1.Mechanisms of Gut Microbiota Influencing Reproductive Function via The Gut-Gonadal Axis
Ya-Qi ZHAO ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Xu-Qi HU ; Meng-Ting WANG ; Hai-Guang MAO ; Qiu-Zhen SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1152-1164
Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.
2.Risk factors and prediction model for periprosthetic femoral fracture after total knee arthroplasty in the elderly
Meng ZHU ; Xue-Yu HU ; Ting-Ting ZHAO ; Rong QIU ; Ke LEI ; Yao SONG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(2):157-161
Objective To investigate the risk factors of periprosthetic femoral fracture(PFF)after total knee arthroplasty(TKA)in the elderly and to construct a predictive model for the prevention of PFF after clinical operation.Methods The clinical data of 537 elderly patients who underwent TKA in the orthopedic department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Medical University from October 2016 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The occurrence of PFF during the follow-up period was statistically analyzed and the clinical data were collected.Binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of PFF after TKA in the elderly,and a predictive model of PFF after TKA in the elderly was constructed based on the risk factors.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow(H-L)were used to test the discrimination and calibration of prediction model.Results The patients were followed up for 12 to 72 months after discharge,with a median time of 47 months.During the follow-up period,31 patients(5.77%)developed PFF.Age,osteoporosis,Parkinson's disease and anterior femoral notch(AFN)were the risk factors for PFF after TKA in the elderly(P<0.05),and cross fixation of prosthesis and bone cement fixation were the protective factors(P<0.05).The results of H-L test showed that the risk prediction model of PFF after TKA in the elderly had good calibration(P>0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the risk prediction model of PFF after TKA in the elderly has high discrimination(area under the curve was 0.858,95%CI:0.826 to 0.887),the sensitivity was 83.87%,the specificity was 88.34%.Conclusion The risk of PFF after TKA in the elderly is high,and prevention should be carried out according to the high risk factors.The prediction model constructed based on the high risk factors has good prediction efficiency.
4. Eplerenone protects contralateral kidney tissue from obstruction in pregnant rats with chronic kidney disease
Chang XU ; Wen-Ping ZHOU ; Jie-Qi NIU ; Hong-Shuang WANG ; Meng-Juan ZHANG ; Jia-Zhi LIU ; Chang XU ; Qing-You XU ; Wen-Ping ZHOU ; Jie-Qi NIU ; Yun-Zhao XIONG ; Yan ZHONG ; Zheng WANG ; Qing-You XU ; Yun-Zhao XIONG ; Yan ZHONG ; Xiang-Ting WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Hong-Shuang WANG ; Meng-Juan ZHANG ; Jia-Zhi LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2023;39(8):1534-1540
Aim To study the protective effect of eplerenone on the contralateral kidney in pregnant rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its mechanism. Methods Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, sham-operation pregnancy group, model group and eplerenone group. The rats in the model group and eplenone group had ligation unilateral ureter, and the rats in the eplenone group were treated with 100 mg • kg
5.Study on the relationship between physical exercise and physical health of the elderly in some areas of Tibet
Ting CHEN ; Jiajuan WANG ; Meng LIANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Wenjuan DU ; Hong CHENG ; Ruizhe SUN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2023;42(8):958-963
Objective:To examine the physical health status and factors affecting individuals aged 60-69 years in certain regions of Tibet.Methods:The study analyzed data collected from 824 individuals aged 60-69 from the Xizang national physique monitoring.Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to identify factors that affect the physical health of this age group.Results:The study evaluated the physical fitness of elderly individuals aged 60 to 69 years old in three regions of Tibet.The results indicated that only 11 cases(1.3%)of participants had excellent physical fitness, while 47 cases(5.7%) had good physical fitness, 394 cases(47.8%)were qualified, and 372 cases(45.1%)were unqualified.The study also found significant differences in physical fitness based on age( χ2=8.367, P=0.039), sex( χ2=22.168, P<0.001), urban/rural location( χ2=12.282, P=0.006), region( χ2=60.358, P<0.001), and body mass index(BMI)( χ2=105.134, P<0.001). Specifically, individuals aged 60-64 years old had a higher proportion of qualified physique than those aged 65-69 years old.Women had better physical fitness than men, and individuals living in urban areas had better physical fitness than those in rural areas.Moreover, participants from Lhasa and Nagqu regions had better physical fitness than those from Nyingchi.Obese elderly individuals had worse physical fitness than those with normal weight(all P<0.05 for all). The study found that female gender( OR=1.765, 95% CI: 1.284-2.425), being a Lhasa( OR=2.799, 95% CI: 1.677-4.672)or Naqu resident( OR=2.730, 95% CI: 1.677-4.445), and engaging in regular exercise( OR=1.845, 95% CI: 1.078-3.160)were protective factors for physical health among individuals aged 60-69 years old.However, not working( OR=0.503, 95% CI: 0.289~0.876)and obesity( OR=0.108, 95% CI: 0.066-0.177)were identified as risk factors for physical health in this age group.Additionally, the analysis revealed significant differences in fitness ratios based on exercise frequency( χ2=18.760, P<0.001)and exercise time( χ2=15.485, P<0.001). Specifically, the fitness ratio of individuals who exercised 1-2 times and 3-4 times a week was significantly higher than that of non-exercisers.The fitness ratio of elderly individuals who exercised for 30 to 60 minutes per session was significantly higher than those who exercised for less than 30 minutes.Furthermore, those who exercised 3-4 times per week had a fitness ratio 2.58 times higher than those who did not exercise at all( P<0.05). Conclusions:This study conducted in Nyingchi, Lhasa, and Nagqu of Tibet found that 45.1% of individuals aged 60-69 years had an unqualified physique.There was a negative correlation between non-employment and BMI≥28 kg/m 2 with physical health, whereas female gender, residing in Lhasa or Nagqu, and engaging in regular physical exercise showed a positive correlation.The study suggests that physical exercise for 30-60 minutes, 3-4 times a week, can significantly improve the proportion of qualified physical fitness among the elderly.
6.Principal component analysis of dental caries related factors among 3- to 5-year-old children in Urumqi City
MA Ting ; MENG Fanqi ; HAN Jing ; ZHAO Jin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2023;31(3):179-185
Objective :
To explore dental caries-related factors among children aged 3-5 years in Urumqi City and to provide evidence for the etiological study and primary prevention of caries among local children.
Methods :
A multistage stratified cluster sampling method was used to randomly select children aged 3-5 years in Urumqi City for oral examination, physical examination and questionnaire survey. Data were collected and analyzed by principal component logistic regression using SPSS 23.0 software.
Results:
Principal component analysis showed that there were seven risk factors whose characteristic root value was greater than 1: oral hygiene habits, family education level, sugar intake, bedtime eating habits, age, gestational age, feeding mode, and cumulative contribution were 66.486% of the total variance. Principal component logistic regression analysis indicated that five factors, namely, oral hygiene habits (OR = 0.795, P = 0.044), family education level (OR = 0.667, P = 0.019), sugar intake (OR = 1.260, P = 0.006), bedtime eating habits (OR = 5.432, P<0.001) and age (OR = 0.676, P = 0.015), were closely related to early childhood caries, and they were statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion
According to the principal component analysis, oral hygiene habits factor, family education level factor, sugar intake factor, bedtime eating habits factor and age factor were dental caries related factors among 3- to 5-year-old children in Urumqi City.
7.Clinical significance and changes of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid in diabetic retinopathy
Hong-Yan SUN ; Xiao-Ling LUO ; Ting MENG ; Jiao-Jie FAN ; Yan HU ; Jun WANG ; Si-Jing ZHANG ; Hui-Pan ZHAO ; Ming-Ming YANG
International Eye Science 2023;23(2):256-260
AIM: To analyze the changes of serum homocysteine(Hcy), vitamin B12(VitB12)and folic acid in the serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR), and to explore their significance in the occurrence and development of DR.METHODS: A case-control study was designed. A total of 95 patients with DR(DR group), 94 patients with diabetes mellitus(DM group)treated in endgcrinology department and 87 patients with age-related cataract(normal control group)from the ophthalmology department of Shenzhen People's Hospital between July 2021 and January 2022 were selected. Fasting venous blood was collected and serum was separated. The concentration of Hcy in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect the concentration of VitB12 and folic acid. Pearson linear correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Hcy and clinical parameters. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the main factors which affect Hcy level. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was designed to analyze the diagnostic value of serum Hcy, VitB12 and folic acid in DR.RESULTS: The concentration of serum Hcy in DR group was 16.52±3.54 μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in DM group(10.86±3.47 μmol/L)and control group(6.84±1.39 μmol/L; all P<0.05); The concentration of VitB12 in the serum of the control group was 501.79±108.95 pmol/L, which was higher than that in DM group(478.57±57.85 pmol/L)and DR group(455.88±181.49 pmol/L), but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.054); The concentration of folic acid in serum of control group was 10.31±2.43 nmol/L, which was higher than that of DM group(9.94±1.90 nmol/L)and DR group(7.27±2.79 nmol/L), and the difference between DR group and DM group was statistically significant(P<0.05); In DR group, Hcy expression was weakly positively correlated with triglyceride and low density lipoprotein(r=0.208, P=0.043; r=0.240, P=0.019). Multivariate linear regression showed that low density lipoprotein was an important factor which affect the expression of Hcy in DR patients. ROC curve shows that Hcy has important value in the diagnosis of DR.CONCLUSIONS: Hcy, VitB12 and folic acid are differentially expressed in DR group, DM group and normal control group. Hcy may be involved in the pathogenesis of DR, and it has important value in the diagnosis of DR. In addition, low density lipoprotein is also an important factor which affects the expression of Hcy.
8.Prescription and medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of diabetic microangiopathy based on literature mining.
Jia-Jie LI ; Qi-Ming LUO ; Jin-Chen GUO ; Meng-Ting XU ; Zhao-Hui FANG ; Ai-Juan JIANG ; Guo-Ming SHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(18):5091-5101
This study explored the prescription and medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the prevention and treatment of diabetic microangiopathy based on literature mining. Relevant literature on TCM against diabetic microangiopathy was searched and prescriptions were collected. Microsoft Excel 2021 software was used to establish a prescription database, and an analysis was conducted on the frequency, properties, flavors, meridian tropism, and efficacy classifications of drugs. Association rule analysis, cluster analysis, and factor analysis were performed using SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. The characteristic active components and mechanisms of action of medium-high frequency drugs in the analysis of medication rules were explored through li-terature mining. A total of 1 327 prescriptions were included in this study, involving 411 drugs, with a total frequency reaching 19 154 times. The top five high-frequency drugs were Astragali Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Poria, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Rehmanniae Radix. The cold and warm drugs were used in combination. Drugs were mainly sweet, followed by bitter and pungent, and acted on the liver meridian. The majority of drugs were effective in tonifying deficiency, clearing heat, activating blood, and resolving stasis. Association rule analysis identified the highly supported drug pair of Astragali Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix and the highly confident drug combination of Poria-Alismatis Rhizoma-Corni Fructus. The strongest correlation was found among Astragali Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Poria, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma through the complex network analysis. Cluster analysis identified nine categories of drug combinations, while factor analysis identified 16 common factors. The analysis of active components in high-frequency drugs for the treatment of diabetic microangiopathy revealed that these effective components mainly exerted their effects by inhibiting oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory reactions. The study found that the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy was primarily characterized by deficiency in origin, with a combination of deficiency and excess. Deficiency was manifested as Qi deficiency and blood deficiency, while excess as phlegm-heat and blood stasis. The key organ involved in the pathological changes was the liver. The treatment mainly focused on supplementing Qi and nourishing blood, supplemented by clearing heat, coo-ling blood, activating blood, and dredging collaterals. Commonly used formulas included Danggui Buxue Decoction, Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Erzhi Pills, and Buyang Huanwu Decoction. The mechanisms of action of high-frequency drugs in the treatment of diabetic microangiopathy were often related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and suppression of inflammatory reactions. These findings can provide references for the clinical treatment of diabetic microangiopathy and the development of targeted drugs.
Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Prescriptions
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Drug Combinations
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Diabetic Angiopathies/drug therapy*
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Data Mining
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Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy*
9.Physical health status and influencing factors of preschool children in Tibet
CHEN Ting, LIANG Meng, WANG Jiajuan, ZHAO Xin, CHENG Hong, DU Wenjuan, SUN Ruizhe
Chinese Journal of School Health 2023;44(11):1626-1630
Objective:
To explore physical health status and influencing factors of preschool children in Tibet, so as to provide a scientific reference and theoretical basis for the healthy development of physical fitness.
Methods:
Data were collected from children (3-6 years old) of Xizang national physical fitness monitoring, and a total of 1 521 preschool children were recruited who received questionnaire survey and physical fitness test. Independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the differences in physical fitness indexes of preschool children in different groups. Chi square test and binary Logistic regression model were used to analyze the factors affecting physical health of preschool children.
Results:
The total qualified rate of physical fitness was 79.75%, among which the excellent rate was 3.16%, the good rate was 15.12%, the qualified rate was 61.47% and the unqualified was 20.25%. From the perspective of BMI, the excellent physical fitness rate (3.74%) and good physical fitness rate ( 17.47% ) were highest in healthy weight preschool children, and the qualified physical fitness rate of overweight preschool children (69.03%) was higher than that of obese (55.88%) and healthy weight preschool children (60.68%)( χ 2=53.56, P <0.01). From the perspective of ethnic, Tibetan children s physique proficiency (3.69%), good rate ( 17.13% ) than with the elevation of the Han nationality (0.74%, 5.88%), fraction defective (16.97%), lower than that of Han nationality (35.29%) ( χ 2=53.71, P <0.01); The results of chest circumference, skinfold thickness, body fat percentage, tennis throw distance, continuous jump of both feet, sitting forward bend and balance beam walking of Tibetan children were higher than those of Han children, and the results of quiet heart rate and standing long jump were lower than those of Han children ( t = 2.72 , 10.95, 9.66, 3.68, 3.88, 8.04, 3.56, 8.70, -4.39 , -4.40, P <0.01). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that Tibetans ( OR =2.29), breastfeeding ( OR =1.51), body dynamics outdoor daily exercise duration 30-90 min (30-<60 min ;OR = 2.03 ; 60-90 min: OR =2.22) were positively correlated with physical health of preschool children ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The total physical qualification rate of preschool children aged 3-6 years old in Tibet is lower than the national average. Ethnic group, feeding pattern during infancy, and physical activity are all factors that affected the physical fitness of preschool children in Tibet. It is of great significance to improve the physique of preschool children in Tibet to promote their sustainable and healthy development.
10.Analysis of epidemic characteristics and related factors of norovirus in diarrhea patients in Guangxi, 2015-2020
ZHONG Yan-xu ; HUANG Zhao-yong ; JIANG Yu-yan ; TAN Dong-mei ; SHI Meng-meng ; PAN Yu-li ; HUANG Li-rong ; YAO Xue-ting
China Tropical Medicine 2023;23(2):146-
Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and related factors of norovirus in Guangxi from 2015 to 2020, and to provide scientific recommendations for norovirus prevention and control. Methods The foodborne diseases surveillance data were collected from 11 sentinel hospitals through the National Foodborne Disease Monitoring and Reporting System from 2015 to 2020. R software with version 4.0.3 was used for descriptive and statistical analysis, including epidemic curve, chi-square test, and trend chi-square and so on. Logistic regression was used to analyze norovirus-related factors, OR values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated respectively with the statistical test level of P<0.05. Results There were 1 008 norovirus cases detected, with a detection rate of 12.75% (1 008/7 903). Children with age less than 5 years (OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.13-1.82) and patients at age 20-45 (OR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.87) were high risk population. The detection rate was higher in autumn (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.08-1.53) but lower in summer (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.55-0.80). In addition, the tourist area (Guilin City) presented a higher detection rate than other areas (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.10-1.80). Aquatic products (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.03-1.91), meat and dairy products (OR=1.31, 95%CI: 1.06-1.61) were high-risk foods for norovirus infection. The prevention and control policies of COVID-19 can reduce the possibility of norovirus by 61% (OR=0.39, 95%CI: 0.31-0.49) showed a declining trend (Trend χ2=85.33, P<0.001). In addition, prolonged visit time can lead to 19%-23% decrease in the detection rate of norovirus (OR24-48 hours=0.81, 95%CI: 0.70-0.95; OR>48 hours=0.77, 95%CI: 0.63-0.93). Conclusions The epidemic of norovirus presented seasonal and regional distribution in Guangxi with a declining detection rate trend in diarrhea patients during recent 6 years. Young children were high-risk population in infection norovirus. The intake of seafood can increase the risk of norovirus infection. The prevention and control policies of COVID-19 can sharply decrease the possibility of infection norovirus. The monitoring of key foods such as seafood should be strengthened, and the early screening of suspected cases should be taken. The norovirus monitoring should be improved to ensure the health of the population.


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