1.Mechanism of Huayu Jiedu Prescription in Preventing and Treating Cerebral Ischemia Injury by Regulating NETosis After Acute Cerebral Infarction with Blood Stasis and Toxin Syndrome
Wuchaonan LIU ; Dingxiang LI ; Le YANG ; Jing LIU ; Shengping LUO ; Fang LEI ; Hanlin LEI ; Yihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):50-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury with blood stasis and toxin syndrome and to explore the protective effects of Huayu Jiedu prescription (HYJDP) on neutrophil extracellular trap-related cell death (NETosis) in cerebral ischemic injury following acute cerebral infarction. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group): sham operation (Sham) group, blood stasis and toxin model (Model) group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HYJDP groups (HYJDP-L, HYJDP-M, and HYJDP-H; 9, 18, and 36 g·kg-1, respectively), and butylphthalide (NBP) group (0.06 g·kg-1). Except for the Sham group, rats in all other groups were subjected to carrageenan/dry yeast combined with a modified intraluminal filament method to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model of the middle cerebral artery with blood stasis and toxin syndrome. Neurological function was evaluated at 24 h after modeling using the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score. Cerebral infarction rate was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological morphology of brain tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3). Protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (p-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), sequestosome 1 (p62), and CitH3 in brain tissue was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of neutrophil-specific marker Ly6G, CitH3, and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction rates in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01 for both). HE staining showed varying degrees of neuronal degeneration and necrosis, characterized by blurred neuronal structures, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, cytoplasmic dissolution into a vacuolated reticular pattern, and mild glial cell proliferation. ELISA results showed that serum levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62, while CitH3 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). IF results showed an increased number of NETs+ cells and a significant decrease in NeuN+ cells (P<0.01). Compared with the Model group, neurological deficit scores in the HYJDP-H group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and cerebral infarction rates in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). HE staining showed that brain tissue damage was markedly alleviated in the HYJDP-H group. ELISA results showed that levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly decreased in the HYJDP-M, HYJDP-H, and NBP groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62 was significantly increased in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups, while CitH3 expression was significantly reduced in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). IF results showed that the number of NETs+ cells was significantly decreased and the number of NeuN⁺ cells was significantly increased in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). ConclusionNETs may be the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury characterized by blood stasis and toxin. HYJDP can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and NETosis-related products, alleviate cerebral ischemic injury caused by autophagy-dependent NETosis, and thereby exert a neuroprotective effect.
2.Integrating data mining and network pharmacology to decode the therapeutic principles of contemporary Xin'an medicine for chronic glomerulonephritis
Xulei HU ; Xiaowei DUAN ; Le WANG ; Zhengyang ZHU ; Yong LYU ; Hua JIN ; Dong WANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Kejun REN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(6):676-689
Objective To systematically summarize medication patterns and explore the potential mechanisms of core herbal combinations in treating chronic glomerulonephritis(CGN)based on data mining and network pharmacology,and to provide a reference for clinical treatment strategies.Methods Electronic book databases were searched to screen the CGN prescription from the works of contemporary Xin'an medical practitioners.Frequency statistics,association rule analysis,and clustering algorithms via the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)Inheritance Support Platform V3.5 were applied to identify high-frequency herbs(frequency of use>10%)and core combinations.Active ingredients and potential targets were predicted using TCMSP,PubChem,and SwissTargetPrediction databases.Disease-related targets were retrieved from OMIM and GeneCards,after obtaining the intersecting targets,followed by protein-protein interaction(PPI)network construction(STRING platform),Cytoscape topological analysis,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment(DAVID).Results A total of 151 prescriptions related to the treatment of CGN were included,involving 213 flavours of TCM,including 42 varites of high frequency drugs,mainly in the categories of supplementing deficiency,eliminating dampness and diuresis and clearing heat.Theherb properties were mainly cold,warm,and neutral,with flavors of sweet,bitter,and pungent.Herbs primarily targeted the liver,lung,kidney,and spleen meridians.Thecore combination"Astragali Radix,Dioscorea Rhizome,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Imperata Rhizome,Pyrrosiae Folium,Poria"was identified,with key active ingredients including quercetin,stigmasterol,and β-sitosterol.Core targets involved IL6,EGFR,TNF,AKT1,and PIK3CA,while enriched pathways included PI3K-Akt and AGE-RAGE signaling.Conclusion Contemporary Xin'an practitioners primarily treat CGN by tonifying the spleen,nourishing the kidney,and clearing damp-heat.Thecore herbal combination exerts synergistic effects through multi-target intervention in immune-inflammatory pathways,oxidative stress,and fibrotic pathways,highlighting the holistic therapeutic advantages of TCM formulas via multi-component synergistic regulation and multi-target interactions.This study provides a theoretical foundation for further experimental validation and clinical applications.
