1.Effect of maternal pyrethroid pesticides exposure during pregnancy on lymphocytes in 1-year-old children: A birth cohort study
Zhiye QI ; Xia XIAO ; Shuqi CHEN ; Dandan ZHAO ; Xiaoxiao SONG ; Yan LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):402-409
Background Pyrethroid pesticides (PYRs) can cross the placental barrier to cause intrauterine fetal exposure, which may lead to developmental immunotoxicity (DIT). However, the specific effect of maternal PYR exposure during pregnancy on the cellular immune function of 1-year-old children remains unclear. Objective To explore the effect of PYRs exposure throughout the entire pregnancy on peripheral blood lymphocytes in 1-year-old children and potential sensitive window period of PYRs exposure. Methods A birth cohort was established by enrolling pregnant women in their first trimester and following them and their infants until one year of age. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the levels of PYRs metabolites, including 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4F3PBA), and cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2- dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DBCA), in the urine of pregnant women during the first trimester (gestational weeks 6-12), the second trimester (gestational weeks 21-24), and the third trimester (gestational weeks 33-36). Peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were measured in children at 12 months of age using the Coulter principle combined with flow cytometry. Exposure levels of PYRs metabolites in each trimester were divided into low, moderate, and high exposure groups based on the 25th (P25) and 75th (P75) percentiles. Meanwhile, participants were classified as having repeated high or low exposure if their metabolite levels were > P75 or <P25 in at least two trimesters, respectively, while all others were categorized as having repeated moderate exposure. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the associations between trimester-specific and repeated PYRs metabolite exposure levels and the peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts in children aged 1 year. Results A total of 336 mother-child pairs were included in this study. For the pregnant women, the total detection rates of maternal urinary 3PBA, 4F3PBA, and cis-DBCA across the three trimesters of pregnancy were 80.5%, 100.0%, and 81.3%, respectively; and median creatinine-corrected concentrations were 0.24, 0.36, and 0.42 μg·g−1, respectively. In children aged 1 year, the mean WBC and lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood were (8.9±2.0)×109·L−1 and (5.7±1.6)×109·L−1, respectively. The results of the generalized linear model analysis indicated that compared to the low exposure group, the high cis-DBCA exposure group during the third trimester of pregnancy had significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−0.87, 95%CI: −1.51, −0.23) and lymphocyte count (β=−0.64, 95%CI: −1.15, −0.13); and the repeated high-exposure group of cis-DBCA had significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−1.34, 95%CI: −2.34, −0.34) and lymphocyte count (β=−0.80, 95%CI: −1.60, −0.01) than the repeated low exposure group. Similarly, the repeated moderate-exposure group of cis-DBCA had a significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−0.83, 95%CI: −1.59, −0.07) than the repeated low exposure group. Conclusion High maternal exposure to PYRs with cis-DBCA as the major metabolite exposure is associated with decreased peripheral leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in children aged 1 year, and repeated high-level exposure throughout gestation appears to exacerbate DIT in offspring. The third trimester of pregnancy maybe a sensitive window for children's DIT induced by exposure to PYRs during pregnancy.
2.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
3.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
4.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
5.Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Magneto-acoustic Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice by Regulating Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Homeostasis
Shuai ZHANG ; Yan-Bin WANG ; Yi-Hao XU ; Jin-Rui MI ; Xiao-Chao LU ; Yu-Chen AN ; Ji-Zhou LIU ; Jia-Qi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1457-1470
ObjectiveTranscranial magneto-acoustic stimulation (TMAS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may provide a novel non-pharmacological intervention strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to motor impairments such as bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitochondrial quality control are central mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal loss. In particular, abnormalities in mitophagy and mitochondrial fission-fusion balance contribute substantially to oxidative stress, energy metabolic failure, and neuronal injury. At present, most clinical treatments for PD mainly alleviate symptoms but do not effectively halt disease progression. Therefore, exploring new interventions targeting the core pathological mechanisms is of considerable significance. This study aims to investigate whether TMAS can improve neural damage and motor dysfunction in PD mice by regulating mitophagy and the fission/fusion dynamic balance, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its application in PD treatment. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days. After model induction, mice in the intervention group received TMAS once daily for 14 consecutive days, whereas the corresponding control group received sham stimulation. The stimulation target was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1). Motor performance was evaluated using the pole test and the open-field test. To verify the activation effect of TMAS on the target cortical region, c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed in the M1. To assess nigral dopaminergic neuronal injury, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry was used to quantify TH-positive neurons in the SNc. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in the SNc. Western blot was further performed to determine the expression of mitophagy-related proteins, including PINK1, Parkin, LC3-II, and p62, as well as mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins, including Drp1 and Opa1. ResultsTMAS significantly increased the number of c-Fos-positive cells in M1 (P<0.000 1), indicating effective activation of neurons in the targeted cortical region. Compared with the control group, MPTP-treated mice exhibited marked motor dysfunction, including a significant reduction in total distance traveled in the open-field test (P<0.000 1) and mean speed (P=0.000 1), as well as significant prolongation of turn time and total climbing time in the pole test (P<0.000 1). These behavioral impairments were accompanied by a substantial loss of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc, whereas TMAS significantly increased TH-positive neuron survival (P<0.000 1). In parallel, MPTP induced a pronounced increase in ROS levels and a significant reduction in ATP content, indicating severe mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism impairment (P<0.01). TMAS treatment significantly improved motor performance, as reflected by the reversal of MPTP-induced impairment in the open-field and pole tests, and significantly reduced ROS accumulation (P<0.01) while restoring ATP production (P<0.001). At the molecular level, MPTP markedly downregulated PINK1 and Parkin, decreased p62 expression, increased LC3-II accumulation, elevated Drp1 expression, and reduced Opa1 expression, whereas TMAS significantly reversed these abnormalities, suggesting restoration of mitophagy-related mitochondrial quality control and re-establishment of mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. Collectively, these findings indicate that TMAS ameliorates MPTP-induced neurotoxicity and restores mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism. ConclusionTMAS effectively attenuates neural damage and improves motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD mice. Its neuroprotective effects are closely associated with multidimensional regulation of the mitochondrial quality control system, including restoration of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and rebalancing of Drp1/Opa1-related mitochondrial dynamics. Rather than acting only as a symptomatic neuromodulatory intervention, TMAS may influence a key pathological axis of PD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis in SNc and protecting nigral dopaminergic neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting TMAS as a promising non-invasive physical intervention for PD.
6.Shaoyaotang Regulates miRNA-155-mediated SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 Signaling Pathway to Affect Macrophage Polarization
Qi CHENG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Yiqian YU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Jiachun XIONG ; Jun XIONG ; Dichang LAI ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shaoyaotang regulates the miRNA-155-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)/Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway and thereby affects macrophage polarization. MethodsThe cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of drug-containing serum of Shaoyaotang at different concentrations on the viability of RAW 264.7 cells. A cell model of inflammation was established by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a concentration of 10 mg·L-1 The modeled cells were assigned by the random number table method into seven groups: LPS-induced M1 polarization (model), M1+miRNA-155 mimics, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor, M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, and M1+blank serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)]. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of macrophage polarization markers [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and macrophage mannose receptor 1 (CD206)]. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of miRNA-155 in cells. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of SOCS1, STAT1, and JAK1. ResultsCompared with the LPS-induced M1 polarization (model) group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group showed up-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and down-regulated expression of CD206 (P<0.05). In both the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group and the M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group, the expression levels of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS were down-regulated (P<0.05), while those of SOCS1 and CD206 were up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group, the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). ConclusionShaoyaotang regulates macrophage polarization by modulating miRNA-155 expression and interfering with the SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. The findings provide new experimental evidence for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
7.Effect and Mechanisms of Shaoyaotang on Murine Ulcerative Colitis via Modulating Macrophage Glycolytic Reprogramming and Polarization Through HIF-1α Pathway
Yiqian YU ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Qi CHENG ; Youwei XIAO ; Yan GONG ; Jiachun XIONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):53-60
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential role and underlying mechanisms of Shaoyaotang in intervening macrophage glycolytic reprogramming in ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups: Normal control group, model group, mesalazine group (0.39 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang group (15.54 g·kg-1), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) group (glycolysis inhibitor, 100 mg·kg-1), and 2-DG + Shaoyaotang combined group (100 mg·kg-1+15.54 g·kg-1). Except for the normal control group, mice in the other five groups were induced to establish UC models using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The normal control group was administered pure water via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received intragastric gavage of mesalazine solution, intragastric gavage of Shaoyaotang, and the 2-DG group was treated with 2-DG via intraperitoneal injection. After 7 consecutive days of treatment, colonic tissues were extracted. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate histopathological changes and tissue injury in the colon. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in colonic tissues. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), glucose transporter (GLUT1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in colonic tissues. Immunofluorescence was conducted to detect the expression of CD206 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in colonic tissues. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to measure lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, mice in the model group exhibited a significant increase in disease activity index (DAI) scores, accompanied by colonic mucosal congestion, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration, significantly elevated expression of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (P<0.05), significantly decreased IL-10 expression (P<0.05), significantly increased levels of HIF-1α, GLUT1, LDHA, PKM2, and PFKFB3 in colonic tissues (P<0.05), markedly elevated iNOS expression (P<0.05), significantly decreased CD206 expression (P<0.05), and significantly elevated lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues (P<0.05). In contrast to the model group, the Shaoyaotang group, inhibitor group, and Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor group demonstrated amelioration of mucosal injury in colonic tissues, markely decreased expression levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (P<0.05), elevated IL-10 expression levels, significantly decreased expression of HIF-1α, GLUT1, LDHA, PKM2, and PFKFB3 (P<0.05), markedly reduced iNOS expression levels (P<0.05), significantly increased CD206 expression (P<0.05) and significantly decreased lactate and citrate levels (P<0.05). ConclusionShaoyaotang ameliorates symptoms of DSS-induced UC in mice, and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with regulating macrophage glycolytic reprogramming via modulation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway.
