1.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
2.Distribution and source tracing analysis of drug-resistant bacteria in the environment at pig farms in Shandong Province
Shu-meng YOU ; Yong WANG ; Da-yang ZOU ; Hong-bin WANG ; Jun-zhu BAI ; Dan-jie ZHANG ; Liang WEN ; Yuan-yong XU ; Wen-yi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):623-628
This study investigated the drug resistance and genetic relationships among strains co-existing in animals,the environ-ment,and the living quarters of employees at large-scale pig farms in certain regions of Shandong Province,to provide a scientific ba-sis for elucidating the transmission mechanisms of drug-resistant bacteria through bacterial traceability analysis.Samples were col-lected from two pig farms,and bacteria were isolated and purified.The species of the isolated strains were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted with a VITEK-2 Compact system and the disk diffusion method for strains present in pigs,the environment,and living areas.Furthermore,whole-genome sequencing was performed on the Illumina Miniseq platform to annotate drug resistance genes,and multilocus sequence typing(MLST)and core genome single nucleotide poly-morphism(cgSNP)analyses were used to trace the resistant strains.Three species—Staphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Bacillus cereus—were isolated and cultured from animals,the environment,and employee living areas,and their distributions were analyzed.These strains exhibited diverse drug resistance spectra and genetic diversity.Additionally,the strains displayed highly consistent resistance profiles,resistance genes,ST types,and SNP loci in pig urine,soil both inside and outside the facility,human drinking water,and the cafeteria and dormitories.Our findings indicated a potential risk of transmission of opportunistic pathogens be-tween the pig farming area and the living quarters.Particular attention should be paid to the environmental transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
3.Analysis on the disease burden trend and attributable risk factors of common gynecological cancers in China from 1990 to 2021
Xiao-hui ZHOU ; Yi-xin ZOU ; Zhuo-ying LI ; Yu-xuan XIAO ; Dan-dan TANG ; Yu-xin ZHOU ; Pei-wen LU ; Qun XU ; Yong-bing XIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):783-793
Objective To describe and analyze the current status,changing trend and influencing factors of the disease burden of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer in China from 1990 to 2021.Methods Data on incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life year(DALY),and other indicators for cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer were collected from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease database.Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze time trends,and age-period-cohort(APC)models assessed their impact on incidence and mortality.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the sociodemographic index(SDI)and the cancer indicators.Finally,the attributable risk factors for the disease burden were analyzed.Results From 1990 to 2021,age-standardized incidence rates of cervical and endometrial cancers in China significantly increased,while ovarian cancer showed no significant change.Age-standardized mortality,DALY,and years of life lost due to premature death(YLL)decreased significantly.The disease burden was heavier in middle-aged and older groups.APC model indicated an increase in cervical cancer incidence and a decrease in mortality over time.Furthermore,the incidence risks of cervical and endometrial cancers were elevated in successive birth cohorts,whereas a lower risk was observed for ovarian cancer.Correlation analysis showed significant associations between cancer incidence and mortality with SDI.Obesity has significantly contributed to the disease burden of common gynecologic cancers in China.Conclusion Mortality rates of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer have declined,while the incidence of cervical and endometrial cancers has significantly increased.The trends in incidence and mortality are influenced by age,period and cohort effects.Future efforts should focus on controlling risk factors like obesity to reduce the disease burden.
4.Distribution and source tracing analysis of drug-resistant bacteria in the environment at pig farms in Shandong Province
Shu-meng YOU ; Yong WANG ; Da-yang ZOU ; Hong-bin WANG ; Jun-zhu BAI ; Dan-jie ZHANG ; Liang WEN ; Yuan-yong XU ; Wen-yi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):623-628
This study investigated the drug resistance and genetic relationships among strains co-existing in animals,the environ-ment,and the living quarters of employees at large-scale pig farms in certain regions of Shandong Province,to provide a scientific ba-sis for elucidating the transmission mechanisms of drug-resistant bacteria through bacterial traceability analysis.Samples were col-lected from two pig farms,and bacteria were isolated and purified.The species of the isolated strains were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted with a VITEK-2 Compact system and the disk diffusion method for strains present in pigs,the environment,and living areas.Furthermore,whole-genome sequencing was performed on the Illumina Miniseq platform to annotate drug resistance genes,and multilocus sequence typing(MLST)and core genome single nucleotide poly-morphism(cgSNP)analyses were used to trace the resistant strains.Three species—Staphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Bacillus cereus—were isolated and cultured from animals,the environment,and employee living areas,and their distributions were analyzed.These strains exhibited diverse drug resistance spectra and genetic diversity.Additionally,the strains displayed highly consistent resistance profiles,resistance genes,ST types,and SNP loci in pig urine,soil both inside and outside the facility,human drinking water,and the cafeteria and dormitories.Our findings indicated a potential risk of transmission of opportunistic pathogens be-tween the pig farming area and the living quarters.Particular attention should be paid to the environmental transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
5.Analysis on the disease burden trend and attributable risk factors of common gynecological cancers in China from 1990 to 2021
Xiao-hui ZHOU ; Yi-xin ZOU ; Zhuo-ying LI ; Yu-xuan XIAO ; Dan-dan TANG ; Yu-xin ZHOU ; Pei-wen LU ; Qun XU ; Yong-bing XIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):783-793
Objective To describe and analyze the current status,changing trend and influencing factors of the disease burden of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer in China from 1990 to 2021.Methods Data on incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life year(DALY),and other indicators for cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer were collected from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease database.Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze time trends,and age-period-cohort(APC)models assessed their impact on incidence and mortality.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the sociodemographic index(SDI)and the cancer indicators.Finally,the attributable risk factors for the disease burden were analyzed.Results From 1990 to 2021,age-standardized incidence rates of cervical and endometrial cancers in China significantly increased,while ovarian cancer showed no significant change.Age-standardized mortality,DALY,and years of life lost due to premature death(YLL)decreased significantly.The disease burden was heavier in middle-aged and older groups.APC model indicated an increase in cervical cancer incidence and a decrease in mortality over time.Furthermore,the incidence risks of cervical and endometrial cancers were elevated in successive birth cohorts,whereas a lower risk was observed for ovarian cancer.Correlation analysis showed significant associations between cancer incidence and mortality with SDI.Obesity has significantly contributed to the disease burden of common gynecologic cancers in China.Conclusion Mortality rates of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer have declined,while the incidence of cervical and endometrial cancers has significantly increased.The trends in incidence and mortality are influenced by age,period and cohort effects.Future efforts should focus on controlling risk factors like obesity to reduce the disease burden.
6.Associations between the diet-related inflammation indices and digestive system cancer:a narrative review of epidemiological studies
Jing-Yu TAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jun CHEN ; Dan-Ni YANG ; Yi-Xin ZOU ; Wan-Shui YANG ; Yong-Bing XIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(3):404-414
The inflammatory effect of dietary is strongly related to the development of cancer,therefore,the diet-related inflammatory index was developed as a methodological tool to investigate the relationship between dietary,inflammation and tumors.In this paper,we summarized the results on diet-related inflammatory indices and common cancers of the digestive system based on relevant cancer epidemiological studies.The available epidemiological evidence suggests that pro-inflammatory diet is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies,with the strongest association with colorectal cancer,followed by esophageal and gastric cancers,and then pancreatic cancer,and the least evidence of studies with liver cancer.Among these studies,the level of evidence for esophageal cancer is lower than colorectal cancer,the study of gastric cancer has gender differences and problems in adjusting for confounders,and the study of pancreatic cancer has heterogeneous results.In view of the current research progress and deficiencies,prospective studies or population-based cohort studies,as well as strengthening nutritional epidemiological studies related to common tumors such as liver cancer could be considered in the future.This review is expecting to provide basic information and scientific basis for strengthening the related healthy eating behavior promotion in the prevention and control of digestive system tumors.
7.BCS1Neonatal growth retardation and lactic acidosis initiated by novel mutation sites in L gene.
Ming WANG ; Dong Juan WANG ; Yi SHU ; Dan ZHU ; Chao Wen YU ; Xiao Yan HE ; Lin ZOU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(6):912-917
This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and genetic variations of two cases with developmental delay and lactic acidosis in a family, and to explore the relationship between genetic variations and clinical features. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical characteristics of two siblings with developmental delay and lactic acidosis who were treated at the Neonatal Department of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in May 2019 and December 2021, respectively. Whole-exome sequencing was used to detect genetic variations in the affected children. Homology modeling of the BCS1L protein was performed to analyze the structural and functional changes of the protein. The correlation between genetic variations and clinical phenotypes was analyzed. The results showed that the main clinical features of the two affected children in this family were manifestations of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅲ deficiency, including prematurity, developmental delay, respiratory failure, lactic acidosis, cholestasis, liver dysfunction, renal tubular lesions, coagulation dysfunction, anemia, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, and early death. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel deletion mutation c.486_488delGGA (p.E163del) and a novel missense mutation c.992C>T (p.T331I) in the BCS1L gene. Structural analysis of the homology modeling showed that the compound heterozygous mutation had a significant impact on protein function. In conclusion, the novel mutation site c.992C>T (p.T331I) in the BCS1L gene is a "likely pathogenic" mutation, and the compound heterozygous mutation is closely related to the phenotype of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅲ deficiency.
Humans
;
Acidosis, Lactic/genetics*
;
Electron Transport Complex III/genetics*
;
Retrospective Studies
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Mutation
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Growth Disorders
;
ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities/genetics*
8.A new form of familial platelet disorder caused by germline mutations in RUNX1 in a pedigree.
