1.Research advances in mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis
Yudie HONG ; Jinchen GUO ; Weibing SHI ; Yujie SUN ; Jiamin WANG ; Tiantian GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):190-196
Hepatic fibrosis refers to excessive accumulation and abnormal proliferation of fibrous connective tissue in the liver triggered by multiple pathogenic factors, and it may progress to liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and liver cancer. The pathological mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis involve hepatocyte injury, inflammatory cell infiltration with the release of inflammatory mediators, hepatic stellate cell activation, and extracellular matrix deposition. Recent studies have focused on mitochondrial dysfunction in disease progression, including the molecular pathways for hepatic fibrosis driven by metabolic disorders, energy deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamic imbalance, and autophagic dysfunction, all of which can induce liver injury. This article reviews the latest advances in hepatic fibrosis, in order to provide new therapeutic strategies for clinical management.
2.Current status of climate change-related health literacy and evaluation of comprehensive intervention effects among residents in Shenzhen
Guomin CHEN ; Jiamin JIANG ; Xun WANG ; Qiuling WANG ; Jiajia JI ; Xiaoheng LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):467-474
Background Climate change poses a significant threat to public health. In China, relevant health intervention research is still in its early stages, and evidence for evaluating the effectiveness of regional climate change health adaptation strategies and measures is scarce. Objective To investigate the level of climate change-related health literacy among residents in Shenzhen, implement targeted health interventions, and assess the intervention effects as well as their influencing factors. Methods From July 2023 to January 2024, 4 communities were randomly selected in Shenzhen, and a total of 896 community residents were enrolled and divided into an intervention group (444 participants) and a control group (452 participants). Baseline and follow-up surveys on climate change-related health literacy were conducted among residents for both groups. During the period between the two surveys, the intervention group received targeted health interventions. Health literacy—comprising 3 dimensions: basic health knowledge and concepts, basic health skills, and healthy lifestyles—was defined as achieving ≥80% of the total score. A differences-in-differences model was adopted to analyze the impact of the intervention, and multiple linear regression was used to explore the factors influencing the intervention effect. Results The baseline survey showed that 240 out of the 896 surveyed residents (26.79%) possessed climate change health literacy. For the 3 dimensions, the number of residents and the proportions with corresponding literacy in descending order were: basic health skills (521, 58.15%), healthy lifestyles (345, 38.50%), and basic health knowledge and concepts (44, 4.91%). After the intervention, the intervention group showed a 3.19% increase in the total health literacy score, a 3.55% increase in basic health knowledge and concepts, and a 4.24% increase in basic health skills (t=2.79, 2.77, and 2.47 respectively) (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in healthy lifestyle scores (t=0.70, P>0.05). Further analysis showed that awareness of the “dual carbon goals” and occupation were significantly associated with the intervention effect on overall health literacy (P<0.05). For basic health knowledge and concepts, occupation, history of chronic diseases, and awareness of the “dual carbon goals” had statistically significant effects on the intervention outcomes (P<0.05). Regarding basic health skills, awareness of the “dual carbon goals” significantly influenced the intervention effect (P<0.001). In terms of healthy lifestyles, gender, educational level, occupation, and awareness of climate change were significantly associated with the intervention effect (P<0.05). Conclusion The climate change-related health literacy among community residents in Shenzhen is in urgent need of improvement. Health interventions can effectively enhance residents' basic health knowledge and concepts, basic health skills, and overall literacy level. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen the popularization of climate change health knowledge based on different population characteristics and further optimize intervention strategies, to comprehensively improve residents' health adaptation capacity to climate change.
3.Integrated plasma and synovial membrane lipidomic profiling revealing the therapeutic effects of moxibustion in collagen-induced arthritis rat models
Jiamin WEN ; Rui ZHANG ; Danwen WANG ; Zhiling SUN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(2):254-266
Objective:
To reveal the therapeutic effects of moxibustion in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat models using the combined analysis of plasma and synovial membrane lipidomic profiling and to enhance the understanding of how moxibustion affects lipid metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
A total of 32 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, moxibustion control (MC), model, and moxibustion model (MM) groups, with 8 rats in each group. CIA was induced in SD rats by two immunizations. The paw volume was measured before the induction of CIA. Following induction, after assessing paw volume and arthritis index (AI) scores, the MC and MM groups received treatment at bilateral Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints for 10 min per acupoint. The intervention included three treatment courses, each spanning 6 d and followed by a 1-d interval. Paw volume and AI scores were assessed after each treatment course. After the completion of the three treatment courses, serum, plasma, synovial tissue, and ankle joint samples were collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in serum. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed for histopathological examination of the ankle joint tissues. Meanwhile, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was utilized to analyze the plasma and synovial tissue samples. In addition, multivariate statistical analysis was performed to identify differential lipid metabolites, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was applied to explore metabolic pathways modulated by moxibustion therapy.
Results:
No significant difference in hind paw volume and AI scores was observed among the groups (P > 0.05). After CIA induction, model group showed increased hind paw volume and AI scores compared with control group (P < 0.05), which were significantly reduced after moxibustion treatment in MM group compared with model group (P < 0.05). The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher in model and MM groups compared with control group (P < 0.05), but were lower in MM group than those in model group (P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis showed improved cartilage and reduced inflammation in MM group. A total of 33 differential lipid metabolites in the plasma and 24 in the synovial membranes of CIA rat models were identified when compared with control group. Among these lipid metabolites, 31 in the plasma and all 24 in the synovial membranes were regulated by moxibustion treatment. Pathological analysis revealed upregulation of diacylglycerol (DG) and fatty acid (FA) levels, alongside downregulation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Under physiological conditions, the treatment specifically reduced LPC and PC levels. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that moxibustion predominantly affected α-linolenic acid, glycerophospholipid, and sphingolipid metabolism under pathological conditions. Under physiological conditions, the regulation was centered around α-linolenic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism.
Conclusion
The RA rat models exhibited significant lipid metabolic disturbances. Moxibustion alleviated paw swelling, reduced AI scores, modulated inflammatory cytokine levels, and partially corrected the altered levels of multiple lipid metabolites. The potential metabolic pathways implicated in the regulation of lipid metabolism under both physiological and pathological conditions include α-linolenic acid, glycerophospholipid, and sphingolipid metabolism.
4.Exploring Mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway to Improve Learning and Memory Ability of Insomnia Rats with Liver Depression Syndrome Based on Transcriptomics
Jiamin LIU ; Yale WANG ; Hai HUANG ; Yue LI ; Xin FAN ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Shizhao ZHANG ; Mei YAN ; Guiyun LI ; Hongyan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):114-125
ObjectiveBased on transcriptomics, to explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway to improve the learning and memory ability of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, eszopiclone group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan (3.82, 7.65, 15.30 g·kg-1), with ten rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were induced insomnia rat model with liver depression by chronic restraint, tail clamping stimulation and intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Each treatment group received intragastric administration according to the specified dosage, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The pentobarbital sodium cooperative sleep test, open field test, and Morris water maze test were used to test the sleep quality, depressive-like behavior, and learning and memory abilities of rats. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe pathological changes of the hippocampal tissue, while terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Transcriptomic sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in hippocampus between the model group and the blank group, as well as between the medium-dose group of Hei Xiaoyaosan and the model group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting genes. Subsequently, the enriched key genes and signaling pathways were analyzed and verified. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to assess the mRNA expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-like protein 11 (BCL2L11), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in hippocampus, and Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein expressions of PI3K, phosphorylation (p)-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved Caspase-3 in the same tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a reduction in body weight, an increase in sleep latency, and a decrease in sleep duration (P<0.01). Additionally, rats showed obvious depression-like behavior, and their learning and memory abilities decreased. Furthermore, the contents of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in hippocampus decreased (P<0.01). Histological examination revealed a disorganized cell arrangement in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, characterized by irregular cell shapes, a reduced cell count, deeply stained and pyknotic nuclei, increased vacuolar degeneration, and an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight of the high and medium dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan increased, the sleep latency shortened and the sleep time prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, depression-like behavior and learning and memory abilities of rats were significantly improved, the levels of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in the hippocampus increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). These interventions also ameliorated pathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 area and reduced the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons (P<0.01). Transcriptomic sequencing results indicated that Hei Xiaoyaosan might exert a therapeutic effect by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway through key mRNAs such as PTEN, BCL2L11, and MAPK1. The roles of these key mRNAs and proteins within PI3K/Akt pathway were further validated. In comparison to the blank group, the expression levels of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats in the model group were increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan could down-regulate the expressions of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNAs (P<0.01), up-regulate the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 proteins (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expressions of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by down-regulating expressions of key genes such as PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1, and thus improve the learning and memory abilities of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome.
5.Mechanism and early prediction of POAG complicating high myopia:a study based on the interaction of HIF-1α and TGF-β2
Jiamin LIU ; Daping WANG ; Jianhua LIU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(2):125-130
Objective To investigate the effect of interactions between hypoxia-inducing factor 1α(HIF-1α)and transforming growth faction-β2(TGF-β2)on the development of primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG)in high myopia(HM)and their early prediction value.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on 265 patients(421 eyes)with HM who were admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to June 2023.All patients underwent comprehensive oph-thalmological examinations,including optical coherence tomography to measure the total Bruch's membrane opening-disc edge minimum width(BMO)parameter,and the Humphrey field analyzer to measure the visual field index(VFI)and mean defect(MD)values.After a follow-up of 1 year(2 cases lost to follow up),the patients were divided into an occurrence group(51 cases,82 eyes)and a non-occurrence group(212 cases,337 eyes)according to whether POAG occurred.The clinical data[including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),central corneal thickness(CCT),axial length(AL),refrac-tive power,VFI,visual field MD,optic disc horizontal diameter,optic disc vertical diameter,elliptical index,optic disc ar-ea,optic cup area,disc rim area,cup-to-disc area ratio,and total BMO],tear HIF-1α and TGF-β2 were compared be-tween the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves of tear HIF-1α and TGF-β2 for predicting HM with POAG were plotted to obtain the optimal cutoff value.The effects of tear HIF-1α,TGF-β2 and their interactions on the development of POAG in HM were analyzed.The Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation of tear HIF-1α and TGF-β2 with the optic disc structure of HM patients.The ROC analysis was used to evaluate the value of HIF-1α combined with TGF-β2 for predicting POAG.Results Compared with those in the non-occurrence group,the VFI and BMO were lower while the visual field MD,disc cup area,cup-to-disc area ratio,tear HIF-1α and TGF-β2 were higher in the occur-rence group(all P<0.05).The interaction analysis showed that the interaction between tear HIF-1 α and TGF-β2 was a su-per-multiplication model,with a positive interaction effect on the occurrence of POAG in HM(P<0.05).The Pearson analysis showed that tear HIF-1α and TGF-β2 were negatively correlated with VFI and total BMO,and positively correlated with their visual field MD,disc cup area,and cup-to-disc area ratio in patients with HM(all P<0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of the effect of tear HIF-1α combined with TGF-β2 for predic-ting POAG in HM was 0.925(95%CI:0.896-0.949).The predictive value of tear HIF-1α combined with TGF-β2 was bet-ter than that of the two indicators alone.Conclusion HIF-1α and TGF-β2 are up-regulated in tears of HM patients com-plicated with POAG,and they interact positively during the occurrence of POAG.The combined detection of HIF-1α and TGF-β2 has predictive value for POAG.They can be used as an auxiliary clinical predictor of POAG,and can guide its clini-cal prevention and treatment.
6.Recent advances in ductular reaction in the context of primary sclerosing cholangitis:mechanistic insights and targeted therapy
Yiming CUI ; Bo HU ; Haoting LIN ; Jiamin WANG ; Jian HONG ; Ping TAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(2):369-375
Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflamma-tion and progressive fibrosis that affects both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.Despite ongoing research,the under-lying mechanisms of PSC pathogenesis remain incompletely understood.The ductular reaction is not only a key pathologi-cal feature of PSC but also serves as a driving force in its progression.This review examines the promoting effects of the ductular reaction on PSC advancement from multiple perspectives,including the proliferation of biliary epithelial cells,in-flammation,and fibrosis.By providing theoretical insights into the pathogenesis of PSC,this review aims to facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic strategies.
7.Characteristics of electroencephalogram power spectrum in cerebral infarction of various sites and neurological deficit serverites
Xinying ZHAO ; Fuda YU ; Hui WANG ; Xiaofeng LI ; Xiaodi ZHANG ; Donger BAI ; Jiamin LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(10):1188-1193
Objective To investigate the characteristics of the relative electroencephalogram(EEG)power spectrum in cerebral in-farction patients with different lesion locations and neurological deficit severities.Methods From February,2024 to May,2025,70 patients with cerebral infarction who completed EEG examinations at Shijiazhuang People's Hospital were enrolled.They were divided into cortical group(n=19)and subcortical group(n=51)based on admission MRI/CT imaging,and divided into mild group(n=53)and moderate-to-se-vere group(n=17)according to the scores of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and Barthel In-dex.All patients underwent 32-channel video-EEG monitoring.The power spectral density of α and θ waves,and the(δ+θ)/(α+β)ratio(DTABR)were analyzed in eight electrodes of F3,F4,P3,P4,T3,T4,O1 and O2.Results DTABR was higher in the cortical group than in the subcortical group across all eight electrodes(|Z|≥2.047,P<0.05),while the relative power decreased in α waves(|Z|≥1.968,P<0.05),and increased in θ waves(|Z|≥1.988,P<0.05)in the cortical group.DTABR was higher in the moderate-to-severe group than in the mild group(|Z|≥2.263,P<0.05).Conclusion Elevated DTABR suggests cortical involvement or more severe neurological impairment,and decreased αwave and increased θ wave activity are primarily observed in patients with cortical lesions,potentially serving as EEG indicators for identifying cortical involvement.
8.Progress of application of fully immersive virtual reality technology in limb function rehabilitation of stroke patients
Yue SONG ; Lian HE ; Qian LI ; Sihan BAN ; Jiamin WANG ; Huiling FENG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(13):1030-1035
Stroke is characterized by a high disability rate. After stroke, patients will have different degrees of limb dysfunction, which seriously affects their quality of life. In recent years, fully immersive virtual technology has been gradually applied at home and abroad to promote limb function rehabilitation of stroke patients. This paper reviews the technical components, application forms, application effects, prospects and challenges of fully immersive virtual reality technology in limb function rehabilitation of stroke patients, in order to provide theoretical basis for the subsequent application of fully immersive virtual reality technology to improve the level of limb function rehabilitation of stroke patients.
9.Reflections on the ethical implications of genetic testing in assisted reproduction
Hao WANG ; Xiaomei TONG ; Jiamin JIN ; Donghao LUO ; Songying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):341-345
The application of genetic testing technologies in assisted reproduction, such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and carrier screening for monogenic diseases, has provided infertile couples with more reproductive options and played a crucial role in the prevention of genetic disorders, significantly improving reproductive health. However, the widespread use of these technologies has also raised various ethical challenges, including the uncertainty of mosaic embryo transfer and its implications for reproductive rights, the cost-effectiveness debate surrounding PGT for structural rearrangement for chromosomal inversion carriers, the predictive accuracy and ethical boundaries of polygenic embryo screening, and the ethical concerns related to extensive carrier screening, such as information overload, restricted informed choice, disputes over screening scope, and disparities in healthcare access. The reproductive medicine ethics committee plays a central role in addressing these challenges by overseeing ethical reviews of technological applications, ensuring patients' informed consent, balancing technological innovation with ethical responsibility, and promoting social equity. This article explores the ethical challenges brought by the application of technologies such as PGT and carrier screening in assisted reproduction, and proposes corresponding suggestions based on ethical principles framework, in order to promote the standardized application of genetic testing technology in reproductive medicine.
10.Efficacy of hip replacement in the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in older adult patients and its effect on human β-defensin 3 and N-arachidonoylethanolamine levels
Lei WANG ; Wujun YUAN ; Jiamin HE ; Bin LIU
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(9):1349-1354
Objective:To investigate the effects of hip replacement on human β-defensin 3 (HBd-3) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) levels in older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods:This study was a retrospective analysis. A total of 110 older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures who received treatment at Xi'an Labor Union Hospital from March 2021 to December 2023. Based on the different treatment methods, patients were assigned to either the hip replacement group ( n = 55, hip replacement) or the control group ( n = 55, intramedullary nail fixation). The operation time, postoperative bed rest duration, hospital stay, and weight-bearing time were recorded for both groups. The levels of malondialdehyde, aldosterone, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, HBd-3, AEA, and calcitonin gene-related peptide were measured before and 3 days after surgery. Behaviors were evaluated using the 6-point behavioral rating scale before and 14 days after surgery. Hip function was evaluated using the Mayo hip function score before and 3 months after surgery. Complications were recorded for both groups. Results:The operation time in the hip replacement group was significantly longer than that in the control group [(75.58 ± 7.19) minutes vs. (60.03 ± 5.75) minutes, t = -12.53, P < 0.001]. However, postoperative bed rest duration, hospital stay, and weight-bearing time in the hip replacement group were (8.35 ± 1.63) days, (13.18 ± 2.32) days, and (6.19 ± 1.51) days, respectively, which were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(16.28 ± 2.02) days, (15.65 ± 3.15) days, (42.21 ± 6.67) days, t = 22.68, 4.68, 39.06, all P < 0.001]. The levels of malondialdehyde and aldosterone in the hip replacement group were (14.89 ± 3.06) U/L and (37.80 ± 3.80) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(16.73 ± 3.42) U/L, (40.85 ± 4.24) ng/L, t = 2.97, 3.97, both P < 0.05]. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and HBd-3 in the hip replacement group were (18.85 ± 3.25) ng/L and (0.93 ± 0.15), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(24.40 ± 4.43) ng/L, (1.22 ± 0.30), t = 7.49, 6.41, both P < 0.001]. The level of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(73.81 ± 12.26) ng/L vs. (89.39 ± 14.43) ng/L, t = 6.40, P < 0.001]. The level of anandamide in the hip replacement group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(112.65 ± 18.35) ng/L vs. (95.28 ± 14.07) ng/L, t = -5.57, P < 0.001]. The 6-point behavioral rating scale score in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(1.05 ± 0.32) vs. (2.28 ± 0.67), t = 12.29, P < 0.05]. The Mayo hip function score for patients in the hip replacement group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(85.12 ± 4.33) vs. (79.38 ± 4.12), t = 7.12, P < 0.001]. The incidence of complications in the hip replacement group was significantly lower than that in the control group [1.82% (1/55) vs. 14.55% (8/55), χ2 = 4.36, P < 0.05]. Conclusions:Hip replacement therapy for older adult patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures can shorten hospital stays, promote the reduction of postoperative stress responses and inflammation, downregulate HBd-3 and AEA levels, facilitate early functional rehabilitation, improve hip function, reduce complications, and enhance prognosis.

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