1.Simvastatin alleviates kidney ischemia reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis
Zhihui FU ; Zhongzhong LIU ; Qifa YE ; Qi XIAO ; Qin DENG ; Jiansheng XIAO ; Biqi FU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):45-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of simvastatin pretreatment on kidney ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice. MethodsFifteen male C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into three groups: Sham operation group (Sham group), kidney IRI group (IR group), and simvastatin pretreatment+kidney IRI group (SIM group). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of kidney tissue and detection of serum creatinine (SCr) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were used to evaluate kidney injury. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to evaluate oxidative stress. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+) and ferric iron (Fe3+) in kidney tissue were detected, and the morphological changes of mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscope. The relative expression levels of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and acyl-coa synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) protein in kidney tissue were detected. ResultsCompared with the IR group, the SIM group had significantly reduced renal tubular injury and decreased contents of Scr and LDH in serum (P < 0.001). It also showed increased expression of SOD and GSH and decreased expression of MDA and ROS (P < 0.01). Simvastatin pretreatment reduced the contents of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the tissues (P < 0.01) and alleviated mitochondrial damage. It also promoted the expression of KLF2 (P < 0.01), up-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related protective proteins GPX4 and SLC7A11, and down-regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related damage protein ACSL4 (P < 0.05). ConclusionSimvastatin pretreatment may inhibit kidney ferroptosis by promoting the expression of KLF2 to alleviate kidney IRI.
2.Association between digital media usage types and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students
DENG Shuangshuang*, XIAO Wan, ZHANG Ying, WAN Yuhui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):538-542
Objective:
To investigate the association between different digital media usage types and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide a scientific reference for making precise mental health prevention and intervention strategies for adolescents.
Methods:
In October 2024, a convenience cluster sample of 3 225 students was collected from 2 junior high schools and 2 senior high schools in Shenyang City. Participants were investigated for its daily usage duration of various digital media types and depressive symptoms. Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to examine trend in depressive symptom detection rates across digital media usage types. Multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to assess associations, with stratified analyses by gender and educational stage.
Results:
The daily usage durations for educational/learning, social/chatting, gaming, and video/music/novel digital media were 30.0(12.1, 60.0), 22.9(9.3, 50.0), 17.1(0.0, 50.0), and 22.9(8.6, 55.7) minutes for junior and senior high school students, respectively. The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 46.1%. Among them, the detection rate of depressive symptoms of girls (49.8%) was higher than that of boys (42.3%), and that of senior high school students (53.2%) was higher than that of junior high school students (39.7%), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2= 18.35, 59.02, both P <0.01). Cochran-Armitage trend test revealed significant upward trends in depressive symptom detection rates with increasing usage of non educational digital media (social/chatting: Z =4.77; gaming: Z =3.24; video/music/novel: Z =7.30, all P <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to usage <1 h/d, using social/chatting digital media for 1-<2 h/d ( OR =1.66), 2-<3 h/d ( OR =1.80), and ≥3 h/d ( OR =2.68), gaming for 1-<2 h/d ( OR =1.48), 2-<3 h/d ( OR =1.90), and ≥3 h/d ( OR =2.93), and video/music/novel for 1-<2 h/d ( OR =1.76), 2-<3 h/d ( OR =2.00), and ≥3 h/d ( OR = 3.48) were all significantly associated with increased risks of depressive symptoms (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
Excessive use of non-educational digital media is a risk factor for depressive symptoms in adolescents. Regulating usage duration is beneficial for promoting adolescent mental health.
3.Therapeutic efficacy of ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormone in aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Yue HU ; Xupai ZHANG ; Sihan LAI ; Shan ZHANG ; Lei MA ; Xiao WANG ; Yan DENG ; Ying HAN ; Ying HE ; Guangcui HE ; Hai YI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):506-512
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormone for patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Thirty patients with aGVHD after allo-HSCT admitted to the Department of Hematology of the General Hospital of Western Theater Command from November 2021 to November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with low-dose hormone (methylprednisolone 0.3-1 mg kg
-d
) combined with ruxolitinib 5-10 mg d
. The efficacy and adverse reactions were observed during the follow-up period to analyze the survival outcomes of the patients. Results: A total of 30 patients with aGVHD after allo-HSCT were included in this study, consisting of 15 (50%) males and 15 (50%) females with a median age of 34 year-old (ranging from 14 to 62). Classification by disease type: there were 18 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 4 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 4 cases of aplastic anemia, and 4 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome. Classification by aGVHD severity: there were 27 cases (90%) of Ⅱ-Ⅳ degree aGVHD and 11 cases (36.7%) of Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree aGVHD. Ruxolitinib in combination with low-dose glucocorticoid treatment yield responses in 28 (93.3%) patients, of which 27 (90%) achieved complete remission (CR), while 1 (3.3%) showed partial remission (PR). One patient (3.3%) had no response (NR), and 1 patient (3.3%) exhibited progressed disease (PD). Overall survival (OS) at 1 year of transplantation was 73.9% (95%CI 49.5% to 87.7%), progression-free survival (PFS) was 93.3% (95%CI 75.9% to 98.3%), non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 20.6% (95%CI 7.9% to 47.4%), and median survival time was 27.6 months. Conclusion: Ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormones is safe and effective in the treatment of aGVHD after allo-HSCT.
4.Experience of Professor LIU Shangyi in Treating Acute Mastitis from the Perspective of "Membrane Collaterals"
Fang ZHANG ; Dongyang DENG ; Xiao LIU ; Rong WEI ; Ling WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1148-1152
This paper summarizes Professor LIU Shangyi's clinical experience in treating acute mastitis based on the "membrane collaterals" theory. It is considered that constraint and stagnation of the membrane collaterrals is the primary pathogenic factor, with damp, heat, phlegm, and stasis being the secondary manifestations. If untreated, the condition can progress to heat toxin injuring the membrane. In treatment, the emphasis is diffusing and unblocking membrane collaterals, unblocking breast and relieving constraint. The clinical course of the disease can be divided into three stages including the early stage with mild constraint heat, the middle stage with escalating toxic heat, and the later stage with a decline of pathogens but deficiency of healthy qi. In correspondence, self-made Tongru Formula (通乳方) for diffusing membrane and venting constraint, self-made Toumo Jiedu Formula (透膜解毒方) for unblocking membrane and relieving toxin, and Tuoli Xiaodu Powder (托里消毒散) with modifications for restoring membrane and rectifying healthy qi should be used, respectively.
5.Molecular mechanism of hypoxia-induced spermatogenesis impairment by inhibiting the stability of sperm cilial microtubules
Xiao WANG ; Mengjie ZHANG ; Fang DENG ; Jun YIN ; Bing NI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(10):1059-1068
Objective To explore the effects of hypoxia on spermatid differentiation and stability of sperm flagellar microtubule,and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in order to clarify the potential adverse effects of hypoxia on male reproductive function.Methods Forty-eight 8-week-old healthy male SD rats(weighing 300~399 g)were subjected in this study.The experiments included ① an oxygen concentration gradient experiment(n=6):21%oxygen was regarded as normoxia(control),and 13.5%,11.8%,and 10.4% oxygen were used to simulate hypoxic environments at altitudes of 3 500,4 500 and 5 500 m,respectively,for a continuous exposure of 2 months;② a time gradient experiment(n=6):the rats were exposed to 10.4% oxygen for 0,0.5,1,and 2 months,respectively.Flow cytometry was employed to isolate round spermatids,and the following methods were employed to measure relevant indicators:① RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression profile changes related to impaired spermatogenesis and abnormal flagellar structure under hypoxic stress;②Western blotting to detect the expression levels of key proteins CEP290,RING 1A,and H2AK119ub;③ fluorescence recovery after photobleaching(FRAP)to monitor microtubule assembly dynamics and assess the immediate impact of hypoxia on microtubule stability.Results In the oxygen concentration gradient experiment,after 2 months of exposure to 10.4% oxygen,the proportions of spermatogonia,secondary spermatocytes,and round spermatids in rat seminiferous tubules were significantly increased(P<0.05),reaching 1.33±0.04,1.06±0.01 and 1.60±0.02 times higher,respectively than that of the 21% normoxia group.Conversely,the proportions of primary spermatocytes and elongated spermatids were obviously decreased(P<0.05),taking 0.89±0.01 and 0.88±0.000 2 times respectively when compared with that of the 21% normoxia group,in a oxygen concentration-depended manner.In the time gradient experiment,after 0.5 months of exposure to 10.4%oxygen,the proportions of spermatogonia,secondary spermatocytes,and round spermatids began to increase(P<0.05),reaching 1.11±0.03,1.04±0.01 and 1.29±0.003 times higher,respectively than that of the 0-month control group.The proportions of primary spermatocytes and elongated spermatids started to significantly decrease(P<0.05)after 1 month of exposure,only 0.94±0.03 and 0.95±0.008 times,respectively than that of the 0-month control group.After 2 months of exposure to 10.4% oxygen,the rate of sperm tail abnormalities in the epididymis of rats was significantly increased(P<0.05),rising from(12.1±1.7)% in the 21% normoxia group to(30.8±3.7)%.In G2 spermatocytes exposed to 1% hypoxia for 24 h,FRAP revealed a decrease in microtubule assembly rate and enhanced microtubule dynamic instability,with the maximum fluorescence recovery value decreasing from 0.37±0.02 in the normoxia group to 0.29±0.01.The results of RNA sequencing showed that under hypoxic condition,the transcription level of the key cilium basal body molecule CEP290 was increased,with an upregulation of 1.81±0.11 times than that of the 21% normoxia group.In contrast,the expression levels of PRC1 complex members RING 1A,RING 1B,CBX2,PHC1,and PCGF1 were decreased,to 0.74±0.02,0.73±0.01,0.78±0.02,0.71±0.01 and 0.86±0.03 times of that of the 21% normoxia group,respectively.Western blotting indicated that the protein level of CEP290 was up-regulated in the hypoxia group,while that of RING 1A was down-regulated.ChIP-qPCR experiments showed that the binding of RING 1A and its product H2AK119ub to the CEP290 promoter were significantly decreased(P<0.000 1),with binding strengths of 0.38±0.02 and 0.52±0.06 times of that of the 21% normoxia group,respectively.In siRING 1A-treated G2 cells,the binding of H2AK119ub to the CEP290 promoter was significantly decreased(P<0.000 1),with a binding strength of 0.74±0.06 times of that of the control group,while CEP290 mRNA level was significantly increased(P<0.000 1),with an up-regulation of 3.35±0.37 times.Conclusion Hypoxic environment impair sperm flagellar microtubule stability via the RING 1A-H2AK119ub-CEP290 signaling axis,which affects spermatid differentiation and leads to spermatogenic dysfunction.
6.Z-Ligustilide ameliorates retinitis pigmentosa via inhibiting PI3K/AKT-inflammation axis:Validation based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Weizuo XIAO ; Lingling GE ; Luodan A ; Jiaxing DENG ; Shujia HUO ; Haiwei XU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(20):2569-2580
Objective To investigate the potential therapeutic targets and underlying molecular mechanisms of Z-ligustilide(Z-LIG)in treating retinitis pigmentosa(RP).Methods By integrating multiple databases,such as GeneCards and TargetNet,common targets for RP and Z-LIG were identified.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis of the targets was conducted using the STRING database and analyzed in Cytoscape to identify core targets.The DAVID database was employed for the functional enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology(GO)and the pathway enrichment analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)for the core targets.The PubChem database was accessed for molecular docking verification to validate the binding affinity between Z-LIG and the core targets.Finally,male rd10 mice were randomly divided into a control group(n=5)and a Z-LIG treatment group(n=5).The protective effect of Z-LIG on the visual function in rd10 mice was verified through visual electrophysiology and behavioral tests.Western blotting and RT-qPCR were utilized to investigate the molecular mechanism of action.Results A total of 66 shared targets between RP and Z-LIG were identified through the screening process.PPI network analysis identified 55 key targets.GO enrichment analysis yielded 623 terms,which covering 3 dimensions,including cellular component(CC),molecular function(MF),and biological process(BP),such as inflammatory response.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis further concentrated 124 terms,which were enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.Molecular docking suggested that Z-LIG could specifically bind with high affinity to RP-related core targets(such as EGFR and STAT3)via hydrogen bonds.In animal experiments,compared to the control group,the rd10 mice from the Z-LIG group showed a greater preference for the dark environment in the light/dark transition test(P<0.05),exhibited significantly higher amplitudes of A-wave and B-wave in electroretinogram(ERG)(P<0.05),greater number of outer nuclear layers,with fewer apoptotic cells and less microglial activation(P<0.05),demonstrated obviously reduced protein levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in the retina(P<0.05),and had notably down-regulated mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6(P<0.05).Conclusion Z-LIG may exert a protective effect on the retina of rd10 mice by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT-inflammatory axis,thereby delaying retinal degeneration.
7.Synthesis and Identification of Saturated Arsenic-containing Hydrocarbons
Jia-Jia CHEN ; Ying-Xiong ZHONG ; Xin-Huang KANG ; Chun-Mei DENG ; Bing-Bing SONG ; Xiao-Fei LIU ; Zhuo WANG ; Rui LI ; Jian-Ping CHEN ; Xue-Jing JIA ; Sai-Yi ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):472-480
Arsenic is a semi-metal,and lipid-soluble arsenic compounds are one of the widespread forms in the environment and food chain,but there is a lack of standards for lipid-soluble arsenic compounds,which is one of the bottlenecks in the current analytical detection and toxicological studies of organic arsenic.In this study,four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,AsHC 318,AsHC 332,AsHC 346,and AsHC 374(The number is relative molecular mass),were successfully synthesized in three steps by using dimethylarsinic acid,potassium iodide,sodium hydroxide,and four brominated alkanes(1-Bromotetradecane,1-bromopentadecane,1-bromohexadecane,and 1-bromooctadecane)as raw materials.The structures of these four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR)spectroscopy,13C nuclear magnetic resonance(13C NMR)spectroscopy,and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HR-MS).The yields of the method were 8%-10%,and the synthesized compounds could be used in subsequent toxicity evaluation experiments to assess the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.This study provided an effective method for synthesis of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,enriching the synthesis methods of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,and provided raw materials for the subsequent toxicological studies of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.
8.Development and Performance Test of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization Source with Rapid Evaporation and Self-aspiration Sampling
Shuo ZHANG ; Xin-Xin LU ; Yu-Lin CHEN ; Xu-Jie DENG ; Bo-Wen WANG ; Xiao-Xu LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):561-567
A dielectric barrier discharge ionization source with rapid evaporation and self-aspiration sampling(RE-SADBDI)was developed,integrating a rapid evaporation(RE)module and a dielectric barrier discharge ionization(DBDI)module.The sample was introduced into the RE module via a sampling swab and rapidly vaporized within it.The sealed design of the ionization source could enable the sample to be self-aspirated into the ionization region without the need of additional inert gas.All vaporized sample was efficiently directed into the ionization region due to the relatively enclosed environment for sample transfer and ionization,resulting in improved transfer and ionization efficiencies.Experimental results showed that the limit of detection(LOD)under ion isolation mode reached 0.05 ng/mL(caffeine),with a relative standard deviation(RSD)of 6.9%.Furthermore,when coupled with a miniaturized linear ion trap mass spectrometer,the source enabled real-time analysis of various sample types.The developed RE-SADBDI source was suitable for on-site analysis with miniaturized mass spectrometers.
9.Advances in metabolomics of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children
Xiao LONG ; Yu DENG ; Na ZANG ; Enmei LIU
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(8):515-519
Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading pathogen of lower respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years of age. Early-life respiratory syncytial virus infection is closely associated with long-term adverse outcomes,including impaired lung function,recurrent wheezing,and asthma. Metabolomics,an emerging systems biology approach,enables the quantitative analysis of dynamic changes in small-molecule metabolites within biological samples,providing critical insights into disease pathogenesis. This article reviews the metabolomic profiles of children with respiratory syncytial virus infection,with a focus on alterations in carbohydrate,lipid,and amino acid metabolism pathways. Additionally,it examines the distinct metabolomic features of children who develop recurrent wheezing following respiratory syncytial virus infection. These findings offer novel perspectives for elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms of respiratory syncytial virus infection and improving early diagnosis and prognostic assessment.
10.Effect of acarbose and pioglitazone on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
Rong Xiao ; Yan Xue ; Xiaoman Gao ; Yaqi Zhang ; Lin Wang ; Datong Deng
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1246-1251
Objective :
To investigate the effects of acarbose and pioglitazone on the levels of sex hormones in adult female rats ,and to explore their regulatory effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis ( HPOA) and its mechanism.
Methods :
Adult female SD rats aged 2 months were randomly divided into 0.9% sodium chloride so- lution control group (NS) ,acarbose low (AL) ,medium (AM) and high (AH) dose groups and pioglitazone low (PL) ,medium (PM) and high (PH) dose groups.AL,AM and AH groups were given 20,40 and 60 mg / (kg · d) acarbose,and PL,PM and PH groups were given 5,10 and 15 mg / (kg · d) pioglitazone,respectively.Af- ter 28 days of intervention,serum gonadotropin (FSH,LH) and ovarian secreted hormone ( E2,P,T) were de- tected by ELISA,and the effects of acarbose and pioglitazone on HPOA were investigated by organ index analysis and histopathological observation of pituitary gland and ovary.
Results :
Compared with the NS group,the serum FSH in the PL,PM and PH groups decreased ( all P<0. 01) ,the serum LH in the PL,PM and PH groups de- creased (P<0. 05,P<0. 01,P <0. 01) ,and the organ indices in the PM and PH groups decreased ( all P < 0. 01) .HE staining of the adenohypophysis in the PL,PM and PH groups showed an increase in eosinophils,a de- crease in basophils,and an expansion and increase in the number of blood sinuses.In the PM and PH groups,HE staining of the ovaries showed that there were no significant differences in follicles at all levels,but the development was poor,the number of primordial follicles decreased,and the number of corpus luteum increased.Compared with the NS group,the serum P in the AM and AH groups decreased ( all P <0. 01) ,and serum E2 in AM and AH groups decreasd (all P<0. 05) .
Conclusion
Pioglitazone affects HPOA by regulating pituitary function directly. However,the effect of acarbose on HPOA may be mediated through the gut-brain axis,and has no direct correlation with the ovarian structure.


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