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.Effect of Qingyi Decoction on toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in patients with acute pancreatitis
Weijiang XIONG ; Qian LI ; Mingzhou WANG ; Xuanfu PENG
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(7):71-75,81
Objective To investigate the effect of Qingyi Decoction enema on the toll-like recep-tor(TLR)4/nuclear factor(NF)-κB signaling pathway in patients with acute pancreatitis(AP).Methods A total of 100 patients with mild AP were selected as the study objects,and randomly di-vided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).The control group received con-ventional western medicine therapy combined with ulinastatin,while the observation group was treated with Qingyi Decoction retention enema on the basis of control group.Clinical efficacy,symptom re-lief,traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores,pancreatic function indicators,inflammatory mark-ers as well as TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA expression levels were compared between the two groups.Results The clinical effective rate in the observation group was 92.00%which was significantly higher than 76.00%in the control group(P<0.05).The observation group had significantly shorter times for abdominal distension pain relief,first bowel movement,recovery of bowel sounds and normalization of amylase(AMS)levels compared to the control group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treatment,both groups showed significantly lower scores for abdominal pain,tenderness,fullness,dryness,nausea,vomiting and short red urine syndrome compared to before treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower scores than the control group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treat-ment,serum AMS and lipase(LPS)levels were significantly lower in both groups compared to be-fore treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower levels than the control group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treatment,serum tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells(TREM)-1,microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(MAP1-LC3)and intercellular adhesion molecule(ICAM)-1 levels were significantly lower in both groups com-pared to before treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower levels than the con-trol group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treatment,TLR4 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA expression lev-els were significantly lower in both groups compared to before treatment,with the observation group showing significantly lower levels than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Qingyi Decoc-tion can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of AP patients such as abdominal pain andabdomi-nal distension,inhibit inflammatory response,and promote the recovery of pancreatic function,which may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Effect of tail suspension simulated weightlessness on DNA methylation profiles in liver and colon of mice
Yan LU ; Mingzhou GUO ; Huikai LI ; Qianqian CHEN ; Xiaofeng QIU ; Enqiang LINGHU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(1):47-51
Objective This study uses whole-genome methylation capture sequencing technology to screen differential sites and regions of gene methylation in mouse liver and colon under simulated weightlessness conditions to reveal the specific impact of weightlessness on gene methylation.Methods Six 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into the tail suspension group and the control group,with 3 in each.The 3 mice in the tail suspension group recieved tail suspension for simulated weightlessness for 42 days.After the experiment,DNA was extracted from liver and colon tissue and analyzed using genome-wide methylation capture sequencing technology.Results DNA analysis of liver tissue showed that a total of 7 517 differentially methylated sites and 997 differentially methylated regions were found,involving 4 892 genes.DNA analysis of colon tissue revealed 70 340 differentially methylated sites and 12 004 differentially methylated regions,affecting 12 877 genes.GO and KEGG path analysis revealed that these differentially methylated genes were mainly involved in protein binding,cell adhesion,cell activation,and various metabolic pathways.Conclusion This study successfully identified differential methylation sites and regions in mouse liver and colon under simulated weightlessness conditions through high-throughput sequencing technology.These findings help to further understand the impact of long-term space residence on biological gene methylation.It provides new research ideas for the prevention and early treatment of space flight-related diseases.
4.Research progress of microgravity effect on liver and colon
Yan LU ; Mingzhou GUO ; Huikai LI ; Qianqian CHEN ; Xiaofeng QIU ; Enqiang LINGHU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):268-272
With the increasing maturity and progress of China's space technology,astronauts can stay longer in the space station and complete more complex space experiments and tasks.In the Microgravity(MG)environment of space,the digestive system of astronauts is inevitably affected,especially the liver and colon,and there are many physiological and pathological changes.MG can affect liver metabolic function,cell proliferation and differentiation,oxidative stress response and inflammatory factor levels.MG can disrupt the intestinal barrier of the colon,intestinal flora and microecology,intestinal immunity,and the gut-liver axis.However,the existing studies on the effects of MG on liver and colon are not completely clear,and there is a lack of reliable diagnostic indicators for the pathological changes of both.Therefore,in order to explore the damage mechanism of MG on liver and colon and ensure the digestive system health of astronauts,this paper reviews the research progress on the effects of MG on liver and colon.
