1.Research progress on the association between food environment and obesity
JIA Menghan ; CHEN Pei ; LI Xin ; SUN Ling
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):43-47
Obesity is a multi-factorial disease involving genetics, individual behavior, socio-economic status, and environmental factors, and has become a global public health issue. The food environment, as an external factor amenable to direct intervention, affects the development of obesity by shaping individual food acquisition and consumption behaviors. The food environment refers to the physical and social environment where food is accessible, and can be assessed from dimensions such as availability, accessibility, and affordability through geographic information system spatial analysis, field surveys, commercial databases, and questionnaires. Studies indicate that the food environment can influence obesity through the spatial shaping effects of dietary structure and sociobehavioral pathways. A healthy food environment is negatively correlated with the risk of obesity, whereas an unhealthy food environment is positively correlated with the risk of obesity. This paper reviews studies related to the correlation between the food environment and obesity, covering the prevalence of obesity, the definition and assessment methods of the food environment, and the mechanisms by which the food environment affects obesity. It summarizes food environment intervention strategies centered on urban planning, policies and regulations, and community education to provide a reference for obesity prevention and control.
2.Effects and mechanism of paeoniflorin on oxidative stress of ulcerative colitis mice
Xin DAI ; Ying WANG ; Xinyue REN ; Dingxing FAN ; Xianzhe LI ; Jiaxuan FENG ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):427-433
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of paeoniflorin on oxidative stress of ulcerative colitis (UC) mice based on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. METHODS Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, inhibitor group (AMPK inhibitor Compound C 20 mg/kg), paeoniflorin low-, medium- and high-dose groups (paeoniflorin 12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg), high- dose of paeoniflorin+inhibitor group (paeoniflorin 50 mg/kg+Compound C 20 mg/kg), with 8 mice in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were given 4% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 5 days to establish the UC model. Subsequently, mice in each drug group were given the corresponding drug solution intragastrically or intraperitoneally, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. The changes in body weight of mice were recorded during the experiment. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, colon length, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in colon tissues were measured; histopathological morphology of colon tissues, tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, and histopathological scoring were all observed and evaluated; the mRNA expressions of AMPK and Nrf2, as well as the protein expressions of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), occludin and claudin-1, were all determined in colon tissue. RESULTS Compared with model group, paeoniflorin groups exhibited recovery from pathological changes such as inflammatory cell infiltration and crypt damage in the colon tissue, as well as improved tight junction damage between intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, significant increases or upregulations were observed in body weight, colon length, activities of SOD and GSH-Px, phosphorylation level of AMPK, and protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and mRNA expressions of AMPK and Nrf2; concurrently, MDA content and histopathological scores were significantly reduced (P< 0.05 or P<0.01). In contrast, the inhibitor group showed comparable (P>0.05) or worse (P<0.05 or P<0.01) indicators compared to the model group. Conversely, the addition of AMPK inhibitor could significantly reverse the improvement of high- dose paconiflorin (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Paeoniflorin can repair intestinal epithelial cell damage in mice, improve tight junctions between epithelial cells, upregulate the expression of related proteins, and promote the expression and secretion of antioxidant-promoting molecules, thereby ameliorating UC; its mechanism may be associated with activating AMPK/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
3.Analysis and evaluation of platelet bank establishment strategy from the perspective of donor loss
Zheng LIU ; Yamin SUN ; Xin PENG ; Yiqing KANG ; Ziqing WANG ; Jintong ZHU ; Juan DU ; Jianbin LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):238-243
[Objective] To analyze the loss rate of platelet donors and evaluate the strategies for establishing a platelet donor bank. [Methods] A total of 1 443 donors who joined the HLA and HPA gene donor bank for platelets in Henan Province from 2018 to 2020 were included in this study. Data on the total number of apheresis platelet donations, annual donation frequency, age at enrollment, donation habits (including the number of platelets donated per session and whether they had previously donated whole blood), and enrollment location were collected from the platelet donor information management system. Donor loss was determined based on the date of their last donation. The loss rates of different groups under various conditions were compared to assess the enrollment strategies. [Results] By the time the platelet bank was officially operational in 2022, 421 donors had been lost, resulting in an loss rate of 29% (421/1 443). By the end of 2023, the overall cumulative loss rate reached 52% (746/1 443). The loss rate was lower than the overall level in groups meeting any of the following conditions: total apheresis platelet donations exceeding 50, annual donation frequency of 10 or more, age at enrollment of 40 years or older, donation of more than a single therapeutic dose per session, or a history of whole blood donation two or more times. Additionally, loss rates varied across different enrollment locations, with higher enrollment numbers generally associated with higher loss rates. [Conclusion] Through a comprehensive analysis of donor loss, our center has adjusted its strategies for establishing the donor pool. These findings also provide valuable insights for other blood collection and supply institutions in building platelet donor banks.
4.Clinical Diseases Responding Specially to TCM Treatment: Psoriasis
Liu LIU ; Xiaoying SUN ; Mei MO ; Yaqiong ZHOU ; Bin LI ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):260-268
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory systemic disease in dermatology. Its high prevalence, recurrence rate, and numerous comorbidities impose a significant physical and mental burden on patients. With the continuous advancement of modern medicine, the emergence of biological agents has improved clinical efficacy, making it possible to overcome psoriasis, in addition to classical treatments. However, in clinical practice, adverse reactions, drug resistance, recurrence rates, and immune drift cannot be ignored. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a history of thousands of years in treating psoriasis, demonstrating good efficacy, high safety, and a low recurrence rate, but a standardized management system is lacking. Therefore, the 25th Clinical Diseases Responding Specially to TCM Treatment Series (Psoriasis) Youth Salon, hosted by the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine and organized by the Youth Committee of the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine, invited 29 experts and scholars from TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields to actively discuss the "Advantages, Challenges, and Clinical Transformation of TCM and Western Medicine in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Psoriasis". The experts at the meeting concluded that the advantages of TCM in the treatment of psoriasis are as follows. Firstly, in the TCM-led treatment plan, TCM's understanding of psoriasis follows the principle of combining the differentiation of disease and syndrome. This approach distinguishes the basic contradiction from the current main contradiction and enables a clear grasp of the dynamic process of psoriasis development. Based on the system of syndrome differentiation and treatment, TCM intervention is applied to address the current main contradiction, and the optimal TCM treatment plan is formulated by combining internal and external treatments. Adhering to the principle of "what is visible outside must be addressed inside", TCM can prevent and treat psoriasis comorbidities early by differentiating syndrome types. Secondly, in the integrated TCM and Western medicine treatment plan, the combination of both methods not only enhances efficacy but also reduces the adverse reactions of immunosuppressants and biological agents, lowering the recurrence rate. This conference provides a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis using TCM and integrated TCM and Western medicine, opening up new ideas for clinical and basic research and guiding future research directions.
5.Protective effects and mechanisms of sodium pyruvate on storage lesions in human red blood cells
Haoning CHEN ; Qi MIAO ; Qiang GAO ; Xin SUN ; Shunyu MEI ; Li WANG ; Yun LIAN ; Honglin LUO ; Chenjie ZHOU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):833-838
Objective: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of sodium pyruvate (SP) on RBC storage lesions using an oxidative damage model. Methods: Six units of leukocyte-depleted suspended RBCs (discarded for non-infectious reasons within three days post-collection) were randomly assigned to four groups: negative control (NS), positive control (PS), experimental group 1 (SP1), and experimental group 2 (SP2). Oxidative stress was induced in the PS group by the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H
O
), while SP1 and SP2 received SP supplementation at different concentrations (25 mM and 50 mM, respectively) in the presence of H
O
. After 1 hour of incubation, RBC morphology was assessed microscopically, and biochemical indicators including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), methemoglobin (MetHb), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and Na
/K
-ATPase activity were measured. Results: RBCs in the PS group exhibited pronounced morphological damage, including cell shrinkage and echinocyte formation, whereas both SP-treated groups showed significantly reduced structural injury. SP treatment led to elevated GSH levels and decreased concentrations of MDA and MetHb, suggesting attenuation of oxidative stress. Additionally, SP enhanced intracellular ATP levels and Na
/K
-ATPase activity, thereby contributing to membrane stability. Notably, the SP2 group (50 mM) demonstrated superior protective effects compared to SP1 (25 mM). Conclusion: Sodium pyruvate effectively attenuates oxidative storage lesions in RBCs, primarily through its antioxidant properties, energy metabolism supporting ability, and celluar membrane stabilizing function. These findings suggest SP as a promising additive for enhancing the quality and safety of stored RBCs.
6.The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region for Locomotion Control
Xing-Chen GUO ; Yan XIE ; Xin-Shuo WEI ; Wen-Fen LI ; Ying-Yu SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1804-1816
Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.
7.Threshold of kurtosis on occupational hearing loss associated with non-steady noise
Yang LI ; Haiying LIU ; Linjie WU ; Jinzhe LI ; Jiarui XIN ; Hua ZOU ; Xin SUN ; Wei QIU ; Changyan YU ; Meibian ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):779-785
Background Kurtosis reflecting noise's temporal structure is an effective metric for evaluating noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and its threshold is still unclear. Objective To explore the energy range of kurtosis and the threshold of NIHL induced by kurtosis in this energy rangeMethods Using cross-sectional design,
8.Discussion on Research Paradigm and Layout Based on Disease (Psoriasis) Specifically Responding to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Liu LIU ; Xiaoying SUN ; Mei MO ; Zihan FANG ; Yaqiong ZHOU ; Bin LI ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):203-211
To implement the Opinions of the State Council of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, delve into the diseases specifically responding to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and serve the building of advantageous specialties, clinical talent cultivation, national research layout, and academic innovation, the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine sponsored the salons in multiple fields to discuss the diseases specifically responding to TCM. On August 26, 2023, the 25th salon on the diseases specifically responding to TCM was held in Shanghai. In view of the advantages of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, Chinese and western medicine experts and interdisciplinary researchers carried out extensive and in-depth discussions and formed specific suggestions and consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis with TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. However, there was still a lack of detailed research path. Under the guidance of the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine, this paper analyzes the problems in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis from the occurrence and development of psoriasis. According to the advantages and characteristics of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, this paper puts forward the main points of research layout for psoriasis from the three aspects of psoriasis diagnosis and treatment, comorbidity prevention, and chronic disease management as follows: ① optimization of the syndrome differentiation system for psoriasis, ② optimization of assessment indicators for psoriasis, ③ recurrence mechanisms of psoriasis, ④ construction and research of TCM prevention and treatment of psoriasis recurrence, ⑤ construction of the comorbidity spectrum and TCM theoretical system of psoriasis, ⑥ comorbidity mechanisms of psoriasis. Furthermore, this article proposed the research layout and directions, expected goals and values, and funding priorities. Therefore, on the basis of the series of salons about psoriasis as a disease specifically responding to TCM, this article puts forward the research paradigm of psoriasis, aiming to facilitate the high-quality development of TCM and provide reference for the national research layout, the research and development of new TCM preparations, the selection of research topics, and the formulation of guidelines and consensus.
