1.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
2.Identification and infection rate of densovirus in Culex pipiens pallens in Beijing in 2023
Xiu-yan XU ; Ting YAN ; Si-jie ZHU ; Jing LI ; Mei-de LIU ; Hong-jiang ZHANG ; Ting LIU ; Qiu-hong LI ; Xiao-jie ZHOU ; Ying TONG ; Yong ZHANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):25-30
Objective This study conducted molecular biological identification of the viruses carried by Culex pipiens pallens specimens collected in Shunyi District, Beijing in 2023, and observed the changes in the infection rate of the viruses carried by Cx. pipiens pallens at different collection times. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens were collected using carbon dioxide mosquito traps. The mosquito samples were ground in batches and analyzed by molecular biology technologies. The virus infection rate at different collection times was analyzed statistically. Results 17 strains of Culex pipiens pallens densovirus(CppDNV)were identified from Cx. pipiens pallens samples collected in Shunyi District, Beijing, in 2023. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the virus genome coding region showed that CppDNV was a single-stranded DNA virus with a total length of 3 335 nt, encoding 2 non-structural proteins(NS1, NS2)and 1 capsid protein(VP). The nucleotide(amino acid)sequence lengths of the three proteins were 2 376 nt(791 aa),1 092 nt(363 aa)and 1 071 nt(356 aa), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CppDNV was located in genus Brevihamaparvovirus. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates across collection times(χ2=4.429, P=0.194). Conclusions CppDNV was identified in Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing, and it was stably maintained in this natural population.
3.Investigation of mosquito species and breeding sources of larvae in the rice planting area of Beijing
Ting YAN ; Xiu-yan XU ; Jing LI ; Xiao-jie ZHOU ; Yong ZHANG ; Ying TONG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):49-52
Objective To investigate the species composition of mosquitoes and breeding conditions of larvae in the rice planting areas of Beijing, and to provide a scientific basis for mosquito control in rice fields. Methods Adult mosquitoes were collected using CO2-baited light traps, and mosquito larvae(including pupae)were sampled via the dipping method. Results A total of 4 genera and 6 species of adult mosquitoes were captured in the study area. The dominant species were Culex pipiens pallens, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and Anopheles sinensis. The average adult mosquito density was 5.11 specimens per trap-hour, with slightly lower density in July compared to August. For larvae and pupae,3 genera and 4 species were identified, dominated by Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, An. sinensis, and Aedes vexans. Conclusions The mosquito species composition in Beijing′s rice planting areas is diverse. Mosquito control strategies should prioritize the management of adult mosquitoes, while density control of mosquito larvae in paddy fields can be achieved through intermittent irrigation techniques.
4.Clinical Study of Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Patients with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Xiao-ling LIU ; Hong-he ZHANG ; Jun-ling YE ; Xiu-ying ZHENG ; Zi-yan PENG ; Dan-ni HUANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(11):1847-1854,1878
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)combined with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy(MBCT)in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome(AWS).Methods:The 120 patients with AWS who were observed in this study were all male patients admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to June 2024,the patients were divided into group A(conventional treatment,40 cases),group B(group A combined with rTMS,40 cases),and group C(group B combined with MBCT,40 cases)according to random number table method.The clinical efficacy,self-control ability[Modified Clinical Institution Alcohol Dependence Withdrawal Assessment Scale(CIWA-Ar)score,Visual Analog Scale of Psychological Craving for Alcohol(VAS)score and Pennsylvania Alcohol Craving Scale(PACS)score],anxiety and depression degree assessment[Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)score,Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)score]and quality of life[36 Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)Score],relapse rate and readmission rate were compared among the three groups.Results:The total effective rate of group A,group B and group C increased successively(P<0.05).The CIWA-Ar,PACS and VAS scores in group B and group C after treatment were lower than those in group A,and group C was lower than that in group B(P<0.05).The HAMD and HAMA scores of group B and group C after treatment were lower than those in group A,and group C was lower than that in group B(P<0.05).The SF-36 score of group B and group C after treatment was higher than those in group A,and group C was higher than that in group B(P<0.05).Relapse rate and readmission rate in groups B and C were lower than those in group A,and group C was lower than that in group B(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of rTMS combined with MBCT in patients with AWS can improve clinical efficacy and quality of life,alleviate anxiety and depression,improve patients' self-control ability,reduce relapse rate and readmission rate,with definite effects.
5.Construction and Optimization of Alzheimer's Disease Classification Model Based on Brain Mixed Function Network Topology Parameters and Machine Learning
Xiao-yu HAN ; Xiu-zhu JIA ; Yang LI ; Meng-ying LOU ; Yong-qi NIE ; Xin-ping GUO ; Lu YU ; Zhi-yuan LI ; Lian-zheng SU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(11):1770-1778
Objective:To explore the interrelationship between brain functional networks and features in functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)of patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD),and to construct mixed-function networks(MFN),and apply them in machine learning classification models to improve the accuracy of AD classification.Methods:102 AD patients and 227 healthy subjects in the Alzheimer's Neuroimaging Initiative(ADNI)dataset were retrospectively analyzed.The partial correlation brain network of the blood oxygen level dependent(BOLD)signal was calculated and fused with low-frequency wave amplitude(ALFF),fractional low-frequency wave amplitude(fALFF)and local consistency(ReHo)features to construct MFN.Network topology parameters were extracted,and a variety of machine learning classification models were constructed based on MFN topological parameters,accuracy,precision,recall and area under the curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the predictive efficiency of the models.Results:By constructed MFN and calculated intra group to inter group ratio(IIGR),35 features could be obtained from ALFF,fALFF and ReHo feature topological parameter analysis,after rank sum test and FDR correction,there were statistical differences among 28 features(P<0.05).The classification results show that,all the five classifiers have high classification performance on the test data set.The accuracy,precision and recall rates of random forest(RF),adaptive lifting algorithm(AdaBoost),guided aggregation algorithm(Bagging)and support vector machine(SVM)were all 99.7%,and the AUC values were up to 100%,99.5%,99.1%and 99.5%,respectively.The accuracy(98.5%),precision(98.5%),recall(98.5%),and AUC(99.1%)of the multi-layer perceptron(MLP)were slightly lower than other models,but remained excellent.It was worth noting that RF has the highest AUC value of all models at 100.0%,while Bagging has the lowest AUC value(99.1%)in the integrated approach.The results of performance comparison show that,MFN classification model can significantly improve the recognition and classification of AD disease,and greatly improve the performance of various indicators of the classifier.The results showed that,MFN classification model was superior to intelligent classification based fusion,DBN-based multitask learning,PVT-TSVM,unsupervised learning and clustering,SVM and SVM of degree 3 polynomial kernel function in key indicators such as accuracy(99.13%),AUC(99.42%),recall rate(99.46%)and specificity(99.42%)with plasma proteins,machine learning algorithms.It was further proved that MFN classification model has good generalization ability and robustness in AD disease classification.Conclusion:The AD classification model constructed based on brain mixed function network topology parameters and machine learning can improve the accuracy of AD classification.
6.Role of EBP50 in renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic nephropathy
Xiaofei XIU ; Xiaomei WANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Xuelan XIAO ; Hongjing SUN ; Zinan GUO ; Feng GAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(5):678-681
Objective:To investigate the role of ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) in renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods:Renal tissue specimens from 24 DN patients (DN group) confirmed by medical history, clinical laboratory tests, and pathological diagnosis at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and 15 adjacent normal renal tissues (control group) from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of EBP50, E-cadherin, and Vimentin proteins. Additionally, 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled as a normal group, and fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24 h urinary protein levels were compared between DN patients and the normal group.Results:Fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and 24 h urinary protein levels were significantly higher in the DN group than in the normal group (all P<0.01). Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining revealed significant thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, increased extracellular matrix, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules, and elevated extracellular matrix in the renal interstitium in the DN group. Immunohistochemistry showed higher expression of EBP50 and E-cadherin proteins in the control group than in the DN group (all P<0.01), while Vimentin expression was lower in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:EBP50 is involved in the EMT process of renal tubules in DN and is associated with tubular injury.
7.Dihydromyricetin attenuates Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice through activation of AMPK/PPAR-α signaling pathway
Xiao-ying ZHANG ; Jia-jia WU ; Qi SI ; Guo-xiu WU ; Liang ZHANG ; Zhi-ying ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1914-1921
Aim To investigate the effect of dihydro-myricetin(DMY)on Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiac hypertro-phy in mice and the underlying mechanisms.Methods Fifty mice were randomly divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+catopril 12.0 mg·kg-1·d-1 group,AngⅡ+DMY 100 mg·kg-1·d-1 group,and Ang Ⅱ+DMY 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 group,with 10 mice in each group.The control mice were given saline by gavage,the drug intervention group was given DMY,and the positive drug group was given captopril;the mice in all groups except the control group were in-jected subcutaneously with Ang Ⅱ 1.0mg·kg-1·d-1.After four weeks,heart weight/body weight(HW/BW)and left ventricular weight/body weight(LVW/BW)ratios were calculated.The mRNA ex-pression of the fetal genes atrial natriuretic factor(ANF),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),β-myosin heavy chain(β-MHC),adenosine triphosphate 5β-subunit(ATP 5β)and uncoupling protein 2(UCP2)were monitored,and the morphological changes of car-diac tissue were observed.Secondly,the creatine ki-nase isoenzyme(CK-MB),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),free fatty acids(FFA)and lactic acid in ser-um were investigated.Lastly,the expression of AMP-activated proteinkinase(AMPK),peroxisome prolifer-ator-activated receptor alpha(PPAR-α)and T-cell nu-clear factor cytoplasmic 4(NFATc4)protein expres-sion were also detected.The Ang Ⅱ-induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was established and treated with the AMPK inhibitor compound C.The mRNA of ANF,BNP,β-MHC and the protein expres-sion of AMPK/PPAR-α were analyzed.Results DMY intervention significantly reduced HW/BW and LVW/BW in mice,fetal genes ANF,BNP,β-MHC and UCP2 mRNA expression decreased,whereas ATP 5 β mRNA increased,and the degree of hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes was alleviated.In addition,the serum levels of CK-MB,LDH,FFA and lactic acid were re-duced in DMY treated groups.Finally,DMY upregu-lated the protein expression of P-AMPK,AMPK and PPAR-α,and downregulated protein expression of NFATc4.In the Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiomyocyte hyper-trophy model,DMY pretreatment reduced the mRNA expression of fetal genes(ANF,BNP,β-MHC).However,when AMPK was inhibited by compound C,the expression of these fetal genes rebounded,accom-panied by decreased protein levels of AMPK and PPAR-α.Conclusions DMY can improve Ang Ⅱ-in-duced myocardial hypertrophy in mice by ameliorating disorders of glycolipid metabolism and increasing ener-gy supply to cardiomyocytes,and its mechanism is re-lated to the activation of the AMPK/PPAR-α pathway and the inhibition of NFATc4 expression.
8.Analysis of Lung Cancer Screening Compliance Among High-Risk Population in Chongqing from 2013 to 2021
Lu XIAO ; Shenglin ZHAO ; Zhikai YU ; Jia DU ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiu LIU ; Qing GUO ; Hong ZHOU ; Mei HE
China Cancer 2025;34(3):203-208
[Purpose]To analyze the compliance and its influencing factors of lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography(LDCT)among high-risk population in urban districts of Chongqing from 2013 to 2021.[Methods]The lung cancer screeing of Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment Project was conducted among permanent residents aged 40~69 years old from 14 urban districts of Chongqing selected by cluster sampling method from 2013 to 2021.The questionnaire survey was performed to assess the risk level of lung cancer,and individuals with high risk were advised to have LDCT examination.The compliance rate of LDCT examination among high-risk populations was calculated and compared using Chi-square test among residents with different de-mographic features;the influencing factors of compliance was analyzed with generalized linear mixed models.[Results]A total of 316 066 residents completed the risk assessment questionnaire survey,52 858 people were assessed as high-risk(17.17%).Among the high-risk population,20 398 completed LDCT screening,with an overall compliance rate of 38.59%.The generalized linear mixed model showed that male participants(OR=0.871,95%CI:0.823~0.922)and smokers(light smokers:OR=0.829,95%CI:0.775~0.886;heavy smokers:OR=0.842,95%CI:0.792~0.896)had lower compliance rates;while people with higher education level(OR=1.347,95%CI:1.265~1.435),occupational exposure to harmful substances(OR=1.400,95%CI:1.340~1.463),passive smoking for 20 years or more(OR=1.472,95%CI:1.376~1.576),infrequent physical exercise(OR=1.203,95%CI:1.152~1.256),family history of lung cancer(OR=2.312,95%CI:2.201~2.429),and those having media promotion by community staff(OR=1.365,95%CI:1.223~1.524),and trained community staff(OR=1.343,95%CI:1.227~1.470)had higher compliance rates.Comorbidities were also factors influencing compliance,and there was an increasing trend of compliance rate with the increase of comorbidity numbers(P<0.001).[Conclusion]The compli-ance rate of LDCT examination for lung cancer screening in Chongqing needs to be improved,and more precise health education should be implemented for groups with different characteristics to improve the compliance among high-risk population.
9.Study on mechanism of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction in treatment of endometriosis fibrosis based on mitophagy
Can-can HUANG ; Wen-wen WAN ; Xiu-jia JI ; Bin YUE ; Yu-gui ZHANG ; Xiao-hua ZHANG ; Li LIANG ; Guo-lian CHEN ; Quan-sheng WU ; Hai-yan MAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1177-1185
Aim To explore the mechanism of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction in antagonizing endometriosis fibrosis by regulating mitophagy.Methods After the animal model was constructed,the syndrome was evalu-ated by general condition,organ water content and ther-mal imaging.The curative effect was evaluated by the weight of ectopic focus and the degree of adhesion.The pathological changes were compared using HE stai-ning,transmission electron microscopy,Masson and Sir-ius red staining.The expression of PINK1 and Parkin was detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of mRNA and protein was determined by qPCR and Western blot,and the level of serum ROS was detected by ELISA.Results The autonomic activity of model mice was weakened,the water content of organs rose,and the temperature of limbs and lower abdomen was reduced by thermal imaging.HE staining showed obvi-ous hyperplasia of ectopic epithelium and glands.Transmission electron microscopy showed mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum structure damage,and nor-mal autophagy structure disappeared.Masson and Siri-us red staining showed increased collagen deposition;immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of PINK1 and Parkin in ectopic foci.qPCR and Western blot showed that the expression of PINK1,Parkin,Bec-lin1,LC3 mRNA and protein in ectopic foci of model mice decreased,the expression of p62 mRNA and pro-tein increased,and serum ROS increased.The syn-drome performance of model mice was improved after the intervention of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction;the inflammatory infiltration of ectopic foci was relieved,the morphology of mitochondria and endoplasmic retic-ulum was restored,and normal autophagy structure ap-peared.The degree of collagen deposition and fibrosis was reduced;the mRNA and protein expression of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin1 and LC3 increased.The ex-pression of p62 mRNA and protein decreased,and the level of ROS decreased.Conclusions Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction can improve the fibrosis of ectopic le-sions in mice with endometriosis of cold-dampness sta-sis syndrome,which may be related to the regulation of mitophagy.
10.Impact of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality of fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples in biobank
Yang-si ZHENG ; Xuan-hao LIN ; Fan LI ; Kun-sheng XIAO ; Xi-feng CHEN ; Chun-peng LIU ; Pei-xiu YAO ; Shao-hong WANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(3):437-445
Objective To investigate the effects of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer(BC)and esophageal cancer(EC)tissue samples in order to establish evidence-based protocols for biobank sample management.Methods The tumor(T)and paired normal(N)tissue samples from 6 cases of BC and 6 cases of EC were collected and cryopreserved in Biobank,Shantou Central Hospital.Mirror paraffin-embedded tissues were simultaneously prepared into sections for morphological analysis.The samples were divided into two groups of<15 min and 15-30 min according to ischemia time,and RNA quality was analyzed at 4 storage periods of 8-10 months(T1),14-16 months(T2),26-28 months(T3)and 38-40 months(T4).Results In 96 analyzed samples,93.8%(90/96)exhibited high quality(RIN≥6),with 89.6%(43/48)in BC and 97.9%(47/48)in EC.Significant differences in RIN were observed between BC group and EC group(8.050 vs.8.600,P=0.009).In EC group,RIN value was significantly negatively correlated with RNA yield(P<0.001).Moreover,RIN values of tumor-normal pairs exhibited markedly significant differences(7.550 vs.9.000,P<0.001).In contrast,no significant difference was detected in BC group(8.200 vs.7.700,P=0.348).Statistical analysis showed that RIN value was positively correlated with 28S/18S(P<0.001),but had no correlation with tumor content(P=0.676)and necrotic content(P=0.055).Neither ischemia time(<15 min vs.15-30 min:8.200 vs.8.300,P=0.932)nor storage periods(T1-T4:8.400,7.700,8.450,8.600,P=0.163)compromised RNA quality.Conclusion Organ origin and tissue type could influence RNA quality of fresh-frozen tissue samples.However,limited ischemia time(≤30 min)and long-term storage period(38-40 months)do not adversely affect RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples.


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