1.Effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen Formula in regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling axis on pyroptosis in rats with diabetic kidney disease
Shujuan Hu ; Xuhua Li ; Yao Peng ; Lili Chen ; Rong Yu ; Yajun Peng
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):379-388
Objective:
To investigate the effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen Formula (左归降糖益肾方, ZGJTYSF) in regulating the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling axis on pyroptosis in rats with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
Methods:
Fifty male specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats (12 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet for one month to establish an early DKD model. Model establishment was confirmed when fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol/L and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) ≥ 30 mg/g. The successfully modeled early DKD rats were randomly divided by random number table into five groups (n = 10 per group): model group; dapagliflozin group (1.0 mg/kg, by gavage, served as positive control); and low-, medium-, and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups (4.9, 9.9, and 19.9 g/kg, respectively, by gavage). Age-matched male SPF Wistar rats (n = 10) served as control group. Rats in control and model groups were gavaged with equivalent volumes of distilled water. Treatment lasted 12 weeks. Changes in uACR, FBG, and renal function were observed in all groups. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson staining were used to observe renal histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the localization and expression of caspase-1, GSDMD, and NLRP3 in rat renal tissues. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was utilized to detect pyroptosis in renal tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot were applied to detect mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18.
Results:
Compared with model group, all doses of ZGJTYSF showed reductions in FBG, with medium- and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups demonstrating significant decreases at week 8 and 12 (P < 0.05). For uACR, all doses of ZGJTYSF groups exhibited a decreasing trend, with high-dose of ZGJTYSF group being significantly lower than low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups at week 12 (P < 0.05) and showing no significant difference from dapagliflozin group (P > 0.05). No significant differences in renal function parameters (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid) were observed among groups (P > 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed milder glomerular and tubular lesions in both ZGJTYSF groups and dapagliflozin group, with renal pathological changes in high-dose of ZGJTYSF group resembling those in dapagliflozin group. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significantly reduced expression of caspase-1, GSDMD, and NLRP3 in renal tissues of dapagliflozin group and high-dose of ZGJTYSF group compared with model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while the differences in low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). TUNEL assay showed significantly fewer TUNEL-positive cells in renal tissues of dapagliflozin and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups (P < 0.01), indicating a marked reduction in pyroptotic cells. Molecular analysis revealed that compared with model group, both dapagliflozin and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups showed significantly downregulated mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissues (P < 0.01), while low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups showed downward trends without statistical significance (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
ZGJTYSF may inhibit renal pyroptosis by regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling axis, thereby preventing and treating early renal injury in DKD and delaying the onset and progression of DKD.
2.Identification of the secretion of effector proteins of Chlamydia psittaci using the β-lactamase translocation assay
Huiying YANG ; Nana LI ; Shan ZHANG ; Yufei JANG ; Yinhui LIN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yuchen ZHANG ; Yonghui YU ; Xuan OUYANG ; Yajun SONG ; Jun JIAO
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(9):761-767
Objective:To identify and validate secreted effector proteins of Chlamydia psittaci ( C. psittaci) through bioinformatic prediction and experimental verification, and to characterize their subcellular localization in host cells. Methods:Potential effector proteins were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Candidate effectors were fused to β-lactamase through the constructed expression vectors, and these vectors were transformed into C. psittaci. The secretion of these candidate effectors was evaluated by β-lactamase translocation assays. Eukaryotic expression vectors of confirmed effectors were transfected into host cells to determine their intracellular localization patterns. Results:Bioinformatic analysis identified 29 candidate effector proteins. Experimental validation confirmed the secretion of five effectors, with four exhibiting cytoplasmic localization and one displaying nuclear localization in host cells.Conclusion:This study characterizes five novel C. psittaci secreted effector proteins, providing critical insights for investigating the molecular pathogenesis of psittacosis.
