1.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
2.A menstrual diary-based investigation of dysmenorrhea symptoms among female medical students
Bingbing SUN ; Xuan LU ; Tongtong XIAO ; Hui TAN ; Xu QIAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(6):458-462
ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence and dynamic pain characteristics of dysmenorrhea among female medical students through a menstrual diary-based observational study. MethodsFrom April to June 2021, female students were recruited from a medical college in Shanghai to complete menstrual diaries and record dysmenorrhea-related characteristics for two menstrual cycles. Dysmenorrhea severity was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) (no pain: 0; mild: 1‒3; moderate: 4‒6; severe: 7‒10). A total of 323 diaries were collected, of which 303 were 93.81% valid (valid response rate: 93.81%), covering 596 complete menstrual cycles. Among them, 293 participants completed diaries for two cycles and were included in the analysis of persistent dysmenorrhea. Period, point, and persistent prevalence of dysmenorrhea were calculated using the number of participants as the denominator. Paired comparisons were performed using Cochran’s Q test and Bonferroni-adjusted McNemar tests. Using menstrual cycles with dysmenorrhea as the unit of analysis, the distributions of pain onset, peak timing, and pain duration across different severities were compared using the χ² tests or Fisher’s precision probability tests. ResultsAmong 303 female college students, 269 experienced dysmenorrhea during the first recorded cycle, and 288 had dysmenorrhea in any cycle. Among 596 complete menstrual cycles recorded, 527 were associated with dysmenorrhea (88.42%), and among 293 students who completed 2 complete recorded cycles, 239 had persistent dysmenorrhea. The period, point, and persistent prevalence of dysmenorrhea among female college students were 95.05% (288/303), 88.78% (269/303), and 81.57% (239/293), respectively (Q=61.61, P<0.001). The prevalence of persistently severe dysmenorrhea was 5.12% (15/293). Among the 527 dysmenorrheic cycles, there were statistically significant differences in the distribution of pain onset time (P=0.003) and pain duration (P<0.001) among different degrees of dysmenorrhea; mild dysmenorrhea mostly started on the first day of menstruation (52.83%), and moderate dysmenorrhea mostly started before menstruation (50.19%). Pain duration increased with severity; the proportions of cycles with pain lasting ≥4 days were 13.20%, 43.03%, and 51.56% for mild, moderate, and severe dysmenorrhea cycles, respectively. For all severity groups, mean pain scores peaked on the first day of menstruation and then decreased day by day to a stable level. ConclusionDysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among female medical students, and differences exist across pain severity levels in onset time, duration, and dynamic changes in pain. Identification and health guidance for those with persistently moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea should be strengthened, and medical evaluation should be conducted when necessary.
3.Analysis on the disease burden trend and attributable risk factors of common gynecological cancers in China from 1990 to 2021
Xiao-hui ZHOU ; Yi-xin ZOU ; Zhuo-ying LI ; Yu-xuan XIAO ; Dan-dan TANG ; Yu-xin ZHOU ; Pei-wen LU ; Qun XU ; Yong-bing XIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):783-793
Objective To describe and analyze the current status,changing trend and influencing factors of the disease burden of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer in China from 1990 to 2021.Methods Data on incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life year(DALY),and other indicators for cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer were collected from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease database.Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze time trends,and age-period-cohort(APC)models assessed their impact on incidence and mortality.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the sociodemographic index(SDI)and the cancer indicators.Finally,the attributable risk factors for the disease burden were analyzed.Results From 1990 to 2021,age-standardized incidence rates of cervical and endometrial cancers in China significantly increased,while ovarian cancer showed no significant change.Age-standardized mortality,DALY,and years of life lost due to premature death(YLL)decreased significantly.The disease burden was heavier in middle-aged and older groups.APC model indicated an increase in cervical cancer incidence and a decrease in mortality over time.Furthermore,the incidence risks of cervical and endometrial cancers were elevated in successive birth cohorts,whereas a lower risk was observed for ovarian cancer.Correlation analysis showed significant associations between cancer incidence and mortality with SDI.Obesity has significantly contributed to the disease burden of common gynecologic cancers in China.Conclusion Mortality rates of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer have declined,while the incidence of cervical and endometrial cancers has significantly increased.The trends in incidence and mortality are influenced by age,period and cohort effects.Future efforts should focus on controlling risk factors like obesity to reduce the disease burden.
4.Cross-sectional survey of healthcare-associated infection in 5 736 medical institutions across China in 2024
Cui ZENG ; Wuqiang GAO ; Fu QIAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Xu FANG ; Linping LI ; Xiuwen CHEN ; Jiansen CHEN ; Dan LI ; Yuan ZHOU ; Lingli YU ; Qinglan MENG ; Xia MOU ; Lijuan XIONG ; Weiguang LI ; Ding LIU ; Jiaqing XIAO ; Limei OU ; Baozhen LI ; Jun YIN ; Haojun ZHANG ; Qiang FU ; Qun LU ; Biao WU ; Ya-wei XING ; Shumei SUN ; Shuncai WANG ; Longmin DU ; Jingping ZHANG ; Wen-ying HE ; Gui CHENG ; Nan REN ; Xun HUANG ; Anhua WU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(11):1572-1583
Objective To understand the current situation of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in China,pro-vide data support and decision-making basis for formulating scientific and effective strategies for HAI prevention and control.Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey on HAI was conducted among various types and levels of medical institutions in China according to a unified protocol of bedside surveys and case investigations.Results In 2024,a total of 5 736 medical institutions and 2 751 765 patients were surveyed.Among them,34 889 HAI cases were identified,with a prevalence rate of 1.27%.The number of HAI episodes was 38 032,and case prevalence rate was 1.38%.The prevalence rate of HAI in medical institutions in different regions of China ranged from 0.66%to 2.35%.Among medical institutions of different scales,those with a bed capacity of ≥900 had the high-est incidence of HAI,reaching 1.65%.The most common infection site was the lower respiratory tract(44.66%),followed by the urinary tract(12.94%),surgical site(9.32%),upper respiratory tract(7.02%),and bloodstream infection(5.78%).The top 3 departments with the highest HAI rates were the general intensive care unit(10.02%),department of neurosurgery(5.51%),and department(group)of hematology(5.34%).A total of 23 238 strains of HAI pathogens were detected,with 10 714 strains(46.10%)from lower respiratory tract speci-mens.The top 5 detected strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae(14.76%),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(13.33%),Escherichia coli(12.79%),Acinetobacter baumannii(9.23%),and Staphylococcus aureus(7.88%).231 944 pa-tients underwent class Ⅰ incision surgery were monitored,with 1 647 cases experienced surgical site infection,and the prevalence rate of surgical site infection was 0.71%.The number of patients who should undergo pathogen de-tection(patients receiving therapeutic and therapeutic combined prophylactic antimicrobial agents)was 715 179,while the actual number was 480 492,with a pathogen detection rate of 67.18%.425 225 patients received patho-genic detection before treatment,with a detection rate of 59.46%.Conclusion The overall HAI prevalence in Chi-na is lower,showing disparities among medical institutions of different regions and scales.Therefore,precise imple-mentation of measures is necessary for HAI prevention and control,with a focus on high-risk institutions and high-risk departments,key areas,and critical procedures.All levels of medical institutions should continuously reduce the incidence of HAI by strengthening monitoring,standardizing the use of antimicrobial agents,and reinforcing basic HAI prevention and control measures.
5.Correlation of long non-coding ribonucleic acid antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus and long non-coding ribonucleic acid maternally expressed gene 3 levels with neurological impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Wei YAO ; Na KONG ; Jin LI ; Xiao ZHANG ; Hui SUN ; Yan LU ; Tongdan TANG
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(11):975-980
Objective:To investigate the dynamic changes of serum long non-coding ribonucleic acid antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (LncRNA ANRIL), long non-coding ribonucleic acid maternally expressed gene 3 (LncRNA MEG3) and inflammatory factors [interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)] in patients with acute ischemic stroke and their correlation with neurological impairment.Methods:This prospective study included fifty-two patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology were included, and the neurological impairments of the patients were scored using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on the first day of the onset of the disease, and serum LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3 and inflammatory factors (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-1β) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the first, second and seventh day of the onset of the disease. The correlation between serum LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3 and inflammatory factor levels and neurological impairment at each time point was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Results:Among 52 patients, mild group had 22 cases (NIHSS score <5 scores), and moderate-to-severe group had 30 cases (NIHSS score ≥5 scores). In acute ischemic stroke patients with moderate-to-severe group, the expression level of LncRNA MEG3 was higher than in the mild group, but the intergroup difference did not reach statistical significance ( P>0.05). LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3, IFN-γ, IL-18 and IL-1β peaked at the same time point in acute ischemic stroke patients, all within second day of the onset of the disease. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the serum LncRNA MEG3 level on the first day of the onset of the disease was significantly positively correlated with NIHSS score ( P = 0.006), and serum LncRNA ANRIL level on seventh day was significantly positively correlated with NIHSS score ( P = 0.049). Conclusions:Serum LncRNA ANRIL, LncRNA MEG3 and inflammatory factors (IL-18, IL-1β and IFN-γ) are highly expressed in patients with acute ischemic stroke, peaking on the second day of onset. LncRNA MEG3 levels on the first day of onset and LncRNA ANRIL levels on the seventh day of onset are helpful in determining the degree of neurological impairment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
6.Research progress on the role and mechanism of high mobility group box protein 1 after spinal cord injury
Xin XUE ; Chang-zheng YIN ; Jin-hui CHEN ; Lu-rong HUANG ; Xin ZHENG ; Yi-min LI ; Guo-bao XIAO ; Ping ZHANG ; Jian-hua ZHAO
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):918-923
High mobility group box protein 1(HMGB1)is one of the most widely expressed protein member in the HMGs family,which is well known for its involvement in the body inflammatory response.Previous researches have found that it plays a significant role in cell migration,immune identification and neuroprotection.Spinal cord injury is a disease that causes severe damage to the nervous system,and neural circuits are disrupted after a spinal cord injury,which leads to many conditions including ischemia and hypoxia,inflammatory responses,demyelinating lesions,and glial scar formation that are detrimental to nerve regeneration and repair,making it one of the most difficult diseases to treat in the modern spinal surgery field.HMGB1 is upregulated after spinal cord injury,thereby regulating neuroinflam-matory responses,and participating in the neuronal apoptosis,promoting neuronal regeneration,and inducing neural stem cell differentiation and migration,which plays an important role in the process of neural function recovery.This paper summarizes the structure and function of HMGB1,as well as its role in spinal cord injury,in order to provide direction for founding therapeutic target for neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury.
7.Preparation of the Fusion Protein Between Diphtheria Toxin Mutants and the Receptor Binding Domain of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype E(EHc)Molecules and the Immunological Effect Evaluation
Qiu-Ju JIA ; Yao-Hui ZHAO ; Xiao-Yu LIU ; Shuo YU ; Jian-Sheng LU ; Yun-Zhou YU ; Ming LIAO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(10):1421-1431
CRM 197(cross-reacting material 197),a naturally occurring mutant of diphtheria toxin,is a safe and effective vaccine vector and extensively used on developing conjugate or combined vaccines.The mutant loses its enzymatic activity,but fully retains its receptor-binding ability and immunogenicity.In current work,the diphtheria toxin mutant CRM 197 and its fusion proteins with the receptor-binding do-main of botulinum neurotoxin serotype E(EHc)were developed using genetic engineering technology.These recombinant proteins were confirmed by Western blotting and SDS-PAGE.BALB/c mice were im-munized with the CRM197-EHc and EHc-CRM197 fusion proteins,and their immunogenicity was evalua-ted.These two fusion protein molecules,CRM197-EHc and EHc-CRM197,as subunit vaccines,elicited a robust humoral immune response targeting both CRM197 and EHc antigens in the immunized mice.Compared to the mixture of CRM197 and EHc,the mice vaccinated with the fusion proteins(CRM197-EHc and EHc-CRM197)induced higher levels of anti-CRM197 antibodies,and the mice vaccinated with EHc-CRM197 also generated strongest anti-EHc antibodies.Consequently,as a carrier molecule in the fusion protein vaccine,EHc enhances the immunogenicity of CRM197 molecules.Likewise,CRM197 boosts the immunogenicity of EHc in the EHc-CRM197 fusion protein.
8.Association between Chromium Exposure and Liver Injury Indicators in Diabetes Patients:Conditional Process Mediation Model
Xiao LU ; Hui YANG ; Miao YUAN
Chinese Journal of Health Statistics 2025;42(2):204-208,213
Objective The exploration of the mediating effect of chromium exposure on the blood routine indicators of diabetes patients is limited.This study aims to explore the possible mediating path by using the conditional process mediation model.Methods The study was based on the results of cross-sectional data in 2018 in the environmental chromium exposure and population health research database provided by the Institute of Basic Medicine of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.A total of 436 patients were selected in this study according to the emission criteria.SPSS 24.0 and SPSS plug-in Process are selected and applied to the construction of demographic data and intermediary model respectively.Result In the conditional process analysis with total bilirubin as the regulatory variable,total bilirubin had a positive regulatory effect on the path of urine chromium→total protein and urine chromium → LDL.In the conditional process analysis with blood glucose as the regulatory variable,blood glucose had a positive regulatory effect on urine chromium → total protein and LDL→ total protein pathways.In the conditional process analysis using both blood glucose and total bilirubin as regulatory variables,blood glucose and total bilirubin had a positive regulatory effect on the LDL→ total protein pathway.Conclusion Diabetes patients with chromium exposure history should focus on the effects of LDL,total bilirubin and blood glucose levels on TP,which is conducive to preventing liver injury in diabetes patients and improving their disease prognosis and quality of life.
9.Correlation between estrogen metabolism of intestinal flora and liver fibrosis based on fecal microbiota transplantation
Na PAN ; Xue-ping QI ; Hui-jie SHENG ; Xiao-yu LYU ; Lu-yao GAO ; Hao-yang CHEN ; Yan-yan YIN ; Jia-jia WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1508-1516
Aim To study the correlation between es-trogen metabolism function of intestinal flora and liver fibrosis disease phenotype and differential intestinal bacteria by fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).Methods C57BL/6J male mice were divided into normal group(Control-M),liver fibrosis Model group(Model),FMT-1 group(normal mice fecal microbiota transplantation from liver fibrosis mice),and FMT-2 group(liver fibrosis mice fecal microbiota transplanta-tion from female mice).The model group was induced by high fat and high glucose combined with low dose of CCl4 for 16 weeks.In the FMT group,the bacteria were destroyed by mixed antibacterial solution and then the corresponding fecal microbiota solution was given.The model group was established in the FMT-2 group and the model group at the same time.Liver function(ALT,AST)was detected by biochemical methods;liver inflammation(IL-1α,IL-6)was detected by ELISA;liver pathology was detected by HE and Mas-son methods;the expressions of α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ,estrogen receptor ERα,ERβ and GPER were detected by Western blot;estrogen metabolic enzymes β-glucu-ronidase and β-glucosidase in intestinal flora were de-tected by double antibody sandwich assay;gut microbi-ota was detected by 16S rDNA method;the correlation between estrogen metabolic enzymes,estrogen receptors and disease phenotypes and disease-related differential bacteria was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Results Liver function,inflammation and fibrosis in-dices were significantly higher in the model group than those in the control-M group and significantly lower in the FMT-2 group than in the model group;estrogen metabolic enzymes of the intestinal flora significantly increased in the model group compared to the control-M group and significantly decreased in the FMT-2 group compared to the model group;the model group showed a significant increase in ERβ and GPER and a significant decrease in ERα compared to the control-M group,while the FMT-2 group showed a significant de-crease in ERβ and GPER and a significant increase in ERα compared to the model group;the FMT-2 group increased the enterobacterial abundance and diversity reduced by modelling;estrogen metabolic enzymes,es-trogen receptor ERβ and GPER were all positively cor-related with the disease phenotype,while the opposite was true for ERα;estrogen metabolic enzymes were positively correlated with Allobaculum,Ruminococcus and Alistipes,and negatively correlated with Akkerman-sia,Lactobacillus and Prevotella.Conclusions Fecal microbiota transplantation in female mice can alleviate liver fibrosis in male mice,which is related to the im-provement of estrogen metabolism of intestinal flora.
10.Research status of traditional Chinese medicine regulating oxidative stress to prevent and treat diabetic kidney disease
Xiao-long MEI ; Kun ZHANG ; LI-hui FAN ; Lu-mei ZHANG ; Xia YANG ; Zhi-gang WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):127-131
Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus,and it has become the main cause of chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease.Traditional Chinese medicine can delay the progress of DKD by inhibiting oxidative stress,improving renal tissue damage,restoring renal function.This paper will summarize the relationship between oxidative stress and DKD and the prevention and treatment of DKD by traditional Chinese medicine,so as to provide reference for clinical drug application,basic research and new drug research and development of DKD.

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