1.Oral Microbiota and Childhood Growth and Development
Rongrong YE ; Hanze DU ; Shi CHEN ; Daowei LI ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):545-551
Childhood is a critical period for growth and development, and the oral microbiota, as the second most diverse microbial community in the human body, plays a pivotal role in maintaining children's health. Recent studies have demonstrated that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota not only contributes to oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis but may also influence the development of children's skeletal, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, and immune systems through mechanisms involving inflammatory responses, metabolic regulation, and cross-organ communication networks. This review systematically examines the role of the oral microbiota in childhood growth and development and, guided by the core principles of the "active health" model, proposes multiple intervention strategies—including probiotics, xylitol, and mouthwashes—to optimize children's health through early oral microbiota modulation.
2.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
3.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
4.Preliminary Efficacy of Growth Hormone Therapy in Children With Congenital HeartDisease and Short Stature: A Six-case Report and Literature Review
Xi YANG ; Siyu LIANG ; Qianqian LI ; Hanze DU ; Shuaihua SONG ; Yue JIANG ; Huijuan MA ; Shi CHEN ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):641-646
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a congenital malformation resulting from abnormal embryonic development of the heart and great vessels, accounting for approximately 25% of all congenital malformations. Children with CHD are often complicated by short stature. Although surgical treatment can improve their growth and development to a certain extent, some children still experience growth retardation after surgery. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is the main drug for treating short stature, but its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with concomitant CHD warrant further investigation. This article reports six cases of children with CHD and short stature who were treated with rhGH. Through a literature review, we summarize and discuss the therapeutic efficacy, follow-up experiences, and adverse reactions of rhGH treatment, aiming to provide references for clinicians in applying rhGH to treat patients with CHD and short stature.
5.Exposure to indoor chemical pollutants and associated health risk assessment of residents in Shijiazhuang city
Siwei ZHANG ; Yishan DING ; Xixi DU ; Fengge CHEN ; Junwang TONG ; Hui MA
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(6):706-711
Background Indoor air quality directly affects people's health, especially the impact of chemical pollutants in residential indoor air on children and the elderly is more significant. Objective To understand the pollution status of common chemical pollutants in residential indoor air in Shijiazhuang, evaluate the health risks of chemical pollutants to school-age children and the elderly, and provide reference for controlling indoor pollution in residential environment. Methods Using stratified random sampling, a total of 60 households were selected from 2 urban areas and 1 surrounding rural area in Shijiazhuang City, specifically in July 2023 (non-heating season) and December 2023 (heating season), respectively. Relevant data was collected through on-site sampling [including CO, CO2, PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, O3, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene] and survey questionnaires. The pollutant concentrations were evaluated following the Standards for indoor air quality of GB/T 18883-2022, and the inhalation exposure risks of the target population were assessed based on the health risk assessment method. Results In the indoor air of the urban and rural residence in Shijiazhuang City, except for CO, NO2, SO2, toluene, and xylene, which did not exceed the standard limits, other pollutants showed varying degrees of exceedance. The non-qualified rates of PM10, PM2.5, and CO2 in the urban areas were higher than those in the rural areas (P < 0.05). The seasonal difference analysis showed that the non-qualified rates of PM2.5, PM10, CO2, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene in the urban areas were higher in the heating season than in the non-heating season (P<0.05); the non-qualified rates of ammonia and formaldehyde in the rural areas increased significantly in the non-heating season(P<0.05). The health risk assessment indicated that the maximum hazard quotient (HQ) of tetrachloroethylene for the elderly exceeded 1, while the HQ values for ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene remained below 1 for either children or the elderly. For carcinogenic risks, the median carcinogenic risk (CR) of formaldehyde for school-aged children or the elderly fell within the range of 10−6-10−4, whereas the median CR values for benzene, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene were all below 10−6. Conclusion The primary indoor air pollutants exceeding the national standard limits in residential areas of Shijiazhuang City include CO2, PM10, TVOC, PM2.5, formaldehyde, ammonia, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene. The levels of these pollutants exhibit significant urban-rural and seasonal variations. Special attention should be paid to the non-carcinogenic risk of tetrachloroethylene to the elderly and the carcinogenic risks of formaldehyde to school-age children and the elderly.
6.Mechanism of peimine improving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by lipopolysaccharide combined with cigarette smoke in mice
Pei CHEN ; Xiao-Ju CHEN ; Zhu-Man DU ; Cao-Hui WANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2024;55(2):215-221
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of peimine(PME)on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in mice.Methods The mice were randomly divided into 4 groups(20 mice in each group),control group,PME group,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group and treatment group.Animal models of COPD were induced in mice by lipopolysaccharide combined with smoke.The effects of PME on COPD model mice was analyzed by HE staining,transmission electron microscopy and the ratio of wet/dry weight of mouse lung tissue.The effects of PME on COPD model mice were analyzed by HE staining,transmission electron microscopy and the ratio of wet/dry weight of mouse lung tissue.The effects of PME on inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-1β in lung tissue were analyzed by ELISA and Western blotting.The effects of PME on oxidative stress in lung tissue were analyzed by dihydroethidium(DHE)staining and Western blotting.The effects of PME on nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)pathway and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathway were analyzed by protein immunoblotting.Results Compared with the COPD group,PME treatment could significantly improve the lung tissue injury and the number of inflammatory cells in mice,and the wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue was significantly reduced.Compared with the control group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the alveolar lavage fluid of COPD mice significantly increased,and the level of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the alveolar lavage fluid of mice after PME treatment was significantly reduced.In addition,compared with the control group,the protein expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the lung tissue of COPD mice significantly increased,and the level of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the lung tissue of COPD mice after PME treatment were significantly reduced.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed that the level of superoxide dismutase 2(SOD2)protein in COPD group was significantly lower than that in control group,while PME treatment could improve the level of superoxide dismutase protein.The analysis of MDA content in lung tissue showed that compared with the COPD group,the production of MDA in lung tissue of COPD mice was significantly inhibited after PME treatment.Protein Western blotting showed that PME treatment could prevent the phosphorylation of inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα)and the transfer of NF-κB p65 to the cell nucleus,and the expression of Nrf2 and its main downstream target heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in the lung tissue of mice treated with PME significantly increased.Conclusion PME is able to inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress and improve lung tissues damage in the COPD model in vivo and this protection effect might be both the Nrf2 pathway activation and NF-κB pathway inhibition.
7.Ideas and Methods of Acupuncture for Guillain-Barré Syndrome based on the Core Principle of “To Treat Flaccidity, Select the Yangming (阳明) Channel only”
Huan LI ; Hailun JIANG ; Hao CHEN ; Hui QU ; Ruohan TANG ; Jie JI ; Yuzheng DU ; Qi ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(4):362-367
This study explored the ideas and methods of acupuncture for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) with the core principle of “to treat flaccidity, select the yangming (阳明) channel only”. The main pathological mechanism of GBS is deficiency of qi and blood in the yangming channel, malnutrition of all sinews, diminished spleen and stomach function leading to the production of pathogenic damp-heat qi, which obstructs the meridians, and gradually affects the liver and kidneys, consuming essence and damaging blood. Concurrently, dysfunction of the dumai (督脉) pivotal mechanism and lack of moisture in sinews and vessels result in symptoms such as skin numbness, paralysis, and muscle wastage. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, a combination of syndrome and channel differentiation is taken. Treatment primarily focuses on acupoints of yangming channel, aiming to supplement qi and blood, and acupoints of du mai are combined to open the vessel and fill the marrow. Specific acupoints are selected based on syndrome differentiation, providing comprehensive regulation to promote harmonization of qi and blood, relieve meridians, and the smooth generation and circulation of whole body fluids. This, in turn, enhances the strength of muscles and bones, and fosters a robust and freely moving body.
8.Role and mechanism of intestinal flora metabolites in obesity regulation
Qihang YANG ; Rui PU ; Ziyang CHEN ; Siyi LENG ; Yongjing SONG ; Hui LIU ; Guangyou DU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(2):308-314
BACKGROUND:Gut microbiota is closely related to host energy balance and metabolism.The metabolites of intestinal flora can regulate the occurrence and development of obesity and can be a new target for the prevention and treatment of obesity. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the interaction between the intestinal flora and obesity,as well as the specific mechanism underlying regulation of obesity by metabolites of intestinal flora,thereby providing a new reference and basis for the prevention and treatment of obesity. METHODS:"Intestinal microbiota,intestinal bacteria,intestinal microbiota metabolites,short-chain fatty acids,bile acids,ipopolysaccharide,trimethylamine N-oxide,medium-chain fatty acids,tryptophan derivatives,obesity"were used as search terms in Chinese and English.Literature related to obesity from 1990 to 2022 was retrieved in PubMed and CNKI databases.According to inclusion and exclusion criteria,88 articles were finally selected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Intestinal flora is closely related to the occurrence and development of obesity.For example,changes in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of obesity,and the occurrence of obesity can be delayed by the colonization of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium breve,Lactobacillus and Akkermansia.Intestinal flora is mainly mediated by the metabolites of intestinal flora to participate in the regulation of obesity.For example,short-chain fatty acid can regulate adipogenesis by regulating signaling pathways such as G protein-coupled receptors 41,43 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ,thus delaying the occurrence and development of obesity.Bile acids can increase insulin sensitivity and body energy expenditure by promoting the activation of G protein-coupled receptor 5 and farnesol X receptor.In addition,lipopolysaccharide,trimethylamine oxide,medium-chain fatty acids and tryptophan derivatives are also widely involved in the occurrence and development of obesity through various signaling pathways.Further studies have found that metabolites of the same bacterial community exert heterogeneous effects in the specific process of regulating obesity via different signaling pathways.For example,under the influence of high-fat diet,acetic acids can activate the parasympathetic nervous system,leading to hyperphagia and liver insulin resistance and thus accelerating the physiological course of obesity.
