1.Effect and Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Against Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline
Lei QI ; Huifei ZHANG ; Ling GONG ; Jifu HE ; Wenjing CHEN ; Weipin NIU ; Xiao LI ; Yuehua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):11-19
ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang (XQLT) on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group, model group, XQLT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XQLT-L/M/H), and the beraprost sodium tablet group (BST). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg·kg-1) to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection, rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07, 6.14, 12.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg-1·d-1, and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the right ventricle, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and quinone oxidoreductase (CRYZ). UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.05), along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group, all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups, XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects (P<0.05), comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group [variable importance in projection (VIP) >1, P<0.05], including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism (P<0.01) and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (P<0.05). Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group, including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins (|fold change (FC)| >1.3, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups, including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins (|FC| >1.3, P<0.05), with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption, ribosomal biogenesis, peroxisomes, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, spliceosomes, and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the model group, XQLT increased the expression of UCP3, PIK3CA, and L1CAM, while decreasing the expression of CRYZ (P<0.05). ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats, and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.
2.Analysis of the incidence and mortality trends of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in China from 1990 to 2021
Xuewei DOU ; Wenfei CUI ; Ling NIU ; Binglei YIN ; Jinjin WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):176-182
ObjectiveTo analyze the long-term trend of incidence and mortality of type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in China from 1990 to 2021. MethodsThe Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of standardized incidence rate and standardized mortality rate, and the age-period-cohort (APC) model was constructed to analyze the longitudinal age change, period and cohort effect risk ratio (RR). ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in males and females showed an overall upward trend, with AAPC of 0.08% and 0.36%, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rate of the total population and female showed a downward trend, with AAPC of -0.61% and -1.03%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in males. APC model showed that the age effect existed: the peak age was 75-79 years old, the mortality rate of females increased, and the mortality rate of males decreased after 80-84 years old. For the effect of time period, the risk of type 2 DKD incidence in females in 2017—2021 was 1.05 times that in 2002—2006, and the risk of death in males and females in 2017—2021 was 0.84 and 0.71 times that in 2002—2006, respectively. For cohort effects, the highest risk of disease was seen in men and women born in 1967—1971, and the highest risk of death was seen in men born in 1952—1956 and women born in 1912—1916. ConclusionFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in China shows an upward trend, and the standardized mortality rate shows a downward trend. It is necessary to strengthen the health behavior publicity and education of type 2 DKD, and actively carry out early screening to reduce the disease burden.
3.B7-H3 molecule inhibits apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway
Lin ZHENG ; Jianxin ZHONG ; Ke NIU ; Qing XU ; Huijuan LING ; Yayu ZHU ; Bing CHEN ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):232-238
ObjectiveTo explore the role of the histone deacetylase Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/p53 signaling pathway in promoting apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) induced by the co-stimulatory molecule B7 homolog 3 (B7-H3). MethodsThe GEPIA 2 platform was used for survival analysis of NSCLC patients based on B7⁃H3 gene expression levels. The Gene Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method was used to analyze the enrichment characteristics of B7⁃H3 molecules in the gene set of cell apoptosis. In the non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line, B7⁃H3 was knocked down, and the protein expression levels of SIRT1 and p53 were detected by Western blot. B7⁃H3 was overexpressed in A549 cells and the apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. Overexpression of B7⁃H3 and knockdown of SIRT1 were performed in A549 cell line. The expression levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were detected respectively by Western blot. Cell apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry after Annexin V/PI double staining. ResultsThe overall survival of the B7-H3 high-expression group was significantly lower than that of the low-expression group (P<0.01). B7-H3 was significantly enriched in the cell apoptosis signaling pathway and the p53 signaling pathway (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of SIRT1 was significantly downregulated, and p53 was significantly upregulated in the B7⁃H3 knockdown group (both P<0.001). Overexpression of B7-H3 significantly up-regulated SIRT1 protein expression (P<0.05), down-regulated p53 expression (P<0.01), and markedly increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio of apoptosis-related proteins (P<0.001). The results of Annexin V/PI double staining showed that the apoptosis rate of A549 cells with overexpressed B7⁃H3 decreased (the apoptosis rate of the control group was 26.72%±4.13%, while that of the B7⁃H3 overexpression group was 13.87%±0.82%; P<0.01). In B7-H3-overexpressing cell lines, SIRT1 knockdown significantly reversed apoptosis (P<0.05), up-regulated p53 protein expression (P<0.001), and markedly reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio (P<0.001). ConclusionB7-H3 molecule inhibits the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.
