1.Research progress on effect of ambient particulate matters on Alzheimer's disease and potential mechanisms
Lu YU ; Chihang ZHANG ; Jianshu GUO ; Dongxia FAN ; Jinzhuo ZHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):748-755
With the accelerating aging of world population, the prevalence and disease burden of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease is increasing annually. As one of the major risk factors for dementia, air pollution is still an urgent global concern. Studies on the association between ambient particulate matter (PM), one of the major air pollutants, and dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, are gaining attention. This paper reviewed the current evidence of relevant epidemiological and toxicological studies to illustrate the possible mechanisms underlying the effects of PM exposure on Alzheimer's disease through inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, excitatory neurotoxicity, glial cell activation, and intestinal flora disruption, which may provide clues for mitigating the health risks of air pollution and preventing Alzheimer's disease.
2.Molecular mechanism of adipose tissue inflammation induced by acute exposure to cooking oil fumes
Ge WANG ; Biao WU ; Jianshu GUO ; Dongxia FAN ; Lu YU ; Chihang ZHANG ; Lan MI ; Lina WANG ; Jinzhuo ZHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(4):349-355
Background Cooking oil fumes are closely related to immune response, and adipose tissue also plays an important role in immune regulation. At present, the biological effect and mechanism of inflammation of adipose tissue induced by oil fume exposure are not clear yet. Objective To investigate the inflammatory effect of different exposure duration of cooking fumes on adipose tissue in mice and explore the role of Nod-like receptor pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (Caspase 1)/interleukin (IL)-1β signaling pathway. Methods Forty 8-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3-day control group (CON3 group), 7-day control group (CON7 group), 3-day oil fume exposure group (COF3 group), and 7-day oil fume exposure group (COF7 group), with 10 mice in each group. The mice were exposed to oil fumes in a cooking oil fume formation and exposure equipment (COFFEE) for 20 min, followed by a 10-min pause, 1 h a day for consecutive 3 d or 7 d. General condition of mice was observed and body weight was measured every day. After exposure, blood was sampled from the eyeball. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-27, and IL-1β were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The adipose tissue of mice was collected and observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+T cells in adipose tissue were detected by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in adipose tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in adipose. Results Compared with the corresponding control group, serum IL-6, IL-27, and IL-1β contents in the COF3 group and the COF7 group were significantly increased (P<0.05) except IL-6 in the COF3 group, and the levels in the COF7 group were significantly higher than those in the COF3 group (P<0.05). Vacuolar lipid droplets in adipocytes decreased, cytoplasm shrank, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the COF7 group after HE staining. The flow cytometry results showed that the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+T cells in adipocytes of the COF3 group and the COF7 group were increased compared to the corresponding control group, with a significant increase in the COF7 group (P<0.05), and the CD4+/CD8+T ratio also significantly increased progressively in the two groups (P<0.05). The results of RT-qPCR showed that compared with the corresponding control group, the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in adipose tissue of mice in the COF3 group and the COF7 group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of mice in each exposure group gradually increased over time. The Western blot results showed that compared with the corresponding control group, the protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase 1 in the COF3 group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of IL-1β protein also increased but without statistical significance. The protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase 1, and IL-1β in the COF7 group were significantly higher than those in the CON7 group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Acute exposure to cooking oil fumes can induce significant inflammatory response in adipose tissue, and the effect gradually increases with the extension of exposure time. The mechanism of action may be related to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
3.Effects of PM2.5 and heat/cold exposure on AKT/GLUT4 pathway in mouse skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue
Biao WU ; Dongxia FAN ; Jia ZHANG ; Jianshu GUO ; Ge WANG ; Lu YU ; Chihang ZHANG ; Jinzhuo ZHAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(4):356-361
Background It is unclear if there is any combined effect of air pollutants and non-optimal temperature on metabolic syndrome, or any molecular mechanisms of related signaling pathways in the process, which requires urgent systematic research. Objective To observe the effects of combined exposure to PM2.5 and non-optimal temperature on metabolic damage at gene and protein levels in mice, and elucidate the role of related signaling pathway in crucial organs. Methods A total of 60 six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups: a normal temperature-filter air group (TN-FA), a normal temperature-concentrated PM2.5 group (TN-PM), a heat-filter air group (TH-FA), a heat-concentrated PM2.5 group (TH-PM), a cold-filter air group (TC-FA), and a cold-concentrated PM2.5 group (TC-PM). The Shanghai Meteorological and Environmental Animal Exposure System (Shanghai-METAS) was used to provide combined exposure settings of air types [concentrated PM2.5 and filter air (FA)] and temperatures [normal (22°C), cold (4°C), and heat (30°C)] for 4 weeks. Skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue (WAT) of the mice were sampled at the end of exposure, and transcriptomics and Western blot (WB) assay were adopted to observe selected gene and protein expression levels in the samples respectively. Results The transcriptomics results indicated that the PM2.5 exposure enhanced the number of differentially expressed genes. Specifically, 4820 genes were differentially expressed in the TN-PM mice compared to the TN-FA mice at normal temperature, and 1143 genes were differentially expressed in the Tc-PM mice compared to the Tc-FA mice in the cold environment. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and the endoplasmic reticulum protein processing pathway were identified as the most significant pathways in metabolic injury resulting from combined exposure to PM2.5 and non-optimal temperature exposure. The WB results showed that exposure to PM2.5 in the normal temperature and the cold environments led to a significant increase in the expression of p-AKT in WAT (P<0.01, P<0.05) and a significant decrease in the expression of GLUT4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In skeletal muscle, exposure to PM2.5 led to a significant decrease in GLUT4 (P<0.05) in all environments, with a consistent trend of change as observed in WAT. Conclusion Cold/heat exposure might promote PM2.5-induced metabolic disorder through suppression of the AKT/GLUT4 pathway, aggravating metabolic damage.
4.Experiences of people living with HIV participating in peer support:a qualitative meta-synthesis
Keyi CHANG ; Yangfeng WU ; Sikai SHAN ; Shuyu HAN ; Xiaoli QUAN ; Jianing HAN ; Dongxia WU ; Lili ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(1):108-116
Objective To systematically evaluate and integrate the experiences of people living with HIV in peer support,and to provide references and suggestions for improving peer support for HIV patients in clinical practice.Methods The computer retrieval was performed in PubMed,CINAHL(EBSCO),Web of Science,ProQuest,CNKI and Wanfang Data from January 1,1996 to September 30,2022,to collect qualitative studies in the experience of people living with HIV participating in peer support.This qualitative systematic review was conducted under the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline.This paper was written according to the enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research(ENTREQ).Results A total of 7 qualitative studies were included,and 26 findings were extracted,which were summarized into 12 categories and integrated into 4 synthesized findings.Findings included that peer support provides patients with information and help them establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle;patients receive emotional support in peer support;patients receive instrumental support in peer support;the objective requirements and scenarios of peer support.Conclusion AIDS peer support has a positive effect on AIDS prevention and treatment,and it is important to address the practical needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.The practice of HIV peer support needs further theoretical support and scientific guidance.Building an HIV peer support model,providing systematic training and professional guidance to HIV peers is conducive to improving the accuracy of HIV peer support behaviors,the development of HIV peer support activities,and optimizing the effectiveness and sustainability of peer support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
5.Status analysis of radiation occupational health inspection institutions in Zhejiang Province, China
Dongxia ZHANG ; Zhiqiang XUAN ; Shunfei YU ; Jiadi GUO ; Xiaoji HAO ; Zhongjun LAI ; Yiyao CAO ; Yaoxian ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2023;32(6):656-660
Objective To investigate the operation status and service level of radiation occupational health inspection institutions in Zhejiang Province, China, and to provide a basis for administrative departments and quality management departments to develop policies. Methods The investigation data of radiation occupational health inspection institutions in Zhejiang Province were collected for descriptive analysis of the regional distribution, nature, and service qualification of the institutions. Results There were 27 radiation occupational health inspection institutions in Zhejiang Province. These institutions were located in 11 cities, of which 85.18% were public institutions and 14.72% were private institutions. For the physical examination workload of radiation workers in Zhejiang Province in 2021, general hospitals accounted for 75.90%, private institutions accounted for 4.51%, and occupational prevention and treatment hospitals accounted for 19.59%. In the radiation occupational health inspection institutions, the stand-alone and online software installation rates were 33.33% and 37.04%, respectively. A total of 26 986 individuals (82.97%) underwent chromosome aberration examination. The examination rates of thyroid color Doppler ultrasound examination and eye lens examination were 41.24% and 82.97%, respectively. Pre-job, on-job, and off-job physical examination accounted for 25.81%, 70.52%, and 3.67%, respectively. For radiation workers who underwent on-job physical examination, diagnostic radiology workers accounted for the highest proportion of 34.90%. The excellent, qualified, and unqualified rates of 27 radiation occupational health inspection institutions were 7.41%, 88.89%, and 3.70%, respectively. Conclusion The network of radiation occupational health inspection institutions in Zhejiang Province is well-established and located mainly in general hospitals, occupational prevention and control institutions, and private institutions. To enhance the quality and proficiency of occupational health examinations, it is imperative to prioritize self-improvement and management, reinforce law enforcement supervision, actively engage in blind sample assessments, and advance the application of information technology and standardized services.
