1.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
2.Material Basis of Entada phaseoloides Against Neuropathic Pain Based on in vitro Chemical Profiling and in vivo Absorbed Constituents
Sensen LI ; Hanxue WU ; Yuanbin LI ; Limin ZHAO ; Xiaohui SU ; Hui XIONG ; Weihua MA ; Chao WANG ; Zhaochen MA ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):88-97
ObjectiveTo systematically characterize the in vitro chemical constituents of Entada phaseoloides and its absorbed prototype compounds and metabolites in a neuropathic pain (NP) model, thereby elucidating the potential pharmacological material basis underlying its analgesic activity. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to analyze the constituents of the 80% methanol extract of E. phaseoloides. Thirty-six mice were divided into a blank group, low-, medium-, and high-dose E. phaseoloides extract groups (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg-1, respectively), an aspirin group (400 mg·kg-1), and a morphine group (10 mg·kg-1), with six mice in each group. The tail-flick threshold was measured. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a blank group and low-, medium-, and high-dose E. phaseoloides extract groups (25, 50, and 100 mg·kg-1, respectively), with six mice in each group, and motor coordination was evaluated. A spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model was established in mice. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a sham-operated (Sham) group, an SNL group, an SNL + E. phaseoloides extract group (750 mg·kg-1), and an SNL + pregabalin group (20 mg·kg-1), with 6 mice in each group. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated. Behavioral assessments were combined to determine the optimal onset time of the analgesic effect, and plasma samples were collected at this time point. Absorbed components and metabolites were systematically identified based on accurate mass, MS/MS fragmentation patterns, retention time, and comparisons with literature data and reference standards. Meanwhile, network pharmacology, target similarity analysis, and molecular docking validation were integrated to evaluate the potential effects of absorbed components on disease intervention. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the high-dose E. phaseoloides extract group and morphine group showed significantly increased pain response thresholds (P<0.01), without affecting motor coordination in normal mice. Compared with the Sham group, the SNL group exhibited significantly decreased thresholds for mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia (P<0.01). Compared with the SNL group, the SNL + E. phaseoloides extract group and SNL + pregabalin group showed significantly increased thresholds for mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia (P<0.01). The analgesic effect of E. phaseoloides was most significant at 2 h after administration. A total of 70 constituents were identified in vitro, and 22 prototype compounds and 29 metabolites were detected in plasma. The targets of the absorbed components were mainly enriched in biological processes associated with pain signal perception and transmission and showed a high degree of overlap with disease genes related to neuropathic pain. In addition, multiple components exhibited strong binding energies with core pain-related targets. Based on integrated analysis of in vitro content, plasma exposure levels, and target associations, ketanthamide A-β-D-pyranoside and ketengzide were identified as the most representative pharmacologically active substances responsible for the analgesic effect. ConclusionThis study systematically elucidates the material basis of E. phaseoloides intervention in neuropathic pain from three aspects, including chemical constituent characteristics, in vivo behavioral characteristics, and potential targets, providing important theoretical foundations and experimental support for further studies on its pharmacological mechanism and analgesic drug development.
3.An RNA-cleaving DNAzyme and G-Quadruplex DNAzyme-Cascade System for Sensing of Small Molecules in Organic Cosolvent
Su-Hui LI ; Shuai-Qi ZHANG ; Yi-Bo ZHANG ; Quan ZHENG ; Tian-Jun CHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):914-923
Detection of poor-water-soluble substances typically requires an organic solvent containing solution,and therefore,the biosensors that can operate in such conditions are highly promising for practical applications.However,most existing biosensors have been developed in aqueous solution and it is hard to work effectively in organic solvent systems.In this work,we uncovered that the G-quadruplex(G4)/hemin DNAzyme(G4HD)could be strongly reactivated by NH4 in organic solvents at concentration up to 30%,and the activity was significantly higher than that in aqueous solutions containing K+.Based on this discovery,a biosensing system was developed for small molecule in 40%methanol by coupling G4HD with our previously identified RNA-cleaving DNAzyme(E3).This system comprised an ATP-activated aptazyme that was made of E3 and a G4HD that was activated by the cleavage product of the aptazyme.By using a manmade pipette tip filter to separate the reaction products,the subsequent colorimetric reaction of the G4HD could be triggered.This biosensing system enabled the visualization of target molecules in organic cosolvents without any other instruments.The activable DNAzyme-cascade sensing system had potential in point-of-care detection of poor-water-soluble pollutants,thereby enhancing the practical values of functional nucleic acid-based biosensors in real-world detection conditions.
