OBJECTIVES: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMQ) for alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. METHODS: Eighteen male C57BL/6J mice were equally randomized into control group, DSS group and DMQ treatment group. In DSS and DMQ groups, the mice were treated with DSS in drinking water to induce UC, and received intraperitoneal injections of sterile PBS or DMQ (20 mg/kg) during modeling. The changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, spleen weight, and colon histological scores of the mice were examined, and the percentages of Th17 and IFN-γ⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were analyzed using flow cytometry. The expressions of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1), proteins associated with inflammasome activation (caspase-1 and p20), IL-1β and TNF-α in the colon tissues were detected using Western blotting or ELISA. In the cell experiment, mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were treated with DMQ, followed by stmulation with nigericin to activate the classical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) treated with either LPS alone or LPS plus nigericin, the effects of DMQ on inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and cytokine release were evaluated via Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry. RESULTS: In DSS-treated mice, DMQ treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced body weight loss, colon shortening, spleen enlargement, and colon inflammation. The DMQ-treated mice showed significantly reduced percentages of Th17 cells and IFN-γ⁺ CD8⁺ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen, with increased occludin and ZO-1 expressions and decreased caspase-1 expression in the colon tissue. DMQ obviously inhibited classical NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse BMDMs and both the classical and alternative pathways of NLRP3 activation in human PBMCs, causing also suppression of caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis. CONCLUSIONS DMQ ameliorates DSS-induced UC in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Animals ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Colitis, Ulcerative/metabolism* ; Dextran Sulfate/adverse effects* ; Male ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; Mice ; Benzoquinones/therapeutic use* ; Th17 Cells ; Caspase 1/metabolism*

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of combined lienal polypeptide injection therapy in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia（MPP）in children aged 3 to 14 years old in multiple clinical centers.Methods:A randomized，controlled，multi-center clinical study design was adopted.A total of 240 hospitalized children aged 3 to 14 years old with MPP from 7 hospitals from September 1，2023 to January 31，2024 were included.According to the severity of pneumonia，they were divided into the mild MPP group with 80 cases and the severe MPP/refractory MPP（SMPP/RMPP）group with 160 cases，and then randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group at a ratio of 1 ∶1，using the random number table method.After screening，subjects entered a treatment period of 5 to 7 days.The control group was treated with azithromycin，while the experimental group was treated with azithromycin plus lienal polypeptide injection .The recovery of lung CT，length of hospital stay，duration of fever，cough score，whether mild cases developed into severe or refractory cases，duration of hormone use，use of intravenous immunoglobulin（IVIG），bronchoscopy treatment，and immune function were observed between the two groups to evaluate the efficacy of lienal polypeptide injection.Adverse events after medication，vital signs，blood routine，urine routine，liver function，myocardial enzymes，renal function，and electrocardiogram were observed to evaluate the safety. Results:A total of 231 subjects have completed the trial in the 7 hospitals，including 118 cases in the experimental group and 113 cases in the control group.Main observation index：the rate of lung CT aggravation in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group（2.6% vs 15.3%， P<0.01），and the difference was statistically significant.Secondary indexes：there were no statistically significant differences in the length of hospital stay，duration of fever，cough score，duration of hormone use，whether IVIG treatment was used，the number of bronchoscopy treatment cases，and immunoglobulin between the two groups（all P>0.05）.However，the rate of cases of plastic bronchitis（PB）found under bronchoscopy in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group（0 vs 18.8%， P=0.03），and the difference was statistically significant.Among the mild MPP（72 cases），there were no statistically significant differences in the length of hospital stay，duration of fever，cough score，duration of hormone use，whether IVIG treatment was used，the number of bronchoscopy treatment cases，and the improvement rate of lung CT between the two groups（all P>0.05）.However，compared with the control group，the rate of cases developing into SMPP/RMPP in the experimental group was less（24.3% vs 48.6%， P=0.03），and the difference in IgG before and after treatment was small［0.53（-0.04，1.18）g/L vs 1.33（0.48，2.25）g/L， P=0.01］.Among the SMPP/RMPP cases（159 cases），the rate of cases of PB found under bronchoscopy in the experimental group was less than that in the control group（0 vs 20%， P=0.04），and the rate of cases with aggravated lung CT in the experimental group was less than that in the control group（1.3% vs 19.5%， P<0.01），and the improvement rate of lung CT in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group（88.8% vs 75.3%， P=0.03），with statistically significant differences.There were no statistically significant differences in the length of hospital stay，duration of fever，cough score，duration of hormone use，whether IVIG treatment was used，the number of bronchoscopy treatment cases，and immunoglobulin between the two groups（all P>0.05）.Two cases in the experimental group developed rashes，which improved after the drug was discontinued.There were no serious adverse reactions such as abnormal vital signs like dyspnea and cyanosis due to the use of lienal polypeptide injection.There were no obvious changes in blood routine，liver function，myocardial enzymes，renal function，electrocardiogram，and urine routine values before and after medication compared with the baseline. Conclusion:The combined use of lienal polypeptide injection in the treatment of MPP in children can reduce the probability of the transformation from mild cases to SMPP/RMPP，reduce the rate of aggravation of the image findings，promote the absorption of lung inflammation，reduce the rate of PB found under bronchoscopy，and has good safety.