3.Study on effectiveness of multicomponent exercise interventions for healthy aging
Yu WANG ; Yajun QIU ; Yi SHANG ; Xinwen XU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(3):533-540
Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of multicomponent exercise (ME) in old adults, and provide reference for the promotion of healthy aging.Methods:Literature on ME intervention for old adults published until February 29, 2024 were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP Database. After screening and evaluation, an umbrella review was conducted.Results:In total, 15 systematic reviews and Meta-analyzes (193 randomized controlled trials and 19 203 participants) were included. The umbrella review suggested that the average standardized mean difference ( SMD) affecting physical function/health of ME was between 0.40 and 1.00, the average SMD affecting brain health was between -0.30 and 1.60, the average SMD affecting mood/mental health was between 0.01 and 0.20, and the average SMD affecting quality of life was between -0.20 and 0.40. Effects of ME on lower limb strength [mean difference ( MD)=1.1] and aerobic capacity ( MD=0.8) were better compared with general strength exercise and aerobic exercise respectively. Effects of ME on cognitive function ( MD=0.99) were better compared with strength exercise ( MD=0.84), aerobic exercise ( MD=0.77), and mind-body exercise ( MD=0.63). Effects of ME on executive function ( MD=0.72) were better compared with aerobic exercise ( MD=0.62), strength exercise ( MD=0.44), and mind-body exercise ( MD=0.36). Effects of ME on activity of daily living ( SMD=0.32) were better compared with strength exercise ( SMD=0.12). Conclusions:ME can clearly improve the physical function/health and brain health in old adults. The impact varies with different participants, exercise program designs, and assessment methods. However, its effect on mood/mental health and the quality of life still need further verification. ME might show better effects compared with general single component exercise (such as strength exercise, aerobic exercise) and mind-body exercise in improving lower limb strength, aerobic capacity, cognitive function, executive function, and activity of daily living in specific elderly populations. Given the impact of the quantity, quality and heterogeneity of the reviews included, the conclusions mentioned above still need validation in practice.
4.Analysis on new-type drugs use and related factors of high-risk behaviors in online-dating men who have sex with men in Shandong Province
Pengxiang HUANG ; Zhuoma YANGJI ; Haiying YU ; Lin WANG ; Yajun LI ; Na ZHANG ; Guoyong WANG ; Wei MA ; Meizhen LIAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(9):1554-1561
Objective:To understand the related factors of new-type drugs use and high-risk behaviors in online-dating men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shandong Province, and provide evidence for the development of targeted HIV prevention and intervention strategies.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2023 in eight sentinel surveillance sites across cities in Shandong, recruiting MSM participants. Each city enrolled a sample of 400 individuals. Face-to-face questionnaire surveys were conducted to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, drug use and sexual behaviors, risk perception, and online-dating practices of the MSM, and χ2 test was used to compare the differences between online-dating MSM who used new-type drugs and those who didn't use. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of group sex behavior and the lack of HIV detection before sexual behavior in the online-dating MSM. Statistical analysis was performed by using software SPSS 29.0. Results:A total of 3 235 MSM were surveyed, in whom 2 787 (86.15%) used online-dating platforms to find partners in the past six months. The majority were those who were aged 25-34 years (39.18%, 1 092/2 787), unmarried/divorced/widowed (71.51%, 1 993/2 787), had an education level of college or above (69.36%, 1 933/2 787), and primarily identified as homosexual gays (77.97%, 2 173/2 787), 37.78% (1 053/2 787) believed that they were at low risk for HIV infection and 10.88% (303/2 786) believed that using new-type drugs was less harmful and 57.59% (1 605/2 787) reported new-type drugs use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that MSM who used new-type drugs had higher risk for group sex in the past six months (a OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.06-1.63) and sexual activity without pre-HIV testing (a OR=1.57, 95% CI:1.14-2.15) compared with those who didn't use new-type drugs.MSM who believed that the risk of using new-type drugs was general, higher and very high had higher risks for group sex in the past six months (a OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.09-2.18) and sexual activity withou pre-HIV testing (a OR=2.02, 95% CI:1.34-3.05) compared with those who believed using new-type drugs was less harmful. Conclusions:The use of new-type drugs was relatively common in the online-dating MSM in Shandong, with widespread high-risk behaviors and poor awareness of risks to health. A gap between knowledge awareness and behavior exists. It is necessary to strengthen the health education and promotion of HIV informed dating practices in MSM.