5.Secular trends of asthma mortality in China and the United States from 1990 to 2019
Xiaochen LI ; Mingzhou GUO ; Yang NIU ; Min XIE ; Xiansheng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(3):273-282
Background::Asthma imposes a large healthcare burden in China and the United States (US). However, the trends of asthma mortality and the relative risk factors have not been comparatively analyzed between the countries. The aim of this study was to compare the mortality and risk factors between China and the US.Methods::The deaths, and mortality rates of asthma in China and the US during 1990–2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The age–period–cohort model was used to estimate these mortality rates based on a log-linear scale with additive age, period, and cohort effects. The population attributable fractions of risk factors for asthma were estimated.Results::In 1990–2019, the asthma mortality rate was higher in China than in the US. The crude and age-standardized asthma mortality rates trended downward in both China and the US from 1990 to 2019. The decline in mortality was more obvious in China. Mortality gap between the two countries was narrowing. A sex difference in asthma mortality was observed with higher mortality in males in China and females in the US. The age effects showed that mortality increased with age in adults older than 20 years, particularly in the elderly. Downward trends were generally observed in the period and cohort rate ratios in both countries, with China experiencing a more obvious decrease. Smoking and high body mass index (BMI) were the leading risk factors for asthma mortality in China and the US, respectively. Mortality attributable to occupational asthmagens and smoking decreased the most in China and the US, respectively.Conclusions::In 1990–2019, the asthma mortality rate was higher in China than in the US; however, the mortality gap has narrowed. Mortality increased with age in adults. The improvements in asthma death risk with period and birth cohort were more obvious in China than in the US. Smoking, high BMI, and aging are major health problems associated with asthma control. The role of occupational asthmagens in asthma mortality underscores the importance of management and prevention of occupational asthma.
6.Treatment of acute unstable proximal clavicular fracture with hook plate of sternoclavicular joint.
Fang-Gui SUN ; Rui LIU ; Xin-Wei XIONG ; Rong-Ming XU ; Qiang-Li ZHANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2022;35(10):1004-1007
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate clinical effect of sternoclavicular hook plate in treating acute proximal clavicle fracture.
METHODS:
The clinical of 12 patients with acute unstable proximal clavicle fracture from June 2016 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 4 females, aged from 46 to 63 years old. Ten patients caused by car accident and 2 patients caused by high falling. All patients had multiple injuries;the time from injury to surgery ranged from 2 to 14 d. All patients were treated with domestic sternoclavicular joint hook plate. The operative time ranged from 40 to 115 min. The intraoperative bleeding volume ranged from 30 to 110 ml, follow-up time ranged from 10 to 36 months, the fracture healing time ranged from 8 to 18 weeks. At the latest follow-up, the efficacy was evaluated by using shoulder joint function score (Rockwood score).
RESULTS:
All 12 patients were followed up, with no obvious pain at the latest follow-up. The rockwood scores of the affected shoulder ranged from 13 to 14, and the healthy shoulder ranged from 14 to 15.
CONCLUSION
The sternocleidoclavicular joint plate is fixed with preformed plate. The cantilever is designed to retain the motion of the sternoclavicular joint. It's safe and simple, avoid, the injury of important organs during operation, and has a good prognosis. It is an ideal fixation method for the treatment of proximal clavicle fracture.
Male
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Middle Aged
;
Clavicle/injuries*
;
Sternoclavicular Joint/injuries*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Fractures, Bone/surgery*
7.Development of a colloidal gold based immunochromatographic strip for 8-OHdG detection.
Weiwei YE ; Liwen WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Chaofeng LI ; Tianrun QIAN ; Xianshu FU ; Mingzhou ZHANG ; Jihong SHAN
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2022;38(3):1197-1208
8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a sensitive and stable biomarker for evaluating DNA oxidative damage. A rapid and sensitive colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip was developed for 8-OHdG detection by a competitive method. The sample pad (glass cellulose film), bonding pad (glass cellulose film), nitrocellulose film and absorbent pad were pasted on the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base plate to construct the test strip. Colloidal gold (AuNPs) was prepared by the reduction of chloroauric acid with sodium citrate. 8-OHdG antibody (Ab) was coated on the outer layer of AuNPs to form Ab@AuNPs as a probe. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 8-OHdG were conjugated with carbodiimide hydrochloride to prepare an artificial antigen, which was used as the coating antigen of detection line. Goat anti mouse polyclonal antibody IgG was used as the coating antibody of control line. The experimental parameters were optimized including the type of nitrocellulose membrane, the formula of loading solution, and the spraying amount of gold labeled antibody. The results showed that the appropriate nitrocellulose membrane was CN 95. The optimal loading solution included BSA (1%), Tween-20 (3%), sucrose (3%) and NaCl (0.9%). The optimal spraying amount of gold labeled antibody was 4 μL. 8-OHdG can be detected by the strip under visible light, and the level of 8-OHdG in urine can be preliminarily determined by comparing the color intensity of T line and C line. The 8-OHdG concentration in urine was further calculated by the gray value of T line and the threshold of detection was 2.55 μg/L. This colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip is simple, rapid and specific for detecting 8-OHdG in human urine to preliminarily evaluate the human status.
