1.Notoginsenoside R1 modulates mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes viathe Pink1/Parkin pathway after hypoxia/reoxygenation
Xiaoman XIONG ; Huan WU ; Shanglin LU ; Yong WANG ; Yuhua ZHENG ; Yi XIANG ; Haiyan ZHOU ; Xingde LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) ameliorates hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury in AC16 human cardiomyocyte cell lines through the regulation of mitophagy. MethodsCommon genes linked to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury and mitophagy were identified by intersecting data from GeneCards and MitoCarta databases. AC16 cell viability was assessed via CCK-8 assay under varying NGR1 concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol/L). AC16 cells were divided into the following groups: control group (Control), model group (H/R), and treatment groups (H/R + NGR1 at 100, 200 and 300 μmol/L). Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured using 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) staining. Transcriptional levels of mitophagy-related genes (Parkin, Pink1, P62) were quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein expression of mitophagy-related markers (Parkin, Pink1, P62, and LC3BⅡ) was evaluated via Western blot analysis. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsCompared to the control group, cell viability in the H/R group significantly decreased (P<0.01). Treatment with NGR1 at concentrations above 100 μmol/L significantly enhanced the cell viability of AC16 cells compared to the H/R group (P<0.01). H/R induced a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), which was restored by NGR1 treatment (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of Parkin, Pink1, and P62 in the H/R group were upregulated compared to the control group (P<0.05), while NGR1 intervention downregulated their expression (P<0.05). Protein expression levels of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ in the H/R group significantly increased, while P62 expression decreased compared to the control group (P<0.01). In contrast, different doses of NGR1 treatment significantly reduced the expression of Parkin, Pink1, and LC3BⅡ while increasing P62 expression (P<0.05). TEM revealed that the mitochondrial structure in the H/R group was severely disrupted, with fragmented and disorganized cristae, which was alleviated by NGR1. ConclusionNGR1 ameliorates H/R-induced AC16 cell injury, and its mechanism may be associated with modulating the Pink1/Parkin pathway to suppress excessive mitophagy.
2.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
3.Qualitative study on factors influencing the health of courier/food delivery workers based on the social-ecological model
Ruina LI ; Jingjing DU ; Jin WANG ; Xiaoman LIU ; Yan YE ; Yan YIN ; Zhi WANG ; Fengqiong CHEN ; Huanqiang WANG ; Shuang LI
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(2):144-149
Objective To explore the health issues and influencing factors of workers in new forms of employment, represented by couriers and food delivery workers, based on the social-ecological model (SEM). Methods A total of 44 couriers and food delivery workers from Beijing City, Shanghai City, Guangzhou City, and Chongqing City were recruited as the study subjects using purposive sampling combined with snowball sampling method. An interview guide was developed based on the SEM to conduct semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to code and analyze the interview data. Results The health influencing factors among the couriers and food delivery workers based on the SEM included three first-level themes at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels, namely "individual factors," "occupational environmental factors," and "social environmental factors," each comprising three second-level themes. At the micro-level, individual factors such as insufficient health literacy, unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors, and sustained psychological burden jointly contributed to the health vulnerability among these couriers and food delivery workers. At the meso-level, occupational environmental factors including algorithmic management, high-load work environments, and inadequate interpersonal support, jointly construct a high-pressure and high-intensity work pattern. At the macro-level, social environmental factors such as insufficient social security caused by the de facto nature of labor relations, economic pressure resulting from unstable income in the market environment, and psychological depletion caused by occupational discrimination further exacerbate the health vulnerability among these workers. Conclusion The health issues of the couriers and food delivery workers result from the interplay of factors across micro-, meso-, and macro- levels. Therefore, a multi-level collaborative health protection system involving individuals, organizations, and society should be established to improve their health status.
4.Mendelian randomization study of sleep duration and sleep disorders in relation to age at menarche in females
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):1021-1025
Objective:
To determine the potential genetic causal relationship between sleep related phenotypes and female pubertal onset using the two sample Mendelian randomization approach.
Methods:
Genetic instrumental variables for sleep and age at menarche were sourced from FinnGen, IEU Open GWAS and GWAS Catalog three publicly available Genome Wide Association Study databases. Causal effects were estimated using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by sensitivity analyses and tests for heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and direction.
Results:
Genetically predicted sleep duration was positively associated with age at menarche ( β =0.61, 95% CI =0.30-0.91, P <0.01). Conversely, overall sleep problems ( β =-0.13, 95% CI =-0.20 to -0.07 ), two specific types of sleep disorders (sleep apnea: β =-0.10, 95% CI =-0.16 to -0.03; insomnia: β =-0.40, 95% CI = -0.69 to -0.11) were causally associated with earlier age at menarche (all P <0.01). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings with consistent effect directions and no evidence of significant directional pleiotropy.
Conclusions
The study reveales a genetic causal relationship between sleep and pubertal onset. Adequate sleep duration appears to have a protective effect. These findings suggest that sleep may have a critical regulatory role in the initiation of pubertal development.
5.Construction of undergraduate rehabilitation engineering curriculum system based on World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework
Yongli WEI ; Junhang DING ; Ping ZHOU ; Xiaoman YANG ; Zhen WANG ; Fujie YU ; Fangfang DUAN ; Enjing GUAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(6):731-738
ObjectiveTo address the shortage of high-caliber multidisciplinary professionals in China's rehabilitation engineering field and the prominent issue of "separation between medicine and engineering" in existing curricula, this study introduces the World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework (RCF) to construct a systematic curriculum system for rehabilitation engineering. MethodsGuided by the four core competency domains of RCF (practice, professionalism, learning and development, management and leadership) and their associated supporting knowledge, the rehabilitation engineering curriculum was restructured into a modular framework, piloted and validated within the Biomedical Engineering (Intelligent Robotics) program at University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. ResultsA four-tiered curriculum system comprising General Education-Disciplinary Platform-Professional Core-Diverse Electives with a total of 160 credits was established, achieving precise mapping between competency objectives and course content. The students in the pilot cohort demonstrated outstanding academic performance (50% ranked in the top ten of their major), they also gained a deeper understanding and mastery of interdisciplinary knowledge integrating medicine and engineering. ConclusionThe RCF-based curriculum system effectively promotes the organic integration of medical and engineering knowledge, providing an internationally aligned competency-oriented paradigm for rehabilitation engineering talent cultivation, which holds significant value for broader application.
6.Research progress of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of atherosclerosis
Xiying HE ; Jingjing WEI ; Teng MA ; Fan SU ; Hongmei ZHENG ; Xiaoman LI ; Xiaomei WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(20):2759-2764
Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems can provide new research strategies for targeted intervention at atherosclerosis (AS) lesions by regulating the in vivo distribution and release behavior of drugs. Existing studies have shown that polymeric and lipid nanocarriers, cell membrane-coated systems, and microenvironment-responsive drug delivery strategies can intervene in the pathological progression of AS by modulating macrophage function, promoting cholesterol efflux, and controlling inflammation and oxidative stress; some systems have attempted to achieve multi-target synergistic intervention through combined delivery and theranostics; some drug delivery systems can improve drug enrichment in lesions and modulate related pathological processes. However, their long-term safety, lesion-targeting stability, scale-up manufacturing, and incremental clinical benefit remain to be validated. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen the matching between delivery mechanisms and pathological features and to establish evaluation systems for pharmacokinetics and safety, thereby providing a basis for the clinical translation of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems.
7.Mechanisms of FLASH irradiation on acute radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice
Xiaoman LIU ; Yani LIU ; Zhihui LI ; Dongfei YAN ; Lihui ZHANG ; Menghua LI ; Shaobin LI ; Guofu DONG ; Changzhen WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1085-1091
Objective:To explore differences in the radiation-induced intestinal injury in mice exposed to ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) and conventional-dose-rate (CONV) pulsed X-ray irradiation in order to provide evidence for the application of ultra-high dose rate pulsed X-rays in gastrointestinal radiotherapy.Methods:Using the random number table method, 32 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: a sham irradiation group (SHAM), two conventional dose rate groups (CONV0.067 and CONV0.1), and an ultra-high dose rate group (F215), with each group containing eight mice. All groups, except SHAM, received a single 12 Gy abdominal X-ray irradiation at dose rates of 0.067, 0.1, and 215 Gy/s, respectively. At 3 d post-irradiation, histopathological (hematoxylin-eosin staining, HE staining), immunohistochemical, and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the histopathological markers and oxidative stress indicators of intestinal tissues, as well as relevant proteins involved in signaling pathways.Results:At 3 d post-irradiation, mice in all irradiation groups suffered from varying degrees of intestinal tissue degeneration and necrosis, epithelial cell shedding, villus shortening, and crypt loss ( t = 5.75, 8.79, 5.71, P < 0.05). Regarding oxidative stress, at 3 d post-irradiation, mice in the CONV0.067 and CONV0.1 groups showed significantly lower levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) compared to those in the F215 group ( t = 7.06-10.64, P < 0.01). In contrast, their malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly elevated ( t = 11.06, 8.31, P < 0.01), with no statistical significance observed between them and mice in the F215 group ( P > 0.05). Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses indicated that at 3 d post-irradiation, mice in the three irradiation groups exhibited an upward trend in the Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels and a downward trend in the Keap1 protein level compared to those in the SHAM group. Notably, statistical significance was observed between the F215 group and the two conventional dose rate groups ( t = 4.89-20.95, P < 0.05). These result were consistent with the prior changes in antioxidant markers. Conclusions:Ultra-high-dose-rate X-ray irradiation reduces acute RIII by alleviating oxidative stress and modulating the expression of the Keap1-Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway.
8.Aumolertinib as first-line treatment for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer:A real-world study
Mingyuan GUO ; Xiaoman DUAN ; Haitao WANG ; Jun ZHU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yanbin ZHAO
Tumor 2025;45(1):35-46
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of almonertinib,a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI),as a first-line treatment for patients with EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)in the real-world clinical practise,and to systematically analyze the independent risk factors influencing their prognosis.Methods:This retrospective cohort study enrolled 73 patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC who received first-line treatment with aumolertinib from April 1,2020 to December 31,2021.Survival curves were generated by using the Kaplan-Meier method,and intergroup comparisons were performed via log-rank test.Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors were conducted by using the COX proportional hazards regression model,with a focus on identifying prognostic factors in the subgroup of baseline brain metastases.Results:Among 73 patients,the median progression-free survival(mPFS)was 19.4 months,and the disease control rate(DCR)was 93.2%.Multivariate COX regression analysis revealed that central nervous system(CNS)metastasis status,EGFR mutation subtype,ECOG performance status(PS)score,and gender might be independent risk factors for PFS.Among 33 patients with baseline brain metastases,combined almonertinib with radiotherapy or bevacizumab,maximum diameter of brain metastases(≥3 cm),and ECOG PS score might be independent risk factors of PFS.Conclusion:This first real-world study confirms that aumolertinib demonstrates favorable efficacy as first-line treatment for EGFR-mutated locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients,aligning with findings from phase Ⅲ clinical trials.For patients in subgroup of baseline brain metastases,combining almonertinib with radiotherapy or bevacizumab is recommended to optimize outcomes.
9.Effects of Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction on miR-155 and NF-κB-HIF-1α Signaling Pathway in Mice with Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome
Xiaoman ZHAO ; Shiping SHEN ; Zhuiyue WANG ; Yajuan WANG ; Yazun LIU ; Zheng XUE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):80-86
Objective To observe the effects of Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction on miR-155 and NF-κB-HIF-1α signaling pathway in mice with combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome(CARAS);To explore its potential mechanisms in the treatment of chronic inflammation of respiratory tract in CARAS.Methods Totally 60 female BALB/c mice were divided into blank group,model group,miR-155 inhibitor NC group,miR-155 inhibitor group,dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group using a random number table method,with 10 mice in each group.Except for the blank group,all other groups were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin combined with aluminum hydroxide gel on days 0 and 7.From days 14 to 30,5%ovalbumin was administered intranasally every other day,followed by continuous nebulization with 5%ovalbumin from days 31 to 37.The miR-155 inhibitor NC group and the miR-155 inhibitor group received intranasal administration of miR-155 inhibitor NC and miR-155 inhibitor solution,respectively,3 hours before nebulization.The blank group was given an equivalent volume of normal saline via intraperitoneal injection,intranasal administration and nebulization.The administration groups were gavaged with the corresponding drug solution 1 hour after nebulization,while the other groups received an equivalent volume of normal saline via gavage.HE staining was used to observe morphology of nasal mucosa and lung tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,and γ-interferon(IFN-γ)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-155,T-bet,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α mRNA in nasal mucosa and lung tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of T-bet,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α proteins in lung tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group mice showed shedding of nasal mucosal cilia,tissue congestion and edema,significant glandular hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration,bronchial lumen stenosis,smooth muscle thickening and a large amount of inflammatory substance exudation,the contents of IL-4 and IL-5 increased,while IFN-γ content decreased(P<0.01),the mRNA expression of miR-155,GATA-3,NF-κB p65,HIF-1α in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were increased(P<0.01),while T-bet mRNA expression was decreased(P<0.01),the protein expression of GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α in lung tissue increased(P<0.01),while T-bet protein expression decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the miR-155 inhibitor group,dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and pathological changes in nasal mucosa and lung tissue of mice,the contents of IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were reduced,while the content of IFN-γ was increased(P<0.01),the expressions of miR-155,GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α mRNA in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expression of T-bet mRNA increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expressions of GATA-3,NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α protein in lung tissue were reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of T-bet protein in dexamethasone group and Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction group mice increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Tongqiao Pingchuan Decoction can effectively inhibit the expression of miR-155,suppress the abnormal activation of NF-κB-HIF-1α signaling pathway,correct the imbalance of Th1/Th2 immunity,and play a therapeutic role in alleviating airway inflammation in CARAS.