Background::Statins are the first line of treatment for dyslipidemia, but their side effects often reduce medication compliance. Natto and red yeast rice are natural ingredients with lipid-lowering effects. However, the efficacy of Natto Red Yeast Rice (NRYR) supplement in combination with statins in regulating blood lipid levels has not been fully evaluated.Methods::A multicenter, double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial was conducted among individuals with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 3.4 to 5.0 mmol/L at six sites in China, of those at moderate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prioritized. Participants are enrolled and randomly assigned into four groups by a combination of NRYR (or its placebo) and Simvastatin (or its placebo) in a ratio of 1:1:1:1. After examination at baseline, all participants underwent intervention for 3 months and two follow-up visits at 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. The primary outcome is the change in LDL-C level at 3 months, and secondary outcomes include changes in levels of other lipid profiles and biomarkers, as well as calculated 10-year CVD risk. A total of 1136 participants were randomly assigned, of whom 1110 received the intervention.Discussion::This study may provide new evidence for the efficacy of NRYR supplement in combination with statins to regulate lipid levels and optimize lipid management.Trial Registration::Chinese Clinical Trial Registry database: registration nos. ChiCTR2200064214, ChiCTR2200064215.

Background::Statins are the first line of treatment for dyslipidemia, but their side effects often reduce medication compliance. Natto and red yeast rice are natural ingredients with lipid-lowering effects. However, the efficacy of Natto Red Yeast Rice (NRYR) supplement in combination with statins in regulating blood lipid levels has not been fully evaluated.Methods::A multicenter, double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial was conducted among individuals with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 3.4 to 5.0 mmol/L at six sites in China, of those at moderate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prioritized. Participants are enrolled and randomly assigned into four groups by a combination of NRYR (or its placebo) and Simvastatin (or its placebo) in a ratio of 1:1:1:1. After examination at baseline, all participants underwent intervention for 3 months and two follow-up visits at 1 month and 3 months after the intervention. The primary outcome is the change in LDL-C level at 3 months, and secondary outcomes include changes in levels of other lipid profiles and biomarkers, as well as calculated 10-year CVD risk. A total of 1136 participants were randomly assigned, of whom 1110 received the intervention.Discussion::This study may provide new evidence for the efficacy of NRYR supplement in combination with statins to regulate lipid levels and optimize lipid management.Trial Registration::Chinese Clinical Trial Registry database: registration nos. ChiCTR2200064214, ChiCTR2200064215.

Background::Despite the adverse effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) on type 2 diabetes and the beneficial role of physical activity (PA), the influence of PM 2.5 on the relationship between PA and type 2 diabetes remains unclear. Methods::In this prospective study with 71,689 participants, PA was assessed by a questionnaire and was categorized into quartiles for volume and three groups for intensity. Long-term PM 2.5 exposure was calculated using 1-km resolution satellite-based PM 2.5 estimates. PM 2.5 exposure and PA's effect on type 2 diabetes were assessed by cohort-stratified Cox proportional hazards models, individually and in combination. Results::In 488,166 person-years of follow-up, 5487 incident type 2 diabetes cases were observed. The association between PA and type 2 diabetes was modified by PM 2.5. Compared with the lowest quartile of PA volume, the highest quartile was associated with reduced type 2 diabetes risk in low PM 2.5 stratification (≤65.02 μg/m 3) other than in high PM 2.5 stratification (>65.02 μg/m 3), with the hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.85) and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99-1.22), respectively. Similar results were observed for PA intensity. High PM 2.5 exposure combined with the highest PA levels increased the risk of type 2 diabetes the most (HR= 1.79, 95% CI: 1.59-2.01 for PA volume; HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.64-2.02 for PA intensity). Conclusion::PA could reduce type 2 diabetes risk in low-pollution areas, but high PM 2.5 exposure may weaken or even reverse the protective effects of PA. Safety and health benefits of PA should be thoroughly assessed for long-term polluted residents.

Background::Despite the adverse effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) on type 2 diabetes and the beneficial role of physical activity (PA), the influence of PM 2.5 on the relationship between PA and type 2 diabetes remains unclear. Methods::In this prospective study with 71,689 participants, PA was assessed by a questionnaire and was categorized into quartiles for volume and three groups for intensity. Long-term PM 2.5 exposure was calculated using 1-km resolution satellite-based PM 2.5 estimates. PM 2.5 exposure and PA's effect on type 2 diabetes were assessed by cohort-stratified Cox proportional hazards models, individually and in combination. Results::In 488,166 person-years of follow-up, 5487 incident type 2 diabetes cases were observed. The association between PA and type 2 diabetes was modified by PM 2.5. Compared with the lowest quartile of PA volume, the highest quartile was associated with reduced type 2 diabetes risk in low PM 2.5 stratification (≤65.02 μg/m 3) other than in high PM 2.5 stratification (>65.02 μg/m 3), with the hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.85) and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99-1.22), respectively. Similar results were observed for PA intensity. High PM 2.5 exposure combined with the highest PA levels increased the risk of type 2 diabetes the most (HR= 1.79, 95% CI: 1.59-2.01 for PA volume; HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.64-2.02 for PA intensity). Conclusion::PA could reduce type 2 diabetes risk in low-pollution areas, but high PM 2.5 exposure may weaken or even reverse the protective effects of PA. Safety and health benefits of PA should be thoroughly assessed for long-term polluted residents.

ObjectiveTo identify the molecular biology of various species of Tibetan Codonopsis plants based on internal transcribed spacer（ITS）2 and psbA-trnH sequence barcode technology. MethodThe genomic DNA of 28 Tibetan Codonopsis plant samples from four species （Codonopsis canescens，C. foetens subsp. nervosa，C. pilosula， and C. thalictrifolia var. mollis） were extracted，and the ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences were amplified and sequenced. The related sequences of 81 Tibetan Codonopsis plant samples belonging to 15 species were downloaded from GenBank， and MEGA 6.0 was used for sequence comparison and mutation site analysis. The GC content and genetic distance within and between species were calculated. Additionally， phylogenetic trees were constructed by maximum likelihood （ML） method， neighbor-joining （NJ） method，and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means （UPGMA） . ResultAccording to the mutation site，C. canescens， C. pilosula，C. pilosula subsp. tangshen， C. pilosula var. modesta，C. bhutanica，C. clematidea，C. lanceolata，C. subglobosa and C. foetens were distinguished. In the phylogenetic trees，the optimal clustering effects for ITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences were obtained using the ML method and the UPGMA method， respectively， and 12 species were effectively clustered. ConclusionITS2 and psbA-trnH sequences have a high identification rate for species of single origin，but there are still some limitations in identifying variants and original variants. This study provides basis for the identification of affinity relationship and clinical safety of Tibetan Codonopsis plants.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design.Methods:From January 2020 to February 2022, the clinical data of patients with complex labia minora and clitoris prepuce hypertrophy who were treated in the Medical Cosmetic Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were collected and analysed. The inner side of their labia minora showed no chalasis in the vertical direction, but the outer side were slack with folds, accompanied by clitoris prepuce hyperplasia. We adopted the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design. The outer side of the labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were considered as a whole, and a wedge-shaped incision line was designed to remove the excess tissue in the vertical direction. On this basis, an arc was projected on the inner side of the labia minora to form an arcuate incision line on the inner side. The composite reduction labiaplasty was performed with the combination of wedge resection and edge resection. The postoperative follow-up observations included: postoperative complications, the symmetry of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce, the improvement of frictional discomfort, the cleanliness of the labia minora and the clitoris prepuce, and the patient's satisfaction with the shape of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce. For patients with sexual experience, follow-up content also includes changes in sexual satisfaction.Results:A total of 17 female patients aged 20 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 years, were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted 2 months after the operation. All incisions healed by first intention with no sawtooth-like deformity at the incision margin, and had natural appearance. Patients felt that the bilateral labia minora and clitoral foreskin were completely symmetrical in 3 cases, basically symmetrical in 12 cases, and partially asymmetric in 2 cases. These 2 cases of partial asymmetry did not require further surgical repair. In all 17 patients, the frictional discomfort was completely resolved, and the labia minora and clitoral foreskin were easier to clean. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance in 5 cases, satisfied in 10 cases, and dissatisfied in 2 case. There were 15 patients with previous sexual life experience, of which 10 patients had improved sexual satisfaction, and 5 patients had no change in sexual satisfaction after the operation.Conclusions:Through the divisional design, wedge resection and edge resection are performed in the composite reduction labiaplasty, which can solve the friction and discomfort caused by the hyperplasia of labia minora and clitoris prepuce in a single operation, and achieve better aesthetic results at the same time.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design.Methods:From January 2020 to February 2022, the clinical data of patients with complex labia minora and clitoris prepuce hypertrophy who were treated in the Medical Cosmetic Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were collected and analysed. The inner side of their labia minora showed no chalasis in the vertical direction, but the outer side were slack with folds, accompanied by clitoris prepuce hyperplasia. We adopted the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design. The outer side of the labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were considered as a whole, and a wedge-shaped incision line was designed to remove the excess tissue in the vertical direction. On this basis, an arc was projected on the inner side of the labia minora to form an arcuate incision line on the inner side. The composite reduction labiaplasty was performed with the combination of wedge resection and edge resection. The postoperative follow-up observations included: postoperative complications, the symmetry of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce, the improvement of frictional discomfort, the cleanliness of the labia minora and the clitoris prepuce, and the patient's satisfaction with the shape of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce. For patients with sexual experience, follow-up content also includes changes in sexual satisfaction.Results:A total of 17 female patients aged 20 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 years, were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted 2 months after the operation. All incisions healed by first intention with no sawtooth-like deformity at the incision margin, and had natural appearance. Patients felt that the bilateral labia minora and clitoral foreskin were completely symmetrical in 3 cases, basically symmetrical in 12 cases, and partially asymmetric in 2 cases. These 2 cases of partial asymmetry did not require further surgical repair. In all 17 patients, the frictional discomfort was completely resolved, and the labia minora and clitoral foreskin were easier to clean. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance in 5 cases, satisfied in 10 cases, and dissatisfied in 2 case. There were 15 patients with previous sexual life experience, of which 10 patients had improved sexual satisfaction, and 5 patients had no change in sexual satisfaction after the operation.Conclusions:Through the divisional design, wedge resection and edge resection are performed in the composite reduction labiaplasty, which can solve the friction and discomfort caused by the hyperplasia of labia minora and clitoris prepuce in a single operation, and achieve better aesthetic results at the same time.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design.Methods:From January 2020 to February 2022, the clinical data of patients with complex labia minora and clitoris prepuce hypertrophy who were treated in the Medical Cosmetic Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University were collected and analysed. The inner side of their labia minora showed no chalasis in the vertical direction, but the outer side were slack with folds, accompanied by clitoris prepuce hyperplasia. We adopted the composite reduction labiaplasty by divisional design. The outer side of the labia minora and the clitoral prepuce were considered as a whole, and a wedge-shaped incision line was designed to remove the excess tissue in the vertical direction. On this basis, an arc was projected on the inner side of the labia minora to form an arcuate incision line on the inner side. The composite reduction labiaplasty was performed with the combination of wedge resection and edge resection. The postoperative follow-up observations included: postoperative complications, the symmetry of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce, the improvement of frictional discomfort, the cleanliness of the labia minora and the clitoris prepuce, and the patient's satisfaction with the shape of the labia minora and clitoris prepuce. For patients with sexual experience, follow-up content also includes changes in sexual satisfaction.Results:A total of 17 female patients aged 20 to 35 years, with an average age of 27 years, were included in this study. Follow-up was conducted 2 months after the operation. All incisions healed by first intention with no sawtooth-like deformity at the incision margin, and had natural appearance. Patients felt that the bilateral labia minora and clitoral foreskin were completely symmetrical in 3 cases, basically symmetrical in 12 cases, and partially asymmetric in 2 cases. These 2 cases of partial asymmetry did not require further surgical repair. In all 17 patients, the frictional discomfort was completely resolved, and the labia minora and clitoral foreskin were easier to clean. The patients were very satisfied with the appearance in 5 cases, satisfied in 10 cases, and dissatisfied in 2 case. There were 15 patients with previous sexual life experience, of which 10 patients had improved sexual satisfaction, and 5 patients had no change in sexual satisfaction after the operation.Conclusions:Through the divisional design, wedge resection and edge resection are performed in the composite reduction labiaplasty, which can solve the friction and discomfort caused by the hyperplasia of labia minora and clitoris prepuce in a single operation, and achieve better aesthetic results at the same time.