1.Elucidating the therapeutic potential of Maimendong decoction in pulmonary fibrosis: A molecular perspective
Shuangshuang He ; Lan Zhang ; Fang Zhang ; Yuanrong Wang ; Kai Wamg ; Shanshan Guo ; Yuqi Wang ; Wenqing Dong ; Min Fu ; Yu Li
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):231-245
ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF
2.Calcitriol reverses sepsis-induced immunosuppression via VDR/Ca2+/pyroptosis signaling pathway
Shenglan SHANG ; Shuo ZOU ; Yuqi WEI ; Mengchen YU ; Fan ZHOU ; Yan ZHAO ; Airong YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2232-2237
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of calcitriol on sepsis-induced immunosuppression and its potential mechanism. METHODS A sepsis-induced immunosuppression mice model was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The 7-day survival rate, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β were determined in sham operation group, CLP group and calcitriol group (1 μg/kg); the morphological changes of lung tissue in mice were observed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance macrophage models (representing sepsis-induced immunosuppression) were established using mice macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants as well as mRNA expressions of IL-1β, nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), IL-18 and caspase-1 were assessed in culture medium group, LPS group, LPS tolerance group, and calcitriol (5 μmol/L) group. The following parameters were measured: propidium iodide (PI)-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and Ca2+ levels. RESULTS Compared with CLP group, 7-day survival rate and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). Additionally, pulmonary tissue damage was markedly attenuated in calcitriol group. Compared with LPS tolerance group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants, mRNA expressions of IL- 1β, NLRP3, IL-18 and caspase-1, PI-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, LDH release, and Ca2+ levels were all increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Calcitriol can reverse sepsis-induced immunosuppression, and the mechanism of action may be E-mail:yarfwy@163.com achieved by the binding of calcitriol to vitamin D receptor,which promotes the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby driving the NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis pathway.
3.Causal association of obesity and chronic pain mediated by educational attainment and smoking: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Yunshu LYU ; Qingxing LU ; Yane LIU ; Mengtong XIE ; Lintong JIANG ; Junnan LI ; Ning WANG ; Xianglong DAI ; Yuqi YANG ; Peiming JIANG ; Qiong YU
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):177-186
Background:
Obesity and chronic pain are related in both directions, according to earlier observational research.This research aimed to analyze the causal association between obesity and chronic pain at the genetic level, as well as to assess whether common factors mediate this relationship.
Methods:
This study used bidirectional two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique to analyze the association between obesity and chronic pain. Obesity's summary genome-wide association data were obtained from European ancestry groups, as measured by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), genome-wide association study data for chronic pain also came from the UK population, including chronic pain at three different sites (back, hip, and headache), chronic widespread pain (CWP), and multisite chronic pain (MCP). Secondly, a two-step MR and multivariate MR investigation was performed to evaluate the mediating effects of several proposed confounders.
Results:
The authors discovered a link between chronic pain and obesity. More specifically, a sensitivity analysis was done to confirm the associations between greater BMI, WC, and HC with an increased risk of CWP and MCP.Importantly, the intermediate MR results suggest that education levels and smoking initiation may mediate the causal relationship between BMI on CWP, with a mediation effect of 23.08% and 15.38%, respectively.
Conclusions
The authors’ findings demonstrate that the importance of education and smoking in understanding chronic pain’s pathogenesis, which is important for the primary prevention and prognosis of chronic pain.
4.Causal association of obesity and chronic pain mediated by educational attainment and smoking: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Yunshu LYU ; Qingxing LU ; Yane LIU ; Mengtong XIE ; Lintong JIANG ; Junnan LI ; Ning WANG ; Xianglong DAI ; Yuqi YANG ; Peiming JIANG ; Qiong YU
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):177-186
Background:
Obesity and chronic pain are related in both directions, according to earlier observational research.This research aimed to analyze the causal association between obesity and chronic pain at the genetic level, as well as to assess whether common factors mediate this relationship.
Methods:
This study used bidirectional two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique to analyze the association between obesity and chronic pain. Obesity's summary genome-wide association data were obtained from European ancestry groups, as measured by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), genome-wide association study data for chronic pain also came from the UK population, including chronic pain at three different sites (back, hip, and headache), chronic widespread pain (CWP), and multisite chronic pain (MCP). Secondly, a two-step MR and multivariate MR investigation was performed to evaluate the mediating effects of several proposed confounders.
Results:
The authors discovered a link between chronic pain and obesity. More specifically, a sensitivity analysis was done to confirm the associations between greater BMI, WC, and HC with an increased risk of CWP and MCP.Importantly, the intermediate MR results suggest that education levels and smoking initiation may mediate the causal relationship between BMI on CWP, with a mediation effect of 23.08% and 15.38%, respectively.
Conclusions
The authors’ findings demonstrate that the importance of education and smoking in understanding chronic pain’s pathogenesis, which is important for the primary prevention and prognosis of chronic pain.
5.Causal association of obesity and chronic pain mediated by educational attainment and smoking: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Yunshu LYU ; Qingxing LU ; Yane LIU ; Mengtong XIE ; Lintong JIANG ; Junnan LI ; Ning WANG ; Xianglong DAI ; Yuqi YANG ; Peiming JIANG ; Qiong YU
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):177-186
Background:
Obesity and chronic pain are related in both directions, according to earlier observational research.This research aimed to analyze the causal association between obesity and chronic pain at the genetic level, as well as to assess whether common factors mediate this relationship.
Methods:
This study used bidirectional two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique to analyze the association between obesity and chronic pain. Obesity's summary genome-wide association data were obtained from European ancestry groups, as measured by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), genome-wide association study data for chronic pain also came from the UK population, including chronic pain at three different sites (back, hip, and headache), chronic widespread pain (CWP), and multisite chronic pain (MCP). Secondly, a two-step MR and multivariate MR investigation was performed to evaluate the mediating effects of several proposed confounders.
Results:
The authors discovered a link between chronic pain and obesity. More specifically, a sensitivity analysis was done to confirm the associations between greater BMI, WC, and HC with an increased risk of CWP and MCP.Importantly, the intermediate MR results suggest that education levels and smoking initiation may mediate the causal relationship between BMI on CWP, with a mediation effect of 23.08% and 15.38%, respectively.
Conclusions
The authors’ findings demonstrate that the importance of education and smoking in understanding chronic pain’s pathogenesis, which is important for the primary prevention and prognosis of chronic pain.
6.Causal association of obesity and chronic pain mediated by educational attainment and smoking: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Yunshu LYU ; Qingxing LU ; Yane LIU ; Mengtong XIE ; Lintong JIANG ; Junnan LI ; Ning WANG ; Xianglong DAI ; Yuqi YANG ; Peiming JIANG ; Qiong YU
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):177-186
Background:
Obesity and chronic pain are related in both directions, according to earlier observational research.This research aimed to analyze the causal association between obesity and chronic pain at the genetic level, as well as to assess whether common factors mediate this relationship.
Methods:
This study used bidirectional two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique to analyze the association between obesity and chronic pain. Obesity's summary genome-wide association data were obtained from European ancestry groups, as measured by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), genome-wide association study data for chronic pain also came from the UK population, including chronic pain at three different sites (back, hip, and headache), chronic widespread pain (CWP), and multisite chronic pain (MCP). Secondly, a two-step MR and multivariate MR investigation was performed to evaluate the mediating effects of several proposed confounders.
Results:
The authors discovered a link between chronic pain and obesity. More specifically, a sensitivity analysis was done to confirm the associations between greater BMI, WC, and HC with an increased risk of CWP and MCP.Importantly, the intermediate MR results suggest that education levels and smoking initiation may mediate the causal relationship between BMI on CWP, with a mediation effect of 23.08% and 15.38%, respectively.
Conclusions
The authors’ findings demonstrate that the importance of education and smoking in understanding chronic pain’s pathogenesis, which is important for the primary prevention and prognosis of chronic pain.
7.Causal association of obesity and chronic pain mediated by educational attainment and smoking: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Yunshu LYU ; Qingxing LU ; Yane LIU ; Mengtong XIE ; Lintong JIANG ; Junnan LI ; Ning WANG ; Xianglong DAI ; Yuqi YANG ; Peiming JIANG ; Qiong YU
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):177-186
Background:
Obesity and chronic pain are related in both directions, according to earlier observational research.This research aimed to analyze the causal association between obesity and chronic pain at the genetic level, as well as to assess whether common factors mediate this relationship.
Methods:
This study used bidirectional two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) technique to analyze the association between obesity and chronic pain. Obesity's summary genome-wide association data were obtained from European ancestry groups, as measured by body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), genome-wide association study data for chronic pain also came from the UK population, including chronic pain at three different sites (back, hip, and headache), chronic widespread pain (CWP), and multisite chronic pain (MCP). Secondly, a two-step MR and multivariate MR investigation was performed to evaluate the mediating effects of several proposed confounders.
Results:
The authors discovered a link between chronic pain and obesity. More specifically, a sensitivity analysis was done to confirm the associations between greater BMI, WC, and HC with an increased risk of CWP and MCP.Importantly, the intermediate MR results suggest that education levels and smoking initiation may mediate the causal relationship between BMI on CWP, with a mediation effect of 23.08% and 15.38%, respectively.
Conclusions
The authors’ findings demonstrate that the importance of education and smoking in understanding chronic pain’s pathogenesis, which is important for the primary prevention and prognosis of chronic pain.
8.Effect of cumulative family risk on non-suicidal self-injury behaviors in college students: a moderated chain mediation model
Yuqi WANG ; Xinghua LAI ; Xiaoyuan AN ; Yao WANG ; Huitong ZHAO ; Zengyan YU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(5):434-441
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors have become a serious global public health issue.The detection rate of NSSI behaviors among college students in China ranges from 9.8% to 13.53%. Integrated theoretical models suggest that distal family risk factors influence NSSI behaviors through emotional regulation mechanisms. However, existing researches have predominantly focused on single family risks, leaving the relationship between cumulative family risks and NSSI behaviors, as well as the underlying pathways, remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the effects of cumulative family risk on NSSI behaviors among college students, analyze the chain mediating roles of emotional regulation difficulties and depression, and examine the moderating effect of gender, so as to provide references for targeted interventions for NSSI behaviors in college students. MethodsOn March 1, 2024, a cluster sampling method was employed to select 518 college students from two universities in Heilongjiang Province. Assessments were conducted using Chinese version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9) and the Adolescent Self-Injury Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the impact of cumulative family risk factors on NSSI behaviors among college students. Model 6 in Process 4.1 was applied to test the chain mediating roles of emotional regulation difficulties and depression in the relationship between cumulative family risk and NSSI behaviors, while model 83 was utilized to analyze the moderating effects of gender on the path "cumulative family risk → emotion regulation difficulties". ResultsA total of 475 (91.70%) college students completed valid questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis revealed that childhood abuse (OR=2.561, 95% CI: 1.566-2.561), non-parental family structure (OR=2.108, 95% CI:1.102-4.029) and left-behind experience (OR=2.356, 95% CI: 1.021-5.439) were risk factors for NSSI behaviors among college students. Cumulative family risk positively predicted NSSI behaviors (β=0.345,95% CI:1.059-4.286, P<0.01), and this relationship was mediated by a chain pathway involving emotional regulation difficulties (β=0.136,95% CI: 0.882-4.681, P<0.05) and depression (β=0.160, 95% CI: 0.316-1.073, P<0.01). Gender moderated the relationship between cumulative family risk and emotional regulation difficulties (β=0.103, 95% CI: 1.567-8.316, P<0.01), with cumulative family risk significantly predicting emotional regulation difficulties in female students (β=0.374, 95% CI: 0.099-0.084, P<0.01). ConclusionCumulative family risk can directly influence college students' NSSI behaviors, and may also indirectly affect NSSI behaviors through the mediating roles of emotional regulation difficulties and depression. The path "cumulative family risk → emotional regulation difficulties" in this mediating model is moderated by gender.[Funded by Heilongjiang Philosophy and Social Sciences Research Planning Project (number, 24SHB007)]
9.Multimodal imaging evaluation of the early efficacy of 90Y microsphere selective internal radiation therapy for liver malignant tumors
Fangyun ZHONG ; Lijuan YU ; Yujun WANG ; Hui ZHOU ; Haoyu LIU ; Zhouyang SONG ; Deng PAN ; Yuqi LU
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(6):325-329
Objective:To compare the value of different imaging modalities in evaluating early efficacy of 90Y-selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for liver malignant tumors. Methods:From September 2021 to December 2023, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patients (32 males, 11 females; age (55.8±14.7) years) with liver malignant tumors who received 90Y-SIRT at Hainan Cancer Hospital and Boao Super Hospital. The injection dosage of 90Y was 1.5(1.2, 2.4)GBq. Clinical and imaging data of patients before and after treatment for multimodal evaluation were collected, including MRI plain and enhanced scans, as well as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Plain scan images were evaluated for the treatment efficacy by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) 1.1 version, while enhanced MRI was scored into 1-5 based on changes in the target area, including increased low-density range, necrotic features, and decreased enhancement. The minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC min) of DWI increased by 20% compared to baseline was determined to be responsive. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze data, and ROC curve analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of different imaging modalities (Delong test). Results:All patients had baseline MRI data, 39 underwent MRI at 1-month after treatment, and 22 underwent MRI at 3-month after treatment. Based on MRI plain scan images, the target lesions showed partial remission (PR) in 10.26%(4/39) of patients, progressive disease (PD) in 5.13%(2/39) of patients, and stable disease (SD) in 84.61%(33/39) of patients at 1-month after treatment; while there were 40.91%(9/22) PR, 9.09%(2/22) PD and 50.00%(11/22) SD at 3-month after treatment. Based on DWI images, 35.90%(14/39) and 68.18%(15/22) of patients were considered responsive at 1-month and 3-month after treatment, respectively. Compared with baseline, the differences of tumor sizes, enhancement degree of target lesions and ADC min at 1-month and 3-month after treatment were statistically significant ( Z values: from -3.88 to -2.39, all P<0.05). Compared with the tumor size and enhancement degree, the AUCs of ADC min were the highest at 1-month (0.701) and 3-month (0.953) after treatment ( Z values: 0.40-2.29, all P<0.05). Conclusions:MRI plain scan, MRI enhancement and DWI are effective in the evaluation the efficacy of 90Y-SIRT for liver malignant tumors at 1-month and 3-month after treatment. ADC min is superior to tumor size and enhancement degree in diagnostic efficacy.
10.Risk factor analysis for postoperative pulmonary infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma undergoing flap repair surgery
WANG Qian ; PENG Hui ; ZHANG Liyu ; YANG Zongcheng ; WANG Yuqi ; PAN Yu ; ZHOU Yu
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(7):554-562
Objective:
To investigate the distribution patterns and risk factors for multidrug-resistant bacterial pulmonary infections in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) undergoing flap reconstruction surgery, and to provide evidence for infection prevention and treatment in this population.
Methods:
This study was approved by the institutional medical ethics committee. We retrospectively analyzed sputum culture results, antimicrobial susceptibility testing data, and clinical records of 109 OSCC patients undergoing flap reconstruction. Chi-square tests were employed to identify pathogens and risk factors for multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) in postoperative pulmonary infections. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine MDR risk factors and establish a nomogram prediction model. The model’s discriminatory power, accuracy, and clinical utility were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:
Among the 109 patients, 52 had negative sputum cultures and 57 tested positive, of whom 14 developed multidrug-resistant (MDR) pulmonary infections. Chi-square analysis revealed that blood transfusion, pre-existing pulmonary diseases, operation time ≥ 490 min, intraoperative blood loss ≥ 400 mL, and abnormal BMI were significant risk factors for postoperative MDR infections (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified pre-existing pulmonary diseases, intraoperative blood loss ≥ 400 mL, abnormal BMI, and operative duration ≥ 490 min as independent risk factors for MDR infections (P < 0.05). The nomogram prediction model for MDR infections demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.874 (95% CI: 0.775-0.973). The calibration plot showed good agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. DCA indicated a net clinical benefit when the threshold probability for high-risk MDR infections ranged from 0.000 to 0.810. Common MDR pathogens included MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Conclusion
Among OSCC patients undergoing flap reconstruction, MDR pulmonary infections were predominantly caused by gram-negative bacteria (including CRAB, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae along with the gram-positive pathogen MRSA. Pre-existing pulmonary comorbidities, prolonged surgery duration (≥ 490 min), significant intraoperative blood loss (≥ 400 mL), and abnormal BMI were confirmed as independent risk factors for these MDR infections. The nomogram predictive model incorporating these four variables demonstrated clinically reliable accuracy in risk stratification for postoperative MDR pulmonary infections in this patient population.


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