1.Comparative Analysis of Exercise-induced Transcriptomic Responses in Human and Mouse Homologous Genes: Divergence and Convergence Based on The GEPREP Database
Qian SUN ; Wei-Chu TAO ; Ru WANG ; Bing-Xiang XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1617-1630
Exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, holds a pivotal role in metabolic regulation, neuroplasticity, and immune homeostasis maintenance. However, human exercise studies are constrained by ethical limitations in tissue sampling, especially for key organs such as muscles and the brain. Meanwhile, rodent models like mice exhibit physiological differences in exercise patterns and metabolic rates from human. Despite these challenges, approximately 70% of human and mouse genes are conserved, providing a molecular basis for cross-species comparisons. This paper leverages the GEPREP database, which integrates human and mouse exercise transcriptomic data from multiple platforms, to conduct a comprehensive cross-species analysis of exercise-induced gene expression patterns. We employ a stringent data standardization process, including the conversion of orthologous genes and the filtering of low-expressing genes, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the analysis. A mixed-effects model is utilized to assess differential gene expression across multiple cohorts, identifying genes that are significantly upregulated or downregulated in response to exercise. The analysis reveals a complex pattern of gene expression, with a significant number of genes showing conserved responses between humans and mice, particularly in acute aerobic exercise, where genes such as ATF3, PPARGC1A, and ANKRD1 are commonly upregulated. These genes are implicated in muscle stress response, metabolic regulation, and muscle adaptation, highlighting the shared molecular pathways activated by exercise across species. However, the study also uncovers substantial species-specific differences in gene expression, especially in chronic aerobic exercise, where the number of divergently regulated genes increases. These differences suggest that while some fundamental biological processes are conserved, the specific regulatory mechanisms and gene expression patterns can vary significantly between humans and mice. Functional enrichment analysis further reveals that conserved genes are involved in muscle development, inflammation regulation, and energy metabolism, while species-specific genes are associated with ion transport, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, and muscle contraction, indicating the multifaceted impact of exercise on skeletal muscle function. The findings emphasize the importance of considering species-specific differences when interpreting results from animal models and translating them to human health applications. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the molecular underpinnings of exercise-induced adaptations and underscores the value of cross-species comparative analyses in uncovering the evolutionary and functional basis of these responses. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics data and expanding the analysis to include other tissues to provide a more comprehensive view of the systemic effects of exercise. Additionally, the development of species-specific gene editing models and the validation of key genes in exercise physiology will further enhance our understanding of the evolutionary logic behind exercise interventions. This study not only provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of exercise-induced adaptations but also underscores the necessity of validating findings from animal models in human cohorts to ensure the reliability and applicability of translational research in exercise science. By addressing these aspects, the study aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications, ultimately contributing to the development of personalized exercise prescriptions and interventions that can effectively promote health and prevent diseases.
2.Analysis of health-related lifestyles among primary and secondary school students in nutrition improvement program regions of China between 2021 and 2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):788-791
Objective:
To analyze the features of unhealthy lifestyle patterns among primary and secondary school students in the nutrition improvement program for rural compulsory education students (NIPRCES) areas in China in 2021 and 2023, so as to provide data support for lifestyle promotion and healthy development among primary and secondary school students.
Methods:
Adopting a cluster random sampling method, data on primary and secondary students aged 7-15 years from nutrition and health surveillance of China NIPRCES in 2021 and 2023 were collected. The prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles among primary and secondary students such as physical inactivity, outdoor inactivity, excessive screen time, and sleep deprivation by gender, school section, urban/rural, and region were analyzed. The reporting rates of the above indicators among primary and secondary students were compared by Chi-square test.
Results:
In 2021 and 2023, the rates of moderate to vigorous physical inactivity among primary and secondary school students were 79.2% and 80.4%, the rates of outdoor inactivity were 42.8% and 49.3%, the rates of excessive video time were 2.6% and 2.9%, the rates of sleep deprivation were 32.9% and 22.6%, and the differences were statistically significant( χ 2=51.86,1 071.48,18.36,3 296.99, P <0.05). In 2023, the rate of outdoor inactivity for primary and secondary students increased by 6.5 percentage points compared with 2021, and the rate of sleep deprivation decreased by 10.3 percentage points compared with that in 2021. In 2021 and 2023, the reporting rates of moderate to vigorous physical inactivity, outdoor inactivity, and sleep deprivation among girls and junior high school students were higher than those among boys ( χ 2=174.41,180.11; 175.75, 85.46 ;92.22,151.35) and elementary school students ( χ 2=136.64,5.75; 40.55,4.71;162.80,3 291.61); the reporting rates of moderate to vigorous physical inactivity( χ 2=194.43,118.60) and sleep deprivation ( χ 2=969.66,983.72) among urban students were higher than those among rural students; the reporting rates of excessive video time for boys and junior high school students were higher than those for girls ( χ 2=103.62,84.85) and elementary school students ( χ 2=810.09,626.51)( P <0.05). From a regional distribution perspective, the reporting rates of moderato to vigorous physical inactivity, outdoor inactivity, and excessive video time among primary and seconday school students in the central and western regions were lower than those in the eastern region ( χ 2= 663.44,302.78; 356.97,82.10;50.89,81.83) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Unhealthy lifestyles remain prevalent among primary and secondary students in NIPRCES areas of China. These findings underscore the need to strengthen policy implementation for promoting healthy lifestyles among primary and secondary school students.
3.Elevated blood pressure and its association with dietary patterns among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-17 years
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):863-867
Objective:
To understand the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and its association with dietary patterns in children and adolescents in China, providing evidence for developing dietary intervention of hypertension in children and adolescents.
Methods:
Data were derived from the China Children s Nutrition and Health System Survey and Application Project(2019-2021). A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to include 7 933 participants from 28 survey sites in seven major regions of Northeast, North, Northwest, East, Central, South and Southwest China. Multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between demographic characteristics, nutritional status and elevated blood pressure. Exploratory factor analysis identified dietary patterns, which were divided into three quartile groups (T3, T2, T1) based on factor scores (compliance for dietary pattern) from high to low, and multivariate Logistic regression model assessed the correlation between elevated blood pressure and dietary patterns.
Results:
The prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 15.4% among Chinese children aged 7-17 years. Significant differences were observed across nutritional status (reference: underweight; normal weight: OR =1.57; overweight: OR = 2.61 ; obesity: OR =3.85), urban/rural residence (reference: rural; urban: OR =0.86), and paternal education (reference: junior high school and below; bachelor degree or above: OR =0.68) ( P <0.05). The detection rates of high blood pressure in T3 group children and adolescents with four dietary patterns (staple food, animal based food, snacks, vegetables and fruits) were 15.7%, 14.6%, 16.8%, and 15.8%, respectively. After adjusting for residence, paternal education, and nutritional status, the "snack dietary pattern" (mainly candy, sugar sweetened beverages, and processed snacks) showed positive associations with elevated blood pressure in T2 ( OR =1.21) and T3 ( OR =1.19) tertiles ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The snack dietary pattern is a related factor for elevated blood pressure in children and adolescents. Restricting unhealthy snack intake may promote cardiovascular health.
4.The Application of Spatial Resolved Metabolomics in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Lu-Tao XU ; Qian LI ; Shu-Lei HAN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU ; Qing-Yuan HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2346-2359
The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is fundamentally linked to complex and profound alterations in metabolic networks within the brain, which exhibit marked spatial heterogeneity. While conventional bulk metabolomics is powerful for detecting global metabolic shifts, it inherently lacks spatial resolution. This methodological limitation hampers the ability to interrogate critical metabolic dysregulation within discrete anatomical brain regions and specific cellular microenvironments, thereby constraining a deeper understanding of the core pathological mechanisms that initiate and drive NDDs. To address this critical gap, spatial metabolomics, with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) at its core, has emerged as a transformative approach. It uniquely overcomes the limitations of bulk methods by enabling high-resolution, simultaneous detection and precise localization of hundreds to thousands of endogenous molecules—including primary metabolites, complex lipids, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and essential metal ions—directly in situ from tissue sections. This powerful capability offers an unprecedented spatial perspective for investigating the intricate and heterogeneous chemical landscape of NDD pathology, opening new avenues for discovery. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, beginning with a discussion of the technical features, optimal application scenarios, and current limitations of major MSI platforms. These include the widely adopted matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI, the ultra-high-resolution technique of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)-MSI, and the ambient ionization method of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-MSI, along with other emerging technologies. We then highlight the pivotal applications of spatial metabolomics in NDD research, particularly its role in elucidating the profound chemical heterogeneity within distinct pathological microenvironments. These applications include mapping unique molecular signatures around amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) plaques, uncovering the metabolic consequences of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and characterizing the lipid and metabolite composition of Lewy bodies. Moreover, we examine how spatial metabolomics contributes to constructing detailed metabolic vulnerability maps across the brain, shedding light on the biochemical factors that render certain neuronal populations and anatomical regions selectively susceptible to degeneration while others remain resilient. Looking beyond current applications, we explore the immense potential of integrating spatial metabolomics with other advanced research methodologies. This includes its combination with three-dimensional brain organoid models to recapitulate disease-relevant metabolic processes, its linkage with multi-organ axis studies to investigate how systemic metabolic health influences neurodegeneration, and its convergence with single-cell and subcellular analyses to achieve unprecedented molecular resolution. In conclusion, this review not only summarizes the current state and critical role of spatial metabolomics in NDD research but also offers a forward-looking perspective on its transformative potential. We envision its continued impact in advancing our fundamental understanding of NDDs and accelerating translation into clinical practice—from the discovery of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis to the development of high-throughput drug screening platforms and the realization of precision medicine for individuals affected by these devastating disorders.
5.Investigation of an outbreak of group A human G9P [8] rotavirus infectious diarrhea among adults in Chongqing
Yang WANG ; Yuan KONG ; Ning CHEN ; Lundi YANG ; Jiang LONG ; Qin LI ; Xiaoyang XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Hong WEI ; Jie LU ; Quanjie XIAO ; Yingying BA ; Wenxi WU ; Qian XU ; Ju YAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):663-668
ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze an outbreak of rotavirus infectious diarrhea in a prison in Chongqing Municipality, to provide a basis for adult rotavirus surveillance and prevention, and to explore the public health problems in special settings. MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted to collect and analyze data on individual cases with diarrheal disease on-site. The clinical characteristics, as well as the temporal, spatial and geographical distribution patterns of the epidemic were described. Multi-pathogen detection tests were conducted both on diarrhea cases and environmental samples, with viral genotyping performed on positive samples. A case-control analysis was performed to identify the causes of the outbreak, and an SEIR model was adopted to predict the outbreak trend and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. ResultsA total of 65 cases were found among the inmates, with an attack rate of 2.03%. The predominant clinical manifestations included diarrhea (89.23%), watery stool (73.85%), and dehydration (18.46%). The epidemic curve indicated a “human-to-human” transmission pattern, with an average incubation period of 5‒6 days. The attack rates among chefs in the main canteen (80.00%, 8/10) and caterers (28.33%, 17/60) were significantly higher than those of other inmates (P<0.05). Multi-pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected positive for group A rotavirus, with the viral genotyping identified as G9P [8] strain. Factors such as unprotected "bare-handed" food distribution among cases with diarrhea (OR=9.512, 95%CI: 4.261‒21.234) and close contact with diarrhea cases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.719‒7.778) were the possible cause of the outbreak. The SEIR model (r0=5, α=0.3, β1=0.08, β2=0.04) was constructed using prison inmates as susceptible population, aiming at fitting the initial transmission trend of the outbreak, and the epidemic rate declined rapidly after intervention measures were implemented (rt≈0). ConclusionThis rare rotavirus infection diarrhea outbreak among adults in confined settings suggests that the construction of public health prevention and control systems in prison may be overlooked. Cross infection during meal processing and distribution in the canteens of such settings is likely to be the cause of the outbreak. Given the potential neglect of public heath system construction in special settings, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance and monitoring of rotavirus and other intestinal multi-pathogens among adults, as well as the construction of public health prevention and control systems in these special settings.
