1.Development and Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Detecting Adrenocortical Hormones and Establishment of Age-Stratified Reference Intervals in Reproductive-Aged Women from Guangxi, China
Yixuan LIU ; Tingwei JIN ; Yushuang WEI ; Xuelian QIN ; Siyu DENG ; Jie ZHENG ; Boteng YAN ; Yuanyuan NONG ; Yu YE ; Shengzhu HUANG ; Yu LONG ; Jianmin LI ; Ganqin WANG ; Pei HUANG ; Jinghang JIANG ; Fan WU ; Zengnan MO ; Yonghua JIANG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2026;46(2):146-154
Background:
Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications.
Methods:
A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated.
Results:
The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels.
Conclusions
We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.
2.Inhibitory effect of gallic acid on HCC1806 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft growth in nude mice
Chun-juan JIANG ; Si LIN ; Hui-zhen QIN ; Jie HUANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1853-1860
AIM To investigate the inhibitory effect of gallic acid on HCC1806 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft growth in nude mice.METHODS The nude mouse models of HCC1806 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft growth were established and randomly divided into the model group,the gallic acid group(200 mg/kg)and the adriamycin group(5 mg/kg),with 6 mice in each group.After 21 days of respective drug administration,the nude mice were killed and had their xenografts procured and measured.The nude mice had their serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α detected by ELISA;their morphological changes of xenografts observed with HE staining;their protein expressions of p53,PCNA and Ki67 in xenograft detected by immunohistochemistry;their mRNA expressions of PCNA,Ki67,Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3,PI3K,Akt,JNK and p38 detected by RT-qPCR;and their protein expressions of Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3,cleaved-Caspase-3,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,JNK,p-JNK,p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK in xenografts detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either gallic acid or adriamycin shared decreased tumor weight(P<0.05);increased serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.05,P<0.01);condensed or irregular nuclei of xenograft,and increased number of cell necrosis;increased protein expressions of p53 and Bax and the ratios of cleaved-Caspase-3/Caspase-3,p-JNK/JNK and p-p38/p38 in xenograft(P<0.01);decreased protein expressions of PCNA,Ki67 and Bcl-2 and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt(P<0.01);decreased mRNA expressions of PCNA,Ki67,Bcl-2,PI3K and Akt(P<0.05,P<0.01);and increased mRNA expressions of Caspase-3,Bax,JNK and p38(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Gallic acid can inhibit HCC1806 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft growth in nude mice,and the underlying mechanism may involve suppression of pro-cell proliferation proteins,activation of pro-apoptotic proteins,and modulation of the PI3K/Akt and JNK/p38 signaling pathways.
3.GBP3 negatively regulates HTLV-1 replication in a GTPase-dependent manner
Yanzi LIU ; Xin ZHAO ; Xiao QIN ; Yulu HUANG ; Xi YANG ; Qingqing FAN ; Bo YANG ; Jie WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):535-539
Objective:To investigate the effect of GBP3 on replication of adult T-lymphocytic leukemia virus type 1(HTLV-1).Methods:Expression of GBP3 in HTLV-1-infected HeLa cell and THP1 cell was detected by Western blot.The knock-down efficiency of siRNAs targeting GBP3 in HeLa and THP1 cells was evaluated by Western blot.Effects of GBP3 overexpression or knockdown on expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts Tax,px,HBZ,Gag,ENV,5'UTR,and viral proteins Tax,p19 were investigated by RT-qPCR and Western blot.GTPase-defective mutant of GBP3,GBP3K51A was constructed to explore whether the effects of GBP3 on HTLV-1 infection were dependent on its GTPase activity.Results:GBP3 expression was upregulated in HTLV-1 infected HeLa and THP1 cells.GBP3 overexpression decreased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins,whereas the knockdown of GBP3 has the opposite effects.Overexpression of GBP3K51A increased expression of HTLV-1 proviral transcripts and viral proteins.Conclusion:HTLV-1 virus infection can induce expression of GBP3;overexpression of GBP3 inhibits virus replication and may depend on GTPase.
4.Research advances in mitochondrial inflammation-mediated damage in central nervous system degenerative disorders
Shu-qin LI ; Sha-sha LIU ; Qian YAN ; Han-long WANG ; Yang SUN ; Yan-ting HUANG ; Hao-jie ZHANG ; Jin-ping LIANG ; Shi-feng CHU ; Yan-tao YANG ; Qi-di AI ; Nai-hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2218-2225
Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.
5.Effects of Focused Solution Model Nursing on quality of life and negative emotions of prostate cancer patients
Lei YU ; Ting-ling ZHANG ; Wen-fang CHEN ; Xiu-qin YE ; Jie LIU ; Qian MENG ; Ying-chun HUANG ; Song XU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(8):723-727
Objective:To analyze the effects of the Focused Solution Model Nursing intervention on quality of life,negative emotions of the patients with prostate cancer.Methods:A total of 82 prostate cancer patients who were diagnosed and treated at the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command between September 2022 and September 2024 were included and randomly divided into study group and control group by the method of random number table,with 41 patients in each group.The patients in the study group were treated with Focused Solution Model Nursing intervention.And the routine care was used in the control group The quality of life and negative emotions were compared between the two groups by using the scales of World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief(WHOQOL-BREF),HAMA and HAMD.Results:Compared to the control group,the patients in the study group exhibited signifi-cantly higher scores in the physiological,psychological,environmental,and social relationship domains of the WHOQOL-BREF scale(P<0.05).The scores of HAMA and HAMD in study group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Additionally,all subscales of the Social Impact Scale including social exclusion,internalized shame,social isolation and economic discrimination were significantly lower than those of the study group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Focused Solution Model Nursing intervention can effec-tively improve the quality of life and negative emotions of the prostate cancer patients in the clinical treatment.
6.Research progress on animal models of cancer-induced bone pain and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines
Jun ZHANG ; Liya TIAN ; Qin HUANG ; Fangfei LI ; Jie CAO ; Wei WANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(6):925-934
Cancer-induced bone pain(CIBP)causes substantial suffering for cancer patients and also diminishes their quality of life and self-esteem.The mechanisms underlying CIBP are complex and evolve progressively with cancer advancement.Current treatment options show limited efficacy and are often accompanied by adverse effects.Traditional Chinese medicine demonstrates potential advantages in managing CIBP;however,the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood and require further investigation.The development of a standardized,stable,and reproducible animal model is crucial to advancing research on disease pathogenesis and verifying the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.This review considers recent method for modeling CIBP in animals and summarizes the application of these models in studies of traditional Chinese medicine mechanisms,with the aim of guiding future research directions in CIBP.
7.Research advances in mitochondrial inflammation-mediated damage in central nervous system degenerative disorders
Shu-qin LI ; Sha-sha LIU ; Qian YAN ; Han-long WANG ; Yang SUN ; Yan-ting HUANG ; Hao-jie ZHANG ; Jin-ping LIANG ; Shi-feng CHU ; Yan-tao YANG ; Qi-di AI ; Nai-hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2218-2225
Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.
8.Study on the mechanism of Danggui buxue decoction regulating neutrophil extracellular traps to improve osteo-porosis in rats with premature ovarian failure
Chuiqiao HUANG ; Shuai CHEN ; Qian LI ; Liancheng GUAN ; Jie GAO ; Zhong QIN ; Yunzhi CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):655-660
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism through which Danggui buxue decoction regulates neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to improve osteoporosis (OP) in rats with premature ovarian failure (POF). METHODS Female SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, calcitriol group, and Danggui buxue decoction low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups, with 9 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups were administered cisplatin via intraperitoneal injection on days 1 and 8 to establish a POF complicated with OP model. Each group received the corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically starting from day 5, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, serum levels of estradiol (E2), NETs, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteocalcin (BGP) were measured. The histopathological changes in bone tissue were observed. The expressions of vitamin D receptor (VDR), myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE) and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in bone tissue were detected; the protein expressions of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the bone tissue of rats in the model group showed a significant reduction in the number of trabeculae, which was thinner broken and poorly connected, with significant destruction of the reticular structure, and an enlarged marrow cavity. Serum levels of NETs and RANKL, the protein expressions of MPO, NE, CitH3 and CYP24A1 in bone tissue were significantly increased or upregulated, while serum levels of E2, 25(OH)D3 and BGP as well as protein expressions of VDR and CYP27B1 were significantly decreased or downregulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the histopathological changes in the bone tissue of rats in each administration group showed some degree of recovery, with significant improvements observed in most quantitative indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Danggui buxue decoction can restore the E2 level in POF complicated with OP rats, and improve OP. The mechanism may be related to its ability to upregulate VD level and inhibit the formation of NETs.
9.Research on the Construction of a Comprehensive Evaluation Model for the Promotion of Physicians with Professional Titles in Tertiary Hospitals
Qian DAN ; Jingfen SHI ; Guangming MAO ; Wei WANG ; Qin HUANG ; Jie ZHANG
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(11):58-63
Objective To construct a comprehensive evaluation model for physician promotion in tertiary hospitals,which is systematic,scientific and operational.Methods Based on the physician competency model,a multi-level evaluation index system was constructed through literature review,policy analysis,and Delphi method.A simulation assessment was conducted using the CRITIC-TOPSIS method on 22 clinical physicians from a tertiary general hospital in Sichuan Province.Results The final evaluation model,established after two rounds of Delphi consultation,consisted of 4 first-level indicators,10 second-level indicators and 33 third-level indicators.The expert authority coefficient was 0.776,and the Kendall's W coefficients for the two rounds were 0.386 and 0.348(P<0.01),respectively.The weights for clinical practice,teaching,research,and ethical conduct were 49.44%,18.82%,20.13%,and 11.61%,respectively.Simulation score results show that,the average relative proximity values of case physicians to be promoted to senior,associate senior,and intermediate titles were 0.50,0.43,and 0.39,respectively.Conclusion The model demonstrates scientific validity and reliability for evaluating physician promotion to intermediate and senior professional titles.Five supporting recommendations are proposed:talent development,standard optimization,health information system management,communication and feedback mechanism,and performance enhancement.
10.Improvement effect and mechanism of ghrelin on cognitive function in patients with depressive disorder
Aowen CHEN ; Yongyi QIN ; Juan DU ; Jie FAN ; Changquan HUANG ; Yongsheng WANG ; Rui HE
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(5):476-480
Depressive disorder is a common psychiatric condition clinically characterized by impaired cognitive function, which profoundly affects patients' daily living and social functioning. Despite extensive research on the mechanism underlying the interaction between ghrelin and depressive disorder, comprehensive reviews, summary, and systematic organization of these findings remain lacking. To address this gap, this study aims to conduct a systematic evaluation of the effects and mechanisms of ghrelin on cognitive function in patients with depressive disorder, thereby providing references for targeted clinical interventions. On October 20, 2024, literature exploring the role and mechanisms of ghrelin in improving cognitive function in depressive disorder was sourced from the CNKI, PubMed and Web of Science databases, covering the period from the inception of the database till October 20, 2024. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction. Ultimately, 9 articles were included in this review. The findings suggest that ghrelin improves cognitive function in patients with depressive disorder through multiple mechanisms, including mitigating inflammatory responses, modulating oxidative stress, and activating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (CREB-BDNF) signaling pathway.

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