1.The role of bile acid dynamics in inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Si-Rui Yu ; Run Sun ; Mei-Ya Shi ; Mei Yang ; Kun Chen ; Qiong Pan ; Ling Zhao ; Ming-Yue Wu ; Jin Chai
Liver Research 2026;10(1):35-50
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is higher among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Emerging evidence indicates that the development of MASLD in patients with IBD may occur independently of traditional metabolic risk factors, suggesting a unique pathophysiological mechanism distinct from conventional MASLD pathways. Bile acids (BAs), which act as critical signaling molecules in enterohepatic circulation, play an essential role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis through bidirectional gut–liver axis communication. These molecules are increasingly recognized as pivotal regulators in the progression of both MASLD and IBD. While previous studies have characterized the dynamics of BA in blood or fecal samples under both conditions, a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic profiles and the associated interactions within the gut–liver axis is still lacking. This review synthesizes current evidence from studies employing BA metabolomics to investigate IBD and MASLD. By focusing on BA signatures, we summarize conserved alterations between these two conditions and their potential mechanisms of disease progression. Our review advances understanding of BA-mediated pathways in IBD and MASLD, providing a foundation for assessing their roles in contributing to the pathogenesis of MASLD in patients with IBD.
2.The expression and function of STAT4 in lung adenocaroma
Qian Chai ; Yanke Zhang ; Min Wu ; Lei Zhao
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(10):1799-1807
Objective:
To investigate the expression level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4(STAT4) in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD), and to analyze its impact on the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of LUAD cells.
Methods:
Gene expression omnibus data base(GEO),human protein atlas(HPA) and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were used to explore the expression of STAT4 in LUAD and its effect on the survival of patients with LUAD. Stable LUAD cell lines with STAT4 knockdown were constructed using lentiviral packaging technology, and the knockdown efficiency of STAT4 was assessed via RT-qPCR. The effects of STAT4 on LUAD cell proliferation were evaluated using CCK-8 assays and colony formation assays, while the impacts on cell migration and invasion were assessed through wound healing assays and Transwell assays.
Results:
STAT4 was lowly expressed in LUAD, and its low expression was unfavorable to the survival of LUAD patients. After STAT4 was knocked down in LUAD, the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of lung adenocarcinoma cells were enhanced.
Conclusion
STAT4 is a prognostic marker in LUAD which significantly inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities of LUAD cells. STAT4 is expected to become a new therapeutic target for LUAD.
3.Analysis of pathogen composition and epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory infection inpatients in Pudong New Area, Shanghai from 2018 to 2023
Zou CHEN ; Liping CHAI ; Yifeng SHEN ; Rongxin WU ; Bing ZHAO ; Xiao WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Chuchu YE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):960-965
Objective:To understand the composition of infectious pathogens and the changes in the epidemic characteristics of inpatients with acute respiratory tract infections in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, from 2018 to 2023.Methods:Specimens of inpatients with acute respiratory infection cases were collected from 14 healthcare institutions in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, from 2018-2023 and tested for eight respiratory pathogens: influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, common coronavirus, metapneumovirus, and bocavirus. The groups were divided into three periods,2018-2019, 2020-2022 and 2023, and the chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used to compare the group differences. The SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:Among the 3 023 inpatients with acute respiratory infection, the positive rate of any virus was 24.25% (733/3 023). The positive rates of any virus in 2018-2019, 2020-2022, and 2023 were 33.40% (336/1 006), 12.01% (116/966), and 26.74% (281/1 051), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=128.20, P<0.001). Among the age groups, in 2018-2019 and 2020-2022, the positive rate of any virus was the highest in the <5 years age group (46.20% and 14.64%), while in 2023, the 15-59 years age group had the highest positive rate (32.97%). The positive rate of any virus in winter was the highest in 2018-2019 (53.21%) and 2020-2022 (17.58%), and the highest in autumn was in 2023 (31.53%). The peak positive rate of respiratory syncytial virus was in winter of 2018-2019 and 2020-2022, as well as the summer of 2023.The positive rates of influenza virus in 2018-2019, 2020-2022 and 2023 were 9.84%, 1.55% and 9.71%, respectively. Conclusions:The pathogen epidemic characteristics of inpatients with acute respiratory infection in Pudong New Area from 2018 to 2023 have shown certain changes. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring. Targeted prevention and control strategies should be developed and implemented in a timely manner.
4.Establishment and assessment of deep vein thrombosis model in rats in a plateau hypoxic environment
Xiaobo HAN ; Yahao CHAI ; Jiawei GAO ; Xinkai DENG ; Xiao LI ; Jialin WU ; Xiaoli HAN ; Guoxiang LI ; Yinjie ZHAO ; Xi YANG ; Qi AO ; Lei ZHANG ; Hongwei HAN ; Zhixue LIU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1133-1143
Objective To establish a rat model of venous thrombosis in a plateau hypobaric hypoxic environment and to investigate the effect of this environment on venous thrombosis.Methods A total of 144 healthy male SD rats were assigned randomly to four groups(n=36 rats per group):a plains sham operation(A)group,plains operation(B)group,plateau altitude 6000 m+sham operation(C)group,and plateau altitude 6000 m+surgery(D)group.Rats in A and B groups were maintained in a plains normoxic environment,while rats in C and D groups C and D were subjected to a plateau environment.Rats in the surgical groups underwent quantitative constriction to incompletely obstruct the inferior vena cava blood flow.Each group was further divided into subgroups based on time:1,3,5,7,14,and 21 d(n=6 rats per group).Regular vascular ultrasound monitoring was conducted,and blood samples were taken for whole blood viscosity testing and the assessment of inflammatory indicators,including endothelin-1(ET-1),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tissue factor(TF).Coagulation function was evaluated through the activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),prothrombin time(PT),thrombin time(TT),fibrinogen(FIB)and D-dimer.After the observation period,the experimental animals were sacrificed and the limbs were removed.Thrombus samples were stained with hematoxylin/eosin(HE),and the thrombus wet mass was measured.Results The thrombosis incidence was significantly higher in the plateau D group than in B group,accompanied by a marked increase in blood viscosity and hematocrit(P<0.01).Additionally,levels of ET-1,IL-6,and TF were significantly elevated(P<0.05),indicating a coagulation disorder.Conclusions A plateau hypoxic environment model can be successfully simulated by quantitative coarctation of the inferior vena cava,combined with a specialized environmental chamber.The findings of this study suggest that a plateau hypoxic environment promotes venous thrombosis.
5.Analysis of pathogen composition and epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory infection inpatients in Pudong New Area, Shanghai from 2018 to 2023
Zou CHEN ; Liping CHAI ; Yifeng SHEN ; Rongxin WU ; Bing ZHAO ; Xiao WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Chuchu YE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):960-965
Objective:To understand the composition of infectious pathogens and the changes in the epidemic characteristics of inpatients with acute respiratory tract infections in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, from 2018 to 2023.Methods:Specimens of inpatients with acute respiratory infection cases were collected from 14 healthcare institutions in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, from 2018-2023 and tested for eight respiratory pathogens: influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, common coronavirus, metapneumovirus, and bocavirus. The groups were divided into three periods,2018-2019, 2020-2022 and 2023, and the chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used to compare the group differences. The SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:Among the 3 023 inpatients with acute respiratory infection, the positive rate of any virus was 24.25% (733/3 023). The positive rates of any virus in 2018-2019, 2020-2022, and 2023 were 33.40% (336/1 006), 12.01% (116/966), and 26.74% (281/1 051), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=128.20, P<0.001). Among the age groups, in 2018-2019 and 2020-2022, the positive rate of any virus was the highest in the <5 years age group (46.20% and 14.64%), while in 2023, the 15-59 years age group had the highest positive rate (32.97%). The positive rate of any virus in winter was the highest in 2018-2019 (53.21%) and 2020-2022 (17.58%), and the highest in autumn was in 2023 (31.53%). The peak positive rate of respiratory syncytial virus was in winter of 2018-2019 and 2020-2022, as well as the summer of 2023.The positive rates of influenza virus in 2018-2019, 2020-2022 and 2023 were 9.84%, 1.55% and 9.71%, respectively. Conclusions:The pathogen epidemic characteristics of inpatients with acute respiratory infection in Pudong New Area from 2018 to 2023 have shown certain changes. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring. Targeted prevention and control strategies should be developed and implemented in a timely manner.
6.Establishment and assessment of deep vein thrombosis model in rats in a plateau hypoxic environment
Xiaobo HAN ; Yahao CHAI ; Jiawei GAO ; Xinkai DENG ; Xiao LI ; Jialin WU ; Xiaoli HAN ; Guoxiang LI ; Yinjie ZHAO ; Xi YANG ; Qi AO ; Lei ZHANG ; Hongwei HAN ; Zhixue LIU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1133-1143
Objective To establish a rat model of venous thrombosis in a plateau hypobaric hypoxic environment and to investigate the effect of this environment on venous thrombosis.Methods A total of 144 healthy male SD rats were assigned randomly to four groups(n=36 rats per group):a plains sham operation(A)group,plains operation(B)group,plateau altitude 6000 m+sham operation(C)group,and plateau altitude 6000 m+surgery(D)group.Rats in A and B groups were maintained in a plains normoxic environment,while rats in C and D groups C and D were subjected to a plateau environment.Rats in the surgical groups underwent quantitative constriction to incompletely obstruct the inferior vena cava blood flow.Each group was further divided into subgroups based on time:1,3,5,7,14,and 21 d(n=6 rats per group).Regular vascular ultrasound monitoring was conducted,and blood samples were taken for whole blood viscosity testing and the assessment of inflammatory indicators,including endothelin-1(ET-1),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tissue factor(TF).Coagulation function was evaluated through the activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),prothrombin time(PT),thrombin time(TT),fibrinogen(FIB)and D-dimer.After the observation period,the experimental animals were sacrificed and the limbs were removed.Thrombus samples were stained with hematoxylin/eosin(HE),and the thrombus wet mass was measured.Results The thrombosis incidence was significantly higher in the plateau D group than in B group,accompanied by a marked increase in blood viscosity and hematocrit(P<0.01).Additionally,levels of ET-1,IL-6,and TF were significantly elevated(P<0.05),indicating a coagulation disorder.Conclusions A plateau hypoxic environment model can be successfully simulated by quantitative coarctation of the inferior vena cava,combined with a specialized environmental chamber.The findings of this study suggest that a plateau hypoxic environment promotes venous thrombosis.
7.Prevention and Treatment of Schizophrenia by Traditional Chinese Medicine Targeting PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Haiyuan WU ; Jianbo CHAI ; Ming YU ; Yonghou ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):280-289
As one of the most difficult-to-cure neuropsychiatric disorders in clinical practice, schizophrenia is mainly manifested by behavioral abnormalities and multidimensional cognitive dysfunction, and the recurrence rate and disability rate of the disease are increasing year by year, which seriously affects patients' social functioning and quality of life, and even threatens the physical and mental health of the surrounding population. At present, the treatment of schizophrenia is mainly based on antipsychotic drugs combined with psychotherapeutic techniques, which have limited long-term therapeutic effects and a high relapse rate. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) boasts the advantages of multi-targets, multi-pathways, multi-links, and multi-levels, and plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia and its prognosis. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is widely present in cells and is involved in the regulation of protein synthesis and apoptosis, and the different isoforms of protein kinase B (Akt) are of great significance in cell growth, oxidative stress, neuronal development and other processes. In recent years, a large number of studies have found that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is closely related to schizophrenia. Through regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, TCM monomers and TCM compounds mainly affect key signaling molecules such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), glycogen synthase kinase (GSK), glucose transporter (GLUT) for glucose uptake and transport, and nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2), which organize the intracellular network of centers and regulate the formation and plasticity of neuronal synapse, and they play an important role in mitigating schizophrenia by regulating the processes of cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis of neurons, and has the advantages of multi-targets, all-encompassing and low toxicity. This article analyzes and explains the mechanism of TCM intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway against schizophrenia, in order to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the prevention and treatment of schizophrenia by TCM.
