1.Irisin inhibits ferroptosis in human articular chondrocytes:roles and mechanisms
Guoqing LYU ; AIZIMAITIJIANG·ROUZI ; Daohai XIONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1359-1367
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that irisin can delay joint degeneration by modulating the metabolic homeostasis of chondrocytes and inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.OBJECTIVE:To further explore the mechanism by which irisin exerts therapeutic effects on osteoarthritis.METHODS:(1)Bioinformatics analysis:Gene expression data from cartilage tissues of patients with osteoarthritis and healthy controls were obtained from the GSE51588 and GSE207881 datasets.Gene set variation analysis assessed the activation of programmed cell death in osteoarthritis.Differential expression analysis identified differentially expressed genes between osteoarthritis and control samples,followed by pathway enrichment analysis.Ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes were further identified,with those having an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve greater than 0.9 designated as core genes.(2)Cell experiment.Human articular chondrocytes were divided into four groups:control(chondrocytes),model(inflammatory models were established in chondrocytes induced by tumor necrosis factor α),model+Erastin(a ferroptosis inducer),and model+Erastin+irisin.ELISA measured glutathione,malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels,while JC-1 assays assessed mitochondrial membrane potential.RT-qPCR quantified mRNA levels of core and ferroptosis-related genes,and western blot analyzed the expression of core genes,ferroptosis-related proteins,ERK pathway components,and apoptotic proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Gene set variation analysis indicated significant ferroptosis activation in osteoarthritis.(2)Differential expression analysis highlighted significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes in the ERK signaling pathway.Sixteen ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes including HMOX1,G6PD,and ALOX5,were identified,all with the area under the curve values above 0.9.(3)In the human articular chondrocytes model+Erastin group,glutathione levels and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased significantly,while malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels increased.The expression of HMOX1,G6PD,ALOX5,glutathione peroxidase 4,and SLC7A11 was significantly downregulated,while p-ERK and Bax levels rose,and Bcl2 decreased(all P<0.05).Irisin treatment significantly improved ferroptosis-related markers(all P<0.05).To conclude,HMOX1,G6PD,and ALOX5 may be potential therapeutic targets of osteoarthritis.Irisin offers protective effects in osteoarthritis by modulating ferroptosis-related genes and pathways.
2.Irisin inhibits ferroptosis in human articular chondrocytes:roles and mechanisms
Guoqing LYU ; AIZIMAITIJIANG·ROUZI ; Daohai XIONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1359-1367
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that irisin can delay joint degeneration by modulating the metabolic homeostasis of chondrocytes and inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.OBJECTIVE:To further explore the mechanism by which irisin exerts therapeutic effects on osteoarthritis.METHODS:(1)Bioinformatics analysis:Gene expression data from cartilage tissues of patients with osteoarthritis and healthy controls were obtained from the GSE51588 and GSE207881 datasets.Gene set variation analysis assessed the activation of programmed cell death in osteoarthritis.Differential expression analysis identified differentially expressed genes between osteoarthritis and control samples,followed by pathway enrichment analysis.Ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes were further identified,with those having an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve greater than 0.9 designated as core genes.(2)Cell experiment.Human articular chondrocytes were divided into four groups:control(chondrocytes),model(inflammatory models were established in chondrocytes induced by tumor necrosis factor α),model+Erastin(a ferroptosis inducer),and model+Erastin+irisin.ELISA measured glutathione,malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels,while JC-1 assays assessed mitochondrial membrane potential.RT-qPCR quantified mRNA levels of core and ferroptosis-related genes,and western blot analyzed the expression of core genes,ferroptosis-related proteins,ERK pathway components,and apoptotic proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Gene set variation analysis indicated significant ferroptosis activation in osteoarthritis.(2)Differential expression analysis highlighted significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes in the ERK signaling pathway.Sixteen ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes including HMOX1,G6PD,and ALOX5,were identified,all with the area under the curve values above 0.9.(3)In the human articular chondrocytes model+Erastin group,glutathione levels and mitochondrial membrane potential decreased significantly,while malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels increased.The expression of HMOX1,G6PD,ALOX5,glutathione peroxidase 4,and SLC7A11 was significantly downregulated,while p-ERK and Bax levels rose,and Bcl2 decreased(all P<0.05).Irisin treatment significantly improved ferroptosis-related markers(all P<0.05).To conclude,HMOX1,G6PD,and ALOX5 may be potential therapeutic targets of osteoarthritis.Irisin offers protective effects in osteoarthritis by modulating ferroptosis-related genes and pathways.
3.Impact of DASH diet on metabolic diseases: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Yilin LYU ; Wenjing XIONG ; Yiyun ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Weiqing RANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(2):134-145
Objective:To systematically evaluate the effect of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on common metabolic diseases.Methods:Following the PICOS framework to construct the search formula, we systematically searched the Web of science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of the DASH diet on multiple metabolic indices including body weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients with metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension) published both in China and abroad from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2023. The search terms were combinations of MeSH and free-text terms, and the raw data obtained from the search were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine the articles that were finally included in the analysis. The differences in these metabolic indices were compared between the intervention group group (using DASH diet) and the control group. The quality of the studies was assessed quantitatively using the modified Jadad scale and qualitatively using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool by two reviewers independently. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 18.0 software, with the I 2 test for heterogeneity evaluation and funnel plots for qualitative assessment of publication bias. Results:A total of 13 RCTs were included, involving 1 653 participants. Meta-analysis showed that the intervention group had more favorable effects on SBP ( SMD:-0.91, 95%CI: -1.55–-0.27; Z=-2.79, P<0.005) and DBP ( SMD: -0.98, 95%CI: -1.62–-0.33; Z=-2.96, P<0.05) than the control diet. Fasting blood glucose ( SMD: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.01–0.41; Z=2.06, P=0.04) was statistically significant. There were no significant differences in body weight, BMI, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride outcomes betweeen these two groups. Conclusions:DASH diet is effective in controlling SBP and DBP in patients with metabolic disorders and may be useful in clinical adjunctive therapy. However, current evidence does not support an independent improvement in glycolipid metabolic markers.
4.Efficacy of Shilian Powder Combined with Shumai Capsules in Promoting Wound Healing in Rats with Diabetic Foot Ulcers through Regulating the PI3K/Akt/Relaxin/Apelin Pathway
Yanping ZENG ; Zixin SHAO ; Wei MO ; Yang LIU ; Tianhao LI ; Xiong LYU ; Jianlu BI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):461-468
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of external application with Shilian Powder combined with oral administration of Shumai Capsules for the treatment of rats with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU).Methods Eight male rats with successfully modeled foot ulcer(DF)were used as the control group.While 24 male rats with successfully modeled DFU were randomly divided into DFU group,Shumai Capsules group and Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group,with eight rats in each group.After the corresponding interventions,we determined the wound healing rate,histopathological changes of wound,levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in serum,levels of Apelin and Relaxin,and protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT)and VEGF in wound tissue,as well as mRNA expressions of PI3K,AKT,Relaxin and Apelin.Results Compared with the control group,the DFU group showed a significant decrease in wound healing rate,VEGF level in serum and wound,wound Relaxin level,protein and mRNA levels of wound AKT(P<0.05),and a significant increase in serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels,wound Apelin level,wound PI3K protein and mRNA levels(P<0.05),and the reduced wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and increased inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Compared with the DFU group,the wound healing rate,VEGF level in serum and wound,wound Relaxin and Apelin levels,protein and mRNA levels of wound PI3K and AKT in the Shumai Capsules group and Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the increased wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Compared with the Shumai Capsules group,the wound healing rate,wound VEGF level,wound Relaxin and Apelin levels,protein and mRNA levels of wound PI3K and AKT in Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the increased wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Conclusion External application with Shilian Powder combined with oral administration of Shumai Capsules can promote the wound healing in rats with DFU,its mechanism is related to the activation of PI3K/AKT/Relaxin/Apelin signaling pathway.
