1.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
2.Advancements in the role of iris parameters in implantable collamer lens implantation
Huihui JIN ; Jiaqing HUANG ; Xian WU ; Yingjie NI ; Chaoyang HONG ; Peijin QIU ; Ting SHEN
International Eye Science 2025;25(7):1037-1045
Phakic intraocular lens implantation has become one of the important means of correcting refractive errors today. Among them,the implantable collamer lens(ICL)is favored for its wide range of correction, excellent optical quality, and high safety, but the risks of postoperative complications such as glaucoma and anterior subcapsular opacification still exist. Vault is an important indicator for evaluating the safety after ICL implantation, and its ideal state is crucial for preventing complications. Studies have shown that iris morphology has a significant impact on vault. In order to further optimize surgical outcomes and improve surgical safety, this review comprehensively reviews the research progress of iris-related parameters in ICL implantation and discusses the importance of various parameters in preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up.
3.Improvement and mechanism of PF-04957325,an 8-type phosphodiesterase inhibitor,in cognitive impairment induced by okadaic acid in mice with Alzheimer's disease
Yu-Li LYU ; Tian-Yang GUO ; Nian-Zhuang QIU ; Han-Ting ZHANG ; Hao WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1719-1726
Aim To investigate the effects of the phos-phodiesterase 8(PDE8)inhibitor PF-04957325 on learning and memory,anxiety and depression in Alzhe-imer's disease(AD)mice induced by Okadaic acid(OA),and to explore its mechanism.Methods Twenty-one 2-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were se-lected for the experiment and randomly divided into the control group,AD model group,and PDE8 inhibitor group(0.1 mg·kg-1).AD model was induced by bi-lateral hippocampal localization injection of OA(50 ng on each side)in the model and PDE8 inhibitor groups of mice.Two days after the injection of OA,PDE8 in-hibitor group was given 0.1 mg·kg-1 drug,while the AD model groups and control group were given with the same volume of vehicle for 21 consecutive days.On day 13 of inhibitor administration,behavioral tests re-lated to learning and memory abilities,anxiety and de-pressive behaviors were performed in mice.HE stai-ning was used to observe the morphology of neuronal cells in the DG,CA1,and CA3 regions of the hippo-campus of mice,and Western blot was used to detect the levels of phosphorylated Tau proteins at different sites within the hippocampus of mice as well as the ex-pression of proteins related to the PDE8/cAMP/CREB pathway.Results Compared with the control group,the Y-maze Spontaneous alternation,Recognition index of NOR and Latency of PAT were significantly shorter(P<0.01),and Entries times、Time in the target quadrant of MWM were reduced(P<0.05)in the AD model group,which showed a decrease in the ability of learning and memory,whereas the administration of PF-04957325 significantly improved the ability of learning and memory in the AD mice;mice in the AD model group showed a significant decrease in the num-ber of entries into the central area of the OFT and the time spent in the central area(P<0.05),and a sig-nificant increase in the Immobility time of TST(P<0.01),suggesting that the mice had anxiety and de-pression,and the administration of PF-04957325 did not improve the anxious behavior of the mice,but im-proved the depressed behavior to a certain extent;the hippocampus of the AD model group mice showed ker-nel solidification in the DG,CA1 and CA3 regions,and neurons were not neatly arranged,and the admin-istration of PF-04957325 could alleviate the damage of hippocampal nerve cells in mice.Compared with the control group,the phosphorylation levels of Tau protein Ser1 99,Ser396 and Ser202 sites in the hippocampus of mice in the AD model group were significantly in-creased(P<0.01),the expression of PDE8A and PDE8B proteins was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of p-PKA/PKA and BDNF proteins was decreased(P<0.05),after administra-tion of PF-04957325,the phosphorylation levels of Tau protein Ser396 and Ser202 sites were significantly re-duced(P<0.01),PDE8A and PDE8B protein ex-pression was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and p-PKA/PKA,p-CREB/CREB and BDNF protein ex-pression was significantly increased(P<0.01).Con-clusion PDE8 inhibitor PF-04957325 can improve learning memory ability,reduce cognitive dysfunction,restore Tau protein function,and attenuate neuronal cell damage in the hippocampus of AD mice with amel-iorative effects.The mechanism of action may be relat-ed to the activation of PDE8/cAMP/CREB pathway and inhibition of Tau protein phosphorylation.
4.Significance of IgH Gene Rearrangement in Surveillance of Minimal Residual Disease after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Trans-plantation in Multiple Myeloma
Ping CHENG ; Jun GUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Qiu-Xiang WANG ; Lan-Lan WANG ; Ting ZHANG ; Hui CHENG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):164-170
Objective:To investigate the value of immunoglobulin heavy chain(IgH)gene rearrangement in monitoring minimal residual disease(MRD)in multiple myeloma(MM)received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(auto-HSCT).Methods:The clinical data of 26 MM patients who received auto-HSCT in the Department of Hematology,Wuhan First Hospital from 2018 to 2022 were collected.IgH rearrangement was detected by multiplex PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis to evaluate minimal residual disease(MRD),and the outcome of the disease was analyzed statistically.Results:Among the 26 MM patients,18 were males and 8 were females,with a median age of 59(41-70)years.The median follow-up time after transplantation was 33(7-52)months.Compared with the IgH rearrangement negative group(n=17),the proportion of CR and sCR of patients with IgH rearrangement positive in bone marrow samples before auto-HSCT at 3 months after transplantation was lower(1/9 vs 14/17),and the duration of remission(DOR)after transplantation was shorter(10.78±4.35 vs 15.88±5.22 months),with statistically significant difference in DOR between the two groups(P<0.05).Compared with IgH rearrangement negative group(n=21),the proportion of CR and sCR of patients with positive IgH rearrangement results from peripheral blood stem cell collection at 3 months after transplantation was lower(0/5 vs 15/21),the duration of remission(DOR)after transplantation was shorter(9.60±4.83 vs 15.19±5.11 months),and the difference in DOR between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).During the follow-up period,5 patients(5/9)with positive IgH rearrangement results in bone marrow specimens died,and all patients with negative IgH rearrangement results survived.Four patients(4/5)with positive IgH rearrangement results by peripheral blood stem cell samples died,while one patient(1/21)with negative IgH rearrangement results died.In both bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell samples,the survival time of IgH rearrangement-positive patients after transplantation was shorter than that of IgH rearrangement-negative patients(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that gender,disease stage,the proportion of bone marrow smear plasma cells at initial diagnosis,stem cell mobilization plan,efficacy evaluation before transplantation(≥ CR and<CR),and CD34+cell count had no effect on IgH rearrangement results of stem cell collection(P>0.05).Conclusion:By detecting IgH rearrangement of MM patients receiving auto-HSCT,the depth of MRD can be further evaluated,which has a certain guiding significance for the efficacy and prognosis of the disease.
5.Allyl isothiocyanate exacerbates acute toxoplasmosis through inhibition of inflammatory cytokines
Qiu-Mei LIN ; Hong-Bin LONG ; Jun-Ting HE ; Zhi-hao ZHANG ; Ho-Woo NAM ; Fu-Shi QUAN ; Qi ZHONG ; Xu-Qing LIU ; Zhao-Shou YANG
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2024;62(4):476-483
Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a natural product commonly used in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, is prevalent globally while the impact of AITC on toxoplasmosis is unclear. We explored the effect of AITC on acute toxoplasmosis. We infected C57BL/6 mice with T. gondii type I RH strain following AITC administration. On the 4th day after infection, which corresponds to the initial stage of infection, we collected serum for the determination of inflammatory cytokine levels. The mice serum of the AITC-administered group contained significantly lower levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-23 subunit p19, IL-4, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. The lifespan of the mice in the AITC-administered group was significantly reduced. In vitro experiments showed that AITC promoted the proliferation of intracellular T. gondii accompanied by the inhibition of IL-4, IL-1β, and IL-6 production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results showed that AITC facilitated T. gondii infection in the early stage by inhibiting the production of several inflammatory cytokines.
6.Effects of Xinyue Capsules on the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes in a rat model of cardiac hypertrophy
Hao ZHANG ; Xiao-Yun DING ; Hu WANG ; Ting-Ting LI ; Yu-Mei QIU ; Meng-Die XIE ; Wei DONG ; Yi-Xin SHEN ; Xi-Lan TANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(11):3594-3602
AIM To investigate the effects of Xinyue Capsules on the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes in isoproterenol(ISO)-induced rat heart tissue and primary myocardial cells of neonatal rats.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the Xinyue Capsules intervention group and Xinyue Capsules control group,with 8 rats in each group.The rat model of cardiac hypertrophy was established by 14 days consecutive intraperitoneal injection of ISO(30 mg/kg).Prior to the modeling,once daily administration of 0.393 g/kg Xinyue Capsules was given by gavage from 3 days in advance to the end of the experiment.After the last administration,the procurement of blood from abdominal aorta,the left and right ventricles were processed.And the rats had their indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle measured;their pathomorphological changes of myocardial tissue observed using HE staining;their expressions of cardiac hypertrophy-related myocardial embryonic genes ANP,β-MHC and α-SKA mRNA detected using RT-qPCR method;and their serum TC,TG,LDL-C and HDL-C levels detected by biochemical method.In in vitro experiment,the neonatal rat model of myocardial hypertrophy was induced by exposure to ISO 1 μmol/L for 24 h.The investigation of the effect of Xinyue Capsules 12.5 μg/mL on ISO-induced myocardial hypertrophy was conducted by detection of myocardial cell area,embryo genes related to cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial cells protein cuntent.The further anti-cardiac hypertrophy mechanism of Xinyue Capsules research was conducted using RT-qPCR and Western blot to detect the gene and protein expressions of phospholipase A2(PLA2G6),phospholipase A1 member A(PLA1A)and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase(LCAT)in left ventricle tissue and myocardial cells of each group.RESULTS The in vivo experimental result showed that compared with the normal group,the model group displayed increased indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle and cross-sectional area of left ventricular myocytes(P<0.05);and up-regulated expressions of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA and PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT mRNA and proteins in the left ventricle(P<0.05);and increased levels of serum TC,TG and LDL-C(P<0.05);and decreased HDL-C level(P<0.05).However,the intervention of Xinyue Capsules inhibited the changes of the aforementioned indices(P<0.05).The in vitro experimental result revealed that Xinyue Capsules inhibited the ISO-induced increases of myocardial cell surface area and myocardial cell protein level,the up-regulation of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA expressions and the PLA2G6,PLA1A,LCAT mRNA and protein expressions as well(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Xinyue Capsules can improve the ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats,and its mechanism may be associated with its regulation upon the expressions of glycerophospholipid metabolism-related enzymes PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT.
7.Intrauterine ultrasound manifestations and postnatal follow-up analysis of fetuses with 2q13 microdeletion
Shufeng HE ; Yu CUI ; Lan YANG ; Jun LIU ; Li ZHAO ; Xin ZHAO ; Ting QIU ; Nan SHI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(5):387-393
Objective:To analyze the intrauterine ultrasound manifestations and postnatal follow-up outcomes of fetuses with 2q13 microdeletion.Methods:This retrospective study involved 23 cases of 2q13 microdeletion, diagnosed via amniotic fluid chromosome karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism-array (SNP-array) following amniocentesis, between January 1, 2018, and September 1, 2022, at Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to prenatal diagnostic indications, intrauterine ultrasound findings, prenatal diagnosis results, and postnatal follow-up outcomes.Results:(1) The prenatal diagnostic indications for the 23 cases of 2q13 microdeletion included seven cases (30.4%) of high-risk serological screening, six cases (26.1%) of increased nuchal translucency (NT), two cases (8.7%) of fetal heart defects, two cases (8.7%) of advanced maternal age, two cases (8.7%) of fetal choroid plexus cysts (one of which was also associated with high-risk serological screening), one case (4.3%) of suboptimal fetal nasal bone fusion, one case (4.3%) of non-invasive prenatal testing suggesting chromosomal abnormalities, one case (4.3%) of fetal obstructive polycystic kidneys, one case (4.3%) of fetal subependymal cysts, and one case (4.3%) of fetal growth restriction. (2) Intrauterine ultrasound findings included six cases (26.1%) of NT thickening, four cases (17.4%) of intrauterine growth restriction, two cases (8.7%) of fetal heart defects, two cases (8.7%) of choroid plexus cysts, one case (4.3%) of oligohydramnios, one case (4.3%) of suboptimal fetal nasal bone fusion, one case (4.3%) of short long bones in the fetus, one case (4.3%) of polyhydramnios with large fetal abdominal circumference, one case (4.3%) of large fetal abdominal circumference, short long bones, and subependymal cysts of the brain ventricles, and one case (4.3%) of fetal obstructive polycystic kidneys; the remaining six cases (26.1%) showed no abnormal ultrasound findings. (3) Chromosome karyotyping revealed three cases of chromosomal structural abnormalities, one case of sex chromosome numerical abnormalities, and the remaining 19 cases showed no abnormalities. Amniotic fluid SNP-array results indicated deletions ranging from 104 to 1 745 kb. Parental verification was performed in ten cases, showing maternal inheritance in four cases, paternal inheritance in five, and one case of a de novo mutation. (4) Four cases (17.4%) opted for pregnancy termination, while 19 cases (82.6%) resulted in live births. The 19 live-born children underwent telephone and child health follow-up, with ages at follow-up being 3 years (ranging from 9 to 58.8 months). Apart from two cases that did not undergo newborn congenital heart disease screening, the remaining 17 surviving infants were screened without any abnormalities. Five cases had abnormal growth and development during follow-up: one 18-month-old with mild language developmental delay, one 3-year-old plus 26 days with mild language developmental delay, one 18-month-old with language developmental delay, one 3-year-old with astigmatism, and one 30-month-old with refractive error in both eyes during a physical examination; the other 14 children showed no significant abnormalities in growth and development. Conclusions:The intrauterine ultrasound manifestations of fetuses with 2q13 microdeletion are non-specific, and most of them are inherited from their parents. Postnatal follow-up should pay attention to the development of the nervous system of children.
8.Real-world study of hand, foot and mouth disease vaccine
Mengjun LIAO ; Lingxian QIU ; Lu CHEN ; Yue HUANG ; Shoujie HUANG ; Tong CHENG ; Ting WU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(6):553-559
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease among children, and has emerged as a substantial global public health concern, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. It has a serious impact on children′s health and imposes a significant disease burden on families and society. Currently, there are three globally available HFMD vaccines (all of them are EV71 inactivated vaccine), which were first approved and marketed in China in 2016. Real-world studies have shown a decrease in the incidence, severity, and mortality rate of EV71-related HFMD, providing evidence of its effectiveness. Additionally, related data have indicated a significant change in the pathogen spectrum of HFMD in China in the post-vaccine era. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the safety, effectiveness and immune-persistence data of EV71 vaccine acquired through real-world studies.
9.Evaluation of clinical benefit of metformin tablets combined with drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets(Ⅱ)in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
Xianxiang ZOU ; Ting QIU ; Jie ZHOU
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(13):68-72
Objective To investigate whether patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)can benefit from metformin tablets combined with drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets(Ⅱ).Methods A total of 84 PCOS patients diagnosed in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected.According to the treatment plan and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)index,patients were divided into monotherapy normal group[drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets(Ⅱ),HOMA-IR index<2.69,n=29],monotherapy abnormal group[drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets(Ⅱ),HOMA-IR index≥2.69,n=15],combination normal group[drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets(Ⅱ)+ metformin,HOMA-IR index<2.69,n=11]and combination abnormal group[drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets(Ⅱ)+ metformin,HOMA-IR index≥2.69,n=29].Luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T),sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG),HOMA-IR index and efficacy of all groups were compared.Results Before treatment,HOMA-IR index of patients in monotherapy abnormal group was significantly higher than that in monotherapy normal group(P<0.05),and HOMA-IR index of patients in combination abnormal group was significantly higher than that in combination normal group(P<0.05).After treatment,LH and T of four groups were significantly lower than before treatment,and SHBG was significantly higher than before treatment(P<0.05).The HOMA-IR index of patients in other three groups was significantly lower than before treatment except monotherapy normal group(P<0.05).After treatment,HOMA-IR index of patients with monotherapy abnormal group was significantly higher than that of patients with monotherapy normal group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in LH,T,HOMA-IR index and SHBG between combination normal group and combination abnormal group(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in total effective rate between monotherapy normal group and combination normal group(χ2=3.398,P=0.183).The total effective rate in combination abnormal group was significantly higher than that in monotherapy abnormal group(χ2=6.360,P=0.042).Conclusion The combination of metformin tablets combined with drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets(Ⅱ)can improve insulin resistance in patients,and the combination regimen will benefit more patients with PCOS and insulin resistance.
10.Currentstatus and effect of"communication with intractable high-risk patients"in a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou
Zhongqi LIU ; Cheng QIU ; Zhonghua ZENG ; Ting WU ; Hongzhong HUANG ; Qiusheng LIU ; Dayue LIU
Modern Hospital 2024;24(5):726-728,732
This paper aims to focus on and implement strategies for preventing and resolving medical complaints and dis-putes at their emergence.The hospital promptly compiled a summary of the main problems and concerns reported from patients o-ver the past few years.It combined medical practices with the characteristics of admitted patients with severe diseases,complex treatment plans,and high risks.Since 2020,this hospital has been actively engaging with intractable high-risk patients and de-veloped a scheme that engaging clinical departments,medical management,and dispute management departments together to con-duct preoperative/pre-treatment communication.With a focus on patient management,this hospital upholds the concept of the pa-tient-centered humanistic philosophy in the process of doctor-patient communication to enhance the quality of communication.Consequently,the hospital has benefited from the communication scheme,achieving satisfactory effect in ensuring a solid medical safety and reducing the incidence of medical disputes.

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