1.LSS deficiency ameliorates MASLD by downregulating NPC1L1 and activating the CD36/TLR4/JNK pathway
Zihan WANG ; Hongmei BAI ; Qingya HE ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Jian ZHONG ; Xiaoli JIANG ; Sumei ZHANG ; Shengquan ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):812-818
ObjectiveTo investigate whether intestinal deficiency of lanosterol synthase (LSS), a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, influences the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating intestinal cholesterol absorption and immune response. MethodsLSS heterozygous knockout (LSS+/-) mice and wild-type (WT) controls were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) or regular chow (CHOW). The model was validated by genotyping. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by HE and oil red O staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression of NPC1L1 and CD36 proteins in the intestine. Western blot analysis was performed to measure JNK phosphorylation and TLR4 protein levels in intestinal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to examine the mRNA expression of TLR4 and IL-6. ResultsLSS+/- mice were successfully validated by genotyping and reduced intestinal LSS protein expression. HE and oil red O staining of liver sections showed that, compared with WT mice fed a CHOW diet, WT mice fed a HFD exhibited a marked increase in hepatic lipid vacuoles. In contrast, compared with HFD-fed WT mice, HFD-fed LSS+/- mice displayed significantly attenuated hepatic lipid deposition and reduced serum ALT levels (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that, compared with WT mice, the expression of the cholesterol absorption protein NPC1L1 in the intestinal villi of LSS+/- mice was downregulated under both CHOW and HFD conditions (PHFD<0.001). Conversely, the expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 was upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/- mice (PCHOW<0.05, PHFD<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated that, compared with WT mice, TLR4 protein expression in the intestines of LSS+/- mice significantly increased under both CHOW and HFD conditions (both P<0.05). JNK phosphorylation level was significantly elevated in LSS+/- mice under CHOW condition (both P<0.05). Under HFD condition, total JNK protein expression increased, but its phosphorylation level showed no significant change. qPCR analysis showed that, compared with WT mice, the mRNA levels of TLR4 (PCHOW<0.01, PHFD<0.000 1) and IL-6 (PCHOW<0.001, PHFD<0.01) were significantly upregulated in the intestines of LSS+/-mice. ConclusionLSS deficiency counteracts hepatic lipid deposition by orchestrating a synergistic reprogramming involving restricted intestinal cholesterol absorption, enhanced fatty acid utilization, and activation of immune pathways, suggesting intestinal LSS as a potential therapeutic target of MASLD.
2.Prevalence of hyperuricemia and its influencing factors in comorbidities with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among adults in Hebei Province
Jingjing ZHAO ; Yajing CAO ; Dongsheng JIANG ; Tiantian GUO ; Yuhuan LIU ; Fujuan YUE ; Xiaoli LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):31-35
Objective To analyze the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) among adults in Hebei Province and its influencing factors related to comorbidities with “three highs”, and to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of HUA and multi-disease co-management. Methods Data were derived from the 2018 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factors Surveillance program conducted in Hebei Province. A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select permanent residents aged ≥18 years. All statistical analyses were adjusted for complex weighting. Design-based logistic regression was employed to analyze factors influencing HUA prevalence, and ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of HUA patients and their comorbidity with “three highs”. Results The prevalence of HUA among adults in Hebei Province was 10.42%, with males showing higher rates than females (P<0.05). The highest prevalence of HUA was observed in the 18-39 age group, followed by a declining trend, and a resurgence in those aged ≥70 (P<0.05). Among HUA patients with comorbidities, isolated HUA, 1 comorbidity, 2 comorbidities, and 3 comorbidities accounted for 13.94%, 33.33%, 39.17%, and 13.56%, respectively. HUA combined with hypertension and dyslipidemia represented the highest proportion (31.07%). Analysis of the influencing factors of HUA revealed that higher education levels, obesity, central obesity, and dyslipidemia increased the risk of HUA (P<0.05). Ordinal logistic regression analysis of HUA combined with three highs showed that HUA patients aged ≥50 years, overweight individuals, and those with chronic kidney disease had a higher number of patients with three highs (P<0.05). Conclusion HUA exhibits insidious onset, and it is recommended to include uric acid testing in routine physical examinations. Targeted prevention measures, such as early uric acid testing and health education, should be implemented by Hebei authorities for populations with higher education levels, obesity, central obesity, and dyslipidemia to reduce HUA incidence. Additionally, health education and regular medical check-ups are recommended for overweight HUA patients and those with chronic kidney disease to prevent comorbidities and alleviate disease burden.
3.Influencing factors of stroke complicated with hypertension and its compliance with antihypertensive drugs
Mei LI ; Xiaoli LIU ; Fan ZHANG ; Fujuan YUE ; Tiantian GUO ; Xiuli NIU ; Jixin SUN ; Dongsheng JIANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):94-98
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of stroke patients with hypertension and their compliance with antihypertensive drugs, and to provide targeted intervention measures for stroke prevention in hypertensive patients. Methods Using the method of multi-stage cluster sampling, a total of 59,434 permanent residents aged 40 and above were selected from 48 monitoring sites in 9 cities of Hebei Province from December 2019 to December 2020. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of stroke complicated with hypertension and the compliance of patients with antihypertensive drugs. Results Among the 59 434 subjects, the prevalence rate of stroke was 4.33% and the prevalence rate of stroke complicated with hypertension was 82.47%. The results of univariate analysis showed that the proportion of women, rural areas, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and people with family history of stroke was higher in stroke patients with hypertension, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that rural areas, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and family history of stroke significantly increased the risk of stroke, and the OR (95%CI) values were 1.29 (1.03-1.62), 1.39 (1.12-1.72), 1.58 (1.25-1.99), 1.61 (1.22-2.12) and 1.60 (1.26-2.04), respectively. Among stroke patients with hypertension, 92.71% of patients took antihypertensive drugs. It was found that women's compliance with antihypertensive drugs was good, with an OR (95%CI) value of 1.46 (1.01-2.09). Conclusion The prevalence rate of stroke complicated with hypertension is high in people aged 40 and above in Hebei Province. Hypertensive people should lower blood lipids, control blood glucose, and lose weight as soon as possible to prevent the occurrence of stroke.
4.Effect of hypoxic environment on tumor cell apoptosis mediated by the antitumor drug pemetrexed
Wenjing ZHOU ; Ruomu GE ; Zihan WANG ; Xiaoli JIANG ; Jian ZHONG ; Qingya HE ; Shengquan ZHANG ; Sumei ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1208-1214
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of hypoxia on pemetrexed (PE)-mediated apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells. MethodsA549 cells were cultured under 21% O₂ (normoxia) or 1% O₂ (hypoxia), and treated with 8 μmol/L PE for 48 h. The cells were divided into normoxic control group, normoxic vehicle group, normoxic drug-treated group, hypoxic control group, hypoxic vehicle group and hypoxic drug-treated group. Trypan blue staining was used to observe cell death after PE intervention under normoxia and hypoxia. Flow cytometry was adopted to detect cell apoptosis rate. Wound healing assay was used to assess cell migration. Western blot was performed to detect the protein levels of MRP-1, Cleaved Caspase-3, E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin. ResultsTrypan blue staining results showed that the cell death rate was reduced in PE-treated cells under hypoxia compared with the normoxic PE group (P<0.001). Flow cytometry results indicated that PE induced cell apoptosis under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.However, the apoptosis rate of the normoxic PE group was significantly higher than that of the hypoxic PE group (P<0.000 1). Wound healing assay showed that the migration distance of A549 cells decreased after PE treatment for 24 h and 48 h under normoxia and hypoxia when compared with the control group (P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between the normoxic PE group and the hypoxic PE group. Western blot results revealed that MRP-1 expression was markedly higher in hypoxic PE-treated cells than in normoxic PE-treated cells (P<0.000 1). Compared with the control group, Cleaved Caspase-3 expression was upregulated in A549 cells following PE intervention under normoxia (P<0.05), whereas no obvious alteration in Cleaved Caspase-3 expression was detected in hypoxic PE-treated cells. Under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, PE treatment downregulated the expression of E-Cadherin (P<0.000 1,P<0.001) and N-Cadherin (P<0.05,P<0.000 1). In addition, the expression levels of E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin in the hypoxic PE group were significantly lower than those in the normoxic PE group (all P<0.000 1). ConclusionHypoxia significantly attenuates the pro-apoptotic effect of PE on A549 cells and blocks Cleaved Caspase-3 activation. This mechanism may be related to hypoxia-induced MRP-1 overexpression and reduced drug accumulation. Interfering with MRP-1 or restoring the activity of the apoptosis pathway may serve as a novel strategy to overcome hypoxia-induced drug resistance.