3.Construction of prediction model for acute hypertension following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in obese patients
Yue WANG ; Junwei GUO ; Hang YUAN ; Lei DU ; Xuyang JIA ; Le BU ; Liesheng Lu
Journal of Surgery Concepts & Practice 2025;30(5):400-408
Objective To investigate the high-risk factors associated with acute postoperative hypertension (APH) following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG) in obese patients and to establish a predictive model. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data and laboratory parameters of obese patients who underwent LSG at Department of Metabolic Surgery in our hospital from August 2021 to December 2023. Logistic-LASSO regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for APH. A nomogram predictive model was developed based on these factors. The predictive performance and clinical utility of the model were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Bootstrap resampling, calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC). Results The incidence of APH was 55.90%. Body mass index (BMI), platelet count, globulin, uric acid, sodium, fibrinogen, fasting blood glucose, and preoperative diastolic pressure had potential predictive value. Among them, BMI (OR=1.066, 95% CI: 1.003-1.137, P=0.046), platelet count (OR=0.994, 95% CI: 0.998-0.999, P=0.027), fibrinogen (OR=1.943, 95% CI: 1.128-3.479, P=0.02), and preoperative diastolic blood pressure (OR=0.953, 95% CI: 0.918-0.985, P = 0.006) were identified as independent high-risk factors. The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.711-0.855), with a sensitivity of 0.817 and a specificity of 0.689. The AUC based on Bootstrap resampling was 0.776 (95% CI: 0.702-0.849). The H-L test yielded P>0.05, and the calibration curve showed good model fit. Both DCA and CIC demonstrated favorable screening efficiency. Conclusions BMI, platelet count, fibrinogen, and preoperative diastolic blood pressure are independent high-risk factors for APH following LSG. The developed nomogram model exhibits good predictive performance and clinical applicability, providing a valuable tool for early screening and prevention of APH in LSG patients.
4.Preliminary exploration of the efficacy and safety of darolutamide in the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Zekun XIN ; Shuyu ZHANG ; Yuqiang SHI ; Zhentao LEI ; Kai LE ; Jie XIONG ; Lin YANG ; Shenghan WANG ; Qiang GAO ; Bao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(3):188-191
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of darolutamide in the treatment of patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 17 cases of prostate cancer patients who received treatment with darolutamide in combination with ADT at our hospital from January to December 2022. The median age was 70 (range: 56 to 92) years old. The median pre-treatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 63.50 (range: 29.16 to 700.74) ng/ml. Sixteen cases had a Gleason score of 8 or above, and 11 cases were classified as high tumor burden (with four or more bone metastases and/or visceral metastases). The patients were treated with darolutamide in combination with goserelin (10.8 mg, subcutaneous injection, every 12 weeks). The decrease in PSA levels was observed at 2 weeks and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. The time to achieve a 50% decrease in PSA level (PSA50), a 90% decrease (PSA90), and a PSA level of ≤0.2 ng/ml was recorded.Adverse drug reactions were also documented.Results:All the 17 patients were followed up and continued to receive darolutamide at our center without any loss to follow-up. The median follow-up time was 11.4(8.9, 15.3)months. It showed a median PSA decrease from baseline of 83.33% at 2 weeks, 95.37% at 1 month, 96.71% at 2 months, 97.22% at 3 months, and 99.10% at 6 months. The median time to achieve PSA50, PSA90, and PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/ml were 1.3 (0.9, 1.7)months, 1.7 (1.2, 2.4)months, and 3.6 (2.9, 4.5)months respectively. Six patients with bone metastases experienced relief of metastatic lesions after treatment. Only one patient developed papules on the left upper limb, which were assessed as grade 1 rash, and the rash disappeared after three days treatment of topical application of hydrocortisone cream.Conclusions:Darolutamide could rapidly control and significantly reduce PSA levels in prostate cancer patients, with a favorable safety profile.
5.Clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment of nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (version 2025)
Haipeng SI ; Le LI ; Junjie NIU ; Wencan ZHANG ; Fuxin WEI ; Jinqiu YUAN ; Qiang YANG ; Hongli WANG ; Guangchao WANG ; Shihong CHEN ; Yunzhen CHEN ; Xiaoguang CHENG ; Jianwen DONG ; Shiqing FENG ; Rui GU ; Yong HAI ; Tianyong HOU ; Bo HUANG ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Lei ZANG ; Chunhai LI ; Nianhu LI ; Hua LIN ; Hongjian LIU ; Peng LIU ; Xinyu LIU ; Sheng LU ; Shibao LU ; Chunshan LUO ; Lvy CHAOLIANG ; Lvy WEIJIA ; Xuexiao MA ; Wei MEI ; Chunyang MENG ; Cailiang SHEN ; Chunli SONG ; Ruoxian SONG ; Jiacan SU ; Honglin TENG ; Hui SHENG ; Beiyu WANG ; Bingwu WANG ; Liang WANG ; Xiangyang WANG ; Nan WU ; Guohua XU ; Yayi XIA ; Jin XU ; Youjia XU ; Jianzhong XU ; Cao YANG ; Maowei YANG ; Zibin YANG ; Xiaojian YE ; Hailong YU ; Xijie YU ; Hua YUE ; Zhili ZENG ; Xinli ZHAN ; Hui ZHANG ; Peixun ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhenlin ZHANG ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Tengyue ZHU ; Qiang LIU ; Huilin YANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(10):932-945
Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.
6.The antioxidant Tempol inhibits pigment loss in tail skin of a mouse model of immune-induced vitiligo under oxidative stress
Qianwen LI ; Zhikai LIAO ; Yue LE ; Bolin DUAN ; Mengmeng GENG ; Tiechi LEI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(2):126-131
Objective:To investigate the effect of the antioxidant Tempol on the skin depigmentation of a vitiligo-like mouse model induced by the combination of the endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) producer AAPH and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2) -180 nonapeptide.Methods:A vitiligo-like skin depigmentation model was established by immunizing mice with injections of a TRP2-180 nonapeptide mixture into the foot pads twice and into the tails twice, with the injection interval being 1 week. After the first injection, 12 immune-induced mouse models of vitiligo were randomly divided into 4 groups (3 mice per group) : a model group, an AAPH group, a Tempol group, and a combined treatment group; additionally, 3 untreated mice injected with an ovalbumin (OVA) 257-264 peptide served as a sham control group. Mice in the AAPH group, the Tempol group, and the combined treatment group were subcutaneously injected with AAPH into the tails, intraperitoneally injected with Tempol, and received the above both treatments, respectively, while mice in the model group and the sham control group received phosphate-buffered saline injections into the tail and/or abdomen. Drug interventions were carried out 3 times per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Six weeks after the last immunization, mice were sacrificed. The area of depigmented macules on the tail was measured using a point-counting method, X-gal staining and double immunofluorescence staining were performed to assess the distribution and number of melanocytes, mast cells, and CD8 + T cells in depigmented macules on the tail. HaCaT cells were in vitro co-cultured with AAPH and/or Tempol, and a conventional culture group served as the control. Cellular ROS levels were measured by dichlorofluorescin diacetate labeling and flow cytometry; Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and stem cell factor (SCF) in cell lysates, and to detect soluble SCF levels in the culture supernatant. Comparisons among multiple groups were conducted using one-way analysis of variance, and multiple comparisons were performed using least significant difference- t test. Results:Depigmented macules were observed on the tails of mice in all groups except the sham control group. The area of depigmented macules was significantly larger in the AAPH group (7.27 ± 0.31 cm 2) than in the model group and combined treatment group (3.53 ± 0.21 cm 2, 4.07 ± 0.40 cm 2; t = 13.48, 11.56, respectively, both P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference between the Tempol group (3.30 ± 0.40 cm 2) and the model group ( P = 0.424). X-gal staining and double immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of melanocytes in the normal skin around the depigmented macules was significantly lower in the AAPH group and the combined treatment group than in the model group ( t = 6.31, 5.16, respectively, both P < 0.001), and no significant difference was observed between the AAPH group and the combined treatment group ( P = 0.516). The numbers of CD8 + T cells and mast cells were significantly higher in the AAPH group than in the model group and the combined treatment group (all P < 0.001). The numbers of the 3 types of cells mentioned above in the Tempol group did not differ from those in the model group (all P > 0.05). The ROS levels in HaCaT cells in the AAPH group were the highest, and significantly higher than those in the control group and the combined treatment group (both P < 0.001). Western blot analysis showed that the MMP9 level in the cell lysates and soluble SCF level in the culture supernatant were significantly higher in the AAPH group than in the control group and the combined treatment group (all P < 0.05) ; no significant difference was observed in the membrane-bound SCF level in cell lysates among the groups ( F = 0.06, P = 0.977) . Conclusion:The antioxidant Tempol could inhibit the formation of skin depigmented macules in vitiligo-like mouse models under AAPH-induced oxidative stress.
7.Rutin inhibits ultraviolet irradiation-induced dermal fibroblast senescence and melanogenesis in mouse ear skin
Bolin DUAN ; Qianwen LI ; Yue LE ; Mengmeng GENG ; Longfei LUO ; Tiechi LEI
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(9):801-807
Objective:To investigate effects of rutin on ultraviolet irradiation (UVR) -induced human dermal fibroblast (FB) senescence and melanogenesis in mouse ear skin.Methods:The third- to fifth-passage FBs were divided into 4 groups: a blank control group, a UVR group, a rutin group, and a combined treatment group. In the UVR group, FBs were irradiated using an ultraviolet irradiator at a single dose of 0.6 J/cm 2 UVA combined with 0.03 J/cm 2 UVB once daily for 5 consecutive days; FBs in the rutin group were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium containing 50 μmol/L rutin for 5 days; the combined treatment group received both UVR and the treatment with 50 μmol/L rutin for 5 days; the blank control group underwent no treatment. β-Galactosidase staining was performed to assess the senescence of FBs, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) to measure the telomere length in FBs, and Western blot analysis to detect the expression levels of stem cell factor (SCF) in FB cell lysates and culture supernatants. FB culture supernatants were collected from each group, and mixed with M254 medium at a ratio of 3∶1 to prepare conditioned medium, which was then used to treat PIG1 melanocytes for 24 hours. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the tyrosinase (TYR) expression in PIG1 melanocytes in each group, while the 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay was applied to assess the proliferative activity of PIG1 cells in each group. Ten Dct-LacZ transgenic mice were divided into a control group and a UVR group. For each mouse, 5% rutin-containing cream was topically applied to the right ear after UVR, while the left ear treated with the cream base alone served as a control. Skin biopsies were performed after 4 weeks, followed by X-gal staining and Avidin/fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) staining to count the numbers of melanocytes and mast cells in mouse ear skin. Results:In the UVR group, the number of senescent FBs (25.67 ± 2.89), relative protein expression levels of SCF (1.95 ± 0.22), and relative levels of SCF in the cell culture supernatant (1.52 ± 0.34) were all significantly higher than those in the blank control group (5.67 ± 1.56, 0.95 ± 0.11, 1.01 ± 0.31, respectively), while these indicators were significantly lower in the combined treatment group (12.00 ± 1.63, 1.32 ± 0.19, 1.15 ± 0.32, respectively) than in the UVR group (all P < 0.05). The relative telomere length in FBs was significantly shorter in the UVR group (0.49 ± 0.12) than in the blank control group (0.94 ± 0.11; LSD- t = 3.15, P = 0.021), but significantly longer in the combined treatment group (0.81 ± 0.13) than in the UVR group (LSD- t = 4.30, P = 0.034). After the treatment with FB conditioned medium, the relative expression level of TYR in PIG1 melanocytes and the number of EdU-positive cells were significantly higher in the UVR group (2.54 ± 0.21, 33.54 ± 3.21, respectively) than in the blank control group (0.97 ± 0.19, 21.45 ± 2.51, respectively; both P < 0.001), but significantly lower in the combined treatment group (1.63 ± 0.12, 18.54 ± 3.87, respectively) than in the UVR group (both P < 0.001). X-gal staining and Avidin/FITC staining showed that the numbers of melanocytes and mast cells in the mouse left ear skin in the UVR group (5.00 ± 1.22, 98.60 ± 8.47, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the mouse left ear skin in the control group (1.80 ± 0.45, 53.80 ± 5.76, respectively) and those in the mouse right ear skin treated with the rutin-containing cream in the UVR group (2.80 ± 0.45, 69.60 ± 8.89, respectively) (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Rutin may inhibit UVR-induced skin melanogenesis by suppressing the senescence of dermal FBs and paracrine secretion of SCF.
