1.Association between heatwave and risk of traffic injuries and its disease burden in Yunnan Province
Haorong MENG ; Jianxiong HU ; Qingping SHI ; Junyue YANG ; Huirong CHENG ; Wenjun MA ; Yang CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):520-527
Background Previous studies found that high temperature and heatwave increase the risk of traffic injuries. The complex road conditions in Yunnan Province result in frequent traffic accidents. However, there is limited evidence on the correlation between heatwave and traffic injuries in Yunnan Province. Objective To assess the association between heatwave events and traffic injuries, to estimate its disease burden, and to identify relevant sensitive groups. Methods We collected data on traffic injury cases and concurrent meteorological information from four surveillance sites in Yunnan Province, China: Dali, Lufeng, Zhaoyang, and Qilin from May to September each year from 2015 to 2023. Traffic injury cases refer to patients who visited the outpatient or emergency departments of local surveillance hospitals for the first time due to traffic injuries. Meteorological data were derived from the fifth generation atmosphericreanalysis dataset of the global climate provided by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. A time-stratified case-crossover design combined with distributed lag non-linear model was used to analyze the association between short-term exposure to heatwave and traffic injuries. We also conducted subgroup analyses by sex, age, occupation, injury cause, activity at the time of injury occurrence, and severity of injury. Results A total of
2.Association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels: Based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Shuang MA ; Qian ZHANG ; Huirong DUAN ; Jinzhu YIN ; Tong WANG ; Qian GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):900-907
Background High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a sensitive biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and can independently predict the risk of cardiovascular events. Although the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and CVD risk has been widely reported, studies on the association between hs-CRP and PFAS remain limited. Objective To investigate the association between PFAS and hs-CRP levels, to provide a scientific basis for early identification and prevention of environment-related cardiovascular events. Methods This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2015–2018). Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of
3.Improvement effects and mechanism of Bazheng powder on chronic urinary tract infection in rats
Huirong XI ; Xiaofeng LI ; Xiaolei JIANG ; Jing LI ; Zheng’an MA ; Xixiang LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2525-2530
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and its mechanism of Bazheng powder on chronic urinary tract infection (CUTI) induced by Escherichia coli in rats. METHODS The rats were divided into normal control group, model group, levofloxacin group (45 mg/kg) and Bazheng powder group (4.95 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal control group, other groups were administered an intravesical injection of Escherichia coli suspension (1×10⁸ cfu/mL) via the urethra to establish CUTI model; at the same time, rats in each group were administered the corresponding medicinal solution or water by gavage once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, blood routine tests (white blood cell count and lymphocyte percentage), the levels of serum inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], and immune indicators [CD4, CD8, secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA)], renal function indicators [cystatin C (Cys-C), α1- microglobulin (α1-MG), urea and creatinine] were all determined; the pathological changes in renal and bladder tissues in rats were observed. The protein expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) in rat bladder tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, CD8, Cys-C, α1-MG, urea and creatinine in serum, as well as the protein expressions of TLR4, NF-κB and NLRP3 in bladder tissues, were significantly elevated in the model group (P<0.05). Conversely, the levels of CD4 and SIgA were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Pathological changes, such as extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells, were observed in both renal and bladder tissues. Compared with the model group, the above quantitative indicators in the Bazheng powder group were significantly improved (P<0.05), with no obvious inflammatory lesions observed in either renal or bladder tissues. CONCLUSIONS Bazheng powder can alleviate inflammatory reaction and improve the immune function of CUTI rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB/ NLRP3 signaling pathway.
4.Protective effect of cryptotanshinone on premature ovarian insufficiency rats by regulating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis
Zhun QU ; Huirong MA ; Dan FENG ; Dan CHOU ; Yu ZHANG ; Hongmei LI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(24):2998-3003
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of cryptotanshinone on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) rats and its potential mechanism based on stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC subfamily receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis. METHODS POI rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of vinylcyclohexene (VCD). The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, cryptotanshinone low-dose group (50 mg/kg), cryptotanshinone high-dose group (100 mg/kg), and cryptotanshinone high-dose+AMD3100 group (100 mg/kg cryptotanshinone+2.5 mg/kg CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 rats were injected with normal saline instead of VCD as the control group. Rats in each drug group were given intragastrical or (and) intraperitoneal injection of the corresponding drug once a day for 4 weeks. The levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum and reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in ovarian tissue were detected in each group. The morphology of ovarian tissue was observed. The cell apoptosis of ovarian tissue, as well as the mRNA expressions of SDF-1, CXCR4 and the protein expressions of caspase-3, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), SDF- 1, CXCR4 were detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the ovarian atrophied, the number of primitive follicles decreased, the number of atretic follicles increased, and the damage was obvious in the model group. Serum E2 level, SOD and GSH-Px levels in ovarian tissue, the mRNA expressions of SDF-1 and CXCR4, and the protein expressions of Bcl-2, SDF-1 and CXCR4 in ovarian tissue were all significantly decreased or down-regulated; the levels of FSH and LH in serum, ROS and MDA levels in ovarian tissue, the cell apoptosis rate, and the protein expressions of caspase-3 and Bax in ovarian tissue mail:k26awn@163.com were increased or upregulated significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the ovarian tissue lesions of rats in cryptotanshinone low-dose and high-dose groups were significantly improved, and each quantitative index was significantly improved (P<0.05). AMD3100 could significantly reverse the improvement effect of cryptotanshinone on the above indexes (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cryptotanshinone can reduce ovarian cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in POI rats by activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis, regulating serum hormone levels, thereby improving ovarian injury.
5.Mechanism of dorsal root ganglion SERT in electroacupuncture regulation of P2X3 receptor-mediated visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats
Rong HUANG ; Jing CHAI ; Yun ZHOU ; Yu QIAO ; Zhijun WENG ; Huangan WU ; Huirong LIU ; Lu ZHU ; Jindan MA ; Yi ZHU ; Fang ZHANG ; Yanping YANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(6):435-446
Objective:To investigate the role of serotonin reuptake transporter(SERT)and P2X3 receptor of dorsal root ganglion(DRG)in regulating visceral hypersensitivity of rats with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)by electroacupuncture(EA). Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley and SERT-/-rats were subjected to preparing IBS visceral hypersensitivity models with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS)enema.Three weeks post-modeling,interventions including EA,intrathecal injection,and EA plus intrathecal injection were applied,respectively.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)score were used to confirm the successful establishment of the IBS model.AWR score,whole-cell patch clamp technique,and Western blotting assay were used to evaluate the changes in visceral pain sensitivity,electrophysiological properties of DRG neurons,and the expression of DRG P2X3 receptor and SERT in IBS rats. Results:Compared to the model group,the AWR score in the EA group decreased significantly(P<0.05),the resting membrane potential(P<0.05)and the number of action potentials(P<0.05)of DRG neurons reduced,and the baseline intensity increased(P<0.05);additionally,the expression of P2X3 receptor in DRG decreased(P<0.01),and the SERT expression increased(P<0.05).Compared to the P2X3 receptor agonist group,the SERT protein expression in DRG was higher in the EA group.In SERT-/-rats,the P2X3 receptor expression in DRG increased in the EA group compared to the model group(P<0.01). Conclusion:EA modulates the electrophysiological characteristics of intestinal primary sensory neurons by regulating the expression of SERT and P2X3 receptor in DRG of IBS rats.This modulation may contribute to the mechanism by which EA alleviates peripheral sensitization of visceral pain in IBS rats.
6.Regulatory Mechanism of NCOA4-mediated Ferritinophagy and its Progress in Colitis and Colitis-associated Cancer
Dan ZHANG ; Qiqi HUANG ; Hongna LI ; Li LIU ; Huirong LIU ; Xiaopeng MA
Chinese Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;28(10):620-625
Abnormal iron metabolism mediated by ferritinophagy is one of the most important mechanisms in the occurrence of ferroptosis.The regulatory mechanism of ferritinophagy mainly involves the transcription of NCOA4 and its corresponding protein modifications.Ferroptosis plays an important role in the development of colitis and colitis-associated cancer,and target-oriented regulation of ferroptosis can alleviate colonic inflammatory response and induce the tumor cell death.This article mainly reviewed the regulatory mechanism of NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and its progress in colitis and colitis-related cancer,which may provide a new point for the investigation on mechanism of colitis and inflammation-cancer transformation.
7.The phenotypes and genotypes of four patients with Dubin-Johnson syndrome.
Qinghua WU ; Beibei MA ; Saisai YANG ; Zhihui JIAO ; Xin CHEN ; Shumin REN ; Yibing CHEN ; Huirong SHI ; Xiangdong KONG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2022;39(10):1065-1069
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic etiology in four patients with hyperbilirubinemia, and discuss the correlation between clinical characteristics and molecular basis.
METHODS:
The data of clinical manifestation and auxiliary examinations were collected. Genomic DNA of the four patients was extracted and analyzed by next-generation sequencing using the panel including genes involved in hereditary metabolic liver diseases. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.
RESULTS:
All of the four patients were males with normal liver enzymes. It was revealed that all the patients had heterozygous variants, among which c.3011C>T, c.2443C>T and c.2556del were the variants which have not been reported previously.
CONCLUSION
All of the patients were diagnosed as Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) caused by ABCC2 gene variants. The novel variants add to the spectrum of genetic variants of the disease. Because of the favorite prognosis, precise diagnosis can greatly reduce the psychological pressure of patients and avoid excessive treatments. At the same time, it could provide pertinent genetic counseling for the families.
DNA
;
Female
;
Heterozygote
;
Humans
;
Jaundice, Chronic Idiopathic/genetics*
;
Male
;
Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2
;
Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins/genetics*
;
Phenotype
8.Effect of lentivirus mediated silencing of NIPBL gene on osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Dekun Jiang ; Huirong Zhang ; Jinyong Pan ; Wenqing Ma ; Hui Liu ; Lili Dong
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2022;57(1):105-110
Objective :
To investigate the effect of lentivirus mediated silencing of NIPBL gene on osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( BMSCs) .
Methods :
The third generation C57 Mouse Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were divided into experimental group , negative control group and blank control group. The lentiviral vector was transfected into mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells , the transfection results were observed by inverted fluorescence microscope , and the expression of NIPBL gene was detected by real- time PCR. The cells of each group were cultured by osteogenic induction. The alkaline phosphatase activity was 2 and RUNX⁃2.
Results :
The expression of NIPBL mRNA decreased in the experimental group (P < 0. 05) . The activity of alkaline phosphatase in experimental group was lower than that in negative control group and blank control group (P < 0. 05) . The gene transcription and protein expression levels of OCN, BMP⁃2 and Runx⁃2 in experimental group were lower than those in negative control group and blank control group ( P < 0. 05 ) . Alizarin red staining results showed that the negative control group and blank control group had more red calcium nodules than the experimental group.
Conclusion
Lentivirus mediated silencing of NIPBL gene reduces the proliferation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells , inhibits the expression of osteogenic differentiation related genes , and reduces the osteogenic differentiation ability.
9.Proteomic analysis of overweight/obesity and related abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism caused by phlegm-dampness retention
Ma JIAYI ; Sun SHUXIAN ; Ni CHENG ; Li LINGRU ; Xia JING ; Li HOUQIN ; Song HUIRONG ; Heng XUJUN ; Hu DANDAN ; Li YUANYUAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2021;8(3):224-237
Objective: To investigate the proteomic characteristics of overweight/obesity and related abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism caused by phlegm-dampness retention to identify related biomarkers. Methods: Seventy-one subjects were enrolled in the study. We assessed blood glucose, blood lipids, body mass index (BMI), and phlegm-dampness pattern, which was confirmed by a traditional Chinese med-icine clinician. Of the participants, we included healthy participants with normal weight (NW, n =23), overweight/obese participants with normal metabolism (ONM, n = 19), overweight/obese participants with pre-diabetes (OPD, n = 12), and overweight/obese participants with marginally-elevated blood lipids (OML, n = 17). Among them, the ONM, OPD, and OML groups were diagnosed with phlegm-dampness pattern. The data-independent acquisition (DIA) method was first used to analyze the plasma protein expression of each group, and the relevant differential proteins of each group were screened. The co-expressed proteins were evaluated by Venn analysis. The pathway analyses of the differential proteins were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) was used to verify the differential and common proteins in each group. Results: After comparing ONM, OPD, and OML groups with NW group, we identified the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Next, we determined the DEPs among OPD, OML, and ONM groups. Using Venn analysis of the DEPs in each group, 24 co-expressed proteins were screened. Two co-expressed proteins were verified by PRM. IPA analysis showed that pathways including LXR/RXR activation, acute phase response signaling, and FXR/RXR activation were common to all three groups of phlegm-damp overweight/obesity participants. However, the activation or inhibition of these pathways was different among the three groups. Conclusion: Participants with overweight/obesity have similar proteomic characteristics, though each type shows specific proteomic characteristics. Two co-expressed proteins, VTN and ORM1, are potential biomarkers for glucose and lipid metabolism diseases with overweight/obesity caused by phlegm-dampness retention.
10.Correlation between resilience and family function in mothers of premature infants
Xiaofeng DUAN ; Yan WANG ; Shengling LI ; Huirong MA ; Caixia SUN ; Qin LIU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2020;29(4):356-360
Objective:To explore the influence of family function on the psychological resilience of mothers of premature infants.Method:Totally 2 836 mothers of premature infants who met the inclusion criteria were investigated with general information questionnaire, family APGAR index (APGAR) and Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) in three third-class A general hospitals and two specialty hospitals in Ningxia.SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between psychological resilience and family function of preterm mothers.Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the impact of family function on psychological resilience of preterm mothers.Results:Total score of resilience scale in mothers of premature infants was (68.38±16.59) and the total score of family function was (9.07±1.53). There were 1 550 cases with good family function and 1 286 cases with family dysfunction.The total score of psychological elasticity and the score of all dimensions in the group with good family function were higher than those in the group with family dysfunction( P<0.05). The total score of psychological elasticity ( r=0.771, P<0.01) and self-improvement ( r=0.410, P<0.05), tenacity ( r=0.492, P<0.01), optimism( r=0.438, P<0.05) were positively correlated with family function.Stratified regression analysis showed that cooperation( β=1.016) and intimacy( β=0.389) were the important influencing factors of preterm mothers' psychological resilience ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Psychological resilience of mothers of premature infants is closely related to their family function.Good family function can help mothers of premature infants improve their psychological resilience and promote their mental health.


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