1.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
2.Investigation of the use and cognition of protective equipment in pediatric CT examination in Linyi City, China
Lishan WANG ; Lanfang LIN ; Congwen MAO ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):186-191
Objective To analyze the current situation of pediatric CT examination protection and cognition in Linyi City, China, and to promote the safe and standardized development of pediatric CT examination. Methods The radiation protection facilities of 58 medical institutions, the use of protective equipment among 158 pediatric patients undergoing CT examinations, and the cognition of radiation knowledge by 188 radiographers were investigated, and the data were analyzed. Results All 58 medical institutions installed ionizing radiation warning signs according to the standards, the normal operation rate of the work indicator lights was 81.0%, and the proper provision rate of protective equipment was 72.4%. The utilization rate of protective equipment was 59.5%, and there were significant differences among hospitals at different levels (P < 0.05). Radiographers had the highest awareness rate of radiation hazards (93.6%). The awareness rate of radiation basic knowledge differed significantly among radiographers with variuos educational backgrounds and professional titles (P < 0.05). The awareness rate of protection knowledge differed significantly with sex, age, and professional title (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the awareness rate of emergency knowledge and laws and regulations based on age, educational background, and professional title (P < 0.05). Conclusion The availability and utilization of protective facilities and equipment for pediatric CT examinations in medical institutions in Linyi City require further improvement. Radiographers have a high level of awareness of radiation hazards. However, there remain gaps in their awareness rates of fundamental radiation hygiene knowledge, radiation protection knowledge, emergency knowledge, and laws and regulations. Increased efforts in education and training are recommended.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Jiuzi Huichun Decoction Combined with Spleen-strengthening Moxibustion on Asthenospermia Infertility with Spleen-kidney Deficiency Pattern
Junbo WANG ; Shijia LIANG ; Jianmin MAO ; Jianming SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):171-179
ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness and safety of Jiuzihuichun decoction combined with spleen- strengthening moxibustion in patients with asthenospermia infertility with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern. MethodsA total of 82 patients with asthenospermia of spleen-kidney deficiency pattern in Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital were included. The patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 41 patients in each group. The control group received oral administration of WuziYanzong pills combined with spleen-strengthening moxibustion. The dosage of Wuzi Yanzong pills was 1 bag each time, and it was taken twice a day. The spleen-strengthening moxibustion was carried out once a week. The observation group, on the other hand, took Jiuzi Huichun decoction orally combined with spleen-strengthening moxibustion. The Jiuzi Huichun Decoction was taken 200 mL each time, twice a day, with one dose in the morning and one in the evening. The spleen-strengthening moxibustion for the observation group was also performed once a week. The treatment course for both groups was 12 weeks, and they were followed up for an additional 12 weeks. During the treatment process,12 cases were either lost to follow-up or excluded. Eventually, 70 cases were available for evaluation,with 35 cases in the control group and 35 cases in the observation group. The pregnancy status of the patients' spouse within 6 months was recorded. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores of spleen-kidney deficiency pattern before and after treatment were evaluated. The semen volume,semen routine parameters,normal sperm morphology,sperm DNA fragmentation index,seminal plasma fructose,seminal plasma acid phosphatase, and seminal plasma α-glucosidase levels of the two groups were detected before and after treatment. In addition, the safety indicators related to liver and kidney functions of the two groups were detected before and after treatment. ResultsDuring the 6-month observation period, when compared with the situation before treatment in their respective groups,the semen volume of the observation group and the control group increased. In contrast, the sperm concentration,sperm motility,proportion of a+b-grade sperm,normal sperm morphology,seminal plasma fructose,seminal plasma acid phosphatase,seminal plasma α-Glucosidase,the proportion of a-grade sperm,linear sperm motility,linear sperm concentration, and linear sperm count all increased significantly(P<0.05). At the same time, the sperm DNA fragmentation index and the TCM syndrome scores of the spleen-kidney deficiency pattern decreased significantly(P<0.05). When the observation group was compared with the control group after treatment, the clinical efficacy of the observation group was better(Z=-2.276,P<0.05). The pregnancy rate of the observation group's spouses was 14.3%,which was higher than the 2.9% of the control group. The sperm motility, the proportion of a+b-grade sperm,seminal plasma fructose,the proportion of a-grade sperm,normal sperm morphology,α-glucosidase, and linear sperm motility in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the sperm DNA fragmentation index and the TCM syndrome scores of spleen-kidney deficiency pattern in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). No serious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups,and no abnormalities were found in the safety indicators after treatment. ConclusionJiuzi Huichun decoction combined with spleen-strengthening moxibustion can enhance sperm viability and sperm concentration. It can also improve the TCM-related symptoms of asthenospermia of spleen-kidney deficiency pattern and sperm morphology. Additionally, it can reduce the sperm DNA fragmentation index and regulate the level of seminal plasma bioenzyme in patients with male asthenospermia infertility of spleen-kidney deficiency pattern. Therefore, it is worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice.
4.Prognostic Significance of KMT2D Gene Mutation and Its Co-mutated Genes in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Mutibaier·MIJITI ; Xiaolong QI ; Renaguli·ABULAITI ; Wenxin TIAN ; Sha LIU ; Weiyuan MA ; Zengsheng WANG ; Li AN ; Min MAO ; Muhebaier·ABUDUER ; Yan LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(2):127-132
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accompanied with KMT2D gene mutation and the impact of its co-mutated genes on prognosis. Methods Clinical data of 155 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were obtained. The second-generation sequencing method was used to detect 475 hotspot genes, including KMT2D mutation. Patients were divided into the KMT2D mutation group and KMT2D wild-type group based on the presence or absence of KMT2D gene mutation. Clinical characteristics, differences in co-mutated genes, and survival differences between the two groups were compared. Results The frequency of KMT2D mutation was 31%, which is predominantly observed in elderly patients (P=0.07) and less in the double-expressor phenotype (P=0.07). Compared with the KMT2D wild-type group, KMT2D gene mutation was associated with higher co-mutation rates of CDKN2A (OR=2.82, P=0.01) and BCL2 (OR=3.84, P=0.016), while being mutually exclusive with MYC gene mutation (OR=0.11, P=0.013). In univariate survival analysis, no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) was found between the KMT2D mutation group and the wild-type group (P=0.54). Further analysis of the prognostic significance of KMT2D with other gene mutations indicated that patients with KMT2DmutBTG2mut had poorer OS than those with KMT2Dwt BTG2mut (P=0.07) and KMT2Dwt BTG2wt (P=0.05). On the contrary, patients with KMT2Dmut CD79Bmut had better OS than those with KMT2Dmut CD79Bwt (P=0.09), with no prognostic impact observed for other co-mutated genes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that Ann Arbor stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ (HR=2.751, 95%CI: 1.169-6.472, P=0.02), elevated LDH levels (HR=2.461, 95%CI: 1.396-4.337, P=0.002), Ki-67 index>80% (HR=1.875, 95%CI: 1.066-3.299, P=0.029), and KMT2DmutBTG2mut(HR=4.566, 95%CI: 1.348-15.471, P=0.015) were independent risk factors for OS in patients with DLBCL (P<0.05). Conclusion DLBCL patients with KMT2D mutation often have multiple gene mutations, among which patients with a co-mutated BTG2 gene have poor prognosis.
