1.Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Di CHENG ; Yu-Hua CHEN ; Xia-Ping JIANG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Yi TAN ; Ming LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2499-2511
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
2.The association of obesity and inflammatory cytokines in adolescent patients with major depressive disorder
Mingru Hao ; Lewei Liu ; Lei Xia ; Feng Geng ; Daming ; Mo ; Huanzhong Liu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):670-674
Objective:
To explore the characteristic of obesity in adolescents with major depressive disorder and its relationship with inflammatory cytokines.
Methods :
One hundred and forty adolescents with major depressive disorder were enrolled. According to the classification standard of body mass index(BMI) for adolescents in China, the patients were classified into underweight group, normal group, overweight group and obese group. The center for epidemiologic studies depression scale(CES-D) was used to evaluate symptoms of depression in patients, and ultrasensitive multiplex electrochemiluminescence detection technology was used to measure the levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines including interleukin(IL)-6,IL-17A,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-WallisHtest and chi-square test were used for comparison between groups. Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of obesity in adolescent patients with major depressive disorder.
Results :
Among the 140 adolescent patients with major depressive disorder, wasting were 9.3%(13/140), overweight were 17.9%(25/140) and obesity were 6.4%(9/140) respectively. There were statistically significant differences in gender(χ2=8.301,P<0.05) and inflammatory cytokines IL-6(H=16.217,P<0.01), IL-8(H=10.926,P<0.05) and TNF-α(H=7.879,P<0.05) among the four groups. Analysis of covariance showed that the difference in levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6(F=4.486,P<0.01) remained statistically significant after controlling for age, gender and antidepressant use. The results of multiple comparisons showed that compared with the wasting group, the plasma IL-6(Z=-3.843,PBonferroni calibrate<0.01) were higher in the obese group; compared with the normal group, the obesity rate of males was higher than that of females(χ2=8.812,PBonferroni calibrate<0.01), and the level of IL-6 in the obese group(Z=-3.023,PBonferroni calibrate<0.05) was higher. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma IL-6(OR=2.500,P<0.01) and gender(OR=11.292,P<0.01) were independent influencing factors for obesity in patients with adolescent depressive disorders.
Conclusion
There are gender differences in obesity rates in adolescents with depressive disorders, and obesity is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines.
3.The current situation and influencing factors of patient perception for humanistic care in 30 provincial hospitals
Fengjian ZHANG ; Haixin ZHANG ; Yilan LIU ; Shaoshan PAN ; Shujie GUO ; Xia XIN ; Yan YANG ; Huiqin XI ; Xiue LI ; Yuanjuan CHENG ; Beirong MO ; Weihua LI ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Fang WANG ; Hongxia WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(3):324-330
Objective To understand the current status and influencing factors of patient perception for humanistic care in China hospitals,and to provide a basis for developing nursing humanistic care measures and improving the quality of nursing humanistic care services.Methods A total of 30,099 outpatients and inpatients from 107 hospitals in 30 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities)from July to August 2022 as survey subjects.A general information questionnaire and the Relational Caring Questionnaire-Patient Form were used for a cross-sectional survey,and a single-factor analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of patient relationship care.Results Finally,29 108 valid questionnaires were collected,and the effective questionnaire recovery rate was 96.7%.The patient evaluation of relationship care was(65.72±8.61)points.Single-factor analysis showed that gender,age,marital status,children's situation,education level,occupation,place of residence,average family income,medical insurance type,visiting department,and location of the visiting hospital,and whether or not surgery were influencing factors of patient relationship care(P<0.05).Conclusion The evaluation score of caregiver-patient relationship care among Chinese hospital patients is above average,but there is still room for improvement in western and rural regions,seriously ill and outpatient patients,low-income and low-medical insurance reimbursement populations,and non-surgical patients.Medical institutions at all levels should optimize and improve nursing humanistic care services based on influencing factors,and further enhance patients'perception of nursing humanistic care.
4.Protective effect of Shenbining granule on renal tissue of IgA nephropathy rats based on mitochondrial quality control system
Yanmin FAN ; Chundong SONG ; Huiyuan SHI ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN ; Xia ZHANG ; Xianqing REN ; Ying DING ; Mo WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(24):2984-2989
OBJECTIVE To explore the renal protective mechanism of Shenbining granules on IgA nephropathy (IgAN) rats based on mitochondrial quality control system. METHODS IgAN rat model was established by the method of “bovine serum albumin+carbon tetrachloride+lipopolysaccharide”. The model rats were randomly divided into model group, prednisone acetate group (6.25 mg/kg), Shenbining equal-dose group (4.1 g/kg) and Shenbining high-dose group (20.5 g/kg). The normal rats were taken as the normal control group, with 12 rats in each group. Rats were given corresponding drugs or distilled water intragastrically in each group, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the 24 h total urinary protein (24 h- UTP) and erythrocyte count in urine were determined, and the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were also detected. The histopathological changes in the kidneys and changes in IgA deposition in the mesangial area of the kidney were observed. mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), E3 ubiquitin ligase(Parkin), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain-3 (LC3), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) were detected in the kidney tissues of rats. RESULTS Compared with model group, 24 h-UTP, urinary erythrocyte count, ALT, BUN and Scr levels, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ mRNA ratio, mRNA and protein expressions of Drp1 were reduced significantly in prednisone acetate group, Shenbining equal-dose group and Shenbining high-dose group (P<0.05); ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ protein ratio, mRNA and protein expressions of PINK1, Parkin and Mfn2 were increased significantly (P<0.05); the pathological morphology of kidney tissue in rats was significantly improved, and IgA deposition was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Shenbining granule may reduce renal pathological injury in IgAN rats and protect renal function by activating the PINK1/Parkin pathway, enhancing mitochondrial autophagy, and correcting mitochondrial kinetic disorders.
5.Related factors of psychotic symptoms in adolescent patients with depressive disorder
Mingru HAO ; Lewei LIU ; Xin ZHAO ; Qingqing SHEN ; Haojie FAN ; Lei XIA ; Feng GENG ; Daming MO ; Huanzhong LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(6):507-514
BackgroundPatients demonstrating depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms often have increased risk of death and poor prognosis. A large amount of research has explored the factors influencing psychotic symptoms in adult patients with depressive disorder, but few has focused on adolescent patients. ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors of psychotic symptoms in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, so as to provide references for early screening and intervention in clinic. MethodsA total of 96 adolescent patients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) for depressive disorder and were seen in the psychiatry departments of Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University and The Fourth People's Hospital of Hefei from September 2022 to January 2023 were included. Another 56 healthy individuals from the health examination center of Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University were concurrently recruited as control group. Patients were assigned into psychotic group (n=32) and non-psychotic group (n=64) according to the presence or absence of psychotic symptoms. Hamilton Depression Scale-24 item (HAMD-24), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) were used for evaluation. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration was obtained using Meso Scale Discovery electrochemiluminescence assay. Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis were adopted to determine the correlation of PANSS positive symptom subscale score with plasma BDNF concentration and clinical characteristics of adolescent depression patients with psychotic symptoms. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing the presence of psychotic symptoms in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, and multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to screen the factors affecting the severity of psychotic symptoms. ResultsThe plasma BDNF concentration of adolescent patients with depressive disorder was lower than that of control group (t=-3.080, P<0.01).The plasma BDNF concentration of psychotic group was lower than that of non-psychotic group (t=2.418, P<0.05), while the body mass index (BMI) PANSI scores, CTQ-SF scores and HAMD-24 total scores were all higher than those of non-psychotic group (t=-2.024, -2.530, -2.187, -4.977, P<0.05 or 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that PANSS positive symptom subscale scores were negatively correlated with anxiety/somatization factor score and weight factor score in HAMD-24 of psychotic group (r=-0.438, -0.498, P<0.05 or 0.01). Binary Logistic regression showed that BMI, plasma BDNF concentration, HAMD-24 total scores and cognitive dysfunction factor score were the influencing factors of psychotic symptoms in adolescent patients with depressive disorder. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that weight factor scores (β=-0.349, P<0.05) and anxiety/somatization factor score (β=-0.433, P<0.05) in HAMD-24 were the factors influencing the severity of psychotic symptoms. ConclusionHigh BMI, low plasma BDNF concentration, severe depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction may be the risk factors of psychotic symptoms in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, furthermore, BMI and anxiety symptoms are found to be associated with the severity of psychotic symptoms. [Funded by Scientific Research Fund Project of Anhui Institute of Translational Medicine (number, 2022zhyx-B01); Central Finance Supported Provincial Key Clinical Specialty Construction Project of Anhui Province in 2019]
6.Analysis of the research status of AA-CYP-HETE/EETs metabolic pathways and cardiovascular disease therapeutic drugs
Ming-Xia HU ; Yong-Yun HE ; Yue YAO ; Xiao-Dan MO ; Xiu-Fen YANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(4):619-623
20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid(20-HETE)and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids(EETs)are products of enzyme metabolism of arachidonic acid(AA)by cytochrome P450(CYP).20-HETE is mainly produced by CYP4A,CYP4F metabolism of AA,which has a certain toxic effect on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system.EETS is mainly produced by CYP2J,CYP2C metabolizes AA,which has a certain protective effect on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system.This article reviews the effects and mechanisms of drugs related to AA-CYP-HETE/EETs metabolic pathway on cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial hypertrophy,hypertension,heart failure,and myocardial infarction,in order to provide a reference for the clinical use of cardiovascular diseases and provide ideas and directions for the basic research and development of cardiovascular disease treatment drugs.
7.Research status of pharmacological mechanism of PCSK9 inhibitors and discussion of their clinical application
Wen-Hui MO ; Si-Lei XU ; Xia HE ; Niu-Niu BAI ; Meng-Ying YUAN ; Zhi-Min LI ; Jiao ZHANG ; Fei WANG ; Yuan-Kun ZHENG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(16):2438-2441
Atherosclerosis caused by disorders of lipid metabolism is the main pathological basis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.Statins are the cornerstone of lipid-modulating therapy for this type of disease,but in practice there are still some patients with suboptimal lipid management.Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)inhibitors have been gradually applied as a new class of lipid-modulating drugs for the treatment in patients with this type of disease,and recent studies have shown that in addition to regulating lipid metabolism,PCSK9 inhibitors also have potential anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet activation effects.This article sorts out the multiple pharmacological mechanisms of action of PCSK9 inhibitors and the current status of clinical research of PCSK9 inhibitors.Besides,it discusses the factors that may affect the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors,in order to provide a reference for the safe and rational medication of PCSK9 inhibitors.
8.Correlation between Combined Urinary Metal Exposure and Grip Strength under Three Statistical Models: A Cross-sectional Study in Rural Guangxi
Jian Yu LIANG ; Hui Jia RONG ; Xiu Xue WANG ; Sheng Jian CAI ; Dong Li QIN ; Mei Qiu LIU ; Xu TANG ; Ting Xiao MO ; Fei Yan WEI ; Xia Yin LIN ; Xiang Shen HUANG ; Yu Ting LUO ; Yu Ruo GOU ; Jing Jie CAO ; Wu Chu HUANG ; Fu Yu LU ; Jian QIN ; Yong Zhi ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(1):3-18
Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between urinary metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) and grip strength. Methods We used linear regression models, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the relationship between metals and grip strength.Results In the multimetal linear regression, Cu (β=-2.119), As (β=-1.318), Sr (β=-2.480), Ba (β=0.781), Fe (β= 1.130) and Mn (β=-0.404) were significantly correlated with grip strength (P < 0.05). The results of the quantile g-computation showed that the risk of occurrence of grip strength reduction was -1.007 (95% confidence interval:-1.362, -0.652; P < 0.001) when each quartile of the mixture of the seven metals was increased. Bayesian kernel function regression model analysis showed that mixtures of the seven metals had a negative overall effect on grip strength, with Cu, As and Sr being negatively associated with grip strength levels. In the total population, potential interactions were observed between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn (Pinteractions of 0.003 and 0.018, respectively).Conclusion In summary, this study suggests that combined exposure to metal mixtures is negatively associated with grip strength. Cu, Sr and As were negatively correlated with grip strength levels, and there were potential interactions between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn.
9.Research Progress of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Silei XU ; Wenhui MO ; Xia HE ; Niuniu BAI ; Mengying YUAN ; Zhimin LI ; Yifeng BAI ; Jiao ZHANG ; Hao LIU
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(8):1251-1258
Colorectal cancer is currently one of the most common malignant tumors in the world,and its incidence and mortality rates have gradually increased in recent years.As insidious symptoms characterize early colorectal cancer,most of the patients have already developed into late or advanced stages in the primary survey.For stage Ⅳ metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC),surgery supplemented with chemotherapy or radiotherapy for mCRC patients has a low 5-year survival rate.With the development of immunology in recent years,PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have made breakthroughs in treating malignant tumors.They also have improved the therapeutic efficacy of some mCRC patients,especially those with microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair deficient.The guidelines recommend this approach.However,patients with microsatellite stable/mismatch repair proficiency,which accounts for more than 90%,are poorly treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.Fortunately,there are several clinical studies that reported that some of this type of mCRC can gain some benefit.In this review,we examined the anti-tumor mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and the latest progress of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor's clinical application in patients of mCRC with different genotypes.We discussed the prospect of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combination therapy to provide a reference to the benefit of this type of patients and provide information for optimizing the dosing regimen of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of mCRC.
10.Research on the diagnostic value of pulmonary artery diameter characteristics and combined TNF-α in patients with HIV associated pulmonary hypertension
Qingyuan XU ; Weifeng YUAN ; Mu CHEN ; Xia-Oneng MO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(13):1869-1873
Objective To investigate the characteristics of pulmonary artery diameter in patients with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection-associated pulmonary hypertension(PAH),and to explore the clinical significance of pulmonary artery diameter correlation indices combined with tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)for early screening and diagnosis of HIV-associated pulmonary hypertension,aiming to provide valuable clinical insights.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 65 HIV-infected patients admitted to the Eighth Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University between May 2017 and December 2023.Based on echocardiog-raphy findings,the patients were categorized into an observation group(23 cases with PAH)and a control group(42 cases without PAH).Measurements of pulmonary artery diameter(PA),distal pulmonary artery diameter(dPA),and aortic diameter were obtained in both groups,and the ratio of dPA to aortic diameter(rPA)was cal-culated.Additionally,serum TNF-α levels were recorded.The clinical significance of each index in early screening and diagnosis of HIV-related pulmonary hypertension was analyzed.Results The PA,dPA,rPA,and TNF-α levels in the observation group were significantly higher compared to those in the control group.Pearson linear correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between TNF-α and both dPA and rPA.Two-column correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between HIV-PAH and PA,dPA,rPA,as well as TNF-α(P<0.05).The combined measurement of serum TNF-α with dPA and rPA exhibited an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.891 for diagnosing HIV-APAH,with a sensitivity of 0.870 and specificity of 0.881.Conclusion The combination of pulmonary artery diameter and TNF-α provides a more accurate indication of the presence of HIV-PAH,enabling early screening,follow-up,or intervention in high-risk patients.This finding holds significant implications for enhancing patient prognosis.


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