10.Protein phosphatase 2A promotes mitophagy to alleviate fructose-induced mitochondrial oxidative damage in M2-type macrophages
Xiaoman LI ; Li LAN ; Yijin LONG ; Huilian LI ; Minghong WANG ; Xinhan WANG ; Xiyi LI ; Shen TANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(18):2186-2196
Objective To investigate the effects of fructose exposure on mitochondrial oxidative damage in M2-type macrophages and elucidate the regulatory role of protein phosphatase 2A(PP2A)in the process using its specific activator ABL127,an inhibitor of protein phosphatase methylesterase-1(PPME-1).Methods ① Immortalized mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages Ana-1 were subjected and grouped into M0(conventional culture),M2(treated with 20 ng/mL IL-4 for 24 h),and M2+Fru groups(IL-4 plus 0.04,0.20,1.00,or 5.00 mmol/L fructose).Cell viability was assessed with CCK-8 assay.Number of mitochondria,total and mitochondrial levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS),and mitochondrial membrane potential(ΔΨM)were measured using fluorescent probes.Total and demethylated PP2Ac protein levels were detected by Western blotting.② Ana-1 cells were also divided into M0,M2,M2+Fru(20 ng/mL IL-4+5.00 mmol/L fructose,24 h),and M2+Fru+ABL127(20 ng/mL IL-4+5.00 mmol/L fructose+1.00 μmol/L ABL127,24 h)to investigate PP2A-mediated mechanisms.Numbers of mitochondria and lysosomes,ROS level,and ΔΨM were detected via fluorescence assays.Expression of mitophagy-related proteins,PTEN induced putative kinase 1(PINK1),P62,microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3),and voltage-dependent anion channel(VDAC)was evaluated by Western blotting,and the mRNA levels of M2 markers,found in inflammatory zone 1(Fizz1),arginase-1(Arg-1),and TGF-β were measured using RT-qPCR.Results ① Compared with the M2 group,fructose treatment at a concentration ranging from 0.04 to 5.00 mmol/L showed no effect on cell viability in M2 macrophages,but increased total ROS level in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).Fructose of 5.00 mmol/L resulted in significantly elevated mitochondrial ROS and mitochondrial quantity(P<0.05),reduced ΔΨM(P<0.05),up-regulated demethylated-PP2Ac(P<0.05),and no changed total-PP2Ac protein level.② Compared with the M2+Fru group,the addition of ABL127 led to decreased number of mitochondria but increased number of lysosomes(P<0.01),up-regulation of PINK1,LC3Ⅱ and VDAC proteins,down-regulation of P62(P<0.05),reduced total and mitochondrial ROS levels,and enhanced ΔΨM(P<0.01).The mRNA expression of Fizz1,Arg-1,and TGF-β was notably decreased in the M2+Fru group than the M2 group(P<0.05),and the levels were rescued by ABL127 treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Fructose induces PP2Ac demethylation and then mitochondrial oxidative damage in M2-type macrophages.PP2A activation promotes mitophagy and reverses fructose-induced damage.


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