ObjectivePolygoni Multiflori Radix is a commonly used tonic traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in clinical practice， but liver injury has often been reported in recent years. Some related preparations containing Polygoni Multiflori Radix have been reported by the National Medical Products Administration many times for the risk of liver injury. This has caused extensive discussion on the potential toxicity of TCM in China and abroad， which has limited the clinical use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix to some extent. To understand the adverse reactions of Polygoni Multiflori Radix， the safe and rational use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix in clinical practice was discussed. MethodsThe pharmacovigilance thought of modern Chinese medicine and the TCM pharmacovigilance system framework of ''identification of poison， use of poison， anti-poison， and detoxification'' were employed to mine the relevant toxicity records， usage and dosage， processing compatibility， and contraindication of taking Polygoni Multiflori Radix in ancient books. The drug safety information of Polygoni Multiflori Radix was summarized by comparing with modern reports. ResultsA total of 74 ancient books related to Polygoni Multiflori Radix were included， suggesting that the toxicity of Polygoni Multiflori Radix was recognized in ancient times. The main chemical components of Polygoni Multiflori Radix had both efficacy and toxicity， and the adverse reactions may be related to long-term use， excessive use， and individual differences. The results showed that the toxic components of Polygoni Multiflori Radix could be reduced by peeling， steaming with black beans， and processing without iron tools. The toxic effects of Polygoni Multiflori Radix could be reduced by the compatibility of Polygoni Multiflori Radix with Poria， Psoraleae Fructus， and Cistanches Herba. ConclusionReasonable dosage， standard processing， correct compatibility， and syndrome differentiation are the key points to standardize the use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions. Clinically， the toxicity classification of TCM should be strengthened， and the susceptible population should be prioritized. The detection indicators and early warning mechanisms should be improved， and precise drug dosage and course of treatment should be guaranteed. These measures can ensure the safe use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix.

ObjectivePolygoni Multiflori Radix is a commonly used tonic traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in clinical practice， but liver injury has often been reported in recent years. Some related preparations containing Polygoni Multiflori Radix have been reported by the National Medical Products Administration many times for the risk of liver injury. This has caused extensive discussion on the potential toxicity of TCM in China and abroad， which has limited the clinical use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix to some extent. To understand the adverse reactions of Polygoni Multiflori Radix， the safe and rational use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix in clinical practice was discussed. MethodsThe pharmacovigilance thought of modern Chinese medicine and the TCM pharmacovigilance system framework of ''identification of poison， use of poison， anti-poison， and detoxification'' were employed to mine the relevant toxicity records， usage and dosage， processing compatibility， and contraindication of taking Polygoni Multiflori Radix in ancient books. The drug safety information of Polygoni Multiflori Radix was summarized by comparing with modern reports. ResultsA total of 74 ancient books related to Polygoni Multiflori Radix were included， suggesting that the toxicity of Polygoni Multiflori Radix was recognized in ancient times. The main chemical components of Polygoni Multiflori Radix had both efficacy and toxicity， and the adverse reactions may be related to long-term use， excessive use， and individual differences. The results showed that the toxic components of Polygoni Multiflori Radix could be reduced by peeling， steaming with black beans， and processing without iron tools. The toxic effects of Polygoni Multiflori Radix could be reduced by the compatibility of Polygoni Multiflori Radix with Poria， Psoraleae Fructus， and Cistanches Herba. ConclusionReasonable dosage， standard processing， correct compatibility， and syndrome differentiation are the key points to standardize the use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions. Clinically， the toxicity classification of TCM should be strengthened， and the susceptible population should be prioritized. The detection indicators and early warning mechanisms should be improved， and precise drug dosage and course of treatment should be guaranteed. These measures can ensure the safe use of Polygoni Multiflori Radix.

ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of miglitol on regulating the energy metabolism of brown adipocytes by activating UCP1 and preventing cold injury in mice after cold exposure. Methods Primary brown adipocytes were induced into mature adipocytes, the effect of miglitol on the viability of brown adipocytes was investigated by MTT method, the lipid droplet consumption level of cells after drug administration was investigated by Oil Red O staining technology, and the level of UCP1, a key protein of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes, was detected by Western blotting. The activity of anti-frostbite was investigated in cold exposure at 4 ℃ and −20 ℃. KM mice, which were randomly divided into control group, cold exposure group, miglitol group and all-trans retinoic acid group, and after 7 days of repeated administration, the body surface temperature of mice was detected by infrared thermal imaging system, the anal temperature change was detected by anal thermometer, and the expression levels of UCP1 and PGC1-α in adipose tissue were detected by immunoblotting. Results Compared with the control group, the lipid droplet consumption and UCP1 expression levels in brown adipocytes in the miglitol group were significantly increased. The levels of body surface temperature and rectal temperature increased significantly after cold exposure, and the levels of UCP1 and PGC1α in the brown adipose tissue of mice increased significantly, which indicated that the miglitol could activate the critical proteins UCP1 and PGC1α of the thermogenesis pathway, increase the thermogenesis of mice after cold exposure, and thus improve the effect of cold injury for toe swelling. Conclusion Miglitol could play a role in improving cold injury and body temperature in mice by increasing the level of UCP1 and PGC1α, which are key targets of the thermogenesis pathway to promote the thermogenesis of brown fat.

Microglial pyroptosis and neuroinflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation is involved in neurodevelopment and injury. However, its regulatory function in microglial pyroptosis and involvement in SAE remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that OGT deficiency augmented microglial pyroptosis and exacerbated secondary neuronal injury. Furthermore, OGT inhibition impaired cognitive function in healthy mice and accelerated the progression in SAE mice. Mechanistically, OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation of ATF2 at Ser44 inhibited its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby amplifying NLRP3 inflammasome activation and promoting inflammatory cytokine production in microglia in response to LPS/Nigericin stimulation. In conclusion, this study uncovers the critical role of OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation in modulating microglial activity through the regulation of ATF2 and thus protects against SAE progression.
Animals ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/physiology* ; Mice ; Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy/prevention & control* ; Activating Transcription Factor 2/metabolism* ; N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Mice, Knockout

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern to activate the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling in macrophages, promoting tissue inflammation. However, its role in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. Macrophage-specific Sting1 knockout mice were used to validate STING's pathological role in AMI. Cardiac and liver mtDNA were used to activate macrophages in co-culture systems with cardiomyocytes to assess fibrosis and hypertrophy. Panaxatriol saponin (PTS) was tested for its ability to block mtDNA-driven macrophage activation and subsequent cardiomyocyte damage. STING-PTS binding ability was analyzed. AMI rats received PTS to evaluate its effects on myocardial inflammation and ventricular remodeling. In vivo, macrophage-specific Sting1 knockout reduced myocardial inflammation and injury after AMI. In vitro, mtDNA-activated macrophages induced cardiomyocyte fibrosis and hypertrophy through STING signaling. PTS suppressed mtDNA-driven macrophage activation by directly binding STING, thereby blocking inflammatory cascades. In AMI rats, PTS treatment attenuated acute inflammation and reversed ventricular remodeling. These findings establish the mtDNA-STING axis in macrophages as a critical driver of post-AMI inflammation and identify pharmacological STING inhibition with PTS as a promising therapeutic strategy. The study bridges genetic validation with translational applications, highlighting macrophage STING as a novel target for ischemic heart disease management.

Objective To compare the screening efficacy of the Water Swallow Test and the Standard-ized Swallowing Assessment for identifying swallowing disorder risk in elderly inpatients,providing reference for selecting appropriate clinical screening tools.Methods Using convenience sampling,240 elderly inpatients admitted from March to November 2023 were enrolled.Swallowing function was evaluated using the Water Swallow Test,Standardized Swallowing Assessment,and the Eating Assessment Tool.With the Eating As-sessment Tool as the diagnostic standard,Bayes discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were employed to compare the screening capabilities of the Water Swallow Test and Standard-ized Swallowing Assessment for swallowing disorder risk in elderly hospitalized patients.Results A total of 240 questionnaires were distributed,and 226 valid questionnaires were recovered,with an effective recovery rate of 94.17%.The incidence of swallowing disorders in elderly patients was screened using Water Swallow Test,Standardized Swallowing Assessment,and The Eating Assessment Tool,with rates of 6.2%,31.0%,and 14.2%,respectively;The Kappa values for consistency between Water Swallow Test and The Eating As-sessment Tool,and between Standardized Swallowing Assessment and The Eating Assessment Tool were 0.381 and 0.392,respectively(both P<0.01);The areas under the ROC curves for Water Swallow Test and Standardized Swallowing Assessment were 0.839(95%CI:0.784 to 0.884)and 0.821(95%CI:0.765 to 0.869),respectively,with no statistically significant difference(Z=0.326,P=0.744);The cross validation accuracy of risk prediction for swallowing disorders was 88.5%and 77.9%,respectively;The cutoff values were 1.5 grades and 18.5 points,respectively;The sensitivity was 0.875 and 0.813,the specificity was 0.737 and 0.773,and the Youden index was 0.612 and 0.586,respectively.Conclusion Water Swallow Test and Standardized Swallowing Assessment have average ability to screen for the risk of swallowing disorders in eld-erly patients;Water Swallow Test has higher predictive efficiency for the risk of swallowing disorders,making it more suitable for screening the risk of swallowing disorders in elderly patients.

AIM To investigate the impact of varying dosages of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 glycolipid metabolic pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the concentration of Supplemented Wendan Decoction-medicated serum.The mature adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after induction were further divided into the blank control group,the model group,the rosiglitazone group(10 mg/L),and the Supplemented Wendan Decoction groups(5％,10％,and 20％),followed by the sample collections after 48 hours of treatment.Oil red O staining quantified lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes;extracellular glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase(GOD)assay;RT-qPCR analyzed mRNA expressions of IRS-1,PI3K,Akt,GLUT4,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;Western blot assessed protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt,FOXO1 and GLUT4.RESULTS No significant changes in cell viability(P＞0.05)were observed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes exposed to serum containing supplemented Wendan Decoction at different concentrations for 24,48,or 72 hours.The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes held the capacity to differentiate into mature adipocytes within a 14-day induction period.Compared to the model group,all supplemented Wendan Decoction groups exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and downregulated mRNA expression of IRS-1,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.01);the low-dose group demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of PI3K and GLUT4(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),alongside elevated protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt and GLUT4(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);the medium-dose group showed enhanced GLUT4 mRNA expression,and upregulated protein expressions of INSR and FOXO1(P＜0.01).After 24 hours intervention,the high-dose Supplemented Wendan Decoction group exhibited increased glucose consumption in adipocytes(P＜0.01),and elevated protein expression of INSR,Akt and FOXO1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Supplemented Wendan Decoction reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes,regulates glucose and lipid metabolism,and promotes metabolic homeostasis through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of benzoylaconine(BAC)on H9c2 cardio-myocytes after oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxyenation(OGD/R)injury.Methods After an in vitro model of OGD/R injury was established in H9c2 cells,the cells were treated with BAC at different concentrations(0,25,50,75,100 μmol/L)to determine its optimal dose.Then,H9c2 cells were randomly divided into control group,OGD/R group,OGD/R+BAC group(75 μmol),OGD/R+LY294002 group(PI3K/Akt inhibitor),and OGD/R+LY294002+BAC group.Corre-sponding reagent kits were used to determine cell viability and LDH level,as well as the expres-sion levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,MDA and GSH-Px in the cells.Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway proteins,as well as autophagic proteins such as LC3,Beclin1,and P62.Results Compared to the control group,the cell viability was significantly decreased,and LDH level was obviously increased in the OGD/R group(P＜0.01).Treatment of 75 μmol/L BAC significantly increased the cell viability(0.87±0.06 vs 40.49±0.06,P＜0.01)and decreased the LDH level(86.75±7.79 U/L vs 234.42±6.20 U/L,P＜0.01)when compared to the levels of the OGD/R group.OGD/R injury induced notable increases in TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,and MDA expression levels,while decrease of GSH-Px expression level(P＜0.01),and down-regulation of p-PI3K,p-Akt and P62 and up-regulation of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ and Beclin-1(P＜0.01)when compared with the control group.Treatment of 75 μmol/L BAC increased the levels of p-PI3K,p-Akt,and P62 proteins(0.90±0.07 vs 0.58±0.04,1.02±0.02 vs 0.49±0.01,1.48±0.05 vs 0.87±0.04)and decreased those of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ and Beclin-1(0.52±0.01 vs 1.24±0.04,0.12±0.01 vs 0.32±0.02)when compared with the OGD/R group(P＜0.01).Conclusions BAC attenu-ates the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of myocardial cells after OGD/R injury,regu-lates autophagy homeostasis,and reduces myocardial cell damage.Its regulatory effect on myocar-dial autophagy homeostasis may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.