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.Periodontitis exacerbates pulmonary hypertension by promoting IFNγ+T cell infiltration in mice
Meng XIAOQIAN ; Du LINJUAN ; Xu SHUO ; Zhou LUJUN ; Chen BOYAN ; Li YULIN ; Chen CHUMAO ; Ye HUILIN ; Zhang JUN ; Tian GUOCAI ; Bai XUEBING ; Dong TING ; Lin WENZHEN ; Sun MENGJUN ; Zhou KECONG ; Liu YAN ; Zhang WUCHANG ; Duan SHENGZHONG
International Journal of Oral Science 2024;16(2):359-369
Uncovering the risk factors of pulmonary hypertension and its mechanisms is crucial for the prevention and treatment of the disease.In the current study,we showed that experimental periodontitis,which was established by ligation of molars followed by orally smearing subgingival plaques from patients with periodontitis,exacerbated hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice.Mechanistically,periodontitis dysregulated the pulmonary microbiota by promoting ectopic colonization and enrichment of oral bacteria in the lungs,contributing to pulmonary infiltration of interferon gamma positive(IFNγ+)T cells and aggravating the progression of pulmonary hypertension.In addition,we identified Prevotella zoogleoformans as the critical periodontitis-associated bacterium driving the exacerbation of pulmonary hypertension by periodontitis,and the exacerbation was potently ameliorated by both cervical lymph node excision and IFNγ neutralizing antibodies.Our study suggests a proof of concept that the combined prevention and treatment of periodontitis and pulmonary hypertension are necessary.
3.Evaluation of perioperative anxiety state and analysis of influencing factors in burn patients
Shu-Ting REN ; Meng-Meng LI ; Ya-Nan BIAN ; Wen XU ; Guo-Xin GU ; Yu SUN ; Ming-Zi RAN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2024;49(7):754-760
Objective To evaluate the perioperative anxiety state and analyze the influencing factors of burned patients.Methods A total of 110 burned patients undergoing selective surgery under general anesthesia were included in the Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from February to August 2022.All patients were evaluated with self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),visual analogue scale-anxiety(VAS-a),visual analogue scale-pain(VAS-p),mini-mental state examination(MMSE),and Ramsay sedation score 1-day before and after operation.The patients'parameters were recorded including mean arterial pressure(MAP)and heart rate(HR)at admission(T0),before anesthesia induction(T1),2 min after intubation(T2),15 min after surgery(T3),during surgery(T4),at surgery end(T5),and immediately after leaving the operating room(T6).The occurrence and the influencing factors of perioperative anxiety in burn patients were analyzed using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results The incidence of preoperative and postoperative anxiety in burn patients was 29.1%and 22.3%respectively.Univariate logistic analysis showed that gender(P=0.002),burn time(P=0.046),burn area(P=0.005),burn site(P=0.035),and degree of preoperative pain(P=0.001)were related with preoperative anxiety status in burn patients;while burn time(P=0.030),burn area(P=0.001),burn site(P=0.016),degree of preoperative pain(P=0.021),and preoperative anxiety status(P<0.001)were related with postoperative anxiety state in burn patients.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender and degree of preoperative pain were the independent influencing factors of preoperative anxiety status in burn patients(P=0.002,0.022),and preoperative anxiety status was the independent influencing factor of postoperative anxiety status in burn patients(P<0.001).Compared with the preoperative non-anxious patients(n=73),preoperative anxious patients(n=30)showed no significant difference in MAP at each time point(P>0.05),but HR was accelerated(P<0.05),and the dosage of sufentanil,remifentanil and propofol increased significantly during the operation(P<0.05).Conclusions The anxiety state of burn patients was significantly higher before operation than that after operation,and their consumption of anesthetic drugs during operation was higher,and there was no significant correlation with the type and number of operation.Gender,degree of preoperative pain and anxiety state were the independent influencing factors of perioperative anxiety state in burn patients.Early intervention against relevant factors will help patients recover quickly.
