1.Hypothalamic-superior frontal gyrus functional connectivity alterations and luteinizing hormone correlations in girls with central precocious puberty
Hongqiang CAI ; Lianzi SU ; Xiyan CHEN ; Moran YANG ; Jiajia XU ; Yanqi SHAN ; Ru ZHAO ; Longsheng WANG ; Yue YU ; Liwei ZOU
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism 2026;31(2):129-137
Purpose:
In this study, the neural communication patterns between hypothalamic structures and cortical areas in girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) were explored. Endocrine profiles were incorporated to clarify the pathophysiological interactions between cerebral networks and hormonal regulation. The hypothalamus was designated as the key focus area for connectivity analysis.
Methods:
Fifty-seven girls (37 CPP, 20 non-CPP) were recruited from the Pediatric Development Clinic at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The collected data included demographic information, gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) was analyzed using predefined region of interest coordinates, and correlations between hormone levels and FC values were assessed.
Results:
Compared to the non-CPP group, the CPP group exhibited elevated baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), baseline luteinizing hormone (LH), peak FSH, peak LH, and peak LH/FSH ratios. Patients with CPP exhibited enhanced neural synchronization linking the right lateral hypothalamic effector zone to the right superior frontal gyrus (displaying a borderline significant correlation with peak LH concentrations), concurrent with diminished functional coupling of the right lateral hypothalamic efferent to the right fusiform/supramarginal gyri. The left lateral hypothalamic projections demonstrated amplified connectivity with the right cuneus. No FC differences were observed in the medial hypothalamus.
Conclusion
Abnormal lateral hypothalamus FC patterns were identified in CPP girls and were particularly linked to peak LH levels. The findings offer novel insights into the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying CPP.
2.Angiotensin Ⅱ activates p53/SAT1 signaling pathway to induce ferroptosis in white adipocytes
Wei DENG ; Xiyan LIU ; Liyuan GUO ; Qian XU ; Kun ZHOU ; Yuanqin ZHAO ; Zhaoyue WANG ; Xiang LI ; Xin-mei DENG ; Xinyi QIN ; Zhong REN ; Zhisheng JIANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(5):385-394
Aim To investigate the effect and mechanism of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)on ferroptosis in white adi-pocytes.Methods The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into white adipocytes by inducer stimulation.The experiment was divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor)group and Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α(p53 inhibitor)group.Ang Ⅱ was used to treat cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.JC-1 kit was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)level.Iron ion kit was used to detect intracellular iron content.Glutathione(GSH)kit was used to detect GSH content.Fer-1 and Ang Ⅱ were added to treat cells to detect the the changes of ferroptosis level.The expression of p53 and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1(SAT1)protein was detected.Subsequently,PFT-α and Ang Ⅱ were added to co-treat cells to detect the changes of p53 and SAT1 protein expression,and to observe the effect of inhibiting p53 expression on the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.Results 3T3-L1 cells were successfully differentiated into white adipocytes by stimulator-induced differentiation.Ang Ⅱ induced ferroptosis in white adipocytes.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the mRNA expression of anti-ferroptosis factor glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and iron regulatory protein 1(IRP-1)was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the mRNA expression of pro-ferroptosis factor acyl-CoA synthetase of long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)was up-regulated.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated.Ang Ⅱ treatment increased the content of intracellular iron ions and decreased the levels of GSH and MMP.Compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the mRNA expression of IRP-1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1 group.Ang Ⅱ induced changes in the expression profile of adipokines in white adipocytes.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein ex-pression of pro-inflammatory adipokine leptin(LEP),resistin(RETN),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin(AD-PN)and omentin 1(ITLN1)was down-regulated.In addition,Ang Ⅱ increased the protein expression of p53 and SAT1.Inhibition of p53 expression can improve the level of ferroptosis and adipokine expression in white adipocytes trea-ted with Ang Ⅱ.Western blot results showed that compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the protein expression of p53 and SAT1 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was up-regulated,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was down-regulated.The protein expression of ADPN was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-αgroup,and the protein expression of TNF-α,LEP and RETN was down-regulated.Conclusion Ang Ⅱ induces fer-roptosis in white adipocytes through activating the p53/SAT1 signaling pathway.