8.Shaoyaotang Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating miR-155-5p
Ruoru HUANG ; Bo ZOU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiqian YU ; Qi CHENG ; Youwei XIAO ; Jiachun XIONG ; Yan GONG ; Dongshen WU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):61-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) in ulcerative colitis (UC) and study the molecular mechanism of Shaoyaotang in the treatment of UC by regulating miR-155-5p. MethodsForty-eight SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were selected and assigned via the random number table method into 6 groups (n=8): A blank control group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.39 g·kg-1) group, a Shaoyaotang (31.08 g·kg-1) group, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor (baricitinib, 10 mg·kg-1) group, and a Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor (baricitinib 10 mg·kg-1 + Shaoyaotang 31.08 g·kg-1) group. After successful modeling of UC by gavage of 3% dextran sulphate sodium solution, each group received corresponding drug intervention for 7 days. Shaoyaotang and mesalazine were administered by gavage, and baricitinib by intraperitoneal injection. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium, and blood was collected for determination of white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Mice were then sacrificed for measurement of colon length. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe colonic pathological changes and perform pathological scoring. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the relative expression of miR-155-5p in the colonic tissue, and Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of JAK1, phosphorylated JAK1 (p-JAK1), suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and phosphorylated STAT1 (p-STAT1). ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased disease activity index (DAI) score and pathological score, shortened colon, upregulated relative expression of miR-155-5p and protein levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1, downregulated protein level of SOCS1 in the colonic tissue, prolonged time of erythrocyte sedimentation, and increased white blood cell count (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups exhibited improvements in the above indicators (P<0.01). Moreover, the Shaoyaotang group showed better therapeutic effects than the mesalazine group in regulating miR-155-5p expression, related protein levels, DAI score, and colonic pathological score (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang may downregulate miR-155-5p to relieve its inhibition on SOCS1, thereby suppressing the excessive activation of the JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway and ultimately alleviating intestinal inflammatory damage.
9.Tumor microenvironment metabolism:an ongoing therapeutic target
Ji-tong ZHAO ; Mei-qi FENG ; Xiao-yan ZHANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):724-732
Tumor microenvironment(TME)is the foundation for tumor survival,which is composed of various types of cells,tumor blood vessels,secretory factors,and extracellular matrix(ECM)within the tumor.The unique regulatory mechanism triggered by the vigorous metabolic demand of tumor plays an important role in its tumorigenesis,metastasis,invasion,and treatment resistance.A deeper understanding of the metabolic transformation and tumor-immune cell interactions in the TME will enable the development of therapeutic technologies that precisely target TME metabolism,facilitate the development of combination treatment strategies,and improve the clinical response rate of existing immunotherapies.This paper reviews the composition,metabolism and regulatory mechanisms of TME,summarizes the research progress of immunotherapy strategies targeting the physiological characteristics of TME,and discusses the prospects for clinical application of precision immunotherapy strategies targeting TME,which are expected to enhance immunotherapy drugs response and infiltration degree.
10.Association of afterschool physical exercise and sleep quality among preschool children in Minhang district of Shanghai
Li-li ZHANG ; Yi-dan JIA ; Xue-qing MIAO ; Xiao-feng YIN ; Hui-jing SHI ; Yan-qi HU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):657-663
Objective To observe the association between afterschool physical exercise and sleep quality among preschool children,and to explore the proper afterschool physical exercise model for better sleep quality.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted.From Apr to Jun 2024,a total of 1 430 children from three public kindergartens in Minhang district were enrolled to participate in the survey.Parents were invited to complete the basic sociodemographic information,afterschool physical exercise information and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire.One-way ANOVA and linear mixed effects models were used to explore the relationship between afterschool exercise and sleep quality.Results A total of 1 430 questionnaires were sent out and 1 384 were recovered with a recovery rate of 96.78%.Among them 1 366 were valid,with an effective rate of 95.52%.The average age of the children was(5.19±0.87)years old with gender ration of 1.07∶1(male:female).The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 80.60%(regarding a CSHQ total score>41 as cutoff).A one-way ANOVA indicated that time on afterschool physical exercise was significantly associated with sleep duration,Night waking,and sleep onset delay(P<0.05).After adjusting for age,gender,the only child or not,main caregiver,and parental education and occupation,linear mixed effects models showed that engaging in afterschool physical activity for at least 180 mins per week has a statistically significant predictive effect on sleep duration scores(β=-0.50,z=-4.52,95%CI:-0.72,-0.28,P<0.001),night waking scores(β=-0.16,z=-2.34,95%CI:-0.29,-0.02,P=0.020),and sleep onset delay scores(β=-0.14,z=-2.35,95%CI:-0.26,-0.02,P=0.019).Conclusion Afterschool exercise was significantly associated with sleep quality among preschool children in Minhang district of Shanghai.The time≥180 min on afterschool exercise per week in preschool children was significantly positively associated with maintaining sleep duration,reducing night wakings and shortening the latency to fall asleep.The habit of afterschool exercise and the time on afterschool exercise should be emphasized by parents and the society to improve sleep quality among preschool children.

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