1.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
2.Transition of body mass index and metabolic syndrome in patients with major depressive disorder
Han QI ; Chengcheng DONG ; Rui LIU ; Xuequan ZHU ; Xuzhou LIN ; Yanshu QIN ; Zibo YU ; Haining WANG ; Lei LI ; Yuan FENG ; Ling ZHANG ; Fang YAN
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(2):202-209
Objective To evaluate the transition rules of normal body mass index(BMI),overweight and metabolic syndrome(MetS)in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods Patients with MDD who had multiple admission records between Jan 2016 and Nov 2021 in Beijing Anding Hospital,Capital Medical University were included.Based on the overweight and metabolic syndrome status assessed at each admission,the patients were categorized into three states:normal BMI,overweight and metabolic syndrome.A multi-state Markov model was used to analyze the transition intensity and transition frequency between three states and the influence of covariates on transitions.Results A total of 892 records of 398 subjects were included,with a median age of 56 years old and 31.4% males.The median follow-up period was 40 months.The multi-state model showed that there were 494 transitions between the three states,of which 5.1% moved from normal BMI to overweight and 5.5% moved from overweight to MetS.The intensity of transition was the highest from overweight to MetS,9.52 times greater than overweight to normal BMI.After 48.53 months,MDD patients with normal BMI began to transition to MetS.For overweight MDD patients,the transition to MetS started after 8.77 months.MDD patients with normal BMI or overweight had 31.4% and 50.4% probabilities of developing Mets after 36 months.For MDD patients comorbid with MetS,the probability of staying at MetS was 51.2% after 36 months.Multivariate analysis showed that being unmarried was a risk factor against developing overweight in normal BMI MDD patients,while a higher level of education was a protective factor against developing MetS in overweight MDD patients.Conclusion MDD patients exhibited a higher intensity and risk of developing MetS,and it is not easy to reverse MetS,suggesting that BMI management and MetS intervention should be strengthened in MDD patients.
3.Construction of a prediction model for seroma after endoscopic thyroid-ectomy by breast approach
Sheng-fei YANG ; Yun-da ZHANG ; Ming LIU ; Shi-ran QIAN ; Shu-xiong LI ; Man ZHANG ; Meng-ling WEI ; Dong-wei LI
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):337-342
Objective:To explore the prognostic factors of seroma after endoscopic thyroidectomy by breast ap-proach,and construct a nomogram to predict the possibility of cervical seroma.Methods:Data of patients undergoing endoscopic thyroid surgery in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital from January 2022 to May 2024 and Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital from May 2023 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed,and 1493 patients meeting the in-clusion criteria were selected.Among them,there were 1048 patients in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital as the training co-hort,1015 patients without seroma group and 33 patients with seroma group.There were 445 patients in Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital as the verification cohort,including 424 patients without seroma and 21 patients with seroma.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to obtain relevant independent prognostic factors,and R soft-ware established a nomogram model.Calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit,ROC curves were used to evaluate the calibrability of the nomogram model,and clinical utility was assessed by clinical decision curves.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that central lymph node dissection,diabetes,hyperthyroidism,and nod-ule size were independent prognostic factors related to seroma.Based on the prognostic factors,the nomogram of se-roma after ETBA was constructed.The calibration curves of the training and the verification group were in good agree-ment with the observed results,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was good,with the training cohort P=0.244 and the verification cohort P=0.803.The ROC curve of the training cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.810(95%CI:0.740~0.879),and the ROC curve of the verification cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.815(95%CI:0.722~0.909).Conclusion:The nomogram model based on the relevant prognostic factors ob-tained by multivariate logistic regression analysis has a good prediction effect on the seroma after ETBA,and can provide reasonable and individualized treatment plan for patients.