5.Construction of an evaluation index system for community visual health services in Shanghai
Chengyuan ZHANG ; Yuting WU ; Yajun PENG ; Tao YU ; Yi XU ; Senlin LIN ; Haidong ZOU ; Lina LU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):282-287
ObjectiveTo improve the quality and service performance of community visual health services in Shanghai, and to establish a set of reasonable and effective evaluation index system for community visual health services. MethodsCentered on the national and Shanghai-based visual health policies and based on the current status and development trends of community visual health service program in Shanghai, the candidate indicators were formed through literature review and expert interviews, firstly. The framework of an evaluation index system was formulated through qualitative research successively, which was further revised and perfected using the Delphi method. Coefficient weights were calculated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), culminating in the establishment of the community visual health evaluation index system, lastly. ResultsA total of 22 visual health experts from district-level center for disease control, hospital ophthalmology and leaders in charging of visual health service in community health centers participated in the Delphi questionnaire survey, with a questionnaire recovery rate of 100% and an expert authority coefficient of 0.86, indicating high credibility. After a round of correspondence to experts’ importance ratings and discussions, a comprehensive evaluation index system comprising 3 primary indicators, 12 secondary indicators, and 47 tertiary indicators, along with 5 additional indicators, was finalized. ConclusionAn index system tailored to effective evaluation for community visual health initiatives was drawn up in this study, which can promote the capacity building in community eye health services, facilitating the high-quality development of visual health courses, and enhancing residents’ eye health.
6.Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain (version 2025)
Hui CHE ; Wenge DING ; Shiming FENG ; Xueping GU ; Qinwei GUO ; Jianchao GUI ; Yinghui HUA ; Yuefeng HAO ; Qinglin HAN ; Bo HU ; Xiaojun LIANG ; Guoping LI ; Yunxia LI ; Qi LI ; Yanlin LI ; Xin MA ; Jun MA ; Xudong MIAO ; Jianzhong QIN ; Xiaodong QIN ; Xu SUN ; Kefu SUN ; Weidong SONG ; Dai SHI ; Zhongmin SHI ; Youlun TAO ; Xu WANG ; Youhua WANG ; Liheng WANG ; Anli WANG ; Aiguo WANG ; Weidong WU ; Yajun XU ; Weidong XU ; Renjie XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Tengbo YU ; Lianqi YAN ; Xiaodong YUAN ; Yuan ZHU ; Mingzhu ZHANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Xiaofei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):517-529
Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.
7.Conditional Tnfaip6-Knockout in Inner Ear Hair Cells Does not Alter Auditory Function.
Yue QIU ; Song GAO ; Xiaoqiong DING ; Jie LU ; Xinya JI ; Wenli HAO ; Siqi CHENG ; Haolinag DU ; Yajun GU ; Chenjie YU ; Cheng CHENG ; Xia GAO
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(3):421-433
Noise-induced hearing loss is a worldwide public health issue that is characterized by temporary or permanent changes in hearing sensitivity. This condition is closely linked to inflammatory responses, and interventions targeting the inflammatory gene tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) are known to mitigate cochlear noise damage. TNFα-induced proteins (TNFAIPs) are a family of translucent acidic proteins, and TNFAIP6 has a notable association with inflammatory responses. To date, there have been few reports on TNFAIP6 levels in the inner ear. To elucidate the precise mechanism, we generated transgenic mouse models with conditional knockout of Tnfaip6 (Tnfaip6 cKO). Evaluation of hair cell morphology and function revealed no significant differences in hair cell numbers or ribbon synapses between Tnfaip6 cKO and wild-type mice. Moreover, there were no notable variations in hair cell numbers or hearing function in noisy environments. Our results indicate that Tnfaip6 does not have a substantial impact on the auditory system.
Animals
;
Mice, Knockout
;
Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/pathology*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Transgenic
;
Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced
;
Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem/physiology*
8.Application of mathematical models for TCM health status analysis, monitoring, early warning, and prevention in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases
Ziqi JIAO ; Tiefeng SUN ; Na ZHANG ; Yajun ZHANG ; Jialei FU ; Chunlei WANG ; Jingzhi YU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(11):942-946
Thyroid diseases are clinically prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorders, including various types such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid nodules. Their pathogenesis is complex and influenced by numerous factors, potentially involving genetic factors, environmental factors, and immune dysfunction. With the continuous advancement of modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TCM has established a unique theoretical system in the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases, with increasingly rich clinical practical experience. This article reviews the recent application of TCM health status analysis, monitoring, early warning, and prevention in the field of thyroid diseases, aiming to provide useful references for in-depth study in this field.
