1.KDM5A/cGAS-STING–mediated microglial activation contributes to prenatal fine particulate matter induced cerebral cortical injury in offspring mice
Wenke NIE ; Li ZHOU ; Siqi WANG ; Chao SONG ; Hang YU ; Wanwei LI ; Mengxiao LUAN ; Lu SUN ; Li YU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):270-277
Background Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is closely associated with cortical damage and neuroinflammation in offspring. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a key regulator of inflammation and may be subject to epigenetic regulation. Objective To investigate the role of cGAS-STING pathway activation in PM2.5-induced cortical damage in offspring mice during pregnancy and the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Methods Open field tests were used to assess depressive-like behavior in offspring mice. Morphological analysis was conducted to evaluate cortical damage and microglial activation in offspring brains. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were performed to detect changes in the expression of key molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway in cortical tissue. A PM2.5-induced microglial cell injury model was established in BV2 cells. Microglial activation was observed, cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and key molecules in the cGAS-STING pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and WB. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to explore the epigenetic regulatory association between the STING signaling pathway and lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A). Changes in KDM5A mRNA and protein expression, as well as the protein level of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), were detected in an in vitro PM2.5 injury model. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, the KDM5A gene was silenced in BV2 cells exposed to PM2.5. The protein expression of H3K4me3 was detected to evaluate improvements in microglial activation, changes in inflammatory markers such as iNOS and mannose receptor (CD206), and alterations in the cGAS-STING pathway. Results Compared with the control group, the total distance of offspring mice in the PM2.5 group was significantly reduced, and both the distance traveled and the time spent in the central area of the open field were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), indicating depressive-like behavior in the offspring mice. Compared with the control group, the offspring mice in the PM2.5 group exhibited disorganized cortical structure and significantly activated microglia (P<0.01), with significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of cGAS and STING (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001). The in vitro experiments demonstrated that the PM2.5 treatment induced BV2 cells to polarize toward the M1 phenotype, exhibiting a distinct amoeboid morphology, with upregulated expression of the pro-inflammatory factor iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001) and activation of the cGAS-STING pathway (P<0.05, P<0.01). The analysis of RNA-seq data from KDM5A knockout cells revealed significantly downregulated STING expression, suggesting that KDM5A may activate the STING signaling pathway. The in vitro experiments further confirmed that the PM2.5-treated BV2 cells exhibited significantly elevated mRNA and protein levels of KDM5A (P<0.01), while the H3K4me3 protein levels were markedly reduced (P<0.05). After silencing KDM5A in BV2 cells exposed to PM2.5, compared with the PM2.5+siNC group, the PM2.5+siKDM5A group showed no obvious microglial activation and polarized toward the M2 phenotype, with significantly decreased expression levels of iNOS, cluster of differentiation 16 (CD16), and interleukin-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly increased expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors CD206, YM1, and interleukin-10 (P<0.01, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the expression levels of cGAS and STING were also reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion KDM5A activates microglia through the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby contributing to PM2.5-induced cortical damage in offspring mice during pregnancy.
2.Phenotypic characteristics of hexavalent chromium compound-induced malignant transformation in NIH/3T3 cells under three-dimensional culture conditions
Qi WANG ; Rui LI ; Wenke YU ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Lijin ZHU
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):24-29
Objective To investigate the malignant phenotypic characteristics of NIH/3T3 cells induced by hexavalent chromium compound under three-dimensional (3D) culture conditions. Methods NIH/3T3 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into four groups: two-dimensional (2D) control group, 2D transformation group, 3D control group, and 3D transformation group. The 2D control group underwent conventional culture, while the 3D control group was cultured with Matrigel. The 2D and 3D transformation groups were exposed to hexavalent chromium compound at a concentration of 0.25 mg/L based on their respective control conditions. Malignant transformation of NIH/3T3 cells was assessed using a soft agar colony formation assay. Malignant phenotypes were evaluated through assays of cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, wound healing, Transwell migration, and Transwell invasion. Results Cells in both the 2D and 3D transformation groups exhibited anchorage-independent growth, indicating successful malignant transformation. The colony formation rate of cells in the 3D transformation group was higher than that in the 2D transformation group [(6.17±1.31)% vs (1.00±0.41)%, P<0.01]. Compared with the 3D control group, cell proliferation, apoptosis rate, and migration cell count decreased [(100.00±0.00)% vs (95.01±3.49)%, (9.32±0.43)% vs (7.12±0.40)%, (62.50±11.27) vs (48.33±7.31), all P<0.05], while invasion cell count increased [(57.17±9.68) vs (122.83±15.41), P<0.05], and the relative migration area at 12, 24, and 48 hours also increased in 3D transformation group [(4.32±2.09)% vs (10.75±0.45)%, (5.87±1.32)% vs (11.47±0.99)%, (8.74±1.34)% vs (11.79±0.93)%, all P<0.05]. The proportions of cells in G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases between the 3D transformation and 3D control groups had no significant differences (all P>0.05). Conclusion Hexavalent chromium compounds induce key malignant phenotypes in NIH/3T3 cells, including anchorage-independent growth, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced migratory and invasive capacities.
3.Detection and clinical significance of serum FGF23 and 25-OH-VD levels in children with osteoporosis
Nuan HAN ; Wenke CHEN ; Sainan WANG ; Tao LI ; Tixue WANG ; Jinsong SUN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):579-583
Objective:To analyze the relationship among serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-VD) and osteoporosis in children.Methods:Eighty children with osteoporosis admitted to Affiliated Hosptial of Jining Medieal University from Jun. 2019 to Jun. 2024 were included as the observation group, and 60 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were included as the control group. Serum FGF23 and 25-OH-VD levels were compared between the two groups, and bone mineral density and bone metabolism indexes [CTX-1, osteocalcin (OC) and N-terminal propeptide of type I precollagen (PINP) ] were detected. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation among serum FGF23, 25-OH-VD, bone metabolism indexes and bone mineral density. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of osteoporosis in children.Results:Serum FGF23 and CTX-1 levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t=15.77, 7.56, P < 0.05), while serum 25-OH-VD, OC, PINP and BMD levels were significantly lower ( t=14.09, 2.70, 13.25, 3.63, P < 0.05) ; Pearson correlation analysis showed that BMD was not correlated with age, BMI and OC ( r=-0.07, -0.02, 0.01, P > 0.05), BMD was negatively correlated with FGF23 and CTX-1, and positively correlated with 25-OH-VD and PINP ( r=-0.35, -0.34, 0.41, 0.40, P < 0.05). The stepwise regression model showed that FGF23 and 25-OH-VD were the main factors affecting BMD ( t=-2.40, 9.02, P<0.05). Multifactor Logistic regression model showed that FGF23 and 25-OH-VD were related factors of osteoporosis in children ( OR=3.01,1.16, P<0.05) . Conclusion:Serum FGF23 level is higher and 25-OH-VD level is lower in children with osteoporosis, which is significantly correlated with bone mineral density and is a related factor for osteoporosis in children.
4.Detection and clinical significance of serum FGF23 and 25-OH-VD levels in children with osteoporosis
Nuan HAN ; Wenke CHEN ; Sainan WANG ; Tao LI ; Tixue WANG ; Jinsong SUN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):579-583
Objective:To analyze the relationship among serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-VD) and osteoporosis in children.Methods:Eighty children with osteoporosis admitted to Affiliated Hosptial of Jining Medieal University from Jun. 2019 to Jun. 2024 were included as the observation group, and 60 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were included as the control group. Serum FGF23 and 25-OH-VD levels were compared between the two groups, and bone mineral density and bone metabolism indexes [CTX-1, osteocalcin (OC) and N-terminal propeptide of type I precollagen (PINP) ] were detected. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation among serum FGF23, 25-OH-VD, bone metabolism indexes and bone mineral density. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of osteoporosis in children.Results:Serum FGF23 and CTX-1 levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t=15.77, 7.56, P < 0.05), while serum 25-OH-VD, OC, PINP and BMD levels were significantly lower ( t=14.09, 2.70, 13.25, 3.63, P < 0.05) ; Pearson correlation analysis showed that BMD was not correlated with age, BMI and OC ( r=-0.07, -0.02, 0.01, P > 0.05), BMD was negatively correlated with FGF23 and CTX-1, and positively correlated with 25-OH-VD and PINP ( r=-0.35, -0.34, 0.41, 0.40, P < 0.05). The stepwise regression model showed that FGF23 and 25-OH-VD were the main factors affecting BMD ( t=-2.40, 9.02, P<0.05). Multifactor Logistic regression model showed that FGF23 and 25-OH-VD were related factors of osteoporosis in children ( OR=3.01,1.16, P<0.05) . Conclusion:Serum FGF23 level is higher and 25-OH-VD level is lower in children with osteoporosis, which is significantly correlated with bone mineral density and is a related factor for osteoporosis in children.
5.Ring Finger 13 Alleviates Neuronal Ferroptosis in Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Stabilizing Ferritin Heavy Chain 1
Shuang LI ; Qiangping WANG ; Wenke ZHOU
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(4):459-464
Objective To investigate the function of Ring finger protein 13(RNF13)in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury(CIRI),and its mechanism.Methods The mouse middle cerebral artery embolization and primary neuron oxygen-glucose depri-vation and reoxygenation were used as disease models.The CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout technique,immunohistochemical stai-ning,immunofluorescence staining,Western blot and lipid peroxidation detection were used to evaluate the regulatory effect and molecular mechanism of RNF13 on ferroptosis in CIRI.Student's t test was used for the comparison of two samples,and one-way analysis of variance was used for the comparison of multiple samples.Results The expression levels of RNF13 protein in mice and primary neurons were upregulated during CIRI.After knockout of RNF13,ferritin heavy chain 1(Fth1)and ferritin light chain(Ftl)were downregulated,and the content of free ferrous ions and the accumulation of lipid peroxides in mice brain tissues were promoted,leading to ferroptosis aggravation and neurological impairments.Overexpression of RNF13 protected a-gainst ferroptosis by reducing the production of free ferrous and lipid peroxides in neurons.Conclusion RNF13 alleviates fer-roptosis in neurons after CIRI,and the effect is induced by Fth1.
6.Ring Finger 13 Alleviates Neuronal Ferroptosis in Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Stabilizing Ferritin Heavy Chain 1
Shuang LI ; Qiangping WANG ; Wenke ZHOU
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(4):459-464
Objective To investigate the function of Ring finger protein 13(RNF13)in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury(CIRI),and its mechanism.Methods The mouse middle cerebral artery embolization and primary neuron oxygen-glucose depri-vation and reoxygenation were used as disease models.The CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout technique,immunohistochemical stai-ning,immunofluorescence staining,Western blot and lipid peroxidation detection were used to evaluate the regulatory effect and molecular mechanism of RNF13 on ferroptosis in CIRI.Student's t test was used for the comparison of two samples,and one-way analysis of variance was used for the comparison of multiple samples.Results The expression levels of RNF13 protein in mice and primary neurons were upregulated during CIRI.After knockout of RNF13,ferritin heavy chain 1(Fth1)and ferritin light chain(Ftl)were downregulated,and the content of free ferrous ions and the accumulation of lipid peroxides in mice brain tissues were promoted,leading to ferroptosis aggravation and neurological impairments.Overexpression of RNF13 protected a-gainst ferroptosis by reducing the production of free ferrous and lipid peroxides in neurons.Conclusion RNF13 alleviates fer-roptosis in neurons after CIRI,and the effect is induced by Fth1.
7.Effect of ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine in transversus abdominis plane block on postoperative stress hormone and cognitive function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy
Hongwei ZHANG ; Weiwei WANG ; Xiaofang LI ; Teng FAN ; Wenke MA ; Xiuqin YUE
Journal of Xinxiang Medical College 2024;41(3):245-250,256
Objective To explore the effect of ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine in transversus abdominis plane block(TAPB)on postoperative stress hormones and cognitive function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.Methods A total of 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from April to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects.According to different anesthesia methods,the patients were divided into the observation group and the control group,with 40 patients in each group.Patients in the observation group were injected bilaterally with 2.5 g·L-1 ropivacaine and 0.5 μg·kg-1 dexmedetomidine for TAPB,with 20 mL injection on each side.Patients in the control group were injected bilaterally with 2.5 g·L-1 ropivacaine for TAPB,with 20 mL injection on each side.Mean arterial pressure(MAP)and heart rate(HR)were recorded at the time of admission to the operating room(T1),immediately after endotracheal intubation(T2),40 minutes after pneumoperitoneum(T3),and 15 minutes after extubation(T4).Radioimmunoprecipitation was used to detect serum cortisol(COR)level,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum norepinephrine(NE)and epinephrine(E)levels at 1,6,12,and 24 hours after surgery.Visual analog scale(VAS)was used to assess pain at rest,and Ramsay sedation scale(RSS)was used to evaluate sedation depth.The doses of propofol and sufentanil were compared between the two groups.Serum β-amyloid(Aβ)and S100β protein levels at 1 day before surgery,1 and 3 days after surgery were detected by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and cognitive function was assessed at the same time points by using the mini-mental state examination(MMSE).Results At T,and T2,there was no significant difference in MAP and HR between the control group and the observation group(P>0.05).At T3 and T4,MAP and HR in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).At 1,6,and 12 hours postoperatively,VAS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).At 24 hours postoperatively,there was no significant difference in VAS score between the control group and observation group(P>0.05).At 1 and 6 hours postoperatively,RSS score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).At 12 and 24 hours postoperatively,there was no significant difference in RSS score between the control group and observation group(P>0.05).At 1,6,and 12 hours postoperatively,COR,NE,and E levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).At 24 hours postoperatively,there was no significant difference in COR,NE,and E levels between the control group and observation group(P>0.05).The doses of propofol and sufentanil in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).One day before surgery,there was no significant difference in MMSE score between the control group and observation group(P>0.05).At 1 and 3 days postoperatively,MMSE score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).One day before surgery,there was no significant difference in serum Aβ and S100β protein levels between the control group and observation group(P>0.05).At 1 and 3 days postoperatively,serum Aβ and S100β protein levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine in TAPB in radical gastrectomy can significantly reduce postoperative pain,increase sedative effect,prolong the duration of TAPB,and benefit patients'postoperative recovery with reduced cognitive impairment.
8.Protocol for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Children with Upper Airway cough Syndrome
Lingyun ZHANG ; Xiyou WANG ; Daxin LIU ; Qiang HE ; Xuefeng WANG ; Xun LI ; Yutong FEI ; Yi XIAO ; Xiaoxue LAN ; Yuanwen LIANG ; Xiaoxuan LIN ; Rong ZHOU ; Sirui GU ; Ying ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Xingzhu YE ; Wenke LIU ; Hong CHEN ; Changhe YU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(8):961-966
In order to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) for children in China, Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine initiated the development of this Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Children with Upper Airway cough Syndrome based on evidence-based medical evidence. This guideline will process registration, write a plan, and develop relevant processes and writing norms, develop and publish official documents. This plan mainly introduces the scope of the guidelines, the purpose and significance, the composition of the guidelines working group, the management of conflicts of interest, the collection, selection and determination of clinical problems, the retrieval, screening and rating of evidence, and the consensus of recommendations. Registration information: This study has been registered in the international practice guidelines registry platform with the registration code of PREPARE-2023CN087.
9.Results of scoliosis screening among primary and middle school students in Chuzhou City
LIANG Wei ; REN Mengting ; ZHANG Wenke ; YANG Lin ; WANG Hongyu
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):607-610
Objective:
To investigate the screening results of adolescent scoliosis in Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, and analyze the influencing factors for scoliosis, so as to provide insights into the prevention and control of scoliosis among adolescents.
Methods:
Students were selected from six primary and middle schools in Chuzhou City using the stratified random cluster sampling method from April to June 2023. Demographic information, daily behaviors and postures, and exercise status were collected through questionnaire surveys. Scoliosis was screened and diagnosed according to the Screening for Abnormal Spinal Curvature in Children and Adolescents. Influencing factors for scoliosis among primary and middle school students were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 1 823 questionnaires were allocated, and 1 768 effective questionnaires were recovered, with an effective response rate of 96.98%. There were 537 primary school students, 1 000 junior high school students and 231 senior high school students, with an average age of (13.40±1.92) years. There were 948 male students (53.62%) and 820 female students (46.38%). A total of 131 cases of scoliosis were screened positive, with a positive rate of 7.41%. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender (female, OR=1.759, 95%CI: 1.135-2.727), body mass index (OR=0.593, 95%CI: 0.538-0.654), sleeping position (side lying, OR=0.598, 95%CI: 0.377-0.951; prone lying, OR=2.336, 95%CI: 1.201-4.545), frequency of reading in bed (often, OR=2.099, 95%CI: 1.201-3.670), way of carrying backpack (shoulders, OR=0.580, 95%CI: 0.370-0.908), and exercise level (OR=0.428, 95%CI: 0.296-0.618) were influencing factors of scoliosis among primary and middle school students.
Conclusion
The positive rate of scoliosis screening among primary and middle school students in Chuzhou City was 7.41%, which was influenced by gender, age, body mass index, sleeping posture, reading in bed, way of carrying backpack and exercise level.
10.Fiber dissection of the limbic system
Peng WANG ; Xiangshan YUAN ; Wenke FAN ; Keming ZHU ; Wensheng LI ; Kaiming ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2024;40(5):601-606
Objective:To demonstrate the three-dimensional structures of the limbic system and its fiber connections through fiber dissection,and to provide reference for relevant professionals to master the anatomy of the limbic system.Methods:Ten cerebral hemispheres were treated and dissected according to Kelinger method,and the limbic system and its fiber connections were displayed.Results:The limbic system was arranged around the thalamus and corpus cal-losum in a double-layer concentric circle structure.The outer layer structures mainly consisted of the cingulate gyrus and the parahippocampal gyrus,while the inner layer structures included the amygdala,hippocampus and fornix.The main association fiber of the outer layer is the cingulum,whose superior trunk is mainly located in the cingulate gyrus,and the inferior trunk is mainly located in the parahippocampal gyrus.The fiber structures of the inner layer includes the striae terminalis and ansa peduncularis emanating from the amygdala and the fornix of the hippocampus.Conclusion:Limbic system is an important connection structure between telencephalon and diencephalon,and its anatomical struc-ture is complex.Fiber dissection method can effectively demonstrate the complex spatial structure of limbic system,which is of great benefit to relevant professionals to understand its three-dimensional structure.


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