5.Relationship between serum ferritin levels and red blood cell parameters with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in medical examination individuals from Qingdao City
Yan MA ; Yuanyuan FANG ; Jinyu WANG ; Jianfeng LYU ; Ru JIA ; Aiguo MA ; Ke XIONG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(1):16-21
Objective:To investigate the association between serum ferritin levels, erythrocyte parameters, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:A total of 11 408 subjects aged 40 to 70 years who underwent physical examinations at a hospital in Qingdao from 2014 to 2015 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires, physical examinations, and assessments of blood biochemical indices, serum ferritin, and related erythrocyte parameters. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship of serum ferritin and red cell parameters with type 2 diabetes mellitus, while a linear regression model was utilized to examine the association between serum ferritin, red cell parameters and fasting blood glucose levels.Results:The median ( Q1, Q3) age of the subjects was 51 (45, 58) years, with 55.3% (6 305) being male. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women was 5.9% (300/5 103), which was lower than that in men [13.0% (817/6 305)] ( P<0.001).After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, and family history of diabetes, serum ferritin levels were found to be positively associated with both type 2 diabetes and fasting blood glucose levels, with OR (95% CI) and β(95% CI) values of 1.70 (1.37, 2.11) and 0.002 (0.002, 0.003), respectively. Additionally, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and hematocrit were positively correlated with type 2 diabetes and fasting blood glucose, with OR (95% CI) values of 1.72 (1.32, 2.24), 1.91 (1.51, 2.41), and 1.52 (1.17, 1.97), and β (95% CI) values of 0.008 (0.006, 0.011), 0.365 (0.286, 0.445), and 2.543 (1.564, 3.521), respectively. Conversely, mean erythrocyte volume was negatively associated with type 2 diabetes and fasting blood glucose, with OR (95% CI) and β (95% CI) values of 0.54 (0.45, 0.66) and -0.017 (-0.023, -0.011), respectively (all P values<0.001). Conclusion:The findings indicate that serum ferritin and related erythrocyte parameters are significantly correlated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and fasting blood glucose levels.
6.SPTLC1 gene variation induced hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1A: a pedigree analysis and literature review
Bingbing JIA ; Xiaona FU ; Lin GE ; Wenjun WANG ; Lu WANG ; Junlan LYU ; Hui XIONG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(5):372-377
Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of a family with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) caused by the SPTLC1 gene variation and to review the literature. Methods:Case summary.The clinical manifestations, neuroelectrophysiology, genetic examination, treatment and follow-up of a family with autosomal dominant HSAN diagnosed at the Department of Neurology, Beijing Children′s Hospital in March 2024 were summarized.At the same time, related English and Chinese literatures were searched from CNKI, Wanfang and PubMed databases from their establishment to July 2024, with " serine palmitoyltransferase long-chain base subunits 1", " hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy", " SPTLC1" and " HSAN1" taken as key words.Results:The proband was a 11-year-and-2-month-old boy, who developed limited bending at the age of 7.The patient had ankle pain and knee bending during walking, and limited movement.He could neither jump on one foot nor bend down to pick up things from the ground, but there was no obvious sensory and autonomic nervous function abnormalities.His parents had no abnormal clinical manifestations.Neuroelectrophysiology showed peripheral nerve damage, and family whole exon sequencing revealed a maternal heterozygous missense variation of the SPTLC1 gene c.1015G>A, p.A339T(maternal origin, reported).Further maternal neuroelectrophysiology examination and sphingomyelin analysis confirmed the diagnosis of HSAN1A.The proband wore orthopedic insoles, and the proband and his mother took L-serine orally for 8 months.During the follow up, the proband reported slight improvement in muscle strength, and no adverse reactions were found.Two Chinese and thirteen English case reports on autosomal dominant HSAN caused by the SPTLC1 gene variation were retrieved.Twenty cases had complete clinical data.Therefore, a total of 22 cases, including the above-mentioned two patients, were analyzed.Except for patients whose age at diagnosis is unknown and who are deceased, the age at diagnosis ranged from 7 to 93 years.The 66.7%(14/21) cases were childhood-onset.The first clinical symptoms were mainly gait abnormalities, easy falls, sensory disorders and ulcers.Foot deformity, and autonomic neuropathy were detected in 53.3% (8/15), and 31.6% (6/19) cases, respectively, 15.8% (3/19) of the cases had amputation.Only 1 case was treated with L-serine, who showed partial relief of clinical symptoms, but electromyography was not significantly improved.Fifteen cases received neuroelectrophysiological testing, and 78.6%(11/14) of the patients showed sensory and motor neurogenic injuries.All the gene variations reported previously were missense mutations, and the high frequency variation was p. C133T/W. Conclusions:This study is helpful to improve the understanding of the clinical characteristics of HSAN1A caused by the SPTLC1 gene.Oral L-serine supplementation may benefit patients and gene detection promotes diagnosis confirmation and early treatment.
7.Association between inflammation-related dietary patterns and cognitive impairment in older adults aged 65 years and above in longevity areas of China: a reduced rank regression analysis
Yang LI ; Zihan LU ; Yangyang XIONG ; Wenjing CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Zenghang ZHANG ; Chen CHEN ; Wenhui SHI ; Xi MENG ; Zhenwei ZHANG ; Zinan XU ; Yuan XIA ; Yiqi LI ; Honglin LAI ; Yujie LI ; Cuipeng ZHANG ; Yuming ZHAO ; Yuebin LYU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):737-745
Objective:To analyze the association between inflammation-related dietary patterns and the risk for cognitive impairment in older adults aged ≥65 years in longevity areas in China by using reduced rank regression (RRR) analysis.Methods:This study used cross-sectional data from the 2021 Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study, including the information about study participants' demographic characteristics, lifestyles, daily life activities, and disease histories. Dietary intake was obtained by using a simplified food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive impairment was evaluated based on the Mini-Mental State Examination Scale combined with years of education. Fasting venous blood samples were collected to detect inflammatory markers, especially high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). RRR analysis was used to obtain inflammation-related dietary patterns using hs-CRP and PLR as response variables. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between dietary pattern score and the risk for cognitive impairment. Restricted cubic spline was used to explore the dose response relationship, and mediation analysis was used to quantify the mediating effects of hs-CRP and PLR.Results:Two dietary patterns were identified with RRR. The primary pattern was characterized by higher intakes of flour, red meat, and dairy products, and lower intake of fresh vegetables, explaining 6.84% of the variance in food intake and 0.50% of the variance in inflammatory markers. Compared with the T1 group, the T3 group had significantly higher risk for cognitive impairment ( OR=1.242, 95% CI: 1.034-1.491). Each one standard deviation increase in the dietary pattern score was associated with an 8.7% increase in the risk for cognitive impairment ( OR=1.087, 95% CI: 1.008-1.172), with a significant linear trend (overall-model P<0.001, non-linear P=0.295). Mediation analysis indicated that hs-CRP mediated 6.2% of the association between the dietary pattern and the risk for cognitive impairment. Conclusion:The inflammation- related dietary pattern characterized by higher consumption of flour, red meat, and dairy products and lower consumption of fresh vegetables is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment in older adults, and hs-CRP partially mediates this association.
8.Temporal distribution characteristics of other infectious diarrhea in Shenzhen, 2011-2023
Lixia SONG ; Wenhai LU ; Zhen ZHANG ; Yanpeng CHENG ; Huawei XIONG ; Yan LU ; Qiuying LYU ; Zhigao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(9):1610-1616
Objective:To analyze the temporal distribution of other infectious diarrhea (OID) in Shenzhen and provide evidence for the prevention and control of OID.Methods:The incidence data of OID in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2023 were collected. The seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL), seasonal index method, concentration degree and circular distribution method were used to analyze the incidence trend and temporal distribution of OID.Results:A total of 477 611 cases of OID were reported in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 260.19/100 000 showing a fluctuating upward trend. The seasonal index method indicated that October-January was period with high incidence of OID in Shenzhen and the seasonal intensity began to decrease in 2020. STL revealed an obvious incidence peak in winter. The concentration method showed that OID had a certain seasonality before 2018 except 2016, but the seasonality was not obvious after 2018. The circular distribution results showed that r was 0.05, mean angle ā was 1.92° and angular standard deviation s was 141.93° ( Z=1 033.37, P<0.001), with the peak on January 1 st and the high incidence period from August 11 th to May 25 th. Conclusions:OID had a certain degree of seasonality in Shenzhen, with an obvious incidence peak in winter. Since the seasonal intensity of OID decreased after 2018, the surveillance, early warning and risk assessment of OID should be continued, and prevention and control measures should be adjusted timely according to the change in the characteristics of the epidemic.
