1.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
2.Exploring the high-quality development of talent teams in Hainan Province's disease control organizations
LI Yu ; TAN Long ; XU Ke ; LIN Yingzi
China Tropical Medicine 2025;25(2):248-
Objective To analyze and study the status quo and deficiencies in the construction of talent teams at all levels of CDCs in Hainan Province and put forward countermeasures to provide a reference basis for the high-quality development of talent team construction in all levels of CDCs in Hainan Province. Methods Using field surveys and data retrieval, spatial analysis was employed to compare the overall differences in human resource status of the provincial-level CDC and CDCs in five regional areas (East, West, South, North, and Central Hainan). The coordination between human resource allocation and development strategies was analyzed. A descriptive analysis mainly utilized CDC survey questionnaires and other research forms to explore the health human resources of the province's CDCs. Results The professional and technical personnel in the provincial CDCs comprise 1 431 individuals, accounting for 82.3% (1 431/1 739) of the total number of actual employees, which falls short of the Central Institutional Reform Commission's (CIRC) mandate that technical professionals comprise at least 85% of the total workforce (CIRC Document [2014] No. 2). Among Hainan's CDC personnel, 115 individuals are recognized as high-level talents within the Hainan Free Trade Port framework. These include one Class C talent, 22 Class D talents, and 93 Class E talents. Class A, B, and C-level talents are deficient. The majority of staff at both the provincial and regional CDCs hold bachelor's degrees. There is a significant proportion of staff with associate degrees or lower qualifications, coupled with a severe shortage of highly educated personnel. Postgraduates with master’s degrees or above account for 27.8% (65/233) in the provincial CDC, indicating low educational credentials among personnel in Hainan's CDCs. The central region, characterized by slower economic and social development, faces greater challenges in attracting and retaining high-level talent. There is a scarcity of public health professionals with interdisciplinary expertise. Some public health staff lack clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in disease treatment. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen on-site emergency response capabilities for public health emergencies. The structural ratio of senior, intermediate, and junior professional and technical positions in the provincial CDC is 40%∶45%∶15%. The position settings are limited to ranking levels without distinction by professional category, leading to a bottleneck-type competition like crossing the "one log bridge" for technical position promotions. Conclusion Hainan Province faces significant challenges in developing its public health workforce, both in technical expertise and management capacity. Especially under the context of the closure operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port, it is necessary to continuously strengthen top-level talent design to cultivate a favorable policy, system, and cultural environment, thereby promoting the sustained and healthy development of the province's public health career.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Chaigui Zengmian Prescription for Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children with Syndrome of Qi Deficiency in Lung and Spleen
Xueming CHEN ; Ke WU ; Shuai XU ; Yan LIN ; Lin JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):139-143
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chaigui Zengmian prescription (composed of Bupleuri Radix, Codonopsis Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Scorpio) in treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children with syndrome of Qi deficiency in lung and spleen and the influences of this prescription on immune factors. MethodSixty-six children suffering from recurrent respiratory tract infections due to Qi deficiency in lung and spleen were selected and randomized into a control group (33 cases) and an observation group (33 cases). The control group received spleen aminopeptide oral lyophilized powder and the observation group was treated with self-made Chaigui Zengmian prescription granules. Both groups were treated for two months (as two consecutive courses of treatment). The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores and the serum levels of total immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and T-helper cells (Th1, Th2, and Th1/Th2) were measured in both groups before and after treatment and then compared. Result① After treatment, the TCM symptom scores of both groups declined and the observation group had lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). ② The observation group[87.50%(28/32)] had higher total response rate than the control group[96.88%(31/32)](Z=7.921,P<0.05).Also the observation group[28.13%(9/32)] had more cured children than the control group[6.25(2/32)] (χ2=5.379,P<0.05) ③ After treatment, the serum levels of IgA, IgM, IgG, Th1, and Th1/Th2 elevated while that of Th2 declined (P<0.05), and the changes were more obvious in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionChaigui Zengmian prescription is effective in treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children with the syndrome of Qi deficiency in lung and spleen. It can alleviate the symptoms and rectify immune disequilibrium, demonstrating a clinical application value.
4.Research progress of the protection provided by traditional Chinese medicine on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via regulating liver macrophages
Ke-ke WANG ; Wang-ya JIA ; Zhen-lin HUANG ; Jian LI ; Hong XU ; Li-li JI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):801-810
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a pathological syndrome characterized by the excessive deposition of lipids in hepatocytes but not caused by alcohol and other definite liver damage factors. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complex. When the liver is damaged, a large amount of lipids deposited in hepatocytes will induce oxidative stress injury, endoplasmic reticulum stress and metabolic disorders in hepatocytes, and immune cells further secrete inflammatory cytokines and release them into the blood, causing systemic inflammation. In the process of NAFLD, the inflammatory response plays an important role. Macrophages are the most abundant non-parenchymal cells in the liver and play an important role in liver inflammatory injury. Hepatic macrophages include liver-native and monocyte-derived macrophages, and their activation and polarization processes are involved in the different development stages of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound and its active compounds have been found to regulate macrophages to participate in the process of inflammation, injury and recovery of NAFLD. Based on the existing research reports, this paper elaborates the relationship between the source, activation and polarization of macrophages and NAFLD as the breakthrough point, and systematically reviews the mechanism of TCM in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD by regulating the activation, recruitment and polarization of macrophages. This paper aims to provide new ideas for the discovery of novel NAFLD candidate drugs from TCM
5.Evaluation of the retention effect of nasointestinal canal indwelling in severe neurosurgical patients guided by miniature visualization system
Lin YANG ; Bin XU ; Liqing BI ; Juan WU ; Xiaoxiao MAO ; Xiupeng XU ; Hui HOU ; Ke ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(10):730-736
Objective:To investigate the feasibility, safety and reasonable operation of nasointestinal canal indwelling guided by miniature system in severe neurosurgery patients, and compare its advantages and disadvantages with traditional blind insertion.Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial design was used to select 128 critically ill patients in need of enteral nutrition support at the Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March 2022 to October 2023 by convenient sampling method. They were divided into blind insertion group and visualization group by random number table method, with 64 cases in each group. Nasointestinal canal indwelling was performed in the blind insertion group by traditional blind insertion method, and in the visualization group, nasointestinal canal indwelling was performed by indentations guided by the miniature visualization system. The success rate of initial catheterization, the time of catheterization, complications, changes of vital signs during catheterization and changes of nutritional indexes after catheterization were evaluated in 2 groups.Results:In the blind insertion group, there were 35 males and 29 females, aged (59.44 ± 13.84) years old. In the visualization group, there were 41 males and 23 females, aged (58.28 ± 12.08) years old. The success rate of the first catheter placement in the visual group was 96.8% (62/64), higher than that in the blind group 82.8% (53/64), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.94, P<0.05). The catheter placement time of the visualization group was (20.08 ± 2.69) min, which was shorter than that of the blind insertion group (38.19 ± 3.79) min, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=29.99, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications, changes of vital signs during catheterization and the changes of nutritional indexes after catheterization between two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with traditional blind nasointestinal canal indwelling, nasointestinal canal indwelling guided by the miniature visualization system can improve the success rate of the first catheterization and shorten the catheterization time. Although there is no difference in the complication rate, changes in vital signs during catheterization and changes in nutritional indexes after catheterization, it is believed that with the continuous development and upgrading of this technology, it will further reflect the advantages of this technology, which is worthy of further clinical trials and application.
6.Analysis of the effect of 12week highintensity fitness exercises on improving metabolic disorders among obese adolescents
LI Ke, LI Ningchuan, DING Yifan, LIN Chen, XU Meiqi,SUN Lei, WANG Hongwei
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(6):788-793
Objective:
To analyze the effects of 12week highintensity fitness exercise on body composition,lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in obese adolescents, so as to provide references for improving the health levels of obese adolescents.
Methods:
From January to June 2023, 20 obese adolescents from Huaifeng Vocational and Technical School in Huaian City were recruited for the study. Participants were assigned to an exercise group (n=10) and a control group (n=10) for a 12week exercise intervention by random number table method, and both groups had the same diet during the intervention period. The exercise group engaged in three exercises every week, mainly consisting of moderate to highintensity aerobic exercise combined with highintensity intervals. In the first week, there was a 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, followed by 10 minutes of highintensity interval training in the total intervention time each week, and the rest of the time was aerobic exercise with a total intervention time of 60 minutes to maintain; the control group did not receive specific interventions. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and lipid levels were determined using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The expression levels of serum inflammatory factors were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, and gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using t test and Chisquare test.
