1.Isometric exercise reduces resting blood pressure:a meta-analysis of moderating factors and dose effects
Yang JIANG ; Hao PENG ; Yanping SONG ; Na YAO ; Yueyu SONG ; Xingxiao YIN ; Yanqi LI ; Qigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):975-986
OBJECTIVE:Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Isometric exercise training has been shown to significantly reduce resting blood pressure,but the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear,and specific application guidelines are yet to be established.This study aims to evaluate the impact of isometric exercise training on resting blood pressure through meta-analysis,explore its moderating factors,and provide evidence-based recommendations based on its dose-response relationship.METHODS:Following the PRISMA guidelines,a systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Scopus,and Web of Science databases using keywords"Isometric exercise training,""Systolic blood pressure,"and"Diastolic blood pressure,"covering literature up to September 2024.Randomized controlled trials involving isometric exercise training and resting blood pressure were included.Three independent researchers performed literature screening and data extraction,assessing bias risk and quality grades using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE framework.Main effect pooling,publication bias assessment,subgroup,and regression analysis were conducted using R software(version 4.3.4).RESULTS:A total of 28 articles(comprising 32 randomized controlled trials)involving 977 participants were included.(1)Meta-analysis results indicated that isometric exercise training significantly reduced resting systolic blood pressure(MD=-8.01,95%CI=-9.22 to-6.80,P<0.01,I2=18.20%,low evidence grade)and diastolic blood pressure(MD=-3.46,95%CI=-4.64 to-2.28,P<0.01,I2=0%,moderate evidence grade)compared to no exercise.(2)Subgroup analysis results revealed significant influences of gender,health status,exercise modality,frequency,intensity,duration,sets per session,rest duration,and baseline blood pressure on the main effects for both systolic(P<0.01)and diastolic blood pressure(P<0.05).(3)Regression analysis results did not show any significant influencing factors,but body mass index(β=-4.11,P=0.091)showed a significant negative trend on the main effect for systolic blood pressure.(4)No significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis results(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:(1)Isometric exercise training significantly lowers systolic(low evidence grade)and diastolic(moderate evidence grade)blood pressure with clinically meaningful thresholds.(2)Participant characteristics(gender,health status,baseline blood pressure,and body mass index)and isometric exercise training protocols(modality,frequency,intensity,duration,cycle,sets per session,and rest duration)influence its antihypertensive effects.(3)The article recommends the optimal blood pressure management prescription:three sessions per week,with four sets per session,each set lasting 2 minutes with a 2-minute rest,at an intensity of 95%HRpeak using isometric wall squat exercises;the intervention period can be adjusted around a 6-week node.Future high-quality research is urgently needed to further validate and support these conclusions.
2.Isometric exercise reduces resting blood pressure:a meta-analysis of moderating factors and dose effects
Yang JIANG ; Hao PENG ; Yanping SONG ; Na YAO ; Yueyu SONG ; Xingxiao YIN ; Yanqi LI ; Qigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(4):975-986
OBJECTIVE:Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Isometric exercise training has been shown to significantly reduce resting blood pressure,but the factors influencing its effectiveness remain unclear,and specific application guidelines are yet to be established.This study aims to evaluate the impact of isometric exercise training on resting blood pressure through meta-analysis,explore its moderating factors,and provide evidence-based recommendations based on its dose-response relationship.METHODS:Following the PRISMA guidelines,a systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Scopus,and Web of Science databases using keywords"Isometric exercise training,""Systolic blood pressure,"and"Diastolic blood pressure,"covering literature up to September 2024.Randomized controlled trials involving isometric exercise training and resting blood pressure were included.Three independent researchers performed literature screening and data extraction,assessing bias risk and quality grades using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE framework.Main effect pooling,publication bias assessment,subgroup,and regression analysis were conducted using R software(version 4.3.4).RESULTS:A total of 28 articles(comprising 32 randomized controlled trials)involving 977 participants were included.(1)Meta-analysis results indicated that isometric exercise training significantly reduced resting systolic blood pressure(MD=-8.01,95%CI=-9.22 to-6.80,P<0.01,I2=18.20%,low evidence grade)and diastolic blood pressure(MD=-3.46,95%CI=-4.64 to-2.28,P<0.01,I2=0%,moderate evidence grade)compared to no exercise.(2)Subgroup analysis results revealed significant influences of gender,health status,exercise modality,frequency,intensity,duration,sets per session,rest duration,and baseline blood pressure on the main effects for both systolic(P<0.01)and diastolic blood pressure(P<0.05).(3)Regression analysis results did not show any significant influencing factors,but body mass index(β=-4.11,P=0.091)showed a significant negative trend on the main effect for systolic blood pressure.(4)No significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis results(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:(1)Isometric exercise training significantly lowers systolic(low evidence grade)and diastolic(moderate evidence grade)blood pressure with clinically meaningful thresholds.(2)Participant characteristics(gender,health status,baseline blood pressure,and body mass index)and isometric exercise training protocols(modality,frequency,intensity,duration,cycle,sets per session,and rest duration)influence its antihypertensive effects.(3)The article recommends the optimal blood pressure management prescription:three sessions per week,with four sets per session,each set lasting 2 minutes with a 2-minute rest,at an intensity of 95%HRpeak using isometric wall squat exercises;the intervention period can be adjusted around a 6-week node.Future high-quality research is urgently needed to further validate and support these conclusions.
3.Effect of virtual reality-based exergaming on multidimensional outcomes in individuals with cognitive impairment: a three-level meta-analysis based on the ICF framework
Yang JIANG ; Hao PENG ; Xingxiao YIN ; Yanqi LI ; Yanping SONG ; Na YAO ; Zhen SHEN ; Qigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(9):1003-1015
ObjectiveTo systematically quantify the multidimensional effect of virtual reality-based exergaming (VREG) on health outcomes among individuals with cognitive impairment under the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). MethodsMeta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP were researched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating VREG for cognitive impairment, with the search deadline set on February 1, 2026. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was adopted to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. A three-level meta-analytic model was implemented with R 4.4.2. The GRADE framework was further used to rate the certainty of pooled evidence. ResultsA total of 22 RCTs were included. VREG might improve global cognitive function (SMD = 0.69, 95%CI 0.11 to 1.28, P = 0.022), memory (SMD = 0.47, 95%CI 0.07 to 0.87, P = 0.023), attention (SMD = 0.62, 95%CI 0.23 to 1.01, P = 0.004), executive function (SMD = 0.42, 95%CI 0.09 to 0.75, P = 0.013), balance (SMD = 0.54, 95%CI 0.07 to 1.00, P = 0.027), muscle strength (SMD = 0.63, 95%CI 0.37 to 0.88, P = 0.001), mobility (SMD = 0.29, 95%CI 0.04 to 0.54, P = 0.024) and quality of life (SMD = 0.29, 95%CI 0.03 to 0.56, P = 0.029). No significant effect was observed for depressive symptoms, comprehensive physical fitness and fall risk (all P > 0.05). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses indicated that session duration < 45 minutes produced the largest improvement in attention (SMD = 0.95, 95%CI 0.55 to 1.34, P < 0.001); intervention cycles of twelve to 24 weeks were optimal for mobility (SMD = 0.85, 95%CI 0.44 to 1.25, P < 0.001); age negatively correlated to balance improvement (β = -0.11, 95%CI -0.20 to -0.02, P = 0.020), suggesting less intervention benefits among older participants. ConclusionVREG is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to improve multidimensional physical and mental health in people with cognitive impairment. Protocols featuring short single sessions with long-term duration should be prioritized.
4.Study on oxygen depletion and oxygen effect of FLASH irradiation
Hui LUO ; Chengliang YANG ; Paola BALLESTEROS-ZEBADUA ; Javier FRANCO-PEREZ ; Qigang YUAN ; Leijie MA ; Ronghu MAO ; Hongchang LEI ; Yanan SUN ; Shuai SONG ; Hong GE
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1115-1121
Objective:To conduct a comparative analysis of the oxygen depletion and oxygen effect of FLASH irradiation and conventional irradiation by direct measurement of oxygen content.Methods:The oxygen content in different tissues and organs of mice was measured using a phosphorescent probe. A subcutaneous xenograft tumor model in mice was established, to receive electron-beam irradiation at different doses and dose rates. The oxygen depletion of tumor and normal tissue was analyzed, and tumor control was evaluated. The oxygen depletion of conventional irradiation and FLASH irradiation was further analyzed using an in vitro model. The survival fraction (SF) of normal cells after conventional irradiation and FLASH irradiation was calculated using colony formation assay under different partial pressures of oxygen, and the data were fitted to the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) curve. Results:The mean oxygen content of subcutaneous xenograft tumor in mice was 1.28%, suggesting hypoxia. The mean oxygen content of normal tissue ranged from 3.51% to 6.53%, suggesting physioxia. In animal experiments, oxygen depletion was not observed during conventional irradiation. High-dose-rate (20 Gy/s) and ultra-high-dose-rate (FLASH, 40 Gy/s) irradiation produced oxygen depletion. During FLASH irradiation, with the increase of oxygen content, the oxygen depletion was 0.1-0.2 mm Hg/Gy for tumor tissue and 0.19-0.21 mm Hg/Gy for skin tissue, which tended to stabilize. FLASH irradiation maintained equivalent tumor control compared to conventional irradiation. The tumoricidal effect was significantly enhanced with the increase of oxygen content in the tissue ( t=3.46, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, the mean oxygen depletion rate was about 0.16 mm Hg/Gy for conventional irradiation and 0.16-0.18 mm Hg/Gy for FLASH irradiation, which did not change significantly with the increase of oxygen content. FLASH irradiation was associated with an oxygen effect. When the partial pressure of oxygen decreased from physioxia to hypoxia, the OER value significantly reduced. Conclusions:Normal tissues and organs are in physioxia, which exhibits a lower oxygen content than that in the air. FLASH irradiation can consume a proportion of oxygen, producing an oxygen effect. When oxygen content decreases, the oxygen depletion rate slows down after FLASH irradiation.
5.Study on oxygen depletion and oxygen effect of FLASH irradiation
Hui LUO ; Chengliang YANG ; Paola BALLESTEROS-ZEBADUA ; Javier FRANCO-PEREZ ; Qigang YUAN ; Leijie MA ; Ronghu MAO ; Hongchang LEI ; Yanan SUN ; Shuai SONG ; Hong GE
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1115-1121
Objective:To conduct a comparative analysis of the oxygen depletion and oxygen effect of FLASH irradiation and conventional irradiation by direct measurement of oxygen content.Methods:The oxygen content in different tissues and organs of mice was measured using a phosphorescent probe. A subcutaneous xenograft tumor model in mice was established, to receive electron-beam irradiation at different doses and dose rates. The oxygen depletion of tumor and normal tissue was analyzed, and tumor control was evaluated. The oxygen depletion of conventional irradiation and FLASH irradiation was further analyzed using an in vitro model. The survival fraction (SF) of normal cells after conventional irradiation and FLASH irradiation was calculated using colony formation assay under different partial pressures of oxygen, and the data were fitted to the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) curve. Results:The mean oxygen content of subcutaneous xenograft tumor in mice was 1.28%, suggesting hypoxia. The mean oxygen content of normal tissue ranged from 3.51% to 6.53%, suggesting physioxia. In animal experiments, oxygen depletion was not observed during conventional irradiation. High-dose-rate (20 Gy/s) and ultra-high-dose-rate (FLASH, 40 Gy/s) irradiation produced oxygen depletion. During FLASH irradiation, with the increase of oxygen content, the oxygen depletion was 0.1-0.2 mm Hg/Gy for tumor tissue and 0.19-0.21 mm Hg/Gy for skin tissue, which tended to stabilize. FLASH irradiation maintained equivalent tumor control compared to conventional irradiation. The tumoricidal effect was significantly enhanced with the increase of oxygen content in the tissue ( t=3.46, P<0.01). In in vitro experiments, the mean oxygen depletion rate was about 0.16 mm Hg/Gy for conventional irradiation and 0.16-0.18 mm Hg/Gy for FLASH irradiation, which did not change significantly with the increase of oxygen content. FLASH irradiation was associated with an oxygen effect. When the partial pressure of oxygen decreased from physioxia to hypoxia, the OER value significantly reduced. Conclusions:Normal tissues and organs are in physioxia, which exhibits a lower oxygen content than that in the air. FLASH irradiation can consume a proportion of oxygen, producing an oxygen effect. When oxygen content decreases, the oxygen depletion rate slows down after FLASH irradiation.
6.A case report of refractory hepatic impairment following eclampsia
Yunfang YAN ; Qigang YANG ; Xiaofeng WU ; Xuan LI ; Zongzhi YIN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(12):1150-1154
This report described a case of eclampsia complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome with refractory hepatic impairment. The patient presented at 34 +6 weeks' gestation with convulsions and impaired consciousness for over 3 hours, accompanied by severe hypertension [240/120 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)]. Emergency cesarean delivery was performed at a local hospital. On postoperative day 2, the patient was transferred to our institution due to sharp transaminase elevation, hepatic failure, and coagulopathy. Although treated with artificial liver support, anti-infection therapy, and organ protection measures, hepatic parameters showed intermittent rebounds. Subsequent detection of cytomegalovirus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood prompted targeted antiviral therapy, which significantly improved hepatic injury. Through multidisciplinary management, the patient recovered and was discharged 43 days postpartum. Although multiple artificial liver sessions provided limited hepatic function improvement, this case offers valuable insights for managing refractory hepatic impairment in pregnant women, regardless of whether viral infection represented a primary etiology or secondary complication.
7.A case report of refractory hepatic impairment following eclampsia
Yunfang YAN ; Qigang YANG ; Xiaofeng WU ; Xuan LI ; Zongzhi YIN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(12):1150-1154
This report described a case of eclampsia complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome with refractory hepatic impairment. The patient presented at 34 +6 weeks' gestation with convulsions and impaired consciousness for over 3 hours, accompanied by severe hypertension [240/120 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)]. Emergency cesarean delivery was performed at a local hospital. On postoperative day 2, the patient was transferred to our institution due to sharp transaminase elevation, hepatic failure, and coagulopathy. Although treated with artificial liver support, anti-infection therapy, and organ protection measures, hepatic parameters showed intermittent rebounds. Subsequent detection of cytomegalovirus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood prompted targeted antiviral therapy, which significantly improved hepatic injury. Through multidisciplinary management, the patient recovered and was discharged 43 days postpartum. Although multiple artificial liver sessions provided limited hepatic function improvement, this case offers valuable insights for managing refractory hepatic impairment in pregnant women, regardless of whether viral infection represented a primary etiology or secondary complication.
8.A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, and Placebo-parallel Controlled Trial of Tibetan Medicine Ruyi Zhenbaowan in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Chunquan SUN ; Yanming XIE ; Jinghua GAO ; Weiheng CHEN ; Lianxin WANG ; Shangquan WANG ; Xiangdong TIAN ; Zujian XU ; Yuxin ZHENG ; Mingwang ZHOU ; Chungen LI ; Zhanwang XU ; Jiayi GUO ; Shuangqing DU ; Qigang CHEN ; Quan JI ; Zhiqiang BAI ; Jing XIAO ; Wanli QI ; Weiyi YANG ; Jingxiao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):57-67
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ruyi Zhenbaowan(RYZBW)in the treatment of initial and early knee osteoarthritis (KOA) through a prospective multicenter,randomized,double-blind,and placebo-parallel controlled trial. MethodFrom October 13th, 2021 to December 25th, 2021, 240 KOA subjects meeting the acceptance criteria were enrolled in 15 sub-centers including Wangjing Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and they were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 120 cases in each group. The intervention measures for the observation group were RYZBW + health education, and the intervention measures for the control group were RYZBW placebo + health education. The intervention period in both groups was four weeks, and they were followed up for four weeks after the intervention. The primary outcome measure was the total score of Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score (WOMAC score), and the secondary outcome measures were the response rate of visual scale (VAS) pain score, WOMAC sub item scores (joint pain, joint stiffness, and joint function), quality of life (SF-12) score, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score. Result(1) Efficacy evaluation. The marginal model results showed that the observation group was better than the control group in improving the WOMAC total score and WOMAC pain score in the treatment of KOA with RYZBW, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in improving VAS score response rate, WOMAC function score, WOMAC stiffness score, SF12-PCS (quality of life-physical health) score, SF12-MCS (quality of life-mental health) score, and TCM syndrome score. (2) Subgroup analysis. ① In terms of VAS score response rate, the response rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group for subjects with baseline VAS score of (4, 5], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). ② In terms of TCM syndrome score, for subjects aged [56, 60] and [61, 65], the decrease in total TCM syndrome score in the observation group was better than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). ConclusionTibetan medicine RYZBW has good clinical efficacy in improving WOMAC total score, VAS score response rate, WOMAC pain score, WOMAC function score, and TCM syndrome score for patients with initial and early KOA, which can fill the lack of Tibetan medicine RYZBW in the treatment of KOA and make a demonstration study for the inheritance and development of ethnic medicine.
9.Longitudinal analysis of the effects of golf training on the three-dimensional structure of children's spine using grating-based stereoscopic imaging
Hao PENG ; Yanping SONG ; Na YAO ; Zhen SHEN ; Yang JIANG ; Yueyu SONG ; Qigang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2024;41(8):1041-1045
Objective To conduct a systematic study on the potential impact of long-term specialized golf training on the three-dimensional structure of the spine in adolescent children,and to reveal the biomechanical adaptation mechanism of children's spine,providing a theoretical basis for preventing potential sports injuries caused by golf training.Methods A longitudinal observational design was adopted,with 15 male adolescent children from a golf training center selected as research subjects.Three-dimensional spinal image data were collected using digital radiography at baseline,3 months and 6 months,and dynamic monitoring and analysis were performed.Results Golf training led to a series of adaptive changes in the three-dimensional structure of children's spine,mainly reflected in significant changes in pelvic tilt distance,vertebral body offset,vertebral rotation angle,pelvic rotation angle,and pelvic torsion angle.These changes exhibited a time-effect characteristic,indicating the strong adaptability of biomechanical system of children's spine.Conclusion Golf training can cause adaptive changes in the three-dimensional structure of children's spine,highlighting the need to maintain biomechanical balances of the spine and pelvis,and to take intervention measures such as symmetrical training to prevent sports injuries,improve training quality,and prolong athletic careers.
10.Single-cell RNA sequencing deciphers transcriptional profiles of hepatocytes in mouse with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
Qingqing YANG ; Wanzhong JIA ; Xiangqian WANG ; Qigang CAI ; Xin GE ; Wei WANG ; Xiumin HAN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2023;35(3):236-243
Objective To investigate the cell composition and the transcriptional characteristics in microenvironments of hepatic tissues in mice at late stage of Echinococcus multilocularis infection at a single-cell level. Methods Peri-lesion and paired distal hepatic specimens were collected from two BALB/c mice (6 to 8 weeks old) infected with E. multilocularis for single-cell RNA sequencing. The Seurat package in the R software was employed for quality control of data, multi-sample integration and correction of batch effects, and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) algorithm was used for cell clustering. Cell types were annotated using classical marker genes. Differentially expressed genes were screened in each cell type through differential gene expression analysis, and the biological roles of cells were predicted using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Results A total of 43 710 cells from peri-lesion and distal hepatic tissues of E. multilocularis-infected mice were analyzed, and were classified into 11 cell types, including neutrophils, T cells, macrophages, granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells, B cells, plasma cells, basophils, hepatic stellate cells, endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and platelets. T cells were the largest population of immune cells in the microenvironment of hepatic tissues, including five CD4+ T cell subsets, two CD8+ T cell subsets and phosphoantigen-reactive γδT cells. The proportions of CD4+ helper T cells and cytotoxic CD4+ T cells decreased and the proportion of T helper 2 (Th2) cells increased in peri-lesion tissues relative to distal hepatic tissues. In addition, the differentially expressed genes in Th2 cells were associated with negative regulation of the immune system, and the highly expressed genes in cytotoxic CD4+ T cells correlated with activation of the immune system. Conclusions Single-cell RNA sequencing deciphers the cell composition and distribution in microenvironments of hepatic tissues from mice infected with E. multilocularis, and the increased proportion of Th2 cells in peri-lesion hepatic tissues may be associated with formation of immunosuppressive microenvironments.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail