1.Exploration and Verification of Prognostic Value of Endothelial Cells in Glioblastoma
Hengchao MA ; Yuyang LIU ; Jun XU ; Bingyan TAO ; Jun ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):62-67
Objective To explore and verify the prognostic value of endothelial cells in glioblastoma. Methods Through bioinformatics analysis of the TCGA and CGGA databases, we screened endothelial cell-related markers in GBM single-cell data according to a series of criteria. Moreover, univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to obtain and screen endothelial cell prognosis-related markers and construct endothelial cell-related prognostic risk score. qPCR experiments was used to verify the differences in the expression of prognostic markers in GBM tissues and peritumoral normal brain tissues. Kaplan-Meier method was used to construct the survival curve to identify the prognostic efficacy of the prognostic risk score. Results A total of 2 115 prognostic genes of glioblastoma (GBM) were screened. Among them, 1 494 was upregulated and 621 was downregulated. Seven groups of cells were obtained after GBM single-cell sequencing analysis, including AC-like tumor cells, endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, NB-like tumor cells, neurons, OC-like tumor cells, and OPC-like tumor cells. According to the differential genes of endothelial cells and the corresponding screening criteria, four genes (DUSP6, STC1, VWA1, and TM4SF1) were screened for risk-score construction. The expression of the target gene in GBM tissues and normal brain tissues around the tumor was significantly up-regulated detected by qPCR. The risk score=0.171*DUSP6+0.144*STC1+0.041*VWA1−0.004*TM4SF1. Conclusion The glioblastoma endothelial cells’ risk score determined in this study can preferably predict the prognosis of patients.
2.Astrocytes in The Central Nervous System Regulate Myelination and Remyelination Through Multiple Mechanisms
Wen-Xiao XING ; Fu-Cheng LUO ; Tao LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1792-1803
In the central nervous system (CNS), the myelin sheath, a specialized membrane structure that wraps around axons, is formed by oligodendrocytes through a highly coordinated spatiotemporal developmental program. The process begins with the directed differentiation of neural precursor cells into oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), followed by their migration, proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, ultimately leading to the formation of a multi-segmental myelin sheath structure. Recent single-cell sequencing research has revealed that this process involves the temporal regulation of over 200 key genes, with a regulatory network composed of transcription factors such as Sox10 and Olig2 playing a central role. The primary function of the myelin sheath is to accelerate nerve signal transmission and protect nerve fibers from damage. Its insulating properties not only increase nerve conduction speed by 50-100 times but also ensure the long-term functional integrity of the nervous system by maintaining axonal metabolic homeostasis and providing mechanical protection. The pathological effects of myelin sheath injury exhibit a cascade amplification pattern: acute demyelination leads to action potential conduction block, while chronic lesions may cause axonal damage and neuronal death in severe or long-term cases, ultimately resulting in irreversible neurological dysfunction with neurodegenerative characteristics. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by chronic inflammatory demyelination of the CNS. Clinically, the distribution of lesions in MS exhibits spatial heterogeneity, which is closely related to differences in the regenerative capacity of oligodendrocytes within the local microenvironment. Emerging evidence suggests that astrocytes form a dynamic “neural-immune-metabolic interface” and play a multidimensional regulatory role in myelin development and regeneration by forming heterogeneous populations composed of different subtypes. During embryonic development, astrocytes induce the targeted differentiation of OPCs in the ventricular region through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In the mature stage, they secrete platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) to establish a chemical gradient that guides the precise migration of OPCs along axonal bundles. Notably, astrocytes also provide crucial metabolic support by supplying energy substrates for high-energy myelin formation through the lactate shuttle mechanism. In addition, astrocytes play a dual role in myelin regulation. During the acute injury phase, reactive astrocytes establish a triple defense system within 72 h: upregulating glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to form scars that isolate lesions, activating the JAK-STAT3 regeneration pathway in oligodendrocytes via leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and releasing tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) to inhibit excessive microglial activation. However, in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, the