9.Epidemiological characteristics of chronic hepatitis B and establishment of prediction model based on socio-demographic index in Shenzhen, 2005-2023
Huawei XIONG ; Liming CAO ; Yanpeng CHEN ; Qiuying LYU ; Zhigao CHEN ; Jing REN ; Yan LU ; Zhen ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(9):1623-1631
Objectives:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trends of chronic hepatitis B in Shenzhen from 2005 to 2023, develop a prediction models with performance evaluation, explore its associations with social demographic index (SDI) and inform targeted prevention strategy development.Methods:Based on surveillance data of infectious diseases, descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze the spatiotemporal and population distribution characteristics. A multifactorial prediction model integrating the SDI was established, and its predictive performance was evaluated by using data from 2020-2023. Model accuracy was evaluated by using root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error ( MAPE). The association between SDI and incidence rates was assessed through generalized linear models. Results:A total of 235 703 chronic hepatitis B cases were reported cumulatively in Shenzhen from 2005-2023, with an annual average incidence rate of 98.84/100 000. Long-term trends revealed a significant increase in the incidence from 2005 to 2019. The incidence rate was 2.48 times higher in men than in women, and the majority of cases occurred in age group 20-50 years. The cases were mainly workers in manufacturing and services. Seasonal incidence peaks were observed in March and during May to November. The overall SDI exhibited a consistent upward trend, and the positive correlation between SDI and incidence rate was observed in central urban districts (Futian and Nanshan). In contrast, industrial zones (Guangming and Bao'an) saw a significant decline in incidence rates due to intensified prevention interventions despite the increase of SDI level. Model predictions indicated that the multivariate long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning model integrating SDI parameters outperformed both the spatiotemporal covariate- enhanced model and the augmented Bayesian structural time series model, with MAPE of 4.71%, 7.66% and 10.30%, respectively. Conclusion:SDI is a key social determinant associated with hepatitis B transmission risks, and dynamic thresholds can be established to develop tiered early warning mechanisms. It is suggested to integrate multisource SDI data into the LSTM framework, implement targeted interventions such as "rapid antibody screening in key areas + vaccination boosters for high-risk populations" and improve the timeliness of epidemic response through hybrid models to reduce disease burden level.
10.Impact of DASH diet on metabolic diseases: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Yilin LYU ; Wenjing XIONG ; Yiyun ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Weiqing RANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(2):134-145
Objective:To systematically evaluate the effect of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on common metabolic diseases.Methods:Following the PICOS framework to construct the search formula, we systematically searched the Web of science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of the DASH diet on multiple metabolic indices including body weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients with metabolic disorders (e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension) published both in China and abroad from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2023. The search terms were combinations of MeSH and free-text terms, and the raw data obtained from the search were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine the articles that were finally included in the analysis. The differences in these metabolic indices were compared between the intervention group group (using DASH diet) and the control group. The quality of the studies was assessed quantitatively using the modified Jadad scale and qualitatively using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool by two reviewers independently. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 18.0 software, with the I 2 test for heterogeneity evaluation and funnel plots for qualitative assessment of publication bias. Results:A total of 13 RCTs were included, involving 1 653 participants. Meta-analysis showed that the intervention group had more favorable effects on SBP ( SMD:-0.91, 95%CI: -1.55–-0.27; Z=-2.79, P<0.005) and DBP ( SMD: -0.98, 95%CI: -1.62–-0.33; Z=-2.96, P<0.05) than the control diet. Fasting blood glucose ( SMD: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.01–0.41; Z=2.06, P=0.04) was statistically significant. There were no significant differences in body weight, BMI, fasting blood glucose, and triglyceride outcomes betweeen these two groups. Conclusions:DASH diet is effective in controlling SBP and DBP in patients with metabolic disorders and may be useful in clinical adjunctive therapy. However, current evidence does not support an independent improvement in glycolipid metabolic markers.

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