1.A review on effects of agrochemicals on hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron-pituitary gonadotropic reproductive axis
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):376-386
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is the central neuroendocrine regulator of vertebrate reproduction, governing sexual maturation, reproductive function, and endocrine homeostasis through multilevel hormonal cascades. It is also a sensitive target for environmental endocrine disruptors. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and pituitary gonadotropes are located upstream of the HPG axis, and are indispensable for reproductive and endocrine functions. Agrochemicals represent a major class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals capable of interfering with GnRH pulsatility as well as the synthesis and release of gonadotropins through multiple pathways. This review summarized recent epidemiological and toxicological evidence concerning the effects of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and plant growth regulators on hypothalamic GnRH neuron-pituitary gonadotropes. It surveyed the evidence linking agrochemicals exposure to abnormalities in hypothalamic GnRH pulsatility and disturbances in gonadotropin synthesis and secretion, and further examined the roles of key pathways such as the Kisspeptin/G protein-coupled receptor 54 system, neurotransmitters and signaling molecules, ion channels, as well as oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Current research remains largely confined to insecticides, with significant limitations in simulating real-world exposure complexity and systematically elucidating underlying toxic mechanisms. Future studies should expand to other agrochemicals classes and integrate emerging approaches such as multi-omics and computational toxicology to systematically identify the integrated mechanisms disrupting upstream HPG axis functions. Such efforts will provide more comprehensive scientific evidence for assessing the reproductive toxicity of agrochemicals.
2.Protective effect of the active component DMDD from Averrhoa carambola root on myocardial injury in diabetic mice and its correlation with the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis
Yongxin CHEN ; Yuxuan LI ; Kailei GU ; Jiajun YOU ; Xiaohan SUN ; Jing MA ; Yanping ZHOU ; Xiaojie WEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1141-1147
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of 2-dodecyl-6-methoxy-2,5-diene-1,4-cyclohexanedione (DMDD), an active component from Averrhoa carambola root, on myocardial injury in diabetic mice based on the nuclear receptor coactivator 4/ferritin heavy chain 1/autophagy-related protein 8 (NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8) axis. METHODS The successfully modeled diabetic mice were randomly divided into model group and DMDD low-, medium-, and high-dose (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg) groups, while an additional non-modeled control group was established, with 6 mice in each group. Each group received the corresponding drug solution or an equal volume of normal saline intragastically once daily for 21 consecutive days. After the administration, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were measured. Myocardial pathological changes, degree of fibrosis, and myocardial cell ultrastructure were observed. Myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index were detected. The protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, ATG8, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cardiac tissue were measured. RESULTS Compared with model group, each DMDD group showed significant alleviation of cardiac pathological injury and varying degrees of improvement in the myocardial cell ultrastructure. The FBG and serum LDH and CK-MB levels, the myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index,the protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, and ATG8 in cardiac tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.001), while the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly increased ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS DMDD can reduce blood glucose levels, alleviate myocardial histopathological injury, and inhibit cell death in diabetic mice. The mechanism is associated with inhibiting excessive activation of the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis and reducing ferritinophagy.
3.Development, reliability, and validity of a treatment-related quality of life scale for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma
Chunyan SUN ; Zhen CAI ; Bing CHEN ; Lijuan CHEN ; Wenming CHEN ; Kaiyang DING ; Juan DU ; Rong FU ; Chengcheng FU ; Da GAO ; Guangxun GAO ; Yanjuan HE ; Jian HOU ; Ming JIANG ; Fei LI ; Jian LI ; Juan LI ; Zhenyu LI ; Aijun LIAO ; Jing LIU ; Jun LUO ; Jianmin LUO ; Yanping MA ; Jianqing MI ; Ting NIU ; Hongling PENG ; Yongping SONG ; Luqun WANG ; Rong ZHAN ; Xi ZHANG ; Yu HU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(8):713-721
Objective:To develop a treatment-related quality of life scale for Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to test its reliability and validity.Methods:The initial scale was constructed through a literature search, Delphi expert correspondence, and cognitive testing. This study conducted a preliminary survey of 379 patients with MM and a formal survey of 865 patients from the hematology departments of 155 hospitals nationwide from February 2024 to March 2024. The final scale was obtained after conducting item analysis and reliability and validity tests on the initial scale.Results:The constructed scale contains 36 items covering six domains: physiological, psychological, social, treatment side effects, general health, and others. In the preliminary survey, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of each item ranged from 0.597 to 0.939, and the test-retest reliability was 0.747 ( P<0.001). Exploratory factor analysis extracted eight common factors with a cumulative variance contribution of 60.058%. In the formal survey, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of each item ranged from 0.484 to 0.930, and the test-retest reliability was 0.835 ( P<0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a comparative fit index of 0.750, a root-mean-square error of approximation of 0.090, and a root-mean-square residual of 0.067. Conclusion:The treatment-related quality of life scale for Chinese patients with MM designed in this study exhibited good reliability and validity, reflecting the impact of treatment on the quality of life of patients. This scale can provide a reference to clinicians for assessing the disease status of patients.
4.Analysis of Risk Factors for Meningeal Metastasis in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma Following Non-surgical Interventions.
Yi YUE ; Yuqing REN ; Jianlong LIN ; Chunya LU ; Nan JIANG ; Yanping SU ; Jing LI ; Yibo WANG ; Sihui WANG ; Junkai FU ; Mengrui KONG ; Guojun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(4):267-280
BACKGROUND:
Meningeal metastasis (MM) is a form of malignant metastasis where tumor cells spread from the primary site to the pia mater, dura mater, arachnoid, subarachnoid space, and other cerebrospinal fluid compartments. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor types with MM. MM not only signifies that the lung cancer has progressed to an advanced stage but also leads to a range of severe clinical symptoms due to meningeal involvement. Currently, the risk factors associated with the development of MM are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for MM in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who underwent non-surgical interventions, in order to identify LUAD patients at high risk for MM.
METHODS:
This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed with LUAD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to July 2024. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation methods, and risk factors were identified through LASSO, univariate, and multivariate Logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS:
A total of 170 patients with LUAD were included in this study and divided into two groups: 87 patients with MM and 83 patients without MM. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age at diagnosis (P=0.004), presence of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) L858R gene mutation (P=0.008), and concurrent liver metastasis at baseline (P=0.004) were independent risk factors for developing MM in LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. Conversely, higher baseline globulin levels (P=0.039) and the presence of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutation (P=0.040) were associated with a reduced risk of MM development.
CONCLUSIONS
Age at diagnosis, EGFR L858R mutation status, ALK gene mutation status, concurrent liver metastasis, globulin levels at baseline were significantly associated with the risk of developing MM in patients with LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. For patients diagnosed at a younger age, carrying the EGFR L858R mutation, or presenting with baseline liver metastasis, early implementation of tertiary prevention strategies for MM is crucial. Regular monitoring of MM status should be conducted in these high-risk groups.
Humans
;
Male
;
Adenocarcinoma of Lung/therapy*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Risk Factors
;
Lung Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged
;
Meningeal Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Adult
5.Exploration of Academic Thought on"No Fixed Acupoints for Treating Diseases"of Xin'an Practitioner Wang Ji
Yanping ZONG ; Jing WANG ; Yonglei ZENG ; Jinchen GUO ; Bing GAO ; Lingji LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):409-414
Wang Ji is an outstanding representative of Xin'an medicine,he has made a lot of achievements in academic thought of acupuncture and moxibustion,which mainly contains the academic features such as"acupuncture treatment mainly purging excessive pathogen"and"use of moxibustion with caution for the disease-free person",as well as"no selection of fixed acupoints for treating diseases".The scholars in past dynasties did a lot of research on his theory of"acupuncture treatment mainly purging excessive pathogen"and"use of moxibustion with caution for the disease-free person",but did less research on his theory of"no selection of fixed acupoints for treating diseases",this paper explores Wang Ji's life and his representative works,and analyzes the theory of"no selection of fixed acupoints for treating diseases".Wang Ji advocates the disease treatment principle of differentiation of meridians and collaterals,qi and blood,as well as yin and yang,and his acupoint selection rules focuses on flexible prescription according to syndrome differentiation,point selection according to disease differentiation,which critically criticizes the dogmatic behavior of the conventional theory that"a certain acupoint corresponding treatment for a certain disease",he reminded the physicians that in treating disease by acupuncture and moxibustion,syndrome differentiation should be according to meridians and collaterals differentiation,acupoint application should be flexible and changeable.