9.Clinical and Mechanistic Study of Modified Sinisan in Treating Precancerous Lesions of Digestive System Based on "Inflammation-to-Cancer Transformation"
Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Xin PENG ; Shanshan LI ; Yihan ZHAO ; Fuke YAO ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):221-234
Tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis occur in the context of a persistent inflammatory microenvironment, and a variety of inflammatory factors can lead to the development of various tumors. Guided by the thought of "preventive treatment of disease" in TCM and the concept of tertiary prevention in modern medicine, it is of great significance to effectively intervene in the inflammatory stage of the disease, interrupt disease progression, prevent the occurrence of malignant tumors, and reverse the process of "inflammation-to-cancer transformation". Sinisan, a commonly used prescription in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, has been widely applied in the treatment of precancerous lesions of the digestive system, demonstrating considerable advantages. This article reviewed literature from the past 20 years, summarizing the application of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system from three aspects: the exploration of its prescription-syndrome relationship, clinical application, and mechanistic study. It is found that basic syndrome indications of Sinisan include harmonizing the Earth element to promote spleen-stomach transportation and transformation, soothing the liver and nourishing the Wood element to restore the smooth flow of Qi, and regulating Yin and Yang to relieve stagnation within the system. In clinical application, Sinisan has shown significant efficacy in atrophic gastritis and precancerous conditions such as intestinal metaplasia, gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, esophagitis, and pancreatitis. Mechanistic studies have revealed that Sinisan can inhibit inflammatory factors and improve the inflammatory microenvironment, inhibit cell proliferation and regulate apoptosis, exhibit anti-angiogenic and antitumorigenic effects, modulate immune function, and exert antioxidant effects. These mechanisms can be achieved by regulating pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1), farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/Nrf2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (TGR5/cAMP/PKA), interleukin-4/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (IL-4/STAT6), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK), and transforming growth factor-β/Smad proteins (TGF-β/Smads), confirming Sinisan's role in reversing the inflammation-to-cancer transformation. The current research status of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system was thoroughly examined through the above three aspects, along with the identification of limitations and areas for improvement in current research. The aim is to provide a basis and support for future in-depth research on Sinisan, promote the development of new integrated treatment models combining TCM and Western medicine for precancerous lesions, and aid in the research and development of drugs related to precancerous lesions.
10.Prediction of gastric cancer T staging using oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography combined with contrast-enhanced CT
Aiqing LU ; Fei QIU ; Xin DONG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Xiuyun SUN ; Xuefeng LI ; Zhaoxin JIN ; Xiankai WANG ; Yong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):368-372
Objective To explore the value of oral contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (OCEUS) combined with contrast-enhanced CT in predicting preoperative T staging in patients with gastric cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients with gastric cancer confirmed via endoscopic biopsy or postoperative pathology at the First People’s Hospital of Jining from January 2021 to November 2024. The cohort included 56 males and 24 females, aged 38-79 years, with a median age of 55.9 years. All patients underwent both OCEUS and contrast-enhanced CT within one week prior to surgery. T staging of gastric cancer was determined using OCEUS, contrast-enhanced CT, or their combination. The results were compared with pathological T staging, and statistical differences in accuracy were analyzed. Results Pathological T staging identified T1 in 9 cases, T2 in 16 cases, T3 in 42 cases, and T4 in 13 cases. OCEUS indicated T1 in 6 cases, T2 in 14 cases, T3 in 50 cases, and T4 in 10 cases, with an accuracy rate of 80.0%. Contrast-enhanced CT indicated T1 in 4 cases, T2 in 12 cases, T3 in 52 cases, and T4 in 12 cases, with an accuracy rate of 75.0%. The combination of OCEUS and contrast-enhanced CT indicated T1 in 6 cases, T2 in 15 cases, T3 in 47 cases, and T4 in 12 cases, with an accuracy rate of 87.5%. The combined approach demonstrated significantly higher accuracy in preoperative T staging compared to either method alone (P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of OCEUS and contrast-enhanced CT improves the accuracy of preoperative T staging in gastric cancer patients, providing valuable support for their diagnosis and treatment.


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