1.Research on The Role of Dopamine in Regulating Sleep and Wakefulness Through Exercise
Li-Juan HOU ; Ya-Xuan GENG ; Ke LI ; Zhao-Yang HUANG ; Lan-Qun MAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):88-98
Sleep is an instinctive behavior alternating awakening state, sleep entails many active processes occurring at the cellular, circuit and organismal levels. The function of sleep is to restore cellular energy, enhance immunity, promote growth and development, consolidate learning and memory to ensure normal life activities. However, with the increasing of social pressure involved in work and life, the incidence of sleep disorders (SD) is increasing year by year. In the short term, sleep disorders lead to impaired memory and attention; in the longer term, it produces neurological dysfunction or even death. There are many ways to directly or indirectly contribute to sleep disorder and keep the hormones, including pharmacological alternative treatments, light therapy and stimulus control therapy. Exercise is also an effective and healthy therapeutic strategy for improving sleep. The intensities, time periods, and different types of exercise have different health benefits for sleep, which can be found through indicators such as sleep quality, sleep efficiency and total sleep time. So it is more and more important to analyze the mechanism and find effective regulation targets during sleep disorder through exercise. Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter in the nervous system, which not only participates in action initiation, movement regulation and emotion regulation, but also plays a key role in the steady-state remodeling of sleep-awakening state transition. Appreciable evidence shows that sleep disorder on humans and rodents evokes anomalies in the dopaminergic signaling, which are also implicated in the development of psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia or substance abuse. Experiments have shown that DA in different neural pathways plays different regulatory roles in sleep behavior, we found that increasing evidence from rodent studies revealed a role for ventral tegmental area DA neurons in regulating sleep-wake patterns. DA signal transduction and neurotransmitter release patterns have complex interactions with behavioral regulation. In addition, experiments have shown that exercise causes changes in DA homeostasis in the brain, which may regulate sleep through different mechanisms, including cAMP response element binding protein signal transduction, changes in the circadian rhythm of biological clock genes, and interactions with endogenous substances such as adenosine, which affect neuronal structure and play a neuroprotective role. This review aims to introduce the regulatory effects of exercise on sleep disorder, especially the regulatory mechanism of DA in this process. The analysis of intracerebral DA signals also requires support from neurophysiological and chemical techniques. Our laboratory has established and developed an in vivo brain neurochemical analysis platform, which provides support for future research on the regulation of sleep-wake cycles by movement. We hope it can provide theoretical reference for the formulation of exercise prescription for clinical sleep disorder and give some advice to the combined intervention of drugs and exercise.
2.Neuroplasticity Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Brain Protection
Li-Juan HOU ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Wei CHEN ; Ke LI ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Yin-Hao WANG ; Zi-Zheng YANG ; Tian-He WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1435-1452
Neuroscience is a significant frontier discipline within the natural sciences and has become an important interdisciplinary frontier scientific field. Brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body, and its structural and functional analysis is considered the “ultimate frontier” of human self-awareness and exploration of nature. Driven by the strategic layout of “China Brain Project”, Chinese scientists have conducted systematic research focusing on “understanding the brain, simulating the brain, and protecting the brain”. They have made breakthrough progress in areas such as the principles of brain cognition, mechanisms and interventions for brain diseases, brain-like computation, and applications of brain-machine intelligence technology, aiming to enhance brain health through biomedical technology and improve the quality of human life. Due to limited understanding and comprehension of neuroscience, there are still many important unresolved issues in the field of neuroscience, resulting in a lack of effective measures to prevent and protect brain health. Therefore, in addition to actively developing new generation drugs, exploring non pharmacological treatment strategies with better health benefits and higher safety is particularly important. Epidemiological data shows that, exercise is not only an indispensable part of daily life but also an important non-pharmacological approach for protecting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, forming an emerging research field known as motor neuroscience. Basic research in motor neuroscience primarily focuses on analyzing the dynamic coding mechanisms of neural circuits involved in motor control, breakthroughs in motor neuroscience research depend on the construction of dynamic monitoring systems across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, high spatiotemporal resolution detection of movement processes and movement-induced changes in brain structure and neural activity signals is an important technical foundation for conducting motor neuroscience research and has developed a set of tools based on traditional neuroscience methods combined with novel motor behavior decoding technologies, providing an innovative technical platform for motor neuroscience research. The protective effect of exercise in neurodegenerative diseases provides broad application prospects for its clinical translation. Applied research in motor neuroscience centers on deciphering the regulatory networks of neuroprotective molecules mediated by exercise. From the perspectives of exercise promoting neurogenesis and regeneration, enhancing synaptic plasticity, modulating neuronal functional activity, and remodeling the molecular homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment, it aims to improve cognitive function and reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This has also advanced research into the molecular regulatory networks mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection and facilitated the clinical application and promotion of exercise rehabilitation strategies. Multidimensional analysis of exercise-regulated neural plasticity is the theoretical basis for elucidating the brain-protective mechanisms mediated by exercise and developing intervention strategies for neurological diseases. Thus,real-time analysis of different neural signals during active exercise is needed to study the health effects of exercise throughout the entire life cycle and enhance lifelong sports awareness. Therefore, this article will systematically summarize the innovative technological developments in motor neuroscience research, review the mechanisms of neural plasticity that exercise utilizes to protect the brain, and explore the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of major neurodegenerative diseases. This aims to provide new ideas for future theoretical innovations and clinical applications in the field of exercise-induced brain protection.
3.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
4.Hepatitis C virus infection:surveillance report from China Healthcare-as-sociated Infection Surveillance System in 2020
Xi-Mao WEN ; Nan REN ; Fu-Qin LI ; Rong ZHAN ; Xu FANG ; Qing-Lan MENG ; Huai YANG ; Wei-Guang LI ; Ding LIU ; Feng-Ling GUO ; Shu-Ming XIANYU ; Xiao-Quan LAI ; Chong-Jie PANG ; Xun HUANG ; An-Hua WU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):1-8
Objective To investigate the infection status and changing trend of hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection in hospitalized patients in medical institutions,and provide reference for formulating HCV infection prevention and control strategies.Methods HCV infection surveillance results from cross-sectional survey data reported to China Healthcare-associated Infection(HAI)Surveillance System in 2020 were summarized and analyzed,HCV positive was serum anti-HCV positive or HCV RNA positive,survey result was compared with the survey results from 2003.Results In 2020,1 071 368 inpatients in 1 573 hospitals were surveyed,738 535 of whom underwent HCV test,4 014 patients were infected with HCV,with a detection rate of 68.93%and a HCV positive rate of 0.54%.The positive rate of HCV in male and female patients were 0.60%and 0.48%,respectively,with a statistically sig-nificant difference(x2=47.18,P<0.001).The HCV positive rate in the 50-<60 age group was the highest(0.76%),followed by the 40-<50 age group(0.71%).Difference among all age groups was statistically signifi-cant(x2=696.74,P<0.001).In 2003,91 113 inpatients were surveyed.35 145 of whom underwent HCV test,resulting in a detection rate of 38.57%;775 patients were infected with HCV,with a positive rate of 2.21%.In 2020,HCV positive rates in hospitals of different scales were 0.46%-0.63%,with the highest in hospital with bed numbers ranging 600-899.Patients'HCV positive rates in hospitals of different scales was statistically signifi-cant(X2=35.34,P<0.001).In 2020,12 provinces/municipalities had over 10 000 patients underwent HCV-rela-ted test,and HCV positive rates ranged 0.19%-0.81%,with the highest rate from Hainan Province.HCV posi-tive rates in different departments were 0.06%-0.82%,with the lowest positive rate in the department of pedia-trics and the highest in the department of internal medicine.In 2003 and 2020,HCV positive rates in the depart-ment of infectious diseases were the highest,being 7.95%and 3.48%,respectively.Followed by departments of orthopedics(7.72%),gastroenterology(3.77%),nephrology(3.57%)and general intensive care unit(ICU,3.10%)in 2003,as well as departments of gastroenterology(1.35%),nephrology(1.18%),endocrinology(0.91%),and general intensive care unit(ICU,0.79%)in 2020.Conclusion Compared with 2003,HCV positive rate decreased significantly in 2020.HCV infected patients were mainly from the department of infectious diseases,followed by departments of gastroenterology,nephrology and general ICU.HCV infection positive rate varies with gender,age,and region.
5.Establishment of hypothyroidism model in mice
Haomiao LAN ; Li ZHANG ; Yu MAO ; Linjun XIE ; Hongying CHE
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(1):40-47
Objective Total thyroidectomy of C57BL/6 and KM mice was performed by two different surgical methods to verify the success of mouse hypothyroidism model modeling,and compared the success rate of different surgical methods.Methods C57BL/6 and KM mice underwent total thyroidectomy by ligation(operation method Ⅰ)or hemostasis(operation method Ⅱ),and the detailed operation processes were recorded.Serum TT3,TT4 and TSH levels detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,body weight,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)-stained neck tissue were compared before and after surgery to verify the model.Results Serum TT3 and TT4 levels were decreased(P<0.05)and TSH was increased(P<0.001)in both model groups.The 28-day postoperative survival rates were 40%and 60%in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ,respectively,and 50%and 40%in KM mice.Body weights were significantly higher in both model groups compared with the sham control group.HE staining and microscopic observation showed that the cervical tissue in both strains was thyroid tissue,and the back membrane of the thyroid remained intact after isolation.Conclusions Both surgical method can induce hypothyroidism in C57BL/6 and KM mice;however,it is necessary to consider the anatomical relationship of the thyroid gland to the surrounding tissue,improve the proficiency of the surgical operation,prevent the occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia and infection,and thus improve the survival rate of the model mice.