4.Analyses of physical fitness in preschool children aged 3 to 6 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing
Yueyun HOU ; He NIU ; Yue HU ; Ling LI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(6):478-481
ObjectiveTo investigate the physical fitness status and associated factors among preschool children aged 3 to 6 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing, and to provide evidence for promoting physical development in this population. MethodsBased on the 2020 National Physical Fitness Surveillance data for Tongzhou District of Beijing, a total of 416 children were included for standardized physical tests, including morphological, physiological, and fitness indicators, and questionnaire surveys. Independent sample t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare differences in physical indicators across groups, while multivariate linear regression models were applied to analyze influencing factors. ResultsThe comprehensive fitness score of children aged 3 to 6 years old in Tongzhou District of Beijing was (79.98±6.97) points, with an overall physical fitness pass rate of 99.52%. The proportions of excellent, good, and pass grades were 37.50%, 39.90%, and 22.12%, respectively. The average heights for the 3-years-old, 4-years-old, 5-years-old, and 6-years-old groups in Tongzhou District were (102.13±4.24) cm, (107.92±4.66) cm, (115.43±4.70) cm, and (119.16±4.33) cm, respectively. The corresponding average body weights were (16.63±2.46) kg, (18.66±2.54) kg, (21.60±4.02) kg, and (23.46±4.64) kg, respectively. Among children aged 3 to 6 years, the average BMI was (15.95±1.79) kg‧m-2, body fat percentage was (21.92±4.77)%, resting pulse rate was (95.24±9.70) beats per minute, grip strength was (5.74±2.07) kg, standing long jump distance was (78.12±19.95) cm, sit-and-reach flexibility was (12.25±4.65) cm, continuous two-foot jump time was (6.29±2.55) seconds, 15-meter obstacle shuttle run time was (7.94±1.30) seconds, and balance beam walking time was (5.11±2.25) seconds. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that higher composite fitness scores were significantly positively associated with female gender (b=1.72, 95%CI: 0.42-3.01), aged 4 years old and above (b=2.97, 95%CI: 1.35-4.59), mixed feeding (b=4.16, 95%CI: 1.60-6.72) or breastfeeding (b=3.23, 95%CI: 0.36-6.10) during infancy, taller paternal (b=0.16, 95%CI: 0.02-0.30) and maternal (b=0.25, 95%CI: 0.11-0.39) height (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe physical fitness of children aged 3 to 6 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing is generally favorable, with gender, age, feeding patterns, and genetic factors identified as key correlating factors. Comprehensive strategies are recommended to improve early childhood physical health.
5.Effects of Different Anticipated Conditions on Biomechanical Characteristics of Lower Limbs in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Ling WANG ; Peng CHEN ; Huiwu ZUO ; Xinxin LIU ; Junjie NIU ; Kejun LI ; Xin LIU ; Haitao LIU ; Jinwu WANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):980-987
Objective The differences in biomechanical characteristics of the lower limbs between individuals with chronic ankle instability(CAI)and healthy individuals during unanticipated and anticipated jumping were compared,in order to provide practical references and ideas for the prevention and treatment of recurrent ankle sprains.Methods Thirty subjects were recruited,including 15 patients with CAI and 15 healthy volunteers.All subjects completed unanticipated and anticipated jumping tests in a random order,with a 1-week interval between the two tests.Kinematic and kinetic data of lower limbs were collected synchronously using Vicon infrared high-speed motion capture system and Kistler three-dimensional force platform.Results At the moment of touchdown,knee flexion angle was significantly greater during unanticipated jumping than that during anticipated jumping(P=0.009),while ankle eversion angle was notably lower(P=0.043).During the early landing phase,unanticipated jumping showed significantly greater peak hip flexion and abduction angles,as well as knee flexion(P=0.038,P=0.036,P=0.04),while peak ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles were significantly lower(P=0.001,P=0.01)compared to anticipated jumping.Additionally,peak hip abduction moment during unanticipated jumping was significantly higher in patients with CAI than that during anticipated jumping(P=0.028).Conclusions Unanticipated jumping reduced ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles in individuals with CAI,putting the ankle in an open,sprain-prone position.Individuals with CAI compensated proximally by increasing hip flexion,abduction,knee flexion angles,and hip extension moment to stabilize the ankle.
6.Effects of Different Anticipated Conditions on Biomechanical Characteristics of Lower Limbs in Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability
Ling WANG ; Peng CHEN ; Huiwu ZUO ; Xinxin LIU ; Junjie NIU ; Kejun LI ; Xin LIU ; Haitao LIU ; Jinwu WANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):980-987
Objective The differences in biomechanical characteristics of the lower limbs between individuals with chronic ankle instability(CAI)and healthy individuals during unanticipated and anticipated jumping were compared,in order to provide practical references and ideas for the prevention and treatment of recurrent ankle sprains.Methods Thirty subjects were recruited,including 15 patients with CAI and 15 healthy volunteers.All subjects completed unanticipated and anticipated jumping tests in a random order,with a 1-week interval between the two tests.Kinematic and kinetic data of lower limbs were collected synchronously using Vicon infrared high-speed motion capture system and Kistler three-dimensional force platform.Results At the moment of touchdown,knee flexion angle was significantly greater during unanticipated jumping than that during anticipated jumping(P=0.009),while ankle eversion angle was notably lower(P=0.043).During the early landing phase,unanticipated jumping showed significantly greater peak hip flexion and abduction angles,as well as knee flexion(P=0.038,P=0.036,P=0.04),while peak ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles were significantly lower(P=0.001,P=0.01)compared to anticipated jumping.Additionally,peak hip abduction moment during unanticipated jumping was significantly higher in patients with CAI than that during anticipated jumping(P=0.028).Conclusions Unanticipated jumping reduced ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles in individuals with CAI,putting the ankle in an open,sprain-prone position.Individuals with CAI compensated proximally by increasing hip flexion,abduction,knee flexion angles,and hip extension moment to stabilize the ankle.
7.Effect of the axial position of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens on the early postoperative vault changes
Yi-lin XU ; Qian JIAN ; Xun CHEN ; Yin-jie JIANG ; Ling-ling NIU ; Xiao-ying WANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(1):83-90
Objective To observe the early changes of vault after implantation of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantable collamer lens(ICL),and investigate the effect of different implantation axes on the early vault changes.Methods A prospective,parallel cohort study was performed,enrolling a total of 124 eyes of who underwent ICL(V4c)implantation in the refractive clinic.The changes of vault were observed by scheimpflug tomography(Pentacam)and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(CASIA2)at 1 day,1 week and 1 month after surgery.Results The ICL vault declined significantly by approximately(108.2±82.4)μm 1 week after surgery with the proportion of 16.6%±12.1%compared with the values 1 day after surgery(P<0.001),and then remained stable.Within 1 month after surgery,excluding the difference in vault baseline at 1 day after surgery,the proportion of vault decline in the middle vault group(250-749 μm)and the high vault group(≥750 μm)was similar,and there was no statistically significant difference.We analyzed the relationship between ICL axial directions and vault and found that the vault decline of the horizontal ICL group stabilized quickly at 1 week after surgery,and the vault decline of the vertical ICL group was more significant within 1 month after surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion The vault of the ICL shows a downward trend in the early stage after implantation.The middle vault group and ICL in the horizontal position stabilizes faster,and the downward trend of the high vault group or ICL in the vertical position is more obvious.
8.Establishement and ethical optimization of rat oral mucosa ulcer model
Xiang LI ; Kaiyan WANG ; Weiwei YU ; Xinyi HAO ; Ling LI ; Jianhong DUAN ; Bin FENG ; Qing LIU ; Lingyun XIA ; Lina NIU
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(1):26-33
Objective:To develop rat models of oral mucosa ulcer using distinct experimental methodologies,fulfilling research requirements and adhering to the ethical standards for animal care.Methods:96 SD rats were randomly allocated into groups.The rats in control group(n=8)were regularly fed without other treatment.Those in chemical cauterization groups were treated by 20%,40%,60%of glacial acetic acid(GAA)on oral mucosa(n=8);in mechanical damage groups by 30 000 r/min high speed drill induced trauma of 10,20 and 30 mm2 respectively(n=8);in ionizing radiation groups were treated with 10,12,15,20 and 30 Gy on the mucosa respectively(n=8).After the ulcer was appeared,the morphology of the mucosa were observed,the mucosal tissue lesions were examined by HE,Masson and immunofluorescence staining,the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by qPCR and ELISA respectively,and the body conditions such as diet and body weight of the rats were observed,the pain,dis-tress and discomfor of the rats were evaluated by MORTON&Griffits Guidelines.Results:40%and 60%GAA,20 mm2 and 30 mm2 friction damage and ionizing radiation of 12 Gy or greater may induce oral mucosa ulcer with a diseas coruse of 6-7 d in SD rats.TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression in the damaged tissue,the related protein expression in blood serum of the rats were in-creased.MORTON&Griffits Guidelines analysis showed 40%GAA,20 mm2 friction damage and 12 Gy ionizing radiation induced the lowest scores of pain,distress and discomfort of the rats with compatible oral mocosa ulcere induced by the relevat treatment.Conclusion:40%GAA,20 mm2 of friction damage and 12 Gy of ionizing radiation can reliably establish oral mucosa ulcer models and minimize adverse effects on SD rats,and accord with ethical standards of 3R for laboratory animal.