4.Experiences and implications of healthy weight management policies in Japan,South Korea,and Singapore:Based on the ICCC framework
Yao-ling WANG ; Chang YANG ; Xue-fei GU ; Xue LI ; Wu-dong GUO
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(7):27-34
Objective:This study aims to analyze the weight management policy practices in Japan,South Korea,and Singapore to provide international references for improving China's weight health management and metabolic disease prevention system.Methods:Based on the Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions Framework(ICCC),we conducted a literature review and policy analysis methods of domestic and international policies and publications on weight management,systematically analyzing and summarizing relevant strategies and practices to extract key insights in Japan,South Korea,and Singapore.Results:All three countries have established a multi-level collaborative governance system:at the macro level,they built institutional foundations through legislation,cross-sectoral collaboration,and diversified financing;at the meso level,they enhanced management efficiency via comprehensive medical services,multidisciplinary coordination,and smart information systems,while community-level initiatives fostered supportive environments through health education and environmental modifications;at the micro level,they emphasized personalized interventions and family involvement to strengthen self-management capabilities.Conclusion:China can learn from these neighboring countries'experiences to develop a multi-tiered prevention system,strengthen primary care capacity,improve medical security mechanisms,and facilitate a shift from disease treatment to health management,ultimately constructing a weight management solution with Chinese characteristics.
5.Predictive value of ox-LDL combined with ECG ischaemia grading for MACE after PCI in STEMI pa-tients
Ya-zhao SUN ; Gang LI ; Shu-yan ZHANG ; Pei SUN ; Hai-lin LI ; Ling-xiao ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Dong-sheng LIU
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):199-204
Objective:The predictive value of oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)and electrocardiogram(ECG)ischaemia grade for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)was assessed by a retrospective cohort study de-sign.Methods:A total of 336 STEMI patients admitted to Cangzhou People's Hospital between October 2019 and May 2022 were selected,and the medical record information was obtained through the hospital medical record sys-tem,and all patients received PCI and physician-recommended basic treatment.With occurrence of MACE with in 12-month follow-up as the evaluation index,they were divided into MACE group(n=65)and no MACE group(n=271).Multifactorial Logistic regression model was used to study the influencing factors of MACE after PCI in STEMI patients,and Spearman test for association of ox-LDL level,ECG ischaemia grade with MACE after PCI.ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of ox-LDL,ECG ischaemia grade and their combination for MACE after PCI.Results:The overall MACE incidence was 19.35%.Compared with patients in no MACE group,those in MACE group had significant higher ox-LDL level[46.34(29.46,66.29)U/L vs.33.00(23.02,50.03)U/L]and proportion of ECG grade Ⅲ ischaemia(64.62%vs.42.80%)(P<0.01 all).Multifactorial Logistic re-gression analysis showed that ox-LDL(OR=1.022,95%CI 1.011~1.033,P=0.001)and ECG grade Ⅲ ischae-mia(OR=1.878,95%CI 1.007~3.504,P=0.048)were the independent risk factors of post-PCI MACE in STEMI patients.Spearman test showed that ox-LDL and ECG grade Ⅲ ischaemia were positively correlated with post-PCI MACE(r=0.209,0.173,P<0.001 all).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUCs of ox-LDL,ECG grade Ⅲ ischaemia and their combination in predicting post-PCI MACE were respectively 0.653(95%CI 0.599~0.704),0.609(95%CI 0.555~0.662)and 0.758(95%CI 0.709~0.803),in which the predictive value of the combination of the two was significantly higher than any single detection(Z=2.030,3.097,P=0.042,0.002).Conclusion:ox-LDL combined with ECG ischaemia grading has a high predictive value for the occurrence of MACE with in 12 months after PCI in STEMI patients.
6.A survey on the current situation of public health emergency response training for resident physicians at five tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China
Pingping LI ; Ling WENG ; Lu DONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(7):976-984
Objective:To clarify the current situation, needs, and effectiveness of public health emergency response training for resident physicians, further improve the training content, and enhance their ability to respond to public health emergencies.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted among 794 resident physicians who were undergoing standardized residency training at 5 affiliated hospitals of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The questionnaire included general information, emergency training status, training needs, and emergency training effectiveness. Chi-square test, analysis of variance, and least significant difference post hoc multiple comparisons were used to analyze the awareness, training needs, and training effectiveness of residents of different training years and specialties.Results:Overall, resident physicians showed high levels of awareness about public health emergencies, but there were differences in the awareness rate among resident physicians of different training years. In terms of "clusters of unexplained diseases" and "adverse reactions to mass immunizations and drug exposures", the awareness rate of senior resident physicians was higher than that of junior resident physicians ( χ2=9.41, P<0.05; χ2=10.90, P<0.05). In terms of training status and needs, resident physicians preferred emergency capability training that combines theory, skills, and simulation exercises. They also suggested to adding training content such as risk communication skills and conflict management skills. In terms of training effectiveness, the highest self-evaluation score for training effectiveness at the behavioral level was (8.32±1.52) points, with an average score of 8 points or above for each level, indicating a "good" level of effectiveness. Moreover, the training effectiveness of emergency response capabilities varied significantly for resident physicians with different specialties ( F=4.44, P<0.001). The training effectiveness of emergency response capabilities was higher for general resident physicians than for residents in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesia, internal medicine, and surgery; higher for pediatric surgery residents than for residents in pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology; and higher for emergency medicine residents than for residents in pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology. Conclusions:The simulation training for public health emergency response should be strengthened. In addition to the improvement of medical abilities, it is necessary to provide training on relevant legal and regulatory knowledge, risk communication skills, and conflict management skills. The effectiveness of emergency response training varies among different clinical specialties, which may be related to the nature of the clinical professional background. In future course design, targeted emergency training courses can be set up based on professional background.
