1.Association between preconception oral microbiome and fetal overgrowth
Qiuli XIAO ; Xushan CAI ; Lifeng ZHANG ; Fengyun YANG ; Xingying LI ; An CHEN ; Huajun ZHENG ; Hong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(6):457-467
Objective:To analyze the association between the pre-pregnancy oral microbiota of women and fetal overgrowth, and the possible mechanisms involved.Methods:A nested case-control study design based on a pre-pregnancy cohort was used to select 51 mothers who delivered macrosomia and/or large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants from the population recruited at the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Jiading District in Shanghai from October 2016 to December 2021 as the case group. A control group was formed by selecting 204 mothers who delivered infants with normal birth weight and appropriate for gestational age during the same period, in a 1:4 ratio. The LGA subgroup consisted of 48 mothers who delivered LGA infants from the total population, and a corresponding control group of 192 was randomly selected from the remaining mothers who delivered non-LGA infants in a 1∶4 ratio for the LGA subgroup analysis. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique was utilized to detect pre-pregnancy saliva samples to compare the characteristics of the oral microbiota, differential microorganisms, and differential functional pathways between groups. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, two independent samples t-tests, or Chi-square (or Fisher's exact) tests were used for statistical analysis. Factor analysis was conducted on the pre-pregnancy diet data of women, and the primary dietary pattern of each study subject was identified based on the highest score of the dietary pattern factors. For microbiota count data, α and β diversity indices were calculated using R and QIIME2 software, and the corresponding microbiota functional count data were acquired through PICRUSt2. Results:(1) General data: There was no significant difference in the time interval from pre-pregnancy sampling to pregnancy and from sampling to delivery between the two groups. In the case group, there were three cases of macrosomia and 48 cases (94.1%) of LGA. The corresponding control group for the LGA subgroup consisted of 192 cases. There were no significant differences in dietary patterns between the case group and the control group. (2) α diversity analysis: The species richness index of the case group was lower than that of the control group [(367.27±84.57) vs. (408.71±93.08), multivariate analysis, P=0.009], while no significant differences were found between the two groups in the Shannon and Simpson indices; the species richness index of the LGA subgroup was also lower than that of the corresponding control group [(371.04±83.92) vs. (408.04±94.21), multivariate analysis, P=0.033], with no significant differences in the Shannon and Simpson indices. (3) β diversity analysis: There was a statistically significant difference in the unweighted UniFrac distance of the oral microbiota between the case group and the control group ( R2=0.006, F=1.479, P=0.048). No significant differences were found in the β diversity indices of the oral microbiota between the LGA subgroup and the corresponding control group. (4) Differential microbiota analysis: There were 14 differential microbiotas from phylum to genus between the case group and the control group. At the genus level, members of the G1 genus of the Streptococcaceae were enriched in the case group, while the Lautropia, Dialister, Leptotrichia, and Rothia were enriched in the control group. In the LGA subgroup and its corresponding control group, there were 14 differential microbiota from phylum to genus; at the genus level, Leptotrichia, Rothia, G6 genus of the Saccharibacteria, and Selenomonas were enriched in the control group (all LDA value>2, and all P<0.05). (5) Differential functional analysis: In the case group, metabolic pathways such as nicotinate degradation [log 2 fold change ( FC)=3.510, q=0.005], de novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides (log 2FC=0.078, q=0.005), and L-tyrosine degradation pathway (log 2FC=0.710, q=0.034) were enriched in the oral microbiota of women. In the LGA subgroup, compared to the corresponding control group, metabolic pathways related to nicotinate degradation were enriched in the oral microbiota (log 2FC=3.660, q=0.012). Conclusions:There are differences in the structure of the pre-pregnancy oral microbiota of mothers with overgrown fetuses compared to those with normally grown fetuses, and mothers of normally grown fetuses show higher diversity in their pre-pregnancy oral microbiota. The enrichment of certain pathogenic bacteria and the reduction of symbiotic bacteria in the pre-pregnancy oral microbiota are associated with fetal overgrowth, and this association may be mediated by functional pathways such as nicotinate degradation.
2.lncRNA TUG1 regulates Smac/DIABLO expression by competitively inhibiting miR-29b and modulates the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in age-related cataracts.
Miaomiao SUN ; Ke LI ; Xiao LI ; Huajun WANG ; Li LI ; Guangying ZHENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(19):2340-2350
BACKGROUND:
As one of the early discovered long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), taurine upregulation gene 1 ( TUG1 ) has been widely expressed in a variety of tumors. Moreover, it promotes cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. However, our understanding of its importance in the pathogenesis of cataracts remains limited. This study aimed to explore the mechanism by which lncRNA TUG1 mediates lens epithelial cell apoptosis in age-related cataracts (ARC) by regulating the microRNAs (miR-29b)/second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases axis, and to identify more non-surgical strategies for cataract treatment.
