1.Mechanistic Study on IRF7-mediated Regulation of Learning and Memory Function by Aerobic Exercise in Aged Mice
Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2449-2461
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which aerobic exercise improves hippocampal neuroinflammation and learning and memory ability in brain-aged mice via interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). MethodsA total of 60 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were enrolled in the experiment, including 30 young mice (2 months old) and 30 naturally aging mice (12 months old). Young mice and old mice were respectively randomly assigned to four groups: young control group (group C, n=15), young exercise group (group CE, n=15), and aging control group (group A, n=15), aging exercise group (group AE, n=15). Mice in the exercise groups received an 8-week continuous treadmill aerobic exercise intervention, while control mice were kept under routine feeding without exercise intervention. After the intervention, Barnes maze and Y-maze behavioral tests were performed to comprehensively assess the learning and memory abilities of each group of mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural morphological changes of hippocampal synapses. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), as well as the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Immunofluorescence staining was applied to quantify the fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) in hippocampal tissues. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression level of IRF7, and DNA methylation assay was further conducted to analyze the methylation level of the IRF7 gene in mouse hippocampus. ResultsAt the molecular level, compared with group C, the protein expression levels of JAK1, STAT1, p‑JAK1, and p‑STAT1 in group A were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas PSD95 expression was decreased (P<0.05). ELISA assays showed that the levels of IFN‑α, IFN‑β, TNF‑α, and IL‑1β were significantly elevated in group A (P<0.001). RT‑PCR analysis revealed that, compared with group C, the mRNA expression of IRF7 in group A was markedly upregulated (P<0.000 1), while the CpG methylation rate of the IRF7 promoter was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In contrast, all the above parameters in the AE group showed improvements relative to those in group A. Immunofluorescence staining indicated positive IBA1 expression in the brain tissues of group A mice. Exercise intervention reversed these abnormal changes. ConclusionIn aged mice, aerobic exercise induces hypermethylation of the IRF7 promoter region, suppresses IRF7 expression and activation of the downstream IFN‑I/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway, accompanied by alleviated neuroinflammation, improved learning and memory, and ameliorated brain aging-related phenotypes.
2.Chemical constituents from Inula japonica and their anti-asthmatic activity
Yan ZHANG ; Yan-rong GUO ; Su-ping YU ; Shu-ling WANG ; Xiao-song CHEN ; Yu-xia HAN ; Ming-hao PENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3283-3289
AIM To study the chemical constituents from Inula japonica Thunb.and their anti-asthmatic activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel and Sephadex LH-20,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The effect of compounds on the release rate of β-Hex was evaluated by substrate coloration method.RESULTS Twenty-three compounds were isolated and identified as dehydrodontic acid(1),vitexin(2),alternariol(3),globuxanthone(4),1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone(5),hydroxyhydrolapachol(6),isoscopoletin(7),elephanmollen(8),benzoylcholine(9),hoconobiflavone(10),clovandiol(11),hydroxydihydrobovolide(12),5,7-dihydroxycoumarin(13),scopoletin(14),orlichenol glucoside(15),urolignoside(16),9-angeloyloxythymol(17),6,3′,4′-trihydroxyaurone(18),flufuran(19),sweroside(20),guajadial(21),5,7,4′-trimethoxy-4-phenylcoumarin(22),dibutylphthalate(23).After intervention with compounds 9 and 16,the release rates of β-Hex were(56.64±2.37)%and(58.07±2.29)%,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-23 are isolated from Ⅰ.japonica for the first time.Compounds 9 and 16 have anti-asthmatic activity.
3.Analysis of 21 cases of Barth syndrome in children
Yanyan XIAO ; Wen YU ; Wenhong DING ; Zhenyu LYU ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Ling HAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(3):278-282
Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of Barth syndrome (BTHS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 pediatric patients diagnosed with BTHS between January 2010 and December 2023 at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, and Beijing JingDu Children′s Hospital. Clinical data including gender, age at onset, initial symptoms, clinical manifestations, personal history, family genetic history, and laboratory tests (neutrophil count, echocardiography, electrocardiogram and genetic testing) were reviewed.Results:All the 21 patients were male, with the age of onset at 4.1 (1.1, 9.3) months. Main clinical manifestations included heart failure (18 cases), neutropenia (16 cases), respiratory symptoms (15 cases), 3-methylpentenediuria (7 cases),develop retardation (8 cases), gastrointestinal symptoms (7 cases), fatigue and anorexia (6 cases), and recurrent infection (2 cases). Electrocardiogram abnormalities included ST changes (18 cases), flattened T wave and low voltage of limb leads (2 cases), and abnormal Q waves in lead Ⅰ and avL (1 case). Echocardiographic features showed increased trabeculation, interventricular septum and left ventricular wall thickening, and left ventricular enlargement with reduced ejection fraction. Genetic testing identified TAZ gene variations in all 21 patients: 11 missense mutations, 2 nonsense mutations, 2 frameshift mutations, 2 whole code mutations, 2 exon deletions, 1 splicing mutation, and 1 synonymous mutation. Fifteen mutations were maternally inherited, 2 were de novo, and 4 lacked verified variant origin.In terms of treatment, all 18 patients with heart failure received routine heart failure treatment, of whom 11 patients also received intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids. After the follow-up of 91.0 (75.5, 109.5) months, 15 of the 18 patients showed restoration of cardiac function after 4.5 (3.0, 9.8) months of treatment, with one case of significant improvement, while 2 cases suddenly died.Conclusions:BTHS predominantly affects males with early onset, mainly characterized by abnormal cardiac structure and function, along with clinical features including fatigue, delayed growth and development, and neutropenia. Early diagnosis and intervention, including heart failure treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin, and corticosteroids, can lead to significant improvement in cardiac function, though sudden death remains a risk.
4.Lactylation for hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after hepatectomy
Rong-cheng XIAO ; Can WEI ; Si-yuan HAN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ran-ran WANG ; Hua WANG ; Ling FANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1445-1453
Aim To investigate the changes in hepatic lactylation during liver regeneration and its impact on regeneration.Methods A partial hepatectomy(PHx)mouse model was used to study liver regenera-tion.Sodium oxamate was administered intraperitoneal-ly to inhibit lactate dehydrogenase,and blood and liver tissues were collected at different time points post-sur-gery.The histopathological status was observed using HE staining.Proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PC-NA)levels were detected by immunohistochemistry.Lactylation was assessed using immunofluorescence.Liver LDH enzyme activity,lactate levels and serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate trans-aminase(AST)levels were measured using assay kits.Results After PHx,the liver volume of mice gradual-ly increased,returning to preoperative size on day 7.PCNA levels peaked at 48 hours post-surgery.Liver tissue lactate levels increased to approximately 1.5 times the preoperative level at 12 hours post-surgery and remained elevated until day 7.The lactylation lev-el in hepatocytes peaked at 24 hours post-surgery,gradually declined after 48 hours,and returned to pre-operative levels on day 7.Compared to the PHx group,the sodium oxamate(750 mg·kg-1)+PHx group showed significantly reduced lactylation levels in hepa-tocytes and a smaller liver regeneration volume on day 7.Conclusion Lactylation regulates hepatocyte pro-liferation and promotes liver regeneration after PHx.
5.Subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets
Qiu-jin QU ; Ling-xiao SUN ; Xiao-fei WANG ; Fu-yu ZHU ; Guo-xi CHE ; Jing XU ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Nai-shui HAN ; Xiao-xia SUN ; Chun-xia QIAO
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):29-35
Objective To evaluate the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets using hydroxyethyl starch(HES)130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as an extraction medium.Methods Firstly,40 Sprague Dawley(SD)rats including 20 male and 20 female ones were seleted and randomly enrolled into a sample group and a control group by sex,with 20 ones in each group.Secondly,instead of plasma HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection was used to leach disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets to prepare the test solution by simulating clinical application such as lighting,adsorption and filtration and storage.Finally,the test solution and HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection were injected into the tail vein of the SD rats at a dose of 20 mL/kg for 28 d in the sample group and in the control group respectively,and the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets and the feasibility of using HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as the extraction medium to assess their subchronic systemic toxicity were evaluated with clinical observation,body mass monitoring,clinical pathology examination,gross necropsy and histopathology examination.Results The sample group and control group had no significant differences in mortality rates,clinical observation results,body mass,gross necropsy results,hematological and coagulation examination results and organ weight(all P>0.05);blood biochemical examinations showed the male rats in the sample group had the cholesterol(CHO)values higher while the creatinine(CR)values lower than those in the control group,with the differences being statistically significant(both P<0.05)and the two indexes within the range of the laboratory's historical reference data,and other blood biochemical indexes were not significantly different(all P>0.05);the sample group had the spleen weight-to-body mass ratios of the female rates lower significantly than those in the control group(P<0.05),and the ratios of other organ weight to body mass had significant differences(all P>0.05);histopathology examination showed slight pathological changes in liver,spleen and kidney of female rats and in spleen and kidney of male rats in the sample group,and the female and male rats in the control group had similar pathological changes found in the sample group,which might be caused by HES metabolites.Conclusion Disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets prove to have no significant subchronic systemic toxicity,and its feasible to use HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as the extraction medium to evaluate the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):29-35]
6.Subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets
Qiu-jin QU ; Ling-xiao SUN ; Xiao-fei WANG ; Fu-yu ZHU ; Guo-xi CHE ; Jing XU ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Nai-shui HAN ; Xiao-xia SUN ; Chun-xia QIAO
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):29-35
Objective To evaluate the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets using hydroxyethyl starch(HES)130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as an extraction medium.Methods Firstly,40 Sprague Dawley(SD)rats including 20 male and 20 female ones were seleted and randomly enrolled into a sample group and a control group by sex,with 20 ones in each group.Secondly,instead of plasma HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection was used to leach disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets to prepare the test solution by simulating clinical application such as lighting,adsorption and filtration and storage.Finally,the test solution and HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection were injected into the tail vein of the SD rats at a dose of 20 mL/kg for 28 d in the sample group and in the control group respectively,and the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets and the feasibility of using HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as the extraction medium to assess their subchronic systemic toxicity were evaluated with clinical observation,body mass monitoring,clinical pathology examination,gross necropsy and histopathology examination.Results The sample group and control group had no significant differences in mortality rates,clinical observation results,body mass,gross necropsy results,hematological and coagulation examination results and organ weight(all P>0.05);blood biochemical examinations showed the male rats in the sample group had the cholesterol(CHO)values higher while the creatinine(CR)values lower than those in the control group,with the differences being statistically significant(both P<0.05)and the two indexes within the range of the laboratory's historical reference data,and other blood biochemical indexes were not significantly different(all P>0.05);the sample group had the spleen weight-to-body mass ratios of the female rates lower significantly than those in the control group(P<0.05),and the ratios of other organ weight to body mass had significant differences(all P>0.05);histopathology examination showed slight pathological changes in liver,spleen and kidney of female rats and in spleen and kidney of male rats in the sample group,and the female and male rats in the control group had similar pathological changes found in the sample group,which might be caused by HES metabolites.Conclusion Disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets prove to have no significant subchronic systemic toxicity,and its feasible to use HES 130/0.4 sodium chloride injection as the extraction medium to evaluate the subchronic systemic toxicity of disposable plasma virus-inactivated blood transfusion sets.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):29-35]
7.Analysis of risk factors for high-risk colorectal adenoma:focusing on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and multiple metabolic abnormalities
Long-yun WU ; Xiao-ling LI ; Zhi-yi HAN ; Qiao-yun XIA ; Jing-yuan XU ; Pei-ying TIAN ; Xiao-lan LU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):216-224
Objective To retrospectively analyze the association between metabolic factors and high-risk colorectal adenoma(CRA).Methods The medical records of patients aged 18-75 years who underwent their initial colonoscopy at Karamay Central Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Jul 2000 to Mar 2017 were collected.The comparison between normal colonoscopy(NC)and high-risk CRA patients was conducted using an unpaired t-test,while chi-square test was used for categorical variables.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and Logistic regression were utilized to analyze the association between metabolic factors and high-risk CRA.Results A total of 1 798 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into normal colonoscopy(NC)findings group(n=972)and high-risk CRA group(n=826).The high-risk CRA group exhibited significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in comparison to the NC group,while uric acid and fibrosis 4(FIB-4)index levels were significantly higher than those observed in the NC group(all P<0.05).Based on LASSO regression analysis,we identified 12 variables that potentially influence the occurrence of high-risk CRA,including age,gender,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),hypertension,coronary artery disease,hyperglycemia,hypercholesterolemia,low levels of HDL-C,elevated alanine aminotransferase,and elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase.Multivariate analysis revealed that individuals aged over 50 years,male gender,cigarette and alcohol consumption,low HDL-C levels,history of NAFLD and hypertension were identified as independent risk factors associated with high-risk CRA(P<0.05).In addition,without or with adjusting for age,sex,smoking,and drinking history,patients with a high TG/HDL-C ratio(the ratio≥2.68)had a significantly higher risk of high-risk CRA than those with a low TG/HDL-C ratio(the ratio<2.68)[odds ratios(ORs)were1.430 and 1.235 respectively,all P<0.05)].Without or with adjusting variables,the ORs for NAFLD patients with FIB-4 index>2.67 were 1.849(P=0.466)and 1.435(P=0.707),respectively.Conclusion A significant association exists between metabolic factors and high-risk CRA.Independent risk factors for high-risk CRA include older age(≥50 years),male,smoking history,alcohol consumption history,low levels of HDL-C,and a history of NAFLD and hypertension.Individuals exhibiting a TG/HDL-C ratio exceeding 2.68 manifest a significantly heightened susceptibility to the development of high-risk CRA.Therefore,elderly males with one or more aforementioned metabolic abnormalities should be considered a priority population for colorectal screening.
8.Effects of MTHFR and GGH gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Lin-Xiao TENG ; Qi AN ; Lei WANG ; Nan WANG ; Qing-Ling KONG ; Rui HAN ; Yuan WANG ; Lu LIU ; Yan WANG ; Shu-Mei XU ; Kun-Peng SHI ; Fang-Shan QIU ; Xi-Xi DU ; Jin-Rui SHI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(7):802-807
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 and γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) rs11545078 gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
METHODS:
Children with ALL treated at the Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2021 to April 2024 were selected for this study. Genotypes of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MTX plasma concentrations were measured by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, and toxicity was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. The relationships between MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes and both MTX plasma concentrations and associated toxicities were analyzed.
RESULTS:
In the low-risk ALL group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 72 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with the occurrence of reduced hemoglobin (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with the occurrence of thrombocytopenia (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Detection of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes can be used to predict increased MTX plasma concentrations and the occurrence of toxic reactions in high-dose MTX treatment of ALL, enabling timely interventions to enhance safety.
Humans
;
Methotrexate/toxicity*
;
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics*
;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/blood*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
gamma-Glutamyl Hydrolase/genetics*
;
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/adverse effects*
;
Infant
;
Polymorphism, Genetic
;
Adolescent
;
Genotype
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
9.A large family of Nascimento form of syndromic X-linked intellectual developmental disorder caused by large segment deletion of the UBE2A gene: a case report and literature review.
Dan XU ; Jia-Yang XIE ; Xiao-Li ZHANG ; Meng-Yue WANG ; Man-Man CHU ; Rui HAN ; Jun-Ling WANG ; Xiao-Li LI ; Tian-Ming JIA
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(7):859-863
This article reports the clinical features and gene mutation types of a large family with Nascimento form of syndromic X-linked intellectual developmental disorder (MRXSN), involving 9 individuals across 3 generations, and a literature review was conducted. In this family, 9 individuals had similar manifestations including mental retardation and unusual facies, and 4 of them had passed away. Genetic testing showed that the proband had the deletion of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene, which was inherited from the mother. Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the proband and his uncle had the deletion of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene; the proband's mother, grandmother, and great-aunt had a heterozygous deletion of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene; the proband's father, sister, and aunt had a normal copy number of exons 2-3 of the UBE2A gene. The 34 patients reported in the literature had diverse clinical phenotypes, and UBE2A gene mutations (22/34, 65%) and large fragment deletions (12/34, 35%) were the main mutation types. Moderate to severe mental retardation (34/34, 100%), speech and language impairment (33/34, 97%), and unusual facies (32/34, 94%) were the main clinical manifestations of MRXSN patients. The disease has obvious phenotypic heterogeneity, and early diagnosis facilitates optimal prenatal and postnatal management to improve reproductive outcomes.
Humans
;
Male
;
Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes/genetics*
;
Female
;
X-Linked Intellectual Disability/genetics*
;
Gene Deletion
;
Child
;
Pedigree
;
Child, Preschool
;
Adult
10.Feasibility study on the clinical translation of a remote jaundice monitoring system for home-based screening of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Xiao-Fan SUN ; Yi ZHENG ; Ai-Ling SU ; Shu-Ping HAN ; Xiao-Yue DONG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(9):1057-1061
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the clinical utility and translational potential of a remote jaundice monitoring system for home-based screening of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
METHODS:
A prospective self-controlled study was conducted, enrolling 538 newborns with gestational age ≥35 weeks, birth weight ≥2 000 g, and postnatal age ≤14 days at the Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March to October 2023. Four screening protocols with different predictive indicators were developed based on the Chinese Neonatal Transcutaneous Hourly Bilirubin Nomogram. The effectiveness of the system was evaluated, and the feasibility of using the remote jaundice monitoring system in actual home settings was analyzed.
RESULTS:
A total of 538 paired transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurements showed a strong correlation (r=0.85, P<0.001), with 95.0% (511/538) of samples within the 95% limits of agreement. Using TcB ≥ the 95th percentile as the predictive indicator, the system achieved 100% sensitivity, 46.2% specificity, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.731 (95%CI: 0.682-0.780). This approach could reduce unnecessary hospital visits by 41.4% (221/538).
CONCLUSIONS
The system integrates the QBH-801 transcutaneous bilirubinometer, intelligent early warning, and remote guidance services, establishing a closed-loop "hospital-to-home" management model. It demonstrates high safety and feasibility, with significant clinical translational value.
Humans
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Infant, Newborn
;
Female
;
Male
;
Bilirubin/blood*
;
Feasibility Studies
;
Prospective Studies
;
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal/diagnosis*
;
Neonatal Screening/methods*
;
Jaundice, Neonatal/diagnosis*

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