3.Angiotensin Ⅱ activates p53/SAT1 signaling pathway to induce ferroptosis in white adipocytes
Wei DENG ; Xiyan LIU ; Liyuan GUO ; Qian XU ; Kun ZHOU ; Yuanqin ZHAO ; Zhaoyue WANG ; Xiang LI ; Xin-mei DENG ; Xinyi QIN ; Zhong REN ; Zhisheng JIANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2025;33(5):385-394
Aim To investigate the effect and mechanism of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)on ferroptosis in white adi-pocytes.Methods The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into white adipocytes by inducer stimulation.The experiment was divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor)group and Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α(p53 inhibitor)group.Ang Ⅱ was used to treat cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.JC-1 kit was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)level.Iron ion kit was used to detect intracellular iron content.Glutathione(GSH)kit was used to detect GSH content.Fer-1 and Ang Ⅱ were added to treat cells to detect the the changes of ferroptosis level.The expression of p53 and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1(SAT1)protein was detected.Subsequently,PFT-α and Ang Ⅱ were added to co-treat cells to detect the changes of p53 and SAT1 protein expression,and to observe the effect of inhibiting p53 expression on the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.Results 3T3-L1 cells were successfully differentiated into white adipocytes by stimulator-induced differentiation.Ang Ⅱ induced ferroptosis in white adipocytes.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the mRNA expression of anti-ferroptosis factor glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and iron regulatory protein 1(IRP-1)was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the mRNA expression of pro-ferroptosis factor acyl-CoA synthetase of long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)was up-regulated.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated.Ang Ⅱ treatment increased the content of intracellular iron ions and decreased the levels of GSH and MMP.Compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the mRNA expression of IRP-1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1 group.Ang Ⅱ induced changes in the expression profile of adipokines in white adipocytes.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein ex-pression of pro-inflammatory adipokine leptin(LEP),resistin(RETN),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin(AD-PN)and omentin 1(ITLN1)was down-regulated.In addition,Ang Ⅱ increased the protein expression of p53 and SAT1.Inhibition of p53 expression can improve the level of ferroptosis and adipokine expression in white adipocytes trea-ted with Ang Ⅱ.Western blot results showed that compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the protein expression of p53 and SAT1 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was up-regulated,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was down-regulated.The protein expression of ADPN was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-αgroup,and the protein expression of TNF-α,LEP and RETN was down-regulated.Conclusion Ang Ⅱ induces fer-roptosis in white adipocytes through activating the p53/SAT1 signaling pathway.
4.Two cases of delayed puberty caused by intracranial germ cell tumors and literature review
Lingbo XU ; Xiaotong SUN ; Xiyan HE ; Ruiyang PU ; Jingran ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(7):739-741
Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) is a common cause of delayed puberty (DP). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of two patients with DP caused by iGCT. The disease characteristics of the two patients included DP, primary amenorrhea, growth retardation, short stature, subclinical hypothyroidism, etc. They were diagnosed as DP through imaging and related biochemical tests, and some sex hormone drugs were given on the basis of active treatment of the primary disease. Two patients had varying degrees of development in height, weight and secondary sexual characteristics, and further treatment condition is being tracking by us. Early identification and appropriate clinical intervention are of great significance to the reproductive endocrine function, bone health and long-term health such as terminal height of DP patients.
5.Two cases of delayed puberty caused by intracranial germ cell tumors and literature review
Lingbo XU ; Xiaotong SUN ; Xiyan HE ; Ruiyang PU ; Jingran ZHEN
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2024;44(7):739-741
Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) is a common cause of delayed puberty (DP). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of two patients with DP caused by iGCT. The disease characteristics of the two patients included DP, primary amenorrhea, growth retardation, short stature, subclinical hypothyroidism, etc. They were diagnosed as DP through imaging and related biochemical tests, and some sex hormone drugs were given on the basis of active treatment of the primary disease. Two patients had varying degrees of development in height, weight and secondary sexual characteristics, and further treatment condition is being tracking by us. Early identification and appropriate clinical intervention are of great significance to the reproductive endocrine function, bone health and long-term health such as terminal height of DP patients.
6.Effectiveness of online and offline health education myopia intervention on primary school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2023;44(11):1720-1723
Objective:
To assess the effectiveness of online and offline myopia prevention and control health education interventions using wearable behavior monitoring tools for non myopic elementary school students,so as to provide evidence based medical support for public health practices.
Methods:
From May to June in 2021, two schools were selected within the same county in Jiangsu Province. School 1 conducted online and offline parental health education ( n =111), while school 2 exclusively conducted offline health education activities, representing the traditional intervention group ( n =122). Students from both schools underwent monitoring through wearable behavior tracking tools, with feedback reports provided (eye distance, eye duration, ambient light, and outdoor exposure time). Both schools relied on activities to carry out health education interventions, and organized the distribution of promotional materials and display boards. The intervention group also established WeChat groups to conduct online "Healthy Parents Action" (answering and providing feedback on health knowledge related to myopia prevention and control, myopia prevention and control, science popularization, etc. raised by parents). Evaluation criteria included myopia rates, post dilation refractive error, and axial length, with a tracking period of two years (from 2021 to 2023). Additionally, the study collected refractive parameters from non myopic students who did not participate in wearable tool monitoring in the 12 classes across the two schools.
Results:
The baseline results indicated that there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of refractive parameters and wearable tool monitoring results (including screen time, viewing distance, outdoor exposure time, and homework light exposure)( t/Z/χ 2=1.94,1.17,0.58,0.40,0.80,0.69,0.32, P >0.05). After a two-year follow up, in the first and second year, the myopia rate of the online Healthy Parents Action group (11.4%, 29.7%) were lower than that of the traditional group (26.2%, 50.9%), and the degree of refractive change in the intervention group [0.63(0.38,1.19)D] was lower than that of the traditional group [0.91(0.40,1.50)D], and all the differences were statistically significant( χ 2/ Z =4.93,10.37,2.29, P <0.05). However, there were no significant differences ( P >0.05) in axial length changes between the two groups over the twoyear intervention period. Nevertheless, in the second year, the axial length change in the traditional group [0.35(0.20,0.65)mm] was lower than that in the natural observation group [0.55(0.30,0.75)mm], and this difference was statistically significant ( Z =1.92, P <0.05).
Conclusions
Online and offline myopia prevention and control health education can effectively reduce myopia rates. The intervention mode combining wearable behavior monitoring tools with online health education may have better effects, but further large sample and multi center studies are needed to provide additional evidence and confirmation.
7.Application Value of Conventional Ultrasound Classification and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Non-Mass Breast-Like Lesions
Yuerui CHI ; Li LIU ; Xiyan LIU ; Jing LIU ; Xun LIU ; Wengui XU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2022;49(10):1048-1053
Objective To investigate the application value of conventional ultrasound typing and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in non-mass breast like lesions (NMLs). Methods A total of 50 patients (50 lesions) who were pathologically confirmed to have breast NMLs in Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital. The corresponding relationship between conventional ultrasound typing of NMLs and BI-RADS classification was analyzed, and CEUS was performed on breast NMLs to compare the diagnostic value of combined BI-RADS and CEUS. Results The NMLs conventional ultrasound classified Ⅰa and Ⅱa lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4a; Ⅲ and Ⅳ lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4b; Ⅰb and Ⅱb lesions corresponded to BI-RADS classification 4c. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the expansion of lesion range and the presence of "crab foot sign" in benign and malignant lesions after the enhancement (
8.Two year follow up of myopia cohort in central Jiangsu Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2022;43(9):1298-1300
Objective:
Based on observational, longitudinal and intervention study of common diseases among students in Jiangsu Province, this paper presents the current progress of two year follow up of myopia cohort regarding the association between growth parameters with progression of myopia among children and adolescents in areas with rapid economic growth.
Methods:
This survey adopted the stratified cluster sampling method for school selection. The full automatic computer optometry (TOPCON RM800) was used to track myopia related parameters for all participants from 2019 to 2020 under the condition of mydriasis (compound topicamide eye drops). Relationship between growth parameters of children and adolescents and the incidence and progression of myopia was analyzed by using Cox regression multiple statistical model.
Results:
The myopia rates of students from grade 1 to grade 3 in 2019 were 5.4%, 21.5% and 37.3% respectively. After one year, the myopia rates of all school stages increased to 25.3%, 43.3% and 58.1% respectively( χ 2=53.59, 49.63, 32.52, P <0.01). The mean diopter of right eye and left eye after mydriasis were ( 0.30± 1.24/0.39±1.26)D in 2019 and (-0.33±1.54/-0.19±1.55)D in 2020, respectively based on Cox multiple regression results, age ( HR =1.21, 95% CI =1.09-1.34), naked eye vision ( HR =0.08, 95% CI =0.07-0.11), height ( HR =0.98, 95% CI =0.97-0.99) showed a strong correlation with the incidence and progression of myopia( P <0.05).
Conclusion
Myopia is growing rapidly in the central region of Jiangsu Province. It is suggested that diopter, axial length, naked eye vision, age, height and other indicators should be included in the refractive archives of children and adolescents in the region.
