1.The change of EPA1-ROS-NLRP1 signaling in CUMS-induced depression model mice
Shuxiang TIAN ; Mengqing LIU ; Han YANG ; Mingguang NIU ; Yanyan YIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):836-844
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression changes of the Endophilin A1 (EPA1)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1) signaling pathway in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression model mice. Methods50 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and CUMS model group(n=25). The model mice received 42 days of CUMS stress exposure, after which behavioral changes were assessed through monitoring body weight, sucrose preference test, forced swim test, tail suspension test, open field test, and elevated plus-maze test. Hematoxylin-Eosin and Nissl staining were used to observe neuronal damage in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) assay kit was used to detect Ca²⁺ levels in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect colocalization of EPA1 and NLRP1 as well as ROS changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial structure in hippocampal neurons. The expression levels of calcium-activated neutral protease 1 (Calpain-1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2), NLRP1 inflammasome, downstream inflammatory proteins, and synapse-associated proteins in the hippocampus of mice was detected by using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, mice in the CUMS model group exhibited depressive-like behavior and hippocampal neuronal damage. The levels of NLRP1 and EPA1 significantly increased in the hippocampus, and both were co-expressed in the cytoplasm and membrane of hippocampal neurons in the CUMS group mice(P<0.01). Ca²⁺ concentration was elevated(P<0.01), and the protein levels of Calpain 1 and NOX2 were upregulated(P<0.01). The average fluorescence intensity of ROS significantly increased, accompanied by structural damage to neuronal mitochondria(P<0.01). The levels of NLRP1 and its downstream inflammatory proteins significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of synapse-associated proteins significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionEPA1 exhibits abnormal expression changes in CUMS-induced depression model mice, which may be closely associated with ROS generation, NLRP1 inflammasome activation, and the regulation of synaptic protein expression.
2.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
3.Epidemiological characteristics of imported dengue fever cases in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025
Yan MENG ; Yang YANG ; Xiao-xing YANG ; Jun-yong YANG ; Ruo-yi DU ; Li-na TIAN ; Ruo-xi LI ; Gui-yin LIN ; Xiao-li RUAN ; Jian-jun ZHANG ; Zhen-jiang XIN ; Li-li TIAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):180-186
Objective We reviewed and analyzed the epidemiological data of 83 imported dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025, to delineate their epidemiological characteristics and guide the dengue fever prevention and control strategy in the future. Methods Data on dengue fever cases in Fengtai District from 2007 to 2025 were collected to identify the epidemic factors and characteristics using descriptive epidemiological method. Results All 83 dengue fever cases reported in this region over the past two decades have been imported from abroad or other domestic areas, with Southeast Asian countries being identified as the primary source of imported infections, accounting for 42 cases (50.60%), followed by 15 cases (18.07%) from Chinese provinces other than Beijing. The remaining import sources included 13 cases from South Asia,8 from African countries, and each from Oceania, South America, and Europe. Disease onset was found concentrated between May and November. The sex ratio (male-to-female) is 1.59:1. The age of onset ranged from 14 to 61 years old, with a median age of 36. The largest proportion of cases was observed among cadres and office workers (31 cases, 37.35%), followed by businessmen (13 cases, 15.67%), and householders or the unemployed (10 cases,12.05%). Travel visit was identified as the primary reason for their exposure history. Conclusions All dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai from 2007 to 2025 were imported, with an increasing trend of imported cases in Beijing originating from other Chinese provinces. It is essential to strengthen health education for foreign travelers and returning residents, enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment training for medical personnel, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and reduce mosquito density through active patriotic health campaigns.
4.The effects of subchronic aluminum exposure on nerve growth factor in hippocampus of offspring rats
Yuhua YIN ; Shuo YANG ; Tian ZHANG ; Hong GUO ; Luwei ZHANG ; Zan LIU ; Xin LI ; Lifeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(2):181-186
Objective:To study the effects of aluminum exposure on learning and memory and the expression of nerve growth factor(NGF)in the hippocampus of offspring rats,and to investigate the mechanism by which aluminum impairs learning and memory function.Methods:Forty pregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the Control group(Control),low-dose Al group(Al-L),medium-dose Al group(Al-M)and high-dose Al group(Al-H).The off-spring rats were fed with Al through breast milk from birth to weaning,while the rats in the control group were fed with distilled water.The maternal rats Al-L,Al-M and Al-H groups drank distilled water solution containing 2.0,4.0 and 8.0 g/L AlCl3,respectively.After weaning,the offspring rats in the aluminum exposure group drank distilled water so-lution containing 2.0,4.0 and 8.0 g/L AlCl3 by themselves until the 90th day after birth to establish the offspring rat model of subchronic aluminum exposure.After aluminum exposure,the shuttle box test was used to detect the learning and memory ability of offspring rats,and the body weight of offspring rats and hippocampus were weighed to evaluate the effect of aluminum exposure.The expression of nerve growth factor(NGF)protein in hippocampus of offspring rats was detected by Western blot,and the expression of NGF mRNA in hippocampus of offspring rats was detected by real time RT-PCR.Results:The body weight of offspring rats in Al-H group was significantly lower than that in the other three dose groups.In the shuttle box test,compared with the control group,the active avoidance response and passive avoid-ance response of the offspring rats in the aluminum exposure group showed a downward trend with the increase of alumi-num exposure dose,indicating that the learning and memory ability of the offspring rats in the aluminum exposure group was impaired.Compared with the control group,the NGF protein content and NGF mRNA expression in the hippocam-pus of offspring rats in the aluminum exposure group were significantly decreased.Conclusion:Subchronic aluminum exposure down-regulates the expression of NGF in the hippocampus,which may cause learning and memory impairment in offspring rats.
5.Establishment of a rat model of comorbid chronic inflammatory pain and depression using different doses of complete Freund's adjuvant
Tian WANG ; Pu YANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Wenjing HUANG ; Guangmei ZHENG ; Xinyu HUANG ; Zhiyi XU ; Ying HUANG ; Lili YIN ; Shengyong SU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(5):633-643
Objective To compare the success rate and stability of rat models of comorbid chronic pain and depression induced by different doses of complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA).Methods Sixty SD rats were divided randomly into a control group,low-dose CFA group(CFA-L),and high-dose CFA group(CFA-H)(n=20 rats per group).Rats in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups were injected with 50 and 100 μL CFA,respectively,and rats in the control group were injected with 0.9%sodium chloride solution.The general state,body weight,mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT),and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)were observed at 0,7,14,21,and 28 days after modeling.Depressive behavior was evaluated using the open field test(OFT),forced swim test(FST),and tail suspension test(TST).Glutamate(Glu)and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)levels in the anterior cingulate cortex were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)expression in the anterior cingulate cortex was detected by immunohistochemistry,and pathological changes in the anterior cingulate cortex were observed by HE staining.Results(1)Regarding the general condition of the rats,the left ankle joint and toes were obviously red and swollen in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups on the 7th day after modeling,and the swelling was more severe in the CFA-H group.The redness and swelling of the left hind foot and ankle joint and toes gradually recovered in the CFA-L group on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling,but were still obvious in the CFA-H group,and the water and food intake decreased.(2)The body mass was significantly lower in rats in the CFA-H group compared with those in the blank and CFA-L groups on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling(P<0.05,P<0.05).(3)Regarding pain-related behavior,the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups on the 7th and 14th days after modeling,compared with the control group(P<0.05,P<0.05).On day 21 after modeling,MWT was significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P<0.05,P<0.05),and TWL was significantly lower in the CFA-L and CFA-H groups than in the blank group(P<0.05,P<0.05).On day 28 after modeling,MWT and TWL were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P<0.05,P<0.05).(4)In terms of depression-related behaviors,the total OFT movement distance was significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups on day 7 after modeling(P<0.05,P<0.05).The total OFT distance and central dwell time were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling(P<0.05,P<0.05),and the result in the FST and TST were significantly higher than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P<0.05,P<0.05).(5)Glu,GABA,and BDNF expression levels were significantly higher in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P<0.05,P<0.05),while GABA,Glu/GABA,and BDNF levels were significantly lower in the CFA-H group than in the blank and CFA-L groups(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.05).(6)The CFA-L group showed less damage in the anterior cingulate cortex,more pyramidal cells,more arranged cells,clear nucleoli,and a small number of cells with karyokynesis and deep staining.Compared with the CFA-L group,rats in the CFA-H group showed a disordered cell arrangement in the injured area of the anterior cingulate cortex,a large number of pyknotic and hyperchromatic neurons,significantly fewer or absent pyramidal cells,and vacuoles,red blood cells,and neurofibrillary tangles in the interstitial space.Conclusions Injection of CFA 100 μL can be used to establish a rat model of chronic inflammatory pain and depression,showing hyperalgesia,depression-like behavioral changes,changes in levels of Glu,GABA,and BDNF in the anterior cingulate cortex,and pathological changes in the anterior cingulate cortex,consistent with the pathophysiological characteristics of chronic pain and depression.
