1.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.
2.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
3.Interpretation and Enlightenment of Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Wenye FENG ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Xuefeng YU ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Jing REN ; Xin CUI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):178-185
ObjectiveTo interpret the main contents of the Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus), analyze its evidence basis, and explore future research directions, thus providing a reference for rational drug use in clinical practice. MethodsThe core contents of the Consensus are summarized. Focusing on clinical issues, this paper summarizes the recommendations and consensus suggestions in the Consensus and explains them from aspects such as indications, key advantages, usage and dosage, combined medication, contraindications, precautions, and safety. ResultsThe Consensus clearly states that Yifei Zhike capsules can be used for acute or chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and other respiratory system diseases. It for the first time proposes that the applicable TCM syndrome of Yifei Zhike capsules is Qi-Yin deficiency together with combined phlegm and stasis. For different diseases, the Consensus provides specific usage instructions, dosage, and treatment course recommendations, supplementing the contents not covered in the drug instructions. In terms of combined medication, the Consensus emphasizes the principle of using this drug in combination with standardized chemotherapy regimens or conventional Western medicines and the applicability for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and moderate to severe acute or chronic bronchitis. In terms of safety, the Consensus proposes methods for identifying common adverse reactions, drug contraindications, and precautions based on a review of the existing data and preliminarily builds a risk management framework. However, the evidence on which the Consensus is based are mostly early studies, with small sample sizes, which result in the low evidence grades (mainly C and D) of some recommendations. ConclusionThe Consensus provides specific guidance for the clinical use of Yifei Zhike capsules. However, due to the limited quality of the existing research evidence, more high-quality clinical studies are needed in the future to further verify its efficacy, safety, and explore its broader application prospects.
4.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
5.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Xin CUI ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Xuefeng YU ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):218-224
As an exclusive Miao medicine of Honwing Pharma (Guizhou) Co. Ltd., Yifei Zhike capsules are both a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Its main ingredients include Ranunculus ternatus and Panax notoginseng. With the effects of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, as well as relieving cough and reducing phlegm, Yifei Zhike capsules are often used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other diseases. However, there is insufficient understanding of their efficacy, suitable syndromes, and safety in clinical practice, with a lack of relevant expert consensus on clinical application. To standardize their clinical application, 30 experts from the fields of respiratory medicine, pharmacy, and evidence-based medicine were invited to develop an Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (Consensus for short) through evidence-based medicine methods. The Consensus clarified the syndrome characteristics, disease stages, dosages, treatment courses, combined medication, and other norms in the treatment of acute/chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis and could be applicable to clinical physicians and pharmacists in medical and health institutions at all levels. In disease diagnosis, it provided diagnostic criteria for traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and clarified that the suitable traditional Chinese medicine syndrome was the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency with intermingled phlegm-blood stasis. Clinical studies have confirmed that Yifei Zhike capsules combined with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, increase the sputum smear conversion rate, and promote the absorption of lesions. When treating acute cough caused by respiratory tract infections, Yifei Zhike capsules can increase the markedly effective rate and the seven-day disappearance rate of cough symptoms. Meanwhile, recommendations for specific usage, dosages, and treatment courses were given for different diseases, and it was pointed out that long-term medication required key monitoring of adverse reactions. In safety, the adverse reactions of Yifei Zhike capsules involved multiple aspects such as the digestive system and allergic reactions, and pregnant women and women during menstruation were prohibited from using it. In addition, modern research has shown that Yifei Zhike capsules have an adjuvant therapeutic effect on tuberculous pleurisy and may be effective for inflammatory and benign pulmonary nodules. However, further research should be conducted on the toxicological safety of long-term medication. The formulation of the Consensus provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical application of Yifei Zhike capsules, which helps to improve clinical efficacy and reduce medication risks.
6.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Xin CUI ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Xuefeng YU ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):218-224
As an exclusive Miao medicine of Honwing Pharma (Guizhou) Co. Ltd., Yifei Zhike capsules are both a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Its main ingredients include Ranunculus ternatus and Panax notoginseng. With the effects of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, as well as relieving cough and reducing phlegm, Yifei Zhike capsules are often used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other diseases. However, there is insufficient understanding of their efficacy, suitable syndromes, and safety in clinical practice, with a lack of relevant expert consensus on clinical application. To standardize their clinical application, 30 experts from the fields of respiratory medicine, pharmacy, and evidence-based medicine were invited to develop an Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (Consensus for short) through evidence-based medicine methods. The Consensus clarified the syndrome characteristics, disease stages, dosages, treatment courses, combined medication, and other norms in the treatment of acute/chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis and could be applicable to clinical physicians and pharmacists in medical and health institutions at all levels. In disease diagnosis, it provided diagnostic criteria for traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and clarified that the suitable traditional Chinese medicine syndrome was the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency with intermingled phlegm-blood stasis. Clinical studies have confirmed that Yifei Zhike capsules combined with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, increase the sputum smear conversion rate, and promote the absorption of lesions. When treating acute cough caused by respiratory tract infections, Yifei Zhike capsules can increase the markedly effective rate and the seven-day disappearance rate of cough symptoms. Meanwhile, recommendations for specific usage, dosages, and treatment courses were given for different diseases, and it was pointed out that long-term medication required key monitoring of adverse reactions. In safety, the adverse reactions of Yifei Zhike capsules involved multiple aspects such as the digestive system and allergic reactions, and pregnant women and women during menstruation were prohibited from using it. In addition, modern research has shown that Yifei Zhike capsules have an adjuvant therapeutic effect on tuberculous pleurisy and may be effective for inflammatory and benign pulmonary nodules. However, further research should be conducted on the toxicological safety of long-term medication. The formulation of the Consensus provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical application of Yifei Zhike capsules, which helps to improve clinical efficacy and reduce medication risks.
7.Effects of Hot Night Exposure on Human Semen Quality: A Multicenter Population-Based Study.
Ting Ting DAI ; Ting XU ; Qi Ling WANG ; Hao Bo NI ; Chun Ying SONG ; Yu Shan LI ; Fu Ping LI ; Tian Qing MENG ; Hui Qiang SHENG ; Ling Xi WANG ; Xiao Yan CAI ; Li Na XIAO ; Xiao Lin YU ; Qing Hui ZENG ; Pi GUO ; Xin Zong ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):178-193
OBJECTIVE:
To explore and quantify the association of hot night exposure during the sperm development period (0-90 lag days) with semen quality.
METHODS:
A total of 6,640 male sperm donors from 6 human sperm banks in China during 2014-2020 were recruited in this multicenter study. Two indices (i.e., hot night excess [HNE] and hot night duration [HND]) were used to estimate the heat intensity and duration during nighttime. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between hot nights and semen quality parameters.
RESULTS:
The exposure-response relationship revealed that HNE and HND during 0-90 days before semen collection had a significantly inverse association with sperm motility. Specifically, a 1 °C increase in HNE was associated with decreased sperm progressive motility of 0.0090 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.0147, -0.0033) and decreased total motility of 0.0094 (95% CI: -0.0160, -0.0029). HND was significantly associated with reduced sperm progressive motility and total motility of 0.0021 (95% CI: -0.0040, -0.0003) and 0.0023 (95% CI: -0.0043, -0.0002), respectively. Consistent results were observed at different temperature thresholds on hot nights.
CONCLUSION
Our findings highlight the need to mitigate nocturnal heat exposure during spermatogenesis to maintain optimal semen quality.
Humans
;
Male
;
Semen Analysis
;
Adult
;
Sperm Motility
;
Hot Temperature/adverse effects*
;
China
;
Middle Aged
;
Spermatozoa/physiology*
;
Young Adult
8.Association between PM 2.5 Chemical Constituents and Preterm Birth: The Undeniable Role of Preconception H19 Gene Variation.
Ya Long WANG ; Pan Pan SUN ; Xin Ying WANG ; Jun Xi ZHANG ; Xiang Yu YU ; Jian CHAI ; Ruo DU ; Wen Yi LIU ; Fang Fang YU ; Yue BA ; Guo Yu ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1016-1022
9.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Aged
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Adult
;
Mortality
;
Cause of Death
;
Obesity/mortality*
;
Overweight/mortality*
10.Research Progress in the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Exercise in Ameliorating Neuroinflammation-Related Depression.
Zhi-Xin ZHANG ; Qi GUO ; Xiao-Yu CHEN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):191-197
Depression is an affective disorder caused by multiple factors,and its pathogenesis is still unclear.However,in recent years,studies have found an association between neuroinflammation and depression,which is mainly reflected in the interaction of their pathogeneses,such as abnormalities of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain,dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,and dysfunction of neurogenesis.Currently,exercise as a therapy for depression has attracted widespread attention.By reviewing relevant research reports,this article summarizes that exercise alleviates neuroinflammation by playing an anti-inflammatory role,thus improving the mood-related pathway to treat depression.Furthermore,this article explores the effects of different exercise prescriptions on the anti-inflammatory role of exercise,aiming to provide new scientific ideas for the treatment of depression associated with neuroinflammation.
Humans
;
Depression/therapy*
;
Neuroinflammatory Diseases/therapy*
;
Exercise
;
Inflammation
;
Exercise Therapy
;
Animals


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