9.Characteristics of HA, NA genes and antigenicity of two strains of Eurasian avian H1N1 swine influenza virus from two human cases in Gansu province
Hongyu LI ; Ping WANG ; Baodi LI ; Zi LI ; Xiyan LI ; Lei YANG ; Jia LIU ; Minju TAN ; Zixuan LIANG ; Congshan XU ; Minghui MA ; Hua WANG ; Miao WANG ; Deshan YU ; Dayan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2022;36(2):166-171
Objective:To analyze the antigenicity and genetic characteristics of two strains of Eurasian avian H1N1 swine influenza virus (EAS-H1N1) isolated from 2 human cases found in Gansu province to provide scientific reference for disease prevention and control.Methods:Two cases of human infection with EAS-H1N1 discovered in Gansu province since February 2021 were analyzed for antigenicity and genome comparison, and their genome characteristics were analyzed using software such as Mega7.0.Results:Two human infections with EAS-H1N1 had related environmental exposure history. Two strains were obtained: A/Gansu-Xifeng/1143/2021 and A/Gansu-Xifeng/1194/2021. The two strains of HA, NA genes were all from the Eurasian avian H1N1 swine influenza virus, and are closely related to the human infection EAS-H1N1 virus in Hebei and Tianjin and the EAS-H1N1 virus isolated from the mink in Shandong; the HA receptor binding sites of 2 strains E190D and D225E mutations occurred in all spots, and there were no H274Y and N294S mutations in NA protein.Conclusions:Some important molecular mutations occurred in the genome of people infected with EAS-H1N1 virus in Gansu province, which may lead to increased virulence and potential human-to-human transmission. Strengthening the research and analysis of EAS-H1N1 gene characteristics will help to monitor the mutation and mutation of the virus at the molecular level and scientifically prevent and control the epidemic.
10.Risk factors and optical coherence tomography characteristics of exudative retinal detachment in patients with HELLP syndrome
Wenjun XU ; Dan WEI ; Xiyan AN ; Zongwen TAN ; Jun GAO ; Jiumei SU
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2021;37(12):942-948
Objective:To observe and analyze the risk factors and optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of exudative retinal detachment in patients with HELLP syndrome.Methods:A retrospective clinical study. From January 2015 to March 2021, 168 eyes of 84 patients with HELLP syndrome who were hospitalized in The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 30.96±4.09 years old. The patient’s general clinical data which included age, gestational week of delivery, type of HELLP syndrome, onset time of HELLP syndrome, parity, number of pregnancy, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total amount and duration of glucocorticoid, whether been admitted to intensive care unit; laboratory indicators, which included platelet count,serum albumin, serum uric acid, 24-hour urine protein quantification,aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin (TBIL) were collected. Whose the general condition was not allowed, however patients had a complaint of vision loss or suspected retinal detachment under direct ophthalmoscope examination, B-mode ultrasound was used to assist in the diagnosis. According to the presence or absence of exudative retinal detachment, patients were divided into retinal detachment group (net detachment group) and non-retinal detachment group (non-retinal detachment group), respectively 31 (36.90%, 31/84), 53 (63.10%, 53/84) cases. Among the 31 cases in the network disconnection group, 34 eyes in 17 cases underwent OCT. Two independent sample t tests were used to compare the measurement data of normal distribution between groups, Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare skewed distributions; the χ2 test was used to compare count data. The variables with statistical differences in univariate analysis were selected as independent variables, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results:Among 84 patients, HELLP syndrome was classified into partial type and complete type, 41 (48.81%, 41/84) and 43 (51.19%, 43/84) cases, respectively. Compared with the non-net-off group, the patients in the off-line group had shorter gestational weeks ( t=2.51), higher diastolic blood pressure ( t=-2.61), greater total glucocorticoid use ( Z=-2.14), and longer use time of glucocorticoid ( Z=-2.75), the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.05); TBIL ( Z=-2.49), serum albumin ( t=2.06) levels decreased, and 24-hour urine protein quantitative ( Z=-4.35) levels increased, the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the increase of 24-hour urine protein level increased the risk of exudative retinal detachment ( P<0.05) (odds ratio=1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.37). Among the 34 eyes that underwent OCT examination, 18 eyes showed that the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer was not smooth, thickened, and seemed to have adhesion to the detached retina. After the reattachment of retinal detachment, the abovementioned changes of RPE still existed, but reduced; the ellipsoid zone still has discontinuity, partial rupture, and even extensive loss in 16 eyes. Conclusion:The quantitative increase of 24-hour urine protein is a risk factor for the occurrence of exudative retinal detachment in HELLP syndrome; some patients with exudative retinal detachment are still missing the ellipsoid zone after reattachment.


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