9.Intestinal flora and osteoporosis and exercise intervention
Qihang YANG ; Rui PU ; Ziyang CHEN ; Siyi LENG ; Yongjing SONG ; Hui LIU ; Guangyou DU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(26):4250-4256
BACKGROUND:Intestinal flora and its metabolites can participate in the pathological process of osteoporosis and play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.In addition,exercise can regulate the intestinal flora and thus affect the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the effects and mechanism of intestinal flora on osteoblasts,osteoclasts,and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,and the potential role of exercise-mediated intestinal flora in regulating osteoporosis. METHODS:"Intestinal flora,intestinal bacteria,metabolites of intestinal flora,bone metabolism,osteoporosis,exercise"were selected as keywords.Literatures from 1990 to 2023 were retrieved from PubMed and CNKI databases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Changes in the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora and changes in the levels of intestinal flora metabolites such as trimethylamine oxide and bile acid can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.The imbalance of intestinal flora can lead to intestinal barrier dysfunction and excessive production of lipopolysaccharides and trimethylamine oxide,induce the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and other inflammatory cytokines,activate the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway and aggravate oxidative stress,thus promoting osteoclast differentiation,inducing osteoblast apoptosis and affecting bone marrow mesenchymal cell migration.Remodeling intestinal flora homeostasis can inhibit inflammatory response,downregulate oxidative stress,inhibit osteoclast differentiation,promote osteoblast differentiation,and regulate the osteogenic migration of bone marrow mesenchymal cells to prevent and treat osteoporosis.Exercise can regulate intestinal flora homeostasis,improve intestinal barrier function,promote the secretion of short-chain fatty acids and bile acids,down-regulate serum lipopolysaccharide level,reduce oxidative stress,and then inhibit osteocyte apoptosis,inhibit osteoclast differentiation,promote osteoblast differentiation,and regulate osteocyte nutrient metabolism to exert the potential of preventing and treating osteoporosis.
10.Clinical characteristics of children reintubated within 48 hours in pediatric intensive care unit
Hui ZHOU ; Lijia DU ; Pan LIU ; Yuxin LIU ; Yan DU ; Zhengzheng ZHANG ; Weiming CHEN ; Guoping LU
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2024;31(3):183-188
Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics of patients within 48 hours in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU),and investigate causes and prognosis of extubation failure in reintubation children.Methods:A single-center retrospective study was conducted.Patients who were reintubated within 48 hours after extubation in PICU at Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 1,2019 to December 31,2022 were retrospectively enrolled.Patients with unplanned extubation for various reasons which include re-intubation due to surgery and replacement of tracheal intubation were excluded.We analyzed the clinical characteristics,causes of extubation failure and prognosis.Main outcome measures included principal diagnosis,pediatric critical illness score(PCIS),the reason of intubation,the glasgow coma scale(GCS),the direct cause of reintubation,aeration time,hospitalization period,outcomes at PICU discharge and whether to extubate successfully.Results:During the study period,a total of 2 652 patients were extubated in PICU,and a total of 87 children were enrolled.Finally,63(72.4%)patients survived at PICU,nine(10.3%)patients died in hospital,and 15(17.2%)patients were discharged automatically.In the survival group,38(60.3%)patients were decannulated and 25(39.7%)patients underwent tracheotomy.The top three principal diagnosis in 87 cases were central nervous system disease[34(39.1%)cases],lower airway disease[18(20.7%)cases] and sepsis[nine(10.3%)cases].Of the 87 children,28(32.2%)patients were reintubated due to central respiratory failure,21(24.1%)patients were reintubated due to lower airway disease,20(23.0%)patients were reintubated due to upper airway obstruction,14(16.1%)patients were reintubated due to cough weakness and/or swallowing disturbance,and four(4.6%)patients were reintubated for other reasons.In children with mechanical ventilation duration ≥7 days before first extubation,central nervous system diseases were the most common primary diseases,and it accounts for 55.6%.Central respiratory failure was the main direct cause of reintubation,accounting for 40.0%,and more patients(40.0%) had GCS scores<8 before the first intubation.Compared with the successful decannulation group,the extubation failure group had the higher proportion of children with GCS<8(32.7% vs.10.5%, P<0.05),the longer median duration of mechanical ventilation before the first extubation[239(123,349)h vs.68.5(19,206)h, P<0.05]and the longer median length of ICU stay[38(23,54)d vs.24(12,43)d, P<0.05].After comparing the three groups including survival group,in-hospital death group and automatic discharge group,the PCIS score of the survival group was the highest,and the in-hospital death group was the lowest( P<0.05). Conclusion:The rate of reintubation at 48 h after extubation in PICU is 3.3%.The immediate causes of reintubation mainly included central respiratory failure,lower airway disease,upper airway obstruction,cough weakness and/or dysphagia.The mortality rate of reintubation in critically ill children is high and the prognosis is poor.

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