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.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal ideation, and to examine the chain mediating roles of childhood trauma and ineffectiveness. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was administered by school psychologists to 4 157 mother-adolescent pairs from middle schools in Shanghai and Henan, China. Measures included the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Children's Depression Inventory. Using Bootstrap method to examine the chain mediating effect of childhood trauma and ineffectiveness on the relationship between maternal depression symptoms and adolescent suicidal ideation. RESULTS: The prevalence of maternal depressive symptoms was 17.68% (735/4 157); among adolescents, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15.49% (644/4 157), and suicidal ideation was 28.19% (1 172/4 157). Adolescent depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were positively correlated with maternal depressive symptoms, childhood trauma, and ineffectiveness (all P<0.01). Childhood trauma significantly mediated the association between maternal and adolescent depressive symptoms (95%CI: 0.046 9-0.077 2). The chain mediation of childhood trauma and ineffectiveness in the association between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal ideation was also significant (95%CI: 0.000 7-0.001 3). CONCLUSIONS Higher maternal depressive symptom levels are associated with a greater likelihood of adolescents' exposure to childhood trauma, which increases adolescents' ineffectiveness and, in turn, is associated with suicidal ideation. This chain effect has important implications for social interventions targeting adolescent depression.
Humans ; Suicidal Ideation ; Adolescent ; Female ; Depression/etiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Mothers/psychology* ; Male ; Child ; Adult

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the MYH9 gene sequence of a patient with hereditary thrombocytopenia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and his family members, and to explore the relationship between MYH9 gene and tumors. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients and their family members for complete blood count analysis. The platelet morphology was observed under microscope. The MYH9 gene sequence was analyzed by Whole Exon Sequencing and Sanger Sequencing. RESULTS: The mutation site c.279C>A:p.(Asn93Lys) in exon 2 of the MYH9 gene were found in patient and his family members, both presenting as thrombocytopenia. The platelet count was significantly increased after the administration of Avatrombopag. CONCLUSION A novel mutation of MYH9 was found in this study, and the case was sensitive to Avatrombopag, by exploring the relationship between the MYH9 gene and tumors, suggesting that the MYH9 gene may be associated with the development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Humans ; Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics* ; Thrombocytopenia/genetics* ; Mutation ; Male ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/genetics* ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics* ; Molecular Motor Proteins/genetics* ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVE: Treating peripheral nerve injury (PNI) presents a clinical challenge due to limited axon regeneration. Strychni Semen, a traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically used for numbness and hemiplegia. However, its role in promoting functional recovery after PNI and the related mechanisms have not yet been systematically studied. METHODS: A mouse model of sciatic nerve crush (SNC) injury was established and the mice received drug treatment via intragastric gavage, followed by behavioral assessments (adhesive removal test, hot-plate test and Von Frey test). Transcriptomic analyses were performed to examine gene expression in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) from the third to the sixth lumbar vertebrae, so as to identify the significantly differentially expressed genes. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression levels of superior cervical ganglia neural-specific 10 protein (SCG10). The ultra-trace protein detection technique was used to evaluate changes in gene expression levels. RESULTS: Strychni Semen and its active compounds (brucine and strychnine) improved functional recovery in mice following SNC injury. Transcriptomic data indicated that Strychni Semen and its active compounds initiated transcriptional reprogramming that impacted cellular morphology and extracellular matrix remodeling in DRGs after SNC, suggesting potential roles in promoting axon regeneration. Imaging data further confirmed that Strychni Semen and its active compounds facilitated axon regrowth in SNC-injured mice. By integrating protein-protein interaction predictions, ultra-trace protein detection, and molecular docking analysis, we identified myeloperoxidase as a potentially critical factor in the axon regenerative effects conferred by Strychni Semen and its active compounds. CONCLUSION Strychni Semen and its active compounds enhance sensory function by promoting axonal regeneration after PNI. These findings establish a foundation for the future applications of Strychni Semen and highlight novel therapeutic strategies and drug targets for axon regeneration. Please cite this article as: Zhang Y, Zhao XY, Liu MT, Zhou ZC, Cheng HB, Jiang XH, Zheng YR, Chen Z. Strychni Semen and its active compounds promote axon regeneration following peripheral nerve injury by suppressing myeloperoxidase in the dorsal root ganglia. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 169-181.
Animals ; Nerve Regeneration/drug effects* ; Mice ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/physiopathology* ; Male ; Ganglia, Spinal/enzymology* ; Axons/physiology* ; Peroxidase/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Strychnine/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the antidepression mechanisms of Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a classic Chinese prescription, from the perspective of energy metabolism in the brain and intestinal tissues. METHODS: Chronic unpredictable mild stress model-a classic depression rat model-was established. Effects of XYS on behaviors and gastrointestinal motility of depressed rats were investigated. Effects of XYS on energetic charge (EC), adenosine triphosphate-related enzymes, and key enzymes of energy metabolism in both hippocampus and jejunum tissues of depressed rats were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography, biochemical analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to construct a correlation network of "behavior-brain energy metabolism-intestinal energy metabolism" of depression. RESULTS: XYS significantly reduced the abnormal behaviors that observed in depressed rats and increased the EC and the activity of Na⁺-K⁺-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATPase in hippocampus and jejunum tissues of depressed rats. XYS restored the key energetic pathways that had been interrupted by depression, including glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, XYS exhibited antidepressive effects in terms of regulating energy metabolism in tissues of both brain and intestine. CONCLUSION XYS significantly corrected the disturbances in EC and energy metabolism-related enzymes of both brain and intestinal tissues, alleviating both core and concomitant symptoms of depression. The current findings underscore the role of energy metabolism in the antidepressive activity of XYS, providing a fresh perspective on depression, and novel research strategies for revealing the mechanism of actions of traditional Chinese medicines on multi-site and multi-symptom diseases. Please cite this article as: Xiao MT, Wang SY, Wu XL, Zhao ZY, Wang HM, Liu HM, Qin XM, Liu XJ. Antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan: A perspective from energy metabolism of the brain and intestine. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):706-720.
Animals ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects* ; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Brain/drug effects* ; Male ; Depression/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Intestines/drug effects* ; Hippocampus/drug effects*

Objective To investigate the risk factors of periprosthetic femoral fracture(PFF)after total knee arthroplasty(TKA)in the elderly and to construct a predictive model for the prevention of PFF after clinical operation.Methods The clinical data of 537 elderly patients who underwent TKA in the orthopedic department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Medical University from October 2016 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The occurrence of PFF during the follow-up period was statistically analyzed and the clinical data were collected.Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of PFF after TKA in the elderly,and a predictive model of PFF after TKA in the elderly was constructed based on the risk factors.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow(H-L)were used to test the discrimination and calibration of prediction model.Results The patients were followed up for 12 to 72 months after discharge,with a median time of 47 months.During the follow-up period,31 patients(5.77%)developed PFF.Age,osteoporosis,Parkinson's disease and anterior femoral notch(AFN)were the risk factors for PFF after TKA in the elderly(P<0.05),and cross fixation of prosthesis and bone cement fixation were the protective factors(P<0.05).The results of H-L test showed that the risk prediction model of PFF after TKA in the elderly had good calibration(P>0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the risk prediction model of PFF after TKA in the elderly has high discrimination(area under the curve was 0.858,95%CI:0.826 to 0.887),the sensitivity was 83.87%,the specificity was 88.34%.Conclusion The risk of PFF after TKA in the elderly is high,and prevention should be carried out according to the high risk factors.The prediction model constructed based on the high risk factors has good prediction efficiency.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the impact of iodine-rich processed foods and dining places on the iodine nutritional status of children. METHODS: School-aged children (SAC) in seven provinces in China were selected by school-based multi-stage sampling. Urinary iodine, salt iodine, and thyroid volume (TVOL) were determined. Questionnaires were used to investigate dining places and iodine-rich processed foods. The water iodine was from the 2017 national survey. Multi-factor regression analysis was used to find correlations between variables. RESULTS: Children ate 78.7% of their meals at home, 15.1% at school canteens, and 6.1% at other places. The percentage of daily iodine intake from water, iodized salt, iodine-rich processed foods, and cooked food were 1.0%, 79.2%, 1.5%, and 18.4%, respectively. The salt iodine was correlated with the urinary iodine and TVOL, respectively (r = 0.999 and -0.997, P < 0.05). The iodine intake in processed foods was weakly correlated with the TVOL (r = 0.080, P < 0.01). Non-iodized salt used in processed foods or diets when eating out had less effect on children's iodine nutrition status. CONCLUSION Iodized salt remains the primary source of daily iodine intake of SAC, and processed food has less effect on iodine nutrition. Therefore, for children, iodized salt should be a compulsory supplement in their routine diet.
Humans ; Child ; Nutritional Status ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Iodine ; Sodium Chloride, Dietary/analysis* ; China ; Water

The study identified the blood-entering components of Sijunzi Decoction after gavage administration in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and investigated the mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction in treating Alzheimer's disease by virtue of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification. The blood-entering components of Sijunzi Decoction were identified based on the mass spectra and data from literature and databases. The potential targets of the above-mentioned blood-entering components in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease were searched against PharmMapper, OMIM, DisGeNET, GeneCards, and TTD. Next, STRING was employed to establish a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. DAVID was used to perform the Gene Ontology(GO) annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment. Cytoscape 3.9.0 was used to carry out visual analysis. AutoDock Vina and PyMOL were used for molecular docking of the blood-entering components with the potential targets. Finally, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signaling pathway enriched by the KEGG analysis was selected for validation by animal experiments. The results showed that 17 blood-entering components were detected in the serum samples after administration. Among them, poricoic acid B, liquiritigenin, atractylenolide Ⅱ, atractylenolide Ⅲ, ginsenoside Rb_1, and glycyrrhizic acid were the key components of Sijunzi Decoction in treating Alzheimer's disease. HSP90AA1, PPARA, SRC, AR, and ESR1 were the main targets for Sijunzi Decoction to treat Alzheimer's disease. Molecular docking showed that the components bound well with the targets. Therefore, we hypothesized that the mechanism of Sijunzi Decoction in treating Alzheimer's disease may be associated with the PI3K/Akt, cancer treatment, and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathways. The results of animal experiments showed that Sijunzi Decoction significantly attenuated the neuronal damage in the hippocampal dentate gyrus area, increased the neurons, and raised the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-PI3K/PI3K in the hippocampus of mice. In conclusion, Sijunzi Decoction may treat Alzheimer's disease by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The findings of this study provide a reference for further studies about the mechanism of action and clinical application of Sijunzi Decoction.
Animals ; Mice ; Rats ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; Network Pharmacology ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) modulating the gut microbiome and trimethylamine oxide (TAMO) to exert cardioprotective effects. METHODS: Ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed in rats to induce heart failure (HF). Except for the sham-operation group (n=10), 36 operation-induced models were randomized into 3 groups using a random number table (n=12 in each group): the model group, the BYHWD group (15.02 g/kg BYHWD), and the positive group (4.99 g/kg metoprolol succinate). After 4-week treatment (once daily by gavage), echocardiography was applied to evaluate the cardiac function and the Tei index (the ratio of ventricular isovolumic contraction time (IVCT) and isovolumic diastolic time (IVRT) to ejection time (ET)) was calculated; hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was observed to characterize the pathology of the myocardium and small intestinal villi. D-lactic acid was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens (ZO-1) were detected by Western blot. 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) sequencing was used to explore the changes in the intestinal flora. TMAO was detected via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: In the echocardiography, the Tei index was considerably lower in the positive and BYHWD groups compared with the model group (P<0.05). Besides, BYHWD improved the pathology of myocardium and small intestine of HF rats and lowered the D-lactic acid content in the serum, when compared with the model group (P<0.05). BYHWD also improved the expression of occludin and claudin-1 (P<0.05); in the gut microbiota analysis, BYHWD slowed down modifications in the structure distribution of gut microbiota and regulated the diversity of intestinal flora in HF rats. The content of TMAO in the serum was significantly lowered by BYWHT compared with the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION BYHWD may delay progression of HF by enhancing the intestinal barrier structure, and regulating intestinal flora and TAMO.
Rats ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Claudin-1 ; Occludin ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Heart Failure

Objective : To explore dental caries-related factors among children aged 3-5 years in Urumqi City and to provide evidence for the etiological study and primary prevention of caries among local children. Methods : A multistage stratified cluster sampling method was used to randomly select children aged 3-5 years in Urumqi City for oral examination, physical examination and questionnaire survey. Data were collected and analyzed by principal component logistic regression using SPSS 23.0 software. Results: Principal component analysis showed that there were seven risk factors whose characteristic root value was greater than 1: oral hygiene habits, family education level, sugar intake, bedtime eating habits, age, gestational age, feeding mode, and cumulative contribution were 66.486% of the total variance. Principal component logistic regression analysis indicated that five factors, namely, oral hygiene habits (OR = 0.795, P = 0.044), family education level (OR = 0.667, P = 0.019), sugar intake (OR = 1.260, P = 0.006), bedtime eating habits (OR = 5.432, P<0.001) and age (OR = 0.676, P = 0.015), were closely related to early childhood caries, and they were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion According to the principal component analysis, oral hygiene habits factor, family education level factor, sugar intake factor, bedtime eating habits factor and age factor were dental caries related factors among 3- to 5-year-old children in Urumqi City.