1.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
2.Study of astaxanthin improves gouty chondrocyte injury induced by sodium urate crystals
Xiu-lin GAO ; Li-qing ZHANG ; Wei-feng LU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):60-64
Objective To investigate the protective effect of astaxanthin(ASTA)on gouty chondrocyte injury induced by monosodium urate crystal(MSU)and its mechanism.Methods The gout cell model by sodium urate crystals was established.C-28I2 cells were randomly divided into blank group(conventional culture),model group(200 μg·mL-1MSU),experimental-L group(200 μg·mL-1 MSU+20 μmol·mL-1 ASTA),experimental-H group(200 μg·mL-1 MSU+40 μmol·L-1 ASTA),experimental-H+Vector group(transfected with Vector+200 μg·mL-1 MSU+40 μmol·L-1 ASTA),experimental-H+NLRP3 group(transfected with NLRP3 plasmid+200 ig·mL-1 MSU+40 μmol·L-1 ASTA).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay was used to detect the cell proliferation rate;Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of related proteins;the levels of Hyp and GAG were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The cell proliferation rate of blank group,model group,experimental-L group and experimental-H group were(100.00±5.40)%,(67.41±4.52)%,(72.69±5.05)%and(81.47±7.73)%,respectively.The above indicators showed statistically significant differences between the model group and the blank group,between the experimental-L,experimental-H groups and the model group(all P<0.05).Nucleotide binding oligomeric domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)protein expression levels in blank group,model group,experimental-L group,experimental-H group,experimental-H+Vector group and experimental-H+NLRP3 group were 0.44±0.04,0.86±0.06,0.72±0.10,0.52±0.03,0.51±0.03 and 1.13±0.10,respectively;the expression levels of cleaved Caspase-1(Cl-caspase-1)protein were 0.33±0.05,0.73±0.08,0.61±0.07,0.42±0.04,0.39±0.04 and 0.70±0.06,respectively;the mature interleukin(m-IL)-1 β protein expression levels were 0.26±0.03,0.91±0.05,0.70±0.11,0.57±0.08,0.58±0.06 and 0.79±0.08,respectively;the Hyp levels were(1.95±0.22),(3.33±0.25),(2.53±0.18),(2.22±0.21),(2.24±0.20)and(3.25±0.38)μg·mL-1,respectively;the GAG levels were(2.30±0.20),(3.71±0.26),(3.29±0.33),(2.90±0.16),(2.97±0.24)and(3.50±0.34)ng·mL-1,respectively.The above indicators showed statistically significant differences between the model group and the blank group,between the experimental-L,experimental-H groups and the model group,between the experimental-H+NLRP3 group and the experimental-H+Vector group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Astaxanthin can regulate NLRP3 to play an anti-inflammatory role and has a protective effect on MSU-induced gouty cartilage injury.
3.Association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels among middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years in selected areas of China
Changzi WU ; Xiaochen WANG ; Yue CHEN ; Zheng LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yuan WEI ; Bing WU ; Wenli ZHANG ; Zhengxiong YANG ; Xiaojie DONG ; Ruiting HAO ; Xiu YE ; Luxi WEI ; Yingli QU ; Haiyan CHU ; Yuebin LYU ; Ying ZHU ; Dongqun XU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):209-215
Objective:To explore the relationship between urinary cadmium levels and thyroid hormone levels in people aged 40-89 years old in selected areas of China.Methods:Based on the "Investigation of the Impact of Soil Quality of Agricultural Land on Human Health in Typical Areas" project from October 2019 to August 2020, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to include 6 588 middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89. Demographic characteristics, dietary frequency and disease status were collected through the questionnaire and physical examination. Urinary cadmium and urinary creatinine were detected by random midstream urine. Fasting venous blood was collected for the detection of Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). The linear mixed effects model was used to explore the association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels. Its dose-response relationship was explored by using the restricted cubic spline.Results:The age of the subjects was (63.48±12.18) years, with males accounting for 51.28%. The M ( Q 1,Q 3) of urinary cadmium level, T3 and T4 was 2.48 (1.36, 4.42) μg/g·creatinine, (1.96±0.51) nmol/L and (113.75±29.11) nmol/L, respectively. The linear mixed effects model showed that the changes of T3 and T4 were 0.027 (0.009, 0.044) nmol/L and 2.019 (1.084, 2.953) nmol/L for each one-unit increase (natural logarithm transformed) of urinary cadmium. The restricted cubic spline showed that there was a positive nonlinear association between urinary cadmium and T3 as well as T4 (all Pnonlinear<0.05). Conclusion:In selected areas of China, the urinary cadmium level of middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years is positively associated with T3 and T4.
4.Analysis of the occurrence and risk factors of microperforations in surgical gloves used in dermatovenereology surgeries
Dan-li TANG ; Wei-na ZHANG ; Yan-yan NIU ; Ai-xiu SHI ; Fei HAN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(5):444-447
Objective To clarify the occurrence,location distribution,and risk factors of microperforations in surgical gloves used in dermatovenereology surgeries.Methods A total of 898 sterilized surgical gloves worn by right-handed medical staff during dermatovenereology surgeries in Suqian Hospital of Jiangsu Province Hospital from May 2022 to April 2024 were selected as the research objects.The occurrence and location distribution of microperforations in all sterilized surgical gloves after surgery were collected.Univariate analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis were conducted on the factors that might lead to the occurrence of microperforations.Results Among the 898 gloves selected in this study,61 gloves(6.79%)had microperforations;the incidence of microperforations in the gloves worn on the left hand was significantly higher than that in the gloves worn on the right hand(P<0.05);microperforations were prone to occur on the palmar surfaces of the index finger and thumb of the gloves.The results of univariate and binary Logistic regression analyses showed that the use of special instruments,surgery duration≥60 minutes,ingrown nails surgery,and worn by the chief surgeon were the risk factors for the occur-rence of microperforations in sterilized surgical gloves(OR>1,P<0.05),while wearing double-layer gloves was the protective factor to avoid the occurrence of microperforations(OR<1,P<0.05).Conclusion The sterilized surgical gloves are more likely to occur microperforations if involved special instruments in surgery,surgery duration≥60 minutes,and ingrown nails surgery,and worn by the chief surgeon,while wearing double-layer gloves can reduce the incidence of microperforations.
5.Effect of HSYA on LCN2-induced iron death of HT22 cells and its mechanism based on SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Meng-wei RONG ; Cun-yan DAN ; Tian-qing XIA ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Chen-xiang JI ; Bao-guo XIAO ; Cun-gen MA ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2097-2105
Aim To explore the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on lipocalin 2(LCN2)-induced fer-roptosis in HT22 cells and the related mechanism.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlu-sion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model by the suture method.The rats were randomly divided into the Sham group,the MCAO/R group,and the MCAO/R+HSYA group.The infarct area was measured by TTC staining,and the degree of neurological deficit was evaluated by the Z-Longa scoring method.The expressions of LCN2 and 24P3R in brain tissues were detected by Western blot.LCN2 protein was added to HT-22 cells,and the cells were divided into the normal group,the LCN2 group,and the LCN2+HSYA group.The optimal con-centration of LCN2-induced neuronal ferroptosis was screened by LDH assay and Western blot,and the ex-pression levels of ferritin,FPN1,GPX4,SLC7A11,COX2,and 24P3R were detected.LCN2 was knocked down by siRNA transfection,and the expressions of GPX4 and ferritin were detected.The contents of glu-tathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),GPX4,and Fe2+were determined by colorimetry,and the expres-sion of GPX4 was detected by immunofluorescence.The binding force between HSYA and LCN2 was ana-lyzed by molecular docking technology.Results Ani-mal experiments showed that HSYA could reduce the cerebral infarction area and decrease the neurological function score of MCAO/R rats.Compared with the sham group,the levels of LCN2 and 24P3R increased in the MCAO/R group,while HSYA inhibited their ex-pressions.Cell experiments showed that the optimal concentration of LCN2 to induce ferroptosis in HT22 cells was 2 μmol·L-1.After knocking down LCN2 by siRNA transfection,compared with the LCN2 group,the expression levels of GPX4 and ferritin in the siLCN2 group increased significantly.Compared with the nor-mal group,the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH in the LCN2 group decreased signifi-cantly,while the concentration of Fe2+,and the expres-sions of MDA,COX2,and 24P3R increased.HSYA could increase the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH,reduce the contents of Fe2+and MDA,and inhibit the expressions of COX2 and 24P3R.Molecular docking showed that the binding en-ergy between HSYA and LCN2 was-8.0 kJ·mol-1.Conclusion HSYA can inhibit LCN2-induced ferrop-tosis in HT22 cells through the SLC7A11/GPX4 signa-ling pathway.
6.Mechanism of action of Sterculiae Lychnophorae Semen against PM2.5-induced acute lung injury based on network pharmacology,molecular docking and experimental validation
Fan ZHANG ; Yi-fan DU ; Xiao-shu DENG ; Zu-feng ZHANG ; Xian-lei HAN ; Wei TIAN ; Xiu-mei LI ; Mian CHEN ; Fei LIU ; Nan WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2362-2369
Aim To investigate the anti-acute lung injury(ALI)effect of Sterculiae Lychnophorae Semen(SLS)and its mechanism.Methods The main ac-tive components of SLS and their core targets and path-ways of action against ALI were obtained by network pharmacology methods.Subsequently,molecular doc-king technology and in vitro cellular experiments were applied for validation.Results A total of 19 core tar-gets were obtained,including HSP90AA1,CASP3,TNF,MAPK8 and MAPK14.The mechanisms may in-volve signaling pathways such as cancer,PI3K/Akt and MAPK.Molecular docking confirmed that the key targets of SLS formed a better binding activity with the relevant active ingredients.The in vitro results showed that SLS was able to protect the PM2.5-contaminated BEAS-2B cells,inhibit their NO,IL-1β and TNF-αlevels,and reduce the expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-JNK proteins.Conclusions The study successfully predicts the active ingredients,targets and signaling pathways of SLS against ALI,and in vitro experiments demonstrate that SLS might protect BEAS-2B cells from PM2.5 stimulus-induced inflammation and apoptosis by inhibiting the over-activation of p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways.
7.Study of astaxanthin improves gouty chondrocyte injury induced by sodium urate crystals
Xiu-lin GAO ; Li-qing ZHANG ; Wei-feng LU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):60-64
Objective To investigate the protective effect of astaxanthin(ASTA)on gouty chondrocyte injury induced by monosodium urate crystal(MSU)and its mechanism.Methods The gout cell model by sodium urate crystals was established.C-28I2 cells were randomly divided into blank group(conventional culture),model group(200 μg·mL-1MSU),experimental-L group(200 μg·mL-1 MSU+20 μmol·mL-1 ASTA),experimental-H group(200 μg·mL-1 MSU+40 μmol·L-1 ASTA),experimental-H+Vector group(transfected with Vector+200 μg·mL-1 MSU+40 μmol·L-1 ASTA),experimental-H+NLRP3 group(transfected with NLRP3 plasmid+200 ig·mL-1 MSU+40 μmol·L-1 ASTA).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay was used to detect the cell proliferation rate;Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of related proteins;the levels of Hyp and GAG were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results The cell proliferation rate of blank group,model group,experimental-L group and experimental-H group were(100.00±5.40)%,(67.41±4.52)%,(72.69±5.05)%and(81.47±7.73)%,respectively.The above indicators showed statistically significant differences between the model group and the blank group,between the experimental-L,experimental-H groups and the model group(all P<0.05).Nucleotide binding oligomeric domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)protein expression levels in blank group,model group,experimental-L group,experimental-H group,experimental-H+Vector group and experimental-H+NLRP3 group were 0.44±0.04,0.86±0.06,0.72±0.10,0.52±0.03,0.51±0.03 and 1.13±0.10,respectively;the expression levels of cleaved Caspase-1(Cl-caspase-1)protein were 0.33±0.05,0.73±0.08,0.61±0.07,0.42±0.04,0.39±0.04 and 0.70±0.06,respectively;the mature interleukin(m-IL)-1 β protein expression levels were 0.26±0.03,0.91±0.05,0.70±0.11,0.57±0.08,0.58±0.06 and 0.79±0.08,respectively;the Hyp levels were(1.95±0.22),(3.33±0.25),(2.53±0.18),(2.22±0.21),(2.24±0.20)and(3.25±0.38)μg·mL-1,respectively;the GAG levels were(2.30±0.20),(3.71±0.26),(3.29±0.33),(2.90±0.16),(2.97±0.24)and(3.50±0.34)ng·mL-1,respectively.The above indicators showed statistically significant differences between the model group and the blank group,between the experimental-L,experimental-H groups and the model group,between the experimental-H+NLRP3 group and the experimental-H+Vector group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Astaxanthin can regulate NLRP3 to play an anti-inflammatory role and has a protective effect on MSU-induced gouty cartilage injury.
8.Expert consensus on the standard of practice for modified electro-convulsive therapy for mental disorders
Xiu ZHANG ; Guohui LAO ; Xiong HUANG ; Wei JIANG ; Qingmei KONG ; Wei LI ; Hu DENG ; Jijun WANG ; Qin XIE ; Wei DENG ; Shaohua HU ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Xin WEI ; Zhanming SHI ; Cuixia AN ; Sha LIU ; Yanghua TIAN ; Decheng ZOU ; Lingyun ZENG ; Kun LI ; Xingbing HUANG ; Wei ZHENG ; Yuping NING
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(7):506-525
As a physical treatment technique, modified electro-convulsive therapy (MECT) is used to treat mental and certain neurological disorders by causing seizures with short, suitable electrical currents applied to the brain while the patient is under general anesthesia and muscle relaxants. MECT is recognized for its therapeutic efficacy and clinical safety, rendering it one of the most prevalent interventions in psychiatric care. To enhance clinical outcomes and minimize adverse effects, this consensus document delineates the indications, therapeutic parameters, therapeutic procedures, potential adverse effects, and associated management strategies for MECT. These guidelines are informed by the latest clinical research and expert consensus, integrating evidence-based medicine methodologies. The objective is to furnish clinicians with precise operational guidelines and to advance the standardization of MECT practices in clinical settings.
9.Analysis of the occurrence and risk factors of microperforations in surgical gloves used in dermatovenereology surgeries
Dan-li TANG ; Wei-na ZHANG ; Yan-yan NIU ; Ai-xiu SHI ; Fei HAN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(5):444-447
Objective To clarify the occurrence,location distribution,and risk factors of microperforations in surgical gloves used in dermatovenereology surgeries.Methods A total of 898 sterilized surgical gloves worn by right-handed medical staff during dermatovenereology surgeries in Suqian Hospital of Jiangsu Province Hospital from May 2022 to April 2024 were selected as the research objects.The occurrence and location distribution of microperforations in all sterilized surgical gloves after surgery were collected.Univariate analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis were conducted on the factors that might lead to the occurrence of microperforations.Results Among the 898 gloves selected in this study,61 gloves(6.79%)had microperforations;the incidence of microperforations in the gloves worn on the left hand was significantly higher than that in the gloves worn on the right hand(P<0.05);microperforations were prone to occur on the palmar surfaces of the index finger and thumb of the gloves.The results of univariate and binary Logistic regression analyses showed that the use of special instruments,surgery duration≥60 minutes,ingrown nails surgery,and worn by the chief surgeon were the risk factors for the occur-rence of microperforations in sterilized surgical gloves(OR>1,P<0.05),while wearing double-layer gloves was the protective factor to avoid the occurrence of microperforations(OR<1,P<0.05).Conclusion The sterilized surgical gloves are more likely to occur microperforations if involved special instruments in surgery,surgery duration≥60 minutes,and ingrown nails surgery,and worn by the chief surgeon,while wearing double-layer gloves can reduce the incidence of microperforations.
10.Association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels among middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years in selected areas of China
Changzi WU ; Xiaochen WANG ; Yue CHEN ; Zheng LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yuan WEI ; Bing WU ; Wenli ZHANG ; Zhengxiong YANG ; Xiaojie DONG ; Ruiting HAO ; Xiu YE ; Luxi WEI ; Yingli QU ; Haiyan CHU ; Yuebin LYU ; Ying ZHU ; Dongqun XU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):209-215
Objective:To explore the relationship between urinary cadmium levels and thyroid hormone levels in people aged 40-89 years old in selected areas of China.Methods:Based on the "Investigation of the Impact of Soil Quality of Agricultural Land on Human Health in Typical Areas" project from October 2019 to August 2020, a multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to include 6 588 middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89. Demographic characteristics, dietary frequency and disease status were collected through the questionnaire and physical examination. Urinary cadmium and urinary creatinine were detected by random midstream urine. Fasting venous blood was collected for the detection of Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). The linear mixed effects model was used to explore the association of urine cadmium levels with thyroid hormone levels. Its dose-response relationship was explored by using the restricted cubic spline.Results:The age of the subjects was (63.48±12.18) years, with males accounting for 51.28%. The M ( Q 1,Q 3) of urinary cadmium level, T3 and T4 was 2.48 (1.36, 4.42) μg/g·creatinine, (1.96±0.51) nmol/L and (113.75±29.11) nmol/L, respectively. The linear mixed effects model showed that the changes of T3 and T4 were 0.027 (0.009, 0.044) nmol/L and 2.019 (1.084, 2.953) nmol/L for each one-unit increase (natural logarithm transformed) of urinary cadmium. The restricted cubic spline showed that there was a positive nonlinear association between urinary cadmium and T3 as well as T4 (all Pnonlinear<0.05). Conclusion:In selected areas of China, the urinary cadmium level of middle-aged and older adults aged 40-89 years is positively associated with T3 and T4.

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