7.Distribution characteristics of 14 chemical elements in the external environment of different water iodine areas in Xi'an
Xuehua SHI ; Ping LI ; Tiejun HOU ; Shanshan HE ; Lu DONG ; Ling JIN ; Peijie YAO
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(9):726-731
Objective:To investigate the distribution of iodine and other chemical elements in soil, grain and vegetables in different water iodine areas of Xi'an City, and to provide theoretical basis for prevention and treatment of iodine related diseases and water improvement measures.Methods:From September to November 2021, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to select three survey villages in Xi'an, namely Yehu Village, Xingbei Village, and Quanzhong Village, where the iodine level of residents' drinking water < 10, 10 - 100, and > 100 μg/L. Drinking water samples were collected from seven survey sites based on the source of domestic drinking water to determine the iodine level of the water. At the same time, soil samples of cultivated land, residents' grains (wheat, corn), and vegetables were collected from survey villages to determine the content of 14 elements including calcium, iron, magnesium, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, selenium, iodine, and fluoride.Results:The iodine level in the water of 7 survey sites in three survey villages was 5.80, 6.40, 25.51, 42.20, 53.90, 111.65, and 177.63 μg/L, respectively. A total of 70 samples of soil, 65 samples of wheat, 76 samples of corn, and 141 samples of vegetables were collected. Among them, the levels of various elements in vegetables and grains were lower than those in the soil. Only calcium and fluoride were higher in vegetables than in grains, while iron, chromium, copper, zinc, selenium, and iodine were lower in vegetables than in grains. According to the range of water iodine level, there were statistically significant differences in the content of calcium, iron, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, mercury, iodine, and fluoride in soils from different water iodine regions ( Fcalcium, iron, chromium, nickel = 42.04, 13.55, 12.22, 11.20, Hcopper, zinc, mercury, iodine, fluoride = 14.27, 9.19, 14.72, 25.14, 16.50, P < 0.05). The comparison of magnesium, zinc, cadmium, arsenic, and selenium content in wheat showed statistically significant differences ( Fadmium, selenium = 6.34, 3.31, Hmagnesium, zinc, arsenic = 6.12, 11.55, 6.23, P < 0.05). The comparison of calcium, iron, magnesium, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, iodine, and fluoride content in corn showed statistically significant differences ( Fmagnesium, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, iodine = 18.89, 13.76, 17.86, 24.17, 28.46, 15.96, Hcalcium, iron, cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, fluoride = 11.57, 40.53, 26.50, 33.05, 33.73, 36.01, 29.21, P < 0.05). The comparison of calcium, iron, magnesium, chromium, zinc, cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, and selenium content in vegetables showed statistically significant differences ( H = 23.93, 8.12, 10.03, 7.01, 16.09, 18.36, 23.07, 6.51, 27.67, 7.86, P < 0.05). Conclusions:There are significant differences in the distribution of 14 elements in soil, grain, and vegetables in different water iodine regions. In addition to drinking water, precise guidance should also be provided based on the iodine content in soil, grain, and vegetables in different water iodine areas.
