1.Mechanisms of Dihuang Yinzi in Treating Advanced Parkinson's Disease Based on Gut Microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation Axis
Renzhi MA ; Yasi LIN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Hongmei ZHU ; Jiayuan LI ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Wenxin FAN ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):11-21
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dihuang Yinzi (DY) on motor dysfunction in rats with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the mechanisms by which DY improves advanced PD symptoms through the "gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-inflammation-neuroprotection pathway". MethodsAn advanced PD rat model was induced by rotenone. Rats were divided into a normal group, model group, positive drug group (levodopa, 50 mg·kg-1), and DY low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.2, 10.4, 20.8 g·kg-1). After 7 days of administration, motor function was evaluated using the open-field, pole-climbing, and inclined plate tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the substantia nigra and colon, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Levodopa, homovanillic acid (HVA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the content of SCFAs in colonic contents. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased movement speed and distance in the open-field test, prolonged pole-climbing time, and reduced retention angle on the inclined plate (P<0.01), accompanied by increased α-Syn expression (P<0.01) and decreased TH expression (P<0.01) in the brain. Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups improved motor dysfunction in advanced PD rats to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated pathological damage in the brain and colon. High-dose DY significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (P<0.01) and increased TH expression (P<0.01). ELISA and Western blot results showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum (P<0.01), increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum (P<0.01), and significantly reduced expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups increased the levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose DY group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum were reduced (P<0.01), while the expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the intestine was increased. The 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the model group, whereas the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, class Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia muciniphila were decreased. These changes were effectively reversed after high-dose DY intervention. GC analysis showed that the content of SCFAs in the colonic contents of rats in the model group was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while after high-dose DY intervention, the levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDY may exert therapeutic effects in advanced PD by regulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation pathway.
2.Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors for infection in patients with multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib
Wenting JIANG ; Jie ZHOU ; Bo LYU ; Aiming SHI ; Bingzong LI ; Jie PAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):942-948
OBJECTIVE To study the clinical characteristics and potential risk factors for infection in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) following treatment with bortezomib. METHODS Clinical data were retrospectively collected from MM patients who received bortezomib-based treatment regimens at the Department of Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, from October 2021 to February 2025. The collected data primarily included demographic characteristics, disease characteristics of MM, treatment regimens, occurrence of infections and corresponding management measures, and prophylactic medication use. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for MM complicated with infection. RESULTS Among the 284 MM patients treated with bortezomib, 132 patients (46.5%) experienced at least one infection. The predominant types of infections were respiratory tract infections and gastrointestinal infections. Univariate analysis showed that age at initial diagnosis, pathological classification, and grade of myelosuppression were influencing factors for infection in MM patients ( P <0.05). Further analysis of influencing factors for the two main types of infections revealed that sex, age at initial diagnosis, pathological classification, treatment regimen, and smoking history were influencing factor s for respiratory tract infections in MM patients ( P <0.05); BMI, pathological classification, treatment regimen, and grade of myelosuppression were influencing factors for gastrointestinal infections in MM patients ( P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that age≥70 years and the presence of grade Ⅳ myelosuppression before treatment were risk factors for infection in MM patients, while the IgG-λ type was a protective factor against infection ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of infection is relatively high in MM patients receiving bortezomib-based treatment regimens, with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections being the most common. Age at initial diagnosis, grade of myelosuppression, and pathological classification are influencing factors for infection in MM patients.
3.Association between sunshine duration and hospitalization risk for mental and behavioral disorders in Zigong City, Sichuan Province
Xianyan JIANG ; Fengyuan TIAN ; Yang LI ; Shijuan RUAN ; Yue WEN ; Chunli SHI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):485-492
Background Sunshine duration is closely associated with population mental health and emotional states, although its relationship with mental and behavioral disorders (MBD) remains insufficiently studied. Objective To analyze the effect of sunshine duration on hospital admissions for MBD in Zigong City, Sichuan Province. Methods Hospital admission records for MBD from 10 medical institutions, meteorological data, and ambient air pollutant concentrations were collected in Zigong City from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2024. A distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was employed to calculate single-day and cumulative lag effects of different sunshine duration exposures—0 h (P0, P5, P25), 6 h (P75), and 10.4 h (P95)—on hospitalization risks for MBD, stratified by diagnostic category, sex, and age groups. Results This study analyzed
4.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
5.Modified Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Neuronal Dysfunction in Rat Model of Post-myocardial Infarction Depression by Regulating Mitochondrial Quality Control Through Drp1/PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Zhen ZHONG ; Dongsheng WEI ; Xinyue XIONG ; Lin LI ; Mingli YAO ; Xinnuan SHI ; Youming JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):20-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Xiaoyaosan (JJXYS) on behavioral abnormalities and hippocampal mitochondrial quality control (MQC) in the rat model of post-myocardial infarction depression (PMD) and preliminarily explore its potential mechanism. MethodsA rat model of PMD was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Rats were randomized into a control group, a model group, a fluoxetine (FLX, 10 mg·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose JJXYS (JJXYS-L/M/H, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48 g·kg-1, respectively) groups. Depressive-like behaviors were evaluated by body weight monitoring, sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swimming test. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to observe hippocampal histomorphology and neuronal changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to determine the serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The mRNA levels of MQC-related genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM) in the hippocampal tissue were measured by real-time PCR. The expression of proteins related to the dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)/PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway was determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed restricted body weight gain, aggravated depressive-like behaviors, declined serum 5-HT and DA levels, evident hippocampal neuronal damage and reduced Nissl bodies, as well as downregulated expression of MQC-related genes and proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both FLX and JJXYS alleviated the above changes to varying degrees. Moreover, the JJXYS-M and JJXYS-H groups showed more pronounced effects, improving behavioral performance, restoring 5-HT and DA levels, alleviating hippocampal pathological injury, and upregulating the expression of PGC-1α/Nrf1/TFAM mRNA and Drp1/PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway-related proteins (P<0.05). ConclusionJJXYS can significantly alleviate depressive-like behaviors and neurotransmitter imbalance in the rat model of PMD by regulating hippocampal MQC and upregulating the Drp1/PINK1/Parkin-related pathway. This study provides experimental evidence for the intervention of PMD with JJXYS.
6.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
7.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
8.The common causal relationship between gut microbiota and respiratory diseases based on the theory of "lung and large intestine being interior-exterior related"
Zhenghua CAO ; Shaodan HU ; Feng SUN ; Guolu JIANG ; Li SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1282-1289
Objective To comprehensively evaluate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and 9 respiratory diseases, explore whether there are common mechanisms among these 9 respiratory diseases, and delves into the potential commonalities of pre-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (pre-COPD) by focusing on COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Methods Mendelian randomization was used to explore the causal relationship between gut microbiota and 9 respiratory diseases, sensitivity analysis was conducted, and robustness was verified. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of common gut microbiota were mapped to genes to explore their common mechanisms. Results Mendelian randomization studies found that 66 gut microbiota had a causal relationship with 9 respiratory diseases, and 15 gut microbiota might be potential common mechanisms for these 9 respiratory diseases, with a total of 85 potential genes. GO functional enrichment analysis found that these genes were mainly enriched in biological functions such as synaptic transmission, synaptic membrane, cytokine activity, and growth factor binding. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in glutamatergic synapses, relaxin signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Allisonella and Prevotellaceae might be protective factors for pre-COPD, while Howardella might be a risk factor. Ten protective genes and six risk genes for the pre-COPD were identified. Conclusion This study further confirms the correlation between the lung-gut axis and the lung-colon connection, explores the potential common mechanisms of 9 respiratory diseases, investigates the potential mechanisms of pre-COPD based on the common gut microbiota of COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, and provides some ideas for the early prevention and treatment of COPD, and diagnosis of pre-COPD from the perspective of gut microbiota.
9.Association of physical exercise with cognitive function and psychological health among primary school students
JIA Shuqi, LI Fei, LI Pan, ZHANG Wenqian, JIANG Hua, KONG Fansong, SHI Yue
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):982-987
Objective:
To examine the association of physical activity with cognitive function and mental health among primary school students based on latent subgroup identification and dose response modeling, and to clarify cognitive-psychological profiles and the protective role of physical exercise, so as to provide evidence based support for physical exercise promoting mental health among primary school students.
Methods:
A study was conducted among 546 primary school students aged 8-12 years old from a primary school in Shanghai from March to June 2025. Physical fitness indicators, including vital capacity, 50 m sprint, sit and reach, and 1 min rope skipping were measured. Physical exercise was assessed by using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3), and mental health was assessed by using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, 47-item version (RCADS-47). Cognitive function was assessed by using Stroop, N-back, and task-switching tasks. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed for cognitive-psychological health of primary school students based on seven cognitive indicators and six psychological indicators. Multivariable Logistic regression, trend test, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to examine associations between physical exercise and psychological highrisk status.
Results:
Five cognitive psychological health subgroups were identified:high symptom and impaired cognition group ( n =40, 7.3%), low cognition and low symptom group ( n =108, 19.8% ), and high cognition and high symptom group ( n =110, 20.2%), cognitive advantage and psychologically healthy group ( n = 272, 49.8%), and extremely high symptom and cognitively vulnerable group ( n =16, 2.9%). Among them, the high symptom and impaired-cognition group and extremely high symptom and cognitively vulnerable group were classified as psychologically high risk types. Significant differences were observed across subgroups in psychological symptoms, cognitive function, some physical fitness indicators and physical exercise level, except for body weight, body mass index, and sit and reach ( F =2.64-297.53, all P < 0.05). The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that high level sports, including high total volume of physical exercise, single session duration >30 min, high intensity, and frequency ≥3 times/week, was associated with lower psychological high risk status ( OR =0.20, 0.36, 0.33, 0.40, all P <0.05). Trend analysis showed that total volume of physical exercise and single session exercise duration were negatively associated with psychological high risk status among primary school students ( OR =0.98, 0.79, both P trend <0.05). RCS analysis showed no statistically significant overall or nonlinear association between total volume of physical exercise and psychological high risk status ( χ 2=2.92, 0.01, both P >0.05).
Conclusions
Cognitive-psychological health among primary school students is heterogeneous. Physical exercise is associated with psychological health improvement and may show a threshold effect, with total volume of physical exercise and single session exercise duration being the key dimensions.
10.Research progress on school-based myopia interventions using visual tracking exercises and indoor⁃outdoor light exposure
Xiyan CHENG ; Ruilan LI ; Huijing SHI ; Ling WANG ; Hong JIANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(8):646-652
Myopia prevention and control holds significant importance for the cultivation of strategic talents at the national level. In recent years, myopia among Chinese students has shown a trend of increasing prevalence and earlier onset. Once myopia develops, it is difficult to reverse. Schools, as the primary setting for student learning and activities, play a crucial role in mitigating the high incidence of myopia among students. This article provides a review of the progress in school-based myopia prevention and control interventions both domestically and internationally, with a focus on visual tracking exercises, outdoor light exposure, and improvements to classroom lighting environments. The study finds that methods such as visual tracking exercises, outdoor light exposure, and classroom lighting improvement can effectively prevent students from developing myopia and control the progression of myopia. The findings may offer scientific evidence for further improving policy formulation in China.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail