Developing and identifying effective medications and targets for treating hepatic fibrosis is an urgent priority. Our previous research demonstrated the efficacy of artesunate (ART) in alleviating liver fibrosis by eliminating activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear despite these findings. Notably, endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB) has significant implications for treating hepatic diseases, but current research primarily focuses on liver regeneration and hepatocellular carcinoma. The precise function of NUMB in liver fibrosis, particularly its ability to regulate HSCs, requires further investigation. This study aims to elucidate the role of NUMB in the anti-hepatic fibrosis action of ART in HSCs. We observed that the expression level of NUMB significantly decreased in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs, exhibiting a negative correlation with the progression of liver fibrosis. Additionally, ART induced senescence in activated HSCs through the NUMB/P53 tumor suppressor (P53) axis. We identified NUMB as a crucial regulator of senescence in activated HSCs and as a mediator of ART in determining cell fate. This research examines the specific target of ART in eliminating activated HSCs, providing both theoretical and experimental evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Hepatic Stellate Cells/cytology* ; Liver Cirrhosis/genetics* ; Artesunate/pharmacology* ; Cellular Senescence/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Humans ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Male ; Mice

Objective To investigate the alterations of cerebral blood flow(CBF)in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM) patients without cognitive impairment by using arterial spin labeling(ASL)technique.Methods A total of 23 T2DM patients without cognitive impairment and 23 healthy controls(HC)matched by age,sex,and education attainment were recruited.Their clinical data were collected,and neuropsychological tests and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging were performed.Then,the outcomes of clinical features,neuropsychological tests,and global and regional CBF were compared between the two groups.The significant regional zCBF(z-transformed relative CBF)values were extracted and correlated with clinical data and neuropsychological scores in T2DM patients,controlling age,sex,and education.Results No significant difference was found in whole brain CBF between the two groups(P=0.155),while significantly higher CBF was identified in the left superior temporal gyrus and left insula in the T2DM group(Gaussian random field correction,initial threshold P < 0.001,cluster level P < 0.05).No correlation was observed between the significant regional zCBF values and the clinical data or the neuropsychological scores in T2DM patients(all P>0.05).Conclusion Alterations in cerebral hemodynamics may precede cognitive function changes in T2DM,suggesting that the ASL technique is promising for early monitoring of cerebral hemodynamic changes associated with cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM.
Humans ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology* ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Case-Control Studies ; Cognitive Dysfunction ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yangxue Qingnao Pills (YXQNP) combined with amlodipine in treating patients with grade 1 hypertension. METHODS: This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Adult patients with grade 1 hypertension of blood deficiency and Gan (Liver)-yang hyperactivity syndrome were randomly divided into the treatment or the control groups at a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group received YXQNP and amlodipine besylate, while the control group received YXQNP's placebo and amlodipine besylate. The treatment duration lasted for 180 days. Outcomes assessed included changes in blood pressure, Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome scores, symptoms and target organ functions before and after treatment in both groups. Additionally, adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, itching, and diarrhea, were recorded in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 662 subjects were enrolled, of whom 608 (91.8%) completed the trial (306 in the treatment and 302 in the control groups). After 180 days of treatment, the standard deviations and coefficients of variation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were lower in the treatment group compared with the control group. The improvement rates of dizziness, headache, insomnia, and waist soreness were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 30 days of treatment, the overall therapeutic effects on CM clinical syndromes were significantly increased in the treatment group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 180 days of treatment, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle brachial index and albumin-to-creatinine ratio were improved in both groups, with no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). No serious treatment-related adverse events occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy of YXQNP with amlodipine significantly improved symptoms such as dizziness and headache, reduced blood pressure variability, and showed a trend toward lowering urinary microalbumin in hypertensive patients. These findings suggest that this regimen has good clinical efficacy and safety. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900022470).
Humans ; Amlodipine/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Hypertension/complications* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Double-Blind Method ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/adverse effects*

