1.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
2.Prevalence of hypertension, blood pressure control and influencing factors in residents aged 35-75 years in Jiangsu Province
Haitao BI ; Jian SU ; Lulu CHEN ; Lan CUI ; Ran TAO ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Yu QIN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(7):947-954
Objective:To understand the prevalence, blood pressure control, and influencing factors of hypertension in residents aged 35-75 years in Jiangsu Province, and provide data support and basis for hypertension prevention and treatment.Methods:A stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to conduct community population surveys in 22 districts and counties in 12 prefectures in Jiangsu from 2021 to 2022. A total of 123 531 permanent residents aged 35-75 years were included in the study. The questionnaire survey collected the information about the demographic characteristics, disease history, lifestyle, and control of hypertension of study subjects. Statistical software SPSS 23.0 was used for χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 software was used to evaluate the trend of age change. Results:The standardized prevalence of hypertension in study subjects was 46.60%, the prevalence was higher in men than in women, and in rural residents than in urban residents, and the standardized blood pressure control rate was 11.24%, and it was lower in men than in women and in rural residents than in urban residents. The hypertension prevalence and control rates showed increasing trends with age (both P<0.001). The multivariate analysis results showed that being man, older age, being rural resident, higher frequency of alcohol consumption, marital status of being separated and widowed, overweight and obese, abdominal obesity and stroke, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemic diseases histories, and family history of hypertension were risk factors for hypertension, and being man, being rural resident, living north area, higher frequency of alcohol consumption, and obesity were risk factors for blood pressure control. Conclusions:The prevalence of hypertension in residents aged 35-75 years in Jiangsu was high, and the rate of blood pressure control was low. It is suggested to take integrated intervention measures, especially in in rural residents and people with low levels of education to reduce the disease burden of the patients.
3.Study on the comorbidity status and influencing factors of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among middle-aged and older people in Jiangsu Province
Xun WU ; Jian SU ; Wencong DU ; Lulu CHEN ; Lan CUI ; Ran TAO ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Yu QIN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(8):1134-1142
Objective:To analyze the comorbidity status and influencing factors of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among middle-aged and elderly in Jiangsu Province and to provide support for "co-management of the three diseases".Methods:Data originated from the Comprehensive Prevention and Control Project of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases baseline survey in Jiangsu Province. Questionnaire interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests were conducted on 136 433 permanent residents aged ≥35 years who participated in the survey from 2021 to 2023. A multinomial logit model was established using SPSS 23.0 to analyze the influencing factors of the three comorbidities.Results:The comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among middle-aged and older adults in Jiangsu Province was 7.3%. Hypertension combined with dyslipidemia was the main comorbidity pattern, and patients with diabetes accounted for the largest proportion. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of being two types of the three comorbidities was higher in male, aging, urban residents, and those with high/technical secondary school, higher frequency of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking, and longer daily sedentary time; the risk was lower in those with higher the level of physical activity and longer daily sleep time. Among the three types of comorbidities, males with aging, high/technical secondary school, regular smoking/quitting, higher frequency of alcohol drinking, and longer daily sedentary time had higher risk; those with an annual family income of 30 000-99 999 RMB, higher level of physical activity, and the daily sleep time of 7 hours had the lower risk (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The prevention and control of the three comorbidities among middle-aged and older adults in Jiangsu Province still needs strengthening. High-risk groups for the three diseases and comorbidities, such as males, low-income , and high/technical secondary school should be focused on. Middle-aged and older adults are suggested to increase daily physical activity, reduce daily static time, reasonably arrange sleep duration, and quit smoking and drinking as early as possible to maintain a healthy weight.
4.A study on the correlation between childhood trauma,resilience and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents
Yuanyuan GAO ; Ran WANG ; Na LI ; Lan WANG ; Tianyu ZHAO ; Xiaochuan ZHAO ; Wenting LU ; Yanming JIAO ; Congmin ZHANG ; Ning LI ; Jincheng WANG ; Xueyi WANG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(8):483-488
Objective To explore association between childhood trauma,resilience and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents.Methods One hundred and fifty-eight first-episode adolescent patients with mood disorders were selected and divided into NSSI group(n=94)and non-NSSI group(n=64)based on presence or absence of NSSI.The Hamilton depression scale(HAMD),Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),childhood trauma questionnaire(CTQ-SF)and Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC)were used to evaluate the depression and anxiety symptoms,childhood trauma and resilience.Results There were more cases of younger age(16.17±1.67 vs.16.73±1.37),lower education level(30.9% vs.15.6% ),left behind experience(48.9% vs.29.7% ),school bullying(46.8% vs.25.0% ),suicide ideation(85.1% vs.37.5% )and history of attempted suicide(29.8% vs.6.3% )in the group with NSSI compared to those without NSSI.The HAMD score(27.99±5.94 vs.24.19±5.19),HAMA score(18.02±5.94 vs.15.45±4.99),CTQ total score(48.43±15.40 vs.41.97±9.75),emotional abuse score(12.77±6.06 vs.10.19±4.06),and emotional neglect score(11.40±5.34 vs.9.14±3.55)were higher in the group with NSSI,and the differences between the two groups were significant(P<0.05).The total scores of psychological resilience(39.83±10.27 vs.28.66±12.75),resilience(19.59±4.92 vs.12.28±6.47),strength(12.03±3.98 vs.9.99±4.67),and optimism(8.98±2.97 vs.6.47±3.73)in the group without NSSI were higher than those in the group with NSSI(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that left behind experience(OR=4.494,95% CI:1.192-16.940),school bullying(OR=5.983,95% CI:1.329-26.945),suicidal ideation(OR=13.225,95% CI:2.908-60.146),history of attempted suicide(OR=16.769,95% CI:1.845-152.379),HAMD(OR=1.264,95% CI:1.046-1.626),emotional abuse(OR=1.327,95% CI:1.093-1.612),and resilience(OR=0.468,95% CI:0.266-0.823)were significantly associated with adolescent mood disorders with NSSI(P<0.05).Conclusion Left behind experience,campus bullying,suicidal ideation and attempted suicide,emotional abuse,degree of depression,and psychological resilience may be associated with NSSI behavior in adolescents with mood disorders.
5.Evaluation of a prediction model for the risk of acute urinary retention in elderly hip fracture patients in the Emergency Care
Ran BI ; Xueqi LI ; Lan GUAN ; Zhaoxing TIAN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(8):1172-1177
Objective:To establishing a clinical prediction model can assist clinicians in identifying at-risk patients early and intervening promptly to decrease AUR incidence.Methods:A retrospective collection of 313 elderly patients with hip fracture treated between 1st July and 31st August 2023 at the Emergency Department of our hospital. Patients were categorised into two groups: The AUR group (45 patients) and the non-AUR group (268 patients) based on the presence or absence of AUR. Basic characteristics, laboratory indicators and bladder volume were compared between the two groups. Factors independently associated with the incidence of AUR were analysed using Logistic regression. Analysis of the independent risk factors impacting the occurrence of AUR, development of a clinical prediction model for the risk of AUR in elderly patients with hip fractures, and internal validation of the model.Results:Comorbid psycho-behavioural symptoms of dementia ( OR=3.334, 95% CI 1.258-8.839, P=0.015), use of hypnotic sedatives ( OR=6.758, 95% CI 2.184-20.912, P=0. 001), increased heart rate ( OR=1.041, 95% CI 1.013-1.070, P=0.004), and increased bladder volume ( OR=1.005, 95% CI 1.004-1.007, P<0.01) were all identified as risk factors. The study identified independent risk factors for AUR in elderly patients who suffered a hip fracture. Based on these factors, the research team developed a prediction model which underwent internal validation using the Bootstrap method. The analysis indicated that the model’s prediction curves aligned closely with the standard model curves. The average absolute error was 0.021. The study's ROC results showed an AUC of 0.083 and a 95% CI of 0.767-0.909. Conclusions:Comorbid psycho-behavioural symptoms of dementia, the use of hypnotic sedative drugs, an increased heart rate, and an increased bladder volume are independent risk factors for the occurrence of AUR in elderly patients who have suffered a hip fracture. The creation of a chart prediction model using columns allows for a visual evaluation of the likelihood of AUR in elderly patients with hip fractures. This model provides important reference material for emergency physicians.
6.Sertraline hydrochloride combined with compound chamomile lidocaine gel for the treatment of premature ejaculation
Shu-Gen LI ; Shang GAO ; Zhen-Wei GU ; Dao-Hua ZHAO ; Jie JIANG ; Xiao-Ting LU ; Lan-Xiang LIU ; Hao-Ran LIU ; Ze CHEN
National Journal of Andrology 2024;30(9):809-812
Objective:To investigate the effect of sertraline hydrochloride combined with compound chamomile lidocaine gel in the treatment of premature ejaculation(PE).Methods:We selected 80 cases of PE treated in our hospital from June 2021 to May 2023 and equally randomized them into a control and an observation group,the former medicated with compound chamomile lidocaine gel while the latter with sertraline hydrochloride in addition,both for 6 weeks.We recorded and compared the intravaginal ejaculation latency time(IELT),the number of successful sexual intercourses per week,the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool(PEDT)scores,and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of patients.Results:After the treatment,the IELT was signif-icantly longer([5.39±1.17]vs[2.49±0.73]min,P<0.05),the weekly number of successful sexual intercourses remarkably higher(1.82±0.45 vs 0.93±0.19,P<0.05)and the PEDT scores markedly lower(7.42±2.04 vs 9.85±2.36,P<0.05)in the observation than in the control group,but no statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline PEDT scores or the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Sertraline hydrochloride combined with com-pound chamomile lidocaine gel is definitely effective in the treatment of PE,which can significantly improve the patients'quality of sexual life,with a high safety and low incidence of adverse reactions.
7.Mechanism of tonifying Qi by traditional Chinese medicine from mitochondrial dynamics.
Ruo-Yuan GAO ; Jing-Ran GAO ; Hao-Yu ZHAO ; Tian LAN ; Yii-der TSENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(13):3684-3692
According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, Qi is the essential component maintaining life. Mitochondria are the cellular organelles that generate energy. Qi exhibits abundant common characteristics in bioenergetics compared with mitochondria which control the cellular energy through fusion and fission. Studies have proven that the qi-tonifying function of Chinese medicinal plants and their components facilitates mitochondrial fusion, therefore enhancing ATP synthesis. These studies provide a framework for deciphering the pharmacological mechanisms of Qi-tonifying herbs. This article introduces the common source and function shared by Qi and mitochondria and the regulatory effects of herbal remedies on energy from mitochondria dynamics. This review aims to interpret the connotation of tonifying qi in TCM theory based on the modern biomedical theory.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Qi
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Mitochondrial Dynamics
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Plants, Medicinal
8.Remote ischemic conditioning-induced hyperacute and acute responses of plasma proteome in healthy young male adults: a quantitative proteomic analysis.
Siying SONG ; Hao WU ; Yunhuan LIU ; Duo LAN ; Baolian JIAO ; Shuling WAN ; Yibing GUO ; Da ZHOU ; Yuchuan DING ; Xunming JI ; Ran MENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2023;136(2):150-158
BACKGROUND:
Long-term remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has been proven to be beneficial in multiple diseases, such as cerebral and cardiovascular diseases. However, the hyperacute and acute effects of a single RIC stimulus are still not clear. Quantitative proteomic analyses of plasma proteins following RIC application have been conducted in preclinical and clinical studies but exhibit high heterogeneity in results due to wide variations in experimental setups and sampling procedures. Hence, this study aimed to explore the immediate effects of RIC on plasma proteome in healthy young adults to exclude confounding factors of disease entity, such as medications and gender.
METHODS:
Young healthy male participants were enrolled after a systematic physical examination and 6-month lifestyle observation. Individual RIC sessions included five cycles of alternative ischemia and reperfusion, each lasting for 5 min in bilateral forearms. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 5 min after RIC, and 2 h after RIC, and then samples were processed for proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method.
RESULTS:
Proteins related to lipid metabolism (e.g., Apolipoprotein F), coagulation factors (hepatocyte growth factor activator preproprotein), members of complement cascades (mannan-binding lectin serine protease 1 isoform 2 precursor), and inflammatory responses (carboxypeptidase N catalytic chain precursor) were differentially altered at their serum levels following the RIC intervention. The most enriched pathways were protein glycosylation and complement/coagulation cascades.
CONCLUSIONS
One-time RIC stimulus may induce instant cellular responses like anti-inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis balancing, and lipid metabolism regulation which are protective in different perspectives. Protective effects of single RIC in hyperacute and acute phases may be exploited in clinical emergency settings due to apparently beneficial alterations in plasma proteome profile. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of long-term (repeated) RIC interventions in preventing chronic cardiovascular diseases among general populations can also be expected based on our study findings.
Young Adult
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Humans
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Male
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Proteome
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Cardiovascular Diseases
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Proteomics
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Ischemia
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Blood Coagulation
9.Clinical practice of whole-genome sequencing in the rapid diagnosis of critically ill neonates.
Fei-Fan XIAO ; Yu-Lan LU ; Bing-Bing WU ; Xin-Ran DONG ; Guo-Qiang CHENG ; Li-Yuan HU ; Wen-Hao ZHOU ; Xiao-Min PENG ; Lin YANG ; Hui-Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2023;25(2):135-139
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in the rapid clinical diagnosis of critically ill neonates.
METHODS:
The critically ill neonates who admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Children's Hospital of Fudan University and underwent WGS from August to September, 2019 were enrolled in this prospective study. The genetic testing results and clinical outcome were analyzed with reference to the sequencing data and clinical features of the neonates.
RESULTS:
A total of 15 neonates were tested, among whom there were 9 boys and 6 girls. The main reason for hospitalization included abnormal breathing in 7 neonates, poor response in 2 neonates, feeding difficulty in 2 neonates, fever in 1 neonate, hypothermia in 1 neonate, preterm birth in 1 neonate, and convulsion in 1 neonate. The mean turn-around time was 4.5 days for WGS. Finally a genetic diagnosis was obtained for 3 neonates, with a positive diagnostic rate of 20% (3/15). Among the 3 neonates, 2 neonates were withdrawn from the treatment due to severe conditions and 1 neonate died on the day when the sample was sent for genetic testing, whose etiology could be explained by the results of genetic testing.
CONCLUSIONS
WGS technique can provide a timely and effective diagnosis for critically ill neonates suspected of genetic diseases and provide genetic evidence for clinical treatment of critically ill cases.
Infant, Newborn
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Male
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Child
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Female
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Humans
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Critical Illness
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Prospective Studies
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Premature Birth
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Dyspnea
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Fever
10.Effects of electroacupuncture on rats with cognitive impairment: An iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis.
Zhe-Yan SA ; Jin-Sen XU ; Xiao-Hua PAN ; Shu-Xia ZHENG ; Qian-Ru HUANG ; Long WAN ; Xiao-Xiang ZHU ; Cai-Lian LAN ; Xiao-Ran YE
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2023;21(1):89-98
OBJECTIVE:
The study explores the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the governing vessel (GV) on proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment.
METHODS:
Healthy male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, model and EA. Cognitive impairment was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion in the model and EA groups. Rats in the EA group were treated with EA at Shenting (GV24) and Baihui (GV20) for 7 d. Neurological deficit was scored using the Longa scale, the learning and memory ability was detected using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and the proteomic profiling in the hippocampus was analyzed using protein-labeling technology based on the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). The Western blot (WB) analysis was used to detect the proteins and validate the results of iTRAQ.
RESULTS:
Compared with the model group, the neurological deficit score was significantly reduced, and the escape latency in the MWM test was significantly shortened, while the number of platform crossings increased in the EA group. A total of 2872 proteins were identified by iTRAQ. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between different groups: 92 proteins were upregulated and 103 were downregulated in the model group compared with the sham group, while 142 proteins were upregulated and 126 were downregulated in the EA group compared with the model group. Most of the DEPs were involved in oxidative phosphorylation, glycolipid metabolism and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, we also verified 4 DEPs using WB technology. Although the WB results were not exactly the same as the iTRAQ results, the expression trends of the DEPs were consistent. The upregulation of heat-shock protein β1 (Hspb1) was the highest in the EA group compared to the model group.
CONCLUSION
EA can effect proteomic changes in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive impairment. Hspb1 may be involved in the molecular mechanism by which acupuncture improves cognitive impairment.
Rats
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Male
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Animals
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Electroacupuncture
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Proteomics
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Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy*
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Hippocampus

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