ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 （MAP-2）， alpha-tubulin （α-tubulin）， and synaptophysin （SYP） are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein （α-Syn） and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease （PD）， analyzed their correlation， and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group （30 cases） and a control group （30 cases）. Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine， and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score， TCM syndrome score， and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment， the TCM syndrome score， UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% （19/30）， and that of the treatment group was 86.7% （26/30）. The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group （Z=-2.03， P<0.05）. The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （χ²=5.136， P<0.05）. After treatment， the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group， were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 （P<0.05）. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.

Objective To observe the impact factors of abdominal wall edema degree after high intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation for uterine leiomyoma(UL).Methods Totally 128 patients with solitary UL who underwent HIFU were retrospectively enrolled.Edema degree of abdominal wall showed on T2WI were classified into grade Ⅰ,Ⅱand Ⅲ according to the involved layers and subcutaneous indurations.Patients'general data,MRI characteristics of UL,HIFU parameters and adverse reactions were compared among grades.Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to screen the impact factors of edema degree.Results Among 128 patients,grade Ⅰ edema was found in 79 cases(79/128,61.72%),while grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ were observed in 27(27/128,21.09%)and 22(22/128,17.19%)cases,respectively.Compared with patients with grade Ⅲ edema,those with grades Ⅰ and Ⅱ had lower body mass index(BMI),and patients with grade Ⅰ edema had decreased subcutaneous fat thickness and decreased total thickness of subcutaneous fat and muscle layers(both adjusted P＜0.05).The proportion of abdominal scars in patients with grade Ⅰedema was lower than that with grade Ⅱ(adjusted P＜0.05).No significant difference of MRI findings of UL before HIFU nor HIFU parameters was noticed among different grades of edema(all P＞0.05).BMI and abdominal scar were both impact factors for distinguishing grade Ⅰ and Ⅲ,while BMI was the impact factor for distinguishing grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ edema after HIFU for UL(all P＜0.05).Conclusion BMI and abdominal scar were both impact factors for abdominal wall edema degree after HIFU for UL.

[Objective] To explore the therapeutic effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). [Methods] C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to the control group, the DSS group (model) and the DSS+IVIG group (treatment). The DSS group and the DSS+IVIG group received 3% DSS in drinking water to establish the acute UC mouse model. During the experiment, the DSS+IVIG group received IVIG (1 g/kg/2d) via tail vein injection, while the DSS group received equivalent saline via tail vein injection at the same dose and frequency. The symptoms of the mice were observed, body weight changes were recorded, and the disease activity index (DAI) was calculated daily. At the end of the experiment, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes and inflammatory cell infiltration of colon tissue; Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was used to quantify the number of goblet cells; Luminex was used to detect the levels of inflammatory-related cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6 and MMPs) in colon; western blot and qRT-PCR were respectively used to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-3). [Results] DSS induced weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stool, increased DAI score, and shortened colon length in mice. Compared with DSS group, after the administration of IVIG, the DAI score was significantly reduced (P<0.001), colon length was increased (P<0.001), infiltration of inflammatory cells and pathological damage were alleviated in colonic mucosa (P<0.001), the number of goblet cells were increased (P<0.05), and the levels of inflammatory-related cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-6R, MMP2, MMP3 and Chitinase3like1 were decreased (all P<0.05). Western blot and qRT - PCR results showed that IVIG significantly up-regulated the protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin and claudin-3 (all P<0.05) and the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and Occludin (all P<0.05). [Conclusion] IVIG has protective effects on colitis by inhibiting the pathological release of inflammatory-related cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and MMPs and restoring the integrity of intestinal barrier.

[Objective] : To explore the clinical characteristics and methods for syndrome differentiation prediction, as well as to construct a predictive model for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). [Methods] : This study employed a retrospective case-control design to analyze patients with AIS who received inpatient treatment at the Neurology Department of The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022. AIS patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were stratified into case group, while those without Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were stratified into control group. The demographic characteristics (age and gender), clinical parameters [time from onset to admission, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and blood pressure], past medical history, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic characteristics (tongue and pulse), neurological symptoms and signs, imaging findings [magnetic resonance imaging-diffusion weighted imaging (MRI-DWI)], and biochemical indicators of the two groups were collected and compared. The indicators with statistical difference (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate their predictive value for the diagnosis of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, and the predictive model was constructed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. [Results] : The study included 1 035 AIS patients, with 404 cases in case group and 631 cases in control group. Compared with control group, patients in case group were significantly older, had extended onset-to-admission time, lower diastolic blood pressure, and lower NIHSS scores (P < 0.05). Case group showed lower incidence of hypertension history (P < 0.05). Regarding tongue and pulse characteristics, pale and dark tongue colors, white tongue coating, fine pulse, astringent pulse, and sinking pulse were more common in case group. Imaging examinations demonstrated higher proportions of centrum semiovale infarction, cerebral atrophy, and vertebral artery stenosis in case group (P < 0.05). Among biochemical indicators, case group showed higher proportions of elevated fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), while lower proportions of elevated white blood cell count, reduced hemoglobin, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors for Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome including: fine pulse [odds ratio (OR) = 4.38], astringent pulse (OR = 3.67), superficial sensory abnormalities (OR = 1.86), centrum semiovale infarction (OR = 1.57), cerebral atrophy (OR = 1.55), vertebral artery stenosis (OR = 1.62), and elevated HbA1c (OR = 3.52). The ROC curve analysis of the comprehensive prediction model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.878 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.855 – 0.900]. [Conclusion] This study finds out that Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome represents one of the primary types of AIS. Fine pulse, astringent pulse, superficial sensory abnormalities, centrum semiovale infarction, cerebral atrophy, vertebral artery stenosis, elevated blood glucose, elevated HbA1c, pale and dark tongue colors, and white tongue coating are key objective diagnostic indicators for the syndrome differentiation of AIS with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Based on these indicators, a syndrome differentiation prediction model has been developed, offering a more objective basis for clinical diagnosis, and help to rapidly identify this syndrome in clinical practice and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Promoting the construction of a “Healthy China” is essential to building a great modern socialist country. Health workers in every era have their historical missions and they are the “benevolent doctors” of their own era. Therefore， clarifying the basic connotation and times requirements of “benevolent doctors” has become the first question to be answered in cultivating “benevolent doctors”. The basic connotation of “benevolent doctor” should reflect not only the comprehensive development of moral， intellectual， physical， aesthetic， and labor education in fostering virtue and nurturing talents， but also embody the people-centered development philosophy， promote social equity and justice， and reflect the strategic needs of building a “Healthy China.” Specifically in the practice of medical education， emphasizing both medical science spirit and medical humanities spirit has become an important path to cultivate “benevolent doctors” in the new era.

Objective To investigate the protective effects of butyrate on sepsis-related myocardial dys-function.Methods Thirty healthy 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group(SH,n=10),sepsis group(CL,n=10),and butyrate group(BU,n=10).The CL and BU groups underwent cecal ligation and puncture(CLP)to establish sepsis models,while the SH group received the same surgical procedure without cecal ligation or puncture.Within 30 minutes post-opera-tion,the SH and CL groups received 5 mL normal saline via gavage,whereas the BU group was administered 5 mL sodium butyrate solution(500 mg/kg)in normal saline.Cardiac output(CO)and ejection fraction(EF)were compared among the three groups.Myocardial histopathological injury was assessed by HE staining,and mitochondrial ultrastructural damage was observed by electron microscopy.Serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ),and butyrate were compared among groups.Western blot analysis was performed to detect and compare the expression levels of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4(ACSL4)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in myocardial tissues.Results After intervention,the BNP and cTnⅠ levels in the CL group were higher than those in the SH group,while CO and EF were lower than those in the SH group(P＜0.05).The BNP and cTnⅠ levels in the BU group were lower than those in the CL group,whereas CO and EF levels were higher than those in the CL group(P＜0.05).HE staining of myocardial tissues re-vealed more severe inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial cell edema in the CL group compared with the SH group,while the BU group showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.Mitochondrial membrane in-tegrity was impaired in the CL group manifested by unclear cristae,swelling,vacuolar degeneration and rup-ture,whereas mitochondrial damage was attenuated in the BU group.Serum butyrate levels were measured as(61.7±21.6)μg/mL,(95.3±16.6)μg/mL and(302.2±49.7)μg/mL in the CL,SH and BU groups respec-tively(P＜0.05).The ACSL4 expression in the CL group was higher than that in the SH group,while GPX4 protein expression was lower than that in the SH group(P＜0.05).The BU group exhibited lower ACSL4 expression and higher GPX4 protein expression compared with the CL group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Buty-rate can ameliorate myocardial injury in septic rats,and its protective effect may be associated with the inhibi-tion of myocardial ferroptosis.

The reverse phase nystagmus is not uncommon in clinical practice.Inadequate understanding brings great confusion to clinical diagnosis and treatment,which leads to misdiagnosis frequently and also increases the eco-nomic burden on patients.The purpose of this paper is to summarize and analyze the mechanism,characteristics and clinical significance of reverse phase nystagmus,to help clinicians better understand the significance of inversion nys-tagmus in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,in order to achieve accurate and efficient diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Objective To observe the impact factors of abdominal wall edema degree after high intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)ablation for uterine leiomyoma(UL).Methods Totally 128 patients with solitary UL who underwent HIFU were retrospectively enrolled.Edema degree of abdominal wall showed on T2WI were classified into grade Ⅰ,Ⅱand Ⅲ according to the involved layers and subcutaneous indurations.Patients'general data,MRI characteristics of UL,HIFU parameters and adverse reactions were compared among grades.Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to screen the impact factors of edema degree.Results Among 128 patients,grade Ⅰ edema was found in 79 cases(79/128,61.72%),while grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ were observed in 27(27/128,21.09%)and 22(22/128,17.19%)cases,respectively.Compared with patients with grade Ⅲ edema,those with grades Ⅰ and Ⅱ had lower body mass index(BMI),and patients with grade Ⅰ edema had decreased subcutaneous fat thickness and decreased total thickness of subcutaneous fat and muscle layers(both adjusted P＜0.05).The proportion of abdominal scars in patients with grade Ⅰedema was lower than that with grade Ⅱ(adjusted P＜0.05).No significant difference of MRI findings of UL before HIFU nor HIFU parameters was noticed among different grades of edema(all P＞0.05).BMI and abdominal scar were both impact factors for distinguishing grade Ⅰ and Ⅲ,while BMI was the impact factor for distinguishing grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ edema after HIFU for UL(all P＜0.05).Conclusion BMI and abdominal scar were both impact factors for abdominal wall edema degree after HIFU for UL.

Objective To investigate prognostic value of serum levels of cathepsin B(CTSB)and NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4)in patients with sepsis associated acute kidney injury(S-AKI).Methods A total of 306 pa-tients with sepsis treated to the hospital from June 2023 to June 2024 were selected,including 192 patients with S-AKI(S-AKI group)and 114 patients without S-AKI(non-S-AKI group).According to the prognosis of S-AKI patients,they were divided into poor prognosis group(n=127)and non-poor prognosis group(n=65).The differences of CTSB and NOX4 in different groups were compared.Pearson analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between CTSB,NOX4 and clinical indicators.The influencing factors of poor prognosis in S-AKI patients was analyzed according to multivariate Logistic regression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive value of CTSB and NOX4 on the poor prognosis of S-AKI pa-tients.Results Th e serum levels of CTSB,NOX4 and serum creatinine(SCr)in S-AKI group were signifi-cantly higher than those in non-S-AKI group(P＜0.05),while the mean arterial pressure and oxygenation in-dex were lower than those in non-S-AKI group(P＜0.05).Serum levels of CTSB and NOX4 in patients with sepsis were positively correlated with SCr(P＜0.05).Compared to non-poor prognosis group,the age,SCr,CTSB and NOX4 of patients in the poor prognosis group were higher,while the mean arterial pressure and ox-ygenation index were lower(P＜0.05).The increased mean arterial pressure and oxygenation index were pro-tective factors for poor prognosis in S-AKI patients(P＜0.05),and the increased age,SCr,CTSB and NOX4 levels were risk factors for poor prognosis in S-AKI patients(P＜0.05).ROC curve showed that the area un-der the curve(AUC)of CTSB combined with NOX4 was significantly higher than AUC of single detection of CTSB and NOX4(Z=4.066,P＜0.001,Z=3.801,P＜0.001).Conclusion The serum levels of CTSB and NOX4 in S-AKI patients are elevated,and can indirectly reflect kidney function.CTSB combined with NOX4 can significantly improve the prediction efficiency of poor prognosis in S-AKI patients,which has potential ap-plication value for clinical treatment and nursing.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the protective effect of catalpol against triptolide-induced liver injury and explore its mechanism to test the Fuzheng Zhidu theory for detoxification. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were randomized into blank control group, catalpol group, triptolide group and triptolide+catalpol group. After 13 days of treatment with the agents by gavage, the mice were examined for liver tissue pathology, liver function, hepatocyte subcellular structure, lipid peroxidation, ferrous ion deposition and expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins in the liver. In a liver cell line HL7702, the effect of catalpol or the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 on triptolide-induced cytotoxicity was tested by examining cell functions, Fe²⁺ concentration, lipid peroxidation, ROS level and the ferroptosis-related proteins. RESULTS: In C57BL/6J mice, catalpol significantly alleviated triptolide-induced hepatic injury, lowered the levels of ALT, AST and LDH, and reversed the elevation of Fe²⁺ concentration and MDA level and the reduction of GP_X level. In HL7702 cells, inhibition of ferroptosis by Fer-1 significantly reversed triptolide-induced elevation of ALT, AST and LDH levels. Western blotting and qRT-PCR demonstrated that catalpol reversed abnormalities in expressions of SLC7A11, FTH1 and GPX4 at both the mRNA and protein levels in triptolide-treated HL7702 cells. CONCLUSIONS The combined use of catalpol can reduce the hepatotoxicity of triptolide in mice by inhibiting excessive hepatocyte ferroptosis through the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
Animals ; Phenanthrenes/toxicity* ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Diterpenes/toxicity* ; Epoxy Compounds/toxicity* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Hepatocytes/metabolism* ; Mice ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase ; Iridoid Glucosides/pharmacology* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/prevention & control* ; Male ; Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*