1.Summary of 16-Year Observation of Reflux Esophagitis-Like Symptoms in A Natural Village in A High-Incidence Area of Esophageal Cancer
Junqing LIU ; Lingling LEI ; Yaru FU ; Xin SONG ; Jingjing WANG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Min LIU ; Zongmin FAN ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xuena HAN ; Zhuo YANG ; Kan ZHONG ; Sai YANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Qide BAO ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):461-465
Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including
2.Research progress on the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve sepsis-induced lung injury
Yang LI ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Jian ZHAO ; Xinsheng HUANG ; Xiao LI ; Xin ZHONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1530-1535
Sepsis-induced lung injury is a common type of sepsis complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, whose uncontrolled inflammatory response and oxidative stress are the key pathological mechanisms. As an important pathway of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress, the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is very important in the occurrence and development of sepsis-induced lung injury. This review summarizes relevant research conducted over the past decade on the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to ameliorate sepsis- induced lung injury. It has been found that 14 kinds of TCM effective ingredients (including five types of compounds: flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, saponins, phenols) and 6 kinds of compound preparations (including three types of formulas: heat-clearing and detoxifying formulas, purgative formulas for promoting bowel movement, and formulas for reinforcing vital qi and consolidating the constitution) can inhibit inflammatory responses and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and intervening in related pathways such as those involving Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, heme oxygenase-1, antioxidant response element and AMP-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating sepsis-induced lung injury.
3.Analysis and prediction of global burden due to cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2035
Zhen LAI ; Gang LIU ; Haili ZHAO ; Miaomiao QIU ; Jian CHEN ; En LUO ; Junguo XIN ; Xiaohong YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(3):255-267
Objective To investigate the trends in the global burden due to cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021, and to predict the global burden of cystic echinococcosis from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into formulation of the cystic echinococcosis control strategy. Methods The global age-standardized prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) of cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021 were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database, and the trends in the global burden of cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed using the Joinpoint regression model. The associations between the global burden of cystic echinococcosis and socio-demographic index (SDI) were examined using a smoothing spline model and frontier analysis, and the global burden of cystic echinococcosis was projected from 2022 to 2035 using the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model. Results The global agestandardized prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis were 7.69/105 [95% UI: (6.27/105, 9.51/105)], 0.02/105 [95% UI: (0.01/105, 0.02/105)], and 1.32/105 [95% UI: (0.99/105, 1.69/105)] in 2021. The global age-standardized prevalence of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a rise by 0.14% per year from 1990 to 2021, and the global age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline by 4.68% and 4.01% per year from 1990 to 2021, respectively. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that global age-standardized prevalence of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2000 [annual percent change (APC) = −0.66%, 95% confidence interval (CI): (−0.70%, −0.61%)] and from 2005 to 2015 [APC = −0.88%, 95% CI: (−0.93%, −0.82%)], and towards a rise from 2000 to 2005 [APC = 3.68%, 95% CI: (3.49%, 3.87%)] and from 2015 to 2021 [APC=0.30%, 95%CI: (0.19%, 0.40%)].Theagestandardized prevalence (r = −0.17, P < 0.05), mortality (r = −0.67, P < 0.05) and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis (r = −0.60, P < 0.05) all correlated negatively with SDI across 21 geographical regions from 1990 to 2021, and the age-standardized mortality (r = −0.61, P < 0.05) and DALYs rates (r = −0.44, P < 0.05) both correlated negatively with SDI across 204 countries and territories in 2021. Frontier analysis revealed that the age-standardized DALYs rate of cystic echinococcosis was still not in line with the frontier in some high-SDI countries or territories. In addition, the global age-standardized prevalence was projected with the BAPC model to appear a tendency towards a rise among both men [estimated annual percent change (EAPC) = 0.18%, 95% CI: (0.13%, 0.23%)] and women [EAPC = 0.29%, 95% CI: (0.24%, 0.34%)] from 2022 to 2035, and the global age-standardized mortality [men: EAPC = −4.71%, 95% CI: (−4.71%, −4.37%); women: EAPC = −4.74%, 95% CI: (−4.74%, −4.74%)] and DALYs rates [men: EAPC = −3.35%, 95% CI: (−3.36%, −3.34%); women: EAPC = −3.17%, 95% CI: (−3.18%, −3.16%)] were projected to appear a tendency towards a decline among both men and women. Conclusions The global burden of cystic echinococcosis appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021; however, the global prevalence of cystic echinococcosis is projected to appear a tendency towards a rise from 2022 to 2035. Intensified cystic echinococcosis control programmes are recommended.
4.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
5.Prospective Study of Disease Occurrence Spectrum in Asymptomatic Residents in Areas with High Incidence of Esophageal Cancer: 16-year Observation of 711 Cases in Natural Population
Qide BAO ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xueke ZHAO ; Jingjing WANG ; Xin SONG ; Zongmin FAN ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Zhuo YANG ; Junfang GUO ; Kan ZHONG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Junqing LIU ; Min LIU ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):656-660
Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.
6.Regulatory Effects of Exercise on The Natural Immune System and Related Molecular Mechanisms
Shu-Yang ZHAO ; Xin LI ; Ke NING ; Zhuo WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2535-2549
The innate immune system serves as the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and plays a central role in inflammation regulation, immune homeostasis, and tumor immunosurveillance. In recent years, with the growing recognition of the concept “exercise is medicine”, increasing attention has been paid to the immunoregulatory effects of physical activity. Accumulating evidence suggests that regular, moderate-intensity exercise significantly enhances innate immunity by strengthening the skin-mucosal barrier, increasing levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and improving the functional capacity of key immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. It also modulates the complement system and various inflammatory mediators. This review comprehensively summarizes the effects of exercise on each component of the innate immune system and highlights the underlying molecular mechanisms, including activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), enhancement of mitochondrial function via the PGC-1α/TFAM axis, and initiation of autophagy through the ULK1/mTOR pathway. Emerging mechanisms are also discussed, such as exercise-induced epigenetic modifications (e.g., histone acetylation and miRNA regulation), modulation of the gut microbiota, and metabolite-mediated immune programming (e.g., short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), β‑hydroxybutyrate). The effects of exercise on innate immunity vary considerably among individuals, depending on factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities. For example, adolescents exhibit enhanced NK cell mobilization, whereas older adults benefit from reduced chronic inflammation and immune aging. Sex hormones and metabolic conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer) further modulate the immune response to exercise. Based on these insights, we propose a personalized approach to exercise prescription guided by the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principle, aiming to optimize immune outcomes across diverse populations. Importantly, given the dual role of exercise in immune activation and regulation, caution is warranted: while moderate exercise enhances immune defense, excessive or high-intensity activity may induce transient immunosuppression. In pathological contexts such as infection, autoimmune diseases, or tissue injury, exercise intensity and timing must be carefully adjusted. This review provides practical guidelines for exercise-based immune modulation and underscores the need for dose-response studies and advancements in precision exercise medicine. In conclusion, exercise represents a safe and effective strategy for enhancing innate immune function and mitigating chronic inflammatory diseases.
7.Protective Mechanism of Paeoniflorin on Mice with Ulcerative Colitis Based on AMPK/mTOR Autophagy Pathway
Xin DAI ; Rou LI ; Yang HU ; Yuhang WANG ; Ruizhu ZHAO ; Jiaxuan FENG ; Shilei LOU ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):45-53
ObjectiveTo explore the protective mechanism of paeoniflorin on mice with ulcerative colitis (UC) through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) autophagy pathway. MethodUC mouse model was established by allowing mice freely drink 4% DSS, and 56 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into model group, AMPK inhibitor group (20 mg·kg-1), paeoniflorin (50 mg·kg-1) + inhibitor (20 mg·kg-1) group, and high dose (50 mg·kg-1), medium dose (25 mg·kg-1), and low dose (12.5 mg·kg-1) paeoniflorin groups. After seven days of drug intervention, the protective effect of paeoniflorin on mice with UC was determined by comparing the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) changes, and Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining results. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of mice in each group, and immunofluorescence was utilized to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) content in the colon, AMPK, mTOR proteins, and their phosphorylated proteins including p-AMPK and p-mTOR in the colon tissue were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, mTOR, Beclin1, LC3, and p62 were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body mass, an increase in DAI score, and severe pathological damage to the colon. The levels of inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-6 increased in serum (P<0.01), while the protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK were down-regulated in colon tissue, and those of p-mTOR/mTOR were up-regulated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPK and LC3 were down-regulated, while the mRNA expression levels of mTOR and p62 were up-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the paeoniflorin + inhibitor group, the mice treated with paeoniflorin showed an increase in body mass, a decrease in DAI score, a reduction in pathological damage to colon tissue, and a reduction in the levels of inflammatory factors of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum (P<0.05). The protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK in colon tissue were up-regulated, while the protein levels of p-mTOR/mTOR were down-regulated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3 were up-regulated, while the mRNA expression of mTOR and p62 were down-regulated (P<0.01). The colon tissue of the inhibitor group was severely damaged, and the trend of various indicators was completely opposite to that of the high dose paeoniflorin group. ConclusionPaeoniflorin can enhance autophagy and reduce inflammatory damage in mice with UC by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and thus play a protective role.
8.Clinical Application of Fresh Plantaginis Herba in Acient and Modern Medical Works
Rikai ZHAO ; Xin JIANG ; Huiyan YANG ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):159-169
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical application law and provide literature support and development ideas for the modern application of fresh Plantaginis Herba. MethodThe literature about the application of fresh Plantaginis Herba was retrieved from the fifth edition of Chinese medical dictionary, China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang data, and Chinese medical journals and analyzed. ResultFresh Plantaginis Herba appeared frequently in ancient books, with the effects of clearing heat, cooling blood, promoting urination, and relieving stranguria. It was used for the treatment of stranguria, urine retention, bloody urine, sore and carbuncle, epistaxis, red and swelling eye, suppurative inflammation in the throat, and gynecological and pediatric diseases. According to modern medical publications, fresh Plantaginis Herba is mainly used to treated diseases in the kidney, five sense organs, spleen, stomach, lung, liver, gallbladder, and skin and gynecological and pediatric diseases. Specifically, it is mainly used to treat the syndrome of dampness and heat in kidney and skin diseases caused by the accumulation of dampness and heat toxin, with the effects of clearing heat, removing toxin, promoting urination, and relieving stranguria. Since ancient times, there have been reports of using fresh Plantaginis Herbausing for food and health care. ConclusionFresh Plantaginis Herba is widely used in clinical practice and has a high medical value and economic value. However, its modern application lags behind, so it is necessary to promote the development of fresh Plantaginis Herba from the aspects of medicinal material production, storage, transportation, preparation research and development, and clinical application.
9.A study of drugs related to contraindications in children in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia
Yu YANG ; Rui-Ling ZHAO ; Xin-Wen XU ; Zhi-Gang ZHAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1355-1359
Objective The varieties of chemical drugs prohibited for children in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia were analyzed.Provide a technical basis for the development of a list of drugs prohibited by children.This is requirement of China's Children's Development Program(2021-2030).Methods Drug inserts are collected through websites such as"PharmaIntelligence",from which information on children's prohibitions is extracted,and drugs with consistent information on children's prohibitions are analyzed in the instructions of different manufacturers.Results Among the 1 741 kinds of chemicals,there are a total of 240 drugs with consistent information on the prohibition of children in the instructions of different manufacturers,of which 113 are labeled"prohibited"for children of different ages,53 are"not suitable"for children of different ages,38 are"not recommended""for children of different ages,and 36 are labeled with other children's prohibition related information.According to the classification of the clinical drug instructions involving 21 categories.Including anti-infective drugs(77),nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-gout drugs(28),nervous system drugs(20),psychotropic drugs(16),digestive system drugs(16),endocrine system drugs(16),etc.Conclusion Children are at a special stage of growth and development,and the pharmacological and toxicological characteristics of drugs in children are different from those in adults.The risk-benefit ratio of drugs used in children needs continuous research to provide more detailed evidence for drug use and ensure the safety of drug use in children.
10.Role of sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling in the proliferation of breast cancer BT549 cells
Juan SONG ; Ming WANG ; Xin-Yang LIU ; Hao-Tian ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Xue-Mei ZHAO ; Ying LIU ; Hong-Xia CUI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1578-1582
Objective To study the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)signal on the proliferation of breast cancer BT549 cells.Methods Cells were divided into control group and experimental group,experimental group were treated with 0.1,1.0,10.0 μmol·L-1 S1P receptor agonist SEW2871 for 72 h.Control group was cultured with 0.1%fetal bovine serum.Cell proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay.Cell models of overexpressing S1P receptors in BT549 were divided into three groups:blank plasmid group(LUC),wild type S1P receptor overexpression group(WT),S1P receptor phosphorylation site mutation overexpression group(MUT);the proliferation ratio was detected by MTT,the number of cell clones was counted by colony formation experiment.S1P antagonist W146(10 μmol·L-1)and protein kinase(AKT)signaling inhibitor MK2206(90 nmol·L-1)were used to detect the role of S1P signaling in the proliferation of breast cancer cells.The expression of phosphorylate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3),c-Myc proteins were detected by Western blot.Results The growth ratio of BT549 cells in control group and 0.1,1.0,10.0 μmol·L-1experimental groups were 1.00±0.03,1.13±0.06,1.06±0.10 and 1.07±0.03,0.1 μmol·L-1 SEW2871 promot the cell proliferation(P<0.05).Compared between WT group,MUT group and LUC group,the growth rate and the number of clonal colonies were increased after overexpression of S1P receptor(all P<0.05).The growth ratio of BT549 cells after treatment with W146 and MK2206 in the LUC group,WT group and MUT group were 1.25±0.12,1.31±0.03,1.43±0.14 and 0.87±0.15,0.77±0.03,0.88±0.02.Compared between MUT group,WT group and corresponding DMSO group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).The number of cell clony formation number after treatment with W146 were 65.65±5.12,141.48±5.63 and 93.64±5.14;compared between MUT,WT group and corresponding DMSO group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The relative protein expression levels of p-STAT3 in LUC group,WT group and MUT group were 0.67±0.04,0.69±0.08 and 0.81±0.06,the relative protein expression levels of proto-oncogene c-Myc were 1.69±0.03,0.70±0.10 and 0.67±0.07,compared between WT group,MUT group and corresponding DMSO group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion S1P signaling can promote proliferation in breast cancer BT549 cells,and the mechanism could be related to AKT and STAT3 signaling pathway.

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