1.Mechanism of drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules in inhibiting microglial ferroptosis
Guangkun FAN ; Yue QI ; Jixian WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Chunpeng XIA ; Yihang WANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Yang AN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):317-323
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism by which drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules (DXQ) inhibits microglial ferroptosis. METHODS Male SD rats were given normal saline and Dianxianqing granules solution via intragastric administration to prepare normal serum and DXQ, respectively. Mice microglia BV2 cells were collected and successfully transfected with a negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC), and then they were included in the si-NC group and cultured under normal conditions. Cells successfully transfected with small interfering RNA targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (si-GPX4) were divided into the si-GPX4 group, the CsA group (treated with 1 μmol/L cyclosporine A), and the DXQ- L, DXQ-M and DXQ-H groups (treated with 5%, 7% and 10% DXQ, respectively). These groups were subsequently treated with their corresponding drug solutions and ferroptosis inducer Erastin (10 μmol/L). The intracellular levels of total iron ions, glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of mitochondrial superoxide were determined in each group after 48 h of treatment. Additionally, mitochondrial membrane potential, the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and cyclophilin D (CypD) were detected. Furthermore, the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins[GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1)], as well as MPTP-related proteins [adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cytochrome C (CytC), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and CypD] were assessed. RESULTS Compared with si-NC group, the levels of total iron ions and ROS, the expression level of mitochondrial superoxide, the opening degree of MPTP, protein and its mRNA expressions of CypD as well as protein expressions of TfR1 and MCU were increased or up-regulated significantly (P<0.01); however, GSH content, mitochondrial membrane potential, protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4, and protein expressions of FTH1, ANT and CytC were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the si-GPX4 group, the cells in the DXQ-M, DXQ-H groups showed a general improvement in the above quantitative indicators (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS DXQ can enhance antioxidant capacity by activating the GSH/GPX4 pathway, regulate the expressions of TfR1 and FTH1 protein to correct iron ion homeostasis, inhibit excessive opening of MPTP to improve mitochondrial function, and ultimately suppress microglial ferroptosis.
2.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation based on the Holistic View of "Spleen-Vessels-Heart-Spirit"
Yihang DU ; Chenglin DUAN ; Xueping ZHU ; Meng LYU ; Jiafan CHEN ; Yi WEI ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):89-92
Based on the holistic view of "spleen-vessels-heart-spirit" system, this article explores the pathogenesis and progression of atrial fibrillation. It is proposed that the onset of atrial fibrillation is due to failure of the spleen to transport and disharmony of blood vessels; phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals and damage to the heart structure are the basis of its pathogenesis; the unclear mind and disorder of body and spirit are the causes of its progression. Based on the characteristics of pathological changes in different stages of the disease, it is proposed that early treatment should focus on restoring the middle jiao, clearing and promoting blood vessels, using modified Yigong Powder (异功散); during the progression of the disease, treatment should remove blood stasis and phlegm, nourish heart and protect the pulse, using self-prescribed modified Mengshi Tongmai Decoction (礞石通脉汤); meanwhile, calming mind and stabilizing palpitations, and regulating spirit should be sequentially incorporated, with self-prescribed Jiazao Ningmai Decoction (甲枣宁脉汤) or Shenying Dingji Decoction (参英定悸汤) and modified as appropriate. Clinical treatment should focus on the whole disease course of atrial fibrillation, implementing stage-based treatments to enable early intervention and holistic regulation.
3.Design of a Capture Stress-Free Marmoset Monkey Chair Device for Experiments and Its Preliminary Application
Shengye XU ; Junfeng HUANG ; Yihang CHEN ; Liangtang CHANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):67-72
ObjectiveTo avoid stress responses in experimental monkeys caused by direct capture, and to improve the adaptability and experimental efficiency of marmosets in behavioral, two-photon imaging, and electrophysiological experiments, a device for immobilizing marmosets without the need for capture is developed. MethodsA set of compatible transport cage and monkey chair was produced through 3D graphic design and printing. First, the transport cage was aligned with the feeding outlet of the experimental housing cage, and the marmoset was gently guided into the transport cage. Then, the transport cage was connected to the monkey chair, and the marmoset was gently guided into the chair for immobilization. Subsequent experiments were carried out afterward. The effectiveness was evaluated by observing the efficiency of transport and immobilization, the marmoset cooperation level, and stress responses. ResultsAfter testing and improvements, the device successfully completed immobilization of marmosets without the need for capture, significantly improving the fluency and efficiency of the experiment. As the number of operations increased, the marmosets became more cooperative, and the operation speed was significantly enhanced. After using the device, the stress responses were noticeably reduced, with marmosets showing lower stress levels. In particular, compared to traditional capture methods, the use of this device significantly reduced marmoset anxiety and discomfort, increasing their cooperation levels during the experiment. ConclusionThe monkey chair device designed allows for restraint of marmosets without the need for capture, ensuring smooth progress of subsequent experiments while also safeguarding animal welfare. This device is easy to operate, highly practical, cost-effective, and has great potential for widespread application.
4.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
5.Secular trend and projection of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from 1985 to 2019: Rural areas are becoming the focus of investment.
Jiajia DANG ; Yunfei LIU ; Shan CAI ; Panliang ZHONG ; Di SHI ; Ziyue CHEN ; Yihang ZHANG ; Yanhui DONG ; Jun MA ; Yi SONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):311-317
BACKGROUND:
The urban-rural disparities in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are narrowing, and there is a need for long-term and updated data to explain this inequality, understand the underlying mechanisms, and identify priority groups for interventions.
METHODS:
We analyzed data from seven rounds of the Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) conducted from 1985 to 2019, focusing on school-age children and adolescents aged 7-18 years. Joinpoint regression was used to identify inflection points (indicating a change in the trend) in the prevalence of overweight and obesity during the study period, stratified by urban/rural areas and sex. Annual percent change (APC), average annual percent change (AAPC), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Polynomial regression models were used to predict the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in 2025 and 2030, considering urban/rural areas, sex, and age groups.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban boys and girls showed an inflection point of 2000, with AAPC values of 10.09% (95% CI: 7.33-12.92%, t = 7.414, P <0.001) and 8.67% (95% CI: 6.10-11.30%, t = 6.809, P <0.001), respectively. The APC for urban boys decreased from 18.31% (95% CI: 4.72-33.67%, t = 5.926, P = 0.027) to 4.01% (95% CI: 1.33-6.75%, t = 6.486, P = 0.023), while the APC for urban girls decreased from 13.88% (95% CI: 1.82-27.38%, t = 4.994, P = 0.038) to 4.72% (95% CI: 1.43-8.12%, t = 6.215, P = 0.025). However, no inflection points were observed in the best-fit models for rural boys and girls during the period 1985-2019. The prevalence of overweight and obesity for both urban and rural boys is expected to converge at 35.76% by approximately 2027. A similar pattern is observed for urban and rural girls, with a prevalence of overweight and obesity reaching 20.86% in 2025.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chinese children and adolescents has been steadily increasing from 1985 to 2019. A complete reversal in urban-rural prevalence is expected by 2027, with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in rural areas. Urgent action is needed to address health inequities and increase investments, particularly policies targeting rural children and adolescents.
Humans
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Child
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Adolescent
;
Female
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Male
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Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
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Overweight/epidemiology*
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Prevalence
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China/epidemiology*
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Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology*
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Obesity/epidemiology*
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Urban Population
6.T cell-related ubiquitination genes as prognostic indicators in hepatocellular carcinoma
Zheng CHEN ; Zheyu ZHOU ; Yihang YUAN ; Chaobo CHEN
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(4):226-230
Objective:To construct a novel clinical prognosis signature for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients using T cell-related ubiquitination genes.Methods:Transcriptome and clinical data of 371 liver cancer and 50 normal samples were obtained from the TCGA database, and microarray sequencing data of 221 liver cancer samples were selected from the GSE14520 dataset. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of HCC patients were analyzed to identify T cell-related marker genes. These were combined with ubiquitination-related genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on TCGA transcriptome data to select key genes, resulting in the identification of T cell-related ubiquitination genes. A prognostic model was then constructed using LASSO-Cox regression. Finally, a nomogram was created by combining risk scores and clinical parameters. Count data were expressed by examples and percentages(%). Spearman correlation test was used for correlation analysis. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis.Results:Initially, 1 458 T cell-related marker genes were identified. Intersection with 797 ubiquitination-related genes led to the identification of 94 common genes. WGCNA analysis revealed the prognosis-related module MEturquoise. After performing differential gene analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and COX regression, 16 candidate genes were confirmed. LASSO-COX algorithm accurately selected five key genes- UBE2S, PSMD1, FBXL5, UBE2E1, and PSMA7—to construct the prognostic model. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the risk score of the prognostic model was significantly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients (Log-rank test=0.001). Both univariate and multivariate COX regression analysed demonstrated that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients( P<0.05). Finally, a nomogram was constructed by combining the risk score and clinical parameters, providing a more accurate prediction of patient prognosis. Conclusion:The T cell-related ubiquitination gene prognostic model can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with liver cancer.
