OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of extract of Ginkgo biloba(Egb761) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) and evaluate its intervention effect on airway remodeling in asthmatic rats model. METHODS: Rats were randomly assigned to normal control, asmatic group, Dexamethasone (DXM) group and Egb761 group. The asmatic model was established in rats. The changes of airway morphologic parameter and the relative content of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in bronchial epithelium in these groups were determined using immunohistochemical technique and computer assisted image analysis system. RESULTS: The thickness of airway wall and airway smooth muscle was obviously thicker in the asthmatic group than any other group (P

ObjectiveTo study the expression levels of YB-1 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues,tissues adjacent to tumour and normal liver tissues,and to explore the clinical significance.MethodsTo study the expression levels of YB-1 protein,immunochemistry was carried out on 58 HCC tissues and their corresponding adjacent tissues to tumour and on 20 normal liver tissues.The YB-1 protein with nuclear translocation was detected by Western blot in HCC tissues,tissues adjacent to tumour,normal liver tissues,HCC cell lines including QGY-7701 and SMMC-7721,and a normal hepatic cell line LO2.ResultsPositive signals of YB-1 protein were detected at a high level in HCC tissues (72.4％,42/58) when compared to tissues adjacent to tumour (41.4％,24/58) and to normal liver tissues (35 ％,7/20) (P＞0.05).The nuclear expression of YB-1 (31％,18/58) was significantly correlated with the pathologicalgrade,tumour size and portal venous invasion (P＜0.05).Using Western blot,the YB-1 protein with nuclear translocation was expressed at a higher level in HCC tissues (0.474±0.107) than in tissues adjacent to tumour and in normal liver tissues (P＜0.05).Similar results were obtained in HCC cell lines and the normal hepatic cell line (P＜0.05).ConclusionThe high expression of YB-1 in HCC and its nuclear translocation may be involved in human HCC progression.YB-1 may be a potential target for HCC treatment in the future.

Objective To establish a druggability evaluation method for new targets of anti-tumor drugs by analyzing the mutation genes of common tumors in the digestive system. Methods We collected the mutant gene data of the five common tumors of the digestive system (esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer) in the Integrative Onco Genomics database, and screened out the genes with higher mutation rates in each tumor. We evaluated the druggability of these genes or their encoded proteins, and discovered the potential targets for the new anti-tumor drugs. Results A total of five tumors, 35 cohorts and 5445 tumor samples were collected in this study. The top 10 mutation genes were selected for further analysis. The canSAR database was used to analyze the druggability of unpublished mutant genes or their encoded proteins, and a total of 17 potential therapeutic drug targets were screened out. Conclusion A method for evaluating druggability of targets based on mutant genes or their encoded protein is established in this study. The application of this method can provide a reference for discovering new anti-tumor therapeutic target, saving the cost and time of target screening in new drug development.

Objective To systematically evaluate the biomechanical recovery of drilled holes in the femur in SD rats.Methods Eighteen female SD rats were randomized into 3 even groups (n =6).Models of 2-mm drilled holes in bilateral femurs were established in groups A and B with 2 holes on each side while no drilling was performed in group C.Samples were harvested in group A at postoperative 4 weeks,in group B at postoperative 8 weeks while at both 4 and 8 weeks in group C.The samples were evaluated in terms of linear elasticity (compression test),viscoelasticity (relaxation and creep tests) and durability (fatigue failure test).Micro-CT scan was performed to measure the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone mineral density (BMD) of new bone.Sirus red staining was performed to measure regeneration of type Ⅰ collagen of new bone.Results The elasticity modulus,maximum load,compression strength and conditional yield limit in groups A were significantly lower than those in group B which were also significantly lower than those in group C (P ＜ 0.05).At 7,200 s,the relaxation (14.56 ±0.69 MPa) and creep variation (11.37％ ± 0.70％) in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (11.06 0.63 MPa and 8.98％ ± 0.40％) which were also significantly higher than those in group C (6.99 ±0.56 MPa and 5.10％ ±0.23％) (P ＜ 0.05).At the constant amplitude loads from 20 N to 200 N,from 20 N to 300 N and from 20 N to 400 N,the recycling numbers in group A (6,044.3 ±879.7,4,093.3 ±628.5 and 1,919.3 ±847.5) were significantly lower than those in group B (10,192.3 ± 1,109.1,6,750.6 ± 818.0 and 3,376.6 ± 671.3) which were also significantly lower than those in group C (28,068.3 ±2,702.6,11,788.3 ± 1,141.6 and 5,296.3 ± 735.0) (P ＜ 0.05).By micro-CT scan,the BVT and BMD in group A were significantly lower than those in group B which were also significantly lower than those in group C (P ＜ 0.05).The sirus red staining showed the type Ⅰ collagen in the bone defect area was completely regenerated in group B.Conclusion Systematic biomechanical measurements may actually detect the characteristics of biomechanical recovery of bone holes in SD rats,enriching the basic research on the bone damage repairing progress.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC) for unresectable hepatitis B-related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).Methods:This is a retrospective controlled study. Data from 140 unresectable ICC patients who received HAIC treatment at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from March 2015 to June 2023 were retrospectively collected, including 72 patients in the hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)negative group (43 males and 29 females, aged (59.6±9.5)years(range: 34 to 81 years)), 68 cases in the HBsAg-positive group (48 males, 20 females, aged (53.4±11.4)years(range: 29 to 82 years)). HAIC treatment used the FOLFOX regimen combined with oxaliplatin, leucovorin,and fluorouracil. The differences in effects, prognosis,and adverse reactions between the two groups of patients after HAIC treatment were analyzed. All variables were expressed as categorical data. The χ 2 test or Fisher′s exact probability method was used to compare between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves. The difference of survival curve between groups were compared through the Log-rank test. Results:According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST) version 1.1,the objective response rate(ORR) of the HBsAg-negative group was 23.2%(16/69),and the ORR of the HBsAg-positive group was 40.3%(25/62). The difference in ORR between the two groups was statistically significant( χ 2=4.459, P=0.035). According to the modified RECIST(mRECIST) criteria,the ORR of the HBsAg-negative group was 27.5%(19/69), and the ORR of the HBsAg-positive group was 45.2%(28/62). The difference in ORR between the two groups was statistically significant( χ 2=4.410, P=0.036). The median progression-free survival(PFS) of the HBsAg-negative group and the positive group were 7.1 months(95% CI: 5.8 to 13.2 months) and 7.3 months (95% CI: 5.7 to 10.3 months), respectively, and the median overall survival(OS) were 16.3 months (95% CI: 12.5 to 33.9 months) and 15.9 months (95% CI: 9.2 to 20.7 months) respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in PFS and OS between the two groups (both P>0.05). The main serious adverse reactions of the two groups of patients included increased AST, increased ALT, thrombocytopenia,and neutropenia. There were no statistically significant differences in various adverse reactions between the two groups after HAIC treatment (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Patients with HBsAg-positive unresectable ICC are more likely to benefit from HAIC treatment.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC) for unresectable hepatitis B-related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).Methods:This is a retrospective controlled study. Data from 140 unresectable ICC patients who received HAIC treatment at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from March 2015 to June 2023 were retrospectively collected, including 72 patients in the hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)negative group (43 males and 29 females, aged (59.6±9.5)years(range: 34 to 81 years)), 68 cases in the HBsAg-positive group (48 males, 20 females, aged (53.4±11.4)years(range: 29 to 82 years)). HAIC treatment used the FOLFOX regimen combined with oxaliplatin, leucovorin,and fluorouracil. The differences in effects, prognosis,and adverse reactions between the two groups of patients after HAIC treatment were analyzed. All variables were expressed as categorical data. The χ 2 test or Fisher′s exact probability method was used to compare between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves. The difference of survival curve between groups were compared through the Log-rank test. Results:According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST) version 1.1,the objective response rate(ORR) of the HBsAg-negative group was 23.2%(16/69),and the ORR of the HBsAg-positive group was 40.3%(25/62). The difference in ORR between the two groups was statistically significant( χ 2=4.459, P=0.035). According to the modified RECIST(mRECIST) criteria,the ORR of the HBsAg-negative group was 27.5%(19/69), and the ORR of the HBsAg-positive group was 45.2%(28/62). The difference in ORR between the two groups was statistically significant( χ 2=4.410, P=0.036). The median progression-free survival(PFS) of the HBsAg-negative group and the positive group were 7.1 months(95% CI: 5.8 to 13.2 months) and 7.3 months (95% CI: 5.7 to 10.3 months), respectively, and the median overall survival(OS) were 16.3 months (95% CI: 12.5 to 33.9 months) and 15.9 months (95% CI: 9.2 to 20.7 months) respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in PFS and OS between the two groups (both P>0.05). The main serious adverse reactions of the two groups of patients included increased AST, increased ALT, thrombocytopenia,and neutropenia. There were no statistically significant differences in various adverse reactions between the two groups after HAIC treatment (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Patients with HBsAg-positive unresectable ICC are more likely to benefit from HAIC treatment.

Objective:To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of HEMO-FISS-QoL(HF-QoL) questionnaire (HF-QoL-C) in the Chinese population with hemorrhoids.Methods:From November 2021 to November 2022, a self-constructed general information questionnaire, HF-QoL-C, and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), Goligher classification, and Giordano severity of hemorrhoid symptom questionnaire (GSQ) were used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 760 hemorrhoid patients in the anorectal department of six hospitals. The data was analyzed for reliability and validity using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 26.0 software.Results:The Cronbach's α coefficient of HF-QoL-C and its dimension ranged from 0.831 to 0.960, and the split coefficient was 0.832-0.915. Four common factors were extracted through principal component exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable structural validity( χ2/ df=8.152, RSMEA=0.097, CFI=0.881, IFI=0.881, NFI=0.867). HF-QoL-C was correlated with SF36 and GSQ( r=-0.694, 0.501, both P<0.01). There were differences in the total score and dimensional scores of HF-QoL-C between surgical and drug treated patients, different grades of Goligher classification for hemorrhoidal disease, and different ranges of hemorrhoid prolapse (all P<0.001). No ceiling effect was found in the total score and the scores of each dimension(0.3%-2.0%). There was a floor effect in both psychological function and sexual activity dimensions (16.7%, 35.1%). Conclusion:HF-QoL-C has good reliability and validity, which can be used to measure the quality of life of Chinese hemorrhoid patients.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir (Nanjing Zhengda Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) combined with ribavirin in patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Methods: Treatment-naïve or treatment experienced genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C patients from sixteen research centers of China were screened. All subjects received once-daily dose of sofosbuvir (400 mg) combined with ribavirin (body weight < 75 kg, 1 000 mg/day, 400 mg in the morning and 600 mg in the evening; body weight > 75 kg, 1 200 mg/d, 600 mg in the morning and 600 mg in the evening) for 12 weeks. Patients were followed-up for a period of 12 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The proportion of subjects with virologic response at different follow-up time points and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by maximum likelihood ratio and Clopper-Pearson interval. Results: 132 cases with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C virus infection from sixteen research centers of China were included, 12 cases of whom were associated with cirrhosis, and the remaining 120 cases were not associated with cirrhosis. One hundred and thirty-one cases completed the study, and one patient lost to follow-up at week 4 after the end of treatment. The sustained virological response rate was 96.2% (95% confidence interval: 92.37% - 99.16%) after 12 weeks of drug withdrawal. Virological relapse occurred in four cases. Of the 132 subjects enrolled in the study, 119 (90.2%) reported 617 adverse events during treatment, of which 359 (76.5%) were TEAE related to sofosbuvir and/or ribavirin. There were nine TEAEs of grade 3 and above, and six cases (4.5%) of them had six severe adverse events. Only one serious adverse event was associated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin (unstable angina pectoris). There were no adverse events leading to drug discontinuation or death. Conclusion Sofosbuvir combined with ribavirin has a high SVR rate in the treatment of genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and most of the adverse events occurred were mild with acceptable safety profile.

The present study explored the effect and mechanism of repeatedly steamed and sundried Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata(RRP) in delaying brain aging in ovariectomized mice. After ovariectomy, the mice were randomly divided into a model group, an estradiol valerate group(0.3 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-(1.0 g·kg~(-1)), medium-(2.0 g·kg~(-1)), and high-dose(4.0 g·kg~(-1)) RRP groups, and a sham operation group was also set up, with 15 mice in each group. One week after the operation, intragastric administration was carried out for 15 consecutive weeks. The step-down test and Morris water maze test were used to detect the behavioral changes of mice. HE staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes of mouse brain tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Aβ and ER_β in mouse brain tissues. The serum estrogen levels and cholinesterase and cholinesterase transferase levels in brain tissues of mice were detected by assay kits. The extracted hippocampal protein was detected by the Nano-ESI-LC-MS system, identified by the Protein Discovery, and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by the SIEVE. The PANTHER Classification System was used for GO analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the differential proteins. Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed decreased learning and memory ability, shortened step-down latency(P<0.05), prolonged escape latency(P<0.05), reduced platform crossings and residence time in the target quadrant, scattered nerve cells in the hippocampus with enlarged intercellular space, increased expression of Aβ-positive cells(P<0.05), declining expression of ER_β-positive cells and estrogen level(P<0.05), and weakened cholinergic function(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the RRP groups showed improved learning and memory ability, prolonged step-down latency(P<0.05), increased estrogen level(P<0.05), neatly arranged nerve cells in the hippocampus with complete morphology, declining Aβ-positive cells, and elevated expression of ER_β-positive cells. A total of 146 differential proteins were screened out by proteomics, and KEGG pathway enrichment yielded 75 signaling pathways. The number of proteins involved in the dopaminergic synapse signaling pathway was the largest, with 13 proteins involved. In summary, RRP can delay brain aging presumedly by increasing the level of estrogen, mediating the dopaminergic synapse signaling pathway, and improving cholinergic function.
Aging ; Animals ; Female ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Learning ; Mice ; Plant Extracts ; Proteomics ; Rehmannia