1.Protective effects and mechanisms of luteolin on vascular injury induced by polystyrene microplastics
Deyu ZHU ; Qi HUANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Zhuangzhuang WEI ; Xinyu BAO ; Ping MA ; Yang WU ; Cuiyu BAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):432-438
ObjectiveTo explore the vascular endothelial injury in male mice caused by exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and the intervention effect of luteolin on vascular remodeling. Additionally, to investigate the mechanism through the oxidative system and metabolomics. MethodsThirty-two C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were randomly divided into the saline group (saline group), the 0.1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group (0.1PS-MPs group), the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group (1PS-MPs group), and the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs + luteolin treatment group (1PS-MPs + Lut group), with 8 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the body weight, blood pressure, aortic organ coefficient, and aortic histopathological changes of mice in each group were detected; the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) lipid metabolism-related indicators in the aorta of mice were detected; the reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) oxidative stress-related indicators were detected; the endothelin (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1/CD106), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1/CD54) endothelial function-related indicators and serum metabolomics were detected. ResultsCompared to the saline group, exposure to PS-MPs resulted in pathological thickening of the mouse aorta, increased aortic organ coefficient, and elevated blood pressure. Lipid metabolism-related indicators, including TC and TG, were elevated, while HDL-C was reduced, indicating lipid metabolism disorder in mice. Oxidative stress markers such as ROS and MDA increased, whereas GSH decreased, demonstrating oxidative damage. Vascular endothelial inflammation and injury markers, including ET-1, VEGF-A, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1, were upregulated, while the vasodilatory substance NO was downregulated, confirming endothelial injury. Furthermore, serum metabolomics results revealed that PS-MPs exposure induced endothelial damage by disrupting metabolic pathways such as the citrate cycle. Compared to the PS-MPs group, luteolin significantly reversed these effects, attenuating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders, and effectively repairing endothelial injury. ConclusionPS-MPs induce vascular toxicity through oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Luteolin effectively alleviates endothelial damage and vascular remodeling.
2.Visualization of Wallerian Degeneration of The Corticospinal Tract and Glial Pathological Changes After Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Meng MENG ; Jiao MU ; Mei-Yu LI ; Jun-Yan GAO ; Xiao-Min ZHU ; Liang-Liang LIU ; Ying GUO ; Guo-Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2808-2819
ObjectiveStroke remains the leading cause of acquired disability in adults worldwide, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Among the various neurological deficits caused by stroke, motor dysfunction——particularly contralateral hemiplegia——is the most common and debilitating consequence, and it predominantly results from damage to the cortical motor conduction pathways. When motor cortex neurons or their projecting fibers are damaged, the distal axons and their associated myelin sheaths undergo a series of progressive, programmed degeneration, fragmentation, and eventual phagocytic clearance. This pathological process is termed Wallerian degeneration (WD). However, the temporal progression of WD following ischemic stroke and the associated alterations in the local glial microenvironment remain incompletely understood. The present study was designed to systematically elucidate the time course of corticospinal tract (CST) axonal WD after ischemic stroke in mice, and to simultaneously characterize the dynamic pathological changes of astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocyte lineage cells, and myelinating oligodendrocytes during the WD process. MethodsEight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to control and ischemic stroke groups. A focal cortical ischemic stroke model was established in the right sensorimotor cortex using the photothrombotic method. This method induces localized intravascular thrombosis in the target cortical region through precisely controlled interaction between the photosensitizer and laser light of specific wavelength. At day 1 post‑surgery, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was performed to evaluate infarct volume, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for histopathological examination, and Nissl staining for assessment of neuronal injury. For axonal degeneration time-course analysis, rAAV-CAG-mCherry anterograde viral tracing was employed to specifically label CST neurons. Cervical spinal cord sections at the CST region were collected at day 3, 5, 7, 14, and 60 post-injury. Morphological changes of mCherry-positive CST fibers were observed under fluorescence microscopy, and the fluorescence signal area fraction within the defined region was quantitatively analyzed to evaluate the dynamic process of axonal degeneration. For glial response assessment, immunofluorescence staining against Iba1 (microglia), GFAP (astrocytes), Olig2 (oligodendrocyte lineage cells), and APC (myelinating oligodendrocytes) was performed at day 7, 14, and 60 post‑surgery. The numbers of positive cells were counted to quantitatively analyze the dynamic changes in each glial population at different time points after ischemia, thereby revealing the evolution of the glial microenvironment during WD. ResultsThe photothrombotic method stably and reliably established an ischemic brain injury model confined to the sensorimotor cortex. Viral tracing revealed that the proportion of mCherry‑positive CST fibers was significantly reduced at day 7 after ischemic injury to the neuronal soma. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that during WD, the numbers of microglia and astrocytes in the CST region were significantly increased, whereas the numbers of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and myelinating oligodendrocytes showed no significant changes. ConclusionWD of CST axons is observed at day 7 post-ischemic stroke in a delayed manner. This degenerative process selectively activates microglia and astrocytes, while leaving the number of oligodendrocyte lineage cells largely unaffected.
3.Expert consensus on prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations trains in China
Guoping ZHANG ; Jinshu YIN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Liang CHEN ; Xiaoshan LIU ; Shiwei MA ; Qingyi JIN ; Chunhong ZHU ; Ting LIU ; Jing HUANG ; Yuewei ZHANG ; Hui CHEN ; Xiao LIU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(16):2401-2405
OBJECTIVE To formulate an expert consensus on the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations and trains in China,and to standardize the prevention and control of respiratory infec-tious diseases in railway stations and trains scientifically.METHODS The government authorities organized multi-ple prevention and control experts from transportation,medical care and prevention fields to conduct in-depth re-search through methods such as meetings and on-site investigations,and combined with their practical experi-ence in this field to formulate this expert consensus.RESULTS In-depth studies were conducted on the prevention and control strategies,measures and emergency response system construction of respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations and trains,and this expert consensus was formed.CONCLUSION This expert consensus supple-ments improves the existing prevention and control system for respiratory infectious diseases in railway stations and trains,and provides an important reference basis for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious disea-ses in railway stations and trains.
4.An Electronic Microbial Growth Analyzer-based Method for Rapidly Screening Viable Salmonella in Food
Ruo-Han LIANG ; Xiao-Dan PU ; Feng LU ; Xue-Ting ZHU ; Yuan-Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Yang WANG ; Qian-Qian YANG ; Hao LI ; Xu-Zhi ZHANG ; Chen-Zhong LI ; Shan LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1694-1704
Foodborne illnesses caused by Salmonella pose significant threats to worldwide public health safety.In this study,a rapid method for screening viable Salmonella in oyster sauce and milk was developed by utilizing an electronic microbial growth analyzer(EMGA).Target food samples were diluted 10-fold with RVS broth and loaded into test tubes.Test tubes were positioned in the EMGA to determine the bacterial growth curves and the time required to reach the maximum growth rate(Tmgr).Using Salmonella typhimurium(S.typhimurium)asan model species,there was linear relationship between the logarithmic value of viable bacterial concentration(lgC)and Tmgr over the range of 5×101-5×106 CFU/mL,with a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL.For oyster sauce,the regression equation was Tmgr(min)=-80.775lg[C/(CFU/mL)]+754.96(R2=0.9907),and the recovery rates of S.typhimurium ranged from 95.2%to 119.8%,with relative standard deviations(RSD)ranging from 3.5%to 16.3%.For milk,the regression equation was Tmgr(min)=-71.922 lg[C/(CFU/mL)]+618.65(R2=0.9985),with recovery rates ranging from 98.4%to 110.6%and RSD ranging from 6.4%to 12.8%.The EMGA method required only one portable instrument,and involving only three manual steps,i.e.,dilution,transfer,and insertion.When S.typhimurium contamination reached 106 CFU/mL,the total time consumption,from the unwrapping of samples to the readout of bacterial concentration,was no more than 7 h.When applied to detection of actual oyster sauce and milk samples,the new method demonstrated strong consistency with plate counting results in positive detection rates.This method was superior to the plate counting method,which was generally considered as a gold standard,in terms of accuracy,precision,simplicity and efficiency,representing a promising alternative for the on-site screening and quantification of viable Salmonella in oyster sauce and milk products.
5.Association between acupuncture and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfer: A cohort study based on different propensity score methods.
Xiao-Yan ZHENG ; Zi-Yi JIANG ; Yi-Ting LI ; Chao-Liang LI ; Hao ZHU ; Zheng YU ; Si-Yi YU ; Li-Li YANG ; Song-Yuan TANG ; Xing-Yu LÜ ; Fan-Rong LIANG ; Jie YANG
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):528-536
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the association between acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and the live birth rate (LBR) using different propensity score methods.
METHODS:
In this retrospective cohort study, eligible women who underwent a COH were divided into acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups. The primary outcome was LBR, as determined by propensity score matching (PSM). LBR was defined as the delivery of one or more living infants that reached a gestational age over 28 weeks after embryo transfer. The propensity score model encompassed 16 confounding variables. To validate the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted using three additional propensity score methods: propensity score adjustment, inverse probability weighting (IPW), and IPW with a "doubly robust" estimator.
RESULTS:
The primary cohort encompassed 9751 patients (1830 [18.76%] in the acupuncture group and 7921 [81.23%] in the non-acupuncture group). Following 1:1 PSM, a higher LBR was found in the acupuncture cohort (41.4% [755/1824] vs 36.4% [664/1824], with an odds ratio of 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.41]). Three additional propensity score methods produced essentially similar results. The risk of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective study revealed an association between acupuncture and an increased LBR among patients undergoing COH, and that acupuncture is a safe and valuable treatment option. Please cite this article as: Zheng XY, Jiang ZY, Li YT, Li CL, Zhu H, Yu Z, Yu SY, Yang LL, Tang SY, Lü XY, Liang FR, Yang J. Association between acupuncture and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfer: A cohort study based on different propensity score methods. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):528-536.
Humans
;
Female
;
Propensity Score
;
Embryo Transfer
;
Adult
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Pregnancy
;
Live Birth
;
Birth Rate
;
Cohort Studies
6.Increased Tertiary Lymphoid Structures are Associated with Exaggerated Lung Tissue Damage in Smokers with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Yue ZHANG ; Liang LI ; Zi Kang SHENG ; Ya Fei RAO ; Xiang ZHU ; Yu PANG ; Meng Qiu GAO ; Xiao Yan GAI ; Yong Chang SUN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):810-818
OBJECTIVE:
Cigarette smoking exacerbates the progression of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The role of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in chronic lung diseases has gained attention; however, it remains unclear whether smoking-exacerbated lung damage in TB is associated with TLS. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of pulmonary TLS in smokers with TB and to explore the possible role of TLS in smoking-related lung injury in TB.
METHODS:
Lung tissues from 36 male patients (18 smokers and 18 non-smokers) who underwent surgical resection for pulmonary TB were included in this study. Pathological and immunohistological analyses were conducted to evaluate the quantity of TLS, and chest computed tomography (CT) was used to assess the severity of lung lesions. The correlation between the TLS quantity and TB lesion severity scores was analyzed. The immune cells and chemokines involved in TLS formation were also evaluated and compared between smokers and non-smokers.
RESULTS:
Smoker patients with TB had significantly higher TLS than non-smokers ( P < 0.001). The TLS quantity in both the lung parenchyma and peribronchial regions correlated with TB lesion severity on chest CT (parenchyma: r = 0.5767; peribronchial: r = 0.7373; both P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased B cells, T cells, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) expression in smoker patients with TB ( P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Smoker TB patients exhibited increased pulmonary TLS, which was associated with exacerbated lung lesions on chest CT, suggesting that cigarette smoking may exacerbate lung damage by promoting TLS formation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/immunology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Tertiary Lymphoid Structures/pathology*
;
Adult
;
Lung/pathology*
;
Smoking/adverse effects*
;
Smokers
;
Aged
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
8.Associations between Red Cell Indices and Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in High Altitude.
Hao Lun SUN ; Tai Ming ZHANG ; Dong Yu FAN ; Hao Xiang WANG ; Lu Ran XU ; Qing DU ; Jun LIANG ; Li ZHU ; Xu WANG ; Li LEI ; Xiao Shu LI ; Wang Sheng JIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1314-1319
9.NFKBIE: Novel Biomarkers for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Immunity in Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Pan-cancer Analysis.
Chen Yang HOU ; Peng WANG ; Feng Xu YAN ; Yan Yan BO ; Zhen Peng ZHU ; Xi Ran WANG ; Shan LIU ; Dan Dan XU ; Jia Jia XIAO ; Jun XUE ; Fei GUO ; Qing Xue MENG ; Ren Sen RAN ; Wei Zheng LIANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1320-1325
10.Polystyrene microplastics induce oxidative stress and ferroptosis and cause myocardial damage in mice
Qi HUANG ; Deyu ZHU ; Xiao LIANG ; Jinling WU ; Wengui QIN ; Ping MA ; Yang WU ; Cuiyu BAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1009-1014
Objective To investigate the effect of polystyrene microplastics(PS-MPs)on myocardial injury in mice and its molecular mechanism.Methods A total of 60 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal sa-line group,0.1,1,10 mg/kg PS-MPs exposed group,and doxorubicin[5 mg/(kg·w)]group treated for 8 weeks.After treatment,we measured blood pressure,cardiac organ coefficient,cardiac histopathological changes,oxidative stress markers reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH),4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE)and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2),serum centroid injury markers creatine kinase MB(CK-MB)and troponin(cTnT),ferroptosis marker recombinant glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),Recombinant solute carrier family 7(SLC7 A11)as well as ferrous ions(Fe2+).Results Compared with the neg-ative control group,vacuolation,inflammatory infiltration and collagen fiber deposition were evident in the hearts of mice after PS exposure.The levels of myocardial injury markers CK-MB and cTnT significantly increased.Cardiac organ coefficient decreased,blood pressure increased,oxidative stress markers and ferroptosis markers increased.Conclusion PS-MPs exposure can induce oxidative stress and activate ferroptosis pathway,resulting in myocardial injury in mice.

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