6.National bloodstream infection bacterial resistance surveillance report 2023: Gram-positive bacteria
Chaoqun YING ; Jinru JI ; Zhiying LIU ; Qing YANG ; Haishen KONG ; Jiangqin SONG ; Hui DING ; Yanyan LI ; Yuanyuan DAI ; Haifeng MAO ; Pengpeng TIAN ; Lu WANG ; Yongyun LIU ; Yizheng ZHOU ; Jiliang WANG ; Yan JIN ; Donghong HUANG ; Hongyun XU ; Peng ZHANG ; Xinhua QIANG ; Hong HE ; Lin ZHENG ; Junmin CAO ; Zhou LIU ; Ying HUANG ; Yan GENG ; Haiquan KANG ; Dan LIU ; Guolin LIAO ; Lixia ZHANG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Yanhong LI ; Baohua ZHANG ; Haixin DONG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Donghua LIU ; Qiuying ZHANG ; Xuefei HU ; Liang GUO ; Sijin MAN ; Dijing SONG ; Rong XU ; Youdong YIN ; Kunpeng LIANG ; Aiyun LI ; Zhuo LI ; Hongxia HU ; Guoping LU ; Jinhua LIANG ; Qiang LIU ; Yinqiao DONG ; Jilu SHEN ; Shuyan HU ; Liang LUAN ; Jian LI ; Ling MENG ; Dengyan QIAO ; Xiusan XIA ; Bo QUAN ; Dahong WANG ; Chunhua HAN ; Xiaoping YAN ; Fei LI ; Shifu WANG ; Ping SHEN ; Yunbo CHEN ; Yonghong XIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2025;18(2):118-132
Objective:To report the nationwide surveillance results of pathogenic profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Gram-positive bloodstream infections in China in 2023.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-posttive bacteria from blood cultures were collected in member hospitals of National Bloodstream Infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System(BRICS)during January to December 2023. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the dilution method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI). Statistical analyses were conducted using WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software.Results:A total of 4 385 Gram-positive bacterial isolates were obtained from 60 participating center. The top five pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus( n=1 544,35.2%),coagulase-negative Staphylococci( n=1 441,32.9%), Enterococcus faecium( n=574,13.1%), Enterococcus faecalis( n=385,8.8%),and α-hemolytic Streptococci( n=187,4.3%). The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci(MRCNS)was 26.2%(405/1 544)and 69.8%(1 006/1 441),respectively. Notably,all Staphylococci remained susceptible to glycopeptide or daptomycin. Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated excellent susceptibility(>97.0%)to cephalobiol,rifampicin,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,linezolid,minocycline,tigecycline,and eravacycline. No Enterococcus exhibiting resistance to linezolid were detected. Glycopeptide resistance was uncommon but more frequent in Enterococcus faecium(resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin:both 1.7%)compared to Enterococcus faecalis(both 0.3%). The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS exhibited significant regional variations across the country( χ2=17.674 and 148.650,respectively,both P<0.001). No vancomycin-resistant Enterococci were detected in central China. Institutional comparison demonstrated higher prevalence of MRSA( χ2=14.111, P<0.001)and MRCNS( χ2=4.828, P=0.028)in provincial hospitals than that in municipal hospitals. Socioeconomic analysis identified elevated detection rates of both MRSA( χ2=18.986, P<0.001)and MRCNS( χ2=4.477, P=0.034)in less developed regions(per capita GDP
7.National bloodstream infection bacterial resistance surveillance report (2023) : Gram-negative bacteria
Jinru JI ; Zhiying LIU ; Chaoqun YING ; Qing YANG ; Haishen KONG ; Jiangqin SONG ; Hui DING ; Yanyan LI ; Yuanyuan DAI ; Haifeng MAO ; Pengpeng TIAN ; Lu WANG ; Yongyun LIU ; Yizheng ZHOU ; Jiliang WANG ; Yan JIN ; Donghong HUANG ; Hongyun XU ; Peng ZHANG ; Xinhua QIANG ; Hong HE ; Lin ZHENG ; Junmin CAO ; Zhou LIU ; Ying HUANG ; Yan GENG ; Haiquan KANG ; Dan LIU ; Guolin LIAO ; Lixia ZHANG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Yanhong LI ; Baohua ZHANG ; Haixin DONG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Donghua LIU ; Qiuying ZHANG ; Xuefei HU ; Liang GUO ; Sijin MAN ; Dijing SONG ; Rong XU ; Youdong YIN ; Kunpeng LIANG ; Aiyun LI ; Zhuo LI ; Hongxia HU ; Guoping LU ; Jinhua LIANG ; Qiang LIU ; Yinqiao DONG ; Jilu SHEN ; Shuyan HU ; Liang LUAN ; Jian LI ; Ling MENG ; Dengyan QIAO ; Xiusan XIA ; Bo QUAN ; Dahong WANG ; Chunhua HAN ; Xiaoping YAN ; Fei LI ; Shifu WANG ; Ping SHEN ; Yunbo CHEN ; Yonghong XIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2025;18(1):47-62
Objective:To report the results of bacterial resistant investigation collaborative system(BRICS)on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical Gram-negative bacteria isolates from bloodstream infections in China in 2023,and provide reference for clinical tretment of bloodstream infections and prevention and control of bacterial resistance.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria from blood cultures in member hospitals of BRICS were collected during January 2023 to December 2023. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by agar dilution or broth dilution methods recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI). WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 were used to analyze the data.Results:During the study period,11 492 strains of Gram-negative bacteria were collected from 60 hospitals,of which 10 098(87.9%)were Enterobacterales and 1 394(12.1%)were non-fermentative bacteria. The top 5 bacterial species were Escherichia coli(50.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae(26.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(5.1%), Acinetobacter baumannii complex(5.0%)and Enterobacter cloacae complex(4.1%). The ESBL-producing rates in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirablilis were 46.8%(2 685/5 741),18.3%(549/2 999)and 44.0%(77/175),respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli(CREC)and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)were 1.3%(76/5 741)and 15.0%(450/2 999);32.9%(25/76)and 78.0%(351/450)of CREC and CRKP were sensitive to ceftazidime/avibactam combination,respectively. 94.7%(72/76)and 90.2%(406/450)of CREC and CRKP were sensitive to aztreonam/avibactam combination. Furthermore,57.9%(44/76)and 79.1%(356/450)were sensitive to imipenem/relebactam combination. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)complex was 64.6%(370/573),while more than 80.0% of CRAB complex was sensitive to tigecycline,eravacycline and polymyxin B. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)was 17.0%(99/581). There were differences in the composition ratio of Gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infections and the prevalence of important Gram-negative bacteria resistance among different regions in China,with statistically significant differences in the prevalence of CREC,CRKP,CRPA and CRAB complex( χ2=10.6,28.6,10.8 and 19.3, P<0.05). The prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, CREC,CRAB complex and CRKP were higher in provincial hospitals than those in municipal hospitals( χ2=12.5,9.8,12.7 and 57.8,all P<0.01). Conclusions:Gram-negative bacteria are the main pathogens causing bloodstream infections in China,and Escherichia coli is ranked in the top,while the trend of Klebsiella pneumoniae increases continuously with time. CRKP infection shows a slow upward trend,CREC infecton maintains a low prevalence level,and CRAB complex infection continues to exhibit a high prevalence rate. The composition and resistance patterns of pathogens causing bloodstream infections vary to some extent across different regions and levels of hospitals in China.
8.Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by sonodynamic therapy mediates CACNA1C upregulation to reduce atrial fibrillation susceptibility
Wei WANG ; Yimeng WANG ; Hanwen CUI ; Haozhen YANG ; Shuyuan GUO ; Chuyu ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Qipin ZHOU ; Yanfeng TIAN ; Dechun YIN ; Ye TIAN
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(11):1231-1243
Objective:To investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) on inflammation-related atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility.Methods:Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse and HL-1 mouse atrial myocyte models were used. (1) In vivo study: experimental groups included control, LPS, LPS+SDT, and SDT groups, with 20 mice in each group. Atrial fibrillation inducibility and duration were assessed by electrical stimulation. Western blot was used to analyze atrial expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNA1C) expression. (2) In vitro study: cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Western blot were used to determine the optimal and safe LPS concentration. The safe incubation condition for the sonosensitizer sinoporphyrin sodium was determined by CCK-8 and fluorometry. An LPS-induced inflammatory model in HL-1 atrial myocytes was used, with experimental groups including control, LPS, LPS+SDT, LPS+sinoporphyrin sodium, and LPS+ultrasound groups. NLRP3 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection, with experimental groups including control, NLRP3 plasmid, negative control plasmid, and NLRP3 plasmid+SDT groups. SDT was applied to LPS-stimulated or NLRP3-overexpressing HL-1 cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and CACNA1C. The NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was used to validate the relationship of NLRP3 and CACNA1C. The experimental groups included control, LPS, LPS+MCC950, and MCC950 groups. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using the probe DCFH-DA, and the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was used to test if the effects of SDT was ROS-dependent.Results:(1) In vivo: The LPS+SDT group exhibited a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation induction and a shorter duration of atrial fibrillation compared to the LPS group(both P<0.05). Protein expression levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β were lower than those in the LPS group (all P<0.05), while the expression of CACNA1C subunit tended to increase relative to the LPS group ( P>0.05). (2) In vitro: The safe concentration of LPS for administration was ≤20 μg/ml, with an optimal pro-inflammatory concentration of 4 μg/ml. The safe concentration of sinoporphyrin sodium for administration was 0.4 μmol/L, with an optimal incubation time of 4 hours. Compared to the LPS group or NLRP3 plasmid group, the LPS+SDT group or NLRP3 plasmid+SDT group exhibited lower expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18, and higher mRNA and protein levels of CACNA1C (all P<0.05). The LPS+MCC950 group had higher CACNA1C protein expression than the LPS group ( P<0.05). SDT increased intracellular ROS levels, and NAC blocked the regulatory effects of SDT on NLRP3 and CACNA1C. Conclusion:SDT reduces atrial fibrillation susceptibility in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in atrial cardiomyocytes, thereby upregulating the L-type calcium channel subunit CACNA1C.
9.Clinical Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature-tracking Strain Analysis in Risk Stratification of Diabetic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Wenjing YANG ; Leyi ZHU ; Weichun WU ; Huaying ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Di ZHOU ; Zhaoxin TIAN ; Mengdi JIANG ; Yining WANG ; Gang YIN ; Xinxiang ZHAO ; Shihua ZHAO ; Minjie LU
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(3):246-253
Objectives:To investigate the clinical value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR)feature-tracking strain analysis in risk stratification of diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF).Methods:In this retrospective study,a total of 215 patients with diabetic HFpEF who underwent CMR at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Fuwai Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018 were included.Myocardial strain parameters were calculated using CMR feature-tracking technology.Patients were followed up by medical records or telephone calls.Composite endpoint event,all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization during follow-up were recorded.Patients were divided into event group and event-free group.Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for the outcomes in diabetic HFpEF.The effects of hypertension and obesity on the prognosis of diabetic HFpEF patients and whether they affect the prognostic value of CMR feature-tracking strain analysis were also analyzed.Results:During a follow-up of(7.1±1.8)years,93(43.3%)patients had endpoint events(event group),including 28 all-cause deaths and 65 heart failure hospitalization.Compared with the event-free group(n=122),patients in the event group had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction,higher prevalence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement,and significantly reduced global longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain,global radial strain,and global systolic longitudinal strain rate(all P<0.05).The absolute GLS value was significantly lower in event group than in event-free group,regardless of the presence of hypertension and obesity.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate(HR=0.983,95%CI:0.972-0.993,P=0.001),left atrial volume index(HR=1.015,95%CI:1.005-1.026,P=0.004),and GLS(HR=1.142,95%CI:1.060-1.231,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic HFpEF patients.However,adjusted N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was not an independent prognostic factor.The cut-offvalue of GLS to predict outcome was-14.09%from ROC curve analysis.The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that in patients with and without hypertension and obesity,patients with the GLS>-14.09%had lower event-free survival compared to patients with GLS≤-14.09%(all P<0.05),and the ability of GLS to predict adverse outcomes was not affected by hypertension and obesity.Conclusions:GLS obtained by CMR feature-tracking strain analysis is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in diabetic HFpEF,and its ability to predict adverse outcomes is independent of hypertension and obesity.
10.Application effects of calorie-restricted diet combined with high-protein, high-dietary fiber meal replacement powder and probiotics in overweight/obese adults
Jin ZHOU ; Jin TIAN ; Xiaojing YAN ; Chengqian LU ; Jing WANG ; Wei YAN ; Li YANG ; Jie YIN ; Baoling HU ; Xiaoman FENG ; Yanhui ZHANG ; Li TAO ; Zengning LI
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(4):264-272
Objective:To assess the application effects of an energy-restricted diet combined with high-protein, high-dietary-fiber meal replacement powder and probiotics in overweight/obese adults.Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A consecutive sample of 150 overweight/obese adults who underwent physical examinations at the Health Care Center of the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University between November 2021 and March 2022. The participants were randomly assigned into the combined group, the high-protein group, and the common group (50 participants per group) using a random number table method. All three groups of subjects received weight loss health education, energy-restricted diet, and interventions with meal replacement powder and probiotics (or probiotic placebo). The combined group was given high-protein and high-dietary fiber meal replacement powder and probiotics. The high-protein group was given high-protein meal replacement powder and probiotic placebo. The common group was given ordinary meal replacement powder and probiotic placebo. The meal replacement powder was packaged in 35 g per bag, with main components of varying amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and trace elements. Both the probiotic powder and the probiotic placebo came in 2 g sachets. The primary components of probiotic powder were various Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and excipients, while the main component of probiotic placebo was excipients. The meal replacement powder and the probiotic powder or probiotic placebo were taken twice a day for a total of 12 weeks, one sachet of each time, followed by a 4-week follow-up. The body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, abdominal circumference and hip circumference were measured before the trial (week 0) and at the end of weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16. The change rates of each indicator were calculated. Biochemical indicators, trace elements, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured at the end of week 0, 4, 8, and 12. A product evaluation questionnaire was conducted at the end of week 12. A total of 19 cases dropped out due to various reasons. Finally, 46 cases in the combined group, 42 cases in the high-protein group, and 43 cases in the common group were included in the analysis. Paired-samples t test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, one-way analysis of variance, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the differences in weight-loss and maintenance effects, safety and patient acceptance among the three intervention groups, and to analyze the application effect of the energy-restricted diet combined with high-protein and high-dietary fiber meal replacement powder plus probiotics in overweight/obese adults. Results:Among the 131 overweight/obese adults included in the analysis, there were 57 males and 74 females, with a mean age of (37.30±8.33) years. By the end of the week 12, the body mass index [26.87(25.77, 30.38) vs 29.61(27.96, 33.09) kg/m2; 27.10(24.70, 31.37) vs 29.40(27.20, 34.17) kg/m2; 27.98(26.43, 30.12) vs 29.88(28.22, 31.93) kg/m2] and body fat masses [22.15(17.70, 30.15) vs 30.75(25.63, 35.40) kg; 23.35(19.12, 28.70) vs 29.45(26.20, 37.05) kg; 26.80(24.10, 31.60) vs 30.00(26.00, 34.70) kg] in the combined group, the high-protein group and the common group were all lower than those at baseline (week 0) (all P<0.05). At the end of the week 12, the change rates of body fat mass and body mass index in the combined group were both higher than those in the high-protein group and the common group [(25.98%±9.58%) vs (23.88%±11.15%) and (9.35%±11.00%), 9.29%(7.23%, 11.58%) vs 7.96% (5.51%, 10.92%) and 5.77% (2.68%, 10.03%)] (all P<0.05). At the end of the week 12, the body fat mass in the combined group and the high-protein group were both lower than that in the common group [22.15(17.70, 30.15), 23.35(19.12, 28.70) vs 26.80(24.10, 31.60) kg] (both P<0.05). At the end of the week 12, the decreased values of uric acid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the combined group were both higher than those in the high-protein group and the common group [17.15(13.02, 23.45) vs 1.50(0.22, 28.60) and 4.20(0.15, 19.95) μmol/L, 0.43(0.24, 0.60) vs 0.21(0.06, 0.43) and 0.28(-0.04, 0.88) mg/L](both P<0.05). No serious adverse events were observed during the intervention period and at the end of the intervention. In the product evaluation questionnaire, the combined group scored higher than the high-protein group and the common group on items such as usage frequency, taste, satiety, willingness to continue use, willingness to recommend to others, and willingness to purchase [4(3, 4) vs 3(3, 4) and 3(2, 4) points, 4(3, 4) vs 3(3, 4) and 3(2, 4) points, 4(3, 4) vs 3(3, 4) and 3(3, 3) points, 4(3, 4) vs 3(3, 4) and 3(3, 4) points, 4(3, 4) vs 3(3, 4) and 3(3, 3) points, 3(3, 4) vs 3(3, 4) and 3(2, 3) points] (all P<0.05). Conclusion:An energy-restricted diet combined with high-protein, high-dietary-fiber meal replacement powder and probiotics demonstrates superior weight-loss and weight-maintenance effects in overweight/obese adults, with high safety and great user acceptability.


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