6.Effects of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods on knee joint cartilage morphology,serum inflammatory factors,and intestinal flora in rats with knee osteoarthritis
Qi DONG ; Yejuan JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaoqin ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Xiaofeng LI ; Yanping YANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(1):22-35
Objective:To compare the effects of manual acupuncture(MA),electroacupuncture(EA),and moxibustion on knee joint cartilage morphology,serum inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-10,matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13),and intestinal flora composition in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)model rats.Methods:Forty male specific-pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats aged seven weeks were randomly divided into a normal group(n=8)and a KOA modeling group(n=32).The KOA model was established using sodium iodoacetate induction.The KOA modeling rats were further randomly divided into a model group,an MA group,an EA group,and a moxibustion group,with 8 rats in each group.In the MA,EA,and moxibustion groups,interventions targeting the right Futu(ST32)and Zusanli(ST36)were performed for 15 min,once every other day,for 14 sessions.The normal and model groups were bundled on the self-made fixation frame for 15 min.The rat knee joint diameter was measured on the 8th day of adaptive feeding,after successful modeling,and after the 14th intervention.Lequesne behavioral scoring was performed after successful modeling and after the 14th intervention.After the 14th intervention,hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and Masson staining were performed with the cartilage sections of the right knee joint.The pathomorphological changes of the rat joint cartilage were observed and quantified by Mankin's score.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the rat serum levels of IL-6,IL-10,and MMP13.Additionally,16S rDNA sequencing was used to detect the composition of rat fecal flora.Results:Compared to the normal group,the right knee joint diameter and the Lequesne score were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the right knee joint diameter and the Lequesne score of rats in the MA,EA,and moxibustion groups were significantly reduced(P<0.01),with no significant differences among the three intervention groups(P>0.05).HE staining and Masson staining revealed disordered cartilage structure in the model group,which was improved following interventions in the MA group,EA group,and moxibustion group.Mankin's score was significantly higher in the model group versus the normal group(P<0.05)while significantly lower in the MA,EA,and moxibustion groups versus the model group(P<0.05).Serum analysis showed elevated IL-6 and MMP13 levels and reduced IL-10 level in the model group versus the normal group(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the serum IL-6 level was significantly reduced(P<0.05),and the IL-10 level was significantly increased(P<0.05)in the MA,EA,and moxibustion groups,but without statistical differences among the three intervention groups(P>0.05);moreover,the MMP13 level in the moxibustion group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P<0.05).The alpha diversity analysis of intestinal flora showed no statistical difference in the number of operational taxonomic units(OTUs)and alpha diversity index among groups(P>0.05).Intestinal flora beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences among groups(P<0.05).Intestinal flora composition analysis showed significantly increased relative abundance of Lactobacillus(P<0.05)and significantly decreased relative abundance of Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes(P<0.05)in the model group compared to the normal group;compared to the model group,the relative abundances of Firmicutes,Lactobacillus,and Romboutsia in the MA,EA,and moxibustion groups were significantly reduced(P<0.05);the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136 in the MA group increased significantly(P<0.05);Bacteroidetes and Ruminococcaceaae_UGC-005 increased significantly in the moxibustion group(P<0.05).Conclusion:MA,EA,and moxibustion effectively reduced knee joint swelling,improved cartilage tissue morphology,optimized intestinal flora composition,down-regulated expression levels of serum pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and MMP13,and increased expression level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in KOA rats.Among them,moxibustion exhibited the most obvious regulatory effect on inflammatory factors.
7.Characteristics and implications of observation tools for physical activity among children and adolescents
QIU Yanping, WANG Lijuan, QI Jing, CHEN Huan, ZHENG Nan, LI Xiaoqing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):310-314
Abstract
To analyzes the characteristics, problems and enlightenment of physical activity observation tools, so as to provide reference for researchers to quickly and accurately choose appropriate observation tools to evaluate children s and adolescents physical activity. Literature search is conducted in eight databases of Chinese and English, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, ERIC, and SPORTDiscus. Ultimately, eight observation tools for assessing physical activity in children and adolescents are included. Through summarization and comparison, it is found that the applications of those tools cover multiple age groups, the observation indicators cover multiple dimensions for each with varying emphases, and the applicable contexts vary in their specific background information, and recording methods tend to be quantitative. However, several issues remain to be addressed in practical applications. First, the observation indicators need to be supplemented and improved; second, physical activity in community environments and academic classrooms requires further attention; third, physical activity intensity needs to be scientifically evaluated; fourth, observation and recording methods need to be integrated and innovated; fifth, the number of observation subjects needs to be expanded. Future research could focus on developing observation tools tailored to the characteristics of Chinese children and adolescents, while drawing on foreign observation tools to comprehensively assess physical activity among children and adolescents.
8.Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome: Two Cases Treated with Autologous Seminal Plasma Subcutaneous Cluster Immunotherapy
Lun LI ; Yanping DUAN ; Fan ZHI ; Jing ZHANG ; Yu LI ; Bei LIU ; Jia YIN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):341-347
Post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare condition characterized by the rapid onset of extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, difficulty concentrating, depression, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, itchy eyes, and other physical and psychological discomforts following ejaculation. This report presents the outcomes of two patients with POIS who underwent a two-year course of autologous seminal plasma subcutaneous cluster immunotherapy. Treatment efficacy was assessed using methods such as the symptom Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Union Physio-Psycho-Social Assessment Questionnaire (UPPSAQ)-70, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). The results suggest that autologous seminal plasma subcutaneous cluster immunother-apy may be a safe and effective therapeutic approach for POIS.
