1.Summary of 16-Year Observation of Reflux Esophagitis-Like Symptoms in A Natural Village in A High-Incidence Area of Esophageal Cancer
Junqing LIU ; Lingling LEI ; Yaru FU ; Xin SONG ; Jingjing WANG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Min LIU ; Zongmin FAN ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xuena HAN ; Zhuo YANG ; Kan ZHONG ; Sai YANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Qide BAO ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):461-465
Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including
2.Research progress on the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve sepsis-induced lung injury
Yang LI ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Jian ZHAO ; Xinsheng HUANG ; Xiao LI ; Xin ZHONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1530-1535
Sepsis-induced lung injury is a common type of sepsis complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, whose uncontrolled inflammatory response and oxidative stress are the key pathological mechanisms. As an important pathway of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress, the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is very important in the occurrence and development of sepsis-induced lung injury. This review summarizes relevant research conducted over the past decade on the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to ameliorate sepsis- induced lung injury. It has been found that 14 kinds of TCM effective ingredients (including five types of compounds: flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, saponins, phenols) and 6 kinds of compound preparations (including three types of formulas: heat-clearing and detoxifying formulas, purgative formulas for promoting bowel movement, and formulas for reinforcing vital qi and consolidating the constitution) can inhibit inflammatory responses and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and intervening in related pathways such as those involving Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, heme oxygenase-1, antioxidant response element and AMP-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating sepsis-induced lung injury.
3.Analysis and prediction of global burden due to cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2035
Zhen LAI ; Gang LIU ; Haili ZHAO ; Miaomiao QIU ; Jian CHEN ; En LUO ; Junguo XIN ; Xiaohong YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(3):255-267
Objective To investigate the trends in the global burden due to cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021, and to predict the global burden of cystic echinococcosis from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into formulation of the cystic echinococcosis control strategy. Methods The global age-standardized prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) of cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021 were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database, and the trends in the global burden of cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed using the Joinpoint regression model. The associations between the global burden of cystic echinococcosis and socio-demographic index (SDI) were examined using a smoothing spline model and frontier analysis, and the global burden of cystic echinococcosis was projected from 2022 to 2035 using the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model. Results The global agestandardized prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis were 7.69/105 [95% UI: (6.27/105, 9.51/105)], 0.02/105 [95% UI: (0.01/105, 0.02/105)], and 1.32/105 [95% UI: (0.99/105, 1.69/105)] in 2021. The global age-standardized prevalence of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a rise by 0.14% per year from 1990 to 2021, and the global age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline by 4.68% and 4.01% per year from 1990 to 2021, respectively. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that global age-standardized prevalence of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2000 [annual percent change (APC) = −0.66%, 95% confidence interval (CI): (−0.70%, −0.61%)] and from 2005 to 2015 [APC = −0.88%, 95% CI: (−0.93%, −0.82%)], and towards a rise from 2000 to 2005 [APC = 3.68%, 95% CI: (3.49%, 3.87%)] and from 2015 to 2021 [APC=0.30%, 95%CI: (0.19%, 0.40%)].Theagestandardized prevalence (r = −0.17, P < 0.05), mortality (r = −0.67, P < 0.05) and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis (r = −0.60, P < 0.05) all correlated negatively with SDI across 21 geographical regions from 1990 to 2021, and the age-standardized mortality (r = −0.61, P < 0.05) and DALYs rates (r = −0.44, P < 0.05) both correlated negatively with SDI across 204 countries and territories in 2021. Frontier analysis revealed that the age-standardized DALYs rate of cystic echinococcosis was still not in line with the frontier in some high-SDI countries or territories. In addition, the global age-standardized prevalence was projected with the BAPC model to appear a tendency towards a rise among both men [estimated annual percent change (EAPC) = 0.18%, 95% CI: (0.13%, 0.23%)] and women [EAPC = 0.29%, 95% CI: (0.24%, 0.34%)] from 2022 to 2035, and the global age-standardized mortality [men: EAPC = −4.71%, 95% CI: (−4.71%, −4.37%); women: EAPC = −4.74%, 95% CI: (−4.74%, −4.74%)] and DALYs rates [men: EAPC = −3.35%, 95% CI: (−3.36%, −3.34%); women: EAPC = −3.17%, 95% CI: (−3.18%, −3.16%)] were projected to appear a tendency towards a decline among both men and women. Conclusions The global burden of cystic echinococcosis appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021; however, the global prevalence of cystic echinococcosis is projected to appear a tendency towards a rise from 2022 to 2035. Intensified cystic echinococcosis control programmes are recommended.
4.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.
5.Prospective Study of Disease Occurrence Spectrum in Asymptomatic Residents in Areas with High Incidence of Esophageal Cancer: 16-year Observation of 711 Cases in Natural Population
Qide BAO ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xueke ZHAO ; Jingjing WANG ; Xin SONG ; Zongmin FAN ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Zhuo YANG ; Junfang GUO ; Kan ZHONG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Junqing LIU ; Min LIU ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):656-660
Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.
6.Regulatory Effects of Exercise on The Natural Immune System and Related Molecular Mechanisms
Shu-Yang ZHAO ; Xin LI ; Ke NING ; Zhuo WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2535-2549
The innate immune system serves as the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and plays a central role in inflammation regulation, immune homeostasis, and tumor immunosurveillance. In recent years, with the growing recognition of the concept “exercise is medicine”, increasing attention has been paid to the immunoregulatory effects of physical activity. Accumulating evidence suggests that regular, moderate-intensity exercise significantly enhances innate immunity by strengthening the skin-mucosal barrier, increasing levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and improving the functional capacity of key immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. It also modulates the complement system and various inflammatory mediators. This review comprehensively summarizes the effects of exercise on each component of the innate immune system and highlights the underlying molecular mechanisms, including activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), enhancement of mitochondrial function via the PGC-1α/TFAM axis, and initiation of autophagy through the ULK1/mTOR pathway. Emerging mechanisms are also discussed, such as exercise-induced epigenetic modifications (e.g., histone acetylation and miRNA regulation), modulation of the gut microbiota, and metabolite-mediated immune programming (e.g., short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), β‑hydroxybutyrate). The effects of exercise on innate immunity vary considerably among individuals, depending on factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities. For example, adolescents exhibit enhanced NK cell mobilization, whereas older adults benefit from reduced chronic inflammation and immune aging. Sex hormones and metabolic conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer) further modulate the immune response to exercise. Based on these insights, we propose a personalized approach to exercise prescription guided by the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principle, aiming to optimize immune outcomes across diverse populations. Importantly, given the dual role of exercise in immune activation and regulation, caution is warranted: while moderate exercise enhances immune defense, excessive or high-intensity activity may induce transient immunosuppression. In pathological contexts such as infection, autoimmune diseases, or tissue injury, exercise intensity and timing must be carefully adjusted. This review provides practical guidelines for exercise-based immune modulation and underscores the need for dose-response studies and advancements in precision exercise medicine. In conclusion, exercise represents a safe and effective strategy for enhancing innate immune function and mitigating chronic inflammatory diseases.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of high-risk population for cardiovascular disease of Shanghai residents
Yuzhuo WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Yingquan WANG ; Cui WU ; Haiyan GU ; Yiying ZHANG ; Yan XU ; Sen WANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Yu JIANG ; Jia ZHAO ; Yan SHI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(1):64-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the high-risk detection rate and aggregation of cardiovascular diseases(CVD) in 8 districts of Shanghai and influencing factors, and to provide scientific references for prevention and control of CVD. MethodsBased on the Cardiovascular Disease Screening and Management Program in Shanghai from 2016 to 2021, 104 685 participants aged 35 to 75 in 8 districts of Shanghai were selected for analysis. χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis of the influencing factors of CVD and aggregation of CVD. ResultsThe proportion of high-risk CVD individuals in the population was 19.17%, including the high-risk individuals with hypertension (8.65%), dyslipidemia (6.33%), CVD history (5.58%), and WHO assessed risk ≥20% types (2.69%), respectively. Old age, overweight and obesity, central obesity, smoking, drinking, farmers, unmarried, and low family income were the risk factors of CVD, while high education level was the protective factor. In the participants, 16 323 people (81.34%) were classified as CVD high-risk groups; The number of aggregation of 1, 2 and ≥3 high risk types of CVD were 16 323(81.34%), 3 236(16.13%), 509(2.54%), respectively. Old age, low education level, low annual family income, farmers, unmarried, smoking, drinking, overweight, obesity and central obesity were associated with the risk of aggregation of high risk types of CVD, and the correlation strength increased with the increase of aggregation types. ConclusionThe prevention and control of CVD in Shanghai should focus on the hypertension, elderly, overweight, obesity, central obesity, smoking, drinking, low educated, low family income, farmers and unmarried people, and targeted intervention measures should be taken to reduce the risk of CVD among residents.
8.Role of podoplanin in hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis
Zhiyi WANG ; Guangyue YANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yaqiong PU ; Xin ZHAO ; Wenting MA ; Xuling LIU ; Liu WU ; Le TAO ; Cheng LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(3):533-538
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of podoplanin (PDPN) in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis. MethodsLiver biopsy samples were collected from 75 patients with chronic hepatitis B who attended Department of Infectious Diseases, Putuo Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, for the first time from September 2019 to June 2022, and RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of PDPN in liver tissue of patients in different stages of liver fibrosis. A total of 12 male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into control group and model group. The mice in the model group were given intraperitoneal injection of 10% CCl4, and those in the control group were injected with an equal volume of olive oil, for 6 weeks. HE staining and Sirius Red staining were used to observe liver histopathological changes; primary mouse liver cells were separated to measure the mRNA expression of PDPN in various types of cells; primary mouse HSCs were treated with PDPN protein, followed by treatment with the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-708, to measure the expression of inflammatory factors in HSCs induced by PDPN. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate data correlation. ResultsAs for the liver biopsy samples, there was a relatively low mRNA expression level of PDPN in normal liver, and there was a significant increase in the mRNA expression level of PDPN in liver tissue of stage S3 or S4 fibrosis (all P<0.001). Immunohistochemical staining showed that PDPN was mainly expressed in the fibrous septum and the hepatic sinusoid, and the PDPN-positive area in S4 liver tissue was significantly higher than that in S0 liver tissue (t=8.892, P=0.001). In normal mice, PDPN was mainly expressed in the hepatic sinusoid, and there was a significant increase in the expression of PDPN in CCl4 model mice (t=0.95, P<0.001), mainly in the fibrous septum. RT-PCR showed a significant increase in the mRNA expression of PDPN in the CCl4 model mice (t=11.25, P=0.002). Compared with hepatocytes, HSCs, Kupffer cells, and bile duct endothelial cells, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells showed a significantly high expression level of PDPN (F=20.56, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the primary mouse HSCs treated by PDPN protein for 15 minutes showed significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of the inflammation-related factors TNFα, CCL3, CXCL1, and CXCR1 (all P<0.05), and there were significant reductions in the levels of these indicators after treatment with BAY11-7082 (all P<0.05). ConclusionThere is an increase in the expression of PDPN mainly in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells during liver fibrosis, and PDPN regulates HSC activation and promotes the progression of liver fibrosis via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
9.Application of Animal Models of Corneal Neovascularization Based on Data Mining
Rikai ZHAO ; Huiyan YANG ; Ying LIU ; Xin JIANG ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):166-173
ObjectiveTo provide a reference for the establishment of an ideal corneal neovascularization (CNV) animal model by summarizing the modeling characteristics of CNV animal models. MethodWith "CVN" as the theme word, this paper searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Chinese medical journals full-text database, and PubMed database and screened out relevant literature on CNV animal experiments from 2013 to 2023. The database was established by Excel 2021, and the experimental animal strain, gender, modeling method, detection index, and application category were sorted out. The characteristics of the CNV animal model were analyzed. ResultAfter comparative analysis, it was found that the animal strains were Sprague-Dawley rats (87 times, 29.49%) and New Zealand white rabbits (52 times, 17.63%). Male animals were recommended. Most modeling methods for efficacy verification and mechanism studies were the alkali burn method. Index detection methods included apparent index observation, histopathological detection, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Detection indexes included apparent indication, corneal histopathology, CNV regulation, etc. ConclusionThe CNV model of SD rats induced by the alkali burn method is recommended for model replication, and the indexes are mainly selected from the growth of CNV, corneal histopathological test, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-related test. In addition, according to the demand, the corneal apparent indication and the basic indexes related to the regulation of CNV, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and secretogranin Ⅲ (Scg3) are also selected. Clinical treatment of CNV relies on anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-VEGF drugs, and there is a lack of application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), so the model needs to be improved by adding elements of TCM syndromes.
10.Cloning and gene functional analysis study of dynamin-related protein GeDRP1E gene in Gastrodia elata
Xin FAN ; Jian-hao ZHAO ; Yu-chao CHEN ; Zhong-yi HUA ; Tian-rui LIU ; Yu-yang ZHAO ; Yuan YUAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):482-488
The gene

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