4.Maternal MTR gene polymorphisms and their interactions with periconceptional folic acid supplementation in relation to offspring ventricular septal defects
Xiao-Rui RUAN ; Meng-Ting SUN ; Jian-Hui WEI ; Man-Jun LUO ; Han-Jun LIU ; Jia-Peng TANG ; Liu-Xuan LI ; Jia-Bi QIN
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(9):899-906
Objective To investigate how maternal MTR gene polymorphisms and their interactions with periconceptional folic acid supplementation are associated with the incidence of ventricular septal defects(VSD)in offspring.Methods A case-control study was conducted,recruiting 426 mothers of infants with VSD under one year old and 740 mothers of age-matched healthy infants.A questionnaire survey collected data on maternal exposures,and blood samples were analyzed for genetic polymorphisms.Multivariable logistic regression analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to analyze the associations between genetic loci and VSD.Crossover analysis and logistic regression were utilized to examine the additive and multiplicative interactions between the loci and folic acid intake.Results The CT and TT genotypes of the maternal MTR gene at rs6668344 increased the susceptibility of offspring to VSD(P<0.05).The GC and CC genotypes at rs3768139,AG and GG at rs1050993,AT and TT at rs4659743,GG at rs3768142,and GT and TT at rs3820571 were associated with a decreased risk of VSD(P<0.05).The variations at rs6668344 demonstrated an antagonistic multiplicative interaction with folic acid supplementation in relation to VSD(P<0.05).Conclusions Maternal MTR gene polymorphisms significantly correlate with the incidence of VSD in offspring.Mothers with variations at rs6668344 can decrease the susceptibility to VSD in their offspring by supplementing with folic acid during the periconceptional period,suggesting the importance of periconceptional folic acid supplementation in genetically at-risk populations to prevent VSD in offspring.
5.A survey on the diagnosis and treatment of Mason Type Ⅱ radial head fracture by domestic orthopaedic trauma surgeons in China
Changrun LI ; Ting LI ; Zhijian SUN ; Meng MI ; Honghu XIAO ; Shangwei JI ; Dongchen YAO ; Fangfang DUAN ; Xieyuan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(5):444-448
Objective:To investigate the major considerations of domestic orthopaedic trauma surgeons in China when they diagnose and treat Mason type Ⅱ radial head fractures.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted from January 15, 2022 to January 16, 2022 using the convenience sampling method among domestic orthopedic trauma surgeons in China. The survey covered the surgeons' basic information, evaluation of Mason type Ⅱ radial head fractures, treatment preferences, and surgical indications recognized.Results:The present survey retrieved 474 eligible questionnaires. 358 surgeons (75.5%, 358/474) believed that the Morrey modified classification for Mason type Ⅱ radial head fracture could properly guide their diagnosis and treatment. 460 surgeons (97.0%, 460/474) believed that diagnosis of the fracture should be based on a combination of elbow X-ray and elbow CT examinations. Young age (80.2%, 380/474), dominant side involvement (66.2%, 314/474), concomitant ipsilateral upper limb injury (78.7%, 373/474), large fracture displacement (67.7%, 321/474), separation of fracture fragments from the main bone (91.6%, 434/474), and fracture involvement area >30% (81.6%, 387/474) were the main factors considered by the orthopedic trauma surgeons when they chose surgical treatment. Large fracture displacement (71.7%, 340/474), especially large articular steps (83.5%, 443/474), separation of fracture fragments from the main bone (75.9%, 360/474), and limited forearm rotation or joint clicking (82.7%, 392/474) found during physical examination were recognized as surgical indications for Mason type Ⅱ fracture by orthopedic trauma surgeons.Conclusion:Domestic orthopedic trauma surgeons in China prefer surgical treatment for Mason type Ⅱ radial head fractures with loss of cortical contact and large displacement, especially large articular steps.
6.Study of adult radial head fracture and its treatment: a bibliometric analysis of current status and trends
Changrun LI ; Ting LI ; Zhijian SUN ; Meng MI ; Honghu XIAO ; Shangwei JI ; Dongchen YAO ; Fangfang DUAN ; Xieyuan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(9):797-803
Objective:To investigate the current status and developing trends of study of adult radial head fracture and its treatment.Methods:The literature related to radial head fracture from January 2010 to September 2022 was reviewed through Web of science database. A bibliometric method and visualization software were used to study all the data collected and the 100 most-cited studies related to the treatment of radial head fracture to understand the research status, related cooperation, research trends and research hotspots in the field of adult radial head fracture.Results:A total of 387 studies were included, with a citation frequency of 4,982 times, an average citation frequency of 12.9 times for each study, and an H index of 36. The most studies were published in 2020 (38 studies). The citation frequency increased year by year, reaching the highest (783 times) in 2019. For the 100 most-cited studies, the citation frequency was 2,235 times, and the average citation frequency was 22.4 times for each study. The United States (100 studies), Harvard University (30 studies), Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (69 studies), and Ring D (19 studies) were, respectively, the most contributing country/region, institution, journal, and author. The country/region, institution, and author that participated the most in the collaboration were, respectively, the United States, Amphia Hospital, and Eygendaal D. Radial head fractures of Mason types Ⅱ and Ⅲ and combined with other elbow fractures and dislocations have attracted the intense attention since 2010. The current research hotspots are combined injuries and radial head prosthesis. Conclusion:Analysis of the bibliometric characteristics of the literature related to adult radial head fracture since 2010 displays the current research status and research hotspots to help following researchers to fully understand the historical development and recent hotspots in the field of adult radial head fracture.
7.Safety and efficacy of different loading doses followed by pro re nata regimens of Conbercept in the treatment of diabetic macular edema
Ting MENG ; Hong-Yan SUN ; Bin LUO ; Jing WANG ; Li-Yu WANG ; Ya-Li GAO ; Li JIANG ; Jun WANG ; Ting-Ming DENG ; Ai-Neng ZENG ; Xiao-Ling LUO ; Ming-Ming YANG
International Eye Science 2023;23(1):138-141
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different Conbercept treatment on diabetic macular edema(DME)with 3+PRN and 5+PRN.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. A total of 51 patients(92 eyes)with DME who were treated in our hospital during December 2019 and June 2020 were included, and they were divided into 3+PRN group with 26 cases(48 eyes)and 5+PRN group with 25 cases(44 eyes). All patients received monthly follow-up for 12mo and the changes of best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central macular thickness(CMT), the number of intravitreal injections and the occurrence of complications were compared and observed in the two groups.RESULTS:After follow-up for 12mo, there was no difference in the average injection times between the 3+PRN group and the 5+PRN group(7.24±0.91 times vs. 7.56±1.04 times, P=0.117). The BCVA and CMT of the two groups improved at 3, 6, 9, and 12mo after treatment compared with those before treatment(all P<0.05), and the BCVA and CMT of the 5+PRN group were better than those of the 3+PRN group at 6, 9, and 12mo after treatment(all P<0.05). During the follow-up period, no serious adverse events occurred in the two groups of patients, and the total incidence of ocular adverse events in the two groups was 27%. All adverse events were improved after symptomatic treatment.CONCLUSION: Both the 3+PRN and 5+PRN treatment strategy of Conbercept can treat DME safely and effectively, the total times of injection were comparable. However, the BCVA and CMT improved more in the 5+PRN group than that in 3+PRN group.
8.Clinical significance and changes of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid in diabetic retinopathy
Hong-Yan SUN ; Xiao-Ling LUO ; Ting MENG ; Jiao-Jie FAN ; Yan HU ; Jun WANG ; Si-Jing ZHANG ; Hui-Pan ZHAO ; Ming-Ming YANG
International Eye Science 2023;23(2):256-260
AIM: To analyze the changes of serum homocysteine(Hcy), vitamin B12(VitB12)and folic acid in the serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR), and to explore their significance in the occurrence and development of DR.METHODS: A case-control study was designed. A total of 95 patients with DR(DR group), 94 patients with diabetes mellitus(DM group)treated in endgcrinology department and 87 patients with age-related cataract(normal control group)from the ophthalmology department of Shenzhen People's Hospital between July 2021 and January 2022 were selected. Fasting venous blood was collected and serum was separated. The concentration of Hcy in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect the concentration of VitB12 and folic acid. Pearson linear correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Hcy and clinical parameters. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the main factors which affect Hcy level. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was designed to analyze the diagnostic value of serum Hcy, VitB12 and folic acid in DR.RESULTS: The concentration of serum Hcy in DR group was 16.52±3.54 μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in DM group(10.86±3.47 μmol/L)and control group(6.84±1.39 μmol/L; all P<0.05); The concentration of VitB12 in the serum of the control group was 501.79±108.95 pmol/L, which was higher than that in DM group(478.57±57.85 pmol/L)and DR group(455.88±181.49 pmol/L), but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.054); The concentration of folic acid in serum of control group was 10.31±2.43 nmol/L, which was higher than that of DM group(9.94±1.90 nmol/L)and DR group(7.27±2.79 nmol/L), and the difference between DR group and DM group was statistically significant(P<0.05); In DR group, Hcy expression was weakly positively correlated with triglyceride and low density lipoprotein(r=0.208, P=0.043; r=0.240, P=0.019). Multivariate linear regression showed that low density lipoprotein was an important factor which affect the expression of Hcy in DR patients. ROC curve shows that Hcy has important value in the diagnosis of DR.CONCLUSIONS: Hcy, VitB12 and folic acid are differentially expressed in DR group, DM group and normal control group. Hcy may be involved in the pathogenesis of DR, and it has important value in the diagnosis of DR. In addition, low density lipoprotein is also an important factor which affects the expression of Hcy.
9.Effect of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant in Guangdong Province.
Pei HU ; Dan Er LIN ; Qi ZHU ; Ting HU ; Meng ZHANG ; Cui Qian ZHANG ; Li Mei SUN ; Jian Feng HE
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(7):992-996
Objective: To evaluate the effect of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant. Methods: A total of 1 403 Omicron-infected patients admitted to 20 designated hospitals in Guangdong Province from January 1 to May 31, 2022, were selected as subjects in this study. A case-control study was conducted to collect the demographic data, underlying disease, vaccination status, last exposure date, gene sequencing of infected strains and clinical outcomes from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and Guangdong telemedicine platform. Pneumonia (common, severe and critical) and non-pneumonia (asymptomatic and mild) were selected as the case group and control group. The effect of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant was analyzed. Results: The median age [M (Q1, Q3)] of the subjects was 36 (27-47) years old, with males accounting for 52.25% (733 cases). The main outcome of the infection was non-pneumonia, accounting for 92.09% (1 292 cases), and the duration [M (Q1, Q3)] of the disease was 18 (14-22) days. There were 134 (9.55%), 39 (2.78%), 403 (28.72%), 437 (31.15%) and 390 (27.80%) cases with no or partial vaccination, within 90 days of primary vaccination, over 90 days of primary vaccination, within 90 days of booster vaccination and over 90 days of booster vaccination, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for gender, age, underlying disease, and location of the report, compared with those with no or partial vaccination, the risk of developing pneumonia was lower in those with over 90 days of primary vaccination, within 90 days of booster vaccination and over 90 days of booster vaccination [OR (95%CI) values were 0.52 (0.28-0.98), 0.39 (0.21-0.73) and 0.40 (0.21-0.77), respectively]. Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed that after adjusting for gender, age, underlying disease and location of the report, the duration of the disease was shorter in those who received booster vaccinated for more than 90 days compared with that in those who had no or partial vaccination [HR (95%CI): 1.26 (1.03-1.55)]. Conclusion: The inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine affects the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant.
Adult
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Case-Control Studies
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China/epidemiology*
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COVID-19/prevention & control*
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COVID-19 Vaccines
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SARS-CoV-2
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Female
10.Physical health status and influencing factors of preschool children in Tibet
CHEN Ting, LIANG Meng, WANG Jiajuan, ZHAO Xin, CHENG Hong, DU Wenjuan, SUN Ruizhe
Chinese Journal of School Health 2023;44(11):1626-1630
Objective:
To explore physical health status and influencing factors of preschool children in Tibet, so as to provide a scientific reference and theoretical basis for the healthy development of physical fitness.
Methods:
Data were collected from children (3-6 years old) of Xizang national physical fitness monitoring, and a total of 1 521 preschool children were recruited who received questionnaire survey and physical fitness test. Independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the differences in physical fitness indexes of preschool children in different groups. Chi square test and binary Logistic regression model were used to analyze the factors affecting physical health of preschool children.
Results:
The total qualified rate of physical fitness was 79.75%, among which the excellent rate was 3.16%, the good rate was 15.12%, the qualified rate was 61.47% and the unqualified was 20.25%. From the perspective of BMI, the excellent physical fitness rate (3.74%) and good physical fitness rate ( 17.47% ) were highest in healthy weight preschool children, and the qualified physical fitness rate of overweight preschool children (69.03%) was higher than that of obese (55.88%) and healthy weight preschool children (60.68%)( χ 2=53.56, P <0.01). From the perspective of ethnic, Tibetan children s physique proficiency (3.69%), good rate ( 17.13% ) than with the elevation of the Han nationality (0.74%, 5.88%), fraction defective (16.97%), lower than that of Han nationality (35.29%) ( χ 2=53.71, P <0.01); The results of chest circumference, skinfold thickness, body fat percentage, tennis throw distance, continuous jump of both feet, sitting forward bend and balance beam walking of Tibetan children were higher than those of Han children, and the results of quiet heart rate and standing long jump were lower than those of Han children ( t = 2.72 , 10.95, 9.66, 3.68, 3.88, 8.04, 3.56, 8.70, -4.39 , -4.40, P <0.01). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that Tibetans ( OR =2.29), breastfeeding ( OR =1.51), body dynamics outdoor daily exercise duration 30-90 min (30-<60 min ;OR = 2.03 ; 60-90 min: OR =2.22) were positively correlated with physical health of preschool children ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The total physical qualification rate of preschool children aged 3-6 years old in Tibet is lower than the national average. Ethnic group, feeding pattern during infancy, and physical activity are all factors that affected the physical fitness of preschool children in Tibet. It is of great significance to improve the physique of preschool children in Tibet to promote their sustainable and healthy development.


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