4.Longitudinal Associations between Vitamin D Status and Systemic Inflammation Markers among Early Adolescents.
Ting TANG ; Xin Hui WANG ; Xue WEN ; Min LI ; Meng Yuan YUAN ; Yong Han LI ; Xiao Qin ZHONG ; Fang Biao TAO ; Pu Yu SU ; Xi Hua YU ; Geng Fu WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):94-99
5.Association between ABO Blood Types and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Shuang Hua XIE ; Shuang Ying LI ; Shao Fei SU ; En Jie ZHANG ; Shen GAO ; Yue ZHANG ; Jian Hui LIU ; Min Hui HU ; Rui Xia LIU ; Wen Tao YUE ; Cheng Hong YIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(6):678-692
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the association between ABO blood types and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk.
METHODS:
A prospective birth cohort study was conducted. ABO blood types were determined using the slide method. GDM diagnosis was based on a 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to the criteria of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. Logistic regression was applied to calculate the odds ratios ( ORs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) between ABO blood types and GDM risk.
RESULTS:
A total of 30,740 pregnant women with a mean age of 31.81 years were enrolled in this study. The ABO blood types distribution was: type O (30.99%), type A (26.58%), type B (32.20%), and type AB (10.23%). GDM was identified in 14.44% of participants. Using blood type O as a reference, GDM risk was not significantly higher for types A ( OR = 1.05) or B ( OR = 1.04). However, women with type AB had a 19% increased risk of GDM ( OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05-1.34; P < 0.05), even after adjusting for various factors. This increased risk for type AB was consistent across subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
The ABO blood types may influence GDM risk, with type AB associated with a higher risk. Incorporating it-either as a single risk factor or in combination with other known factors-could help identify individuals at risk for GDM before or during early pregnancy.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Diabetes, Gestational/etiology*
;
ABO Blood-Group System
;
Adult
;
Prospective Studies
;
Risk Factors
;
Young Adult
6.Does Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 Infection Exacerbate Postpartum Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms? A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.
Yu Han LYU ; Min LI ; Hui Qing YAO ; Tian Zi GAI ; Lin LIANG ; Su PAN ; Ping Ping LI ; Ya Xin LIANG ; Yue YU ; Xiao Mei WU ; Min LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1095-1104
OBJECTIVE:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS.
METHODS:
A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0.
RESULTS:
Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans
;
Female
;
COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adult
;
Pregnancy
;
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology*
;
Postpartum Period
;
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Electromyography
;
SARS-CoV-2/physiology*
;
Pelvic Floor/physiopathology*
;
Prevalence
7.Changing antimicrobial resistance profiles of Burkholderia cepacia in hospitals across China:results from CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program,2015-2021
Chunyue GE ; Yunjian HU ; Xiaoman AI ; Yang YANG ; Fupin HU ; Demei ZHU ; Yingchun XU ; Xiaojiang ZHANG ; Hui LI ; Ping JI ; Yi XIE ; Mei KANG ; Chuanqing WANG ; Pan FU ; Yuanhong XU ; Ying HUANG ; Ziyong SUN ; Zhongju CHEN ; Yuxing NI ; Jingyong SUN ; Yunzhuo CHU ; Sufei TIAN ; Zhidong HU ; Jin LI ; Yunsong YU ; Jie LIN ; Bin SHAN ; Yan DU ; Sufang GUO ; Lianhua WEI ; Fengmei ZOU ; Hong ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Chao ZHUO ; Danhong SU ; Dawen GUO ; Jinying ZHAO ; Hua YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Wen'en LIU ; Yanming LI ; Yan JIN ; Chunhong SHAO ; Xuesong XU ; Chao YAN ; Shanmei WANG ; Yafei CHU ; Lixia ZHANG ; Juan MA ; Shuping ZHOU ; Yan ZHOU ; Lei ZHU ; Jinhua MENG ; Fang DONG ; Zhiyong LÜ ; Fangfang HU ; Han SHEN ; Wanqing ZHOU ; Wei JIA ; Gang LI ; Jinsong WU ; Yuemei LU ; Jihong LI ; Jinju DUAN ; Jianbang KANG ; Xiaobo MA ; Yanping ZHENG ; Ruyi GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Yunsheng CHEN ; Qing MENG ; Shifu WANG ; Xuefei HU ; Jilu SHEN ; Wenhui HUANG ; Ruizhong WANG ; Hua FANG ; Bixia YU ; Yong ZHAO ; Ping GONG ; Kaizhen WENG ; Yirong ZHANG ; Jiangshan LIU ; Longfeng LIAO ; Hongqin GU ; Lin JIANG ; Wen HE ; Shunhong XUE ; Jiao FENG ; Chunlei YUE
