1.Association of sex hormone levels with all-cause mortality in males: a study based on NHANES
Jiahao WANG ; Shan JIANG ; Yilin ZHAO ; Haolin LI ; He ZHANG ; Di ZHU ; Jinzhi WANG ; Junqi WANG ; Peng GE
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(1):33-41
Objective To investigate the association of serum total testosterone(TT),free testosterone(FT),sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG),and estradiol(E_2)with all-cause mortality rate(AMR)in males and to evaluate their predictive value. Methods Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)cycles(1999—2004 and 2013—2016),the relationships between different sex hormones and AMR was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards regression models. The dose-response relationships between different sex hormones and male AMR were assessed with restricted cubic splines(RCS). The predictive performances of different sex hormones for male AMR were compared with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and the area under the curve(AUC). The survival differences across varying sex hormone levels were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests. Results This study involved 3632 adult male participants with a median follow-up of 6.5 years,during which 320 AMR occurred(8.8%). Cox univariate analysis indicated that TT,FT and SHBG were risk factors for AMR(P<0.001). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that FT and SHBG were independent risk factors for AMR(FT:HR=0.90,95%CI:0.86-0.94; SHBG:HR=1.01,95%CI:1.01-1.02). RCS revealed a U-shaped nonlinear relationship between TT,FT and AMR(P<0.001); SHBG showed a positive dose-response relationship with AMR(P<0.001). The AUCs of FT predicting the 5-year,10-year,and 15-year AMR were 0.78(95%CI:0.73-0.82),0.80(95%CI:0.76-0.84),and 0.84(95%CI: 0.80-0.88),respectively,significantly outperforming other indicators. Subgroup analysis revealed that FT was negatively correlated with male AMR,but this association was modulated by age,race,smoking status and diabetes status(P_(interaction)<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that different levels of TT and FT(Q1-Q4)were significantly positively correlated with survival rate(P<0.001),while different levels of SHBG were significantly negatively correlated with survival rate,with patients in the Q4 group having the highest risk of death(P<0.001). Conclusion Based on US NHANES,studies have shown that the FT and SHBG are independent risk factors for male AMR,and FT demonstrates greater predictive value for male AMR than TT.
2.Mechanisms of Shangxia Liangji Danin Improving Cognitive Function in AD Mice Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shuo YANG ; Ling ZHU ; Wei CHENG ; Aihua TAN ; Feng SHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):38-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Shangxia Liangji pills improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, aiming to provide experimental evidence for its clinical use in AD treatment. MethodsFifty APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, Shangxia Liangji pills low-dose group, medium-dose group, high-dose group, and donepezil hydrochloride group, with 10 mice in each group. Additionally, 10 C57BL/6 mice of the same genetic background were assigned to the normal group. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Hippocampal pathological changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy and Nissl staining. Neuroinflammation in hippocampal tissue was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in hippocampal tissue were measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly increased total swimming distance and escape latency, significantly reduced number of platform crossings (P<0.01), and a decreased recognition index (P<0.01). Marked neuronal apoptosis was observed in the hippocampal region, with a marked reduction in the number of neurons in the CA3 region (P<0.01). Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampal tissue were significantly elevated (P<0.01). APP expression in hippocampal tissue was markedly upregulated (P<0.01), while PSD95, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt protein expression were significantly downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shangxia Liangji pills high-dose group showed significantly reduced total swimming distance and escape latency, significantly increased number of platform crossings (P<0.01), and an elevated recognition index (P<0.01). Hippocampal neuronal apoptosis was alleviated, with a significant increase in the number of neurons in the CA3 region (P<0.01). Levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly decreased (P<0.01). APP expression was downregulated (P<0.05), while PSD95, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt protein expression were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionShangxia Liangji pills may improve cognitive function in AD mice by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and alleviating neuronal and synaptic injury.
