1.Performance of body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio in screening true obesity in children
FANG Qihuan, WANG Yuedong, ZHAO Min, YANG Lili, XI Bo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):421-425
Objective:
To evaluate the accuracy of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in screening true obesity among children, so as to provide a scientific basis for precise screening and early prevention and control of childhood obesity.
Methods:
A total of 1 322 children aged 10-15 years old were surveyed by the Huantai Children Cardiovascular Health Cohort in 2021. Fat mass percentage (FMP) and fat mass index (FMI) were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, with FMP or FMI values at or above the age and sex-specific 70th percentiles as the criteria for defining true obesity. BMI, WC and WHtR were used to define general obesity and central obesity. The accuracy of these measures in screening for true obesity was evaluated by calculating the missed diagnosis rate, misdiagnosis rate, area under the curve(AUC) for receiver operating characteristic and Kappa coefficient.
Results:
Boys had higher BMI [(21.79±4.56) kg/m 2], WC [(76.41±12.53) cm] and WHtR (0.47±0.07) than girls [(20.83±4.13) kg/m 2, (70.69±10.06) cm, (0.45±0.06)] ( t =4.02, 9.19, 6.63), while boys had lower FMP [(18.29±8.35)%] and FMI [(4.35±2.79) kg/m 2] than girls [(24.87±6.51)%, (5.44±2.53) kg/m 2] ( t =-16.10,-7.42) ( P <0.01). Using FMP as a reference standard, the diagnosis error rates of screening for true obesity based on BMI, WC and WHtR were 12.24%, 2.11% and 2.11%, respectively; the diagnosis error rates were 10.88%, 27.28% and 24.33%; the AUC values were 0.88, 0.85 and 0.87; the Kappa coefficients were 0.67, 0.48 and 0.52. Using FMI as a reference standard, rates of BMI, WC and WHtR screening for true obesity were 14.20%, 1.23% and 2.78%; the diagnosis error rates were 4.81%, 20.84% and 18.14 %; the AUC values were 0.90, 0.89 and 0.90; the Kappa coefficients were 0.81, 0.64 and 0.67.
Conclusions
BMI has a higher diagnosis error rate in screening for true obesity in children, while WC and WHtR have higher diagnosis error rates. It is recommended to promote body fat assessment in clinical practice, so as to achieve more accurate prevention and control of chronic diseases.
2.Interleukin-6 and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Mechanisms and Research Advances
Li LIU ; Chunhua ZHAO ; Han MIN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):431-438
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an extremely common chronic intestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The etiology of IBS remains incompletely understood. Research has identified low-grade intestinal inflammation and immune activation, primarily manifested as an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as key pathogenic mechanisms in IBS. Among these, interleukin-6 (IL-6), a core pro-inflammatory cytokine, is significantly elevated in IBS patients. IL-6 contributes to the pathogenesis of IBS through various mechanisms, including altering individual susceptibility to IBS, promoting gastrointestinal motility and secretion, activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, inducing visceral hypersensitivity, and impairing intestinal mucosal barrier function. Furthermore, IL-6 levels are closely associated with the severity of IBS symptoms. This review summarizes the role and mechanisms of IL-6 in IBS, aiming to provide insights and references for clinicians and researchers investigating the etiology of IBS.
3.Status of Clinical Practice Guideline Information Platforms
Xueqin ZHANG ; Yun ZHAO ; Jie LIU ; Long GE ; Ying XING ; Simeng REN ; Yifei WANG ; Wenzheng ZHANG ; Di ZHANG ; Shihua WANG ; Yao SUN ; Min WU ; Lin FENG ; Tiancai WEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):462-471
Clinical practice guidelines represent the best recommendations for patient care. They are developed through systematically reviewing currently available clinical evidence and weighing the relative benefits and risks of various interventions. However, clinical practice guidelines have to go through a long translation cycle from development and revision to clinical promotion and application, facing problems such as scattered distribution, high duplication rate, and low actual utilization. At present, the clinical practice guideline information platform can directly or indirectly solve the problems related to the lengthy revision cycles, decentralized dissemination and limited application of clinical practice guidelines. Therefore, this paper systematically examines different types of clinical practice guideline information platforms and investigates their corresponding challenges and emerging trends in platform design, data integration, and practical implementation, with the aim of clarifying the current status of this field and providing valuable reference for future research on clinical practice guideline information platforms.
4.The Refinement and Innovation of The UV Cross-linking and Immunoprecipitation
Jia-Min ZHAO ; Cheng-Jiang LU ; Ming YANG ; Nashun BUHE ; Gang WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1036-1052
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are ubiquitous components within cells, fulfilling essential functions in a myriad of biological processes. These proteins interact with RNA molecules to regulate gene expression at various levels, including transcription, splicing, transport, localization, translation, and degradation. Understanding the intricate network of RBP-RNA interactions is crucial for deciphering the complex regulatory mechanisms that govern cellular function and organismal development. Ultravidet (UV) cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) stands out as a powerful approach designed to map the precise locations where RBPs bind to RNA. By using UV light to create covalent bonds between proteins and RNA, followed by immunoprecipitation to isolate the protein-RNA complexes, researchers can identify the direct targets of specific RBPs. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revolutionized CLIP, enabling the identification of not only the types but also the exact sequences of RNA bound by RBPs on a genome-wide scale. The evolution of CLIP has led to the development of specialized variants, each with unique features that address specific challenges and expand the scope of what can be studied. High-throughput sequencing CLIP (HITS-CLIP) was one of the first advancements, significantly increasing the throughput and resolution of RNA-protein interaction mapping. Photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced CLIP (PAR-CLIP) introduced the use of photoactivatable ribonucleosides to enhance cross-linking efficiency and specificity, reducing background noise and improving the detection of low-abundance RNA-protein interactions. Individual-nucleotide resolution CLIP (iCLIP) further refined the technique, achieving unprecedented precision by resolving individual nucleotides involved in RBP binding, which is particularly valuable for studying the fine details of RNA structure and function. Despite the remarkable progress, there remains room for improvement in CLIP technology. Researchers continue to seek methods to increase sensitivity, reduce technical variability, and improve the reproducibility of results. Advances in sample preparation, data analysis algorithms, and computational tools are critical for addressing these challenges. Moreover, the application of CLIP to more diverse biological systems, including non-model organisms and clinical samples, requires the development of tailored protocols and the optimization of existing ones. Looking forward, the field of RNA biology is poised to benefit greatly from ongoing innovations in CLIP technology. The exploration of non-canonical RNA-protein interactions, such as those involving long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), promises to reveal new layers of cellular regulation and may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Furthermore, integrating CLIP data with other omics approaches, such as proteomics and metabolomics, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interplay between RNA and its binding partners within the cell. In conclusion, the continuous refinement and expansion of CLIP techniques have not only deepened our knowledge of RNA biology but have also opened up new avenues for investigating the molecular underpinnings of health and disease. As the technology matures, it is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in both basic and applied research, contributing to the advancement of medical science and biotechnology.
5.Association of joint effect of overweight and obesity with dyslipidemia on left ventricular hypertrophy in children
AN Silian, LIU Ziqi, ZHANG Qian, ZHAO Min, XI Bo
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):474-478
Objective:
To examine the association of joint effect of overweight and obesity with dyslipidemia on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in children, so as to provide scientific evidence for the prevention of early cardiovascular damage in children.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the second followup crosssectional survey of Huantai Childhood Cardiovascular Health Cohort study in 2021, comprising 1 047 children aged 10-15 years with complete information. Based on overweight and obesity status and dyslipidemia status, all participants were divided into four groups:normal weight with normal lipid levels, normal weight with dyslipidemia, overweight and obesity with normal lipid levels, and overweight and obesity with dyslipidemia. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) levels and prevalence of LVH across four groups were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to examine the association of joint effect of overweight and obesity with dyslipidemia on LVH in children.
Results:
There were significant differences in LVMI levels [(28.66±7.10, 29.63±4.71,31.49±5.86,32.65±4.80)g/m2.7] and prevalence of LVH (4.28%, 12.50%, 22.74%, 31.30%) across four groups (F/χ2=50.76, 90.92, P<0.05). After adjustment for confounding variables such as gender,age,screen time,sleep duration,fruit and vegetable intake,carbonated beverage consumption,physical activity and elevated blood pressure, compared to children with both normal weight and normal lipid levels, the risk of LVH in children with dyslipidemia alone increased (OR=3.27, 95%CI=1.57-6.82,P<0.05). Children with overweight and obesity alone also had a significantly increased risk of LVH (OR=6.33, 95%CI=3.76-10.66), and the highest risk was observed in those with both overweight and obesity with dyslipidemia (OR=9.66, 95%CI=5.35-17.43) (P<0.05).
Conclusions
The joint effect of overweight and obesity with dyslipidemia is positively correlated with LVH in children. To prevent LVH in children, both overweight and obesity with dyslipidemia should be paid attention to.
6.The Role and Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm Regulation in Skin Tissue Regeneration
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Xiao-Meng MA ; Zhen-Kai JIN ; Kun LI ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1165-1178
Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.
7.Effect of Zuoguiwan on Development of Skin Barrier in Neonatal Rat Model of Congenital Kidney Deficiency Based on Intercellular Connections
He YU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Yinjuan LYU ; Jian GONG ; Jigang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):11-18
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Zuoguiwan on the development of skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency and unveil the underlying mechanism. MethodsSixty rats were paired in a female-to-male ratio of 2∶1, and the pregnant rats were assigned into control, congenital kidney deficiency, and low- and high-dose (2 and 8 g·kg-1, respectively) Zuoguiwan groups. The pregnant rats in other groups except the control group were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of congenital kidney deficiency. The rats in the control group and congenital kidney deficiency group were administrated with normal saline by gavage, and those in Zuoguiwan groups with Zuoguiwan suspension by gavage from day 1 of pregnancy. The serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the neonatal rats on the day of birth was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The full-thickness skin of neonatal rats on the day of birth was removed from the same position on the back and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observation of histopathological changes, measurement of skin thickness, and counting of hair follicles. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling was used to detect the apoptosis of skin tissue cells. The expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the expression of occludin, connexin 43 (Cx43), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the neonatal rats in the congenital kidney deficiency group showed a rise in the serum IL-6 level (P<0.01), decreases in stratum corneum thickness, skin thickness, and number of hair follicles (P<0.01), increases in the expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.01) and the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and decreases in the expression of occludin, Cx43, ZO-1 (P<0.05). Compared with the congenital kidney deficiency group, the low- and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed declines in serum IL-6 level (P<0.05). The low-dose group showed increased number of hair follicles (P<0.05), and the high-dose group presented thickened stratum corneum (P<0.01), increased number of hair follicles (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Zuoguiwan groups showcased decreased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the high-dose group showed up-regulated expression of occludin, Cx43, and ZO-1 in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can reduce the levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue and improve the expression of intercellular junction proteins, thereby ameliorating the abnormal development of the skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency.
8.Effect of Zuoguiwan on Development of Skin Barrier in Neonatal Rat Model of Congenital Kidney Deficiency Based on Intercellular Connections
He YU ; Min XIAO ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Yinjuan LYU ; Jian GONG ; Jigang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):11-18
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Zuoguiwan on the development of skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency and unveil the underlying mechanism. MethodsSixty rats were paired in a female-to-male ratio of 2∶1, and the pregnant rats were assigned into control, congenital kidney deficiency, and low- and high-dose (2 and 8 g·kg-1, respectively) Zuoguiwan groups. The pregnant rats in other groups except the control group were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of congenital kidney deficiency. The rats in the control group and congenital kidney deficiency group were administrated with normal saline by gavage, and those in Zuoguiwan groups with Zuoguiwan suspension by gavage from day 1 of pregnancy. The serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the neonatal rats on the day of birth was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The full-thickness skin of neonatal rats on the day of birth was removed from the same position on the back and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for observation of histopathological changes, measurement of skin thickness, and counting of hair follicles. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling was used to detect the apoptosis of skin tissue cells. The expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the expression of occludin, connexin 43 (Cx43), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the skin tissue was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the neonatal rats in the congenital kidney deficiency group showed a rise in the serum IL-6 level (P<0.01), decreases in stratum corneum thickness, skin thickness, and number of hair follicles (P<0.01), increases in the expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.01) and the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.01), and decreases in the expression of occludin, Cx43, ZO-1 (P<0.05). Compared with the congenital kidney deficiency group, the low- and high-dose Zuoguiwan groups showed declines in serum IL-6 level (P<0.05). The low-dose group showed increased number of hair follicles (P<0.05), and the high-dose group presented thickened stratum corneum (P<0.01), increased number of hair follicles (P<0.01), and down-regulated expression of IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Zuoguiwan groups showcased decreased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the high-dose group showed up-regulated expression of occludin, Cx43, and ZO-1 in the skin tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionZuoguiwan can reduce the levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R and IL-17A in the skin tissue and improve the expression of intercellular junction proteins, thereby ameliorating the abnormal development of the skin barrier in the neonatal rat model of congenital kidney deficiency.
9.Association between physical exercise behavior with mobile phone addiction and mental health of college students
LIU Manluo, QI Xin, WU Min, SUN Qin, ZHAO Zhen
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):634-637
Objective:
To explore the relationship of physical exercise behavior with mobile phone addiction and mental health of college students, so as to provide evidence for interventions to improve mobile phone addiction and mental health of college students.
Methods:
From October 8 to December 20 in 2024, 896 college students from 4 colleges in Beijing were selected using a combination of convenience sampling and stratified random cluster sampling method. Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale (MPATS), Adolescence Mental Health Diathesis Questionnaire (AMHDQ) and Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) were used. The correlation of mobile phone addiction and mental health on physical exercise behavior of college students were analyzed by multivariable Logistic regression and linear regression.
Results:
Among the surveyed college students, 504 (56.25%) students had low exercise, 262 (29.24%) had moderate exercise, 130 (14.51%) had high exercise, and 392 (43.75%) had sufficient exercise. The total score of PARS-3 was 18.00 ( 15.00 , 33.00) points. Logistic regression analysis showed that the total score of MPATS ( OR=1.022, 95%CI =1.008-1.036), the total score of SCL-90 ( OR=1.010, 95%CI = 1.005 -1.015), the total AMHDQ score ( OR=0.995, 95%CI =0.992-0.998) were significantly associated with insufficient exercise among college students ( P <0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that the scores of MPATS, AMHDQS and SCL-90 were significantly correlated with physical exercise behavior ( B=-0.20, 0.04, -0.07, P <0.05).
Conclusion
The physical exercise behavior of college students is related to mobile phone addiction and mental health.
10.Tasquinimod promotes the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 pathway
Zhao LI ; Ya-Hong WU ; Ye-Qing GUO ; Xiao-Jia MIN ; Ying LIN
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):191-204
To investigate whether Tasquinimod can influence cisplatin resistance in drug-resistant ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines by regulating histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) or p21, we explored its effects on the cell cycle, and associated mechanisms.RT-PCR and Western blot analyses, flow cytometry, CCK8 assay, and immunofluorescence were utilized to investigate the effects of Tasquinimod on gene expression, cell cycle, apoptosis, viability, and protein levels in OC cells. The results showed that Tasquinimod inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3/DDP (cisplatin) and A2780/DDP cells more effectively than DDP alone. In combination with cisplatin, Tasquinimod further enhanced cell apoptosis and reduced cell viability in these cell lines, an effect that could be reversed following HDAC4 overexpression. Tasquinimod treatment down-regulated HDAC4, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1, and CDK4 expression and up-regulated the cleaved-Caspase-3, and p21 expression in SKOV3/DDP and A2780/ DDP cells. Additionally, Tasquinimod inhibited DDP resistance in OC/DDP cells. These effects were similarly observed in OC mouse models treated with Tasquinimod. In conclusion, Tasquinimod can improve OC cells' sensitivity to DDP by down-regulating the HDAC4/p21 axis, offering insights into potential strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance in OC.


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