9.Interactions among risk factors of diabetic retinopathy
Xiaojia SUN ; Guoheng ZHANG ; Ziyi ZHOU ; Yali NIU ; Hua FENG ; Ling WANG ; Guorui DOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(1):38-46
Objective:To investigate the interaction of risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) occurrence.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed.A total of 6 783 diabetic patients with complete survey data from 2005 to 2018 in the National Health and Nutrition Survey database were enrolled, among which 4 426 patients were included according to inclusion criteria and were divided into non-DR diabetes group of 3 491 cases and DR group of 935 cases.The related risk factors were collected, including age, gender, race, residential status, education, annual household income, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, duration of diabetes, family history of diabetes, comorbidities, smoke, alcohol use, sleep, physical activity.Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the psychological status.After the categorization of all variables, risk factors of DR were analyzed by logistic regression, and the interaction between factors was further analyzed.Results:Multivariate analysis showed that female[odds ratio ( OR)=1.33, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.02-1.72], duration of diabetes ≥10 years ( OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04), insulin therapy ( OR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.87-3.05), urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g ( OR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.22-1.96) and depression ( OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.13-1.83) were risk factors for DR, and BMI≤28 kg/m 2 ( OR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.55-0.89) was a protective factor for DR.Furthermore, interaction analysis revealed additive interaction between UACR ≥30 mg/g and insulin therapy [relative excess risk due to interaction ( RERI)=2.46, 95% CI: 0.84-4.09, attributable proportion due to interaction ( AP)=0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.63, synergy index ( S)=2.16, 95% CI: 1.37-3.41).The UACR ≥30 mg/g and longer diabetic duration ≥10 years had both multiplicative ( OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.00-2.76) and additive interactions ( RERI=2.02, 95% CI: 0.79-3.25, AP=0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.66, S=2.53, 95% CI: 1.37-4.68). Conclusions:Patients with diabetes treated with insulin, with a duration of diabetes ≥10 years and accompanied by UACR ≥30 mg/g are at higher risk of developing DR than those with a single risk factor.
10.Interactions among risk factors of diabetic retinopathy
Xiaojia SUN ; Guoheng ZHANG ; Ziyi ZHOU ; Yali NIU ; Hua FENG ; Ling WANG ; Guorui DOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(1):38-46
Objective:To investigate the interaction of risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) occurrence.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed.A total of 6 783 diabetic patients with complete survey data from 2005 to 2018 in the National Health and Nutrition Survey database were enrolled, among which 4 426 patients were included according to inclusion criteria and were divided into non-DR diabetes group of 3 491 cases and DR group of 935 cases.The related risk factors were collected, including age, gender, race, residential status, education, annual household income, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, duration of diabetes, family history of diabetes, comorbidities, smoke, alcohol use, sleep, physical activity.Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess the psychological status.After the categorization of all variables, risk factors of DR were analyzed by logistic regression, and the interaction between factors was further analyzed.Results:Multivariate analysis showed that female[odds ratio ( OR)=1.33, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.02-1.72], duration of diabetes ≥10 years ( OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04), insulin therapy ( OR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.87-3.05), urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g ( OR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.22-1.96) and depression ( OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.13-1.83) were risk factors for DR, and BMI≤28 kg/m 2 ( OR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.55-0.89) was a protective factor for DR.Furthermore, interaction analysis revealed additive interaction between UACR ≥30 mg/g and insulin therapy [relative excess risk due to interaction ( RERI)=2.46, 95% CI: 0.84-4.09, attributable proportion due to interaction ( AP)=0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.63, synergy index ( S)=2.16, 95% CI: 1.37-3.41).The UACR ≥30 mg/g and longer diabetic duration ≥10 years had both multiplicative ( OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.00-2.76) and additive interactions ( RERI=2.02, 95% CI: 0.79-3.25, AP=0.47, 95% CI: 0.27-0.66, S=2.53, 95% CI: 1.37-4.68). Conclusions:Patients with diabetes treated with insulin, with a duration of diabetes ≥10 years and accompanied by UACR ≥30 mg/g are at higher risk of developing DR than those with a single risk factor.

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