phenotypic transformation of astrocytes contributes to microenvironmental deterioration. The secretion of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) inhibits OPC migration via the RhoA/ROCK pathway, while the persistent release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and the upregulation of complement C3-mediated synaptic pruning. This article reviews the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate the development and regeneration of myelin sheaths in the CNS, with a focus on analyzing the multifaceted roles of astrocytes in this process. It emphasizes that astrocytes serve as central hubs in maintaining myelin homeostasis by establishing a metabolic microenvironment and signaling network, aiming to provide new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
3.Multi-omics Analysis of NUDT19 Across Cancer Types and Its Functional Role in Leukemia
Xiao-Jin LI ; Shuai FENG ; Zhong-Tao YUAN ; Tong-Hua YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2627-2649
ObjectiveRecent studies have highlighted the critical role of NUDT19 in the initiation, progression, and prognosis of specific cancer types. However, its involvement in pan-cancer analysis has not been fully characterized. This study aims to systematically explore the expression patterns, clinical significance, and immune-related functions of NUDT19 in various cancer types through multi-omics analysis, further revealing its potential role in cancer, particularly its functional and therapeutic target value in leukemia. MethodsTo achieve this goal, various bioinformatics approaches were employed to evaluate the expression patterns, clinical significance, and immune-related functions of NUDT19 in tumors and normal tissues. Additionally, we analyzed the mutation characteristics of NUDT19 and its relationship with epigenetic modifications. Using the single-cell analysis tool SingleCellBase, we explored the distribution of NUDT19 across different cell subpopulations in tumors. To validate these findings, qRT-PCR was used to measure NUDT19 expression levels in specific tumor cell lines, and we established acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines (HL-60 and THP-1) to conduct NUDT19 knockdown and overexpression experiments, assessing its effects on leukemia cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. ResultsPan-cancer analysis revealed the dysregulated expression of NUDT19 across multiple cancer types, which was closely associated with poor prognosis, clinical staging, and diagnostic markers. Furthermore, NUDT19 was significantly correlated with tumor biomarkers, immune-related genes, and immune cell infiltration in different cancers. Mutation analysis showed that multiple mutations in NUDT19 were significantly associated with epigenetic changes. Single-cell analysis revealed the heterogeneity of NUDT19 expression in cancer cells, suggesting its potentially diverse functional roles in different cell subpopulations. qRT-PCR experiments confirmed the significant upregulation of NUDT19 in various tumor cell lines. In AML cell lines, NUDT19 knockdown led to reduced cell proliferation and invasion, with increased apoptosis, while NUDT19 overexpression significantly enhanced cell proliferation and invasion while reducing apoptosis. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the diverse roles of NUDT19 in various cancer types, with a particularly prominent functional role in leukemia. NUDT19 is not only associated with tumor initiation and progression but may also influence cancer progression through the regulation of immune microenvironment and epigenetic mechanisms. Our research highlights the potential of NUDT19 as a therapeutic target, particularly for targeted therapies in malignancies such as leukemia, with significant clinical application prospects.
4.Focus on the dietary behaviors and mental health among multi ethnic adolescents
XU Honglü ; , TAO Fangbiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(2):153-156
Abstract
Unhealthy eating behaviors among adolescents are common, and psychological behavior problems are prominent. The paper examines the status and associations underlying unhealthy eating behaviors and psychological behavior problems in adolescents from border multi ethnic areas, and further discusses the importance of research in border area involving multi ethnic adolescents, and highlights its significance in the context of constructing healthy schools in border areas,so as to provide a basis for promoting effectively healthy school environments in border areas of China.
5.Longitudinal association between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms among college students in Yunnan Province
JIANG Yinghong, SU Yunpeng, SU Yingzhen, TAO Jian, CHEN Weiwei, HU Dongyue, YANG Junyu, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(2):178-182
Objective:
To explore the association between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms among college students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of anxiety symptoms in this population.
Methods:
A cluster random sample of 2 515 first year students from two universities in Yunnan Province was selected to carry out a longitudinal investigation which included a baseline survey (November 2021, T1) and three follow up visits (June 2022, T2; November 2022, T3; June 2023, T4). The food frequency questionnaire was administered to assess processed food consumption, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21, Chinese version) was used to evaluate anxiety symptoms. A generalized estimation equation model was used to analyze the relationship between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms.
Results:
The detection rates of T1-T4 anxiety symptoms among college students in Yunnan Province were 29.70%, 36.70%, 37.69% and 38.73 %, respectively, and the corresponding anxiety symptom scores were 4(0,8), 4(0,10), 4(0,12), 2(0,14). After controlling for demographic variables and confounding factors in the generalized estimation equation model, a statistically significant association was found between consumption of carbonated beverages ( β=0.06, 95%CI =0.03-0.08), and other processed snacks ( β= 0.04 , 95%CI =0.01-0.07) ( P <0.05). The stratified analysis by gender showed that the consumption of carbonated beverages ( β=0.08, 95%CI =0.05-0.12) and fast food ( β=0.03, 95%CI =0.00-0.06) was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms in female college students ( P <0.05). There was no significant association between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms in male college students ( P >0.05).
Conclusions
Processed food consumption by college students in Yunnan Province may increase the risk of anxiety symptoms, particularly among female students. There is a need to strengthen guidance in respect to processed food consumption, so as to prevent and treat anxiety symptoms.
6.Longitudinal association between mobile phone dependence and depressive symptoms in Yunnan college students
TAO Jian, LIU Yueqin,YANG Pin, YANG Jieru, WU Houyan, ZHOU Feihui, PAN Lijuan, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(4):554-559
Objective:
To analyze the longitudinal association between mobile phone dependence and depressive symptoms in college students, so as to provide a theoretical basis for psychological health education among college students.
Methods:
From November 2021 to June 2023, 2 515 first year students from 2 universities in Yunnan Province were surveyed with a questionnaire by a cluster random sampling method, including baseline survey (November 2021, T1) and three follow up visits (June 2022, T2; November 2022, T3; June 2023, T4). The Self rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) were used to evaluate mobile phone dependence and depressive symptoms of college students. The χ 2 test was used to analyze the difference in depressive symptoms among different demographic groups, and a generalized estimation equation model was established to analyze the association between mobile phone dependence symptoms and depressive symptoms.
Results:
The detection rates of depressive symptoms among university students in Yunnan Province at time points T1, T2, T3, and T4 were 23.02%, 33.36%, 34.79% and 35.51%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the detection rates of depressive symptoms among college students with different sacademic burden (T1, T2, T3, T4), different number of close friends (T1, T2, T3), as well as their father s educational level (T1), mothers educational level (T2, T4), gender (T4), major (T3, T4), education (T2, T3, T4), family residency (T1, T2), and family economic conditions (T1, T2, T4) ( χ 2= 59.68 , 49.38, 16.70, 39.31; 55.35, 26.01, 16.69; 10.22; 14.87, 11.51; 14.90; 27.81, 50.28; 9.75, 7.42, 24.76; 6.06, 4.47 ; 15.88, 14.58, 15.85, P < 0.05 ). After controlling for demographic variables and confounding factors in the generalized estimation equation model, mobile phone dependence ( β =0.11), withdrawal symptoms of mobile phone dependence ( β =0.14), and the physical and mental effects of mobile phone dependence ( β =0.14) were all positively correlated with depressive symptoms ( P <0.01). Further gender analysis showed that depressive symptoms in both boys ( β =0.13, 0.13, 0.18) and girls ( β =0.10, 0.13, 0.13 ) were associated with mobile phone dependence, withdrawal symptoms of mobile phone dependence and the physical and mental effects of mobile phone dependence ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
Depressive symptoms of college students are positively correlated with mobile phone dependence, and family economic conditions, academic burden and number of close friends are factors that continued to affect depressive symptoms. College students should be guided to pay attention to the impact of excessive use of mobile phones on their physical and mental health, use mobile phones reasonably to reduce the incidence of depressive symptoms among college students.
7.Development and application of Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students
XU Honglü ; , TAO Shuman, YANG Jieru, SU Yunpeng, TU Xiaohong, TAO Fangbiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(8):1166-1170
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to develop the beverage addiction scale for college students,so as to provide an effective tool for assessing college students beverage addiction.
Methods:
In November 2022, a cluster sample of 8 792 college students from three colleges in Yunnan and Jiangxi were surveyed by Beverage Addication Scale for College Students. After a through literature review, 12 items were proposed, including withdrawal symptoms, health effects and addiction symptoms, with 4 items each. The ttest and correlation analysis were used to filter the items, and exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate the structural validity of the questionnaire. In May 2023, 5 279 college students from the above three universities were surveyed again to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scale and the positive demarcation value of symptoms.
Results:
The scale fitted into a tool for measuring symptoms of beverage dependence in a college student population. The scale was composed of 11 items in accordance with withdrawal symptoms, health effects and addiction symptoms, with a cumulative contribution rate of variance was 74.51%. Cronbach α coefficients for the overall scale and three dimensions were 0.94, 0.88, 0.90 and 0.92, respectively. The correlation coefficient between each item and the total score ranged from 0.56 to 0.79, and the correlation coefficient with the dimension ranged from 0.71 to 0.92. The confirmatory factor analysis model was well fitted, and the RMSEA, CFI, TLI and SRMR value were 0.06, 0.95, 0.93 and 0.04, respectively. The application of the scale showed that scores on the scale and each dimension ≥P85 were positive for symptoms.
Conclusion
The reliability and validity of Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students is good, which can be used to evaluate the beverage addiction symptom of college students.
8."Spleen-gut-muscle" Model of Chinese Medicine to Explore Effect of Gut Microbiota on COPD with Sarcopenia
Wang TAO ; Peiyi WANG ; Jie SUN ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Qin YUAN ; Qiulin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):186-193
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is susceptible to systemic complications. Especially,sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for COPD patients that can exacerbate respiratory muscle fatigue,lead to a higher risk of falls and fractures,and lower the quality of life. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia involves such aspects as mitochondrial dysfunction,insulin resistance,changes in skeletal muscle fiber types,and an imbalance in protein synthesis and breakdown. As nutrition support and exercise rehabilitation therapy frequently have limited effectiveness,it is urgent to find a way to slow the progression of COPD with sarcopenia. Numerous studies conducted in recent years have discovered a potential link between pulmonary microbiome disorders and the gut microbiota of COPD patients. Furthermore,a wide range of functions of gut microbiota and its metabolites have been demonstrated,such as regulating inflammation and immunity,glucose and lipid metabolism,and mitochondrial function. According to the Zangxiang theory in Chinese medicine, there are intimate connections between the spleen, intestine,and muscle,and gut microbiota may be the most essential part of ameliorating "spleen governing muscle" and increasing muscle mass and strength. This study aims to expound on the effect mechanism of gut microbiota in slowing the progression of COPD with sarcopenia,thereby furnishing novel perspectives and recommendations for forthcoming investigations and therapeutic applications.
9.Early Primate Embryo Development Meets Single-cell Multi-omics
Zhi-Hui PAN ; Rong-Rong GUO ; You-Yue ZHANG ; Tao TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(9):2000-2015
Given the constraints imposed by the “14-day ethics” rule, numerous critical events occurring between the second and fourth weeks of embryonic development remain poorly understood. This underscores the necessity of a detailed understanding of embryonic development and regulation during this period, which is indispensable for preventing pregnancy failure, treating birth defects, and promoting human reproductive health.Rodents, characterized by their small size, rapid growth, strong reproductive capacity, and fully sequenced genomes, are widely used as crucial models for studying embryonic development. However, the substantial physiological differences between rodents and primates due to evolutionary divergence make it challenging to directly apply findings from rodent studies to primates. Besides, primates, our closest relatives in terms of evolutionary phylogenetics and physiological characteristics, share more than 95% genetic homology with humans, underscoring the urgent need for primate research. Furthermore, early-stage embryonic cells are both scarce and diverse, making their regulatory mechanisms and developmental pathways typically elucidated through single-cell sequencing. For instance, three significant articles published in Science in 2018 mapped the complete atlas of organ and tissue development from fertilization and captured dynamic gene expression profiles in zebrafish and frogs through single-cell transcriptomics. Unfortunately, relying solely on single-cell omics analysis falls short in effectively and comprehensively deciphering the intricate cellular network information. Single-cell multi-omics empower researchers to systematically decode cell heterogeneity and developmental trajectories at the individual cell level by combining transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics analyses. These emerging technologies play a significant role in life sciences, enabling the elucidation of critical early primate embryonic development events from a multi-dimensional perspective, including zygotic genome activation (ZGA), X-chromosome dosage compensation, origins of primordial germ cells (PGCs), mechanisms of cell fate determination, and pivotal events in gastrulation and early organogenesis.This article chronicles the advancement of pivotal technologies, from single-cell histology to multi-omics, beginning with the single-cell transcriptome and culminating in a comprehensive analysis according to the central dogma of molecular biology. It highlights the transition from a singular to a holistic perspective in cellular analysis and reviews the application of multi-omics techniques in unveiling early primate embryonic development. Finally, it delves into the application of multi-omics technologies in enhancing our understanding of early primate embryonic development and explores future possibilities, directions, and challenges in this rapidly evolving field. In doing so, it emphasizes the critical role of interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to foster innovations in reproductive medicine and developmental biology. The integration of such technologies offers the promise of breakthroughs in understanding complex biological processes, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies and advancements in reproductive health and medicine.
10.Longitudinal study on association between sugar sweetened beverages consumption and insomnia among college students in Yunnan Province
SU Yingzhen, YANG Jieru, ZHANG Gaohong, TAO Jian, LU Qiuan, HU Dongyue, LIU Zihan, SU Yunpeng, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(10):1451-1454
Objective:
To study the relationship between sugar sweetened beverages consumption characteristics and insomnia of college students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide evidence for sleep quality improvement of college students.
Methods:
A cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 515 college students from two universities (Kunming University and Dali Nursing Vocational College) in Kunming and Dali in Yunnan Province for a longitudinal study, including baseline survey (T1, November 2021) and three follow up surveys (T2: June 2022, T3: November 2022, T4: June 2023). Sugar sweetened beverages consumption of college students was collected by Semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire and insomnia was assessed by Insomnia Severity Index Scale. Sugarsweetened beverages consumption was analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test. The Mann-Whiter U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the detection rate of insomnia in college students with different population characteristics, and the generalized estimating equations model was established to analyze the association between sugar sweetened beverages consumption and insomnia.
Results:
The reported rate of insomnia among college students from T1 to T4 was 21.2%, 23.6%, 30.5 % and 36.0%, respectively. The median of sugar sweetened beverages consumption per week was 5 (1,9) bottles per person, and there were significant differences in sugar sweetened beverages (carbonated beverages, fruit beverages, tea beverages, milk beverages, energy beverages) consumption among college students with different insomnia status ( χ 2=42.91, 23.67, 29.98, 61.70, 30.82, P <0.01). The analysis of the generalized estimating equation model revealed that the consumption of carbonated beverages ( β= 0.04, 95%CI =0.00-0.08) and the consumption of milk beverages among college students ( β=0.04, 95%CI =0.00-0.09) were correlated with insomnia ( P <0.05). The stratified analysis indicated that consumption of carbonated beverages by female college students was associated with insomnia [ β(95%CI )=0.06(0.01-0.11)]; consumption of milk beverages among college students from middle income family was associated with insomnia [ β (95% CI )=0.05(0.00-0.10)], and consumption of carbonated beverages and fruit beverages from college students with high household economic status were both associated with insomnia [ β (95% CI )=0.35(0.23-0.46), 0.12(0.00-0.24)] ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
Sugar sweetened beverages, especially carbonated beverages, are associated with insomnia among college students in Yunnan Province.


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