9.Characteristics of individuals attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
LI Yao ; YANG Jingyuan ; YANG Hong ; LI Xiangchun ; KONG Ruiqin ; LIU Jing ; BAI Baobao ; ZHANG Yanping ; LI Hui
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):356-360
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics and HIV confirmed positive status among individuals attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so as to provide the basis for enhancing interventions targeting high-risk populations for AIDS.
Methods:
Demographic information, reasons for consultation, consulting institutions, and HIV antibody testing data of individuals attending VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2023 were collected through the VCT database of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The characteristics of individuals attending VCT were described. Factors affecting HIV confirmed positive among VCT clinic attendees were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 249 919 individuals attended VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2023, including 128 069 males (51.24%) and 121 850 females (48.76%). The majority of attendees were aged 25-<35 years, accounting for 92 445 cases (36.99%). Among them, 785 cases were confirmed as HIV positive, with a positivity rate of 0.31%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that males (OR=4.787, 95%CI: 3.562-6.434), 45-<65 years of age (45-<55 years, OR=7.723, 95%CI: 1.786-33.406; 55-<65 years, OR=7.689, 95%CI: 1.757-33.653), being unmarried (OR=2.143, 95%CI: 1.580-2.906), junior high school education or below (OR=1.147, 95%CI: 1.042-2.430), having the history of high-risk behaviors or exposure risks (commercial heterosexual behaviors, OR=2.717, 95%CI: 1.707-4.324; non-commercial non-fixed heterosexual behaviors, OR=5.421, 95%CI: 3.763-7.809; homosexual behaviors, OR=70.774, 95%CI: 48.409-103.473; having an HIV-positive spouse/fixed partner/mother, OR=100.024, 95%CI: 62.490-160.100; drug injection, OR=5.366, 95%CI: 2.213-13.014), and seeking general hospitals or traditional Chinese medicine hospitals (OR=1.973, 95%CI: 1.650-2.360) were associated with a higher risk of HIV confirmed positive.
Conclusions
HIV confirmed positive among individuals attending VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is associated with gender, age, marital status, educational level, reasons for consultation, and consulting institutions. It is recommended to strengthen health education and targeted interventions for high-risk populations to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
10.Mechanism of electroacupuncture-induced macrophage polarization in promoting acute skeletal muscle injury repair in rats.
Yuting HUANG ; Yuye LIN ; Guojun ZHANG ; Chufan ZENG ; Xia ZHANG ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Yu KAN ; Yanping FANG ; Xianghong JING ; Jun LIAO
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):791-800
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the potential mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) induces macrophage polarization to promote muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury.
METHODS:
Forty-two SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a blank group (n=6), a model group (n=18), and an EA group (n=18). The model and EA groups established acute blunt contusion model of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a self-made striking device. From day 1 after modeling, rats in the EA group received EA at "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) on the right side, using disperse-dense wave with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of approximately 2 mA. The EA treatment was administered once daily for 30 minutes for 3, 7, or 14 days based on the designated sampling time points. Gait analysis was performed using the Cat Walk XTTM system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. Masson staining was applied to evaluate collagen fiber content. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in muscle satellite cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression levels of CD68 and CD206, markers of macrophages. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) were detected using ELISA.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in average movement speed on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), and a decrease in the right hind limb stride length on day 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group showed increased average movement speed and right hind limb stride length on day 7 (P<0.05). In the blank group, the gastrocnemius muscle on the right side showed uniform and consistent inter-fiber spacing, with neatly and regularly arranged muscle cells. In contrast, the model group exhibited enlarged inter-fiber spacing, edema, and significant infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells, with progressively increasing fibrosis over time. By day 14 after modeling, the EA group showed a return to baseline levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly lower than that observed in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the ratio of collagen fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group increased significantly on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited a lower collagen fiber ratio on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, PCNA positive expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group was significantly increased on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly higher PCNA positive expression on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in CD68-positive macrophage expression in the gastrocnemius muscle on day 3 after modeling (P<0.05), while CD206-positive macrophage expression increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CD68 expression was significantly lower in the EA group on day 3 (P<0.05), whereas CD206 expression was significantly higher on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7 with CD206 expression. Compared with the blank group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the model group on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), while serum IL-1β levels were increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher on day 7 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited lower serum TNF-α level on day 3 (P<0.05) and reduced serum IL-1β levels on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), while serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased on day 7 (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
EA could promote the repair of acute blunt contusion-induced gastrocnemius muscle injury by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is closely related to macrophage polarization.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats
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Macrophages/immunology*
;
Muscle, Skeletal/immunology*
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Female
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
;
Cell Proliferation


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