5.Effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方) on Reproductive Aging,Ovarian Mechanical Micro-environment,and Offspring Reproductive Potential in Aged Model Mice
Jiaqi XU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Nan JIANG ; Kaixi LI ; Yafei DING ; Zimu WEN ; Yingying JIA ; Mengjun JIANG ; Tian XIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):612-620
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方, WHF) in improving reproductive aging from the perspective of the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. MethodsThe experiment included five groups, 3-month group (20 female mice at 3 months of age), 6-month group (20 female mice at 6 months of age), 6-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 5 months of age treated with WHF), 9-month group (20 female mice at 9 months of age), and 9-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 8 months of age treated with WHF). The 6-month + WHF group and 9-month + WHF group were orally administered WHF 41.2 g/(kg·d) once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The other three groups received no intervention. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by ELISA. HE staining was used to count the numbers of various stages of follicles. Ovarian hyaluronic acid (HA) content and collagen fiber content were measured to evaluate the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. Superovulation was performed to observe the number of eggs obtained, as well as the number of offspring and birth weight to assess fertility. The in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture of oocytes from female offspring in each group were observed to evaluate the effect of WHF on offspring reproductive potential. ResultsCompared with the 3-month group, the 6-month group and 9-month group showed significantly decreased serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreased ovarian collagen content, and reduced numbers of primordial and secondary follicles. In contrast, the numbers of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles increased. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ovarian HA content, and the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the 6-month group, the 6-month + WHF group showed significantly reduced serum levels of GnRH, FSH, and LH, with a significant decrease in primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles as well as increase of AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, and offspring birth weight (P<0.05). Compared with the 9-month group, the 9-month + WHF group exhibited reduced GnRH, FSH, and collagen fiber content, as well as reduced number of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles. However, AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, offspring numbers, birth weight, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring all significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionWHF can significantly improve the ovarian reserve, fertility, and reproductive potential in offspring during reproductive mid-life and late-life stages. Its effect may be related to the remodeling of the mechanical microenvironment of aging ovaries. Moreover, the effect on the mechanical microenvironment remodeling of late-stage ovaries and the improvement of the offspring reproductive potential is more significant.
6.Effect of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription on intestinal metabolites in liver cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A study based on metabolomics
Tingting JIANG ; Qun ZHANG ; Xianbo WANG ; Yuyong JIANG ; Xiaoli LIU ; Hao YU ; Zhiyun YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):469-477
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription on minimal hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis based on intestinal metabolomics. MethodsA total of 11 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from March to May 2024, and were diagnosed with MHE based on psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score were enrolled as subjects, and 11 healthy family members of the patients were enrolled as control group. Fecal samples were collected for metabolomics analysis from the control group and the patients with MHE before and after treatment with Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription, and a population cohort study was conducted to investigate the effect of Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription on intestinal metabolism of patients with MHE. The Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical data between two groups; the independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, the paired t-test was used for comparision before and after treatment within the same group, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. ResultsA total of 29 differentially expressed metabolites were detected between the MHE group and the control group, mainly amino acids, organic acids, organic amines, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and vitamins, and there were 12 upregulated metabolites and 17 downregulated metabolites in the MHE group, which were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of ornithine, branched-chain amino acid, and aromatic amino acid. After the treatment with Yiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription, 80 differentially expressed metabolites were detected in the patients with MHE, mainly carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids, and there were 56 upregulated metabolites and 24 downregulated metabolites, which were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of ornithine, branched-chain amino acid, and aromatic amino acid. ConclusionYiqi Yangyin Jiedu Huayu prescription can exert a therapeutic effect on patients with MHE by regulating intestinal metabolism.
7.Analysis of the current situation and influencing factors of cognitive function of the elderly in Hainan Province
Qian JIANG ; Wen LI ; Xiaoli YANG ; Jing YANG ; Caihong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(8):1131-1137
Objective:To assess the current status and influencing factors of cognitive function among the elderly in Hainan Province, providing a basis for developing future intervention strategies to enhance cognitive health.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to June 2022.A total of 2, 059 elderly individuals were selected from 25 counties and cities in Hainan Province through convenience sampling.Data collection utilized the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)and the Activity of Daily Living Scale(ADL). Chi-square tests were conducted for univariate analysis of cognitive impairment, while binary logistic regression was employed to further investigate the factors influencing cognitive function.Results:Among the 2, 059 elderly participants, 609(29.6%)exhibited cognitive impairment.Statistically significant factors identified in the univariate analysis were incorporated into the binary logistic regression model.The results indicated that being female( OR=1.364, 95% CI: 1.091-1.704), aged 70 to 79 years( OR=1.410, 95% CI: 1.070-1.860), aged 80 to 89 years( OR=1.859, 95% CI: 1.386-2.493), aged 90 years or older( OR=2.369, 95% CI: 1.454-3.859), belonging to an ethnic minority( OR=1.405, 95% CI: 1.109-1.779), being widowed( OR=1.372, 95% CI: 1.049-1.794), residing in rural areas( OR=1.411, 95% CI: 1.074-1.856), having three or more chronic diseases( OR=1.887, 95% CI: 1.337-2.662), and experiencing mild( OR=1.695, 95% CI: 1.275-2.252), moderate( OR=2.326, 95% CI: 1.579-3.428), or severe disability( OR=2.873, 95% CI: 1.760-4.691)were identified as risk factors for cognitive impairment in the elderly( P<0.05). In contrast, higher educational attainment was found to be protective, with junior high school education( OR=0.622, 95% CI: 0.511-0.859), high school or technical secondary school education( OR=0.469, 95% CI: 0.327-0.675), and a college education or higher( OR=0.412, 95% CI: 0.264-0.642)serving as protective factors for cognitive function in the elderly( P<0.05). Conclusions:The prevalence of cognitive impairment among the elderly in Hainan Province is moderate.Elderly women, individuals of advanced age, ethnic minorities, those living in rural areas, widowed individuals, individuals with multiple chronic diseases, and those with disabilities are at a higher risk for cognitive impairment.Relevant health departments and healthcare professionals should prioritize these high-risk groups, conduct early cognitive assessments, and implement targeted interventions to enhance cognitive function.
8.Clinical and genetic characteristics of X-linked intellectual disability associated with HUWE1 gene variants
Xiao LI ; Huan GONG ; Zheng CHEN ; Xianhe JIANG ; Zhibin LI ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lin LI ; Hao CHEN ; Jing GUAN ; Lina KONG ; Kaixian DU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(12):1360-1365
Objective:To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of X-linked intellectual disability associated with HUWE1 gene variants.Methods:A cases series study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 6 children with HUWE1 gene variants. The children were identified from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, and Guangzhou Women and Children′s Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University between April 2021 and July 2023.The data included sex, age, dysmorphic features, intellectual and motor development, seizure history, neuroimaging findings, family history, and genetic results was analyzed.Results:A total of 6 children, including 5 boys and 1 girl. The age of onset ranged from 1 day to 3 years. All children presented with varying degrees of intellectual disability, with or without motor developmental delay. Dysmorphic features were observed in 4 children, including microcephaly in 3 children. Short stature were observed in 3 children. One child was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and 1 child had seizures. Two boys had relevant maternal family histories of febrile seizures and mild intellectual disability, respectively. Abnormal neuroimaging findings were presented in 4 children, including cerebral dysplasia (1 child), prominent supratentorial ventricles (1 child), and mild white matter demyelination (2 children). Whole-exome sequencing identified 5 missense variants and 1 in-frame deletion variant. Five variants were novel and previously unreported (c.12290C>T, c.12701T>C, c.9875C>T, c.9641A>T and c.10313_10315del). The variants in 4 boys were maternally inherited, while the remaining 2 children had de novo variants. The child with the in-frame deletion variant (c.10313_10315del) presented with the most severe phenotype, exhibiting symptoms from 1 day of age, absent cognitive development, feeding difficulties, and congenital laryngeal chondrodysplasia. He was lost to follow-up at 3 months of age after treatment was withdrawn. The age at the last follow-up for the remaining 5 children ranged from 2 years and 10 months to 17 years. A boy with seizures died at 2 years and 10 months of age. The remaining 4 children were able to walk independently at the last follow-up, although their developmental progress was slow. Conclusions:HUWE1 gene related X-linked intellectual disability is characterized by varying degrees of developmental delay and intellectual disability, frequently accompanied by microcephaly, short stature, and occasionally by seizures and autism spectrum disorders. Missense variants are more common and the in-frame deletion variant appears to be associated with a particularly severe phenotypic presentation.
9.Efficacy of interventional therapy for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage and factors influencing rebleeding
Zhengyu JIANG ; Yu YIN ; Jun YANG ; Mingming LI ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Bangjian ZHOU ; Caifang NI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(6):639-644
Objective To investigate the DSA imaging characteristics and efficacy of interventional treatment for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage(PPH),and to analyze the factors influencing recurrent bleeding following successful interventional hemostasis.Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent interventional treatment for PPH between January 2013 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent DSA examination,and interventional therapy was the primary treatment option for patients with positive findings.Statistical analysis was performed on DSA angiography manifestations,bleeding sites,success rate of interventional treatment and hemostasis effectiveness.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the independent risk factors for rebleeding after interventional treatment for PPH.Results A total of 139 patients with PPH were included in this study.All 139 patients underwent DSA examination,with a positive rate of 82.01%(114/139)in the first examination.Major angiographic manifestations included contrast agent extravasation,pseudoaneurysm,and disrupted vascular architecture;bleeding sites included gastroduodenal artery in 45 cases(39.47%),hepatic artery in 22 cases(19.30%),and superior mesenteric artery in 32 cases(28.07%).107 patients underwent interventional treatment(81 embolization and 26 stenting),with a success rate of 91.59%(98/107).The independent risk factors for recurrent bleeding after interventional treatment in patients with PPH included preoperative bleeding(P<0.001)and pancreatic fistula(P=0.041).Conclusion Interventional procedures for PPH can be efficient in diagnosis and treatment,with a high success rate and effective hemostasis.However,it should be noted that some patients remain at risk of recurrent bleeding after successful interventional hemostasis.
10.Effect of secukinumab combined with E'xian Huaban Decoction on traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and nailfold microcirculation morphology in patients with plaque psoriasis
Anming GONG ; Guixian JIANG ; Lin LI ; Xiaoli YANG ; Yuwen SUN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(9):101-105
Objective To investigate the effects of secukinumab combined with E'xian Huaban decoction on traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and nailfold microcirculation morphology in patients with plaque psoriasis.Methods A total of 120 patients with plaque psoriasis were selected and randomly divided into monotherapy group(n=60)and combination therapy group(n=60).The monotherapy group received secukinumab treatment,while the combination therapy group was treated with secukinumab plus E'xian Huaban Decoction.Clinical therapeutic efficacy,traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores(including skin lesions,pruritus,rough skin,scales and irritabili-ty),relevant scale[Psoriasisarea and Severity Index(PASI),Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI)and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)]scores,inflammatory factors[interleukin-17(IL-17),interleukin-23(IL-23)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)]levels and nailfold microcircu-lation morphology(loop tube morphology,blood flow state and loop periphery state)were observed in both groups.Results The overall clinical efficacy rate in the combination therapy group was 95.00%,which was significantly higher than 83.33% in the monotherapy group(P<0.05).After treatment,traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores(skin lesions,pruritus,rough skin,scales and irritability),inflammatory factors(IL-17,IL-23 and VEGF)levels,scale(PASI,DLQI and VAS)scores as well as loop tube morphology scores,blood flow state scores and loop periphery state scores were signifi-cantly lower compared to pre-treatment values,and these parameters were significantly lower in the combination therapy group than the monotherapy group(P<0.05).Conclusion Secukinumab combined with E'xian Huaban Decoction can significantly improve clinical symptoms and signs,and enhancing the clinical therapeutic effect.


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