6.Over 20-year Follow-up Result of Total Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Arthropathy: A Single Center Cohort Study
Yiming XU ; Mingwei HU ; Wei ZHU ; Muyang YU ; Jin LIN ; Jin JIN ; Wenwei QIAN ; Bin FENG ; Xisheng WENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):35-41
To evaluate long-term survival and clinical outcomes of patients with knee osteo-arthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) through long-term follow-up. This study was based on a previous cohort study that had completed follow-up. We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients with knee arthropathy (including knee osteoarthritis and knee rheumatoid arthritis) who received the first TKA operation in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2002 and were followed up for more than 20 years, and conducted a unified follow-up on them in November 10, 2024 (the last follow-up). Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate the survival rate. Hospitals for special surgery (HSS) scores and joint range of motion (ROM) were compared before surgery, 10 years after surgery and at the last follow-up to evaluate the clinical efficacy of TKA. Likert scale was used to evaluate patient satisfaction at the last follow-up. A total of 226 patients (246 knees) received their first TKA in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1993 to 2002 and were followed up for more than 10 years. Among them, 104 patients (131 knees) were included in the study at the last follow-up, including 21 patients (24 knees) with prosthesis in place, 18 patients (18 knees) who underwent reoperation for various reasons, and 65 patients (89 knees) who died from non-TKA surgical causes. Up to the last follow-up, there were 29 patients (35 knees) with an average follow-up of more than 20 years, and 12 patients (16 knees) completed HSS score, ROM measurement and patient satisfaction evaluation. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, and 25-year survival rates were 93.6%, 92.4%, 89.8%, and 71.8%, respectively. The HSS score at the last follow-up was lower than that at 10- year postoperative follow-up[(84.69±11.03) scores TKA treatment for knee arthropathy has high long-term prosthesis survival rate, significant improvement of knee joint function and high patient satisfaction.
7.Analysis of depressive symptoms and associated factors among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitoring counties Rural Nutrition Improvement Program
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):219-222
Objective:
To understand the prevalence and related factors of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitoring counties of China s Rural Compulsory Education Nutrition Improvement Program, so as to provide a basis for prevention and psychological intervention of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in rural areas.
Methods:
In November 2022, a stratified random sampling method was adopted to collect height and weight data, basic personal and family information of 7 949 primary and secondary school students from grade three to grade nine through physical measurements and questionnaires in 56 key monitoring schools implementing the Student Nutrition Improvement Program in 7 in depth monitoring counties (Jalaid Banner in Inner Mongolia, Jinzhai County in Anhui, Mao Xian in Sichuan, Tiandeng County in Guangxi, Mian County in Shaanxi, Zhaozhou County in Heilongjiang and Youxi County in Fujian), and to obtain the information related to their depressive symptoms through the self assessment questionnaire on depression. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students, as well as their related factors.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in the in depth monitored counties was 23.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of detecting depressive symptoms was higher among female students, middle school students, students whose video screen duration per day was >2 h, and students whose parents marital status was divorced or widowed ( OR =1.40, 1.64, 1.60, 1.24), and students whose sleep duration reached the recommended standard, whose parents usually accompanied them daily for time was 60-<120 min and ≥120 min, and students whose mothers literacy level was middle school graduation had lower probability of detecting depressive symptoms ( OR =0.85, 0.84, 0.71, 0.76) ( P < 0.05 ).
Conclusion
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among students in the in depth monitoring area is high, and targeted interventions need to be developed for students to reduce the risk of mental health problems.
8.Relationship between screening myopia and physical fitness index in college freshmen without majoring in public safety administration
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):431-434
Objective:
To explore the relationship between visual acuity and physical fitness of university freshmen, so as to provide reference for myopia prevention and control for freshmen.
Methods:
From October to November 2022, 2 160 college freshman without majoring in public safety administration, selected from Guangxi Police College in 2022 by using the stratified cluster random sampling method, were reviewed for the results of visual acuity test and physical fitness scores. The physical fitness indices were evaluated by using the Z scores of physical fitness test scores, and the strength of association between the level of physical fitness index and myopia was analyzed by using Logistic regression model.
Results:
Among 2 160 college freshman without majoring in public safety administration, 917 (42.5%) students were diagnosed screening myopia, including 66 (3.1%) cases of high myopia, 383 (17.7%) cases of moderate myopia and 468 (21.7%) cases of mild myopia. The differences in the distribution of visual acuity tests among students with different physical fitness indices, body mass index, and gender were statistically significant ( Z/H=54.50, 49.53, 15.51, P <0.01). Low level and low middle level physical fitness indices were associated with screening myopia among freshmen[ OR (95% CI )=2.81(1.93-4.08),1.87(1.38-2.54)], and low level physical fitness indexes were associated with high myopia [ OR (95% CI )=7.22(2.33-22.32)] ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
Screening myopia among college freshman without majoring in public safety administration is related to physical fitness, and low level and low middle level physical fitness index are risk factors for myopia. Improving the level of physical fitness might be effective in preventing myopia.
9.Analysis of major food consumption frequencies among children aged 6-17 years in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):494-499
Objective:
To analyze the consumption frequency of major foods among Chinese children aged 6-17 years old, and to provide a basis for optimizing the dietary structure of children in China.
Methods:
Using data from the China Nutrition and Health System Survey and Application Program for Children 0-18 years old, 56 734 children aged 6-17 years old from North, Norththeast East, Central, South, Southwest and Northwest seven regions in China were selected for the study using stratified cluster random sampling from 2019 to 2021. A food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate the intake frequency of eight food groups in a month, including fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, livestock and poultry meats, aquatic products, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and cereals and potatoes. The foods were grouped according to whether they met the recommended intake criteria outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents 2022. The〖KG*2〗χ2 test was used to compare the differences in the proportion of childrens intake frequency of each food group meeting the standard in different regions and age groups.
Results:
The proportions of Chinese children aged 6-17 years who consumed fresh vegetables and cereals and potatoes ≥3 times/d were 12.1% and 67.2%, respectively. The proportions of children who consumed fresh fruits, livestock and poultry meats, eggs and dairy products ≥1 time/d were 50.8%, 58.8%, 36.0% and 54.3%, respectively. The proportion of legumes consumed ≥4 times/week was 37.4%, and the proportion of aquatic products consumed ≥2 times/week was 39.7%. Fresh vegetables (5.5%), fresh fruits (33.1%), and dairy products (36.4%) had the lowest frequency of meeting the recommended standards in South China, and aquatic products (27.4%) and eggs (21.1%) had the lowest frequency of meeting the recommended standards in Northwest (P<0.008 3).
Conclusion
The overall intake frequency of fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and dairy products are insufficient among Chinese children, with significant regional variations.
10.Association of dining locations with nutritional status among Chinese children aged 6-17 years
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):642-646
Objective:
To analyze the association of eating dining locations and their association with nutritional status among Chinese children aged 6-17 years,so as to provide reference for guiding children s reasonable diet.
Methods:
Stratified random cluster sampling was used to select children aged 6 to 17 years from 28 cities and rural areas of 14 provinces in East, North, Central, South, Southwest, Northwest, Northeast of China, and a total of 52 535 children were included in the study from 2019 to 2021. Information including dining locations, demographic characteristics, dietary intakes and physical activity were collected through a questionnaire survey. Fasting body height and weight were measured in the morning. Unordered multiclass Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between dining locations and nutritional status in children.
Results:
Regarding children s dining locations, 66.3% ate breakfast at home,25.8% ate breakfast at school,7.9% ate breakfast outside (small dining tables, restaurants, stalls, etc.); 67.7% ate dinner at home,29.0% ate dinner at school,3.3% ate dinner outside; and 63.6% ate lunch at school,30.8% ate lunch at home,5.7% ate lunch outside. The prevalence rates of overweight/obesity and undernutrition were 28.6% and 9.3%, respectively. The adjusted multiclass Logistic regression analysis (controlling for age, region, parental education, household income, total energy intake, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) demonstrated that, compared to eating at home, school based breakfast and dinner consumption was associated with significantly lower overweight/obesity risks for both genders (boys: breakfast OR =0.70, 95% CI =0.65-0.75; dinner OR =0.80, 95% CI = 0.74- 0.86; girls: breakfast OR = 0.89 , 95% CI = 0.82-0.96; dinner OR =0.88, 95% CI =0.81-0.95), whereas eating lunch away from home significantly increased overweight/obesity risks (boys: OR =1.32, 95% CI =1.17-1.48; girls: OR =1.43, 95% CI =1.26- 1.62 ), with all associations being statistically significant ( P <0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, boys who ate breakfast away from home showed a significantly reduced risk of undernutrition ( OR =0.80,95% CI =0.66-0.97), while those consuming lunch away from home had an increased risk ( OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.01-1.57) ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The choice of dining locations for children is becoming more diverse, and a relatively high proportion of children eat meals outside the home and at school. Eating out have a higher risk of malnutrition for children. School feeding may be beneficial to children s physical health.


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