1.Establishment and Preliminary Analysis of an AG6 Mouse Encephalopathy Model Induced by Vaccinia Virus Tiantan Strain Infection
Lin YANG ; Meng JIN ; Hanqing WU ; Shun LI ; Xiaohui ZHOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):3-10
ObjectiveA mouse model of vaccinia virus Tiantan strain (VTT)-induced encephalopathy was developed using AG6 mice. MethodsVTT was amplified by infecting Vero cells at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01, followed by concentration and titration. After 72 h of incubation, virus-containing cells were collected and subjected to concentration. The concentrated viral suspension was serially diluted (10-fold dilutions) and added to 6-well plates containing confluent Vero cell monolayers for plaque assay. The number of plaques formed in each well was counted, and the virus titer was calculated based on the dilution factor. Fourteen 5-6-week-old AG6 mice (half male and half female, housed separately by sex) were randomly divided into a control group (n=3, PBS), a low-dose group (n=6, 1×10⁵ PFU), and a high-dose group (n=5, 5×10⁵ PFU). The mice were anesthetized by isoflurane inhalation and then infected via intranasal instillation. The mental state of the mice in each group was observed daily, and the body weight and mortality were recorded. On day 13 post-infection, 2% Evans Blue (4 mL/kg body weight) was administered via tail vein injection to assess blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Subsequently, brain tissue samples were collected for immunofluorescence analysis to evaluate the activation of astrocytes and microglia. ResultsThe titer of purified VTT was 1×10⁷ PFU/mL. Compared with the control group, mice in the low-dose group showed no significant change in body weight, and no lethality was observed. In contrast, mice in the high-dose group exhibited significant weight loss starting on day 5 post-infection (P<0.05), accompanied by lethality. On day 13 post-infection, no Evans Blue extravasation was detected in the brain tissues of the low-dose group, while the olfactory bulb region of the high-dose group displayed distinct blue staining, indicating disruption of the BBB. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed no significant proliferation of astrocytes and microglia in the olfactory bulb region of the low-dose group on day 13 post-infection. In contrast, marked activation of glial cells was observable in the high-dose group. ConclusionAn animal model of VTT-induced encephalopathy in AG6 mice is successfully established, characterized by BBB disruption and reactive gliosis specifically localized to the olfactory bulb region, manifested as astrocytic and microglial proliferation.
2.Research progress on relationship and mechanism between shift work and vascular aging
Zeyu YANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Xiaohui LU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):116-125
Shift work, as a form of non-conventional work schedule, significantly increases the risk of vascular aging and related diseases due to circadian rhythm disruption, sleep disturbances, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. This review systematically summarized the mechanisms and epidemiological evidence linking shift work to vascular aging. Available studies indicated that shift work disrupts the rhythmic expression of core circadian clock genes (e.g., BMAL1, CLOCK, PER, CRY), leading to dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism, enhanced oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and altered diurnal blood pressure patterns, thereby directly impairing endothelial function and accelerating arterial stiffness. Sleep deprivation and fragmentation further reduce nitric oxide bioavailability and promote endothelin-1 secretion, exacerbating vascular constriction and inflammatory responses. Existing epidemiological data show that shift workers exhibit higher prevalence of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis compared with non-shift workers, accompanied by abnormal vascular function indicators such as pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness. Additionally, unhealthy dietary habits, psychological stress, and sedentary behavior in shift workers synergistically contribute to vascular aging. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the pathological link between shift work and vascular aging and to inform public health policy formulation and occupational health management.
