1.Effects of jaceosidin on inflammatory injury in osteoarthritis rats by regulating AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Chao WEI ; Jiang YU ; Guanyun SHENG ; Yi CAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):421-426
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of jaceosidin on osteoarthritis (OA) of rats by regulating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly separated into OA group, jaceosidin group (33.33 mg/kg), AMPK inhibitor (Compound C, 20 mg/kg) group, jaceosidin (33.33 mg/kg)+Compound C (20 mg/kg) group, and sham operation group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the sham operation group, the OA model was induced with modified Hulth method in all other groups. After successful modeling, they were given a relevant dose of jaceosidin or normal saline intragastrically, and Compound C or normal saline intraperitoneally, once a day, for consecutive 8 weeks. Twenty-four h after the last medication, the degree of knee joint swelling in rats from each group was measured. The pathological changes of the articular cartilage tissue in the knee joints, and the Mankin score were assessed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and IL-6, as well as the protein expressions of collagen Ⅱ, aggrecan (ACAN), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin 5 (ADAMTS5), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), AMPK, NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1, and cleaved-IL-1β were detected in the articular cartilage tissue of rats’ knees. RESULTS Compared with OA group, the cartilage tissue defect of jaceosidin group was relieved, the cartilage matrix staining was deepened, and the number of chondrocytes was increased. Knee swelling, Mankin score, the levels of TNF- α, IL-18 and IL-6, and protein expressions of ADAMTS5, NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1 and cleaved-IL-1β in knee cartilage were significantly decreased or down-regulated. Protein expressions of collagen Ⅱ, ACAN and phosphorylation level of AMPK were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.05). Compound C significantly reversed the improvement effects of jaceosidin on the above indexes of OA rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Jaceosidin may inhibit inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation in OA rats by regulating the AMPK/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
2.Analysis of the current status of red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants from Chinese Neonatal Network in 2022
Yan MO ; Aimin QIAN ; Ruimiao BAI ; Shujuan LI ; Xiaoqing YU ; Jin WANG ; K. Shoo LEE ; Siyuan JIANG ; Qiufen WEI ; Wenhao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(1):55-61
Objective:To analyze the current status of red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants (VPI) (gestational age at birth <32 weeks) from Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) in 2022.Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on the CHNN VPI cohort. It included 6 985 VPI admitted to CHNN 89 participating centers within 24 hours after birth in 2022. VPI with major congenital anomalies or those transferred to non-CHNN centers for treatment or discharged against medical advice were excluded. VPI were categorized based on whether they received red blood cell transfusions, their gestational age at birth, the type of respiratory support received during transfusion, and whether the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels exceeded the thresholds. General characteristics, red blood cell transfusion rates, number of transfusions, timing of the first transfusion, and pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels were compared among different groups. The incidence of adverse outcomes between the group of VPI who received transfusions above the threshold and those who received transfusions below the threshold were compared. Comparison among different groups was conducted using χ2 tests, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and so on. Trends by gestational age at birth were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage tests and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Among the 6 985 VPI, 3 865 cases(55.3%) were male, with a gestational age at birth of 30.0 (28.6, 31.0) weeks and a birth weight of (1 302±321) g. Overall, 3 617 cases (51.8%) received red blood cell transfusion, while 3 368 cases (48.2%) did not. The red blood cell transfusion rate was 51.8% (3 617/6 985), with rates of 77.7% (893/1 150) for those born before 28 weeks gestational age and 46.7% (2 724/5 835) for those born between 28 and 31 weeks gestational age. A total of 9 616 times red blood cell transfusions were administered to 3 617 VPI, with 632 times missing pre-transfusion hemoglobin data, and 8 984 times included in the analysis. Of the red blood cell transfusions, 25.6% (2 459/9 616) were administered when invasive respiratory support was required, 51.3% (4 934/9 616) were receiving non-invasive respiratory support, while 23.1% (2 223/9, 616) were given when no respiratory support was needed. Compared to the non-transfusion group, the red blood cell transfusion group had a higher rate of pregnancy-induced hypertension in mothers, lower rates of born via cesarean section and mother′s antenatal steroid administration, smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, a higher proportion of small-for-gestational-age, multiple births, and proportions of Apgar score at the 5 th minute after birth ≤3 (all P<0.05). They were also less likely to be female, born in hospital or undergo delayed cord clamping (all P<0.01). Additionally, higher transport risk index of physiologic stability score at admission were observed in the red blood cell transfusion group ( P<0.001). The number of red blood cell transfusion was 2 (1, 3) times, with the first transfusion occurring at an age of 18 (8, 29) days, and a pre-transfusion hemoglobin level of 97 (86, 109) g/L. For VPI ≤7 days of age, the pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels for invasive respiratory support, non-invasive respiratory support, or no respiratory support, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between groups ( H=5.59, P=0.061). For VPI aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days, the levels with statistically differences between groups (both P<0.01). Red blood cell transfusions above recommended thresholds were observed in all respiratory support categories at different stages of life, with the highest prevalence in infants aged 8 to 21 days and≥22 days who did not require respiratory support, at 90.1% (264/273) and 91.1%(1 578/1 732), respectively. The rate of necrotizing enterocolitis was higher in the above-threshold group ( χ2=10.59, P=0.001), and the duration of hospital stay was longer in the above-threshold group ( Z=4.67, P<0.001) compared to the below-threshold group. Conclusions:In 2022, the red blood cell transfusion rate was relatively high among VPI from CHNN. Pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels frequently exceeded recommended transfusion thresholds.
3.The effect of rutaecarpine on improving fatty liver and osteoporosis in MAFLD mice
Yu-hao ZHANG ; Yi-ning LI ; Xin-hai JIANG ; Wei-zhi WANG ; Shun-wang LI ; Ren SHENG ; Li-juan LEI ; Yu-yan ZHANG ; Jing-rui WANG ; Xin-wei WEI ; Yan-ni XU ; Yan LIN ; Lin TANG ; Shu-yi SI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):141-149
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and osteoporosis (OP) are two very common metabolic diseases. A growing body of experimental evidence supports a pathophysiological link between MAFLD and OP. MAFLD is often associated with the development of OP. Rutaecarpine (RUT) is one of the main active components of Chinese medicine Euodiae Fructus. Our previous studies have demonstrated that RUT has lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, and can improve the OP of rats. However, whether RUT can improve both fatty liver and OP symptoms of MAFLD mice at the same time remains to be investigated. In this study, we used C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 months to construct a MAFLD model, and gave the mice a low dose (5 mg·kg-1) and a high dose (15 mg·kg-1) of RUT by gavage for 4 weeks. The effects of RUT on liver steatosis and bone metabolism were then evaluated at the end of the experiment [this experiment was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (approval number: IMB-20190124D303)]. The results showed that RUT treatment significantly reduced hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, and significantly reduced bone loss and promoted bone formation. In summary, this study shows that RUT has an effect of improving fatty liver and OP in MAFLD mice.
4.Mechanism of action of bile-gut axis in the development and progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Xue YU ; Tianhao SHEN ; Cheng ZHOU ; Yu LIU ; Wei LI ; Tinghui JIANG ; Yongqiang ZHU ; Yan LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):588-593
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor with an extremely poor prognosis, and its pathogenesis is complex and remains unclear. In recent years, more and more studies have focused on the role of bile-gut axis in the development and progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Bile-gut axis refers to the complex interaction between bile and gut microbiota, including bile salt metabolism, dynamic changes of microbiota, inflammatory response, and immune system regulation. This article elaborates on the potential mechanisms of bile-gut axis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, especially gut microbiota dysbiosis, abnormal bile salt metabolism, chronic inflammatory response, and immune system interaction, this article aims to provide new perspectives and possible therapeutic targets for future research and promote the early diagnosis and effective treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
5.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
6.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
7.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
8.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
9.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
10.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.

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