8.Consistency of cSNP genotyping between DNA and RNA using next-generation sequencing
Danni LOU ; Yixia ZHAO ; Lei MIAO ; Jie ZHAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Kelai KANG ; Sheng HU ; Jian YE ; Le WANG
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(3):295-301,307
Objective To evaluate the consistency of DNA coding region single nucleotide polymorphism(cSNP)genotyping at the DNA and RNA levels in common body fluid samples based on the next-generation sequencing platform.Methods After extensive literature retrieval,25 cSNP loci of 8 human tissue-specific mRNAs in peripheral blood,semen and vaginal secretion were selected.Two cSNP multiplex genotyping panels based on DNA and RNA,respectively,were developed for use on the MiSeq FGx sequencing platform.45 body fluid samples(including 14 peripheral blood samples,15 semen samples and 16 vaginal secretion samples)were sequenced and analyzed.The inconsistent typing results of DNA and RNA were rechecked by Sanger sequencing.Results The results of cSNP genotyping at the DNA and RNA levels in peripheral blood were completely consistent.Among the 15 semen samples,the genotypes of rs1995640 and rs 1995641 on the TGM4 gene were inconsistent in 3 cases.Among the 16 vaginal secretion samples,there were 2 cases,1 case and 2 case with inconsistent results of rs3869098,rs10947121 and rs12110470 in MUC22 gene,respectively.Conclusion In this study,MiSeq FGx sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to test 25 cSNP loci with body fluid tissue specificity.The same typing results at the DNA and RNA levels were observed at 20 cSNPs.Inconsistent genotypes at the DNA and RNA levels were observed at 5 cSNPs on the TGM4 and MUC22 genes.This study provides experimental methods and data for forensic cSNP studies.
9.Risks, mechanisms, and prevention strategies for cerebrovascular diseases in lunar astronauts under deep.
Lei TANG ; Qiaoling TANG ; Ye LI ; Li WANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Xiangbin ZHANG ; Ran LIU ; Le ZHANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(8):1337-1345
As human deep space exploration enters a practical phase, ensuring astronaut health and safety has become a critical determinant of mission success. The cerebrovascular system, essential for maintaining brain function, is highly sensitive to environmental changes. Cerebrovascular diseases represent one of the characteristic adverse effects of deep space conditions such as microgravity and high-energy radiation, and have emerged as a frontier challenge in space medicine. Based on experiences from manned space missions, major research challenges persist, particularly the lack of experimental data specific to the lunar environment and the unclear threshold for low-dose radiation-induced injury. Elucidating the mechanisms and multifactorial interactions by which deep space environments impact cerebrovascular structure and function, and summarizing the key risk factors, pathological processes, and recent advances in monitoring and early-warning technologies for cerebrovascular diseases in lunar astronauts, and of crucial importance. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between deep space environmental stressors and cerebrovascular injury, as well as the development of personalized prevention and intervention strategies, will provide both theoretical and practical foundations for safeguarding cerebrovascular health in future Chinese deep space missions, while promoting progress in related biomedical research, technological innovation, and international collaboration.
Humans
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Astronauts
;
Cerebrovascular Disorders/etiology*
;
Space Flight
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Weightlessness/adverse effects*
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Risk Factors
;
Moon
10.Association of Co-Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Metal(loid)s with the Risk of Neural Tube Defects: A Case-Control Study in Northern China.
Xiao Qian JIA ; Yuan LI ; Lei JIN ; Lai Lai YAN ; Ya Li ZHANG ; Ju Fen LIU ; Le ZHANG ; Linlin WANG ; Ai Guo REN ; Zhi Wen LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):154-166
OBJECTIVE:
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or metal(loid)s individually has been associated with neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the impacts of PAH and metal(loid) co-exposure and potential interaction effects on NTD risk remain unclear. We conducted a case-control study in China among population with a high prevalence of NTDs to investigate the combined effects of PAH and metal(loid) exposures on the risk of NTD.
METHODS:
Cases included 80 women who gave birth to offspring with NTDs, whereas controls were 50 women who delivered infants with no congenital malformations. We analyzed the levels of placental PAHs using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, PAH-DNA adducts with 32P-post-labeling method, and metal(loid)s with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Unconditional logistic regression was employed to estimate the associations between individual exposures and NTDs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression models were used to select a subset of exposures, while additive interaction models were used to identify interaction effects.
RESULTS:
In the single-exposure models, we found that eight PAHs, PAH-DNA adducts, and 28 metal(loid)s were associated with NTDs. Pyrene, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, uranium, and rubidium were selected through LASSO regression and were statistically associated with NTDs in the multiple-exposure models. Women with high levels of pyrene and molybdenum or pyrene and selenium exhibited significantly increased risk of having offspring with NTDs, indicating that these combinations may have synergistic effects on the risk of NTDs.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that individual PAHs and metal(loid)s, as well as their interactions, may be associated with the risk of NTDs, which warrants further investigation.
Humans
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Neural Tube Defects/chemically induced*
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/adverse effects*
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Female
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Case-Control Studies
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China/epidemiology*
;
Adult
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Pregnancy
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Environmental Pollutants
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Maternal Exposure/adverse effects*
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Metals/toxicity*
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Young Adult
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Risk Factors

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