mid-dle-aged patients with T2DM,work(OR=0.22,95%CI:0.03-0.77)and education at the junior college or un-dergraduate level and above(OR=0.18,95%CI:0.04-0.55)were protective factors for cognitive impair-ment.Myocardial infarction(OR=4.13,95%CI:1.26-13.63)was a risk factor for cognitive impairment.Among old-aged patients with T2DM,drinking tea 1-2 times a week(OR=0.11,95%CI:0.01-0.58)and education at the junior college or undergraduate level and above(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.05-0.54)were protective factors for cognitive impairment.Stroke(OR=3.64,95%CI:1.55-8.39)and good sleep self-assessment(OR=2.75,95%CI:1.13-7.35)were risk factors for cognitive impairment.Conclusion:Cognitive impairment in middle-aged pa-tients with T2DM is related to work,education level and myocardial infarction,and cognitive impairment in old-aged patients with T2DM is related to lifestyle,education level and stroke.
8.Anemia and iron metabolism characteristics in pregnant women with different genotypes of thalassemia: a retrospective cohort study
Linqing GUO ; Junqing LONG ; Lin KONG ; Dongru LI ; Yanqing TANG ; Xiaofeng HUANG ; Hui CHEN ; Yuqin QIN ; Yanyan LIANG ; Hongwei WEI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(5):363-370
Objective:To investigate the anemia conditions and characteristics of iron metabolism during different stages of pregnancy in women with different genotypes of thalassemia.Methods:This cohort study selected 3 303 singleton pregnant women who underwent regular prenatal examinations and genetic tests of thalassemia and were delivered at Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2019 to December 2023. According to the results of thalassemia gene testing, the women were divided into groups: those without thalassemia genes served as the control group (1 539 cases), and those with thalassemia genes (1 764 cases) were further divided based on genotype into the -α/αα group (326 cases), --/αα or -α/-α group (649 cases), point mutation α-thalassemia group (201 cases), β 0-thalassemia group (368 cases), β +-thalassemia group (91 cases), and α combined with β-thalassemia group (129 cases). Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy. Differences in anemia and iron reserves among the groups at different pregnancy stages were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance, LSD test, Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, and Bonferroni correction. Results:Compared to the first trimester, Hb levels decreased in the second and third trimester across all groups (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the severity of anemia increased (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.017). The severity of anemia varied among the groups at the same pregnancy stage ( Hfirst trimester=918.20, Hsecond trimester=1 224.50, Hthird trimester=980.19; all P<0.001), and Hb levels also differed ( Ffirst trimester=282.54, Fsecond trimester=352.31, Fthird trimester=239.02; all P<0.001). The β 0-thalassemia group had higher rates of moderate anemia in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy [38.6% (142/368), 85.3% (314/368), and 73.6% (271/368)] compared to other groups (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002), and lower Hb levels [(102.1±8.9), (92.0±7.3), and (94.6±7.7) g/L] than other groups (LSD test, all P<0.05). As pregnancy progresses, SF levels in each group of pregnant women gradually decreased (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the degree of iron deficiency worsened (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.05). The iron deficiency rate in thalassemia pregnant women during the third trimester ranges from 21.5% (79/368) to 46.0% (150/326). The degree of iron deficiency varies among groups within the same gestational period ( Hfirst trimester=79.13, Hsecond trimester=203.98, Hthird trimester=130.55; all P<0.001), and SF levels also differ ( Ffirst trimester=17.28, Fsecond trimester=44.60, Fthird trimester=31.87; all P<0.001). Among them, the β 0-thalassemia group had the lowest iron deficiency rates in the second, and third trimesters [9.8% (36/368), and 21.5% (79/368)] (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002). SF levels in the β 0-thalassemia and β +-thalassemia groups were higher than those in other groups during each gestational period (LSD test, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Pregnant women with thalassemia may experience varying degrees of iron deficiency during pregnancy, with the severity of iron deficiency and anemia increasing with gestational age. The degree of iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy varies among pregnant women with different genotypes of thalassemia. Clinically, individualized management should be provided for pregnant women with thalassemia based on their genotypes, with dynamic monitoring of anemia and iron metabolism changes.
9.Hypericin Ameliorates Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis via Inhibiting YAP
Junqing WANG ; Huifan YU ; Linsheng HUANG
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(2):190-197
Objective To clarify the anti-fibrotic effect of hypericin on preventing renal fibrosis.To explore if hypericin can improve renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting the Yes-associated protein(YAP).Methods Thirty-six male mice were randomly allocated into 6 groups(n=6 per group):sham group,sham+hypericin(120 mg/kg)group,UUO model group,hyperi-cin(30,60,120 mg/kg)treatment groups.Except for the sham group,renal interstitial fibrosis was induced in all other groups via unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO).Mice in the hypericin treatment group received corresponding doses of hypericin sus-pension via oral gavage,while sham group and UUO model group were administered equivalent volumes of normal saline through the same route for 14 consecutive days.Additionally,an in vitro model was established using NRK-52E cells treated with TGF-β1(10 ng/mL).To evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of hypericin,protein expression levels of α-SMA,fibronectin,col-lagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were assessed in both the UUO mouse kidney tissues and TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-52E cells using Western blotting.Blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and creatinine(Cr)levels in mice were measured to assess the renal protective effects of hypericin.Histological changes and collagen deposition in the kidneys were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining.The expression levels of YAP and its downstream target gene CTGF were also determined using Western blot-ting.The specific mechanism of hypericin in improving renal interstitial fibrosis was further explored using the YAP inhibitor verteporfin.Results The protein expression levels of α-SMA,FN,collagen Ⅰ,and collagen Ⅲ in renal tissues of UUO mice and TGF-β1-induced NRK-52E cells were markedly reversed by hypericin(all P<0.01).The levels of Cr and BUN in UUO mice se-rum were effectively reduced(both P<0.01),and renal histopathological alterations and interstitial collagen deposition were markedly ameliorated.Potent inhibitory effects on YAP and CTGF protein expression were observed both in vivo and in vitro(both P<0.01),exhibiting similar effects to verteporfin.Both treatments dramatically reduced TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in NRK-52E cells.Conclusion Hypericin can inhibit renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by inhibiting YAP.
10.Exploration of a Whole-Process Management Information System for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer Enabled by Digital Intelligence Technology
Min HUANG ; Lei YANG ; Bo CHEN ; Liyang MO ; Mingchen DING ; Junqing LIANG ; Xiaotian ZHANG
China Cancer 2025;34(3):220-226
The traditional web version of cancer screening information management platform can not fully meet the complex requirements of current early cancer diagnosis and treatment pro-grams,due to its functional limitation,low efficiency of data processing and difficulties in up-grading screening acceptability and effectiveness.This paper analyzes the informational require-ment for cancer early diagnosis and early treatment programs;introduces the design and construc-tion of an intellectualized management information platform;elaborates the roles of digital intelli-gence technology in the whole-process management,including intelligent health management;emphasizes the importance of improving the supervision and evaluation system for its high-quality development.The paper also discusses economic barriers and other issues related to the applica-tion of digital intelligence technology.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail