1.KDM5A/cGAS-STING–mediated microglial activation contributes to prenatal fine particulate matter induced cerebral cortical injury in offspring mice
Wenke NIE ; Li ZHOU ; Siqi WANG ; Chao SONG ; Hang YU ; Wanwei LI ; Mengxiao LUAN ; Lu SUN ; Li YU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):270-277
Background Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is closely associated with cortical damage and neuroinflammation in offspring. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a key regulator of inflammation and may be subject to epigenetic regulation. Objective To investigate the role of cGAS-STING pathway activation in PM2.5-induced cortical damage in offspring mice during pregnancy and the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Methods Open field tests were used to assess depressive-like behavior in offspring mice. Morphological analysis was conducted to evaluate cortical damage and microglial activation in offspring brains. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were performed to detect changes in the expression of key molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway in cortical tissue. A PM2.5-induced microglial cell injury model was established in BV2 cells. Microglial activation was observed, cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and key molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and WB. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the epigenetic regulatory association between the STING signaling pathway and lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A). Changes in KDM5A mRNA and protein expression, as well as the protein level of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), were detected in an in vitro PM2.5 injury model. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, the KDM5A gene was silenced in BV2 cells exposed to PM2.5. The protein expression of H3K4me3 was detected to evaluate improvements in microglial activation, changes in inflammatory markers such as iNOS and mannose receptor (CD206), and alterations in the cGAS-STING pathway. Results Compared with the control group, the total distance of offspring mice in the PM2.5 group was significantly reduced, and both the distance traveled and the time spent in the central area of the open field were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), indicating depressive-like behavior in the offspring mice. Compared with the control group, the offspring mice in the PM2.5 group exhibited disorganized cortical structure and significantly activated microglia (P<0.01), with significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of cGAS and STING (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001). The in vitro experiments demonstrated that the PM2.5 treatment induced BV2 cells to polarize toward the M1 phenotype, exhibiting a distinct amoeboid morphology, with upregulated expression of the pro-inflammatory factor iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001) and activation of the cGAS-STING pathway (P<0.05, P<0.01). The analysis of RNA-seq data from KDM5A knockout cells revealed significantly downregulated STING expression, suggesting that KDM5A may activate the STING signaling pathway. The in vitro experiments further confirmed that the PM2.5-treated BV2 cells exhibited significantly elevated mRNA and protein levels of KDM5A (P<0.01), while the H3K4me3 protein levels were markedly reduced (P<0.05). After silencing KDM5A in BV2 cells exposed to PM2.5, compared with the PM2.5+siNC group, the PM2.5+siKDM5A group showed no obvious microglial activation and polarized toward the M2 phenotype, with significantly decreased expression levels of iNOS, cluster of differentiation 16 (CD16), and interleukin-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly increased expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors CD206, YM1, and interleukin-10 (P<0.01, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the expression levels of cGAS and STING were also reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion KDM5A activates microglia through the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby contributing to PM2.5-induced cortical damage in offspring mice during pregnancy.
2.Pathogenesis and Treatment Approach of Cancer-Related Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome Based on the Concept of "Blood Exhaustion" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》)
Jinbiao ZHU ; Mengyun YUAN ; Lu BAI ; Duorui NIE ; Mianhua WU ; Yingjie YAN ; Dawei DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):575-579
Based on the concept of "blood exhaustion" from The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), a three-stage syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy for cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome is proposeed. In the cancer-induced anorexia stage, the pathogenesis is characterized by cancer consuming the spleen and stomach, leading to stagnation of transportation and transformation in the middle jiao (焦). Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen, promoting appetite, dispersing accumulation, and aiding digestion, with modified Zisheng Pills (资生丸) in Extensive Notes on Medicine from Xian Xing Studio (《先醒斋医学广笔记》) or Zisheng Decoction (资生汤) in Records of Chinese Medicine with Reference to Western Medicine (《医学衷中参西录》). In the pre-cachectic stage of malnutrition, the pathogenesis involves insufficient nourishment of blood and qi with essence depletion hindering production. Treatment should focus on nourishing blood and harmonizing ying (营), warming yang and supplementing qi, and modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction (黄芪建中汤) can be used. In the cachectic stage, the pathogenesis involves blood deficiency and essence exhaustion, with blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. The therapeutic approach should focus on tonifying deficiency and replenishing essence, unblocking collaterals, and removing stasis, and modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) and Zuo Gui Beverage (左归饮) are suggested.
3.New perspectives on the neuro-immune mechanisms of itch in allergic conjunctivitis
Yuhua MA ; Lu ZHANG ; Junyang PAN ; Chunli WU ; Dinghuan NIE ; Yanting WANG ; Ao PENG ; Nan MA
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1203-1209
Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ocular inflammatory disease, with intense itching being the most typical and distressing symptom for patients. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the interaction between the nervous and immune systems, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanism of itching in allergic conjunctivitis. This review elaborates on the neurobiological basis of itching in allergic conjunctivitis, with a focus on the complex dialogue between immune cells and sensory neurons, particularly the core role of the IL-33-ST2-CGRP signaling axis in mediating itching. Additionally, this article introduces new findings in genetic susceptibility research, including the identification of susceptibility genes for allergic conjunctivitis through transcriptome-wide association studies. The sensory nervous system not only transmits itch signals but also actively participates in the formation of antigen channels related to conjunctival goblet cells, thereby regulating the local uptake of allergens and the initiation of the immune response. Moreover, targeted novel therapeutic strategies offer hope for patients with refractory allergic conjunctivitis. Exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms of itching in allergic conjunctivitis will provide a theoretical basis for the development of more effective treatment methods.
4.Generation of Cynomolgus and Rhesus Monkey Models Carrying the BMPR1BFecB Variant
Chunyang LI ; Xingchen LIU ; Yuzhuo LI ; Yong LU ; Yan WANG ; Changshan GAO ; Yanhong NIE ; Xinyan BIAN ; Chao HU ; Jiaqiao ZHU ; Qiang SUN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):467-475
ObjectiveTo generate cynomolgus and rhesus monkey models carrying the Booroola fecundity (FecB) variant of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene (designated BMPR1BFecB) using adenine base edit technology and to explore genetic improvement strategies for enhancing the reproductive performance of laboratory macaques. MethodsFour single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the BMPR1B c.746A>G locus in cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. The sgRNAs were combined with the ABE8e-SpRY base editor, and the resulting editing complexes were microinjected into zygotes of both macaque species. Following in vitro culture of the injected embryos, nested PCR amplification was performed to detect the base-editing efficiency at the target site to screen for highly efficient sgRNAs. Subsequently, normally developing gene-edited embryos were transferred into the oviducts of surrogates. Seven days after birth, ear skin or peripheral blood samples were collected from the newborn monkeys for genotyping and mosaicism analysis, and the growth, development, and health status of the gene-edited monkeys were monitored. ResultsAmong the four candidate sgRNAs, sgRNA4 was identified as achieving 100% editing efficiency at the c.746A>G site. A total of 17 live monkey offspring were obtained via embryo transfer, including 8 cynomolgus monkeys and 9 rhesus monkeys. Genotyping results showed that all 8 newborn cynomolgus monkeys carried the c.746A>G point mutation, with an editing efficiency of 100% (8/8), of which 37.50% (3/8) were mosaics. Among the 9 newborn rhesus monkeys, 8 individuals carried the c.746A>G mutation, with an editing efficiency of 88.89% (8/9), of which 75.00% (6/8) were mosaics. ConclusionThe ABE8e-SpRY base-editing system enables precise editing at the c.746A>G (p.Q249R) locus of the BMPR1B gene in both cynomolgus and rhesus monkey embryos, resulting in the successful establishment of laboratory monkey models carrying the BMPR1BFecB variant. These models provide a valuable foundation for future studies of the regulatory role of the BMPR1BFecB variant in reproductive performance at the non‑human primate level, as well as for exploring genetic improvement strategies to enhance reproductive performance in laboratory monkeys.
5.Meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of temperature-controlled therapy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Mengsha NIE ; Bo FENG ; Yue LU ; Qiongyu WU ; Minxiao LI ; Xiaogang CHEN ; Yuzhen ZHANG ; Liming CHENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(10):975-986
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic temperature control in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).Methods:The full-text databases of Chinese Medical Journal, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Database, China Biomedical Database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of hypothermia treatment and conventional treatment in patients with sTBI. The search period was from January 2016 to June 2025. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. The evaluation indicators included intracranial pressure before treatment, at 3 and 5 days after treatment, favorable prognosis rate and mortality rate within 6 months after treatment, and incidence of pulmonary infection, intracranial infection, epilepsy, acute gastrointestinal dysfunction, deep vein thrombosis, abnormal coagulation function, and arrhythmia during treatment; publication bias.Results:A total of 33 studies involving 3 322 patients were included, with 1 696 patients in the temperature treatment group and 1 626 in the conventional treatment group. There was no statistically significant difference in intracranial pressure between the two groups before treatment ( SMD=0, 95% CI -0.13, 0.14, P>0.05). However, at 3 and 5 days after treatment, the intracranial pressure was lower in the temperature treatment group than that in the conventional treatment group ( SMD=-2.29, 95% CI -2.76, -1.82, P<0.01; SMD=-2.66, 95% CI -3.43, -1.89, P<0.01). Within 6 months after treatment, the favorable prognosis rate was higher in the temperature treatment group than that in the conventional treatment group ( RR=1.41, 95% CI 1.32, 1.50, P<0.01), and mortality rate was lower than that in the conventional treatment group ( RR=0.64, 95% CI 0.55, 0.75, P<0.01). Compared with the conventional treatment group, the incidences of epilepsy and acute gastrointestinal dysfunction in the temperature treatment group were statistically reduced ( RR=0.33, 95% CI 0.13, 0.83, P<0.05; RR=0.43, 95% CI 0.25, 0.74, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of pulmonary infection ( RR=0.96, 95% CI 0.85, 1.08, P>0.05), intracranial infection ( RR=0.56, 95% CI 0.20, 1.56, P>0.05), deep vein thrombosis ( RR=0.93, 95% CI 0.69, 1.25, P>0.05), abnormal coagulation function ( RR=1.19, 95% CI 0.43, 3.31, P>0.05) or arrhythmia ( RR=0.51, 95% CI 0.23, 1.12, P>0.05) between the two groups. Egger′s test indicated the presence of publication bias and the results remained robust after trim and fill analysis. Conclusions:For patients with sTBI, temperature control therapy shows lowered intracranial pressure and mortality rate as well as improved favorable prognosis rate at 6 months posttreatment, and decreased incidence of epilepsy and acute gastrointestinal dysfunction during treatment, while reveals similar incidence of pulmonary infection, intracranial infection, deep vein thrombosis, abnormal coagulation function, and arrhythmia when compared with conventional treatment.
6.RICH1 regulates myocardial fibrosis through TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway
Lu-xuan WAN ; Ying-qing HU ; Yuan-yuan LIU ; Yong-song TANG ; Jun-yi HUANG ; Zi-xuan ZHANG ; Xiao-xiao MAO ; Xin-wen NIE ; Zhan-hong REN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2089-2096
Aim To reveal the mechanism of CIP4 homologs protein 1(RICH1)are involved in the regu-lation of myocardial fibrosis.Methods Mouse cardiac fibroblasts(MCFs)cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β1)to induce the formation of a myocardial fibrosis cell model;the level of the target protein was detected by Western blotting;and the RICH1 gene was detected by transfection of the cells with plasmid.The RICH1 gene was overexpressed(RICH 1 OE)using plasmid transfection;the RICH1 gene was silenced using siRNA fragment(siRICH1);and the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3 a1,and Acta2,were de-tected using RT-qPCR.Results RICH1 was signifi-cantly down-regulated in TGF-β1-treated MCFs;the expression levels of myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1,and Acta2,were down-regu-lated in the RICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group;and in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group,myocardial fibrosis marker genes,such as Col1 a1,Col3a1 and Acta2 were up-regulated at the expression level;phosphorylated SMAD2(p-SMAD2)and phosphorylated SMAD3(p-SMAD3)levels were down-regulated in the siRICH1 OE+TGF-β1 group.p-SMAD2 and P-SMAD3 levels were upregulated in the siRICH1+TGF-β1 group.Conclusion RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis;RICH1 inhibits TGF-β1-induced myo-cardial fibrosis by negatively regulating the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.
7.Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hepatitis C in Henan Province from 2012 to 2022
Lu LIU ; Yugang NIE ; Xiaoyu JI ; Guolong ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Dongyang ZHAO ; Ning LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(8):1203-1208
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hepatitis C in Henan province from 2012 to 2022.Methods:The case report data on hepatitis C from counties and districts in Henan between 2012 and 2022 were collected. The distribution characteristics were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods, and GeoDa1.2 software was used to perform spatial autocorrelation analysis. The spatiotemporal epidemiological analysis was conducted using SaTScan 10.1 software.Results:A total of 274 485 hepatitis C cases were reported in Henan from 2012 to 2022. The reported annual average incidence rate was 25.84/100 000 and showed an overall downward trend from 2012 to 2022 ( Z=-4.05, P<0.001). More cases were reported in women. The cases were mainly aged 40-69 years and farmers. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the reported cases of hepatitis C present spatial clustering during 2012—2022, and the areas with high incidence were mainly distributed in counties or districts of Zhengzhou, Zhumadian, Xuchang, Zhoukou, and Nanyang. One class I clustering area was detected by spatiotemporal scanning, which mainly covered Xuchang, Pingdingshan and the surrounding counties ( LLR=16 117.73, RR=1.81, P<0.001). Conclusion:The reported cases of hepatitis C in Henan Province show an overall downward trend from 2012 to 2022 and present spatiotemporal clustering. The seasonal regularity of the hepatitis C epidemic is not obvious. People aged 40-69 years old and farmers are the key population for prevention and control.
8.Construction and Optimization of Alzheimer's Disease Classification Model Based on Brain Mixed Function Network Topology Parameters and Machine Learning
Xiao-yu HAN ; Xiu-zhu JIA ; Yang LI ; Meng-ying LOU ; Yong-qi NIE ; Xin-ping GUO ; Lu YU ; Zhi-yuan LI ; Lian-zheng SU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(11):1770-1778
Objective:To explore the interrelationship between brain functional networks and features in functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)of patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD),and to construct mixed-function networks(MFN),and apply them in machine learning classification models to improve the accuracy of AD classification.Methods:102 AD patients and 227 healthy subjects in the Alzheimer's Neuroimaging Initiative(ADNI)dataset were retrospectively analyzed.The partial correlation brain network of the blood oxygen level dependent(BOLD)signal was calculated and fused with low-frequency wave amplitude(ALFF),fractional low-frequency wave amplitude(fALFF)and local consistency(ReHo)features to construct MFN.Network topology parameters were extracted,and a variety of machine learning classification models were constructed based on MFN topological parameters,accuracy,precision,recall and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive efficiency of the models.Results:By constructed MFN and calculated intra group to inter group ratio(IIGR),35 features could be obtained from ALFF,fALFF and ReHo feature topological parameter analysis,after rank sum test and FDR correction,there were statistical differences among 28 features(P<0.05).The classification results show that,all the five classifiers have high classification performance on the test data set.The accuracy,precision and recall rates of random forest(RF),adaptive lifting algorithm(AdaBoost),guided aggregation algorithm(Bagging)and support vector machine(SVM)were all 99.7%,and the AUC values were up to 100%,99.5%,99.1%and 99.5%,respectively.The accuracy(98.5%),precision(98.5%),recall(98.5%),and AUC(99.1%)of the multi-layer perceptron(MLP)were slightly lower than other models,but remained excellent.It was worth noting that RF has the highest AUC value of all models at 100.0%,while Bagging has the lowest AUC value(99.1%)in the integrated approach.The results of performance comparison show that,MFN classification model can significantly improve the recognition and classification of AD disease,and greatly improve the performance of various indicators of the classifier.The results showed that,MFN classification model was superior to intelligent classification based fusion,DBN-based multitask learning,PVT-TSVM,unsupervised learning and clustering,SVM and SVM of degree 3 polynomial kernel function in key indicators such as accuracy(99.13%),AUC(99.42%),recall rate(99.46%)and specificity(99.42%)with plasma proteins,machine learning algorithms.It was further proved that MFN classification model has good generalization ability and robustness in AD disease classification.Conclusion:The AD classification model constructed based on brain mixed function network topology parameters and machine learning can improve the accuracy of AD classification.
9.Qianggu-Kangshu formula inhibits rheumatoid arthritis bone destruc-tion by regulating osteoclast differentiation via RANKL/RANK/OPG sig-naling pathway
Lu JIANG ; Zongxing ZHANG ; Weiyi LI ; Daozhong LIU ; Zhuoma BAO ; Qingyun NIE ; Lin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(1):123-135
AIM:To investigate the mechanism of Qianggu-Kangshu formula(QGKSF)in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)bone destruction based on network pharmacology,molecular docking,and cell experiments.METHODS:The main active ingredients and potential targets of QGKSF were obtained through TCMSP database and litera-ture search.OMIM database and GeneCards database were used to search the targets related to RA bone destruction,and Venny 2.1.0 was employed to screen the intersected targets of QGKSF and RA bone destruction.The protein-protein inter-action network of potential intersected targets was constructed by STRING database,and topological analysis was carried out by Cytoscape software to screen core targets.The screened targets of QGKSF related to RA bone destruction were evalu-ated through the Metascape system.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)and Gene Ontology were applied to complete enrichment analysis.AutoDock and PyMOL software was used to carry out molecular docking between the core components and the core proteins.Mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured in vitro,and the cell viability was de-tected by CCK-8 assay.The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)positive multinucleated cells in each group was calculated by TRAP staining.The enzyme activity of the cells was evaluated by determination of TRAP activity.F-actin ring formation was detected by phalloidin staining.Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the protein levels of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1(NFATc1),TRAP,cathepsin K(CTSK),c-Fos,matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9),osteoprotegerin(OPG),receptor activator of nuclear factor κB(RANK),RANK ligand(RANKL)and phos-phorylated protein kinase B(p-AKT).RESULTS:A total of 136 active ingredients and 126 targets were selected corre-lated with QGKSF,whil 207 intersected targets of QGKSF and RA bone destruction were screened,175 of which were core targets.There were 199 pathways obtained by GO enrichment,and 20 pathways related to osteoclasts were screened out,including phosphatidylinoinosiol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation,etc.The results of TRAP staining,TRAP enzyme activity determination and phalloidin staining showed less positive cell formation,de-creased enzyme activity and decreased F-actin ring formation in QGKSF and methotrexate(MTX)groups compared with model group.Western blot results showed that compared with model group,the protein levels of NFATc1,TRAP,CTSK,c-Fos,MMP9,p-AKT,RANK and RANKL were decreased(P<0.05),while the expression of OPG protein was in-creased(P<0.05)in QGKSF and MTX groups.CONCLUSION:Treatment with QGKSF inhibits RANKL-induced dif-ferentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts possibly by inhibiting the over-differentiation of osteoclasts via regulating RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway.
10.Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hepatitis C in Henan Province from 2012 to 2022
Lu LIU ; Yugang NIE ; Xiaoyu JI ; Guolong ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Dongyang ZHAO ; Ning LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(8):1203-1208
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hepatitis C in Henan province from 2012 to 2022.Methods:The case report data on hepatitis C from counties and districts in Henan between 2012 and 2022 were collected. The distribution characteristics were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods, and GeoDa1.2 software was used to perform spatial autocorrelation analysis. The spatiotemporal epidemiological analysis was conducted using SaTScan 10.1 software.Results:A total of 274 485 hepatitis C cases were reported in Henan from 2012 to 2022. The reported annual average incidence rate was 25.84/100 000 and showed an overall downward trend from 2012 to 2022 ( Z=-4.05, P<0.001). More cases were reported in women. The cases were mainly aged 40-69 years and farmers. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the reported cases of hepatitis C present spatial clustering during 2012—2022, and the areas with high incidence were mainly distributed in counties or districts of Zhengzhou, Zhumadian, Xuchang, Zhoukou, and Nanyang. One class I clustering area was detected by spatiotemporal scanning, which mainly covered Xuchang, Pingdingshan and the surrounding counties ( LLR=16 117.73, RR=1.81, P<0.001). Conclusion:The reported cases of hepatitis C in Henan Province show an overall downward trend from 2012 to 2022 and present spatiotemporal clustering. The seasonal regularity of the hepatitis C epidemic is not obvious. People aged 40-69 years old and farmers are the key population for prevention and control.

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