1.Serpina3c Mitigates Adipose Tissue Inflammation by Inhibiting the HIF1α-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Overoxidation in Adipocytes
Yu JIANG ; Jia-Qi GUO ; Ya WU ; Peng ZHENG ; Shao-Fan WANG ; Meng-Chen YANG ; Gen-Shan MA ; Yu-Yu YAO
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):62-76
Background:
Visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) inflammation is a critical pathology of obesity-caused heart damage and is closely associated with adipocyte endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dysfunction. Serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3C (Serpina3c) has been identified as an adipokine with anti-vWAT inflammatory effects. However, it remains unclear whether Serpina3c deficiency promotion of vWAT inflammation involves adipocyte ER dysfunction and whether it further contributes to heart damage in obesity.
Methods:
Wild type and Serpina3c knockout (Serpina3c–/–) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) was injected locally into epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) of Serpina3c–/– mice to induce eWAT-adipocyte- specific overexpression of Serpina3c (AAV-Serpina3c) or knockdown of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (AAV-shHIF1α). In vitro experiments were performed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Results:
Serpina3c–/– mice exhibited more severe eWAT, serum and heart inflammation after HFD feeding. Consistently, these adverse phenotypes were mitigated in AAV-Serpina3c and AAV-shHIF1α mice. Mechanistically, ER oxidoreductase 1α (Ero1α) and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family members PDIA3 and PDIA4 were found to be target genes of HIF1α. In the obese mice, Serpina3c deficiency caused adipocyte more hypertrophy, and activated HIF1α-Ero1α/PDI mediated ER overoxidation and ER stress in eWAT. Subsequently, this led to increased adipocyte apoptosis and chemokine production and decreased adiponectin expression, which promoted macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization in eWAT, thus exacerbating eWAT inflammation and ultimately facilitating serum and distal heart inflammation.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that Serpina3c is a significant regulator of adipocyte ER redox homeostasis, thus highlighting Serpina3c as a potential therapeutic target for obesity-related eWAT inflammation and heart damage.
2.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
3.Effect of Electroacupuncture on Metabolism-Inflammation Network in Patients with Simple Obesity:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Qi SHU ; Qiumei PENG ; Zhihao XU ; Shanshan FANG ; Wenjing SHAO ; Hongliang CHENG ; Rilong HUANG ; Qing YU ; Ronglin CAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1415-1421
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treatment of simple obesity patients and its effects on the metabolism-inflammation network. MethodsSeventy-two patients with simple obesity were randomly divided into a electroacupuncture group and a sham electroacupuncture group, with 36 patients in each group. In the electroacupuncture group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), bilateral Daheng (SP15), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40). The sham electroacupuncture group used placebo needle at same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group. Both groups were given sparse-dense waves with a frequency of 2/10 Hz, 30 minutes per session, 3 times a week, for a total of 8 weeks of treatment. The changes of human body parameters including body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage (BFP), metabolic factors including serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), leptin, and ghrelin, and inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Correlations between changes in leptin, ghrelin and inflammatory factors were further analyzed. ResultsWaist circumference was significantly reduced after treatment in both groups compared with baseline (P<0.05), and the post-treatment waist circumference was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the sham electroacupuncture group (P<0.05); body weight, BMI and BFP decreased significantly after treatment compared to pretreatment levels in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). Serum leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α declined significantly after treatment in both groups versus baseline (P<0.05); the electroacupuncture group had lower post-treatment levels of leptin, IL-6 and TNF-α as well as larger pre-post changes than the sham group (P<0.05); ghrelin increased markedly after treatment in both groups (P<0.05), with higher post-treatment ghrelin and greater pre-post variation observed in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). In the electroacupuncture group, changes in ghrelin were negatively correlated with IL-6 and positively correlated with TNF-α (P<0.01); in the sham electroacupuncture group, ghrelin changes were negatively correlated with both IL-6 and TNF-α, whereas leptin changes were positively correlated with the two inflammatory markers (P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture can effectively improve clinical manifestations, as well as regulate serum metabolic and pro-inflammatory factors in patients with simple obesity, and discrepant correlation patterns of metabolism-inflammation are observed between the two groups.