9.Investigation and study on the development status and job adaptability of specialized nurses in Liaoning Province
Jin ZHAO ; Yu SUN ; Yajun HE ; Dantong WANG ; Yuying CHU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(34):2694-2700
Objective:To investigate the development and job adaptability of specialized nurses in Liaoning Province, and to provide basis for further improving the job adaptability of specialized nurses.Methods:In August 2024, provincial-level or above specialized nurses from secondary and above hospitals in 14 cities of Liaoning Province were selected by convenient sampling method, and their job adaptation was investigated using General Information Questionnaire and Workers' Job Adaptation Scale to conduct cross-sectional research.Results:A total of 3 460 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the 3 460 specialized nurses, tertiary hospitals accounted for 91.01% (3 149/3 460), undergraduates accounted for 89.28% (3 089/3 460), and 51.13% (1 769/3 460) were aged from 36 to 45. The top three training specialties for specialized nurses were severe illness, operating room and intravenous infusion therapy, and the training duration was mostly 6 to 12 weeks, accounting for 58.70% (2 031/3 460). After training, they mostly engaged in specialized disease care/case care, accounting for 86.07% (2 978/3 460); In terms of hospital security, 71.16% (2 462/3 460) of the specialized nurses said that the working conditions provided by the hospital could meet their work needs, 43.93% (1 520/3 460) said that the hospital performance was reasonable, 43.29% (1 498/3 460) said that there were sufficient promotion opportunities, and 49.28% (1 705/3 460) said that the hospital has dedicated positions for specialized nurses. The score of the Job Fit Scale for Professional Nurses was (37.36 ± 6.30) points, including the attribute fit dimension (12.45 ± 2.32) points, the demand-supply fit dimension (11.84 ± 2.57) points and the ability-requirement fit dimension (13.06 ± 2.12) points.Conclusions:The post adaptability of provincial-level or above specialized nurses in Liaoning province is in the high level, but the distribution of specialized nurses is uneven, and the proportion of secondary hospitals is low. The training mechanism for specialized nurses has gradually matured, but some of them are not fully played, and there is little participation in scientific research and innovation activities after training. Therefore, it is suggested that in the future work, secondary hospitals should be encouraged to select nursing backbones according to their needs to participate in specialized training programs to improve nurses' professional skills; Nursing managers encourage specialized nurses to consciously participate in systematic scientific research training to enhance their nursing scientific research ability; rational use of specialist nurses in hospitals, giving full play to their professional advantages, and promoting the development of specialties.
10.Study on effectiveness of multicomponent exercise interventions for healthy aging
Yu WANG ; Yajun QIU ; Yi SHANG ; Xinwen XU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(3):533-540
Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of multicomponent exercise (ME) in old adults, and provide reference for the promotion of healthy aging.Methods:Literature on ME intervention for old adults published until February 29, 2024 were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP Database. After screening and evaluation, an umbrella review was conducted.Results:In total, 15 systematic reviews and Meta-analyzes (193 randomized controlled trials and 19 203 participants) were included. The umbrella review suggested that the average standardized mean difference ( SMD) affecting physical function/health of ME was between 0.40 and 1.00, the average SMD affecting brain health was between -0.30 and 1.60, the average SMD affecting mood/mental health was between 0.01 and 0.20, and the average SMD affecting quality of life was between -0.20 and 0.40. Effects of ME on lower limb strength [mean difference ( MD)=1.1] and aerobic capacity ( MD=0.8) were better compared with general strength exercise and aerobic exercise respectively. Effects of ME on cognitive function ( MD=0.99) were better compared with strength exercise ( MD=0.84), aerobic exercise ( MD=0.77), and mind-body exercise ( MD=0.63). Effects of ME on executive function ( MD=0.72) were better compared with aerobic exercise ( MD=0.62), strength exercise ( MD=0.44), and mind-body exercise ( MD=0.36). Effects of ME on activity of daily living ( SMD=0.32) were better compared with strength exercise ( SMD=0.12). Conclusions:ME can clearly improve the physical function/health and brain health in old adults. The impact varies with different participants, exercise program designs, and assessment methods. However, its effect on mood/mental health and the quality of life still need further verification. ME might show better effects compared with general single component exercise (such as strength exercise, aerobic exercise) and mind-body exercise in improving lower limb strength, aerobic capacity, cognitive function, executive function, and activity of daily living in specific elderly populations. Given the impact of the quantity, quality and heterogeneity of the reviews included, the conclusions mentioned above still need validation in practice.

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