3.Inhibitory Role of Family with Sequence Similarity 162 Member A in the Fibrotic Phenotypes of Cardiac Fibroblasts
Chuanmeng ZHOU ; Peiying GUAN ; Rushi WU ; Jiening ZHU ; Juntao FANG ; Yupeng LIU ; Xianhong FANG ; Zhixin SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(2):238-250
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of family with sequence similarity 162 member A (Fam162a), a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, in the fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts and its regulatory role in modulating the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts. MethodsFam162a protein expression was detected in myocardial samples from patients with heart failure (HF) and mice with transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced myocardial remodeling. Primary neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts (mCFs) were isolated and cultured, and a cell model of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced myocardial fibrosis was established to determine Fam162a protein expression. Recombinant adenovirus was used to mediate Fam162a overexpression, while small interfering RNA (si-RNA) was employed for Fam162a knockdown. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, including COL1A1, COL3A1, and α-SMA. EdU staining assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation capacity, and scratch assay combined with Transwell assay was conducted to assess cell migration ability. Immunofluorescence assay was applied to measure mitochondrial membrane potential for reflecting mitochondrial dysfunction; reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection was performed to evaluate cellular oxidative stress status; MitoSox assay was used to reflect the degree of mitochondrial oxidative damage; and ATP detection was conducted to assess the overall cellular energy metabolism. ResultsFam162a expression was significantly downregulated in the myocardium of HF patients and TAC mice, and Ang Ⅱ-treated mCFs, accompanied by increased expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, and α-SMA (all P<0.05). Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Fam162a significantly inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced upregulation of fibrosis-related genes, as well as cell proliferation and migration. Accordingly, silencing Fam162a aggravated the fibrotic phenotypes of mCFs treated with Ang II. Further studies revealed that the inhibitory effect of Fam162a overexpression on Ang Ⅱ-induced fibrotic phenotype was suppressed following the addition of rotenone (a mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain inhibitor), which was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, excessive ROS production, and insufficient ATP generation. ConclusionFam162a exerts its inhibitory effect on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, promoting ATP production, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and suppressing Smad3 signaling activation.
4.Related factors and collaborative action framework of multi-disease co-prevention in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1364-1368
Abstract
The cooccurrence of multi disease among children and adolescents has become increasingly prominent, necessitating a shift from "single disease separate treatment" to "multi disease co prevention". Focusing on four common health problems in children and adolescents, namely, myopia, depression, overweight/obesity, and spinal abnormalities, the paper systematically reviews the association between four categories of factors, society, environment, family, and individual behavior, and the co occurrence of the aforementioned health problems. The findings indicate that particulate matter 2.5 exposure, light at night, physical inactivity, excessive screen time, and unhealthy diet constitute the primary cross dimensional risk network. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a collaborative action framework involving family, school, and society, emphasizing systematic strategies ranging from upstream environmental governance to downstream behavioral intervention, so as to provide evidence for the practice and policy making of multi disease co-prevention in children and adolescents.
5.Research progress in hydrogels in tissue engineering trachea
Wenxuan CHEN ; Yibo SHAN ; Fei SUN ; Zhiming SHEN ; Yi LU ; Jianwei ZHU ; Lei YUAN ; Hongcan SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1195-1199
In cases where a tracheal injury exceeds half the length of the adult trachea or one-third of the length of the child trachea, it becomes difficult to perform end-to-end anastomosis after tracheal resection due to excessive tension at the anastomosis site. In such cases, tracheal replacement therapy is required. Advances in tissue engineering technology have led to the development of tissue engineering tracheal substitutes, which have promising applications. Hydrogels, which are highly hydrated and possess a good three-dimensional network structure, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, biodegradability, and modifiability, have had wide applications in the field of tissue engineering. This article provides a review of the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and effects of various hydrogels commonly used in tissue engineering trachea in recent years. Additionally, the article discusses and offers prospects for the future application of hydrogels in the field of tissue engineering trachea.
6.Genetic Homology Analysis of Bloodstream Infection Secondary to Intestinal Colonization with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Xinyue LI ; Hongjuan ZHANG ; Xiaoyan ZHU ; Meijia HUANG ; Yunmin XU ; Xundie LI ; Xinyi ZHENG ; Shaoxuan LI ; Bin SHAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1138-1147
To investigate the genetic relatedness between carbapenem-resistant A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from patients screened for carbapenem-resistant Among 12 878 patients screened for CRE, 60 (0.47%) were identified with intestinal CRKP colonization. Of these, 6 (10.0%) developed bloodstream infections, with an all-cause mortality rate of 66.7% (4/6) during hospitalization. The predominant strain type among paired isolates was ST11-KL64 producing KPC-2, accounting for 91.7%(11/12) of cases. Except for one patient(with a categorical agreement of 82.6%), colonizing and bloodstream isolates from the same patient showed complete agreement (100% categorical agreement) in antimicrobial susceptibility profiles for all antibiotics except tigecycline. Intraclass correlation coefficients for biofilm formation and siderophore production were both > 0.75 of all paired strains, indicating high phenotypic consistency. Except for one patient, core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction revealed high genetic homology between colonizing and bloodstream isolates from the same patient (SNP difference < 10). Clonal relatedness was also observed among colonizing strains from different departments (SNP difference < 120). Although the intestinal colonization rate of CRKP is low, it poses a high mortality risk once bloodstream infection occurs. The high consistency in antimicrobial resistance profiles, biofilm formation, siderophore production, and genomic homology between colonizing and bloodstream isolates suggests that intestinal colonization is the direct source of subsequent invasive infection. Enhanced early screening, dynamic monitoring, risk-stratified prevention, and optimized intervention strategies are recommended to reduce the risk of CRKP infection and mortality.
7.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
8.Research progress on the etiology and epidemiology of monkeypox
LIU Shan ; ZHANG Jingsong ; ZHANG Wenli ; WANG He ; ZHU Wenye ; SHA Kun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):789-793,798
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which was previously limited to epidemics in Africa. Since 2022, monkeypox has rapidly spread worldwide, affecting 130 countries and regions. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency of international concern, in 2022 and 2024, respectively. The monkeypox virus has exhibited accelerated mutation rates, with diverse circulating strains. Children and men who have sex with men have emerged as the primary high-risk group. Additionally, the increase in asymptomatic infections and atypical mild rashes has complicated differential diagnosis, posing entirely challenges to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of monkeypox. This article reviews the research progress on the etiological characteristics, epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, and prevention and treatment strategies of monkeypox by retrieving the literature on monkeypox from January 1958 to January 2025, so as to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of monkeypox.
9.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of action of herb pair of Angelica sinensis-Poria cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis
Jingkai CHENG ; Shan ZHU ; Xinlei TIAN ; Wenjie HU ; Xingchan SHI ; Shunan QIAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2778-2782
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of action of herb pair of Angelica sinensis-Poria cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis. METHODS The core targets of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis were predicted through network pharmacology. Allergic rhinitis model of rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of aluminum hydroxide and ovalbumin mixture, and the rats were randomly divided into model group, loratadine group (positive control group, 0.9 mg/kg), and low-, medium-, high-dose groups of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos (3, 6 and 12 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 healthy rats were used as the normal group. Each group of rats was intragastrically administered the corresponding liquid or normal saline once a day for 30 consecutive days. After the last administration, the behavioral scores of each group of rats were calculated, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin-4 (IL-4) in serum, and the protein expression levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in nasal mucosa tissue were detected. The pathological morphology changes of nasal mucosa tissue were observed. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that IL-6, TNF and PTGS2 might play a key role in the intervention of allergic rhinitis by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos, and the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways might be the typical inflammatory signaling pathways intervened by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in allergic rhinitis. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the behavioral score, the levels of IgE, histamine and IL-4, and the protein expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and PTGS2 in each administration group were decreased significantly (P<0.05), and there was a dose-dependent relationship with the herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos can effectively alleviate the symptoms of rats with allergic rhinitis, the mechanism of which may be related to the inhibition of the expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and PTGS2.
10.Research progress on the clinical treatment methods and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for pediatric allergic rhinitis
Zhongyuan ZHANG ; Shuo ZENG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Keyan CHEN ; Shaowei LIU ; Shan ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2879-2884
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic non-infectious inflammatory diseases in children. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) employs a comprehensive therapeutic system integrating treatment by stages and syndrome differentiation and treatment, demonstrating significant advantages in the management of pediatric AR. This article systematically reviews the clinical treatment methods and underlying mechanisms of TCM for pediatric AR in recent years. It is found that internal therapies (such as herbal formulas or Chinese patent medicines like Xiaoqinglong decoction, Yiqi tuomin decoction), external therapies (including intradermal needles, acupoint application, tuina, and herbal nasal therapy), as well as combined internal and external approaches (oral herbs combined with acupoint application), have demonstrated significant effects in alleviating clinical symptoms, improving immune indicators, and reducing recurrence rates in children with AR. The underlying mechanisms are primarily associated with the regulation of signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby modulating immune balance, suppressing inflammatory responses, inhibiting pyroptosis, reducing mucus secretion, and promoting nasal mucosal repair.


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