4.The epidemiological characteristics and spatial aggregation of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023
Lu-qian ZHANG ; Shao-qi NING ; Yun-peng NIAN ; Shu WANG ; Xin-xin LI
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):19-24
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023 to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control. Methods Excel 2007, SPSS 25.0, Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Geoda 1.6 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Super Map was used for data visualization to describe the changing characteristics of the disease. Results A total of 394 typhus cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023. The average annual incidence of typhus was 0.054/100 000, showing a dynamic fluctuation trend(AAPC=-3.3, t=-0.3, P>0.05). The cases were mainly concentrated in Baoji, Hanzhong and Xi′an, accounting for 78.68%. The incidence peak was from May to October, accounting for 64.21% of annual incidence. The epidemic season was from May to October and December. The incidence of the disease was concentrated in the 40-69 age group, accounting for 58.88%, and the sex was 1.07:1. The main occupation was farmers, accounting for 72.08%. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 7 days. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were significant spatial autocorrelations in 11 years from 2005 to 2023(P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis detected a total of 43“high-high”clustering areas, mainly concentrated in Baoji City. Conclusions The overall incidence of typhus in Shaanxi Province showed a dynamic fluctuation trend, with notable seasonal and regional aggregation. The incidence of typhus was higher in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. Surveillance should be strengthened in typhus endemic areas in summer and autumn, and health education should be conducted for key population to form good health habits and reduce the incidence of typhus.
5.Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Bone Lesions in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Chen-Yang LI ; Qi-Ke ZHANG ; Xiao-Fang WEI ; You-Fan FENG ; Yuan FU ; Qiao-Lin CHEN ; Wen-Jie ZHANG ; Yuan-Yuan ZHANG ; Shao-Hua ZHANG ; Shang-Yi ZHANG ; Jie LIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1635-1639
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with multiple myeloma(MM)complicated by bone lesions and the risk factors associated with bone lesions.Methods:The clinical data of 294 newly diagnosed MM patients in Gansu Provincial Hospital from January 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the bone lesion group(154 cases)and the non-bone lesions group(140 cases)based on the presence of absence of bone lesions at diagnosis.The general data and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups.The risk factors for bone lesions in MM patients were analyzed by logistic regression analysis,and the characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to assess the predictive value of each risk factor for the occurrence of bone lesions in MM patients.Results:Compared to the non-bone lesion group,the bone lesion group had significantly higher serum calcium levels and significantly greater proportions of patients with Durie-Salmon(DS)stage Ⅲ,and bone pain(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated serum calcium(OR=5.135,95%CI:1.931-13.653,P=0.001),DS stage Ⅲ(OR=1.841,95%CI:1.019-3.328,P=0.043),and bone pain(OR=8.208,95%CI:4.761-14.151,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for bone lesions in MM patients.ROC curve analysis showed that serum calcium(AUC=0.619,95%CI:0.555-0.683,P<0.001)and bone pain(AUC=0.743,95%CI:0.692-0.793,P<0.001)had predictive value for bone lesions in MM patients.Conclusion:MM patients have a high incidence of bone lesions,and active monitoring and management of risk factors may improve treatment outcomes and prognosis.
6.Application and evaluation of entrustable professional activities in the general practice internship of clinical medicine undergraduates
Chao MENG ; Yi LI ; Xiafeng XU ; Qi WANG ; Liying HUANG ; Shengying LING ; Li WANG ; Min ZHU ; Xingnan YANG ; Meijuan ZHU ; Li SHAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(6):736-743
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in the general practice internship of undergraduate clinical medicine students, identify issues that need improvement in the internship, and enhance medical students' competence.Methods:A total of 75 students in the five-year (English class) clinical medicine program enrolled in 2018 and 2019 who participated in general practice internship in Renji Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from October 2021 to October 2023 were selected as study subjects. The design of core EPAs was adopted to assess the correlation among different EPA dimensions and to analyze the qualified rates.Results:The evaluation of EPAs showed that EPA2 (practicing respect, understanding and teamwork) had the highest mean score of 9.33, and EPA10 (chronic disease management and management of key populations) had the lowest mean score of 8.08. A supervision level of 3a and above was used as the criterion for qualification. The supervision levels of the students' EPAs were mostly concentrated at levels 3a and 3b. The highest qualified rate was for EPA2 (practicing respect, understanding and teamwork) at 85.33%, followed by EPA1 (complying with the rules of the profession and demonstrating professionalism) at 80.00% and EPA8 (reviewing information and solving clinical problems) at 72.00%. The lowest qualified rate was for EPA10 (chronic disease management and management of key populations) at 33.33%, followed by EPA4 (analyzing and interpreting test results) at 57.33%.Conclusions:EPAs concretize competency evaluation, which can effectively reflect the "competency-oriented" training objectives encompassing multiple elements such as knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes, while maintaining professional specificity. Undergraduates demonstrated strengths in professionalism and academics, but showed deficiencies in community chronic disease management and management of key populations. These findings suggest the need to strengthen the training in health and social care to better align with the competencies required during standardized residency training.
7.Interpretation of Expert Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Ocular Surface Inflammation in Glaucoma Patients
Yi SHAO ; Xinyue ZHU ; Qi HONG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(10):757-760
Glaucoma is a prevalent chronic eye condition that can result in irreversible vision loss,often linked with el-evated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.Patients undergoing prolonged medication or surgical procedures fre-quently encounter ocular surface inflammation(OSI),which not only significantly impacts their daily lives but can also lead to further complications,reducing overall quality of life.Expert Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Ocu-lar Surface Inflammation in Glaucoma Patients aim to tackle this problem by offering detailed guidelines to assist health-care professionals in accurately identifying,preventing,and treating OSI associated with glaucoma.In this paper,the con-sensus is comprehensively interpreted and the main recommendations on diagnostic criteria,preventive measures and treat-ment strategies are summarized in order to provide more effective management of ocular surface inflammation in patients with glaucoma and ensure the effectiveness of treatment and the quality of life of patients can be better guaranteed.
8.Optimization of Molding Process and Determination of Volatile Components Assay in Compound Shexiang Huangqi Dropping Pills by A Central Composite Design-Response Surface Method
Mengdi SHAO ; Shuyan ZHANG ; Qi ZHENG ; Chunhui CHANG ; Jiahao LI ; Yunke ZHANG ; Yongyan JIA
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):88-95
Objective The molding process of compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills was optimized by central composite design and response surface method,the determination of volatile components in the compound by gas chromatography was established in order to improve the quality standard of the compound.Methods Single factor method was used to select the optimum range of matrix type,the ratio of matrix to liquid,and drop distance of compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills;Appearance traits,a difference of pill weight,and dissolution time were used as evaluation indexes,the optimum forming process conditions of compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills were optimized by central composite design and response surface method;Three batches of compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills were taken as test samples and determined by gas chromatography;The gas chromatographic column was HP-5 sillica capillary column,the inlet temperature was 260 ℃,the temperature was programmed,and the detector temperature was 300 ℃,the split ratio was 10∶1,nitrogen was selected as the carrier gas with a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1.Results The optimum forming process conditions of compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills were selected by central composite design and response surface method as a matrix:matrix=0.99,drug:matrix=0.55,drop distance=6.00,and the comprehensive score were 0.845 2.Under these conditions,the quality of the prepared dropping pills was the best;The chromatographic peaks of borneol,muscone,and ligustilide reached the baseline separation;the linear ranges of the three components were 0.327-1.962,0.140-0.840,0.710 5-4.263 μg(all r>0.999);The average recoveries were 92.30%(RSD=1.65%,n=6),101.28%(RSD=0.81%,n=6)and 98.99%(RSD=0.65%,n=6);The average contents of the three components were 0.201 7,0.084 7 and 1.382 9 mg·g-1,respectively.Conclusions The forming process is stable and feasible,which can provide a reference for the development and application of compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills;The gas chromatography method established can simultaneously determine the contents of borneol,muscone,and ligustilide in compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills,which can be used for quality control of compound Shexiang Huangqi dropping pills.
9.Application of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection in treating small colorectal polyps
Fei DING ; Hao GUO ; Chong-bin QI ; Shao-jun XU ; Feng LI ; Ping WU ; Qing DONG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):333-337
Objective To investigate the application effect of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection(CS-EMR)in the treatment of 6 to 9 mm colorectal small polyps.Methods A total of 82 patients with small colonic polyps in our hospital from March 2022 to August 2023 were collected and divided into the observation group(45 cases received CS-EMR)and the control group[37 cases received hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection(HS-EMR)]according to different surgical methods.The clinical efficacy,polyp resection status,complete polyp resection rate,perioperative indicators and occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups.Results Follow-up for 1 month after operation,the effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the polyp resection status or perioperative indicators between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the complete polyp resection rates of patients with different pathological types or total complete resection rate between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of delayed bleeding and endoscopic hemostasis rate in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The complete resection rate of 6~9 mm colorectal polyps through CS-EMR was comparable to that of HS-EMR,and CS-EMR has a better efficacy and lower risk of perioperative bleeding,along with higher safety.
10.Comparison of six active constituent contents in modified Liujunzi Decoction during different process amplifications
Ya-ping ZHU ; Yu-xin LIU ; Meng-qi SHAO ; You-jin WANG ; Lei WU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):395-400
AIM To compare the contents of caffeic acid,ferulic acid,narirutin,calycosin,glycyrrhizic acid and atractylenolide Ⅲ of modified Liujunzi Decoction(MLJZD)during small test,pilot test(500,1 500 L)and large production.METHODS The samples were taken after soaking for 60 min,boiling for 0,5,10,15,20,30 min in the first decoction,and boiling for 5,10,15,20 min in the second decoction,respectively,after which the HPLC fingerprints were established,the contents of active constituents were determined.RESULTS There were 6 common peaks in the HPLC fingerprints for small test and pilot test,while 5 common peaks were observable in the HPLC fingerprints for large production,along with the similarities of more than 0.980.During pilot tests at different time points,various active constituents demonstrated consistent content changing trends,whose total content was higher than those during small test and large production.CONCLUSION Process amplification exhibits a little influence on active constituent contents in MLJZD,which don't show increasing trends with the expansion of container and enhancement of dosage.


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