8.Isolation,identification,and biological characterization of a Streptococcus equinus strain from sheep
Hai-li WANG ; Xiu-sheng YIN ; Qi JIA ; Feng-yuan ZHANG ; Ling MO ; Lin LI ; Jing DONG ; Jin-liang WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):641-647
Streptococcus equinus is a zoonotic disease that can cause illness in various animals under specific environmental condi-tions.No reports have described isolation of this bacterium from the liver in affected sheep.This study successfully isolated and identi-fied a strain of Streptococcus equinus through bacterial isolation and culture,Gram staining,drug sensitivity testing,mouse sensitivity testing,bacterial biochemical testing,and whole genome sequencing.The strain was found to have pathogenicity toward Kunming white mice,and to be sensitive to four antibiotics(penicillin,ampicillin,ceftiofur sodium,and ceftriaxone sodium)but resistant to four antibiotics(streptomycin,amoxicillin,tetracycline,and gentamicin).On the basis of drug sensitivity testing,targeted treatment of the affected sheep flock with ceftiofur sodium effectively controlled the disease within 2 days,and no new cases occurred.This study provides a reference for biological characterization of ovine Streptococcus equinus;public health;and the investigation of disease pre-vention,control,and epidemiology.
9.Isolation,identification,and biological characterization of a Streptococcus equinus strain from sheep
Hai-li WANG ; Xiu-sheng YIN ; Qi JIA ; Feng-yuan ZHANG ; Ling MO ; Lin LI ; Jing DONG ; Jin-liang WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):641-647
Streptococcus equinus is a zoonotic disease that can cause illness in various animals under specific environmental condi-tions.No reports have described isolation of this bacterium from the liver in affected sheep.This study successfully isolated and identi-fied a strain of Streptococcus equinus through bacterial isolation and culture,Gram staining,drug sensitivity testing,mouse sensitivity testing,bacterial biochemical testing,and whole genome sequencing.The strain was found to have pathogenicity toward Kunming white mice,and to be sensitive to four antibiotics(penicillin,ampicillin,ceftiofur sodium,and ceftriaxone sodium)but resistant to four antibiotics(streptomycin,amoxicillin,tetracycline,and gentamicin).On the basis of drug sensitivity testing,targeted treatment of the affected sheep flock with ceftiofur sodium effectively controlled the disease within 2 days,and no new cases occurred.This study provides a reference for biological characterization of ovine Streptococcus equinus;public health;and the investigation of disease pre-vention,control,and epidemiology.
10.Study on the inhibition mechanism of melatonin for neuroglioma cell proliferation based on whole transcriptome sequencing
Li XU ; Xiu-jiao CHEN ; Wei-nan ZHENG ; Xin-ling MAO ; Li-bin LIN ; Qun XIE ; Qing-dong JIN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):163-170
Aim To detect the non-coding RNA(ncRNA)expression profile of neuroglioma cells via whole transcriptome sequencing,establish the ceRNA network and reveal the molecular mechanism of ncRNA participating in the inhibition of neuroglioma cell prolif-eration by melatonin.Methods Neuroglioma cells were intervened with by 0,2,4,6 and 8 mmol·L-1 melatonin for 24,48 and 72 h,and the inhibitory effect of melatonin on cell proliferation was detected via CCK-8;after the intervention of 0 and 4 mmol·L-1 melatonin to U251 cells for 24 h,differentially ex-pressed miRNA(DEmiRNA),lncRNA(DElncRNA)and mRNA(DEmRNA)were detected through whole transcriptome sequencing,along with GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of DEmRNA;the ceRNA network was constructed,and the key gene expression of ceR-NA was verified through qRT-PCR.Results Melato-nin exerts a time-dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of neuroglioma cells;a total of 5049 DEmRNA,635 DElncRNA and 146 DEmiRNA in 0 and 4 mmol·L-1 melatonin groups were screened out via whole transcriptome sequencing;DEmRNAs were mainly enriched in cancer-related signaling pathways,such as ferroptosis,mTOR signaling pathway,FoxO signaling pathway and cell cycle;the ceRNA network included 4 lncRNAs,3 miRNAs and 48 mRNAs.As verified through real-time PCR,the expressions of hsa-miR-129-5p,hsa-miR-362-5p,LINC00707 and SLC16A1-AS1 of U251 cells were consistent with the sequencing results,and the gene expression of U87 cells was basically consistent with the sequencing re-sults.Conclusions Melatonin affects cancer-related signaling pathways through the differential expression of ncRNA so as to inhibit the proliferation of U251 cells;the ceRNA network composed of LINC00707,SLC16A1-AS1,hsa-miR-129-5p and hsa-miR-362-5p may take a part in the molecular mechanism of melato-nin in inhibiting neuroglioma cell proliferation.

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