METHODS:
The messenger RNA expression levels of TUG1 , miR-29b, and Smac were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in vivo and in vitro . The expression of the Smac protein was analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8 assays were used to detect the cell apoptosis and proliferation rates, respectively. The targeted regulatory relationship between lncRNA TUG1 , miR-29b, and Smac was verified by viral vector construction, co-transfection, nuclear and cytoplasmic separation, luciferase reporter assays, and RNA immunoprecipitation.
RESULTS:
TUG1 and Smac were expressed at high levels in ARC and HLE-B3 cells treated with 200 μmol/L H 2 O 2 , whereas miR-29b expression was decreased. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that down-regulation of TUG1 could inhibit the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells. Mechanistically, Smac expression was negatively regulated by miR-29b. TUG1 competitively inhibited miR-29b expression and caused greater release of Smac. In addition, miR-29b partially reversed the effects of TUG1 on human lens epithelial cell line cells.
CONCLUSIONS
lncRNA TUG1 increases Smac expression and promotes apoptosis of lens epithelial cells in ARC by competitively inhibiting miR-29b. This mechanism is the cytological basis for ARC formation. Based on these results, the lncRNA TUG1/miR29b/Smac axis may be a new molecular pathway that regulates ARC development.
3.Clinical evaluation of vision therapy system 4 combined with traditional comprehensive training for ametropic amblyopia
Yingjie CHI ; Huajun WANG ; Xiao LI ; Yao LUO ; Guangying ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2022;40(6):541-547
Objective:To assess the effectiveness of Vision Therapy System 4 (VTS4) combined with traditional comprehensive training for ametropic amblyopia.Methods:A non-randomized controlled clinical study was performed.A total of 168 children aged 4-10 years with ametropic amblyopia were enrolled in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to March 2021.The children were assigned to conventional comprehensive training combined with Vision Therapy System 4 group (conventional+ VTS4 group) and conventional group according to the preference of their guardian.Patients in conventional+ VTS4 group (84 children) received conventional comprehensive training combined VTS4 and patients in conventional group (84 children) were treated with conventional comprehensive training only, and the intervention was continuously used for over a year.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the patients converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) units was examined by international standard visual acuity chart before and after therapy.Spherical equivalent of the patients was detected by optometry under cycloplegic conditions and skiascopy.Binocular and fusion vision was examined with a synoptiscope.The stereopsis was evaluated using Titmus Stereogram.The ocular axial length (AL) and mean keratometry (Km) were measured with the IOLMaster 500.The basic cure rate, BCVA, reconstruction rate of stereopsis, △SE, △AL and △Km following training were compared to evaluate the effectiveness and myopic shift between two groups.The patients in conventional+ VTS4 group were divided into 4-5 years old group and 6-10 years old group, with 42 cases in each group, and the basic cure rate, BCVA, reconstruction rate of stereopsis were compared to evaluate the therapeutic effect between the two groups.The basic cure was defined as acuity improved to ≥0.9, with reduced myopic diopter and stable therapy outcome over 6 months.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (No.2021-KY-0891-002). Written informed consent was obtained from guardians prior to any medical examination.Results:The basic cure rate of conventional+ VTS4 group was 58.33%(49/84), which was significantly higher than 40.48%(34/84) of conventional group ( χ2=5.358, P=0.021). The BCVA in the conventional+ VTS4 group was better than that in conventional group, showing a statistically significant difference ( Z=-2.537, P=0.011). The recovery rates of binocular vision, fusion vision and stereo vision were 87.93%(51/58), 78.33%(47/60) and 70.77%(46/65) in conventional+ VTS4 group, which were higher than 65.57%(40/61), 57.81%(37/64) and 52.86%(37/70) in conventional group, respectively, with significant differences between them ( χ2=8.259, 5.968, 4.566; all at P<0.05). No significant difference was found in △SE, △AL, and △Km between conventional group and conventional+ VTS4 group (all at P>0.05). The basic cure rate was 69.05%(29/42) in the children aged 4-5 years group, which was higher than 47.62%(20/42) in 6-10 years group, respectively, showing a significant difference ( χ2=3.967, P=0.046). Both BCVA and the stereo vision recovery rate in the 4-5 years old group were better than those in the 6-10 years old group ( Z=-2.046, P=0.041; χ2=4.624, P=0.032). Conclusions:A combination therapy of VTS4 and conventional comprehensive training can improve the visual acuity and reconstruct the fusion and stereopsis of children with ametropic amblyopia, without causing additional myopic drift.
4. Camganoids A and B, two new sesquiterpenes with different carbon skeletons isolated from fruits of Cinnamomum migao
Yongzhen XIAO ; Ishaq MUHAMMAD ; Shikai YAN ; Huizi JIN ; Shikai YAN ; Huizi JIN ; Xianpeng MA ; Huajun YU ; Xue XIAO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2022;14(4):638-642
Objective: To isolate and identify the undescribed compounds from the fruits of Cinnamomum migao and evaluate its nitric oxide inhibition potential. Methods: The chromatographic techniques of silica gel, Sephadex, and HPLC were used for isolation and purification of the compounds, while HR-ESI-MS, 1D NMR, 2D NMR, ECD, and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize and confirm the isolated compounds. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of the isolated compounds was carried out to check inhibitory potential against the production of nitric oxide with RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS. Results: Camganoid A (1), a novel sesquiterpene possessing an unprecedented skeleton, and camganoid B (2), containing a unique eight-membered sesquiterpene moiety with a new carbon skeleton, were isolated and identified from the fruits of C. migao. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Among these compounds, compound 1 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against the production of nitric oxide with IC
5.Comparison of quality of life and long-term outcomes following mitral valve replacement through robotically assisted versus median sternotomy approach.
Haizhi ZHAO ; Huajun ZHANG ; Ming YANG ; Cangsong XIAO ; Yao WANG ; Changqing GAO ; Rong WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2020;40(11):1557-1563
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the mid- and long-term outcomes of patients receiving mitral valve replacement through robotically assisted and conventional median sternotomy approach.
METHODS:
The data of 47 patients who underwent da Vinci robotic mitral valve replacement in our hospital between January, 2007 and December, 2015 were collected retrospectively (robotic group). From a total of 286 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement through the median thoracotomy approach between March, 2002 and June, 2014, 47 patients were selected as the median sternotomy group for matching with the robotic group at a 1:1 ratio. The perioperative data and follow-up data of the patients were collected, and the quality of life (QOL) of the patients at 30 days and 6 months was evaluated using the Quality of Life Short Form Survey (SF-12). The time of returning to work postoperatively and the patients' satisfaction with the surgical incision were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
All the patients in both groups completed mitral valve replacement successfully, and no death occurred during the operation. In the robotic group, only one patient experienced postoperative complication (pleural effusion); in median sternotomy group, one patient received a secondary thoracotomy for management of bleeding resulting from excessive postoperative drainage, and one patient died of septic shock after the operation. The volume of postoperative drainage, postoperative monitoring time, ventilation time, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly smaller or shorter in the robotic group than in the thoracotomy group (
CONCLUSIONS
Robotically assisted mitral valve replacement is safe and reliable. Compared with the median sternotomy approach, the robotic approach is less invasive and promotes faster postoperative recovery of the patients, who have better satisfaction with the quality of life and wound recovery.
COVID-19/drug therapy*
;
Humans
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Mitral Valve/surgery*
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Quality of Life
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Retrospective Studies
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Robotic Surgical Procedures
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Sternotomy
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Thoracotomy
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Treatment Outcome
6.Cure ofpancreaticoduodenal anastomotic leakage after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation with enteric drainage:a case report and literature review
Desheng LI ; Shanbin ZHANG ; Fanjun ZENG ; Yi WANG ; Jinzhu XIAO ; Jian XU ; Houqin LIU ; Liang XU ; Peng CAO ; Huajun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2019;40(5):280-283
Objective To summarize the experience of one case of anastomotic leakage after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK ) with enteric drainage .Methods One case of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with end-stage nephropathy undergoing SPK was retrospectively analyzed .Iliac venous systemic circulation was employed for pancreatic venous reflux ,transplanted pancreas exocrine via enteric drainage and side-to-side anastomosis between donor pancreaticoduodenum and recipient jejunum . Pancreatoduodenal anastomotic leakage occurred at 12 days post-operation .During re-operation ,Roux-en-Y anastomosis was established between donor pancreaticoduodenum and recipient jejunum .And the relevant domestic and foreign literatures were searched .Results The follow-up time was 3 month after a second operation .Recipient pancreas and kidney transplantation survived well . There was no onset of enteric leakage .The incidence of anastomotic leakage varies greatly between different transplantation centers both at home and abroad .The incidence ranged from 3 .6% to 11 .3% .And the risk of pancreatic loss was as high as 54 .6% .Conclusions As a severe postoperative complication ,anastomotic fistula after SPK may cuase abdominal infection . Even after reparing enteric fistula , the risk of leakage remains high . Roux-en-Y anastomosis is other therapeutic option .
7.Effects of overexpression of TRPC6 on angiotensin Ⅱ-induced apoptosis of mouse podocytes
Xifeng SUN ; Chun ZHANG ; Xiuyan SHI ; Zhan FANG ; Zhonghua ZHU ; Xiao YANG ; Huajun JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2008;24(11):797-803
Objective To study the effect of overexpression of TRPC6 on Ang Ⅱ-induced apoptosis of mouse podocytes in vitro and to explore the possible mechanisms. Methods Mouse TRPC6 cDNA eukaryotie expression vector pEGFP-NI-mTRPC6 was transfected to conditionally immortalized routine podocyte cell line by liposome. The fluorescent microscopy was used to examine the expression of EGFP after 24 hours. The change of TRPC6 protein expression was observed by Western-blot. Podocytes were treated by different concentrations of Ang Ⅱ. The podocyte intracellular calcium concentration was measured with laser-scanning con_focal microscope. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 protein was measured by Western-blot. The apoptotic ratio of podocytes was monitored by flow cytometry and Hoechst staining. Results About 35% of the cells expressed EGFP. An up-regulation of protein expression of TRPC6 was detected in podocytes when transfected with pEGFP-N1-mTRPC6 (P<0.01). The overexpression of TRPC6 promoted the Ang Ⅱ-induced influx of extracellular calcium and elevated the expression of Bax but decreased the expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.01, P<0.05). The apoptotic ratio of podocyte was (2.50±0.72)% when treated by low-dose Ang Ⅱ (10-10 mol/L), and it was increased to (4.33±0.45)% when transfected with pEGFP-N1-mTRPC6 (P <0.05 ). Transfection with pEGFP-NI-mTRPC6 increased apoptosis rate from (15.46± 1.40)% to (18.33±0.87)%(P<0.01) by high-dose Ang Ⅱ (10-6 mol/L). Conclusion TRPC6 plays an important role in the Ang Ⅱ-induced apoptosis of podocytes by promoting the influx of extraeellular calcium, which leads to the apoptosis cascade initiation.
8.Effects of Mild and Moderate Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia on Manual Performance
Huimin HU ; Huajun XIAO ; Li DING ; Shouping CHEN ; Chunxin YANG ; Zhifeng QIN
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2006;0(02):-
Objective To explore the effects of mild and moderate acute hypobaric hypoxia on manual performance.Methods Using hypobaric chamber to simulate hypoxia conditions and devising 4 kinds of objective ergonomic testing items(Insert sticks into holes-board,ISIHB;nut-bolt assembly task,NBAT;shape discrimination,SD;and Grip strength,GS including fatigue and tolerance)and one subjective research item(questionnaire subjective sense)to examine manual work efficiency varieties of 9 subjects exposed to a hypobaric chamber with 5 simulated altitudes(3 500,4 000,4 500,5 000 and 5 500 m),for(25?5)min.Results Compared to control group(50 m,the altitude of Beijing):Accomplish time(AT)performance of ISIHB and NBAT significantly decreased(P
9.Development of AO-1 type portable hypobaric oxygen supply apparatus
Bin ZANG ; Huajun XIAO ; Xiaopeng LIU ; Lishan FU ; Zhaosheng REN ; Qiong WANG ; Xiaohui ZHENG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2004;0(08):-
Objective To provide the oxygen supply apparatus when the civil aviator and airforce pilot are inspected the hypoxia tolerance and altitude tolerance in the hypobaric environment.Methods Demand oxygen and contstant flow oxygen were supplied.Results The portable hypobaric oxygen supply apparatus can supply mixed oxygen below the altitude 8 000 m,and the oxygenous concentration of mixed oxygen was adjusted according to the altitude.The pure oxygen was supplied when the altitude was at 8 000~12 000 m.Conclusion The normal and emergency oxygen supply performance can fulfill the system physiological requirements.The portable hypobaric oxygen supply apparatus may be used by the persons engaging in special task on plateau also.
10.STUDY ON ALTITUDE HYPOXIA TOLERANCE OF CHINESE WOMEN PILOT STUDENTS
Danbing JIA ; Huajun XIAO ; Zhifen QIN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2001;0(07):-
0 05). But significant difference was found between them in blood pressure. So far as altitude hypoxia tolerance test is concerned, Chinese female pilots can fly a fighter as male pilots.

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