6.Study on the mechanism of modified Xianfang huoming decoction relieving sepsis-induced liver injury in rats
Zihui LI ; Jingshu LIU ; Dongxia LI ; Yi DONG ; Baowen ZHANG ; Ming GAO
China Pharmacy 2023;34(11):1343-1348
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of modified Xianfang huoming decoction in the treatment of sepsis- induced liver injury from the perspective of gut microbiota and metabolites. METHODS Sixty SD rats were divided into blank group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), positive control drug group (Dexamethasone tablet, 5.0 mg/kg), modified Xianfang huoming decoction high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose groups (6.0, 3.0, 1.5 g/kg, calculated by crude drug) according to equilibrium-partitioning approach of body mass, with 10 rats in each group. They were given relevant drug/normal saline 10 mL/ kg, once a day, for consecutive 14 days. After the last medication, except for blank group, other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide 10 mg/kg to induce sepsis model. Twelve hours after modeling, serum levels of inflammatory indexes in rats [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and liver function indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT)] were detected. The changes of gut microbiota and liver metabolites in rats were analyzed by 16S rRNA technology and liver metabolomics. RESULTS Modified Xianfang huoming decoction could significantly improve the indexes of serum inflammatory indexes and liver function in rats with sepsis-induced liver injury (P<0.05 or P<0.01); there was a significant callback effect on the relative abundance of 11 genera of bacteria (such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus and Bilophila) among the 5 dominant phyla(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Twelve metabolites related to liver injury caused by sepsis were identified, such as glycine cholic acid, phosphatidylcholine, taurine (P<0.05 or P<0.01), mainly involving glycerol phospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism and primary bile acid metabolism. CONC LUSIONS Modified Xianfang huoming decoction can improve liver injury induced by sepsis by regulating gut microbiota and liver metabolites.
7.Investigation on total radioactivity in drinking water following operation of the second phase expansion project at Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant
Lei ZHOU ; Yiyao CAO ; Hong REN ; Peng WANG ; Hua ZOU ; Shunfei YU ; Yaoxian ZHAO ; Zhiqiang XUAN ; Zhongjun LAI ; Dongxia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2023;43(12):1003-1009
Objective:To investigate and analyze the level of the gross radioactivity, and its variation trend, in surrounding drinking water since the second phase expansion project at Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant was officially put into operation.Methods:From 2010 to 2022, the source water, factory water and tap water within 30 km of Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant were collected in the flood season (May) and dry period (October) every year. The total α and total β radioactivity concentrations in drinking water was measured and analyzed. The levels of total radioactivity in drinking water around different nuclear power plants in China and around non-nuclear power plant areas was compared.Results:The mean radioactivity concentrations of total α and total β were (0.021±0.019) and (0.204±0.058) Bq/L in source water, (0.010±0.005) and (0.185±0.056) Bq/L in factory water , and (0.012±0.007) and (0.170±0.058) Bq/L in tap water, respectively, all lower than the limits stipulated in the Sanitary Standards for Drinking Water. There were no significant differences in the monitoring result of betweem the three types of water samples both in the flood and dry periods ( P> 0.05). The total radioactivity level in drinking water around Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant site was close to that in drinking water around different nuclear power plants in China and around areas without nuclear power plants. Conclusions:Following the second phase of the expansion project officially being put into operation, the total α and β radioactivity level in drinking water around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant has been in a stable trend and lower than the guidance level given in national standard.
8.Impact of water supply from Qiandao Lake on gross radioactivity level in drinking water in downtown Hangzhou
Hong REN ; Yiyao CAO ; Peng WANG ; Hua ZOU ; Shunfei YU ; Bing ZHU ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Zhiqiang XUAN ; Yaoxian ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2022;42(6):438-442
Objective:To investigate the levels of gross radioactivity in drinking water in Hangzhou city before and after Qiandao Lake as the water source to the main urban area of Hangzhou.Methods:Since 2012, water samples were collected from water source, factory water and peripheral water in rainy and dry seasons, respectively, to determine their gross α and β activity concentrations for comparison and analysis.Results:The gross radioactivity levels in drinking water in Hangzhou are lower than the limits specified in the national standard "Standards for drinking water quality" (GB 5749-2006), without statistically significant difference for these water sources between the rainy and dry season ( P>0.05). The gross α(0.008±0.000)and gross β(0.034±0.013)levels in Qiandao lake were both less than those in Qiantang river ( Z=-3.235, -4.058, P<0.05), with significant difference ( Z=-2.181, -4.577, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in gross α and gross β in factory water and peripheral water before and after the operation of Qiandao Lake water supply project ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The gross radioactivity in drinking water in downtown Hangzhou are low from 2012 to 2020. The gross radioactivity levels in Qiandao Lake are lower than in the lower reaches of Qiantang river and Dongtiao steam. No impact was generated on radioactivity levels in drinking water after Qiandao lake supplied water to Hangzhou.
9.Analysis of ALPL gene variant in a patient with infantile hypophosphatasia.
Yan CUI ; Yingxian ZHANG ; Dongxia FU ; Xiaojing LIU ; Haiyan WEI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2021;38(5):481-484
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic basis for a girl featuring bone and tooth mineralization disorder, premature deciduous teeth, rickets and short stature.
METHODS:
Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to high-throughput whole exome sequencing. Suspected variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Impact of potential variants was analyzed with bioinformatic software.
RESULTS:
The child was found to carry compound heterozygous missense variants of the ALPL gene, including c.1130C>T (p.A377V), a known pathogenic mutation inherited from her father, and c.1300G>A (p.V434M) inherited from her mother, which was unreported previously and predicted to be likely pathogenic based on standards and guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (PM2+PM5+PP3+PP4).
CONCLUSION
The compound heterozygous variants of c.1130C>T (p.Ala377Val) and c.1300G>A (p.Val434Met) of the ALPL gene probably underlay the disease in this child. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of ALPL gene variants.
Alkaline Phosphatase
;
Child
;
Female
;
Genomics
;
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
;
Humans
;
Hypophosphatasia/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Whole Exome Sequencing
10.Investigation on levels of 90Sr and 137Cs in drinking water and food after installation of the first AP1000 nuclear power unit in China
Yiyao CAO ; Hong REN ; Peng WANG ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Shunfei YU ; Zhiqiang XUAN ; Yaoxian ZHAO ; Zhongjun LAI ; Ziyou WANG ; Taotao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2021;41(6):456-460
Objective:To investigate and analyze the radioactivity levels of 90Sr and 137Cs in drinking water and 137Cs in food after the installation of the first AP1000 nuclear power unit in China. Methods:From 2012 to 2019, four drinking water monitoring points around AP1000 nuclear power unit located at Sanmen nuclear power plant site were collected during the wet season and dry season, 90Sr and 137Cs and radioactivity concentrations were determined in drinking water. Local rice, cabbage, crucian and mullet were collected to determine the radioactivity concentration of 137Cs. Results:From 2012 to 2019, the radioactivity concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in drinking water were 1.2-9.8 mBq/L and 0.2-8.1 mBq/L, respectively. The radioactivity concentration of 137Cs in food were 1.1×10 -2-2.8×10 -1 Bq/kg, lower than the limits specified in the Limited concentrations of radioactive materials in foods (GB 14882-94). Conclusions:After the installation of the first AP1000 nuclear power unit in China, the radioactivity levels of 90Sr and 137Cs in drinking water and 137Cs in foods are stable, without environmental impact identified.

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