8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine
;
Animals
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal
;
Gold
;
Gold Colloid/chemistry*
;
Metal Nanoparticles
;
Mice
;
Sensitivity and Specificity
8.Comparison of prosthesis locations and postoperative hip functions between supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) and posterolateral approaches in total hip arthroplasty
Weicheng ZHANG ; Feng ZHU ; Kai ZHENG ; Mingzhou WU ; Lianfang ZHANG ; Jun ZHOU ; Rongqun LI ; Yaozeng XU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2021;23(7):571-576
Objective:To compare the prosthesis locations and postoperative hip functions between supercapsular percutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach and traditional posterolateral approach (PLA) in total hip arthroplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 107 patients who had undergone unilateral total hip arthroplasty at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital to Soochow University from August 2016 to February 2019. They were divided into 2 groups according to their surgical approaches. In the SuperPATH group of 54 cases, there were 20 males and 34 females with an age of (64.3±9.1) years; in the PLA group of 53 cases, there were 20 males and 33 females with an age of (62.2±10.6) years. The 2 groups were compared in terms of abduction angle, ratio of abduction angle to safety zone, anteversion angle, ratio of anteversion angle to safety zone, retroversion angle, incidence of retroversion, and differences in eccentricity and lower limb length on the first day after operation, and Harris hip scores at 1 week, 3 months and the last follow-up postoperatively. Their complications were also recorded as well.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The postoperative imaging data were complete for the 107 patients who had been followed up satisfactorily for 14 to 36 months (average, 25 months). The SuperPATH group had significantly larger retroversion angle (13.6°±9.6°) and incidence of retroversion (18.5%, 10/54), significantly smaller difference in eccentricity [0.26 (0.13,0.49) cm], and significantly higher Harris hip score [(74.8±7.8) points] at one week after surgery than those in the PLA group [3.0°±1.0°; 5.7%, 3/53; 0.38 (0.13,0.70) cm; (72.0±6.7) points] ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in abduction angle, ratio of abduction angle to safety zone, anteversion angle, ratio of anteversion angle to safety zone, difference in lower limb length, or Harris hip scores at 3 months or the last follow-up postoperatively (all P>0.05). Follow-ups in both groups observed no more than one case of dislocation which responded to manual reduction. Conclusion:The minimally invasive SuperPATH approach may obtain better femoral eccentricity and higher early hip function scores than the traditional posterolateral approach, but may lead to a higher incidence of retroversion after prosthesis placement.
9.Effect of the location and size of region of interest on the measurement of liver fat content by QCT
Bairu CHEN ; Mingzhou GUO ; Min QU ; Xiaolin ZHANG ; Huimin MA ; Xiaojuan ZHAO ; Zhi ZOU ; Yongli LI
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2021;15(3):248-251
Objective:To explore the effect of the location and size of region of interest (ROI) on the measurement of liver fat by means of quantitative computed tomography (QCT).Methods:A total of 98 subjects who were examined with QCT for bone mineral density examination from December 25, 2019 to January 17, 2020 were recruited continuously from the Department of Health Management of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital. The liver fat content was measured by QCT workstation. The ROI was located respectively in the left lobe, the right anterior lobe and the right posterior lobe of the liver, and it was measured independently by the A measurer and B measurer. The central position of the ROI was fixed and the diameter was increased, and it was measured by the A measurer. In this study, Friedman test was used to compare the differences of measurement results in different positions or sizes of ROI, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) was used to evaluate the repeatability of inter-measurers.Results:There was a significant difference for liver fat content under different positions of ROI (χ2=62.306, P<0.001), but no difference under different seizes of ROI (χ2=1.088, P=0.581). The ICC values of the inter-measurers repeatability analysis of the A measurer and B measurer in the left lobe, right anterior lobe and right posterior lobe of the liver were 0.847, 0.917 and 0.874, all more than 0.75, and the reproducibility was good. Conclusions:When QCT technique is applied to the measurement of liver fat content, the location conditions of ROI may affect results, so it is necessary to select multiple ROI in the whole liver for measurement. The inter-measurers repeatability of QCT in different parts of the liver is good.
10.Vocal Training for Patients Post Vocal Cord Polyp Surgery Based on ICF and ICHI
Jing ZHOU ; Shao-hua GAO ; Wei-wei GAO ; Xiao-li SHEN ; Xu-hong YAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2020;26(1):45-48
Objective:To explore the effect of vocal training based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI) on vocal function after vocal cord polyps. Methods:A framework of rehabilitation was developed with joint use of ICF and ICHI. From January, 2017 to December, 2018, 30 patients with vocal cord polyps and vocal dysfunction post operation were sampled. They accepted the therapy for a month, and assessed with Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strain scale (GRBAS), and measured acoustic parameters before and after operation, and after training, respectively. Results:The scores of GRBAS decreased after training, compared with those both before and after operation (

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