7.Ancient Literature Analysis and Key Information Textual Research of Classic Formula Guizhi Mahuang Geban Tang
Shiyan LIU ; Yihang LOU ; Jidong WU ; Renshou CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):10-19
Guizhi Mahuang Geban Tang derived from ZHANG Zhongjing's Treatise on Cold Damage is included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic formulas (the second batch) issued by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. By reviewing the ancient literature related to Guizhi Mahuang Geban Tang, this study analyzed the origin, medicinal composition, original plants and processing, dosage, decocting method, compatibility, effects, and indications of this formula. A total of 186 records of Guizhi Mahuang Geban Tang were obtained, involving 108 ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine. There are 6 synonyms of Guizhi Mahuang Geban Tang. This formula consists of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ephedrae Herba, Jujubae Fructus, and Armeniacae Semen Amarum, the original plants and processing of which are clear. With consideration to the dosage in modern clinical practice, it is recommended that the formula should be composed of 7.67 g Cinnamomi Ramulus, 4.60 g Paeoniae Radix Alba, 4.60 g Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 4.60 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 4.60 g Ephedrae Herba, 4.00 g Jujubae Fructus, and 2.60 g Armeniacae Semen Amarum. The decoction should be prepared by boiling Ephedrae Herba with 1 000 mL water for 15 min before the addition of other medicines, and the mixture was decocted to reach a volume of 360 mL, and 120 mL of the decoction should be taken warm once. Guizhi Mahuang Geban Tang is a combination of Guizhi Tang and Mahuang Tang, with the effects of dispersing wind cold and harmonizing nutrient-defense. The main diseases treated by this formula in the past dynasties have expanded compared with those in Treatise on Cold Damage. The traditional indications of this formula involve the diseases of greater Yang, reverting Yin, Yang brightness, and lesser Yin. In addition to common cold due to wind-cold, this formula can be used to treat headache, bitter mouth, dry throat, full abdomen, panting, heat invading blood chamber in women, skin itching, exanthema variolosum, syncope, and hardly perceivable pulse. In modern clinical practice, Guizhi Mahuang Geban Tang is used for treating pulmonary diseases such as upper respiratory tract infection, skin diseases (e.g., urticaria, eczema, psoriasis, and neurodermatitis), kidney failure, and diabetes complicated with pruritus.
8.Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation by Deficiency-Excess Pattern Identification Based on “Palpitations Caused by Wind Pathogen”
Yihang DU ; Yi WEI ; Ruoning CHAI ; Chenglin DUAN ; Xueping ZHU ; Meng LYU ; Zizhen CHEN ; Yuanhui HU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(7):750-754
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be attributed to the category of xinji (palpitations) and zhangchong (severe palpitations) in traditional Chinese medicine, and its onset has the characteristics of urgency, change, and movement, which is similar to the characteristics of diseases induced by wind pathogen. It is believed that the internal movement of wind pathogen runs through the whole course of this disease, and palpitations due to wind as the direct pathogenesis. Palpitations caused by wind pathogen showed different characteristics of deficiency and excess pattern. In the acute exacerbation period, excess wind is the main cause of disease. For excessive heat generating wind, the treatment is to clear the liver and extinguish wind by self-modified Lingxia Qinggan Decoction (羚夏清肝汤); for blood stasis generating wind, the treatment is to remove blood stasis and stop wind by self-modified Yandan Limai Decoction (延丹理脉汤); for phlegm-heat accumulation with wind, the treatment is to dissolve phlegm and eliminate wind by self-modified Lianlou Danxing Decoction (连蒌胆星汤). In the prolonged recovery period, deficiency wind is more common. For stirring of wind due to yin deficiency, the treatment is to nourish yin and extinguish wind by self-modified Zaoshao Zhenzhu Deoction (枣芍珍珠汤); for spleen deficiency generating wind, the treatment is to strengthen spleen and nourish wind by self-modified Shenying Dingji Deoction (参英定悸汤). Clinical prescriptions closely follow the characteristics of wind, weigh the changes of deficiency and excess, tailor with the patterns, and regulate qi and blood of the zang-fu organs, in order to extinguish wind and arrest convulsion.
9.Current status of regional school health work in Tianjin during 2019-2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(5):620-625
Objective:
To explore the current status and progress of regional school health work to provide policy reference for school health improvement.
Methods:
Survey data on school health work in Tianjin from 2019, 2021 and 2023 was used. School health staff allocation and expenditure of the health administrative department, CDC and education department, as well as the annual implementation of health education, prevention and control of common diseases and infectious diseases, sports activities and food nutrition in primary and secondary schools were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using KruskalWallis test, Chisquare test, and Fishers exact test.
Results:
The number of school health staff in the health commissions and education departments from 2019, 2021 and 2023 was relatively stable. Parttime staffs were often employed by health commissions while fulltime staffs were mainly employed by education departments. The number of school health staff at CDCs increased gradually (H=12.65, P<0.01). School health expenditure of administrative departments and schools in 2021 and 2023 increased significantly compared with that in 2019 (H=22.28, 23.75, P<0.05). More than 95% of schools set up clinics or health care rooms, and about 97% of schools had school health technicians or health teachers. More than 90% of schools had health education courses over 4 hours per semester. The rate of mental health education increased by year (86.87%, 89.91%, 96.30%, Z=2.40,P<0.05). Lack of courses regarded safety emergency and risk avoidance, growth and development, and adolescent health education. The provision rate of psychological counseling services (89.00%, 97.25%, 100.00%) and psychological problem prevention and control (56.12%, 71.56%, 81.48%) also increased by year (Z=3.83, 3.96, P<0.01). The implementation rates of prevention and control of poor vision, dental caries, overweight and obesity were all higher than 80%, and the prevention and control rate of abnormal spinal curvature showed an increasing trend (38.78%, 77.06%, 72.22%, Z=4.87, P<0.01). More than 90% of schools met the standard for physical education class hours, and the proportion of schools conducting at least 30 minutes of recess physical activities every day increased year by year (65.00%, 80.73%, 85.98%, Z=3.59, P<0.01). All schools did not have shops.
Conclusions
School health work in Tianjin is effective and constantly developing. It is necessary to continue to increase the investment of human resources and expenditure in school health, explore the approaches of cooccurrence and prevention of common diseases, and improve the school sports and nutrition environment.
10.Transcriptomic Analysis of Wuzi Yanzongwan on Testicular Spermatogenic Function in Semi-castrated Male Mice
Dixin ZOU ; Yueyang ZHANG ; Xuedan MENG ; Wei LU ; Shuang LYU ; Fanjun ZENG ; Kun CHEN ; Chang LIU ; Zhongxiu ZHANG ; Yu DUAN ; Yihang DAI ; Zhaoyi WANG ; Zhimin WANG ; Ruichao LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):61-69
ObjectiveTo screen out the transcriptomes related to the intervention of Wuzi Yanzongwan on the spermatogenic function of semi-castrated male mice, and to explore its potential mechanism in the intervention of the progress of low spermatogenic function. MethodBalb/c mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, testosterone propionate group(0.2 mg·kg-1·d-1, intramuscular injection) and Wuzi Yanzongwan group(1.56 g·kg-1·d-1, intragastric administration) according to body weight, with 12 mice in each group. The right testicle and epididymis were extracted from the model group and the drug administration group to construct the semi-castrated model of low spermatogenic function, while the fur and the right scrotum of the sham-operated group were only cut and immediately sterilized and sutured. At the end of the intervention, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the histopathology of testis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of serum testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH) and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH). The sperm count and motility of epididymis were measured by automatic sperm detector of small animal. Transcriptomic microarray technology was used to detect the mRNA expression level of testicular tissue in each group, the transcriptome of genes related to the regulation of Wuzi Yanzongwan was screened, and three mRNAs were selected for Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) to verify the transcriptome data. Through the annotation analysis of Gene Ontology(GO) and the signaling pathway analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), the related functions of drugs regulating transcriptome were analyzed. ResultCompared with the sham-operated group, the testicular tissue of mice in the model group showed spermatogenic injury, contraction and vacuolization of the seminiferous tubules, reduction of spermatogenic cells at all levels, widening of the interstitial space, obstruction of spermatogonial cell development and other morphological abnormalities, and serum T significantly decreased, LH significantly increased(P<0.01), and FSH elevated but no statistically significant difference, the count and vitality of epididymal sperm significantly decreased(P<0.01). There were 882 differentially expressed mRNAs in the testicular tissues, of which 565 were up-regulated and 317 were down-regulated. Cluster analysis showed that these differentially expressed mRNA could effectively distinguish between the sham-operated group and the model group. Compared with the model group, the damage to testicular tissue in the Wuzi Yanzongwan group was reduced, the structure of the seminiferous tubules was intact, vacuolization was reduced, and the number of spermatogenic cells at all levels was significantly increased and arranged tightly. The serum T significantly increased, LH significantly decreased(P<0.01), and FSH decreased but the difference was not statistically significant. The count and vitality of sperm in the epididymis were significantly increased(P<0.01). Moreover, Wuzi Yanzongwan could regulate 159 mRNA levels in the testes of semi-castrated mice, of which 32 were up-regulated and 127 were down-regulated, and the data of the transcriptome assay was verified to be reliable by Real-time PCR. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the transcriptome functions regulated by Wuzi Yanzongwan were involved in the whole cell cycle process of sperm development such as sex hormone production of interstitial cells in testis, renewal, differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis and signal transduction of spermatogenic cells, and were closely related to the biological behaviors of signaling pathways such as spermatogenic stem cell function, endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and metabolic program. ConclusionWuzi Yanzongwan can effectively improve the low spermatogenic function of semi-castrated male mice, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of testicular transcriptional regulatory network, the synthesis of sex hormones in testicular interstitial cells, the function of spermatogenic stem cells, the whole cell cycle process of spermatogenesis, as well as the expression of endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and metabolic program related genes transcription.


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