1.Study on The Anti-aging Effects of Longevity-enriched Metabolite Dimethylglycine
Jie HU ; Gong-Yu PU ; Jun-Lin LI ; Ju CAO ; Zhi-Xin LIN ; Wei-Wei AN ; Xue-Meng LI ; Jing AN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1048-1061
ObjectiveThe exacerbating trend of global population aging poses profound socioeconomic and public health challenges, making the comprehensive elucidation of biological aging mechanisms and the discovery of effective anti-aging interventions an urgent priority in the life sciences. Based on our previous serum metabolomics findings that dimethylglycine, an intermediate metabolite of amino acid metabolism naturally present in the human body, was significantly enriched in the serum of longevity families, this study aimed to systematically investigate the anti-aging effects of dimethylglycine both in living organisms and in controlled laboratory environments, and to preliminarily elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. While existing literature indicates that dimethylglycine possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, its direct anti-aging efficacy and the specific molecular pathways through which it operates remain largely unexplored. MethodsTo comprehensively evaluate the anti-aging properties of dimethylglycine, we utilized replicative senescent human embryonic lung fibroblasts, specifically the WI-38 cell line, as an experimental model in a controlled laboratory environment. Cell viability and safety were thoroughly assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays across various concentrations of dimethylglycine. The impact of dimethylglycine on cellular senescence phenotypes, oxidative stress, and proliferative capacity was evaluated via senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, reactive oxygen species fluorescence detection, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assays. Furthermore, the molecular alterations of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and core senescence signaling pathways were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the messenger RNA levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of p16 and p21 protein expression levels. For the living organism model, the wild-type nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate systemic physiological effects. We conducted a comprehensive lifespan analysis at 20°C, heat stress resistance survival assays at 35℃, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, lipofuscin accumulation tracking, intracellular reactive oxygen species measurement, and Oil Red O staining to ascertain systemic lipid accumulation. Additionally, network pharmacology bioinformatics tools, including PharmMapper and STRING databases, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were utilized to predict target pathways, alongside highly detailed molecular docking simulations utilizing SwissDock and Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler to examine interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein. ResultsThe experimental outcomes robustly demonstrate the potent anti-aging capabilities of dimethylglycine. At the cellular level, toxicity analyses firmly confirmed that dimethylglycine is highly safe; continuous treatment with 50 mol/L and 70 mol/L of dimethylglycine for 5 d did not induce any cellular membrane damage or cytotoxicity, but rather actively promoted cellular proliferation. Utilizing the optimal standardized concentration of 50 mol/L, dimethylglycine treatment significantly ameliorated senescent phenotypic markers in human embryonic lung fibroblasts, which was evidenced by a drastic and highly significant reduction in the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase positive cell percentage (P<0.000 1) and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels (P<0.000 1), alongside a marked increase in the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-positive proliferation rate (P=0.003 5). On a molecular expression scale, dimethylglycine significantly downregulated the messenger RNA expression of multiple core senescence-associated secretory phenotype inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1. Concurrently, it effectively suppressed the protein expression of critical cell cycle arrest markers, diminishing p16 protein levels by 57.3% (P=0.000 4) and p21 protein levels by 27.2% (P=0.000 7). In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans animal model, dimethylglycine significantly extended the mean lifespan from 20.402 d to an impressive 23.066 d (P<0.000 1) and notably enhanced overall survival rates under severe heat stress environmental conditions (P=0.017). Furthermore, systemic dimethylglycine intervention significantly mitigated age-related physiological decline by decreasing bodily lipofuscin accumulation (P<0.000 1), significantly reducing senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, lowering systemic reactive oxygen species fluorescence (P=0.008), and effectively alleviating overall fat accumulation (P<0.000 1). Mechanistically, extensive network pharmacology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses strongly revealed that the potential targets of dimethylglycine are significantly enriched in fundamental drug metabolism and oxidative stress response pathways. Precision molecular docking simulations conclusively demonstrated that dimethylglycine forms highly stable structural interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein, specifically highlighting the definitive formation of 5 stable hydrogen bonds involving serine 365, leucine 366, and serine 429 residues, as well as two critical salt bridge formations with arginine 97 and histidine 368 residues. It is additionally predicted to interact favorably with glutathione S-transferase family proteins. ConclusionDimethylglycine exhibits a profoundly significant and multifaceted anti-aging activity at both the cellular and entire living animal levels. By powerfully alleviating oxidative stress, heavily suppressing the core p16 and p21-dependent cellular senescence signaling pathways, and substantially mitigating the detrimental senescence-associated secretory phenotype, dimethylglycine effectively delays fundamental cellular senescence processes and drastically extends whole-organism lifespan. The biological mechanisms driving these robust protective effects are highly likely closely associated with its direct stable interactions with crucial metabolic and detoxifying enzyme systems, such as cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 and glutathione S-transferase family proteins, thereby systemically improving metabolic dysregulation and restoring critical redox homeostasis. This comprehensive study provides highly solid experimental evidence supporting dimethylglycine as a highly potent and safe potential anti-aging intervention agent, while simultaneously offering a clear molecular mechanistic explanation for the previously documented high abundance of dimethylglycine observed within exceptionally long-lived human populations.
2.Blood donation in hypertensive populations: risk mechanisms, international practices, and future perspectives
Lizhou ZHAO ; Meng LI ; Ying LI ; Xue CHEN ; Kefen WANG ; Yishu WANG ; Xuemei FU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):799-808
Hypertension ranks among the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide, with its prevalence rising steadily and exerting substantial impacts on the demographic composition of voluntary blood donors and the safety of blood supply. The eligibility of hypertensive individuals for safe blood donation and the relevant screening and management strategies have long remained controversial in transfusion medicine. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of hypertension, donation-related physiological alterations and underlying risk mechanisms. By synthesizing evidence from international multicenter studies and regulatory practices across major nations, it conducts a comprehensive analysis of blood donation safety and donor admission criteria for hypertensive patients. Available evidence demonstrates that for hypertensives with well-stabilized blood pressure and no severe cardiac, cerebral or renal complications or target organ damage, the overall incidence of adverse reactions following blood donation is comparable to that in healthy donors, and no definitive correlation has been identified between blood pressure levels and vasovagal responses. Current mainstream international management frameworks are gradually shifting from screening reliant on a single blood pressure cutoff value toward an integrated strategy combining stratified risk classification and individualized dynamic assessment, with core focus on long-term blood pressure control, consistency of medication regimens and complication status. Meanwhile, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and wearable devices have opened innovative avenues for blood donation risk evaluation and full-cycle donor management. In light of existing clinical evidence, future efforts should further refine the multi-dimensional risk stratification system, facilitate the implementation of intelligent screening and continuous monitoring technologies, and scale up health education and follow-up management for hypertensive populations. Such measures aim to appropriately expand the pool of eligible blood donors while safeguarding donation safety, ultimately achieving coordinated improvement in blood safety and blood supply capacity.
3.Research progress on interventions for adolescent non suicidal self injury stigma
JIN Jiahui, FANG Qiaofen, MENG Genhua, HUANG Hai, XUE Jiao, XIE Jin, TANG Zhenghua
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(6):908-912
Abstract
Adolescents are a high risk group for non suicidal self injury (NSSI), and the severity of the issue has been increasing. However, stigma originating from self perceptions, the public, and healthcare professionals poses significant barriers to help seeking and recovery among adolescents with NSSI. The paper systematically reviews the main intervention strategies targeting NSSI related stigma in adolescents, along with their effectiveness, from three perspectives: educational approaches, contact based interventions, and public advocacy against stigma, aiming to inform the development of a scientific, effective, and multi stakeholder collaborative integrated intervention framework to provide a basis for reducing and ultimately eliminating stigma associated with adolescent NSSI.
4.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
5.Treatment of Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Based on the Opening-Closing-Pivot Theory
Xiang LI ; Xue BAI ; Ruijing ZHANG ; Yanli MENG ; Xia CUI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1556-1559
Based on the opening-closing-pivot theory, this paper proposes that adolescent bipolar disorder is closely associated with taiyin (太阴), shaoyang (少阳), and jueyin (厥阴) channels. The principal pathogenesis involves dysfunction of the opening function of taiyin, impaired pivot function of shaoyang, and failure of the closing function of jueyin. Accordingly, the therapeutic principles include regulating taiyin to restore the ascending and descending movement of qi, harmonizing shaoyang to facilitate the pivot mechanism, and balancing yin and yang to reinforce the closing and storing function of jueyin. In clinical practice, Yihuang Powder (益黄散) and Tongxie Important Formula (痛泻要方) are commonly prescribed to regulate the qi movement of taiyin and restore its ascending and transporting functions, while Xiaochaihu Decoction (小柴胡汤) and Sini Powder (四逆散) are used to regulate the shaoyang pivot, and Wumei Pill (乌梅丸), Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤), and Huanglian Ejiao Decoction (黄连阿胶汤) combined with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) are employed to harmonize the jueyin closing mechanism. In addition, traditional daoyin (导引) exercise yi jin jing (易筋经) is incorporated to simultaneously regulate the body and mind by guiding internal regulation through external movement, thereby calming the body and tranquilizing the mind.
6.Treatment of Adolescent Bipolar Disorder Based on the Opening-Closing-Pivot Theory
Xiang LI ; Xue BAI ; Ruijing ZHANG ; Yanli MENG ; Xia CUI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1556-1559
Based on the opening-closing-pivot theory, this paper proposes that adolescent bipolar disorder is closely associated with taiyin (太阴), shaoyang (少阳), and jueyin (厥阴) channels. The principal pathogenesis involves dysfunction of the opening function of taiyin, impaired pivot function of shaoyang, and failure of the closing function of jueyin. Accordingly, the therapeutic principles include regulating taiyin to restore the ascending and descending movement of qi, harmonizing shaoyang to facilitate the pivot mechanism, and balancing yin and yang to reinforce the closing and storing function of jueyin. In clinical practice, Yihuang Powder (益黄散) and Tongxie Important Formula (痛泻要方) are commonly prescribed to regulate the qi movement of taiyin and restore its ascending and transporting functions, while Xiaochaihu Decoction (小柴胡汤) and Sini Powder (四逆散) are used to regulate the shaoyang pivot, and Wumei Pill (乌梅丸), Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤), and Huanglian Ejiao Decoction (黄连阿胶汤) combined with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) are employed to harmonize the jueyin closing mechanism. In addition, traditional daoyin (导引) exercise yi jin jing (易筋经) is incorporated to simultaneously regulate the body and mind by guiding internal regulation through external movement, thereby calming the body and tranquilizing the mind.
7.Expression of IP3R2 and RYR2 mediated Ca2+signals in a mouse model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Jili ZHAO ; Tianyu MENG ; Yarong YUE ; Xin ZHANG ; Wenqian DU ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Hui XUE ; Wenping XIANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):254-261
BACKGROUND:Ca2+expression in astrocytes has been found to be closely related to cognitive function,and the Ca2+signaling pathway regulated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP3R2)and ryanodine receptor(RYR)2 receptors has become a hot spot in the study of cognitive disorder-related diseases. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the expression of Ca2+signals mediated by IP3R2 and RYR2 in hippocampal astrocytes in animal models of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning,and to explore the possible pathogenesis of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. METHODS:C57BL mice with qualified cognitive function were selected by Morris water maze experiment and randomly divided into control group and experimental group.An animal model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning was established by static carbon monoxide inhalation in the experimental group,and the same amount of air was inhaled in the control group.Behavioral and neuronal changes,astrocyte specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein,IP3R2,RYR2 receptor and Ca2+concentration in astrocytes of the two groups were detected using Morris water maze,hematoxylin-eosin staining,western blot,immunofluorescence double labeling and Ca2+fluorescence probe at 21 days after modeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the Morris water maze,the escape latency of the experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that in the experimental group,the number of hippocampal pyramidal cells decreased,the cell structure was disordered,and the nucleus was broken and dissolved.Immunofluorescence results showed that IP3R2 and RYR2 were co-expressed with glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus,and the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were up-regulated in the hippocampus of the experimental group(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2,and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of the experimental group were increased(P<0.05).Ca2+concentration in hippocampal astrocytes increased significantly in the experimental group(P<0.05).To conclude,astrocytes may affect Ca2+signals by mediating IP3R2 and RYR2 receptors,then impair the cognitive function of mice with carbon monoxide poisoning,and eventually lead to delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
8.Quality Evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Dispensing Granules Based on HPLC Specific Chromatogram and Two Reference Substances for Determination of Multiple Components
Jinxin LI ; Xue DONG ; Shuai DUAN ; Guiyun CAO ; Jinghua ZHANG ; Yongfu LUAN ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):246-253
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram of Chuanxiong Rhizoma dispensing granules(CRdg), and to evaluate its quality by chemometrics and two reference substances for determination of multiple components(TRSDMC). MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatograms were established using 13 batches of CRdg from 7 manufacturers, and preliminary quality evaluation was performed by similarity evaluation and chemometrics analysis. Eight characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram of CRdg were measured on 22 different types of C18 columns, and the actual retention times were recorded. Taking chlorogenic acid(peak 1) and senkyunolide A(peak 8) as double standard compounds, the retention times of the eight characteristic peaks were predicted by linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), and the method was validated on three other columns of different brands. Taking chlorogenic acid as reference peak, the relative correction factor method(RCFM) was used to quantify cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide A, and the results were compared with the external standard method(ESM). ResultsThe similarities of specific chromatograms of 13 batches of CRdg were all >0.90, and a total of 8 characteristic peaks were calibrated, and six of them were identified, including chlorogenic acid(peak 1), cryptochlorogenic acid(peak 2), caffeic acid(peak 3), ferulic acid(peak 5), senkyunolide I(peak 6) and senkyunolide A(peak 8). Through chemometric analysis, it was found that ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, senkyunolide I and cryptochlorogenic acid were the main components causing quality difference in CRdg, and the accuracy of LCTRS in predicting the retention time of 8 characteristic peaks was superior to that of the relative retention time method(RRT). Further comparison of the results obtained from RCFM and ESM showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. ConclusionA quality evaluation method for CRdg based on HPLC specific chromatogram and TRSDMC is established, its qualitative accuracy is better than that of RRT, the quantitative accuracy is similar to that of ESM, and 4 quality-differentiated components among different manufacturers are found. This method is stable and reliable, and has reference value for the quality evaluation of other dispensing granules.
9.Quality Evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Dispensing Granules Based on HPLC Specific Chromatogram and Two Reference Substances for Determination of Multiple Components
Jinxin LI ; Xue DONG ; Shuai DUAN ; Guiyun CAO ; Jinghua ZHANG ; Yongfu LUAN ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):246-253
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram of Chuanxiong Rhizoma dispensing granules(CRdg), and to evaluate its quality by chemometrics and two reference substances for determination of multiple components(TRSDMC). MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatograms were established using 13 batches of CRdg from 7 manufacturers, and preliminary quality evaluation was performed by similarity evaluation and chemometrics analysis. Eight characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram of CRdg were measured on 22 different types of C18 columns, and the actual retention times were recorded. Taking chlorogenic acid(peak 1) and senkyunolide A(peak 8) as double standard compounds, the retention times of the eight characteristic peaks were predicted by linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), and the method was validated on three other columns of different brands. Taking chlorogenic acid as reference peak, the relative correction factor method(RCFM) was used to quantify cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide A, and the results were compared with the external standard method(ESM). ResultsThe similarities of specific chromatograms of 13 batches of CRdg were all >0.90, and a total of 8 characteristic peaks were calibrated, and six of them were identified, including chlorogenic acid(peak 1), cryptochlorogenic acid(peak 2), caffeic acid(peak 3), ferulic acid(peak 5), senkyunolide I(peak 6) and senkyunolide A(peak 8). Through chemometric analysis, it was found that ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, senkyunolide I and cryptochlorogenic acid were the main components causing quality difference in CRdg, and the accuracy of LCTRS in predicting the retention time of 8 characteristic peaks was superior to that of the relative retention time method(RRT). Further comparison of the results obtained from RCFM and ESM showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. ConclusionA quality evaluation method for CRdg based on HPLC specific chromatogram and TRSDMC is established, its qualitative accuracy is better than that of RRT, the quantitative accuracy is similar to that of ESM, and 4 quality-differentiated components among different manufacturers are found. This method is stable and reliable, and has reference value for the quality evaluation of other dispensing granules.
10.Increased CT Attenuation of Pericolic Adipose Tissue as a Noninvasive Marker of Disease Severity in Ulcerative Colitis
Jun LU ; Hui XU ; Jing ZHENG ; Tianxin CHENG ; Xinjun HAN ; Yuxin WANG ; Xuxu MENG ; Xiaoyang LI ; Jiahui JIANG ; Xue DONG ; Xijie ZHANG ; Zhenchang WANG ; Zhenghan YANG ; Lixue XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):411-421
Objective:
Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results:
The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85.
Conclusion
Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.


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