1.Role of amino acid metabolism in autoimmune hepatitis and related therapeutic targets
Peipei GUO ; Yang XU ; Jiaqi SHI ; Yang WU ; Lixia LU ; Bin LI ; Xiaohui YU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):547-551
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease. The pathogenesis of AIH remains unclear, but it is mainly autoimmune injury caused by the breakdown of autoimmune tolerance due to the abnormal activation of the immune system, while the specific molecular mechanism remains unknown. Recent studies have shown that abnormal amino acid metabolism plays an important role in the development and progression of AIH. This article reviews the research advances in amino acid metabolic reprogramming in AIH, in order to provide a theoretical basis for amino acid metabolism as a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of AIH.
2.Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of M2 macrophage exosome spray on pressure injuries
Xiang YU ; Peipei JIA ; Xinying LI ; Junjun YANG ; Gaofeng GUO ; Lianfang LU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(9):436-442
Objective To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of a spray prepared from exosomes derived from M2 macrophages induced by interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tantalum particles (Ta) on the healing of pressure ulcers. Methods Bone marrow-derived macrophages were polarized into M2 macrophages using IL-4 or Ta, and exosomes (Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta) were extracted. The regulatory effects of Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta on M1 macrophage phenotypes and fibroblast matrix secretion were evaluated in vitro. Proteomic analysis was conducted to explore the biological processes and regulatory networks associated with Exo-Ta. A rat pressure ulcer model was used to assess the effects of Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta spray on wound healing rate, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition. Results In vitro, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta induced the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages, reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory substances. Additionally, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta enhanced the production of collagen and fibronectin in fibroblasts. Proteomic analysis revealed that Exo-Ta primarily participated in biological processes such as energy metabolism and macromolecule biosynthesis. In vivo, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta spray accelerated wound healing, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and improved tissue remodeling in the rat pressure ulcer model. Conclusion Exosome sprays derived from M2 macrophages could accelerate pressure ulcer healing by modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, which demonstrated excellent clinical application potential.
3.Innovative strategies for improving CAR-T cell therapy: A nanomedicine perspective.
Mengyao WANG ; Zhengyu YU ; Liping YUAN ; Peipei YANG ; Caixia JING ; Ying QU ; Zhiyong QIAN ; Ting NIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2769-2782
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have reshaped the treatment landscape of hematological malignancies, offering a potentially curative option for patients. Despite these major milestones in the field of immuno-oncology, growing experience with CAR-T cells has also highlighted several limitations of this strategy. The production process of CAR-T cells is complex, time-consuming, and costly, thus leading to poor drug accessibility. The potential carcinogenic risk of viral transfection systems remains a matter of controversy. Treatment-related side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome, can be life-threatening. And the biggest challenge is the inadequate efficacy related to poor infiltration and retention of CAR-T cells in tumor tissues and impaired T cell activation caused by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Innovative strategies are urgently needed to address these problems, and nanomedicine offers good solutions to these challenges. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in the application of nanomaterials to enhance CAR-T cell therapy. We examine the role of innovative nanoparticle-based delivery systems in the production of CAR-T cells, with a particular focus on polymeric delivery systems and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Furthermore, we explore various strategies for delivering immune stimulators, which significantly enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cells by modulating T cell viability and functionality or by reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME. In addition, we discuss several novel therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating the adverse effects associated with CAR-T therapies. Finally, we offer an integrated perspective on the future challenges and opportunities facing CAR-T therapies.
Humans
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Nanomedicine/methods*
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Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism*
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Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods*
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T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
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Nanoparticles/chemistry*
;
Animals
4.Effects of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 on proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the miR-221-3p/SOCS3 signaling axis.
Hui WANG ; Yu GUO ; Peipei ZHANG ; Haoyu YANG ; Chuntao TIAN ; Mingming JIN
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):798-805
Objective To explore the influences of long-chain noncoding RNA DHRS4-AS1 (lncRNA DHRS4-AS1) on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of thyroid cancer (TC) cells by regulating the microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p)/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) signaling axis. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3 mRNA in TC cell lines, and the optimal cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. FTC-133 cells were divided into five groups: control group, pcDNA-NC group, DHRS4-AS1 group, DHRS4-AS1 combined with agomir NC group, and DHRS4-AS1 combined with miR-221-3p-agomir group. Transfection efficiency was assessed using qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase reporter assays were applied to verify the targeting interaction between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, SOCS3, and miR-221-3p. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of SOCS3 in FTC-133 cells. EdU method was used to measure cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the apoptosis of FTC-133 cells. Scratch experiment was applied to measure the migration of FTC-133 cells. Transwell chamber was applied to detect the invasion of FTC-133 cells. Nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was used to observe the effect of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 on the growth of TC transplantation tumors. Results Dual luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting relationship between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3. LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 and SOCS3 were downregulated and miR-221-3p was upregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of FTC-133 cells, while inducing apoptosis. Conversely, miR-221-3p overexpression reversed these inhibitory effects, and suppressed the apoptosis. Nude mouse transplantation experiment observed that overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 resulted in a decrease in tumor tissue quality and volume, and a decrease in miR-221-3p expression and an increase in SOCS3 expression. Conclusion LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 is downregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating the miR-221-3p/SOCS3 signaling axis.
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism*
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Humans
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RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism*
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Apoptosis/genetics*
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Cell Proliferation/genetics*
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Cell Movement/genetics*
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Thyroid Neoplasms/physiopathology*
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Animals
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Signal Transduction/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Mice, Nude
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Neoplasm Invasiveness
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
5.Naoluo Xintong Decoction promotes proliferation of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
Yu ZHANG ; Yinqi HU ; Peipei LI ; Xiao SHI ; Wei XU ; Jianpeng HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1980-1988
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of Naoluo Xintong Decoction (NLXTD) on proliferation of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury and role of the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in mediating its effect.
METHODS:
Using a BMEC model of OGD/R, we tested the effects of 10% NLXTD-medicated rat serum, alone or in combination with 2ME2 or 10% NAKL, on cell proliferation, migration, tube-forming ability and permeability using CCK-8 assay, Transwell chamber assay, tube formation assay and permeability assay. Cellular expressions of VEGF and Notch were detected using ELISA and laser confocal immunofluorescence analysis, and the expressions of HIF-1α, VEGFR2, Notch1, ERK and P-ERK1/2 proteins were detected with Western blotting.
RESULTS:
OGD/R injury significantly decreased viability of BMECs. NLXTD treatment of the cells with OGD/R could significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration and tube formation ability, but these effects were strongly attenuated by application of 2ME2. NLXTD treatment also significantly increased the percentages of VEGF- and Notch-positive cells in the cell models and obviously enhanced the expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFR2, Notch1 and P-ERK1/2.
CONCLUSIONS
NLXTD promotes proliferation, migration, and tube formation of rat BMECs after OGD/R injury possibly by activating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
Animals
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
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Endothelial Cells/metabolism*
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Rats
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Glucose
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Brain/blood supply*
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Cells, Cultured
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/metabolism*
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Oxygen/metabolism*
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Cell Hypoxia
6.Effect of temperature on the inhibitory effect induced by hydrogen peroxide on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells
Lujing GENG ; Zhixin SUN ; Yuchen LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Peipei SHI
Journal of Xinxiang Medical College 2024;41(2):109-114
Objective To investigate the effect of temperature on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation inhibition of preosteoblast induced by hydrogen peroxide(H2 O2).Methods The MC3T3-E1 cells in the logarithmic phase were randomly divided into 0,450,500,550,600,650 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups and incubated with 0,450,500,550,600,650 μmol·L-1 H2O2 for 2 h,respectively.Other MC3T3-E1 cells in the logarithmic phase were selected and randomly divided into the control group,model group,low-temperature group,and high-temperature group.Cells in the control group were cul-tured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 37 ℃;cells in the model group were incubated with H2O2 for 2 h and cultured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 37 ℃;cells in the low-temperature group were incubated with H2O2 for 2 h and cultured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 32 ℃;cells in the high-temperature group were incubated with H2O2 for 2 h and cultured in an incubator with 5%CO2 for 24 h at 40 ℃.The cell proliferation in all groups was detected by cell counting kit-8.The expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2),osteopontin(OPN)and osteocalcin(OC)mRNA were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitave polymerase chain reaction;and the expression levels of RUNX2,OPN and OC protein were detected by Western blot.Results There was no statistically significant difference in cell proliferation among the 0,450 and 500 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups(P>0.05);the cell proliferation rate in the 550,600 and 650 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups was significantly lower than that in the 0,450 and 500 μmol·L-1 H2O2 intervention groups,showing a significant decrease in cell proliferation with the increase of H2O2 concentrations(P<0.05).In order to ensure that there were enough cells to perform the following experiments,550 μmol·L-1 H2 O2 was chosen.The cell proliferation rate in the model group and the low-temperature group was significantly lower than that in the control group and high-temperature group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the cell proliferation rate between the control group and high-temperature group(P>0.05).The relative expression of RUNX2 mRNA in the model group and high-temperature group were significantly higher than that in the control group and low-temperature group(P<0.05);the relative expression of RUNX2 mRNA in the low-temperature group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the relative expression of RUNX2 mRNA between the model group and high-temperature group(P>0.05).The relative expression of OPN mRNA in the model group,low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OPN mRNA in the low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly higher than that in the model group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OPN mRNA in the low-tem-perature group was significantly higher than that in the high-temperature group(P<0.05).The relative expression of OC mRNA in the model group,low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly than that in the control group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OC mRNA in the low-temperature group and high-temperature group was significantly higher than that in the model group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the relative expression of OC mRNA between the low-temperature group and high-temperature group(P>0.05).The relative expressions of RUNX2,OPN and OC protein the model group,low-temperature group and high-temperature group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);the relative expressions of RUNX2 and OPN protein in the low-temperature group were significantly lower than those in the model group and high-temperature group(P<0.05);the relative expression of OC protein was significantly lower than that in the high-temperature group(P<0.05);and there was no siqnificantly difference in the relatiwe experesson of OC protein between the low-temperature group and model group(P>0.05);the relative expressions of RUNX2,OPN and OC protein in the high-temperature group were significantly higher than those in the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion The inhibitory effects of H2O2 on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation are observed in MC3T3-E1 cells;low-tempera-ture incubation can enhance the inhibition of H2O2 on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells,while high-temperature incubation can relieve its inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.RUNX2,OPN and OC protein might play an important role in cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation mediated by temperature.
7.Relation of future self-continuity to family support and meaning in life in college students
Peipei GUO ; Maomin JIANG ; Haiyan YU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(3):265-270
Objective:To evaluate the relationship among future self-continuity,family support and meaning in life in college students.Methods:A total of 912 college students(448 males and 464 females)were selected and assessed with the Future Self-Continuity Questionnaire(FSCQ),Family Support Scale(PSS-Fa)and Meaning in Life Questionnaire(MLQ).Results:The average score of FSCQ was(3.3±1.1),and those who were female,25 years old,senior,nonlocal census register,only child had lower FSCQ scores(P<0.001).Regression analysis results showed that the scores of PSS-Fa and the MLQ scores of search for life meaning and presence for life mean-ing were positively correlated with the FSCQ scores(β=0.80,0.69,0.74).Conclusion:The study shows that the future self-continuity is at a medium level and improving family support and meaning in life may help to enhance their future self-continuity in college students.
8.Diagnostic value of nucleic acid matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry in sputum smear-negative patients with nontuberculous Mycobacterial pulmonary disease
Xusheng GAO ; Caihong DING ; Qing WANG ; Dan XIE ; Fengmin MEN ; Peipei JIANG ; Qiang LI ; Lingjuan ZHOU ; Yu XIONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2024;17(1):58-63
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of nucleic acid matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)in sputum smear-negative patients with nontuberculous Mycobacterial(NTM)pulmonary disease.Methods:Clinical data of 123 patients suspected of NTM pulmonary disease admitted in Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated to Shandong University between July 2022 and November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)specimens were collected for MALDI-TOF MS assay and MGIT 960 culture. The diagnostic efficacy of MALDI-TOF MS for NTM pulmonary disease in patients with negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software and MedCalc statistical software.Results:Diagnosis of NTM pulmonary disease was finally confirmed in 66 out of the 123 suspected patients. It took 8 to 24 h for MALDI-TOF MS to identify NTM species and resistance. By MALDI-TOF MS,72 NTM strains were identified,with the Mycobacterium avium complex being the most prevalent(34 strains,47.22%),followed by the Mycobacterium abscessus complex(13 strains,18.06%);resistance to macrolides was detected in 6 cases,while no resistance to aminoglycosides was found. It took 9 to 45 days for BALF MGIT 960 culture to identify NTM,and took 7 to 15 days for NTM typing and drug sensitivity testing. By BALF MGIT 960 culture,28 NTM strains were identified;and 1 case was found to be resistant to macrolides. Using confirmed diagnosis as the gold standard,MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated higher sensitivity,negative predictive value,and agreement rate compared to MGIT 960 culture(84.85% vs. 42.42%,81.13% vs. 56.32%,80.49% vs. 62.60%, χ2=25.667,8.998,9.664, P<0.05 or <0.01). The area under ROC curve(AUC)for MALDI-TOF MS was significantly higher than that of MGIT 960 culture(0.801 vs. 0.642, Z=3.300, P=0.001). Conclusion:Compared to MGIT 960 culture,MALDI-TOF MS exhibits superior diagnostic efficiency in detecting NTM pulmonary disease in patients with acid-fast bacilli smear-negative sputum,with advantage of rapidly identifying NTM species and resistance.
9.Application of Caregiver Health Education Based on Timing Theory in the Postoperative Care of Elderly Industrial Hip Arthroplasties
Ling HUANG ; Qichuan HU ; Jinxiu DUAN ; Binghui ZHU ; Peipei CUI ; Youmin YU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(2):177-183
0bjective To explore the effectiveness of caregivers based on health education under the guidance of timing theory in the nursing of elderly patients after hip replacement.Methods By convenient sampling method,eighty elderly patients undergoing hip replacement were divided into control group and observation group,40 cases in each group.The control group was given routine orthopedic care,and the observation group was based on health management under the guidance of the timing theory(total hip replacement,TIR)based on routine orthopedic care.The Harris Hip Score,Activities of Daily Living Scale(Barthel index),Caregiver Burden Inventory and Family Caregiver Task Inventory were used to compare and evaluate the application effect of health education of two groups of caregivers in the nursing of elderly patients after hip replacement.Results The patients were observed one month and three months after discharge,the Harris score and Barthel index of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.01).At discharge,1 month after discharge and 3 months after discharge,the FCTI score(P<0.01)and CBI score(P<0.01)of family caregivers in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group.Conclusion Caregivers based on health education under the guidance of timing theory can effectively reduce the care burden of caregivers,enhance the care ability of caregivers,improve the rehabilitation effect of patients,and ameliorative the quality of life of patients.
10.Preconceptional exposure levels and determinants of multiple pesticides among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology in Shanghai
Zhuanning XIA ; Yan ZHANG ; Peipei HU ; Jiuru ZHAO ; Zhiwei LIU ; Ying TIAN ; Yu GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(6):640-647
Background Pesticide exposure may impact the reproductive health of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, data on pesticide exposure levels in women undergoing ART in China are scarce, and current research on influencing factors is limited. Objective To evaluate the preconceptional pesticide exposure levels and identify potential determinants among women undergoing ART. Methods This study was designed as a cross-sectional survey and recruited 508 women undergoing ART from July 2017 to December 2018 at the fertility clinic of the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Gas chromatography/liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine the metabolite concentrations of organophosphate pesticides (OPs), pyrethroid pesticides (PYRs), and neonicotinoid pesticides (NEOs) in urine. The sum of molar concentrations of the three pesticide classes (∑2OPs, ∑2PYRs, and ∑2NEOs) were calculated. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and behavioral information. Multiple linear regression was employed to analyze the associations of demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and behavioral variables with the concentrations of pesticide metabolites in urine among the participants. Results The median creatinine-adjusted concentrations of ∑2OPs, ∑2PYRs, and ∑2NEOs in this study were 419.77, 2.95, and 20.36 nmol·g−1, respectively. The multiple linear regression results showed that the urinary concentration of ∑2OPs was 42.88% higher in the participants with daily vegetable intake than in those who consumed vegetables ≤3 d per week (P<0.05), and the urinary concentration of ∑2PYRs was 37.24% higher in the participants with daily fruit intake than in those who consumed fruits ≤3 d per week (P<0.01). Similarly, the urinary concentrations of ∑2NEOs were 24.51% and 29.30% higher in the participants who consumed fruits daily and 4-6 d per week, respectively, than in those who consumed fruits ≤3 d per week (P<0.05). Besides, we also found that the urinary concentration of ∑2PYRs was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) in the participants (P<0.05). Furthermore, the urinary concentration of ∑2NEOs was not only positively correlated with age (P<0.05), but also significantly associated with pet ownership and infertility causes among the participants. Specifically, the participants who continued to own pets after conception had a 30.11% higher urinary concentration of ∑2NEOs than those who never owned pets (P<0.05), and the participants with infertility due to female factors had a 24.10% lower urinary concentration of ∑2NEOs than those who received ART treatment for infertility caused by male factors (P<0.05). Conclusion The women undergoing ART in Shanghai are widely exposed to pesticides. Age, BMI, frequency of vegetable and fruit intake, pet ownership, and infertility causes may be related to the pesticide exposure levels in this population. However, more human data are needed to confirm these findings.

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