8.Intervention effect and mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis in rats
Dandan WEI ; Shanshan LI ; Minghao ZHANG ; Yurun WEI ; Hongling WANG ; Shuangshuang CHAI ; Jingjing YIN ; Min ZHANG ; Han ZHAO ; Zongyao WU ; Kuicheng ZHU ; Qingbo WANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):671-677
OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect and potential mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis (HF) in rats based on the transforming growth factor-β(1 TGF-β1)/Smad2/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1(ERK1) and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1(Keap1)/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) pathways. METHODS Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, breviscapine low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (5.4, 10.8, 21.6 mg/kg), and colchicine group (positive control, 0.45 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group, half male and half female. Except for the normal control group, HF model of the other groups was induced by carbon tetrachloride. Subsequently, each drug group was given corresponding medicine by gavage once a day for 28 days. The liver appearance of rats in each group was observed and their liver coefficients were calculated. The levels of alanineaminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)in serum, those of ALT, AST, superoxide dismutase (SOD),malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH- Px) in liver tissue were detected. The liver tissue inflammatory and fibrotic changes were observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, ERK1, Nrf2, Keap1 and HO-in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed large areas of white nodular lesions in the liver, obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition. The body weight, the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in liver tissue, the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly lowered in the model group (P<0.05); the liver coefficient, the percentage of Masson staining positive area, ALT and AST levels of serum and liver tissue, MDA level of liver tissue, the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, ERK1 and Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the liver lesions of rats in each drug group were improved, and the above quantitative indexes were generally reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Breviscapine has a good intervention effect on HF rats, which may be related to inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/ERK1 pathway for anti-fibrosis and regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress.
9.Associations of alcohol, coffee, green tea and dairy products with prostate cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Hongqiang CHAI ; Jinkai SHAO ; Ming WU ; Kejie ZHAO ; Lei PANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(3):253-260
【Objective】 A two-sample Mendelian randomization method was used to explore whether there is a causal relationship between the intake of alcohol, coffee, green tea and dairy products and the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa), in order to clarify the risk factors for the incidence of PCa and find a prevention pathway for PCa. 【Methods】 Data of alcohol, coffee, green tea, dairy products and prostate cancer were collected with genome-wide association study (GWAS).The causal relationship between their intake and the risk of PCa was analyzed with two-sample Mendelian randomization (2SMR).MR analysis was conducted with inverse-variance weighting (IVW).Sensitivity analysis was performed with weighted median, MR-Egger regression, Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) tests. 【Results】 Coffee intake (OR: 0.994, 95%CI: 0.990-0.999, P=0.014) and green tea intake (OR: 0.999, 95%CI: 0.998-0.999, P=0.036) were negatively correlated with the risk of PCa.Alcohol intake (OR: 0.997, 95%CI: 0.990-1.004, P=0.392) and dairy intake (OR: 1.025, 95%CI: 0.983-1.069, P=0.256) were not associated with the risk of PCa.In weighted median, MR-Egger regression, and retention one method analyses, the results were robust without heterogeneity or pleiotropy. 【Conclusion】 There was a causal association between coffee intake and green tea intake and the onset of PCa, but no causal association between alcohol intake and dairy intake and PCa onset.
10.A single-center research of peroral endoscopic myotomy for primary achalasia in patients over 60 years old
Xin ZHAO ; Ningli CHAI ; Qingzhen WU ; Runxiang DU ; Lu YE ; Xiao LI ; Huikai LI ; Yaqi ZHAI ; Enqiang LINGHU
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2023;40(2):98-103
Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for primary achalasia (AC) in patients aged over 60 years.Methods:Data of 146 patients aged ≥60 years (the elderly group) and 146 patients aged 18-59 years (the adult group) who received POEM from November 2010 to September 2019 at the Digestive Endoscopy Center of PLA General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline data, surgery data, surgery-related complications and surgery-related efficacy were compared.Results:There was no significant difference in gender, Ling classification, HRM classification or previous treatment between the two groups ( P>0.05). All 292 patients successfully underwent POEM surgery. The clinical success (Eckardt score ≤3) rates in the elderly group and the adult group were 96.33% (105/109) and 96.77% (90/93), respectively with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.030, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of myotomy between the two groups (7.09±2.49 cm VS 7.12±2.24 cm, t=0.472, P>0.05). Complications occurred in 26 cases (17.81%) in the elderly group and 21 cases (14.38%) in the adult group with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.634, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative hospital stay (12.61±9.69 days VS 11.00±4.43 days, t=1.825, P>0.05) or the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux [43.33% (13/30) VS 51.52% (17/33), χ2=0.422, P>0.05] between the elderly group and the adult group. Conclusion:The efficacy of POEM for AC patients over 60 years old is equivalent to that of adult patients, and the incidence of complications is similar. POEM is safe and effective for AC patients over 60 years old.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail