ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of baicalin for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in rats and decipher the molecular mechanisms via the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups： normal control， COPD model， low-dose baicalin， medium-dose baicalin， high-dose baicalin， and budesonide. The normal control group received no treatment， whereas COPD was modeled in other groups with a combined modeling approach involving intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation and passive cigarette smoke exposure. The model establishment was evaluated through behavioral observation combined with pathological examination. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in the lung. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines ［interleukin （IL）-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β）］， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Meanwhile， the levels of IL-6， IL-17， and IL-22 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and IL-10， IL-22， and TNF-α in the lung tissue were measured via ELISA. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect the expression of histone deacetylase 2 （HDAC2） and Nrf2. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， NF-κB， HDAC2， and Nrf2 in the lung tissue. Additionally， real-time PCR was conducted to assess the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， and NF-κB in the lung tissue. ResultsHE staining revealed that the airway mucosal epithelium in the COPD model group appeared extensive shedding， structural disorganization， and diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lumen. And goblet cells showed compensatory proliferation with pathological hypertrophy of mucus glands. In contrast， inflammatory infiltration and alveolar overdistension were significantly alleviated in the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups. The COPD model group exhibited mucus plug formation within the terminal bronchioles， along with fibrotic narrowing of the bronchial wall. Moreover， the smooth muscle bundles of the bronchial wall were hypertrophic， with concomitant collagen deposition. Progressive dissolution and rupture of alveolar septa were observed， leading to the formation of abnormally enlarged air-filled cavities. However， the bronchial wall structure was largely restored with only mild thickening of the smooth muscle layer in the baicalin groups. Compared with the COPD model group， the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups showed declined ROS and VEGF levels （P<0.05）， and all the baicalin groups presented lowered levels of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， TGF-β， and TNF-α and elevated level of IL-10 （P<0.05）. Baicalin upregulated the protein levels of HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， PI3K， and Akt， while suppressing the protein level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. Furthermore， baicalin increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and GR while down-regulating the mRNA level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. ConclusionBaicalin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor NF-κB while enhancing the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor HDAC2 and activating the antioxidant factor Nrf2， thereby alleviating the lung tissue damage in COPD rats. The therapeutic effects of baicalin may be closely associated with its regulatory role in the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of baicalin for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in rats and decipher the molecular mechanisms via the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups： normal control， COPD model， low-dose baicalin， medium-dose baicalin， high-dose baicalin， and budesonide. The normal control group received no treatment， whereas COPD was modeled in other groups with a combined modeling approach involving intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation and passive cigarette smoke exposure. The model establishment was evaluated through behavioral observation combined with pathological examination. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in the lung. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines ［interleukin （IL）-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β）］， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Meanwhile， the levels of IL-6， IL-17， and IL-22 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and IL-10， IL-22， and TNF-α in the lung tissue were measured via ELISA. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect the expression of histone deacetylase 2 （HDAC2） and Nrf2. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， NF-κB， HDAC2， and Nrf2 in the lung tissue. Additionally， real-time PCR was conducted to assess the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， and NF-κB in the lung tissue. ResultsHE staining revealed that the airway mucosal epithelium in the COPD model group appeared extensive shedding， structural disorganization， and diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lumen. And goblet cells showed compensatory proliferation with pathological hypertrophy of mucus glands. In contrast， inflammatory infiltration and alveolar overdistension were significantly alleviated in the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups. The COPD model group exhibited mucus plug formation within the terminal bronchioles， along with fibrotic narrowing of the bronchial wall. Moreover， the smooth muscle bundles of the bronchial wall were hypertrophic， with concomitant collagen deposition. Progressive dissolution and rupture of alveolar septa were observed， leading to the formation of abnormally enlarged air-filled cavities. However， the bronchial wall structure was largely restored with only mild thickening of the smooth muscle layer in the baicalin groups. Compared with the COPD model group， the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups showed declined ROS and VEGF levels （P<0.05）， and all the baicalin groups presented lowered levels of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， TGF-β， and TNF-α and elevated level of IL-10 （P<0.05）. Baicalin upregulated the protein levels of HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， PI3K， and Akt， while suppressing the protein level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. Furthermore， baicalin increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and GR while down-regulating the mRNA level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. ConclusionBaicalin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor NF-κB while enhancing the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor HDAC2 and activating the antioxidant factor Nrf2， thereby alleviating the lung tissue damage in COPD rats. The therapeutic effects of baicalin may be closely associated with its regulatory role in the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

With the vigorous promotion of the national "dual-carbon" program, the new energy industry represented by lithium-ion batteries is developing rapidly, and micro-and nano-scale cathode materials, as the core components of lithium-ion batteries, have been applied and produced in large quantities, and the industrial population has increased dramatically, but the health effects of their occupational exposure are still not clear. This paper summarizes the potential health hazards of exposure to this new type of material in terms of the main types and characteristics of cathode materials, health hazard studies and exposure limits. It establishes a scientific foundation for occupational health risk assessment in workers exposed to cathode materials.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and stone removal via the cystic duct with a flexible ureteroscope.Methods:The clinical data of 96 patients with cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis who were admitted to the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Nanchang from September 2021 to November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 49 male and 47 female patients, aged (59.2±13.9) years. The 96 patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the surgical methods: the flexible ureteroscope group ( n=48) and the choledochotomy group ( n=48), patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus flexible ureteroscope for common bile duct exploration and stone removal via the cystic duct were included in the flexible ureteroscope group; patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage placement were included in the choledochotomy group. Clinical data including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative intestinal function recovery time, abdominal drainage tube removal time, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results:Compared with the choledochotomy group, the operation time [150 (120, 176) min vs. 197 (165, 240) min], intraoperative blood loss [20 (10, 30) ml vs. 30 (20, 50) ml], postoperative intestinal function recovery time [2 (1, 2) d vs. 3 (2, 4) d], abdominal drainage tube removal time [6 (4, 7) d vs. 7 (6, 8) d], and postoperative hospital stay [8 (6, 9) d vs. 16 (13, 17) d] in the flexible ureteroscope group were all reduced, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the choledochotomy group was 10.4% (5/48), compared with 2.1% (1/48) in the flexible ureteroscope group. There was no statistically significant difference ( χ2=1.60, P=0.206). Conclusion:Compared with laparoscopic choledocholithotomy plus T-tube drainage, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and stone removal via the cystic duct with a flexible ureteroscope can shorten the hospital stay of patients with choledocholithiasis, offering a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment method.

Objective To investigate the effects of cucurbitacin B (CucB) on alleviating skin lesions and inflammation in psoriasis mice via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Methods The expression of genes associated with the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in psoriatic lesions and non-lesional skin was analyzed, and hallmark gene set enrichment analysis was performed. The cytotoxicity of CucB on BMDMs was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, along with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, were measured at different concentrations of CucB using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose CucB group [0.1 mg/ (kg.d)], and high-dose CucB group [0.4 mg/ (kg.d)], with five mice per group. PASI scoring was performed to assess the severity of psoriasis after 6 days of treatment, and HE staining was conducted to observe pathological damage. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and their secretion were detected by qPCR and ELISA. Results Most cGAS-STING signaling-related genes were upregulated in lesional skin of psoriasis patients, and the hallmark gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the most significantly upregulated genes were primarily associated with immune response signaling pathways. CucB inhibited dsDNA-induced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and STING proteins in both bone-marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs) and THP-1 cells. CucB also suppressed dsDNA-induced mRNA expression of IFNB1, TNF, IFIT1, CXCL10, ISG15, and reduced the secretion of cytokines such as IFN-β, IL-1β, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. In the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, CucB treatment reduced psoriatic symptoms, alleviated skin lesions, and attenuated inflammation. ELISA and qPCR results showed that CucB significantly reduced serum secretion levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as the mRNA levels of IL23A, IL1B, IL6, TNF, and IFNB1. Conclusion CucB inhibits cytoplasmic DNA-induced activationc of the GAS-STING pathway. CucB significantly attenuates skin lesions and inflammation in IMQ-induced psoriatic mice, and the potential molecular mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway.
Animals ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice ; Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism* ; Triterpenes/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Male

Objective:To observe the improving effect of acupuncture and Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)combined with Ba Duan Jin(Eight-brocade Exercise)on motor function in patients with Parkinson disease(PD)in the early and middle stages.Methods:Seventy patients with early-or middle-stage PD were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 35 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional treatment such as oral levodopa hydrochloride tablets;the observation group was treated with acupuncture,Tuina,and Ba Duan Jin in addition to the control group's treatment.Acupuncture and Tuina were administered twice a week,and Ba Duan Jin was performed five times a week.Each course of treatment lasted 4 weeks,and a total of 3 courses were completed.The changes in the unified Parkinson disease rating scale Ⅲ(UPDRS Ⅲ)score,Berg balance scale(BBS)score,15-meter walking speed,and 6-minute walk distance were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.6%,which was significantly higher than 45.7%in the control group(P<0.01).After 4,8,and 12 weeks of treatment,the UPDRS Ⅲ score in the observation group was significantly lower than the previous score(P<0.05);the BBS score was significantly higher than the previous score(P<0.05),and the 6-minute walk distance also significantly increased compared to the previous result(P<0.05).After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment,the 15-meter walking speed in the observation group was significantly higher than that before treatment and the previous measurement(P<0.05).In comparison with the control group,the observation group showed significantly lower UPDRS Ⅲ scores after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).Additionally,after 4,8,and 12 weeks of treatment,the observation group had significantly higher BBS scores,15-meter walking speed,and the 6-minute walk distance than the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the above indicators before and after treatment in the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion:The addition of acupuncture,Tuina,and Ba Duan Jin to Western medication treatment can effectively improve motor function,balance ability,and walking ability in patients with early-or middle-stage PD.