6.Construction of A Macro-evaluation Tool for Dampness Syndrome Animal Model in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chuang LI ; Peng XU ; Ruimin TIAN ; Zhaorui CAO ; Mingjia LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhaoyu LU ; Taohua LAN ; Xiaowan WANG ; Wei MAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1449-1457
ObjectiveTo construct a macro-evaluation tool for dampness syndrome (DS) animal model, which will provide a basis for experimental research on dampness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsConceptual framework of this study was clarified through discussions within the core working group, and dimensions of the evaluation of the animal model of DS were identified according to TCM principles. We searched CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed databases from the inception to June 30th, 2023, on experiments involving dampness syndrome animals to create a pool of items about DS animal models. The core items were selected and extracted for factor analysis and cluster analysis. An expert importance rating questionnaire was developed based on the results of the literature review, analyzing the distribution of item scores, importance averages, and coefficient of variation. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature, expert importance scoring, and specific expert opinions, items that did not meet anyone of the criteria of average importance rating ≥2.04, coefficient of variation ≤30%, or literature eva-luation frequency ≥2% were removed, thereafter, the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model was preliminarily constructed. ResultsSpirit and body state, autonomic activity state, body surface characteristics, diet, urination and defecation, tongue manifestation, and motor behavior assessment were constructed as the seven dimensions in the evaluation of DS animal model. A total of 348 papers about animal experiments were included and analyzed, resulting in a saturated pool of 72 items, which was refined to 38 core items of DS animal models. Factor analysis obtained 16 common factors, which were further clustered into two categories, named dampness transforming from heat syndrome and dampness transforming from cold syndrome. The expert importance scoring showed that the Kendall harmony coefficient was 0.359 (P<0.05) indicating a high level of agreement, coordination and reliability among the experts. Notably, 50% or more of the experts considered the items thick and greasy tongue coating, unclean perianal area, loose stools, lethargy, unformed stools, and listless expression as very important. The median scores for all items were 2.04(1.73, 2.37), with a coefficient of variation ranging from 19.73% to 53.38%. After expert evaluation, the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM with 33 items and corresponding criteria for assessing the formation of DS models was finally contructed. ConclusionThe Macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM is highly scientific, credible, and operable, and can be utilized in DS animal experiments after its characteristics are actually evaluated.
7.The Chinese guideline for management of snakebites
Lai RONGDE ; Yan SHIJIAO ; Wang SHIJUN ; Yang SHUQING ; Yan ZHANGREN ; Lan PIN ; Wang YONGGAO ; Li QI ; Wang JINLONG ; Wang WEI ; Ma YUEFENG ; Liang ZIJING ; Zhang JIANFENG ; Zhou NING ; Han XIAOTONG ; Zhang XINCHAO ; Zhang MAO ; Zhao XIAODONG ; Zhang GUOQIANG ; Zhu HUADONG ; Yu XUEZHONG ; Lyu CHUANZHU
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;15(5):333-355
In 2009,the World Health Organization included snakebite on the list of neglected tropical diseases,acknowledging it as a common occupational hazard for farmers,plantation workers,and others,causing tens of thousands of deaths and chronic physical disabilities every year.This guideline aims to provide practical information to help clinical professionals evaluate and treat snakebite victims.These recommendations are based on clinical experience and clinical research evidence.This guideline focuses on the following topics:snake venom,clinical manifestations,auxiliary examination,diagnosis,treatments,and prevention.
8.Construction and validation of an in-hospital mortality risk prediction model for patients receiving VA-ECMO:a retrospective multi-center case-control study
Yue GE ; Jianwei LI ; Hongkai LIANG ; Liusheng HOU ; Liuer ZUO ; Zhen CHEN ; Jianhai LU ; Xin ZHAO ; Jingyi LIANG ; Lan PENG ; Jingna BAO ; Jiaxin DUAN ; Li LIU ; Keqing MAO ; Zhenhua ZENG ; Hongbin HU ; Zhongqing CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):491-498
Objective To investigate the risk factors of in-hospital mortality and establish a risk prediction model for patients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO).Methods We retrospectively collected the data of 302 patients receiving VA-ECMO in ICU of 3 hospitals in Guangdong Province between January,2015 and January,2022 using a convenience sampling method.The patients were divided into a derivation cohort(201 cases)and a validation cohort(101 cases).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the risk factors for in-hospital death of these patients,based on which a risk prediction model was established in the form of a nomogram.The receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve and clinical decision curve were used to evaluate the discrimination ability,calibration and clinical validity of this model.Results The in-hospital mortality risk prediction model was established based the risk factors including hypertension(OR=3.694,95%CI:1.582-8.621),continuous renal replacement therapy(OR=9.661,95%CI:4.103-22.745),elevated Na2+ level(OR=1.048,95%CI:1.003-1.095)and increased hemoglobin level(OR=0.987,95%CI:0.977-0.998).In the derivation cohort,the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of this model was 0.829(95%CI:0.770-0.889),greater than those of the 4 single factors(all AUC<0.800),APACHE Ⅱ Score(AUC=0.777,95%CI:0.714-0.840)and the SOFA Score(AUC=0.721,95%CI:0.647-0.796).The results of internal validation showed that the AUC of the model was 0.774(95%CI:0.679-0.869),and the goodness of fit test showed a good fitting of this model(χ2=4.629,P>0.05).Conclusion The risk prediction model for in-hospital mortality of patients on VA-ECMO has good differentiation,calibration and clinical effectiveness and outperforms the commonly used disease severity scoring system,and thus can be used for assessing disease severity and prognostic risk level in critically ill patients.
9.The relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and liver regeneration and its role in liver diseases
Yupei LIN ; Xiaoping LIU ; Yinbing LUO ; Feiyan LI ; Yingying LIAO ; Shicong MO ; Dewen MAO ; Yanmei LAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(5):1050-1056
The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in maintaining liver homeostasis and liver regeneration.In healthy livers,the Wnt signaling pathway is mostly inactive,but it is continuously overactivated during cell renewal or regeneration processes,as well as in certain pathological conditions,diseases,precancerous states,and cancers.Persistent liver cell injury often leads to chronic liver diseases such as liver fibrosis,liver cirrhosis,and liver cancer.This article summarizes the basic structural features of the Wnt signaling pathway and analyzes its important role in the pathological progression of various liver diseases,so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases in clinical practice.
10.Construction and validation of an in-hospital mortality risk prediction model for patients receiving VA-ECMO:a retrospective multi-center case-control study
Yue GE ; Jianwei LI ; Hongkai LIANG ; Liusheng HOU ; Liuer ZUO ; Zhen CHEN ; Jianhai LU ; Xin ZHAO ; Jingyi LIANG ; Lan PENG ; Jingna BAO ; Jiaxin DUAN ; Li LIU ; Keqing MAO ; Zhenhua ZENG ; Hongbin HU ; Zhongqing CHEN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(3):491-498
Objective To investigate the risk factors of in-hospital mortality and establish a risk prediction model for patients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(VA-ECMO).Methods We retrospectively collected the data of 302 patients receiving VA-ECMO in ICU of 3 hospitals in Guangdong Province between January,2015 and January,2022 using a convenience sampling method.The patients were divided into a derivation cohort(201 cases)and a validation cohort(101 cases).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the risk factors for in-hospital death of these patients,based on which a risk prediction model was established in the form of a nomogram.The receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve and clinical decision curve were used to evaluate the discrimination ability,calibration and clinical validity of this model.Results The in-hospital mortality risk prediction model was established based the risk factors including hypertension(OR=3.694,95%CI:1.582-8.621),continuous renal replacement therapy(OR=9.661,95%CI:4.103-22.745),elevated Na2+ level(OR=1.048,95%CI:1.003-1.095)and increased hemoglobin level(OR=0.987,95%CI:0.977-0.998).In the derivation cohort,the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of this model was 0.829(95%CI:0.770-0.889),greater than those of the 4 single factors(all AUC<0.800),APACHE Ⅱ Score(AUC=0.777,95%CI:0.714-0.840)and the SOFA Score(AUC=0.721,95%CI:0.647-0.796).The results of internal validation showed that the AUC of the model was 0.774(95%CI:0.679-0.869),and the goodness of fit test showed a good fitting of this model(χ2=4.629,P>0.05).Conclusion The risk prediction model for in-hospital mortality of patients on VA-ECMO has good differentiation,calibration and clinical effectiveness and outperforms the commonly used disease severity scoring system,and thus can be used for assessing disease severity and prognostic risk level in critically ill patients.

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