Lingyan Qiao’s research while affiliated with Binzhou Medical University and other places

Background Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common global health concern. However, limited studies explored the association between soft drinks intake and PD among female undergraduates in China. Objective To determine the association between soft drinks (carbonated soft drinks, etc.) as well coffee intake and the incidence/severity of PD among female undergraduates in China. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study among 1809 female undergraduates in China from September 29, 2020 to October 22, 2020. The demographic information and menstrual information of the participants were collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. Chi-square test, ANOVA test, and logistic regression test were used to investigate the association between soft drinks intake and the incidence/severity of PD. We also conducted stratification analysis among different locations ( rural or urban). Results The prevalence of PD was 47.1% (n = 852). There were 221 (25.9%) participants suffered from severe pain. In the participants with PD, the OR of carbonated soft drinks intake was 1.244 (95% CI = 1.010–1.533). Among the participants with PD from rural areas, the OR of carbonated soft drinks intake was 1.402 (95% CI = 1.045–1.881), compared with the non-carbonated soft drink group. In the participants with moderate and severe PD, the OR of coffee intake was 0.451 (95% CI = 0.228–0.892), compared with the non-coffee-drinking group. There was a significant association between carbonated soft drinks intake frequency and the severity of PD (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our study showed that carbonated soft drinks intake is a risk factor for PD, especially in participants from rural areas. Coffee intake is a protective factor for the severity of PD. Periodical awareness programs about adverse effects of excessive soft drink consumption should be introduced to reduce the prevalence and exacerbation of PD. Coffee intake might be helpful to relieve the severity of PD.

Mercury exposure may increase the risk of depression. This study aimed to examine the association between blood mercury and depressive symptoms in Chinese young adults. We collected 477 fasting venous blood samples and questionnaire data from the Chinese undergraduate cohort study in 2019 and 2021. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to estimate depressive symptoms. Blood mercury levels and metabolomic levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using linear mixed-effects models and ANOVAs based on baseline blood samples (N = 468) to examine metabolomic changes associated with mercury exposure. Our study found for every 2-fold increase in blood mercury levels, the depression scale score increased by 0.50 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14, 0.86]. And in males, a 2-fold increase in blood mercury levels was associated with a 0.87 (95% CI: 0.12, 1.61) increase in depression scale scores, while it wasn’t observed in females. Individuals consuming fish ≥ once a month shows similar negative correlation. Metabolomic analysis identified 10 differential metabolites enriched in 4 metabolic pathways. Blood mercury may deteriorate depressive symptoms. Males and those who consume more fish are susceptible subjects. Mercury exposure may affect depressive symptoms through neurotransmitter, energy and inflammation-related pathways.