Objective To explore the potential impact of unhealthy diets on cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality.Methods This study included the individuals aged 35-70 years from 45 cities and 70 rural communities across 12 provinces in China,as part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology(PURE)study.Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.The dietary health status was scored using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index(AHEI),with participants in the lowest tertile of AHEI being categorized into the unhealthy diet group,while others were classified as the healthy diet group.The primary endpoints included major cardiovas-cular diseases(myocardial infarction,stroke,or heart failure)and all-cause mortality.Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HR)for each group.Results A total of 40 925 participants were in-cluded in the study,with a median follow-up time of 11.9 years(interquartile range 9.6-12.6 years).During this period,2 066 deaths and 3 099 cases of major cardiovascular diseases were reported.The results showed that un-healthy diet increased the risk of major cardiovascular diseases by 10%(HR=1.10,95%CI:1.02-1.20,P＜0.05)and all-cause mortality by 7%(HR=1.07,95%CI:1.00-1.18,P＜0.05).Among male residents,un-healthy diet did not increase the risk of major cardiovascular diseases or all-cause mortality.However,among female residents,those with an unhealthy diet had a higher risk of major cardiovascular diseases(HR=1.12,95%CI:1.00-1.25,P＜0.05)and all-cause mortality(HR=1.26,95%CI:1.08-1.46,P＜0.05)compared to those with a healthy diet.Conclusions Unhealthy diet increases the risk of major cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality,particularly among women.There is a need to raise awareness about healthy dietary to prevent death and the occurrence of major cardiovascular diseases.

With the vigorous promotion of the national "dual-carbon" program, the new energy industry represented by lithium-ion batteries is developing rapidly, and micro-and nano-scale cathode materials, as the core components of lithium-ion batteries, have been applied and produced in large quantities, and the industrial population has increased dramatically, but the health effects of their occupational exposure are still not clear. This paper summarizes the potential health hazards of exposure to this new type of material in terms of the main types and characteristics of cathode materials, health hazard studies and exposure limits. It establishes a scientific foundation for occupational health risk assessment in workers exposed to cathode materials.

Objective To explore the potential impact of unhealthy diets on cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality.Methods This study included the individuals aged 35-70 years from 45 cities and 70 rural communities across 12 provinces in China,as part of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology(PURE)study.Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.The dietary health status was scored using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index(AHEI),with participants in the lowest tertile of AHEI being categorized into the unhealthy diet group,while others were classified as the healthy diet group.The primary endpoints included major cardiovas-cular diseases(myocardial infarction,stroke,or heart failure)and all-cause mortality.Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HR)for each group.Results A total of 40 925 participants were in-cluded in the study,with a median follow-up time of 11.9 years(interquartile range 9.6-12.6 years).During this period,2 066 deaths and 3 099 cases of major cardiovascular diseases were reported.The results showed that un-healthy diet increased the risk of major cardiovascular diseases by 10%(HR=1.10,95%CI:1.02-1.20,P＜0.05)and all-cause mortality by 7%(HR=1.07,95%CI:1.00-1.18,P＜0.05).Among male residents,un-healthy diet did not increase the risk of major cardiovascular diseases or all-cause mortality.However,among female residents,those with an unhealthy diet had a higher risk of major cardiovascular diseases(HR=1.12,95%CI:1.00-1.25,P＜0.05)and all-cause mortality(HR=1.26,95%CI:1.08-1.46,P＜0.05)compared to those with a healthy diet.Conclusions Unhealthy diet increases the risk of major cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality,particularly among women.There is a need to raise awareness about healthy dietary to prevent death and the occurrence of major cardiovascular diseases.

Objective:To observe the improving effect of acupuncture and Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)combined with Ba Duan Jin(Eight-brocade Exercise)on motor function in patients with Parkinson disease(PD)in the early and middle stages.Methods:Seventy patients with early-or middle-stage PD were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group,with 35 patients in each group.The control group was given conventional treatment such as oral levodopa hydrochloride tablets;the observation group was treated with acupuncture,Tuina,and Ba Duan Jin in addition to the control group's treatment.Acupuncture and Tuina were administered twice a week,and Ba Duan Jin was performed five times a week.Each course of treatment lasted 4 weeks,and a total of 3 courses were completed.The changes in the unified Parkinson disease rating scale Ⅲ(UPDRS Ⅲ)score,Berg balance scale(BBS)score,15-meter walking speed,and 6-minute walk distance were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.6%,which was significantly higher than 45.7%in the control group(P<0.01).After 4,8,and 12 weeks of treatment,the UPDRS Ⅲ score in the observation group was significantly lower than the previous score(P<0.05);the BBS score was significantly higher than the previous score(P<0.05),and the 6-minute walk distance also significantly increased compared to the previous result(P<0.05).After 8 and 12 weeks of treatment,the 15-meter walking speed in the observation group was significantly higher than that before treatment and the previous measurement(P<0.05).In comparison with the control group,the observation group showed significantly lower UPDRS Ⅲ scores after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).Additionally,after 4,8,and 12 weeks of treatment,the observation group had significantly higher BBS scores,15-meter walking speed,and the 6-minute walk distance than the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the above indicators before and after treatment in the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion:The addition of acupuncture,Tuina,and Ba Duan Jin to Western medication treatment can effectively improve motor function,balance ability,and walking ability in patients with early-or middle-stage PD.