3.Effect of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang Combined with Low-molecular-weight Heparin Sodium on Preventing Deep Venous Thrombosis of Lower Extremities in Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Section
Xiaohui ZHAO ; Rongna YUN ; Jianli YANG ; Qiaofang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):219-227
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effect of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang combined with low-molecular-weight heparin sodium on preventing deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities in parturients undergoing cesarean section. MethodsA total of 781 parturients who underwent cesarean section (from June 2022 to October 2025) were included in the study and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group using a random number table method. Two cases were lost to follow-up in this study. The parturients undergoing cesarean section in the control group (389 cases) received low-molecular-weight heparin sodium and a traditional Chinese medicine placebo (similar in color to the traditional Chinese medicine in the observation group). The parturients in the observation group (390 cases) were treated with Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang in addition to the intervention of the control group. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities in parturients from both groups undergoing cesarean section, the numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores on the first day, third day, and seventh day after cesarean section, the venous blood flow velocity in the lower extremities of parturients before and after treatment (popliteal vein, femoral vein), the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) of parturients in the two groups after treatment, the coagulation function indicators before and after treatment [prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),fibrinogen(FIB),D-Dimer], hemorheological indicators [high shear viscosity(HSV),low shear viscosity(LSV),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)], and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared. ResultsThe incidence of deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities of parturients after cesarean section in the observation group (0.77%) was lower than that in the control group (2.83%) (χ2=4.862, P=0.031). On the first, third, and seventh days after cesarean section, the NRS scores of the parturients in the observation group were lower than those of the control group (t=69.509, 23.266, 90.979; P<0.05 for all). Before treatment, the venous blood flow velocities (popliteal vein, femoral vein) of the lower extremities in the parturients from the two groups were compared, and no statistical difference was found. After treatment, the venous blood flow velocities (popliteal vein, femoral vein) of the lower extremities in the parturients from these two groups increased, with higher indicator levels among the parturients in the observation group than those in the control group (t=40.492, 21.587; P<0.05 for all). After treatment, the scores of each item in the VCSS of parturients were lower in the observation group than those in the control group (t=46.234, 37.786, 69.016, 39.464; P<0.05 for all). Before treatment, coagulation function indicators (PT, APTT, FIB, and D-Dimer) of the parturients from the two groups were compared, and there was no statistical significance in the differences . After treatment, PT and APTT increased(P<0.05), while FIB and D-Dimer decreased in the parturients from both groups(P<0.05). The degrees of increase and decrease of all indicators were greater among parturients in the observation group than those in the control group (t=18.916, 12.522, 24.787, 27.635; P<0.05 for all). Before treatment, the hemorheology indicators (HSV, LSV, ESR) in the parturients from both groups were compared, and there was no statistical significance in the differences. After treatment, these indicators in the parturients from both groups decreased, with lower indicator levels in the observation group than those in the control group (t=85.734, 26.280, 56.792; P<0.05 for all). The incidence of adverse reactions of parturients after cesarean section in the observation group (3.85%) compared with that in the control group (3.34%), and there was no statistically significant difference (χ²=0.143, P=0.705). ConclusionHuangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang combined with low-molecular-weight heparin sodium demonstrates a favorable preventive effect on deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities in parturients undergoing cesarean section. This combined regimen improves lower extremity function, alleviates postoperative pain after cesarean section, and enhances lower-extremity blood perfusion in parturients, with safety and reliability.
4.Role of amino acid metabolism in autoimmune hepatitis and related therapeutic targets
Peipei GUO ; Yang XU ; Jiaqi SHI ; Yang WU ; Lixia LU ; Bin LI ; Xiaohui YU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):547-551
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease. The pathogenesis of AIH remains unclear, but it is mainly autoimmune injury caused by the breakdown of autoimmune tolerance due to the abnormal activation of the immune system, while the specific molecular mechanism remains unknown. Recent studies have shown that abnormal amino acid metabolism plays an important role in the development and progression of AIH. This article reviews the research advances in amino acid metabolic reprogramming in AIH, in order to provide a theoretical basis for amino acid metabolism as a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of AIH.
5.Role and mechanism of biomimetic remineralization therapy for early enamel demineralization
Xiaohui LIN ; Mengyuan YANG ; Chunnian LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):856-865
BACKGROUND:With the improvement of diet and living standards,acidic diet and orthodontic treatment have become the main causes of enamel surface demineralization.As the first step of dental caries,enamel demineralization should be actively intervened.Mechanical grinding has great damage and does not conform to the concept of minimally invasive medicine.Biomimetic remineralization is the best way to deal with enamel demineralization at present. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the mechanism,application and research progress of biomimetic remineralization of early enamel demineralization,and provide ideas for further overcoming the hot issues of biomimetic remineralization. METHODS:English keywords"enamel demineralization,biomimetic remineralization,amelogenin,amorphous calcium phosphate"were used to search PubMed.Chinese keywords"enamel demineralization,biomimetic remineralization,amelogenin"were used to search CNKI.Through screening,72 articles were finally obtained for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)At present,there are drug treatments for enamel demineralization,such as fluoride preparations,laser treatment,resin penetration,remineralization treatment and other treatment methods.Biomimetic remineralization is the most ideal repair method for early enamel demineralization.(2)In the narrow sense,enamel remineralization refers to the mineral re-deposition inside the enamel after early enamel demineralization.In the broad sense,enamel remineralization includes the mineralization deposition on the surface and inside of enamel.(3)Clinical biomimetic remineralization reagents are mainly composed of amelogenin,non amelogenin,amelogenin peptide,casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate complex,etc.The advantages of protein and peptide materials are that they conform to the physiological mechanism and can generate high-strength remineralized materials by inducing orientation.The disadvantages are that the manufacturing process is relatively complex and the cost is high.The remineralization effect of amorphous calcium phosphate complex is good,but it needs to be combined with other materials to play a role.Other calcium phosphate materials are easy to carry and beautiful,but they are easy to cause the formation of dental calculus.(4)Future research should focus on the following aspects:increasing experimental data and clinical results,and clarifying the indications of various methods;explore more biomimetic remineralization methods and find suitable alternative materials;find a reasonable way to combine materials,so that their advantages and disadvantages complement each other.The portability of clinical application can be strengthened to increase the frequency of daily use,so that short-term experimental conclusions can be supported by long-term clinical data.
6.Effect of miR-130a-3p targeting PPAR-γ on epithelial-mesenchymal transition in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Xiaohui HAO ; Qian LI ; Yixuan JIN ; Qinxin ZHANG ; Yudi WANG ; Fang YANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):188-195
Background At present, the treatment of silicosis is still limited, and no method is available to cure the disease. miRNAs are involved in the process of fibrosis at the transcriptional level by directly degrading target gene mRNA or inhibiting its translation. However, how miR-130a-3p regulates silicosis fibrosis has not been fully elucidated yet. Objective To investigate whether miR-130a-3p promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inhibiting peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors gamma (PPAR-γ), thereby pro-moting the process of silicotic fibrosis. To identify effective new targets for the treatment of silicotic fibrosis. Methods (1) Animal experiments: C57BL/6J mice were intratracheally injected with a one-time dose of 10 mg silica suspension (dissolved in 100 μL saline) as positive lung exposure. A silicosis model group was established 28 d after the exposure. A control group was injected with the same amount of normal saline into the trachea. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe the pathological changes and collagen deposition in lung tissues respectively. Realtime fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assay the expression of miR-130a-3p and PPAR-γ mRNA in lung tissues. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of PPAR-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Collagen Ⅰ in lung tissues. (2) Cells experiments: Mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) were induced with 5 µg·L−1 TGF-β1 for different time (0, 12, 24, 48 h). RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-130a-3p and PPAR-γ mRNA in cells. The binding relationship between miR-130a-3p and PPAR-γ mRNA was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. MLE-12 cells were stimulated by 5 µg·L−1 TGF-β1 after transfection of miR-130a-3p inhibitor, and Western blotting was used to measure the protein expression of PPAR-γ, E-cadherin, and α-SMA in the TGF-β1-induced cells. Results In the silicosis model group, the alveolar septum was widened and the pulmonary nodules were formed. The Sirius red staining collagen deposition in pulmonary nodules indicated that a silicosis fibrosis model was successfully established. The expressions of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and Collagen Ⅰ proteins were increased, and the expressions of E-cadherin and PPAR-γ proteins were decreased in lung tissues of the silicosis group, compared with the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of miR-130a-3p was increased and the expression of PPAR-γ mRNA was decreased in lung tissues of the silicosis model (P<0.01). The expression of miR-130a-3p was significantly increased, while the expression of PPAR-γ mRNA was decreased in the TGF-β1 induced MLE-12 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The dual luciferase reporter assay showed a direct relationship between miR-130a-3p and PPAR-γ mRNA in MLE-12 cells. The transfection of miR-130a-3p inhibitor in the TGF-β1 induced MLE-12 cells inhibited the decrease of PPAR-γ and E-cadherin proteins, and the increase of α-SMA protein in the MLE-12 cells induced by TGF-β1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion miR-130a-3p promotes the development of silicosis fibrosis by targeting PPAR-γ to increase pulmonary EMT.
7.Cost-utility analysis of capivasertib combined with fulvestrant in the second-line treatment of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer
Yang ZHANG ; Shuo KANG ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yibing HOU ; Xiangxia FU ; Huanlong LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(24):3073-3078
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-utiliby of capivasertib combined with fulvestrant for the second-line treatment of hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced breast cancer from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. METHODS A partitioned survival model was constructed using clinical data from the CAPItello-291 trial. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were used as the output indicators of the model, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used as the evaluation indicator of the model. Using three times the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of China in 2024 as the willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP), this study analyzed the cost-utility of capivasertib combined with fulvestrant versus fulvestrant monotherapy in the treatment of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, and conducted sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis under conditions where the price of capivasertib was reduced by 50%, 60%, 70% and 95%, respectively. RESULTS The results of the basic analysis showed that compared with the fulvestrant monotherapy regimen, the ICER of capivasertib combined with fulvestrant was 843 038.46 yuan/QALY, which was higher than the WTP(287 247 yuan/QALY). The one-way sensitivity analysis revealed that the top three factors with the most substantial influence on ICER were the utility value in the progression disease state, the price of capivasertib, and the utility value inthe progression free survival state. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the basic analysis results. Scenario analysis revealed that even if the price of capivasertib were reduced by 95%, capivasertib combined with fulvestrant did not exhibit cost-effectiveness at the current WTP. CONCLUSION At a WTP of three times China’s GDP per capita in 2024, compared to fulvestrant monotherapy, capivasertib combined with fulvestrant as the second-line treatment for HR+/ HER2- advanced breast cancer is not cost-effective.
8.Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its influencing factors among male workers in an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province
Mujia LI ; Yulu XIN ; Yang LU ; Xiaohui DING ; Linping WANG ; Xiaoting LU ; Jing SONG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1358-1363
Background Some studies have suggested that exposure to multiple metals is closely linked to the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the populations, but the effect of aluminum exposure on MS remains unclear. Objective To analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of MS among employees with aluminum exposure in Shanxi Province. Methods Cluster sampling was employed to survey male frontline workers in an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province. Data on general demographic information, lifestyle, occupational history, medical history, and family history of chronic diseases were collected through questionnaires. The concentration of fasting blood glucose was determined using the glucose oxidase technique, and blood lipid levels were determined using the peroxidase method. Serum aluminum levels were detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and blood biochemical indicators were measured using the peroxidase method. Based on the China's 2020 diagnostic criteria for MS, the participants were and divided into an MS group anda non-MS group. Variables with statistical significance in univariate analysis were included to construct a logistic regression model. Results A cohort of 312 workers participated in this research, with 84 individuals diagnosed with MS, yielding a prevalence rate of 26.92%. The logistic regression model revealed that body mass index (BMI)≥24.0 kg·m−2 (OR=1.967, 95%CI: 1.057, 3.659), alcohol consumption (OR=1.883, 95%CI: 1.063, 3.336), experiencing major life event (OR=3.886, 95%CI: 1.509, 10.008), family history of hypertension (OR=2.112, 95%CI: 1.162, 3.837), serum aluminum concentration (OR=1.024, 95%CI: 1.012, 1.035), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (OR=1.032, 95%CI: 1.011, 1.054), and white blood cell (WBC) count (OR=1.210, 95%CI: 1.001, 1.465) were significant influencing factors for MS. Conclusion BMI≥24.0 kg·m−2, alcohol consumption, experiencing major life event, family history of hypertension, elevated serum aluminum concentration, increased ALT level, and elevated WBC count are risk factors for MS among occupationally aluminum-exposed workers.
9.Analysis of influencing factors of preparation quality of gastric mucosa during gastroscopy
Xi ZHOU ; Pingping CHEN ; Caixiu GUO ; Yinyin LI ; Xiaohui JIN ; Yang LIU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(10):2371-2375
Objective To explore the influencing factors of the quality of gastric mucosal preparation before gastroscopy on the clarity of gastric mucosa under gastroscopy.Methods Clinical data of 240 patients who underwent painless gastroscopy for the first time at the endoscopy center of a tertiary hospital in Wenzhou from September 1,2023 to December 31,2024 were analyzed.The mucosal clarity score under gas-troscopy was recorded during the gastroscopy process,and the influencing factors on the qualification rate of gastric mucosal preparation quality for painless gastroscopy were analyzed.Results The unqualified rate of gastric mucosal preparation in patients undergoing painless gastroscopy was 52.9%,with the highest rates in the upper part of the stomach(17.1%)and the bottom of the stomach(12.1%),followed by the lower part of the stomach(9.2%),the antrum(7.9%)and bulb(3.8%),the lowest rates in the esophagus(2.9%).The quality of gastric mucosal preparation was relatively poor.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that,BMI,Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection,abnormal gastric juice characteristics,and gastric polyps were independent risk factors affecting gastric mucosal preparation(OR=2.784,3.501,3.873,3.611,P<0.05).Conclusion Insufficient preparation of gastric mucosa is associated with high BMI,Hp infection,abnormal gastric juice characteristics,and gastric polyps.To address patients with these risk factors,individualized pre-treatment plans should be developed based on routine fasting to optimize endoscopic field of view and ensure examination quality.
10.Angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor autoantibody-AT1R-Bmal1 axis promotes phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells and vascular fibrosis
Lingxia XUE ; Yaolin LONG ; Jiayan FENG ; Tian MAO ; Jiao GUO ; Zhuoxi WANG ; Yang LI ; Xiaohui WANG ; Li WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(11):1155-1164
Objective To investigate the mechanism by which angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor autoantibody(AT1-AA)promotes phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)and vascular fibrosis through abnormal expression of circadian clock protein BMAL1.Methods Twelve male SD rats(6~8 weeks old,weighing 180~220 g)were randomly divided into(n=6)a control group and an AT1-AA-positive group[established by active immunization of SD rats with AT1R extracellular loop Ⅱ peptide(AT1R-ECLⅡ)].HE and Masson stainings were used to observe structural changes and fibrosis in the thoracic aorta(n=3).Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of Collagen I,phenotypic switch-related proteins(SM22,α-SMA,OPN and MMP2)in vascular tissues and primary VSMCs(n=4),as well as the expression of BMAL1 at CT0,CT4,CT8,CT12,CT16,and CT20.Transwell and scratch assays were used to assess the proliferation and migration of VSMCs(n=3).si-RNA was employed to knock down Bmal1,followed by detection of BMAL1,Collagen I,and phenotypic conversion-related protein expression(n=3).Additionally,AT1-AA-positive AT1R-knockout(AT1R-KO)rats were constructed to measure BMAL1 expression in thoracic aortic tissues(n=4).Results The AT1-AA-positive rats had significantly thickened thoracic aortic vessel wall[(140±9)%vs(120±5)%,P<0.05],badly arranged VSMCs,obvious blue Masson staining,and up-regulated Collagen I expression(P<0.05).In the thoracic aorta of AT1-AA-positive rats and AT1-AA-treated VSMCs,the expression of contractile phenotype-related proteins(α-SMA,SM22)was decreased(P<0.05),while the expression of synthetic phenotype-related proteins(OPN,MMP2)was increased(P<0.05).AT1-AA enhanced the scratch healing ability and migration ability of VSMCs.Furthermore,both mRNA and protein levels of Bmal1 were significantly up-regulated at CT12(P<0.05),and the rhythmicity of Bmal1 was lost.Knockdown of Bmal1 partially ameliorated AT1-AA-induced phenotypic switch of VSMCs.Compared with AT1-AA-positive WT rats,AT1-AA-positive AT1R-KO rats showed significantly reduced BMAL1 expression in the thoracic aorta(1.35±0.06 vs 0.86±0.07,P<0.001).At the cellular level,AT1-AA-induced phenotypic switch and high Collagen I expression in VSMCs were partially improved in AT1R-KO VSMCs.Conclusion AT1-AA promotes VSMCs phenotypic conversion and vascular fibrosis through the AT1R-Bmal1 axis.

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