1.Mechanism of benzoapyrene-induced mitochondrial DNA damage mediated by PDX-1/TFAM pathway
Rong CUI ; Yi CHENG ; Li WANG ; Xiaohe ZHAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):575-581
Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L−1), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.
2.Mechanism of benzoapyrene-induced mitochondrial DNA damage mediated by PDX-1/TFAM pathway
Rong CUI ; Yi CHENG ; Li WANG ; Xiaohe ZHAI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):575-581
Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L−1), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L−1 groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.
3.Kynurenine Pathway and Its Metabolites in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Close Link
Ya-Qian XIAO ; Li-Chen QIAO ; De-Chang RONG ; Yu-Chen LEI ; Hakan ÜREY ; Lan-Lan ZUO ; Hasan BAYRAM ; Reza A. GHILADI ; Yi-Fan DUAN ; Meng-Jiao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2402-2413
Kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major catabolic route of tryptophan, generating a series of bioactive metabolites including kynurenine, kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid, and 3-hydroxykynurenine. Beyond its fundamental role in amino acid metabolism, KP exerts critical regulatory functions in neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and immune modulation. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with onset in early childhood, characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Despite extensive research, the etiological mechanisms underlying ASD remain highly complex and incompletely understood, involving genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Emerging clinical evidence has consistently revealed a significant imbalance in KP metabolites in individuals with ASD, often accompanied by altered ratios of neuroprotective versus neurotoxic byproducts. However, the primary drivers of this metabolic dysregulation and its causative contribution to ASD pathogenesis are not yet fully elucidated. In this review, we systematically review the enzymatic steps of KP and the principal physiological functions of its major metabolites, with particular emphasis on their dual roles in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. We then analyze the potential pathogenic mechanisms through which KP dysfunction may contribute to ASD, focusing on two interconnected etiological dimensions. First, KP imbalance can promote oxidative stress, which in turn triggers chronic inflammatory responses via microglial activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby disrupting neuronal homeostasis. Second, aberrant KP metabolism affects neurotransmitter systems, particularly glutamatergic and dopaminergic signaling, leading to impaired neural circuit development and synaptic pruning. By integrating current findings on the KP-ASD association, this review offers a comprehensive etiological framework and a clinically relevant paradigm. Furthermore, we highlight that specific KP metabolites, such as the KA/quinolinic acid ratio, hold promise as peripheral biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease stratification. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting KP enzymes or receptors for personalized intervention strategies, while acknowledging the challenges in translating these findings into clinical practice.
4.Helicobacter pylori infection and neuropsychiatric disorders: a review of research progress
Xingxu YI ; Rong SONG ; Chuan LI ; Yanhong FANG ; Xin YU ; Zhiyuan TANG ; Hong SU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1492-1497
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is not only associated with gastrointestinal diseases, but also potentially links with neuropsychiatric disorders revealed by recent studies. Through a systematic review of the existing literature, this review summarizes epidemiological evidence for the association between H. pylori infection and diseases such as Parkinson′s disease (PD), Alzheimer′s disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), migraine, depression, and anxiety disorders, and further explores potential mechanisms by which it affects central nervous system function, including neural pathways mediated by the enteric nervous system and the vagus nerve, immune pathways mediated by inflammatory cytokines, and endocrine pathways mediated by gut microbial metabolites. Additionally, the current challenges facing H. pylori eradication therapy and the prospects for emerging adjuvant strategies such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation are discussed. Finally, future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the need for prospective cohort studies based on standardized diagnostic methods and further investigation using animal models to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms, with the aim of providing new perspectives for the prevention, treatment, and early intervention of related neuropsychiatric disorders.
5.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
6.Research progress on the impact of internet gaming disorder on adolescent brain structure and function
Hong-Yao YI ; Xiao-Fan YUAN ; Rong-Lan ZHANG ; Hong CHEN ; Fan YANG ; Jian LI ; Hong CHEN
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(3):364-370
With the rapid development of the Internet,the problem of internet gaming disorder(IGD)among adolescents has gradually become prominent.IGD has caused serious harm to their physical and mental health,and it is difficult to withdraw and treat.In 2019,the World Health Organization(WHO)officially listed Gaming Disorder(GD)in the diagnostic category and included it in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases.In China,the number of adolescent internet users has approached 200 million,and the number of IGD patients is relatively large.It is urgent to make breakthroughs in the cognition and treatment of IGD.Domestic and foreign studies have shown that IGD's physical and psychological harm to adolescents is related to the abnormal activation and functional connection damage of structures such as the prefrontal lobe,limbic system,and striatum,which in turn causes neurocognitive disorders,executive dysfunction,difficulty in emotional regulation,abnormal reward and punishment feedback,behavioral abnormalities and other functional disorders;therefore,this article aims to systematically review the research literature on IGD in recent years,and use neurophysiological imaging research method to sort out the changes in the brain structure and function of adolescents with IGD,in order to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease,and assist in further clinical diagnosis,treatment,application and research design.
7.Development of a postoperative recurrence prediction model for stage Ⅰ non-small cell lung cancer patients using multimodal data based on machine learning
Di ZHANG ; Yi WU ; Yu XU ; Shuai WANG ; Yue HU ; Huawei CHEN ; Nana HU ; Rong HE ; Xueling TONG ; Mengxia LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(14):1602-1611
Objective To develop a machine learning model integrating preoperative chest CT radiomic features with clinical data for predicting 5-year postoperative recurrence risk in stage Ⅰ non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)patients undergoing surgical resection.Methods A total of 217 patients with pathologically confirmed stage Ⅰ NSCLC(selected from 778 initially screened cases based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria)treated in Army Medical Center of PLA between January 2014 and December 2019 were retrospectively enrolled,including 53 recurrence cases and 164 non-recurrence cases within 5-year follow-up.They were randomly divided into a training set(n=173)and a validation set(n=44)in a ratio of 8:2.Radiomic models were established based on extracted features from tumor-dominant regions of interest(ROI)on CT images,while clinical models were developed using demographic characteristics and preoperative laboratory examinations.A combined model was further constructed by integrating both feature sets,and model performance was compared to identify the optimal predictive model.Results This study screened the features from non-contrast CT images and ultimately selected 7 radiomic features for constructing radiomic model.Among 6 machine learning algorithms,the adaptive boosting(Adaboost)model demonstrated the best overall predictive performance,with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.866(95%CI:0.808~0.923;accuracy:0.832,specificity:0.884)in the training set and of 0.806(95%CI:0.630~0.983;accuracy:0.795,specificity:0.971)in the validation set.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified 4 clinical features for clinical model construction.The clinical model achieved an AUC value of 0.874(95%CI:0.821~0.928;accuracy:0.827,specificity:0.891)in the training set and 0.813(95%CI:0.677~0.948;accuracy:0.636,specificity:0.600)in the validation set.By integrating the 7 radiomic features and 4 clinical features using a feature-level fusion strategy,the combined model exhibited further improved predictive performance,with an AUC value of 0.953(95%CI:0.924~0.983;accuracy:0.884,specificity:0.860)and 0.852(95%CI:0.729~0.976;accuracy:0.682,specificity:0.629),respectively in the training set and the validation set.Conclusion The combined model integrating preoperative CT radiomic features with clinical risk factors may provide an evidence-based framework for evaluating 5-year postoperative recurrence risk in stage Ⅰ NSCLC patients.
8.Synthesis of A New Naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Detection of Glyphosate
Rong-Rong ZHAO ; Hong-Lin LIU ; Ying-Ping HUANG ; Cui-Wen DENG ; Song-Yan LI ; Shui-Lian YU ; Mao-Sheng TAO ; Yi-Qun TIAN ; Xi YUAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):903-913
Widespread utilization of glyphosate has led to environmental residues,posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health.Traditional methods for detection of glyphosate are limited by specialized equipment and operational techniques,resulting in inefficient responses.Therefore,it is urgent to develop a convenient,sensitive and accurate detection method for detection of glyphosate.Herein,a new naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"fluorescent probe was synthesized using 2-chloroaniline and dansyl chloride as raw materials through a one-step process,which showed a good linear relationship between the glyphosate concentration in concentration range of 0.003-70 μmol/L and the fluorescence intensity(R2=0.995),with a detection limit of 2.73 nmol/L(S/N=3).Analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)were used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the fluorescent probe and glyphosate.The results indicated that a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurred between the probe and the secondary amine(—NH—)of glyphosate,inducing a photoinduced electron transfer(PET)effect which enhanced the fluorescence intensity by 11.2 times.The probe showed good anti-interference ability towards coexisting metal ions,anions and pesticides in water.When applied to determination of glyphosate in the samples such as tap water,river water(Xiangxi River Reservoir),soil,soybeans,and corn,the spiking recoveries ranged from 94.7%to 109.9%,demonstrating the high accuracy and broad applicability of this detection method.A portable test strip based on this fluorescent probe was developed for rapid semi-quantitative analysis of glyphosate.The developed method was rapid,sensitive,and portable,providing theoretical and technical support for on-site measurement of environmental contaminants.
9.Tanreqing Capsules protect lung and gut of mice infected with influenza virus via "lung-gut axis".
Nai-Fan DUAN ; Yuan-Yuan YU ; Yu-Rong HE ; Feng CHEN ; Lin-Qiong ZHOU ; Ya-Lan LI ; Shi-Qi SUN ; Yan XUE ; Xing ZHANG ; Gui-Hua XU ; Yue-Juan ZHENG ; Wei ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2270-2281
This study aims to explore the mechanism of lung and gut protection by Tanreqing Capsules on the mice infected with influenza virus based on "the lung-gut axis". A total of 110 C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, model group, oseltamivir group, and low-and high-dose Tanreqing Capsules groups. Ten mice in each group underwent body weight protection experiments, and the remaining 12 mice underwent experiments for mechanism exploration. Mice were infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/08/1934(PR8) via nasal inhalation for the modeling. The lung tissue was collected on day 3 after gavage, and the lung tissue, colon tissue, and feces were collected on day 7 after gavage for subsequent testing. The results showed that Tanreqing Capsules alleviated the body weight reduction and increased the survival rate caused by PR8 infection. Compared with model group, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate the lung injury by reducing the lung index, alleviating inflammation and edema in the lung tissue, down-regulating viral gene expression at the late stage of infection, reducing the percentage of neutrophils, and increasing the percentage of T cells. Tanreqing Capsules relieved the gut injury by restoring the colon length, increasing intestinal lumen mucin secretion, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and reducing goblet cell destruction. The gut microbiota analysis showed that Tanreqing Capsules increased species diversity compared with model group. At the phylum level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while reducing the abundance of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria to maintain gut microbiota balance. At the genus level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae while reducing the abundance of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Phocaeicola to maintain gut microbiota balance. In conclusion, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate mouse lung and gut injury caused by influenza virus infection and restore the balance of gut microbiota. Treating influenza from the lung and gut can provide new ideas for clinical practice.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Lung/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Capsules
;
Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Female
;
Influenza A virus/physiology*
;
Influenza, Human/virology*
10.Effect of different exercise modes on people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity
Yong CAO ; Qin-xia BO ; Li CAO ; Rong JIANG ; Long YI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(3):254-258
Objective To investigate the effect of different exercise modes on people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and obesity,thereby providing evidence-based exercise prescriptions for the rehabilitation of this population.Methods Patients diagnosed with NAFLD and obesity through health screenings at the Physical Examination Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January to September 2023 were selected and assigned into three groups by random number table method,with 52 cases in each group.The aerobic group underwent aerobic exercise,the resistance group underwent resistance exercise,and the combined group underwent a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise for a duration of 12 weeks.The liver function indicators[including alanine aminotransferase(ALT),gamma-glutamyl transferase(GGT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),albumin,and bilirubin],BMI,waist circumference,blood glucose,and triglyceride(TG)levels in each group were detected and compared.The improvement effect of different exercise modes on the above various indexes in patients with NAFLD and obesity was analyzed.Results After intervention,BMI and waist circumference were significantly decreased in each group(P<0.05);and the ALT,GGT,albumin,bilirubin,TG and blood glucose of the combined group were significantly improved compared with those before intervention(P<0.05).Resistance exercise had a better improvement effect on the ALT,GGT,AST and TG than aerobic exercise(P<0.05),while which had no significant difference in the albumin,bilirubin,BMI,waist circumference or blood glucose compared with aerobic exercise(P>0.05).The improvement effects of aerobic+resistance combined exercise on the BMI,waist circumference,albumin,bilirubin and TG were better than those of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise alone(P<0.05),while which had no significant difference in the improvement of the ALT,GGT or AST compared with resistance exercise alone(P>0.05).Conclusion For people with NAFLD and obesity,a combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention is recommended,which can improve the liver function,body fat distribution and related metabolic indexes of patients,with better treatment results.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail