1.Empirical study of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations
Xiayao CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Xue DONG ; Zhongxiang MI ; Jun CHENG ; Aimin ZHANG ; Didi LU ; Jun WANG ; Jude LIU ; Qianmo AN ; Hui GUO ; Xiaochen LIU ; Zefeng YU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):83-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the present situation of input, output, outcome and impact of all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia in China, and analyze how the input predict the output, outcome and impact. MethodsFrom March 1st to April 30th, 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted on all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia, covering four dimensions: input, output, outcome and impact. A total of 1 365 questionnaires were distributed. The input included four items: laws and policies, human resources, equipment and facilities, and rehabilitation information management. The output included two items: technical paths and benefits/effectiveness. The outcome included three items: coverage rates, rehabilitation interventions and functional results. The impact included two items: health and sustainability. Each item contained several questions, all of which were described in a positive way. Each question was scored from one to five. A lower score indicated that the situation of the community-based rehabilitation station was more in line with the content described in the question. Regression analysis was performed using the total score of each item of input dimension as independent variables, and the total scores of the output, outcome and impact dimensions as dependent variables. ResultsA total of 1 262 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean values of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations were 1.827 to 1.904, with coefficient of variation of 45.892% to 49.239%. The regression analysis showed that, rehabilitation information management, human resources, and laws and policies significantly predicted the output dimension (R² = 0.910, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, all four items in the input dimension predicted both the outcome (R² = 0.850, P < 0.001) and impact dimensions (R² = 0.833, P < 0.001). ConclusionInput, output, outcome and impact of the community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia were generally in line with the content of the questions, although some imbalances were observed. Additionally, the input of community-based rehabilitation stations could significantly predict their output, outcome and impact.
2.Association of physical activity with overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms and their co-occurrence among junior and senior high school students
LU Qu, CHEN Manman, WANG Jiahui, JIANG Yu, GU Fang, DONG Bin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):355-359
Objective:
To analyze the associations of physical activity with overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide reference for optimizing physical activity intervention strategies and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Methods:
From March to November 2023, a cross sectional survey was conducted among 90 457 junior and senior high school students aged 11-18 years in Zhejiang Province using a stratified cluster random sampling method. Data on physical activity and dietary behavior were collected through questionnaires, height and weight were measured. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The Chi-square test was used to examine differences, and Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the associations of physical activity characteristics with overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence. Additionally, the effectiveness of physical activity performed on rest days versus work days was examined.
Results:
The prevalence of overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence among junior and senior high school students were 25.1%, 27.9%, and 6.7%, respectively, with significant sex differences ( χ 2=2 005.3, 587.7, 99.6, all P <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that students with insufficient physical activity had a higher risk of overweight/obesity compared with those with sufficient physical activity ( OR=1.12, 95%CI=1.06-1.17, P <0.01). Comparing to students who exercised 0-1 day per week, those who exercised 5-7 days per week were associated with a reduced risk of overweight/obesity and depressive symptoms ( OR=0.93, 95%CI =0.90-0.97; OR=0.95, 95%CI =0.91-0.99, both P <0.05). When total activity volume and frequency were held constant, students with sufficient rest day physical activity had lower risks of overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence than those with insufficient rest day activity (all P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Sufficient amount of physical activity and higher frequency of rest day physical activity are significantly associated with lower risks of overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence in adolescents. Physical activity performed on rest days may confer greater health benefits than activity performed on work days.
3.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
4.Multidimensional analysis of concurrent proximal bronchiolar adenoma and lung carcinoma
Lu-Yao LI ; Gong-Ming DONG ; Yun-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Ting WANG ; Fu-Quan JIA ; Guan-Jun ZHANG
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):356-363
Bronchiolar adenoma (BA) is a rare type of lung tumor characterized by bilayered epithelial cells having a continuous basal layer and a luminal layer. It resembles mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA) on frozen section, with difficulty in distinguishing the basal layer. Immunohistochemistry is the best choice for verifying the diagnosis. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize three cases of BA-combined carcinoma using clinical, histopathological, and genetic features. BA and carcinoma sections were subjected to next-generation sequencing, respectively. It was hypothesized that while different mutation forms matched different regions, BA and lung adenocarcinoma shared the same gene mutation when they co-occurred in the same location. BA with extensive carcinoma is extremely rare and presents diagnostic challenges due to its overlap with conditions such as MA. Because of its distinctive morphological characteristics, BA may be regarded as a low-grade malignancy, particularly during a confusing evaluation. A multifaceted examination of clinical, radiological, immunohistochemical, and genetic data is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
5.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
6.Molecular Mechanism of Gypenoside L Inducing Ovarian Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Regulating NUF2 and Influencing Magnesium Homeostasis
Yang HONG ; Di ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Jiaxin WANG ; Lu PAN ; Lijiang ZHOU ; Mingdian YUAN ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):155-165
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the role of NDC80 kinetochore complex component (NUF2) and magnesium homeostasis in ovarian cancer cell apoptosis, as well as the regulatory mechanism of gypenoside L (Gyp-L) on NUF2 and magnesium homeostasis. MethodsOvarian cancer OVCAR3 cells were divided into a blank control group, a low-concentration Gyp-L group (50 µmol·L-1), a high-concentration Gyp-L group (100 µmol·L-1), and a cisplatin (15 µmol·L-1) group. The migration, proliferation, and apoptosis capabilities of OVCAR3 cells were evaluated through cell scratch assays, clonal experiments, and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining. Differentially expressed genes of ovarian cancer were screened by using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The interaction relationships of differentially expressed genes and proteins were analyzed via the Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING) database. The prognostic survival analysis was performed by using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, and the differential expression levels of genes were validated with the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. The mRNA expression levels of NUF2, magnesium homeostasis-related indicators, such as magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1), non-imprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome 1 (NIPA1), NIPA-like domain containing 1 (NIPAL1), as well as apoptosis-related indicators B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in OVCAR3 cells, were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein expression levels of NUF2, MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, Bcl-2, and Bax in OVCAR3 cells were quantitatively analyzed by ProteinSimple WES. A model of overexpression of NUF2 was constructed, and Gyp-L intervention was performed. The molecular mechanism by which Gyp-L induces ovarian cancer cell apoptosis by regulating NUF2 and influencing magnesium homeostasis was quantitatively analyzed and detected through cell cloning, TUNEL staining, Real-time PCR, and ProteinSimple WES. Finally, the Mg2+ content and protein synthesis efficiency were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsGyp-L significantly inhibited the migration and proliferation capabilities of OVCAR3 cells and promoted their apoptosis (P<0.05). Overexpression of NUF2 markedly increased the expression levels of MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, and Bcl-2, while reducing the expression level of Bax (P<0.05). It also significantly elevated intracellular Mg2+ content and protein synthesis efficiency and simultaneously inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Gyp-L could reverse the magnesium homeostasis imbalance and apoptosis inhibition caused by the overexpression of NUF2, downregulating the expression levels of NUF2, MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, and Bcl-2 (P<0.05), while upregulating the expression level of Bax (P<0.05). ConclusionGyp-L can inhibit the occurrence of ovarian cancer, and its mechanism may involve inhibiting the expression of NUF2 to maintain magnesium homeostasis and inducing apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells.
7.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
8.Comparative Study on the Effects of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier in Conventional and Pseudo-Germ-Free Model Mice of Acute Ulcerative Colitis
Mingxu GAO ; Leilei LIU ; Lijie LU ; Jiali WANG ; Juncong HU ; Yangzhe LIN ; Qirui LIU ; Yue DONG ; Luyue WANG ; Zeyu XUE ; Junxiang LI ; Lei SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1528-1537
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (清肠温中方, QWD) in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsA total of 100 male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to a pseudo-germ-free group (n=45) and a conventional group (n=55) using a random number table. Pseudo-germ-free model was established by giving antibiotic treatment and subsequently subjected to acute UC induction. After the model was successfully established, the 45 pseudo-germ-free acute UC mice were randomly allocated to a pseudo-germ-free model group, a pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and a pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. The 55 conventional mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=10), as well as a conventional model group, a conventional QWD group, and a conventional mesalazine group, with 15 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, acute UC models were established in all other groups. Mice in the control group received no intervention. From day 32 of the experiment, mice in the pseudo-germ-free QWD group and the conventional QWD group were administered with QWD granules at a dose of 9.71 g/(kg·d) by gavage with deionized water, while those in the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group and the conventional mesalazine group were given mesalazine enteric-coated tablets at a dose of 151.67 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. Mice in the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water once daily for 7 consecutive days. On day 25 of the experiment, six mice were randomly selected from both the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional group to measure body weight, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing to compare differences in gut microbiota, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Shannon index, Observed_species index, and phylogenetic diversity (PD whole tree). On day 39, body weight was measured in all groups, and the disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated. Colon length and colon wet weight were recorded. Histopathological changes in colonic tissues were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and histological injury scores were determined. In addition, the expression levels of mucopolysaccharides and mucin 2 (MUC2) in colonic tissues were measured. ResultsOn day 25, there was no significant difference in body weight between the pseudo-germ-free group and the conventional microbiota group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional microbiota group, the pseudo-germ-free group showed significantly reduced OTUs, Shannon index, Observed_species index, and PD whole tree (P<0.01). On day 39, compared to the normal control group, mice in the conventional model group showed a significant decrease in the body weight and an increase in DAI, along with increased colon wet weight, shortened colon length, markedly elevated histopathological scores, and reduced expression of mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 (P<0.01). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in these parameters in the pseudo-germ-free model group (P>0.05). Compared to the conventional model group, the conventional QWD group showed significant improvement in all measured parameters, whereas the conventional mesalazine group showed reductions only in DAI scores and colon wet weight (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed among the pseudo-germ-free model group, the pseudo-germ-free QWD group, and the pseudo-germ-free mesalazine group (P>0.05). ConclusionQWD may promote the reconstruction of the intestinal mucus barrier by regulating the intestinal flora, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on acute UC.
9.Progress on M cells-targeted oral vaccine delivery systems
Anze LIU ; Yingxin DONG ; Huan WANG ; Ying LU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(8):389-394
Oral vaccines, owing to their non-invasive nature, ease of administration, and ability to elicit both mucosal and systemic immune responses, represent a pivotal direction in vaccine development. Microfold cells (M cells), a specialized subset of immune-surveillance epithelial cells, though sparsely distributed, possess exceptional capacity for antigen uptake and transcytosis, rendering them a critical target for overcoming the bottlenecks of oral vaccine delivery. The morphological structure, antigen uptake mechanisms, and surface receptor characteristics of intestinal M cells were summarized in this paper. The multifaceted challenges currently impeding M cell-targeted oral delivery and recent advances in targeting strategies based on receptor–ligand specific recognition were analyzed. The design and application of delivery carriers tailored for M cell targeting were reviewed, which aimed to provide insights and guidance for future research and development of M cell-targeted mucosal delivery systems in the intestine.
10.Biomarkers of hepatotoxicity in rats induced by aqueous extract of Dictamni Cortex based on urine metabolomics.
Hui-Juan SUN ; Rui GAO ; Meng-Meng ZHANG ; Ge-Yu DENG ; Lin HUANG ; Zhen-Dong ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Fang LU ; Shu-Min LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2526-2538
This paper aimed to use non-targeted urine metabolomics to reveal the potential biomarkers of toxicity in rats with hepatic injury induced by aqueous extracts of Dictamni Cortex(ADC). Forty-eight SD rats were randomly assigned to a blank group and high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose ADC groups, with 12 rats in each group(half male and half female), and they were administered orally for four weeks. The hepatic injury in SD rats was assessed by body weight, liver weight/index, biochemical index, L-glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA), and pathological alterations. The qPCR was utilized to determine the expression of metabolic enzymes in the liver and inflammatory factors. Differential metabolites were screened using principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), followed by a metabolic pathway analysis. The Mantel test was performed to assess differential metabolites and abnormally expressed biochemical indexes, obtaining potential biomarkers. The high-dose ADC group showed a decrease in body weight and an increase in liver weight and index, resulting in hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic steatosis. In addition, this group showed elevated levels of MDA, cytochrome P450(CYP) 3A1, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), as well as lower levels of alanine transaminase(ALT) and GSH. A total of 76 differential metabolites were screened from the blank and high-dose ADC groups, which were mainly involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism, pentose and glucuronic acid interconversion, galactose metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and other pathways. The Mantel test identified biomarkers of hepatotoxicity induced by ADC in SD rats, including glycineamideribotide, dIDP, and galactosylglycerol. In summary, ADC induced hepatotoxicity by disrupting glucose metabolism, ferroptosis, purine metabolism, and other pathways in rats, and glycineamideribotide, dIDP, and galactosylglycerol could be employed as the biomarkers of its toxicity.
Animals
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats
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Metabolomics
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Biomarkers/metabolism*
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Liver/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
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Female
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism*
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Glutathione/metabolism*
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Humans


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