Results:
After 12 weeks of intervention, the levels of triglycerides (TG), and lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in obese adolescents in the exercise group decreased from (1.7±0.6, 3.5±0.8) mmol/L to (0.9±0.3, 2.6±0.4) mmol/L, while highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased from (1.1±0.2) mmol/L to (1.4±0.2) mmol/L; and serum interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1Rn) decreased from (8.4±1.6) to (4.5±0.4) ng/mL in the exercise group (t=7.34,2.49,-3.05,2.56, P<0.05). The α-diversity results showed that the Chao index (268.00±22.67) and Ace index (243.98±38.64) in the exercise group were higher than those in the control group (184.52±19.28, 171.43±23.33), and the differences were statistically significant (t=2.48, 2.53, P<0.05). The Shannon index (5.36±1.41) in the exercise group was higher than that in the control group (4.73±1.12), and the Simpson index (0.78±0.10) was lower than that in the control group (0.89±0.10), but the differences were not statistically significant (t=1.83, -2.10, P>0.05). The β-diversity results showed that the intergroup differences in gut microbiota structure between the exercise group and the control group were greater than the intragroup differences, and the differences in gut microbiota structure between the exercise group and the control group were statistically significant (R2=0.083,P<0.05). After intervention, there were significant differences in the relative abundances at the levels of phylum, class, genus, and species in gut microbiota among obese adolescents between the exercise group and the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion
The 12week highintensity fitness exercise can alleviate obesity symptoms in obese adolescents through the gut microbiota-lipid metabolism pathway and improve mild chronic inflammatory status.
7.Vitamin D Plays a Crucial Role in Regulating Dopamine Nervous System in Brain
Hua-Lin WANG ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Ran LIU ; Ke LI ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1530-1539
Vitamin D is a unique fat-soluble vitamin that plays an indispensable role in human health. It exists in various forms, the most significant being vitamin D2 (derived from plant sources) and vitamin D3 (synthesized naturally in human skin upon exposure to sunlight). Vitamin D’s primary function is to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones. Beyond its role in bone health, vitamin D significantly influences the immune system, muscle function, cardiovascular health, and the regulation of brain functions. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to various chronic diseases such as rickets, osteoporosis, decreased immunity, increased risk of mental disorders, and cancers. The synthesis of vitamin D in the human body, both peripherally and centrally, relies on sunlight exposure, dietary sources, and various supplements. As a neuroactive steroid, vitamin D impacts both the physiological and pathological processes of the nervous system and plays a key role in brain health. It profoundly affects the brain by regulating neurotransmitter synthesis and maintaining intracellular calcium balance. As an essential chemical molecule, vitamin D participates in complex signal transduction pathways, impacting neurotransmitter functions and synaptic plasticity. Vitamin D’s role in regulating dopamine (DA)—a neurotransmitter critical for motivation, reward perception, and other higher cognitive functions—is particularly noteworthy. Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D not only promotes the synthesis of DA but also plays a role in regulating DA levels within the brain. It exerts neuroprotective effects on DA neurons through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant actions, and neurotrophic support, thereby creating an optimal environment for DA neurons, influencing neuronal structure, and affecting the movement of calcium ions within nerve cells, positively impacting the overall health and functionality of the DA system. Furthermore, vitamin D can regulate the synthesis and release of DA, thus affecting the signal transmission of various DA neural projection pathways in the brain. This function is vital for understanding the complex interactions between neural mechanisms and their effects on key behaviors and cognitive functions. This review aims to delve deeply into the synthesis, metabolism, and pathways of vitamin D’s action, especially its regulatory mechanisms on DA neurons. Through this exploration, this article seeks to provide a solid theoretical foundation and research framework for a deeper understanding of vitamin D’s role in motivation and reward behaviors. This understanding is crucial for appreciating the broader significance of vitamin D in the fields of neuroscience and neurology. In summary, research and discoveries regarding vitamin D’s impact on the nervous system highlight its importance in neural health and function. These insights not only enhance our understanding of the complex workings of the nervous system but also open new avenues for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. The exploration of vitamin D’s multifaceted roles offers promising prospects for developing new therapeutic strategies, underscoring the compound’s potential in addressing a range of neural dysfunctions and diseases. As research continues to evolve, the profound implications of vitamin D in the field of neurology and beyond become increasingly apparent, marking it as a key target for ongoing and future scientific inquiry.
