1.Validating the pathogenic mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by negative emotions via Mendelian randomization and traditional Chinese medicine theory of emotions
Zhiying WANG ; Yun LI ; Zhixian ZHONG ; Ling XU ; Yi ZHONG ; Jian CHEN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(2):196-205
Objective:
We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to test the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of emotional pathogenesis concept and explore the causal relationship between negative emotions and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods:
Data of negative emotions, bronchitis, emphysema, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were downloaded from genome-wide association study (GWAS) public database for a two-sample MR analysis. Independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with negative emotions, bronchitis, and emphysema were selected as instrumental variables. Primary causal estimates were derived using inverse-variance weighting (IVW), supplemented by weighted median (WM), and simple mode (SM) methods. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO to assess pleiotropy, Cochran’s Q test for heterogeneity, and multivariate MR to adjust for smoking. Mediation analysis evaluated the role of inflammatory markers. Reverse MR was tested for bidirectional causality. Weak instrument bias was mitigated via F-statistic thresholds (> 10). All analyses were conducted in RStudio.
Results:
MR analysis identified significant causal effects of several negative emotions on COPD. Genetically, the IVW analysis of seen doctors for nerves anxiety tension or depression [ORIVW = 1.006, 95% CI = (1.002, 1.010), P = 0.002], sensitivity/hurt feelings [ORIVW = 1.024, 95% CI = (1.004, 1.044), P = 0.017], and irritability [ORIVW = 1.019, 95% CI = (1.003, 1.035), P = 0.019 were robustly associated with increased risks of COPD. No heterogeneity was detected among the different instrumental variables (IVs) for depression (P = 0.655) and irritability (P = 0.163). MR-Egger regression intercepts for all emotional exposures were close to zero and statistically non-significant, indicating no evidence of directional pleiotropy. The horizontal pleiotropy results showed that except for worry (MR-PRESSO P = 0.006), other emotion exposures confirming no substantial pleiotropic bias. Multivariable MR demonstrated that anxiety remained independently associated with COPD after adjusting for smoking (P = 0.002), while associations with other negative emotions were attenuated post-adjustment. The mediation analysis revealed that CRP mediated 3.93% of the total effect of anxiety on COPD. However, reverse MR analysis found no evidence of reverse causality.
Conclusion
This study confirmed the causal effects of negative emotions on COPD through MR analysis and revealed that negative emotions may trigger CRP production, which plays an essential mediating role in this relationship. This study provides a reliable modern theoretical basis for emotion theory in TCM.
2.Diagnostic value of combining the corneal stress-strain index with corneal biomechanical parameters for early keratoconus
Dian PU ; Qian KANG ; Zhiying MA ; Hongliang XU
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1491-1494
AIM: To explore the diagnostic value of combining the corneal stress-strain index(SSI)with corneal biomechanical parameters for early keratoconus.METHODS:A retrospective study was conducted on 34 patients(53 eyes)with early keratoconus diagnosed and treated in our hospital from March 2022 to February 2024. Additionally, 112 normal volunteers(112 eyes)who underwent physical examinations in our hospital during the same period were selected as a healthy control group. The CorvisST equipment was utilized for measurement and recorded deformation with Scheimpflug camera to obtain 10 biomechanical parameters: first applanation time(A1T), first applanation length(A1L), velocity of initial applanation(Vin), second applanation time(A2T), second applanation length(A2L), velocity of outward applanation(Vout), highest concavity time(HCT), highest concavity depth of applanation(HCDA), highest concavity radius(HCR), and peak distance(PD), as well as stress-strain index(SSI), and the corneal biomechanical parameters of the two groups were compared. Furthermore, Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for keratoconus, and ROC curves were plotted to analyze the biomechanical parameters of the cornea for early diagnosis of keratoconus.RESULTS:The SSI(0.77±0.17)in patients with keratoconus was lower than that in healthy controls(1.01±0.24; P<0.001). Patients with keratoconus had lower A1T, A1L, A2L, and HCR, and higher Vout, HCDA, and PD compared to healthy controls(all P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased SSI, A1T, A1L, A2L, and HCR, as well as increased Vout, HCDA, and PD, were risk factors for the development of keratoconus(P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value for combined diagnosis of early keratoconus was 0.997, with a Youden's index of 0.954, sensitivity and specificity of 98.1% and 97.3%, respectively, and a 95% CI of 0.994-1.000.CONCLUSION:The combination of SSI and corneal biomechanical parameters holds diagnostic significance for early keratoconus, and the joint diagnostic value is even higher. It can be considered as a diagnostic or screening indicator for early keratoconus.
3.Network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation reveal the synergistic myocardial protection mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and Carthamus tinctorius L.
Linying Zhong ; Ling Dong ; Jing Sun ; Jie Yang ; Zhiying Yu ; Ping He ; Bo Zhu ; Yuxin Zhu ; Siyuan Li ; Wenjuan Xu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(1):44-54
Objective:
To reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the compatibility of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (S. miltiorrhiza, Dan Shen) and C. tinctorius L. (C. tinctorius, Hong Hua) as an herb pair through network pharmacology and subsequent experimental validation.
Methods:
Network pharmacology was applied to construct an active ingredient-efficacy target-disease protein network to reveal the unique regulation pattern of S. miltiorrhiza and C. tinctorius as herb pair. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding of the components of these herbs and their potential targets. An H9c2 glucose hypoxia model was used to evaluate the efficacy of the components and their synergistic effects, which were evaluated using the combination index. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of these targets.
Results:
Network pharmacology analysis revealed 5 pathways and 8 core targets of S. miltiorrhiza and C. tinctorius in myocardial protection. Five of the core targets were enriched in the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. S. miltiorrhiza-C. tinctorius achieved vascular tone mainly by regulating the target genes of the HIF-1 pathway. As an upstream gene of the HIF-1 pathway, STAT3 can be activated by the active ingredients cryptotanshinone (Ctan), salvianolic acid B (Sal. B), and myricetin (Myric). Cell experiments revealed that Myric, Sal. B, and Ctan also exhibited synergistic myocardial protective activity. Molecular docking verified the strong binding of Myric, Sal. B, and Ctan to STAT3. Western blot further showed that the active ingredients synergistically upregulated the protein expression of STAT3.
Conclusion
The pharmacodynamic transmission analysis revealed that the active ingredients of S. miltiorrhiza and C. tinctorius can synergistically resist ischemia through various targets and pathways. This study provides a methodological reference for interpreting traditional Chinese medicine compatibility.
4.Trends and factors associated with overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin from 2019 to 2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(8):1176-1180
Objective:
To understand trends and related factors influencing overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin, so as to provide a basis for formulating overweight and obesity prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
In September of each year from 2019 to 2023, a survey was conducted among 197 707 primary and secondary school students in 16 districts of Tianjin through a stratified random cluster sampling method. Physical examination was carried out in accordance with the Technical Standard for Physical examination for Student, and overweight and obesity survey was carried out. Basic information, smoking, drinking, diet, physical exercise, and sleep status were collected through questionnaire surveys.
Results:
The detection rates of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin from 2019 to 2023 were 39.07%, 43.33%, 41.54%, 43.92%, and 40.24%, respectively,showing an increasing trend(χ2trend=7.96,P<0.01). The detection rates of overweight increased in both vocational high schools and suburban counties (χ2trends=9.08, 47.18, P<0.01). The detection rates of obesity increased among both male and female students, in primary and vocational high schools and suburban counties (χ2trends=108.34, 15.99, 7.32, 10.95, 14.75, P<0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, drinking, unhealthful diet, and lack of proper physical exercise had a higher risk of obesity among primary and secondary school students (OR=1.26, 1.13, 1.08, 1.21, P<0.05). Stratified analysis showed that the risk of obesity was higher among boys with unhealthful and moderate lifestyle habits, as well as primary school students with unhealthful lifestyle habits (OR=1.15, 1.11, 1.27, P<0.05). Boys, girls and primary school students with unhealthful lifestyle habits, girls and ordinary high school students with moderate lifestyle habits had higher risk of being overweight (OR=1.14, 1.32, 1.21, 1.18, 1.40, P<0.05).
Conclusions
The detection rates of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin shows an increasing trend. Comprehensive lifestyle should be implemented to better prevent and control the risk of overweight and obesity.
5.Association between environmental exposure and hormone-sensitive cough in patients with chronic cough
Guangyun CAI ; Yanjun CAI ; Libin WANG ; Zhiying ZHOU ; Yi ZHANG ; Pusheng XU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2024;23(4):368-374
Objective:To explore the association between environment exposure and hormone-sensitive cough in patients with chronic cough.Methods:Clinical data of 197 patients with chronic cough visited outpatient clinic of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from June 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 130 cases of corticosteroid responsive cough (CRC, 66.0%) and 67 cases of non-corticosteroid responsive cough (NCRC, 34.0%). The association between living environment exposure and hormone sensitivity was examined with a binary logistic regression analysis.Results:Among 197 patients with chronic cough, there were 82 males (41.6%) and 115 females (58.4%). 75.1% (148/197) had a history of smoking, and 16.8% (33/197) had a history of allergies. 66.0% (130/197) lived in the city center, 18.3% (36/197) had a chemical factory around their place of residence, 11.2% (22/197) renovated their homes within the first six months of the disease, 15.7% (31/197) purchase new furniture, 54.3% (107/197) plant flowers and plants in their houses, 21.3% (42/197) keep pets in their houses, 79.2% (156/197) had lived in their houses for more than 2 years, 71.1% (140/197) had cockroaches in their houses, 16.2% (32/197) had mold in their houses, 83.3% (164/197) had a frequency of air conditioning cleaning exceeds 2 months per time.There were 130 patients (66.0%) with CRC and 67 patients (34.0%) with NCRC.Binary logistic regression analysis showed that living close to the main road ( OR=2.296, 95% CI: 1.350-3.904, P=0.002), living near chemical factories ( OR=3.322, 95% CI: 2.158-5.573, P<0.001), history of allergy ( OR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.165-4.058, P=0.015), purchasing new furniture within 6 months ( OR=2.828, 95% CI: 1.402-5.706, P=0.004), cotton and linen curtains ( OR=1.875, 95% CI: 1.038-3.388, P=0.037) were positively correlated with CRC; while down and wool pillowcases and quilts ( OR=0.142, 95% CI: 0.033-0.602, P=0.008; OR=0.207, 95% CI: 0.067-0.640, P=0.006) and low ventilation frequency ( OR=0.281, 95% CI: 0.131-0.603, P=0.001) were negatively correlated with CRC. Conclusion:Hormone-sensitive cough patients account the most of chronic cough cases, and there are differences in the living environment exposure between CRC and NCRC patients, which provides information for corresponding interventions to prevent and manage CRC.
6.Association of health risk behaviors with obesity and depressive symptoms in middle school students
SUN Zhiying, ZHANG Xianwei, YUAN Wen, DONG Yanhui, XU Ke, ZHAO Saisai, CHEN Lu, LIU Zhonghui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(10):1505-1510
Objective:
To investigate the tendency of obesity and depressive symptoms in middle school students in Tianjin, so as to provide a reference for exploring the clustering patterns of health risk behaviors and their effects on obesity and depressive symptoms.
Methods:
A stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate the obesity, depressive symptoms and health risk behaviors of middle school students from 16 counties of Tianjin from 2019 to 2023. The latent classes analysis was used to classify health risk behaviors. The χ 2 test and Logistic regression were used to analyze the effects of different categories on obesity and depression symptoms.
Results:
The obesity detection rate of middle school students in Tianjin from 2019 to 2023 first increased ( 20.90% in 2019, 23.35% in 2020) and then decreased and gradually stabilized (2021-2023:22.20%-22.69%), and the detection rate of depressive symptoms showed a decreasing trend (from 21.65% to 14.92%). The detection rate of comorbidity of obesity and depressive symptoms first increased (4.62% in 2019, 4.66% in 2020) and then gradually decreased to 3.43% in 2023, and the rate was higher in boys than in girls and higher in urban areas than in suburban areas. Latent category analysis classified health risk behaviors into four categories: lack of exercise group, poor behaviors such as sleep group, poor diet group and healthy group. After adjusting for demographic characteristics,the results of Logistic regression analysis showed that the co-occurrence risk of obesity and depression symptoms among the top three groups of middle school students were 1.35( OR=1.35, 95%CI =1.15-1.58), 4.20( OR=4.20, 95%CI =3.50-5.04), and 1.84( OR=1.84, 95%CI =1.40-2.38)times, compared to the healthy group ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
From 2019 to 2023, the comorbidity rate of obesity and depression among middle school students in Tianjin increased first and then decreased gradually. Interventions should be made in the aspects of exercise, diet, sleep and other behaviors.
7.Analysis of factors influencing the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation and construction of nomogram predictive model
Hongliang XU ; Qian KANG ; Zhiying MA
International Eye Science 2024;24(6):970-974
AIM: To analyze the influencing factors of postoperative dry eye complication after corneal transplantation and to build a nomogram prediction model.METHODS: Clinical data were collected on 117 patients who underwent corneal transplantation at our hospital from March 2021 to February 2023. They were divided into dry eye group(n=96)and non-dry eye group(n=21)according to whether there was a postoperative dry eye. The risk factors of postoperative complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation were analyzed, the nomogram prediction model for predicting postoperative complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation was constructed, and the internal validation of the model and the prediction efficacy were assessed by calibration curves and decision curves, respectively.RESULTS: Comorbid diabetes mellitus, comorbid sleep disorders, comorbid meibomian gland dysfunction, chronic eye drop abuse, chronic corneal contact lens wear, interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were the risk factors for the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation(P<0.05). The nomogram model predicted a C-index of 0.890(95% CI 0.877-0.903). The nomogram model had a threshold >0.07, and the nomogram model provided higher net clinical benefit than the single index in all cases.CONCLUSION: The nomogram model built in this study based on the factors affecting the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation has a good predictive value for the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation.
8.Exploration of the Disease Mechanism and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on the "One Qi Circulation"
Zhiying WANG ; Ling XU ; Jialin YAO ; Jiajun SONG ; Yun LI ; Shujuan FU ; Yabin GONG ; Yi ZHONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):1068-1071
Based on the theory of "one qi circulation" founded by HUANG Yuanyu, the core disease mechanism of colorectal cancer is the innate spleen deficiency and stomach qi failing to bear downward, which leads to the turbidity assemble in large intestine, forming the carcinoma toxin, and ultimately transforms into colorectal cancer. The treatment should base on recovering the circulation of qi, Huangya Decoction (黄芽汤) as the basic formula, the circulation of qi ascending and descending as the base, adjusting ascending and descending together with Xiaqi Decoction (下气汤), and differentiating the syndrome on yin-yang excess-deficiency; for spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome, treated with Tianhun Decoction (天魂汤) to supplement liver, kidney and assist yang; for liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome, treated wtih Dipo Decoction (地魄汤) to supplement lung, kidney, and assist yang. They jointly prompt one qi circulation to provide the thoughts for the treatment of colorectal cancer by traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Comorbidity of myopia and scoliosis in primary and secondary school students and analysis of risk factors in school environment in Tianjin
ZHANG Xianwei, CHEN Lu, LIU Zhonghui, DONG Yanhui, SONG Yi, SUN Zhiying, XU Ke, ZHAO Saisai
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(5):626-629
Objective:
To investigate the comorbidity of myopia and scoliosis among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin, and to analyze the school environment risk factors contributing to these health issues, so as to provide a scientific basis for development effective prevention measures.
Methods:
A total of 41 654 primary and secondary school students from 16 districts of Tianjin were selected by stratified random cluster sampling from September to October 2023 to screen for myopia and scoliosis. Univariate analysis was performed to examine the data, followed by a bivariate multivariate Logistic regression model and cumulative effect analysis to explore the influencing factors of their comorbidity.
Results:
In 2023, the prevalence of comorbidity of screening positive myopia and scoliosis among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin was 2.65%. The prevalence was higher in suburban areas (3.26%) compared to urban areas (2.02%), higher among females (3.81%) compared to males (1.59%), and highest in high school students (6.17%) compared to middle school (4.19%) and primary school students (0.44%) (χ2=62.23, 198.69, 953.19, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the number of physical education classes ≥3 per week, the number of eye health exercises at school ≥2 per day, outdoor activities between classes, teachers reminding to pay attention to reading and writing posture and strict eye standing posture were negatively correlated with the comorbidity of screening positive myopia and scoliosis (OR=0.66, 0.77, 0.71, 0.78, 0.74, P<0.05). Reading or electronic screen while lying or lying on the stomach was positively associated with the comorbidity of screening positive myopia and scoliosis (OR=1.77, P<0.05). Cumulative effect analysis showed that the cumulative score (4-7, 7-9, ≥10) was negatively correlated with the comorbidity of screening positive of myopia and scoliosis (OR=0.65, 0.55, 0.52, P<0.05).
Conclusions
The school environment support and students personal behavior habits in school are related to the comorbidity of comorbidity of screening positive myopia and scoliosis. Prevention and control of myopia and scoliosis should improve the environmental factors related to students health in school.
10.Effect of circLRP6 on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via miR-31-5p/HMGA1 axis regulation
Zhengrong XU ; Weidong REN ; Jun GU ; Zhiying ZHANG ; Wenjuan DENG ; Lijuan ZUO
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(3):246-251
Objective To analyze the effect of circLRP6 on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via miR-31-5p/high mobility group protein A1(HMGA1)axis regulation.Methods Human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into eight groups:control,high glucose,high glucose+si-NC,high glucose+si-circLRP6,high glucose+si-circLRP6+miR-NC,high glucose+si-circLRP6+miR-31-5p inhibitor,high glucose+si-circLRP6+miR-31-5p inhibitor+si-NC,and high glucose+si-circ-LRP6+ miR-31-5p inhibitor+si-HMGA1.The circLRP6,miR-31-5p,and HMGA1 mRNA levels were determined using real-time quantitative PCR.Cell supernatant IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity,and malondialdehyde(MDA)content were also determined.Furthermore,flow cytometry was used to observe cell apoptosis.HMGA1,Bax,and Bcl-2 protein expression was detected by Western blotting.Finally,dual luciferase assay was used to report the targeting relationship of miR-31-5p with circLRP6 and HMGA1.Results Compared with the high glucose group,the HK-2 cell proliferation inhibition rate;cell superserum IL-6,TNF-α,LDH,and MDA levels;apoptosis rate;and Bax protein expression in the high glucose+si-circLRP6 group decreased significantly,whereas Bcl-2 protein expression increased significantly(all P<0.05).Consequently,miR-31-5p downregulation possibly weakened the protective effect of si-circLRP6 on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.HMGA1 expression inhibition reversed the effect of the si-circLRP6+miR-31-5p inhibitor on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.Finally,miR-31-5p exhibited a targeting relationship with circLRP6 and HMGA1.Conclusion Si-circLRP6 protects high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via miR-31-5p upregulation and HMGA1 expression inhibition.


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