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(5):557-562
Objective To examine the changing prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Burkholderia cepacia in 52 hospitals across China from 2015 to 2021.Methods A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were collected from 52 hospitals between January 1,2015 and December 31,2021.Antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains was tested using Kirby-Bauer method or automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems according to a unified protocol.The results were interpreted according to the breakpoints released in the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)guidelines(2023 edition).Results A total of 9 261 strains of B.cepacia were isolated from all age groups,especially elderly patients.The proportion was 11.1%(1 032 strains)in children,significantly lower than the proportion in adults.About half(46.5%,4 310/9 261)of the strains were isolated from patients at least 60 years old and 42.3%(3 919/9 261)of the strains were isolated from young adults.Most isolates(71.1%)were isolated from sputum and respiratory secretions,followed by urine(10.7%)and blood samples(8.1%).B.cepacia isolates were highly susceptible to the five antimicrobial agents recommended in the CLSI M100 document(33rd edition,2023).B.cepacia isolates showed relatively higher resistance rates to meropenem and levofloxacin.However,the resistance rates to ceftazidime,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,and minocycline remained below 8.1%.The percentage of B.cepacia strains resistant to levofloxacin was the highest compared to other antibiotics in any of the three age groups(from 12.4%in the patients<18 years old to 20.6%in the patients aged 60 years or older).Conclusions B.cepacia is one of the clinically important non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria.Accurate and timely reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility test results and ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance are helpful for rational prescription of antimicrobial agents and proper prevention and control of nosocomial infections.
8.Relationship between autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors and resilience in adolescents
Longping ZENG ; Hui WANG ; Xinzhou TANG ; Xing SU ; Liyang ZHAO ; Zhaozheng JI ; Xiaoyun GONG ; Tingni YIN ; Qinyi LIU ; Bingxi SUN ; Xue LI ; Jing LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(1):26-31
Objective:To discern the association between autism-like behaviors and resilience within the ado-lescent demographic.Methods:A total of 7 063 middle school students were selected to assess ASD-like behaviors and resilience in adolescents using the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire(ASSQ)as well as the Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescent(RSCA).Subgroups bounded by P5 and P95 of the total ASSQ score,a comparative analysis of the resilience scores between these groups was executed.A correlation evaluation and linear regression a-nalysis was carried out between ASSQ and RSCA scores from all participants.Results:The RSCA scores within the high ASSQ scoring group,were inferior to those in the low scoring group.ASSQ scores were negatively correlated with RSCA scores for the full sample(Ps<0.01);Social interaction scores on the ASSQ were negatively correlated with the five-factor RSCA scores(β=-0.23,-0.27,-0.11,-0.23,-0.37,Ps<0.05).Conclusion:There was a negative association between autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors and resilience in adolescents,with more severe social interaction symptoms being associated with poorer resilience.
9.Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluating DeBakey Ⅰaortic dissection involved renal artery
Yuanyuan SUN ; Lihua LI ; Hui ZHUANG ; Maolong SU ; Xinyu WANG ; Caimei CHEN ; Guoming ZHANG ; Xu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):273-276
Objective To observe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)for evaluating DeBakey Ⅰ aortic dissection involved renal artery.Methods Totally 137 patients with DeBakey Ⅰ aortic dissection involved renal artery were retrospectively enrolled,including 132 cases involved unilateral and 5 cases involved bilateral renal arteries.The opening of totally 274 renal arteries in bilateral kidneys were observed.Taken CT angiography(CTA)as reference standard,the renal artery opened in true lumen was considered as unaffected,while opened in false lumen or true-false lumen were both considered as affected.Relative CEUS manifestations were observed,and their value for evaluating involved renal artery or not were analyzed.Results CTA showed that 132 renal arteries opened in true lumens,90 opened in false lumens and 52 opened in true-false lumens.CEUS diagnosed 131 renal arteries opened in true lumens,111 opened in false lumens and 32 opened in true-false lumens,and the sensitivity for diagnosing DeBakey Ⅰ aortic dissection involved renal artery was 90.84%,81.08%and 90.63%,respectively.The consistency between CEUS and CTA for evaluating renal artery opened in true lumen or false lumen was good(Kappa=0.786).Logistic regression analysis showed that the time to peak(TTP)and peak intensity(PI)of time intensity curve(TIC)were both impact factors for differentiating renal artery opened in true lumen or false lumen,as well as true lumen or true-false lumen(both P<0.05),while the area under the curve(AUC)of TIC was impact factor for differentiating renal artery opened in true lumen or false lumen(P<0.05).The AUC of receiver operating characteristic curve of the combination of TTP,PI and AUC of TIC for differentiating renal artery opened in true lumen or false lumen,true lumen or true-false lumen and false lumen or true-false lumen was 0.703,0.686 and 0.493,respectively.Conclusion CEUS was helpful for evaluating DeBakey Ⅰ aortic dissection involved renal artery.
10.Phase Ⅲ, multicenter, randomized comparative study of LY01005 and Zoladex ? for patients with premenopausal breast cancer
Xiying SHAO ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Zhaofeng NIU ; Man LI ; Jingfen WANG ; Zhanhong CHEN ; Ruizhen LUO ; Guangdong QIAO ; Jianguo WANG ; Liyuan QIAN ; Ronghua YANG ; Zhendong CHEN ; Jian WANG ; Yumin YAO ; Jianghua OU ; Tao SUN ; Qiao CHENG ; Yongsheng WANG ; Jian HUANG ; Hongying ZHAO ; Wuyun SU ; Zhong OUYANG ; Yu DING ; Lilin CHEN ; Sumei YANG ; Mengsheng CUI ; Aimin ZANG ; Enxiang ZHOU ; Peizhi FAN ; Jing ZHANG ; Qiang LIU ; Yuee TENG ; Hui LI ; Jianyun NIE ; Jin YANG ; Xiaojia WANG ; Zefei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(4):340-348
Background:To compare the efficacy and safety of monthly administrations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists LY01005 and Zoladex ? in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer. Methods:From October 2020 to November 2021, 188 premenopausal breast cancer patients were enrolled in 34 hospitals and randomized 1:1 to receive either LY01005 or Zoladex ? every 28 days for a total of three injections. All patients concomitantly received oral tamoxifen (TAM). The primary efficacy endpoint was cumulative probability of maintaining menopausal level [oestradiol (E2) ≤30 pg/ml] from day 29 to day 85. The second efficacy endpoint included changes in E2, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) compared with the baseline. Pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety were analyzed. The study also evaluated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of LY01005. Results:A total of 188 patients were randomised and 187 patients received either LY01005 or Zoladex ?. Cumulative probabilities of maintaining menopausal level (E2≤30 pg/ml) from day 29 to day 85 were 93.1% for LY01005 and 86.3% for Zoladex ?. The between-group difference was 6.8% (95% CI: -2.3%, 15.9%) and primary efficacy in the LY01005 group was not inferior to that in the Zoladex ? group. Changes in E2, LH, and FSH levels compared with the baseline were equivalent between the two groups (E2: 89.34% to 90.23% vs. 82.11% to 85.02%; LH: 88.89% to 95.52% vs. 89.70% to 97.02%; FSH: 75.36% to 80.85% vs.73.07% to 80.24%, respectively). After three consecutive doses of LY01005, the LH and FSH levels of the subjects showed a transient increase after the first dose, reached a peak on the second day and then started to decrease. The LH and FSH reached a lower level and remained at or below that level until the 85th day. Both treatments were well-tolerated. Conclusion:LY01005 is as effective as Zoladex ? in suppressing E2 to menopausal levels in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer, with a similar safety profile.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail