1.Research progress on periodontal pathogen inducing mitochondrial dysfunction promoting periodontitis
LI Limin ; PENG Xian ; ZHOU Xuedong
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):801-808
Mitochondria, ubiquitous energy-producing organelles in eukaryotic cells, can have their normal functions disrupted by bacterial infections, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction is closely associated with inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of periodontal tissues caused by pathogenic microorganisms, has been increasingly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in its pathogenesis and progression. Compared to healthy periodontal tissues, inflammatory lesions exhibit more pronounced mitochondrial dysfunction—a pathological process that is strongly correlated with periodontal pathogen infection. Studies reveal that these pathogens disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis in host cells (e.g., gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts) through multiple mechanisms, including disrupting mitochondrial biogenesis, altering mitochondrial dynamics (promoting excessive fission), inhibiting mitophagy, impairing mitochondrial dysfunction-associated apoptosis, and inducing endogenous oxidative stress, which upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these processes drive the establishment and persistence of an inflammatory microenvironment. This review explores how periodontal pathogens affect mitochondrial function and their mechanistic contributions to periodontitis progression, with the goal of providing novel insights for developing mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies.
2.EZH2 protein expression in predicting malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: a prospective cohort study
MEI Nianrou ; LIU Limin ; YANG Jingwen ; XU Siming ; LI Chenxi ; GE Shuyun ; ZHOU Haiwen
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(10):862-872
Objective:
To investigate the predictive value of EZH2 expression for malignant transformation in oral leukoplakia (OLK) and to provide a reference for clinical practice.
Methods:
This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A total of 114 patients diagnosed with OLK by pathological examination and treated at our hospital between November 2020 and July 2022 were initially enrolled. After excluding those with incomplete data or follow-up, 105 participants were included in the final analysis, comprising 14 in the high EZH2 expression group and 91 in the low EZH2 expression group. Histopathological examination of oral mucosa and immunohistochemical detection of EZH2 protein expression were performed. The follow-up period was 30 months; participants were followed until malignant transformation occurred or until the end of follow-up, at which point they were withdrawn from the study. The exposure factor was the level of EZH2 protein expression, and the outcome was the malignant transformation rate of OLK. Differences in EZH2 expression levels and transformation outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences between the high and low EZH2 expression groups in terms of age, sex, history of systemic disease, lifestyle habits, psychological status, diet, and sleep conditions (P > 0.05). Lesions in the high EZH2 expression group were mainly located on the ventral tongue, while in the low EZH2 expression group, they were more commonly found on the dorsal tongue and buccal mucosa. The malignant transformation rate was 28.6% (4/14) in the high expression group and 8.8% (8/91) in the low expression group; these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.053). In univariate Cox regression analysis, the risk of malignant transformation in the high EZH2 expression group was 3.647 times that of the low EZH2 expression group (HR = 3.647, 95% CI: 1.097-12.120, P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that over the 30-month follow-up period, the cancer-free survival rate in the high EZH2 expression group was 19.8% lower than in the low expression group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, only moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia were identified as independent risk factors for malignant transformation. The risk of malignant transformation in the moderate and severe dysplasia groups was 10.695 and 13.623 times higher, respectively, than in the mild dysplasia group (HR = 10.695, 95% CI: 2.270-50.396, P<0.05; HR=13.623, 95% CI: 1.918-96.774, P<0.05). EZH2 high expression was not an independent risk factor in the multivariate model (HR= 2.528, 95% CI: 0.752-8.500, P = 0.134).
Conclusion
High EZH2 protein expression is a risk factor for the malignant transformation of OLK but does not have independent predictive value.
3.Practice pathway and effectiveness evaluation of GCP resident pharmacists in the management of dermatolo-gical drug clinical trials
Yunlong WANG ; Limin ZHOU ; Hua ZHANG ; Quanchao LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2507-2511
OBJECTIVE To explore the practice pathway and evaluate the effectiveness of the resident pharmacists stationed in the Drug Clinical Trial Institution Office (hereinafter referred to as the “GCP resident pharmacist”) in the management of dermatological drug clinical trials. METHODS The practical approach of GCP resident pharmacists participating in dermatological drug clinical trials at our hospital was introduced. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of dermatological drug clinical trials from 2021 to 2024, comparing efficiency and quality indicators between dermatological clinical trials and those of other specialties. RESULTS With the involvement of our hospital’s GCP resident pharmacists throughout, the process for dermatology drug clinical trials was constructed and optimized, a dedicated quality control system was established, and the acceleration strategy for subject enrollment was optimized. The number of dermatological drug clinical trials at our hospital showed a compound annual growth rate of 69.56% from 2021 to 2023. In terms of efficiency indicators, the approval waiting time for dermatological drug clinical trials was (12.31±4.99) days, which was significantly shorter than that of other specialties ([ 19.68±6.09) days, P<0.05]. Regarding quality indicators, the enrollment rate for dermatological drug clinical trials was 75.71%(50.00%,114.48%), which was significantly higher than that of other specialties [51.00%(25.00%,174.17%), P<0.05]. The numbers of first quality control issues ([ 8.31±3.25)items vs.( 11.68±4.49)items] and protocol deviations [5.5(2.0,11.0)times vs. 11.0(5.5,17.5)times] were significantly lower than those of other specialties (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS GCP resident pharmacists significantly enhance the overall efficiency of dermatological drug clinical trials, playing a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and authenticity of drug clinical trials, as well as safeguarding the rights and safety of trial subjects.
4.Low disease activity and remission status of systemic lupus erythematosus in a real-world study
Limin REN ; Chuchu ZHAO ; Yi ZHAO ; Huiqiong ZHOU ; Liyun ZHANG ; Youlian WANG ; Lingxun SHEN ; Wenqiang FAN ; Yang LI ; Xiaomei LI ; Jibo WANG ; Yongjing CHENG ; Jiajing PENG ; Xiaozhen ZHAO ; Miao SHAO ; Ru LI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(2):273-278
Objective:To investigate the rates of low disease activity and clinical remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)in a real-world setting,and to analyze the related factors of low disease activity and clinical remission.Methods:One thousand patients with SLE were enrolled from 11 teaching hospitals.Demographic,clinical and laboratory data,as well as treatment regimes were collec-ted by self-completed questionnaire.The rates of low disease activity and remission were calculated based on the lupus low disease activity state(LLDAS)and definitions of remission in SLE(DORIS).Charac-teristics of patients with LLDAS and DORIS were analyzed.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the related factors of LLDAS and DORIS remission.Results:20.7%of patients met the criteria of LLDAS,while 10.4%of patients achieved remission defined by DORIS.Patients who met LLDAS or DORIS remission had significantly higher proportion of patients with high income and longer disease duration,compared with non-remission group.Moreover,the rates of anemia,creatinine eleva-tion,increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)and hypoalbuminemia was significantly lower in the LLDAS or DORIS group than in the non-remission group.Patients who received hydroxychloroquine for more than 12 months or immunosuppressant therapy for no less than 6 months earned higher rates of LLDAS and DORIS remission.The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that increased ESR,positive anti-dsDNA antibodies,low level of complement(C3 and C4),proteinuria,low household in-come were negatively related with LLDAS and DORIS remission.However,hydroxychloroquine usage for longer than 12 months were positively related with LLDAS and DORIS remission.Conclusion:LLDAS and DORIS remission of SLE patients remain to be improved.Treatment-to-target strategy and standar-dized application of hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants in SLE are recommended.
5.Role and mechanism of miR-155/leptin receptor/adenosine phosphate-dependent protein kinase axis in tuberculin-induced osteoclast formation
Zengshun WANG ; Angxiu SUONAN ; Limin LIU ; Jingyuan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(20):3190-3195
BACKGROUND:Abnormal activation of osteoclasts plays an important role in the bone destruction due to spinal tuberculosis.During the pathogenesis of osteoporosis,miR-155 knockdown activates adenosine phosphate-dependent protein kinase(AMPK)by increasing the expression of leptin receptors,thereby inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption.However,the role of miR-155/leptin receptor(LEPR)/AMPK axis in the bone destruction due to spinal tuberculosis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role and mechanism of miR-155/LEPR/AMPK axis in tuberculin-induced osteoclast formation. METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of purified protein derivative(PPD)(1.0,2.5,5.0,10.0 IU/mL)and transfected with negative control(NC)sequence or miR-155 inhibitor,NC siRNA sequence or LEPR siRNA sequence.Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining was used to detect the number of osteoclasts.Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-155.Western blot was used to detect the expression of LEPR and p-AMPK.Double luciferase reporter gene was used to verify miR-155 targeting LEPR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the number of osteoclasts and the expression level of miR-155 significantly increased,while the expression level of LEPR and p-AMPK significantly decreased in 2.5,5.0,and 10.0 IU/mL PPD groups(P<0.05).Compared with NC+5.0 IU/mL PPD group,the number of osteoclasts and the expression level of miR-155 significantly decreased,while the expression level of LEPR and p-AMPK significantly increased in the miR-155 inhibitor+5.0 IU/mL PPD group(P<0.05).Compared with the NC group,the fluorescence activity of LEPR wild-type double luciferase reporter gene was increased in the miR-155 inhibitor group,and decreased in the miR-155 mimic group(P<0.05).Compared with si-NC+miR-155 inhibitor+5.0 IU/mL PPD group,the expression level of miR-155 had no significant change,the number of osteoclasts significantly increased,and the expression levels of LEPR and p-AMPL significantly decreased in si-LEPR+miR-155 inhibitor+5.0 IU/mL PPD group(P<0.05).To conclude,tuberculin can induce osteoclast formation by increasing miR-155 expression and inhibiting downstream LEPR expression and AMPK activation.
6.Moderating effect of salidroside on intestinal microbiota in mice exposed to PM2.5
Siqi LI ; Chen LIU ; Weihong XU ; Wenbo WU ; Ruixi ZHOU ; Limin ZHANG ; Chao SONG ; Yumei LIU ; Fengjiao TAN ; Mengxiao LUAN ; Xiaolin HAN ; Jinfeng TAN ; Li YU ; Dongqun XU ; Qin WANG ; Xiaohong LI ; Wanwei LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(2):125-132
Background Salidroside (SAL) has a protective effect on multiple organ systems. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere may lead to disruptions in gut microbiota and impact intestinal health. The regulatory effect of SAL on the gut microbiota of mice exposed to PM2.5 requires further investigation. Objective To evaluate gut microbiota disruption in mice after being exposed to PM2.5 and the potential effect of SAL. Methods Forty male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 to 8 weeks, were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, an SAL group, a PM2.5 group, and an SAL+PM2.5 group, each containing 10 mice. In the SAL group and the SAL+PM2.5 group, the mice were administered SAL (60 mg·kg−1) by gavage, while in the control group and the PM2.5 group, sterile saline (10 mL·kg−1) was administered by gavage. In the PM2.5 group and the SAL+PM2.5 group, PM2.5 suspension (8 mg·kg−1) was intratracheally instilled, and in the control group and SAL group, sterile saline (1.5 mL·kg−1) was intratracheally administered. Each experiment cycle spanned 2 d, with a total of 10 cycles conducted over 20 d. Histopathological changes in the ileum tissue of the mice were observed after HE staining. Colon contents were collected for gut microbiota sequencing and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) measurements. Results The PM2.5 group showed infiltration of inflammatory cells in the ileum tissue, while the SAL+PM2.5 group exhibited only a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to the control group, the PM2.5 group showed decreased Shannon index (P<0.05) and increased Simpson index (P<0.05), indicating that the diversity of gut microbiota in this group was decreased; the SAL+PM2.5 group showed increased Shannon index compared to the PM2.5 group (P<0.05) and decreased Simpson index (P<0.05), indicating that the diversity of gut microbiota in mice intervened with SAL was increased. The principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) revealed a significant separation between the PM2.5 group and the control group, while the separation trend was less evident among the control group, the SAL group, and the SAL+PM2.5 group. The unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA) clustering tree results showed that the control group and the SAL group clustered together first, followed by clustering with the SAL+PM2.5 group, and finally, the three groups clustered with the PM2.5 group. The PCoA and UPGMA clustering results indicated that the uniformity and similarity of the microbiota in the PM2.5 group were significantly decreased. Compared to the control group, the PM2.5 group showed decreased abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and Candidatus_Saccharimonas (P<0.05) and increased abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, genus Escherichia, genus Bacteroides, genus Prevotella, genus Enterococcus, and genus Proteus (P<0.05). Compared to the PM2.5 group, the SAL+PM2.5 group showed decreased abundance of phylum Proteobacteria, phylum Actinobacteria, genus Prevotella, and genus Proteus (P<0.05), and increased abundance of Candidatus_Saccharimonas (P<0.05). The PM2.5 group showed reduced levels of propionic acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid compared to the control group (P<0.05), while the SAL+PM2.5 group showed increased levels of propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid compared to the PM2.5 group (P<0.05). Conclusion Exposure to PM2.5 can cause pathological alterations, microbial dysbiosis, and disturbing production of SCFAs in intestinal tissue in mice. However, SAL can provide a certain degree of protective effect against these changes.
7.Chen Zhiqian and rural school health services in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(6):766-769
Abstract
During the peirod of Republic of China, the rural economy in China was in a state of decline, with poor hygiene conditions and extremely low levels of physical health among children. Under such circumstances, Professor Chen Zhiqian established the first rural health pilot zone in China and created the Dingxian Model,and explored a path suitable for the development of rural school health services by conducting health education courses, cultivating good hygiene habits,examining and improving students physical health status, and carrying out health surveys among teachers and students. The above actions has accumulated valuable experiences for the exploration and practice of contemporary rural school health services.
8.Diagnosis and management of diabetes insipidus complicated with upper urinary tract dilatation: a single-center experience
Xuesheng WANG ; Zhonghan ZHOU ; Xing LI ; Xunhua LI ; Limin LIAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(1):12-17
【Objective】 To investigate the urinary tract characteristics of diabetes insipidus (DI) complicated with upper urinary tract dilatation (UUTD), and to summarize the treatment experience. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 28 DI patients treated in China Rehabilitation Research Center were retrospectively analyzed with UUTD and all urinary tract dysfunction (AUTD) systems to evaluate the urinary tract characteristics. The relevant laboratory results, video-urodynamic recordings (VUDS), UUTD, neurophysiologic tests, treatment regimens and follow-up data were summarized. 【Results】 There were 21 DI cases (75.0%) and 7 cases of DI with neurogenic bladder (NB). Polyuria, polydipsia, urine specific gravity, urine osmotic pressure and water deprivation vasopressin test had diagnostic value for DI. In addition, detailed history, neurological examination, VUDS and neurophysiologic tests had significant diagnostic value for DI with NB. Enterocystoplasty was recommended for 2 DI with NB patients with poor bladder capacity, compliance and renal impairment. For the remaining 26 patients, individualized medication combined with bladder neck incision and appropriate bladder management, including intermittent catheterization, catheter indwelling and regular voiding, achieved satisfactory results. High serum creatinine decreased from (269.8±105.7)μmol/L to (164.4±90.2)μmol/L in 13 patients with abnormal renal function. Forty-eight dilated ureters showed significant improvement in the UUTD grade, and the median grade decreased from 3 to 2. 【Conclusion】 Bladder distension, trabeculation and decreased or absent sensations were common features for DI patients with UUTD. Individualized therapy by medication combined with appropriate bladder management can improve the dilatation and renal function.
9.Effect of vitamin C on intestinal flora disorders in Cr(VI)-contaminated mice
Limin ZHANG ; Chen LIU ; Yumei LIU ; Xueqian WU ; Ming SHU ; Jian ZHOU ; Dongqun XU ; Qin WANG ; Wanwei LI ; Xiaohong LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(7):807-813
Background Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure can cause structural disruption of intestinal flora and functional impairment. Vitamin C (VC) is one of the essential micronutrients, which plays an important role in promoting the growth of intestinal probiotics, improving the intestinal barrier, and maintaining the homeostasis of intestinal flora. However, the regulatory effect of VC on the intestinal flora disorders caused by Cr(VI) exposure remains to be investigated. Objective To investigate the effect of VC on intestinal flora disruption in mice due to Cr(VI) exposure. Methods Thirty-two SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were acclimatized and fed for 3 d and randomly divided into control (Con), VC, potassium dichromate [K2Cr2O7, Cr(VI)], and VC+K2Cr2O7 [VC+Cr(VI)] groups. At 8:00 a.m. on day 4, the Con group (double-distilled water given by gavage and injected intraperitoneally), the VC group (VC given by gavage and double-distilled water injected intraperitoneally), the Cr(VI) group (double-distilled water given by gavage and K2Cr2O7 solution injected intraperitoneally), and the VC+Cr(VI) group (VC given by gavage and K2Cr2O7 solution injected intraperitoneally) were treated. The dose of VC was 200 mg·kg−1, and the dose of K2Cr2O7 was 1.25 mg·kg−1. The mice were treated for 45 consecutive days and then executed, the contents of the colon were sampled in sterile freezing tubes, and three replicates were collected from each group. After labeling, the samples were immediately put into liquid nitrogen for rapid freezing. After all the samples were collected, they were transferred to a -80 ℃ ultra-low temperature refrigerator for storage. Samples of colon contents were analyzed for intestinal flora structure by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics software. Results The Cr(VI) exposure resulted in reduced body weight gain values in mice compared to the Con group. Pathological changes occurred in the ileal tissue of mice, with significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the Cr(VI) group and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the VC+Cr(VI) group. The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of intestinal flora was altered in the Cr(VI) group of mice. In the α diversity analysis, the mean Sobs index in the Cr(VI) group was 240.333±67.796, the Chao index was 258.173±64.813, and the Ace index was 259.481±66.891, which were significantly lower than those in the Con group (P<0.05), the PD whole tree index in the Cr(VI) group was 27.863±2.399, which was significantly higher than that in the Con group (P<0.05), and the VC intervention significantly reversed the changes of the above indexes due to Cr(VI) exposure (P<0.05). In the β diversity analysis, the principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) results showed a significant separation between the Cr(VI) group and the Con group, and after the VC intervention, there was a retraction of the separation trend and the difference was reduced. The multi-sample similarity dendrogram results showed that the control and the VC groups clustered together first, then with the VC+Cr(VI) group, and finally with the Cr(VI) group. The abundances of Bacteroidetes, Saccharibacteria, and Tenericutes in the intestine of mice in the Cr(VI) group were decreased, and the abundance of Firmicutes was increased; the abundances of Lactobacillus, Alistipes, Bacteroides, and Ruminiclostridium were also increased. Included among these, Bacteroides showed a significantly higher abundance compared to the control mice (P<0.05). Changes in the abundances of phyla and genera of the above mentioned gut microorganisms were reversed after the VC intervention. Conclusion Cr(VI) exposure can lead to intestinal damage and disorganization of the intestinal flora structure in mice, while VC intervention can ameliorate the above changes to a certain extent and normalize the intestinal flora structure.
10.Growth rate of adult obesity prevalence in China and target population for prevention and control from 2013 to 2018
Zhenping ZHAO ; Mei ZHANG ; Chun LI ; Mengting YU ; Xiao ZHANG ; Limin WANG ; Maigeng ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2024;52(1):34-41
Objective:To investigate the annual growth rate of obesity prevalence of residents aged 18 and above in China and prevention keypoints for target populations from 2013 to 2018.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects from China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance project in 2013 and 2018 were included. The prevalence of obesity and growth rate in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China were collected through survey questionnaires and on-site measurements. Other demographic data such as the proportion of obesity control measures, diet, exercise and drug use was also analyzed. Obesity among adults was defined as body mass index≥28.0 kg/m2.Results:A total of 174 736 residents, aged (51.5±14.2) years, which included 74 704 (42.8%) males were recruited in 2013, and 179 125 residents, aged (55.1±13.8) years, which included 79 337 (44.3%) males were included in 2018. The average annual increase rate of adult obesity prevalence in China from 2013 to 2018 was 3.2% (uncertainty interval ( UI) 2.7%-3.6%), and the average increase rate of obesity prevalence among men (5.2% ( UI 4.6%-5.9%)) was higher than that of women (0.9% ( UI 0.5%-1.3%)). For subgroups analysis, the average increase rate of obesity prevalence among residents aged 18 to 29 (7.4% ( UI 6.9%-7.9%)), education level beyond college degree (6.3% ( UI 5.5%-7.1%)), and unmarried population (11.2% ( UI 10.2%-12.1%)) were higher than that of other subgroups between 2013 and 2018. The residents in Hainan province showed the highest average annual growth rate of obesity. With the exception of Shanxi, Hunan, Gansu and Ningxia province, the annual growth rate of obesity prevalence among adults increased in all other provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) from 2013 to 2018. For the obese population, the proportion of people who took weight control measures increased from 22.6% in 2013 to 32.7% in 2018. Conclusions:The prevalence of obesity growth characteristics in subpopulations and regions in China are obviously different. Accordingly the focus points of obesity prevention and control in different regions should have their own emphasis.


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