1.The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Runner’s High
Yun-Teng WANG ; Jia-Qi LIANG ; Wan-Tang SU ; Li ZHAO ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):358-373
“Runner’s high” refers to a momentary sense of pleasure that suddenly appears during running or other exercise activities, characterized by anti-anxiety, pain relief, and other symptoms. The neurobiological mechanism of “runner’s high” is unclear. This review summarizes human and animal models for studying “runner’s high”, analyzes the neurotransmitters and neural circuits involved in runner’s high, and elucidates the evidence and shortcomings of researches related to “runner’s high”. This review also provides prospects for future research. Research has found that exercise lasting more than 30 min and with an intensity exceeding 70% of the maximum heart rate can reach a “runner’s high”. Human experiments on “runner’s high” mostly use treadmill exercise intervention, and evaluate it through questionnaire surveys, measurement of plasma AEA, miRNA and other indicators. Animal experiments often use voluntary wheel running intervention, and evaluate it through behavioral experiments such as conditional place preference, light dark box experiments (anxiety), hot plate experiments (pain sensitivity), and measurement of plasma AEA and other indicators. Dopamine, endogenous opioid peptides, endogenous cannabinoids, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and other substances increase after exercise, which may be related to the “runner’s high”. However, attention should be paid to the functional differences of these substances in the central and peripheral regions, as well as in different brain regions. Moreover, current studies have not identified the targets of the neurotransmitters or neural factors mentioned above, and further in-depth researches are needed. The mesolimbic dopamine system, prefrontal cortex-nucleus accumbens projection, ventral hippocampus-nucleus accumbens projection, red nucleus-ventral tegmental area projection, cerebellar-ventral tegmental area projection, and brain-gut axis may be involved in the regulation of runner’s high, but there is a lack of direct evidence to prove their involvement. There are still many issues that need to be addressed in the research on the neurobiological mechanisms of “runner’s high”. (1) Most studies on “runner’s high” involve one-time exercise, and the characteristics of changes in “runner’s high” during long-term exercise still need to be explored. (2) The using of scales to evaluate subjects lead to the lacking of objective indicators. However, some potential biomarkers (such as endocannabinoids) have inconsistent characteristics of changes after one-time and long-term exercise. (3) The neurotransmitters involved in the formation of the “runner’s high” all increase in the peripheral and/or central nervous system after exercise. Attention should be paid to whether peripheral substances can enter the blood-brain barrier and the binding effects of neurotransmitters to different receptors are completely different in different brain regions. (4) Most of the current evidence show that some brain regions are activated after exercise. Is there a functional circuit mediating “runner’s high” between these brain regions? (5) Although training at a specific exercise intensity can lead to “runner’s high”, most runners have not experienced “runner’s high”. Can more scientific training methods or technological means be used to make it easier for people to experience the “runner’s high” and thus be more willing to engage in exercise? (6) The “runner’s high” and “addiction” behaviors are extremely similar, and there are evidences that exercise can reverse addictive behaviors. However, why is there still a considerable number of people in the sports population and even athletes who smoke or use addictive drugs instead of pursuing the “pleasure” brought by exercise? Solving the problems above is of great significance for enhancing the desire of exercise, improving the clinical application of neurological and psychiatric diseases through exercise, and enhancing the overall physical fitness of the population.
2.Two new coumarin compounds from Angelica biserrata
Jia-cheng WU ; Han-tao ZHAO ; Feng-die YAN ; Qian-feng CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):201-204
Two new coumarin glycosides were isolated and purified from the dichloromethane fraction of
3.Association between mobile phone addiction and high myopia among college students
Jian YIN ; Zeshi LIU ; Yan LI ; Yangyang GONG ; Naichuan CHEN ; Yuqi ZHAO ; Jia SONG ; Yanping ZHANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):301-305
AIM:To analyze the association between mobile phone addiction and high myopia among college students.METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in December 2022 on all students of a university in Shaanxi Province, and the questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics, mobile phone addiction, high myopia, and lifestyle. Binary Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between mobile phone addiction and high myopia among college students.RESULTS:A total of 19 952 college students were included. The prevalence of high myopia was 7.31%. The rate of mobile phone addiction was 25.68%, and the mobile phone addiction score was 37.59±13.38. The incidence of high myopia among college students with mobile phone addiction was higher than non-mobile phone addiction(P<0.001). After adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle, the risk of high myopia among college students with mobile phone addiction was 1.274 times(95%CI:1.131-1.434)higher than non-mobile phone addiction. For each point increase of total mobile phone addiction score, withdrawal symptoms score, salience score, social comfort score, and mood changes score, the risk of high myopia among college students increased by 0.9%(95%CI:1.005-1.013), 2.0%(95%CI:1.010-1.030), 2.6%(95%CI:1.010-1.043), 4.8%(95%CI:1.030-1.066), and 3.3%(95%CI:1.014-1.052), respectively.CONCLUSION:Mobile phone addiction is significantly associated with the increased risk of high myopia among college students, and early intervention of mobile phone use may reduce the risk of high myopia among college students.
4.Analysis of Animal Models of Autoimmune Thyroiditis Based on Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Sifeng JIA ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Yuyu DUAN ; Keqiu YAN ; Xinhe ZUO ; Yang LI ; Yong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):235-243
ObjectiveAutoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a complex and immune-mediated disorder, with no established treatment protocol. Both Western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) focus on the pathogenesis and treatment of AIT. This study evaluated the clinical consistency of existing AIT animal models based on the diagnostic criteria of both Western and TCM, using a novel evaluation method. Additionally, it proposed recommendations and future prospects for improving these models. MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted on existing AIT animal models, using databases and the diagnostic criteria of both Western and TCM. Core and accompanying symptoms of these models were scored based on the diagnostic criteria of both Western and TCM, and clinical consistency was assessed. ResultsMice are the primary experimental animals used in AIT modeling. Modeling methods include vaccine immunization, iodine induction, heterologous thyroid antigen immunization, and a combination of high iodine water and antigen immunization. The average consistency of clinical syndromes based on TCM and Western medicine is 40%, 60%, 54%, and 63%, with the highest consistency observed in the combined high iodine water and antigen immunization model. Pathological models based on TCM are less common, with the liver-stagnation-spleen-deficiency rat model showing high clinical consistency. While most models are designed according to Western medical theory, meeting the surface and structural effectiveness criteria of Western medicine. However, there is a lack of fine-tuning and clear differentiation of TCM syndromes. ConclusionCurrent AIT syndrome-disease combination animal models primarily reflect the pathological features of Western medicine, with limited integration of TCM syndromes. Future research should aim to combine the syndrome characteristics of TCM with the pathological features of Western medicine, creating multi-factor and dynamic syndrome-disease models. Such models would better facilitate an experimental platform that conforms to the theories of TCM, providing more comprehensive support and guidance for the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of AIT.
5.Age Discrimination Based on Volatile Components of Arisaema Cum Bile
Jia HE ; Tiegui NAN ; Tianrui LIU ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Ying LIU ; Yan JIN ; Yuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):197-204
ObjectiveTo discriminate the age of Arisaema Cum Bile, the combination of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to explore the differences of volatile components of unfermented, 1-year fermented, 2-year fermented, and 3-year fermented Arisaema Cum Bile. MethodSamples with different fermentation durations were collected and HS-SPME-GC-MS technology was employed to detect the volatile components of each sample. The relative contents of detected volatile components were processed and analyzed by chemometrics methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). ResultThe results showed that 145 volatile components were identified. Among these volatile components, the relative contents of heterocyclic, alcohols, aldehydes and aromatics were high. PCA, HCA, and PLS-DA can effectively separate Arisaema Cum Bile with four different ages. Based on variable importance in projection (VIP) value > 1, 73 markers of differential volatile components were identified. The content of 2,6,11-trimethyldodecane and m-xylene in unfermented samples was the highest, and the content difference between them and those in fermented samples was significant (P<0.05). 2,3-butanediol was detected only in 1-year samples, octane was detected only in 2-year samples, and ethyl heptanoate was detected only in 3-year samples. These components can be used as odor markers for Arisaema Cum Bile with different fermentation years. ConclusionThe identification method of volatile components of Arisaema Cum Bile was established by HS-SPME-GC-MS technology, which can realize the rapid identification of unfermented, 1-year fermented, 2-year fermented, and 3-year fermented samples, and provide a scientific basis for the standardization of processing technology and quality standards of Arisaema Cum Bile.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of high-risk population for cardiovascular disease of Shanghai residents
Yuzhuo WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Yingquan WANG ; Cui WU ; Haiyan GU ; Yiying ZHANG ; Yan XU ; Sen WANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Yu JIANG ; Jia ZHAO ; Yan SHI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(1):64-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the high-risk detection rate and aggregation of cardiovascular diseases(CVD) in 8 districts of Shanghai and influencing factors, and to provide scientific references for prevention and control of CVD. MethodsBased on the Cardiovascular Disease Screening and Management Program in Shanghai from 2016 to 2021, 104 685 participants aged 35 to 75 in 8 districts of Shanghai were selected for analysis. χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis of the influencing factors of CVD and aggregation of CVD. ResultsThe proportion of high-risk CVD individuals in the population was 19.17%, including the high-risk individuals with hypertension (8.65%), dyslipidemia (6.33%), CVD history (5.58%), and WHO assessed risk ≥20% types (2.69%), respectively. Old age, overweight and obesity, central obesity, smoking, drinking, farmers, unmarried, and low family income were the risk factors of CVD, while high education level was the protective factor. In the participants, 16 323 people (81.34%) were classified as CVD high-risk groups; The number of aggregation of 1, 2 and ≥3 high risk types of CVD were 16 323(81.34%), 3 236(16.13%), 509(2.54%), respectively. Old age, low education level, low annual family income, farmers, unmarried, smoking, drinking, overweight, obesity and central obesity were associated with the risk of aggregation of high risk types of CVD, and the correlation strength increased with the increase of aggregation types. ConclusionThe prevention and control of CVD in Shanghai should focus on the hypertension, elderly, overweight, obesity, central obesity, smoking, drinking, low educated, low family income, farmers and unmarried people, and targeted intervention measures should be taken to reduce the risk of CVD among residents.
7.Effect and Mechanism of Water Extract of Mori Folium on Oxidative Stress in Adipose Tissue of T2DM Mice
Huilin ZHANG ; Yongcheng AN ; Changhao HE ; Yan HUANG ; Wanxin FU ; Menglu WANG ; Ziyi SHAN ; Yuhang DU ; Jiamei XIE ; Zhanhong JIA ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):43-50
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of water extract of Mori Folium (MLE) on oxidative stress in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and explore its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male db/db mice were randomly divided into model group, metformin group, low-dose MLE (MLE-L) group, and high-dose MLE (MLE-H) group according to their body weight and blood glucose, with six mice in each group, and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the metformin group were given 200 mg·kg-1 metformin suspension, and the mice in the MLE-L and MLE-H groups were respectively given 2 g·kg-1 and 4 g·kg-1 MLE, while the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by daily gavage for eight weeks. Body weight, subcutaneous fat index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and oral glucose tolerance level (OGTT) of the mice were detected, and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The expression levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and NADPH oxidase type 4 (NOX4) protein in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the mice were detected by Western blot. ResultThe FBG level, OGTT, and subcutaneous fat index of T2DM mice were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) after administration of MLE compared with the blank group. The contents of serum SOD and GSH were significantly increased, while the level of oxidative stress damage marker MDA was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of SIRT1 protein in adipose tissue was significantly increased, while the expression of NOX4 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLE can ameliorate T2DM by alleviating oxidative stress in adipose tissue of T2DM mice and reducing blood glucose.
8.Protective Effect and Mechanism of Mori Folium Extract on Kidney of db/db Diabetic Mice
Yan HUANG ; Huilin ZHANG ; Changhao HE ; Yongcheng AN ; Wanxin FU ; Menglu WANG ; Ziyi SHAN ; Yuhang DU ; Jiamei XIE ; Zhanhong JIA ; Baosheng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):51-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of Mori Folium extract (MLE) on the kidney of db/db diabetic mice and its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male C57BLKS/JGpt-Leprdb/Leprdb (db/db) mice were randomly divided into model group, metformin group, low-dose group of MLE (MLE-L), and high-dose group of MLE (MLE-H) according to their fasting blood glucose (FBG), with six mice in each group, and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate (m/m) mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the drug administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage, and the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by gavage once a day for continuous eight weeks. Body weight, bilateral kidney weight, and FBG were measured, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The pathological changes in the kidney tissue of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-silver (PAS) staining, and serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and urinary microalbumin (U-mAlb) of mice. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) protein in kidney tissue of mice were tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group, the body weight, absolute renal weight, FBG, and the area under the curve (AUC) of OGTT of mice in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the levels of SCr, BUN, and U-mAlb, as well as TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased (P<0.01). The glomerular basement membrane in the kidney tissue of mice was thicker, with obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the kidney tissue of mice were increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, there was no statistical difference in the body weight of mice in each drug administration group. The absolute renal weight of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The FBG levels of mice in the metformin, MLE-L, and MLE-H groups started to decrease after treatment for four to eight weeks (P<0.05, P<0.01). The AUC of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of SCr, BUN, and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of SCr and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-L group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The renal tissue pathology of mice in each drug administration group was improved to varying degrees, and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the MLE-H group were decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLE can improve the renal structure and function of db/db diabetic mice, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.The relationship between activities of daily living and mental health in community elderly people and the mediating role of sleep quality
Heng-Yi ZHOU ; Jing LI ; Dan-Hua DAI ; Yang LI ; Bin ZHANG ; Rong DU ; Rui-Long WU ; Jia-Yan JIANG ; Yuan-Man WEI ; Jing-Rong GAO ; Qi ZHAO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(2):143-150
Objective To explore the relationship and internal path between activities of daily living(ADL),sleep quality and mental health of community elderly people in Shanghai.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among community residents aged 60 years and older seeing doctors in community health care center of five streets in Shanghai during Sept to Dec,2021 using convenience sampling.Activities of Daily Living(ADL),Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale(K10)were adopted in the survey.Single factor analysis,correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.The effect relationship between the variables was tested using Bootstrap's mediated effects test.Results A total of 1 864 participants were included in the study.The average score was 15.53±4.47 for ADL,5.60±3.71 for PSQI and 15.50±6.28 for K10.The rate of ADL impairment,poor sleep quality,poor and very poor mental health of the elderly were 23.6%,27.3%,11.9%and 4.9%,respectively.ADL and sleep quality were all positively correlated with mental health(r=0.321,P<0.001;r=0.466,P<0.001);ADL was positively correlated with sleep quality(r=0.294,P<0.001).Multiple linear results of factors influencing mental health showed that ADL(β= 0.457,95%CI:0.341-0.573),sleep quality(β =0.667,95%CI:0.598-0.737)and mental health were positively correlated(P<0.001).Sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between ADL and mental health(95%CI:0.078-0.124)with an effect size of 33.0%.Conclusion Sleep quality is a mediator between ADL and mental health among community elderly people.Improving ADL and sleep quality may improve mental health in the population.
10.Correlation between insomnia,gastrointestinal symptoms,and glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes:a cross-sectional study based on the co-management platform of three disciplines of diabetes
Bo LI ; Qi YUAN ; Yongfa WANG ; Youjian FENG ; Guimiao WANG ; Weidong NIAN ; Yi ZHOU ; Tianchi HU ; Sisi MA ; Liyan JIA ; Zhihai ZHANG ; Jin LI ; Bing YAN ; Nengjiang ZHAO ; Shuyu YANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(7):989-997
Objective To investigate the relationship between insomnia,gastrointestinal symptoms,and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),as well as the related influencing factors.Methods A total of 910 T2DM patients treated in our multicenter from January 2022 to December 2022 were enrolled in this study.General information(gender,age,smoking and drinking history,exercise,course of disease,treatment and complications),HbA1c,Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS)scores and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale(GSRS)scores of patients were collected.The differences of sleep and gastrointestinal symptoms between groups were analyzed,and the correlation between the differences and HbA1c was analyzed.Furthermore,the risk factors for non-standard HbA1c were analyzed.Results The AIS score and GSRS score in the HbA1c control group were less than those in the non-standard group(P<0.01).Insomnia was reported by 37.0%of T2DM patients,and the HbA1c level in the insomnia group was significantly higher than that in the non-insomnia group(10.00%±2.38%vs.8.26%±1.73%,P<0.01).Gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 57.5%of T2DM patients,and the HbA1c levels in the group with gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher than those in the group without gastrointestinal symptoms(9.26%±2.23%vs.8.43%±1.98%,P<0.01).Furthermore,26.3%of T2DM patients experienced both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms.Remarkably,the HbA1c levels in the group with both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher than those in the group without either condition(10.18%±2.44%vs.8.45%±1.86%,P<0.01).Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between sleep quality,gastrointestinal function,and HbA1c levels(P<0.01).The logistic regression analysis result revealed that age,GSRS score,AIS score,and the presence of insomnia combined with gastrointestinal symptoms were independent risk factors for predicting HbA1c≥6.5%(P<0.01).Having both insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms concurrently was the strongest risk factor for substandard HbA1c control,and the risk of blood sugar control may increase about 5 times when both appear together.Conclusion Insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms are common comorbidities in T2DM patients,showing a cross-interfering relationship,and they appear together with poor blood sugar control,interact causally,and amplify each other.

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