5.Construction and practice of the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis” and related prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy in traditional Chinese medicine/Zhuang medicine
Zhipeng WU ; Yuqin ZHANG ; Chun YAO ; Minggang WANG ; Na WANG ; Mengru PENG ; Ningfang MO ; Yaqing ZHENG ; Rongzhen ZHANG ; Dewen MAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):370-374
Hepatic encephalopathy is a difficult and critical disease with rapid progression and limited treatment methods in the field of liver disease, and it is urgently needed to make breakthroughs in its pathogenesis. Selection of appropriate prevention and treatment strategies is of great importance in delaying disease progression and reducing the incidence and mortality rates. This article reviews the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis” and related prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy in traditional Chinese medicine/Zhuang medicine, proposes a new theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis”, analyzes the scientific connotations of “turbid”, “toxin”, and the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis”, and constructs the “four-step” prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy, thereby establishing the new clinical prevention and treatment regimen for hepatic encephalopathy represented by “four prescriptions and two techniques” and clarifying the effect mechanism and biological basis of core prescriptions and techniques in the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, in order to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
6.Pharmaceutical care for a patient with empagliflozin-induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis
Lili YANG ; Qi LI ; Hui WANG ; Ruilong GAO ; Min MAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):214-218
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for the pharmaceutical care of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) who developed euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) after taking empagliflozin. METHODS Clinical pharmacists provided pharmaceutical care for a patient with T2DM and LGMD who developed euDKA after taking empagliflozin. According to the patient’s recent use of medications and his conditions, clinical pharmacists assessed the correlation between euDKA and empagliflozin as “very likely”. As to euDKA, clinical pharmacists suggested discontinuing empagliflozin and metformin, and giving intravenous infusion of 10% Glucose injection instead of 5% Glucose injection for fluid resuscitation. Clinical pharmacists monitored the patient’s laboratory indicators such as arterial blood gas analysis, blood/urine ketones and electrolytes. They assisted physicians to decide when to stop intravenous supplements of liquid and insulin. Clinical pharmacists also assisted physicians to adjust the antidiabetic drugs and educated the patient to avoid empagliflozin or other sodium- glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). RESULTS Physicians adopted the suggestions of clinical pharmacists. After treatment, the patient’s condition improved, and he was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS euDKA is a relatively rare and serious adverse reaction associated with SGLT2i, and the patients with LGMD are susceptible to euDKA. Clinical pharmacists assist physicians in developing personalized medication plans by evaluating the association between euDKA and empagliflozin, adjusting medication regimens,conducting pharmaceutical monitoring,and other pharmaceutical services. Meanwhile, they provide medication education to patients to ensure their medication safety.
7.Meta-analysis of the effects of gene polymorphism on plasma concentration of voriconazole in patients with invasive fungal infection
Yaxuan LI ; Xingde LI ; Guohui WANG ; Panpan MAO ; Xuejiao MA ; Cangsang SONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):225-231
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of gene polymorphism on plasma minimum concentration (cmin) of voriconazole (VRZ) in patients with invasive fungal infection. METHODS The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data were searched for literature on the correlation between gene polymorphisms and cmin of VRZ from inception to April 2024. After screening the literature, extracting data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, meta-analysis was performed using R 4.3.2 software. RESULTS A total of 21 studies with 2 454 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the VRZ cmin of CYP2C19 IM and PM types was significantly higher than EM type, and the VRZ cmin of IM type was significantly lower than PM type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of CYP2C9 rs1057910 AA type was significantly higher than AC/CC type, and that of CYP3A5 rs776746 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of POR rs10954732 GG type was significantly higher than GA and AA types, and that of POR rs1057868 CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of ABCB1 rs1045642 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of NR1I2 rs2472677 CT type was significantly higher than TT type, and rs7643645 AA type was significantly higher than AG type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of ABCC2 rs717620 CC type was significantly lower than CT type and TT type, and the CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mutant alleles in CYP2C19, CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP3A5 rs776746, POR rs10954732, ABCB1 rs1045642 and NR1I2 rs7643645 can lead to a decrease in VRZ plasma concentration, and mutant allele in ABCC2 rs717620 can lead to an increase in VRZ plasma concentration.
8.Research progress on the interaction between immunosuppressants and intestinal flora after liver transplantation
Saijuan LU ; Cangsang SONG ; Xingde LI ; Guohui WANG ; Panpan MAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):362-366
Immunosuppressants (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate esters, glucocorticoids, etc.) are the first choice of drugs to prevent organ rejection after liver transplantation, which can effectively reduce the host immune response to the graft, improve the success rate of transplantation, and prolong the survival of patients. Liver transplantation is associated with intestinal flora, while immunosuppressive agents interact with intestinal flora. Immunosuppressive agents change the abundance, composition and metabolites of intestinal flora, while a series of enzymes and metabolites produced by intestinal flora may chemically alter the absorption and metabolism of immunosuppressants. In addition, the incidence of postoperative infection in liver transplantion patients is relatively high, while gut flora affects inflammatory factors, and immunosuppressants interact with inflammatory factors. To some extent, immunosuppressants can be thought of as acting through intestinal flora in patients after liver transplantation.
9.Pharmaceutical care for a patient with empagliflozin-induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis
Lili YANG ; Qi LI ; Hui WANG ; Ruilong GAO ; Min MAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):214-218
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for the pharmaceutical care of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) who developed euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) after taking empagliflozin. METHODS Clinical pharmacists provided pharmaceutical care for a patient with T2DM and LGMD who developed euDKA after taking empagliflozin. According to the patient’s recent use of medications and his conditions, clinical pharmacists assessed the correlation between euDKA and empagliflozin as “very likely”. As to euDKA, clinical pharmacists suggested discontinuing empagliflozin and metformin, and giving intravenous infusion of 10% Glucose injection instead of 5% Glucose injection for fluid resuscitation. Clinical pharmacists monitored the patient’s laboratory indicators such as arterial blood gas analysis, blood/urine ketones and electrolytes. They assisted physicians to decide when to stop intravenous supplements of liquid and insulin. Clinical pharmacists also assisted physicians to adjust the antidiabetic drugs and educated the patient to avoid empagliflozin or other sodium- glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). RESULTS Physicians adopted the suggestions of clinical pharmacists. After treatment, the patient’s condition improved, and he was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS euDKA is a relatively rare and serious adverse reaction associated with SGLT2i, and the patients with LGMD are susceptible to euDKA. Clinical pharmacists assist physicians in developing personalized medication plans by evaluating the association between euDKA and empagliflozin, adjusting medication regimens,conducting pharmaceutical monitoring,and other pharmaceutical services. Meanwhile, they provide medication education to patients to ensure their medication safety.
10.Meta-analysis of the effects of gene polymorphism on plasma concentration of voriconazole in patients with invasive fungal infection
Yaxuan LI ; Xingde LI ; Guohui WANG ; Panpan MAO ; Xuejiao MA ; Cangsang SONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):225-231
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of gene polymorphism on plasma minimum concentration (cmin) of voriconazole (VRZ) in patients with invasive fungal infection. METHODS The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data were searched for literature on the correlation between gene polymorphisms and cmin of VRZ from inception to April 2024. After screening the literature, extracting data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, meta-analysis was performed using R 4.3.2 software. RESULTS A total of 21 studies with 2 454 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the VRZ cmin of CYP2C19 IM and PM types was significantly higher than EM type, and the VRZ cmin of IM type was significantly lower than PM type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of CYP2C9 rs1057910 AA type was significantly higher than AC/CC type, and that of CYP3A5 rs776746 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of POR rs10954732 GG type was significantly higher than GA and AA types, and that of POR rs1057868 CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of ABCB1 rs1045642 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of NR1I2 rs2472677 CT type was significantly higher than TT type, and rs7643645 AA type was significantly higher than AG type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of ABCC2 rs717620 CC type was significantly lower than CT type and TT type, and the CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mutant alleles in CYP2C19, CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP3A5 rs776746, POR rs10954732, ABCB1 rs1045642 and NR1I2 rs7643645 can lead to a decrease in VRZ plasma concentration, and mutant allele in ABCC2 rs717620 can lead to an increase in VRZ plasma concentration.

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