Jun GUAN ; Lan Lan WANG ; Chun Yan WANG ; Xian Min ZHU ; Hua Zhou SHUAI ; Xue YI ; Liang ZOU ; Dan YU ; Hui CHENG
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2023;62(4):393-400
Objective: To investigate the clinical and biological characteristics of familial platelet disorder (FPD) with germline Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) 1 mutations. Methods: Patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1 mutations from February 2016 to December 2021 in Wuhan No.1 Hospital underwent pedigree analysis and were screened for gene mutations (somatic and germline). Patients diagnosed with FPD with germline RUNX1 mutations were enrolled and evaluated in terms of clinical characteristics and biological evolution. Bioinformatics analysis was used to assess the pathogenicity of mutations and to analyze the effect of mutated genes on the function of the corresponding protein. Results: Germline RUNX1 mutations were detected in three out of 34 patients suffering from MDS/AML who had RUNX1 mutations. A pedigree of FPD with RUNX1 (RUNX1-FPD) c.562A>C and RUNX1 c.1415T>C mutations was diagnosed, and the mutations were of patrilineal origin. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the locus at positions 188 and 472 in the AML-1G type of RUNX1 was highly conserved across different species, and that variations might influence functions of the proteins. The mutations were evaluated to be highly pathogenic. Of the nine cases with germline RUNX1 mutations: two patients died due AML progression; one case with AML survived without leukemia after transplantation of hemopoietic stem cells; four patients showed mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia; two cases had no thrombocytopenia. During the disease course of the proband and her son, mutations in RUNX1, NRAS and/or CEBPA and KIT appeared in succession, and expression of cluster of differentiation-7 on tumor cells was enhanced gradually. None of the gene mutations correlated with the tumor were detected in the four cases not suffering from MDS/AML, and they survived until the end of follow-up. Conclusions: RUNX1-FPD was rare. The mutations c.562A>C and c.1415T>C of RUNX1 could be the disease-causing genes for the family with RUNX1-FPD, and these mutations could promote malignant transformation. Biological monitoring should be carried out regularly to aid early intervention for family members with RUNX1-FPD.
Humans
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Female
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Germ-Line Mutation
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Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics*
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Pedigree
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Blood Platelet Disorders/complications*
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Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics*
9.Association between particulate matters and influenza-like cases in Pudong New Area of Shanghai
Zou CHEN ; Yuan-ping WANG ; Dan LIU ; Wei-ping ZHU ; Qi ZHAO ; Yi-xin ZHOU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2022;33(5):32-35
Objective To assess the association between atmospheric particulate matter and influenza-like illness in Pudong New Area so as to provide a basis for formulating relevant control measures. Methods The Poisson distribution generalized addition model was used in this study to evaluate the relationship between atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and the number of daily influenza-like illness cases using the data of meteorological factors, air pollutants and influenza-like cases obtained from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018 in Pudong New Area. Results There was a correlation between atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and the number of influenza-like illness cases in Pudong New Area. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in the concentration of the two particulate matter, the number of influenza-like illness cases increased by 2.48% (95%CI: 2.27% -2.68%) and1.87% (95%CI: 1.70% - 2.04%) after a lag of 0-7d (lag0 - lag7). After incorporating the effects of SO2 and NO22 in the multi-pollutant model, the effect of atmospheric particulate matter on the number of influenza-like illness cases increased. Conclusion The increases in the concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter (PMluate the relationship between atmospheric particulate matter (PM, PM10) may increase the number of influenza-like illness cases in Pudong New Area.
10.The Effect of KRAS on Proliferation and Apoptosis of T-ALL Cell Lines.
Zi-Yang LIU ; Yi SHU ; Guo FU ; Hong-Yu SU ; Dan ZHU ; La-Mei ZENG ; De-Yu MA ; Lin ZOU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2022;30(4):1040-1048
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the function of RAS protein on the progression of the T-ALL cell lines in vitro.
METHODS:
The DNA of the T-ALL cells was purified then amplified the coding regions of three RAS genes (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS) by PCR reaction. After T-A cloning, the coding regions of KRAS, NRAS and HRAS were sequenced by Sanger Sequencing. The siRNA oligonucleotides were cloned into the pSEH-361 vector, which were then packaged into retroviral together with pAMPHO and pVSVG in the HEK-293T cells. The T-ALL cells were infected with the retrovirus. The gene expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The T-ALL cells were stained with Annexin V-PE/7-AAD and the apoptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry. The T-ALL cells were stained with Hoechst 33258, and the cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved-Caspase 3 was stained with antibody and observed with fluorescence microscope.
RESULTS:
For RAS genes, beside the Loucy and the P12-ICH cells harbored KRAS c.6187G>A (p.KRASG12D) homozygous mutant, no missense mutation of RAS was found in other T-ALL cells genome. The pan RAS inhibitor compound 3144 showed toxicity to all tested T-ALL cells, except PEER (IC50=47.916 μmol/L). Similarly, Tipifarnib induced apoptosis of multiple T-ALL cell lines except for the PEER cells (IC50=94.2265 μmol/L). After KRAS knock-down, the T-ALL cells showed significant apoptosis and an arrested cell cycle.
CONCLUSION
The KRAS protein is vital for the progression of the T-ALL cells in vitro, it is a potential therapeutic target for T-ALL patients.
Apoptosis
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Cell Line
;
Cell Proliferation
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Humans
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Mutation
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Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics*


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