1.Research progress on the relationship between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity
GAO Lei ; YE Zhen ; WANG Wei ; ZHAO Dong ; XU Peiwei ; ZHANG Ronghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):48-54
Childhood obesity has become a global public health issue. Current research indicates that early life obesogen exposure has emerged as a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. While obesogens have been confirmed to influence the development and progression of childhood obesity through mechanisms such as endocrine disruption and epigenetic programming, controversies remain regarding the establishment of causal relationships, assessment of combined exposures, and validation of transgenerational effects in humans. In recent years, novel approaches including multi-omics technologies, exposome-based analysis, and multigenerational cohort studies have integrated dynamic biomarker monitoring with analyses of social-environmental interactions, offering new perspectives and methodologies for constructing a systematic "exposure-mechanism-outcome" research framework. This article reviews literature from PubMed and Web of Science up to August 2025 on the association between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity, summarizing evidence on the health effects of early life obesogen exposure, major exposure pathways and internal exposure assessment, interactions and amplifying effects of social and environmental factors, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying obesogen action. It further examines current research frontiers and challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for early prevention and precision intervention of childhood obesity.
2.Research advances on the application of recombinant human collagen biomaterials in the field of tissue engineering
Huan LIU ; Yakupu AOBULIAXIMU ; Ronghua JIN ; Wei ZHANG ; Chunmao HAN ; Xingang WANG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(2):188-194
Extensive tissue and organ defects caused by major trauma and burns are common problems in clinical practice. Recombinant human collagen biomaterials, with advantages including impeccable biocompatibility, customization, stable amino acid sequence, low immunogenicity, and inherent biodegradation, have been widely used in the field of tissue engineering and have broad clinical application prospects. This paper briefly summarizes the design and preparation methods, processing techniques of recombinant human collagen biomaterials and their application in the field of tissue engineering, as well as the latest research advances.
3.Mechanism of ethionine-induced neural tube defects in mice through methionine adenosyltransferase 2A/β-catenin/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1/epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway
Li ZHANG ; Yuxuan ZHANG ; Kaixin WEI ; Yurong LIU ; Xiaona ZHANG ; Yuqing SUN ; Huijing MA ; Rui CAO ; Ronghua ZHENG ; Xiuwei WANG ; Baofeng YU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(3):233-240
Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism by which the methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A)/β-catenin/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1)/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway regulates neural tube defect (NTD) through intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).Methods:A mouse NTD model was induced using the SAM metabolic disorder inhibitor ethionine. Eighty specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: a normal group (36 mice), an ethionine group (46 mice), and an ethionine+SAM group (44 mice). Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), ethionine, and ethionine+SAM were respectively injected intraperitoneally on embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5), and the mice were sacrificed on E10.5. Embryonic tissues were collected, and the morphology of embryos in each group was observed under a stereomicroscope. The interaction between ethionine and MAT2A was analyzed using Autodock software. The expression levels of MAT2A, β-catenin, ZEB1, and EMT-related proteins in the brain tissues of embryos from the three groups were measured using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Variance analysis was used for intergroup comparisons.Results:(1) Autodock analysis results showed that MAT2A binds to ethionine through covalent bonds, exhibiting a complementary effect, thereby accelerating the expression of MAT2A. (2) After successful construction of the NTD model, normal embryos were plump with well-developed brains. NTD embryos showed delayed development, obvious anencephaly, unclosed neural tubes, and asymmetry. (3) The levels of SAM and SAH in the embryonic tissues of the ethionine group were significantly lower than those in the normal group (1 737.56±95.64 vs. 872.33±205.11, and 89.17±9.50 vs. 51.25±9.48, respectively). The SAM and SAH levels in the ethionine+SAM group was 1 197.00±222.27 and 66.61±12.25, significantly higher than those in the ethionine group ( P<0.017). Compared with the normal group and the ethionine+SAM group, the expression of MAT2A mRNA in the embryonic brain tissue of the ethionine group was significantly upregulated (1.00±0.00, 1.59±0.52, and 2.42±0.53, respectively, F=49.64, P<0.001; pairwise comparisons between groups P<0.017). (4) Compared with the normal group, the expression of Ctnnb1 in the ethionine group was reduced, and the expression of Ctnnb1 in the ethionine+SAM group was higher than that in the ethionine group (1.00±0.00, 0.38±0.16, and 0.76±0.10, respectively, F=149.03, P<0.001; pairwise comparisons between groups P<0.017). (5) The expression of ZEB1 in the ethionine group was higher than that in the normal group and the ethionine+SAM group (2.91±0.55, 1.00±0.00, and 1.61±0.20, respectively, F=150.01, P<0.001; pairwise comparisons between groups P<0.017). (6) The expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in the ethionine group were lower than those in the normal group. In contrast, the expression of N-cadherin was higher than that in the normal group. After SAM supplementation, the expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin were upregulated, and the expression level of N-cadherin was downregulated (0.54±0.12, 1.00±0.00, and 0.72±0.14, respectively, F=87.44; 0.53±0.17, 1.00±0.00, and 0.76±0.09, F=87.44; 3.11±0.53, 1.00±0.00, and 2.13±0.56, F=95.54; all P<0.001; pairwise comparisons within the same index group P<0.017]). Conclusions:Ethionine promotes the expression of MAT2A, leading to reduced SAM production. Ethionine regulates the level of ZEB1 by increasing MAT2A and inhibits the EMT process to interfere with methionine cycle metabolism, ultimately resulting in NTD.
4.Recommendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody for Alzheimer's disease(2025)
Nan ZHI ; Jinwen XIAO ; Rujing REN ; Binyin LI ; Jintao WANG ; Jieli GENG ; Wenwei CAO ; Yaying SONG ; Hualong WANG ; Shuguang CHU ; Guoping PENG ; Jun LIU ; Xiaoyun LIU ; Fang YUAN ; Wen WANG ; Ronghua DOU ; Xia LI ; Ling YUE ; Wenshi WEI ; Xiaoling PAN ; Xiangyang ZHU ; Dian HE ; Weinü FAN ; Jingping SHI ; Nan ZHANG ; Hui ZHAO ; Qin CHEN ; Cuibai WEI ; Xiaochun CHEN ; Gang WANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(9):1133-1140
In recent years,significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.In line with global advancements,two anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies have been approved and successfully launched in China for clinical use.Lecanemab and Donanemab were officially used in June 2024 and April 2025 in China,respectively.In order to standardize the rational and safe application of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's disease in China,this article integrates recom-mendations from the clinical trials and real-world experience from the author's team and domestic peers to further update the recom-mendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody based on the 2024 version.It includes indications for therapy,pre-treatment evaluation and preparation,administration protocols and safety measures during treatment,and post-treatment monitor-ing strategies.
5.Research advances on the application of recombinant human collagen biomaterials in the field of tissue engineering
Huan LIU ; Yakupu AOBULIAXIMU ; Ronghua JIN ; Wei ZHANG ; Chunmao HAN ; Xingang WANG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2025;41(2):188-194
Extensive tissue and organ defects caused by major trauma and burns are common problems in clinical practice. Recombinant human collagen biomaterials, with advantages including impeccable biocompatibility, customization, stable amino acid sequence, low immunogenicity, and inherent biodegradation, have been widely used in the field of tissue engineering and have broad clinical application prospects. This paper briefly summarizes the design and preparation methods, processing techniques of recombinant human collagen biomaterials and their application in the field of tissue engineering, as well as the latest research advances.
6.Mechanism of ethionine-induced neural tube defects in mice through methionine adenosyltransferase 2A/β-catenin/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1/epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway
Li ZHANG ; Yuxuan ZHANG ; Kaixin WEI ; Yurong LIU ; Xiaona ZHANG ; Yuqing SUN ; Huijing MA ; Rui CAO ; Ronghua ZHENG ; Xiuwei WANG ; Baofeng YU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(3):233-240
Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism by which the methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A)/β-catenin/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1)/epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway regulates neural tube defect (NTD) through intracellular S-adenosylmethionine (SAM).Methods:A mouse NTD model was induced using the SAM metabolic disorder inhibitor ethionine. Eighty specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: a normal group (36 mice), an ethionine group (46 mice), and an ethionine+SAM group (44 mice). Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), ethionine, and ethionine+SAM were respectively injected intraperitoneally on embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5), and the mice were sacrificed on E10.5. Embryonic tissues were collected, and the morphology of embryos in each group was observed under a stereomicroscope. The interaction between ethionine and MAT2A was analyzed using Autodock software. The expression levels of MAT2A, β-catenin, ZEB1, and EMT-related proteins in the brain tissues of embryos from the three groups were measured using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Variance analysis was used for intergroup comparisons.Results:(1) Autodock analysis results showed that MAT2A binds to ethionine through covalent bonds, exhibiting a complementary effect, thereby accelerating the expression of MAT2A. (2) After successful construction of the NTD model, normal embryos were plump with well-developed brains. NTD embryos showed delayed development, obvious anencephaly, unclosed neural tubes, and asymmetry. (3) The levels of SAM and SAH in the embryonic tissues of the ethionine group were significantly lower than those in the normal group (1 737.56±95.64 vs. 872.33±205.11, and 89.17±9.50 vs. 51.25±9.48, respectively). The SAM and SAH levels in the ethionine+SAM group was 1 197.00±222.27 and 66.61±12.25, significantly higher than those in the ethionine group ( P<0.017). Compared with the normal group and the ethionine+SAM group, the expression of MAT2A mRNA in the embryonic brain tissue of the ethionine group was significantly upregulated (1.00±0.00, 1.59±0.52, and 2.42±0.53, respectively, F=49.64, P<0.001; pairwise comparisons between groups P<0.017). (4) Compared with the normal group, the expression of Ctnnb1 in the ethionine group was reduced, and the expression of Ctnnb1 in the ethionine+SAM group was higher than that in the ethionine group (1.00±0.00, 0.38±0.16, and 0.76±0.10, respectively, F=149.03, P<0.001; pairwise comparisons between groups P<0.017). (5) The expression of ZEB1 in the ethionine group was higher than that in the normal group and the ethionine+SAM group (2.91±0.55, 1.00±0.00, and 1.61±0.20, respectively, F=150.01, P<0.001; pairwise comparisons between groups P<0.017). (6) The expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in the ethionine group were lower than those in the normal group. In contrast, the expression of N-cadherin was higher than that in the normal group. After SAM supplementation, the expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin were upregulated, and the expression level of N-cadherin was downregulated (0.54±0.12, 1.00±0.00, and 0.72±0.14, respectively, F=87.44; 0.53±0.17, 1.00±0.00, and 0.76±0.09, F=87.44; 3.11±0.53, 1.00±0.00, and 2.13±0.56, F=95.54; all P<0.001; pairwise comparisons within the same index group P<0.017]). Conclusions:Ethionine promotes the expression of MAT2A, leading to reduced SAM production. Ethionine regulates the level of ZEB1 by increasing MAT2A and inhibits the EMT process to interfere with methionine cycle metabolism, ultimately resulting in NTD.
7.Effect of astragaloside IV on intestinal flora and osteoporosis in ovariec-tomized rats
Haoyu WANG ; Wei YAO ; Aidi LIANG ; Zhuo HUANG ; Ronghua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):311-321
AIM:This study aims to investigate the mechanisms through which Astragaloside IV(AS)pre-vents and treats osteoporosis by regulating intestinal flora.METHODS:Thirty 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were selected for the study.Ten rats were randomly assigned to a sham group,while the remaining twenty underwent bilateral ovariectomy(OVX)to simulate osteoporosis.Following the modeling,the twenty OVX rats were randomly divid-ed into two groups:the OVX group and the AS treatment group,which received continuous gavage for 12 weeks.Bone mineral density(BMD)of the femur and lumbar vertebrae was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA).Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was employed to assess the microstructure of the femur and colonic mucosa,while immu-nohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain(COL1A1)protein in the femur.Ad-ditionally,RT-qPCR was utilized to analyze the mRNA expression of bone formation-related indicators,including alkaline phosphatase(ALP),COL1A1,and Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2).Fresh fecal samples were collected from the rats for 16S rDNA sequencing to detect changes in intestinal microbiota composition.RESULTS:Compared to the sham group,OVX rats exhibited a significant increase in body weight and a marked decrease in femur and lumbar ver-tebrae bone density.HE staining revealed trabecular bone fractures with a disrupted reticular structure in the OVX group,along with the presence of numerous cavities and fat vacuoles in the bone marrow.The colonic mucosa showed signs of vil-lous shedding and mild crypt atrophy.Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated a substantial reduction in brown-yellow granules and COL1A1 expression in the OVX group.Conversely,in the AS group,there was a reduction in body weight and a significant increase in bone density of the femur and lumbar vertebrae.The trabecular architecture appeared more or-ganized,with less severe fractures compared to the OVX group.In the AS group,the number of cavities and fat vacuoles in the bone marrow was also reduced,and the colonic mucosa exhibited improved villous structure and less crypt atrophy.Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that AS treatment significantly enhanced COL1A1 expression.Furthermore,after AS intervention,the mRNA expression levels of ALP,COL1A1,and RUNX2 were notably increased.16S rDNA sequenc-ing revealed a significant increase in the abundance of Firmicutes,Proteobacteria,f_Pseudonocardiaceae,f_Marinifilace-ae,f_Oscillospiraceae,f_Ruminococcaceae,and f_Peptostreptococcaceae,while p_Euryarchaeota,Bacteroidetes,and f_Muribaculaceae showed significant reductions.Overall,OVX led to increased diversity in the species distribution of in-testinal microbiota,whereas AS treatment helped recalibrate the aforementioned phyla(families)and reduce diversity.CONCLUSION:Astragaloside IV can increase bone density in OVX rats,improve bone microstructure,promote bone formation,and prevent colonic mucosal damage by regulating the relative abundance of intestinal flora.
8.Effect of astragaloside IV on intestinal flora and osteoporosis in ovariec-tomized rats
Haoyu WANG ; Wei YAO ; Aidi LIANG ; Zhuo HUANG ; Ronghua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):311-321
AIM:This study aims to investigate the mechanisms through which Astragaloside IV(AS)pre-vents and treats osteoporosis by regulating intestinal flora.METHODS:Thirty 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were selected for the study.Ten rats were randomly assigned to a sham group,while the remaining twenty underwent bilateral ovariectomy(OVX)to simulate osteoporosis.Following the modeling,the twenty OVX rats were randomly divid-ed into two groups:the OVX group and the AS treatment group,which received continuous gavage for 12 weeks.Bone mineral density(BMD)of the femur and lumbar vertebrae was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA).Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was employed to assess the microstructure of the femur and colonic mucosa,while immu-nohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain(COL1A1)protein in the femur.Ad-ditionally,RT-qPCR was utilized to analyze the mRNA expression of bone formation-related indicators,including alkaline phosphatase(ALP),COL1A1,and Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2).Fresh fecal samples were collected from the rats for 16S rDNA sequencing to detect changes in intestinal microbiota composition.RESULTS:Compared to the sham group,OVX rats exhibited a significant increase in body weight and a marked decrease in femur and lumbar ver-tebrae bone density.HE staining revealed trabecular bone fractures with a disrupted reticular structure in the OVX group,along with the presence of numerous cavities and fat vacuoles in the bone marrow.The colonic mucosa showed signs of vil-lous shedding and mild crypt atrophy.Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated a substantial reduction in brown-yellow granules and COL1A1 expression in the OVX group.Conversely,in the AS group,there was a reduction in body weight and a significant increase in bone density of the femur and lumbar vertebrae.The trabecular architecture appeared more or-ganized,with less severe fractures compared to the OVX group.In the AS group,the number of cavities and fat vacuoles in the bone marrow was also reduced,and the colonic mucosa exhibited improved villous structure and less crypt atrophy.Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that AS treatment significantly enhanced COL1A1 expression.Furthermore,after AS intervention,the mRNA expression levels of ALP,COL1A1,and RUNX2 were notably increased.16S rDNA sequenc-ing revealed a significant increase in the abundance of Firmicutes,Proteobacteria,f_Pseudonocardiaceae,f_Marinifilace-ae,f_Oscillospiraceae,f_Ruminococcaceae,and f_Peptostreptococcaceae,while p_Euryarchaeota,Bacteroidetes,and f_Muribaculaceae showed significant reductions.Overall,OVX led to increased diversity in the species distribution of in-testinal microbiota,whereas AS treatment helped recalibrate the aforementioned phyla(families)and reduce diversity.CONCLUSION:Astragaloside IV can increase bone density in OVX rats,improve bone microstructure,promote bone formation,and prevent colonic mucosal damage by regulating the relative abundance of intestinal flora.
9.Association between obesity and dyslipidemia among rural primary and middle school students in Students Nutrition Improvement Program Areas of Zhejiang Province
ZHAO Dong, HUANG Lichun, SU Danting, GU Wei, HAN Dan, ZHANG Ronghua
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(3):414-418
Objective:
The study aimed to analyze the association between different types of obesity and dyslipidemia among rural primary and middle school students in Zhejiang Province, so as to inform strategies for prevention and control of childhood obesity and hyperlipidemia.
Methods:
As part of Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students, 1 244 participants were selected by stratified cluster random sampling in 5 counties of Zhejiang Province during September to December 2021. Physical examination, detection of blood lipid and questionnaire survey were conducted. The Chi -square test and Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between different types of obesity and dyslipidemia.
Results:
The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and hyperlipidemia were 15.11%, 12.46%, 17.60%, and 21.78%. Obesity and abdominal obesity were correlated to high risk of high triglycerides ( OR =3.97, 95% CI =2.54-6.20; OR =4.45, 95% CI =2.95- 6.72 )( P <0.05). Compared with the non overweight and obese group with normal waist circumference,the overweight and obesity group were correlated to high risk of high cholesterol ( OR=2.53, 95%CI =1.45-4.42, P <0.05). Abdominal overweight or obese group had the highest risk for dyslipidemia and triglycerides ( OR =1.82, 95% CI =1.33-2.48; OR =3.64, 95% CI =2.45-5.43) ( P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and hyperlipidemia are relatively high in rural primary and middle school students of Nutrition Improvement Programme for Rural Compulsory Education Students in Zhejiang Province. Abdominal obesity is a more important risk factor for hyperlipidemia. Waist circumference should be the focus of considerable attention.
10.Identification of Dalbergia odorifera and Its Counterfeits by HS-GC-MS
Li ZHAO ; Xiaowei MENG ; Jiarong LI ; Qing ZHU ; Xianwen WEI ; Ronghua LIU ; Lanying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):156-163
ObjectiveTo screen the differential markers by analyzing volatile components in Dalbergia odorifera and its counterfeits, in order to provide reference for authentication of D. odorifera. MethodThe volatile components in D. odorifera and its counterfeits were detected by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the GC conditions were heated by procedure(the initial temperature of the column was 50 ℃, the retention time was 1 min, and then the temperature was raised to 300 ℃ at 10 ℃ for 10 min), the carrier gas was helium, and the flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1, the split ratio was 10∶1, and the injection volume was 1 mL. The MS conditions used electron bombardment ionization(EI) with the scanning range of m/z 35-550. The compound species were identified by database matching, the relative content of each component was calculated by the peak area normalization method, and principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discrimination analysis(OPLS-DA) and cluster analysis were performed on the detection results by SIMCA 14.1 software, and the differential components of D. odorifera and its counterfeits were screened out according to the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>2 and P<0.05. ResultA total of 26, 17, 8, 22, 24 and 7 volatile components were identified from D. odorifera, D. bariensis, D. latifolia, D. benthamii, D. pinnata and D. cochinchinensis, respectively. Among them, there were 11 unique volatile components of D. odorifera, 6 unique volatile components of D. bariensis, 3 unique volatile components of D. latifolia, 6 unique volatile components of D. benthamii, 8 unique volatile components of D. pinnata, 4 unique volatile components of D. cochinchinensis. The PCA results showed that, except for D. latifolia and D. cochinchinensis, which could not be clearly distinguished, D. odorifera and other counterfeits could be distributed in a certain area, respectively. The OPLS-DA results showed that D. odorifera and its five counterfeits were clustered into one group each, indicating significant differences in volatile components between D. odorifera and its counterfeits. Finally, a total of 31 differential markers of volatile components between D. odoriferae and its counterfeits were screened. ConclusionHS-GC-MS combined with SIMCA 14.1 software can systematically elucidate the volatile differential components between D. odorifera and its counterfeits, which is suitable for rapid identification of them.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail