Chunjing Zhang

Background: This study aimed to clarify the association between iodine supplementation and thyroid function indices, as well as secondary outcomes including thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid volume (TV), in iodine-deficient pregnant women, accounting for different supplementation regimens and trimesters. Methods: Chinese and English literature on iodine supplementation in iodine-deficient pregnant women and its associations with thyroid function indices, Tg, and TV was retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, CNKI, WanFang, and WeiPu databases. Effect sizes were estimated using fixed- and random-effects models, reported as standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Iodine supplementation was associated with reduced serum TSH and Tg levels in iodine-deficient pregnant women (TSH: SMD = −0.14, 95% CI: −0.23, −0.05; Pz = 0.002; Tg: SMD = −0.22, 95% CI: −0.32, −0.13; Pz < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed significant TSH reductions in Asian populations, third trimester, daily supplementation, 200–300 μg/d doses, and potassium iodide use ( Pz < 0.05). Tg was significantly reduced across all regions, iodine supplementation dosages and methods, second/third trimesters, and daily supplementation subgroups ( Pz < 0.05). TV was significantly increased in the Europe subgroup and the until postpartum supplementation subgroup ( Pz < 0.01). Egger's test suggested publication bias for TV, but results remained robust after trim-and-fill adjustment. Conclusion: Standardized iodine supplementation notably reduces serum TSH and Tg in iodine-deficient pregnant women, relieving gestational thyroid dysfunction and optimizing maternal thyroid health. Greater TSH improvements are observed in Asian populations, the third trimester, and those taking 200–300 μg potassium iodide daily. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261323017 , identifier: CRD420261323017.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers multi-targeted therapy with few side effects for ulcerative colitis (UC). Taoling Yuyang Decoction (TLYY) has shown clinical efficacy, however, its mechanisms of action are unclear. This study employed a multi-omics approach to elucidate TLYY’s therapeutic effects in a murine DSS-induced colitis model. Methods: Using a DSS-induced mouse model of colitis, animals were divided into five groups ( n = 8): blank control (CK), model (DSS), low- and high-dose TLYY (TLYYL, TLYYH), and positive control (5-ASA). Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring body weight, disease activity index (DAI), and histopathological changes. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH-Px, SOD) in serum and colon tissues were quantified using commercial kits and immunohistochemistry. Cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and LPS were measured by ELISA. The expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1) in colon tissue was analyzed via qPCR and immunocytochemistry. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics were employed to examine gut microbiota composition, fecal SCFAs, and differential metabolites. Results: Taoling Yuyang Decoction treatment dose-dependently alleviated UC symptoms, including weight loss, colon shortening, and tissue damage. It enhanced antioxidant activities (SOD, GSH-Px) and reduced MDA, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and LPS, and up-regulated tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1). Gut microbiota analysis showed TLYY-H restored microbial diversity, increased beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus , Akkermansia ), and decreased harmful genera (e.g., Helicobacter ). It also elevated SCFA levels and modulated fecal metabolism, up-regulating anti-inflammatory/antioxidant metabolites while down-regulating toxic compounds. Key pathways such as AGE-RAGE signaling and xenobiotic metabolism were restored. Conclusion: Taoling Yuyang Decoction ameliorates DSS-induced colitis via integrated mechanisms involving oxidative stress reduction, anti-inflammation, intestinal barrier repair, and restoration of gut flora homeostasis and metabolic pathways. The superior effect of the high dose highlights its clinical potential for UC treatment.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Paeoniflorin (PAF) exhibits potential against NAFLD, yet its antioxidant mechanism via the gut-liver axis remains unclear. In a high-fat/sucrose (HFS) diet-induced NAFLD mouse model, C57BL/6 mice received PAF (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks. Oxidative stress markers, histopathology, gut microbiota, and serum metabolomics were conducted, with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) applied for causal validation. PAF ameliorated metabolic disorders by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis and promoting cholesterol excretion. PAF significantly ameliorated oxidative stress by enhancing hepatic and colonic anti-oxidant capacity, evidenced by increased SOD activity and decreased MDA levels. It concurrently reduced systemic inflammation and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity via upregulation of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, PAF reshaped the gut microbiota, elevating beneficial Akkermansia and microbial-derived SCFAs, while suppressing pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory pathogens like Desulfovibrio and Helicobacter. FMT confirmed that these antioxidant and metabolic benefits were mediated by the gut microbiota. In conclusion, PAF alleviates NAFLD primarily through potent antioxidant actions and anti-inflammatory, achieved via remodeling gut microbial ecology and reinforcing intestinal barrier.

Lactic acid bacteria exopolysaccharide (EPS) is a large molecular polymer produced during the growth and metabolism of lactic acid bacteria. EPS has multiple biological functions and is widely used in fields such as food and medicine. However, the low yield and high production cost of EPS derived from lactic acid bacteria limit its widespread application. In this study, we used beet waste residue as a substrate to produce EPS by fermentation with Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides to improve the utilization rate of agricultural waste and reduce the production cost of lactic acid bacterial EPS. After purification, the molecular weight (Mw) of EPS was determined to be 417 kDa using high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed that the EPS was composed of glucose subunits with α-1,6 glycosidic linkages. The thermal analysis and heavy metal adsorption capacity revealed a relatively high degradation temperature of 315.54 °C and that the material could effectively adsorb Cu²⁺. Additionally, the findings indicated that the EPS exhibited a significant ability to neutralize free radicals, a property that was found to be concentration dependent. Furthermore, the results of the intracellular study showed the protective effect of freshly isolated EPS on tBHP-induced cellular oxidative stress at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. These results suggest that the EPS from L. pseudomesenteroides may be developed as antioxidant agents for functional food products and pharmaceutical applications due to its capacity to scavenge free radicals.