8.Effects of ultra-filtration extract from Angelica Sinensis Radix and Hedysari Radix improves the kidney injury in diabetic kidney disease rats
Qing-Quan XU ; Xiao-Lin ZHANG ; Ting GAO ; Rong-Ke LI ; Lei ZHANG ; Sheng-Fang WAN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(20):3023-3027
Objective To explore the improve mechanism of ultra-filtration extract from Angelica Sinensis Radix and Hedysari Radix on kidney injury in diabetic kidney disease(DKD)rats.Methods The diabetes model was prepared by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin,and then fed with high sugar and high fat diet.The rats with successful DKD were randomly divided into model group,positive control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups with 8 cases per group.Additionally,selected 8 Wistar rats as the blank group.The experimental-L,-M,-H groups were given 1.5,3.0 and 6.0 g·kg-1 ultra-filtration extract from Angelica Sinensis Radix and Hedysari Radix by gavage,respectively.The positive control group was given 1.75 × 10-3 g·kg-1irbesartan suspension by gavage.The blank and model groups were given equal volume of pure water by gavage.Six groups were administrated once a day for 12 consecutive weeks.The 24 h-urinary total protein were detected by coomassie brilliant blue method.The protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)and andacyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4)in kidney tissue were detected by Western blot.Results The 24 h-UTP in the experimental-M,-H groups,positive control group,model group and blank group were(47.70±3.85),(43.57±6.38),(36.80±6.52),(64.34±13.38)and(7.58±3.71)mg;the relative expression levels of Nrf2 protein were 0.86±0.08,0.75±0.06,0.64±0.08,1.09±0.06 and 0.60±0.07;the relative expression levels of HO-1 protein were 0.77±0.04,0.63±0.07,0.47±0.05,1.04±0.06 and 0.34±0.07;the relative expression levels of ACSL4 protein were 0.62±0.07,0.55±0.07,0.46±0.06,1.08±0.07 and 0.30±0.01,respectively.Compared with the model group,the above indexes in the experimental-M,-H groups and positive control group were significantly different(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Ultra-filtration extract from Angelica Sinensis Radix and Hedysari Radix can improve the damage of kidney tissue in DKD rats,and the mechanism may be related to ferroptosis caused by excessive activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
9.Correlation analysis of MRI characteristics with MGMT and Ki-67 in IDH wild-type glioblastoma located in the subventricular zone
Sifan QIU ; Zhihong KE ; Lidan LIN ; Yanuo HU ; You ZHANG ; Shangwen XU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(6):870-874
Objective To investigate the MRI characteristics of subventricular zone(SVZ)-associated isocitrate dehydrogenase(IDH)wild-type glioblastoma(GBM)and their correlations with Ki-67 expression and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase(MGMT)promoter methylation status.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on data of 78 patients with IDH wild-type GBM who underwent surgery and received pathological confirmation.Preoperative MRI contrast-enhanced T1 WI sequences were used to assess SVZ involvement,and postoperative molecular testing of tumor markers,including Ki-67 expression and MGMT methylation status,was utilized to categorize the patients accordingly.Results The SVZ involved(+)group(P<0.001)and the MGMT(+)group(P=0.036)exhibited significantly larger tumor volumes.There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of gender,age,left/right hemispheric lateralization,or specific brain lobe distribution.There was no significant association between Ki-67 expression levels,MGMT methylation status,and SVZ involvement,respectively.Conclusion The SVZ(+)group and the MGMT(+)group demonstrates a wider range of tumor invasion.
10.Application of medical record quality control in the management of high-value medical consumables
Yuhua XU ; Liangzhuo LIN ; Jing ZENG ; Xiangling YAO ; Ke CHEN ; Miaohua XIONG
Modern Hospital 2024;24(10):1550-1553
Objective The management of high-value medical consumables is a key challenge for healthcare institutions,yet medical record quality control(MRQC)is rarely applied in this area.This study aims to explore the role of MRQC in the management of high-value medical consumables.Methods A joint inspection team for MRQC was formed.Using the"High-Value Consumable Use Informed Consent Checklist,""High-Value Consumable Medical Record Sampling Statistics Table,""Surgical Operation Record Inspection Detail Table,"and"High-Value Medical Consumable Usage List Barcode Inspection Table,"we conducted random checks on the medical records of the top ten departments with high usage of these consumables.The main focus was on the informed consent forms,surgical operation records,barcode labeling of usage lists,and expense lists related to high-value medical consumables.We analyzed the consistency and compliance of registration information,informed consent forms,surgical records,and barcode labels,calculated defect rates for each indicator,identified causes of defects,and implemented quality improvements,including refining regulations and enhancing training;conducting reviews of high-value con-sumable medical records;initiating secondary management of high-value consumables;strengthening supervision;and establis-hing a long-term mechanism.Results Before improvements,the defect rates for informed consent forms,surgical records,and barcode labels were 13.3%,27.9%,and 42.7%,respectively.After improvements,these rates dropped to 1.4%,2.2%,and 1.6%.Comparisons of the three indicators before and after showed significant differences(P<0.01).Conclusion The appli-cation of MRQC in managing high-value medical consumables is essential.Through medical record checks,we can achieve the"five checks and five correspondences"regarding the registration information of high-value medical consumables,informed con-sent forms,written records in surgical operation records,barcode labeling of usage lists,and expense lists.The key to successful implementation is thorough preparation before inspections,interdepartmental collaboration,problem-oriented self-assessment,strict discipline,and continuous improvement.


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