BACKGROUND:Estrogen receptor α can act as an upstream protein to regulate the expression and phosphorylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).Activation of the estrogen receptor α-AMPK signaling pathway promotes osteogenic proliferation and differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To explore the molecular mechanism of estrogen receptor α regulating AMPK and its effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation at osteoblast cell line and molecular biology levels.METHODS:(1)The passaged MC3T3-E1 mouse embryonic osteoblasts were divided into three groups:blank control group,mock group(transfected with pCDNA3.1 control plasmid),and estrogen receptor α group(transfected with pCDNA3.1-estrogen receptor α overexpression plasmid),and RT-qPCR and western blot methods were used to detect the hepatic kinase B1,CaMKKβ,and AMPKα1 mRNA,protein and phosphorylation levels.(2)ChIP-qPCR was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptor α interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter.Dual luciferase assay was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptorα interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter region to activate its transcriptional expression.(3)The cells were divided into three groups:mock+shNC group,estrogen receptor α+shNC group,and estrogen receptor α+shLKB1 group.Changes in the expression levels of hepatic kinase B1,phosphorylated hepatic kinase B1,and phosphorylated AMPKα1 proteins in the cells were detected by western blot.(4)The cells were divided into four groups:mock group,estrogen receptor α group,estrogen receptor α+5 μmol/L Compound C(AMPK inhibitor)group,and estrogen receptor α+10 μmol/L Compound C group.The expression of proteins related to the AMPK signaling pathway and related to osteogenesis and osteoinductivity were detected by western blot method.Cells were transfected for 24 hours and then subjected to osteogenic induction for 14 days.Alkaline phosphatase staining was performed and cell viability in each group was detected.Mineralized nodule formation was detected by alizarin red staining at 21 days of osteogenic induction.(5)The cells were transfected and pretreated with different concentrations of AMPK inhibitor in corresponding groups,and cell viability was detected by cell counting kit 8.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells.(2)Estrogen receptor α promotes liver kinase B1 transcription and mediates AMPK signaling pathway activation.(3)Estrogen receptor α promotes the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway,and the expression of AMPKα1,p-AMPKα,osteoprotegerin,osteopontin,and Runx2 proteins was down-regulated under the intervention of AMPK inhibitor,and the viability of osteoblasts was decreased.(4)To conclude,estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway by acting on liver kinase B1 promoter,promotes osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation,and prevents osteoporosis.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of sivelestat sodium in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:Sixty patients with ARDS admitted to the ICU of the Fuyang Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from August 1, 2023 to November 1, 2024 were selected and divided into the control group (conventional treatment, 30 cases) and the sivelestat sodium group (treated with sivelestat sodium in addition to conventional treatment, 30 cases) by the random number table method. The clinical data such as inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of the two groups of patients before treatment and 3 days after treatment were compared. The prognostic indicators such as mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay time, total hospital stay time, 28-day mortality rate and clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients were compared.Results:Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, APACHE Ⅱ score and SOFA score between the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). After 3 days of treatment, the improvement degrees of APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2), oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the sivelestat sodium group were all greater than those in the control group. The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05); The mechanical ventilation time [(5.31±4.12) d vs (7.17±2.32)d] and ICU stay [(6.31±3.42)d vs (8.93±5.26)d] of patients in the sivelestat sodium group were significantly shorter than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between the sivelestat sodium group [20.00%(6/30)] and the control group [43.33%(13/30)] ( P>0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the sivelestat sodium group was significantly higher than that in the control group [80.00%(24/30) vs 56.67%(17/30)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=4.167, P=0.041). Conclusions:Sivelestat sodium is helpful in improving the physiological parameters of patients with ARDS, effectively reducing the levels of inflammatory factors in the body, shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, but has no significant effect on the 28-day mortality rate.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of sivelestat sodium in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:Sixty patients with ARDS admitted to the ICU of the Fuyang Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from August 1, 2023 to November 1, 2024 were selected and divided into the control group (conventional treatment, 30 cases) and the sivelestat sodium group (treated with sivelestat sodium in addition to conventional treatment, 30 cases) by the random number table method. The clinical data such as inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of the two groups of patients before treatment and 3 days after treatment were compared. The prognostic indicators such as mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay time, total hospital stay time, 28-day mortality rate and clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients were compared.Results:Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, APACHE Ⅱ score and SOFA score between the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). After 3 days of treatment, the improvement degrees of APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2), oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the sivelestat sodium group were all greater than those in the control group. The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05); The mechanical ventilation time [(5.31±4.12) d vs (7.17±2.32)d] and ICU stay [(6.31±3.42)d vs (8.93±5.26)d] of patients in the sivelestat sodium group were significantly shorter than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between the sivelestat sodium group [20.00%(6/30)] and the control group [43.33%(13/30)] ( P>0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the sivelestat sodium group was significantly higher than that in the control group [80.00%(24/30) vs 56.67%(17/30)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=4.167, P=0.041). Conclusions:Sivelestat sodium is helpful in improving the physiological parameters of patients with ARDS, effectively reducing the levels of inflammatory factors in the body, shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, but has no significant effect on the 28-day mortality rate.

BACKGROUND:Estrogen receptor α can act as an upstream protein to regulate the expression and phosphorylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).Activation of the estrogen receptor α-AMPK signaling pathway promotes osteogenic proliferation and differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To explore the molecular mechanism of estrogen receptor α regulating AMPK and its effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation at osteoblast cell line and molecular biology levels.METHODS:(1)The passaged MC3T3-E1 mouse embryonic osteoblasts were divided into three groups:blank control group,mock group(transfected with pCDNA3.1 control plasmid),and estrogen receptor α group(transfected with pCDNA3.1-estrogen receptor α overexpression plasmid),and RT-qPCR and western blot methods were used to detect the hepatic kinase B1,CaMKKβ,and AMPKα1 mRNA,protein and phosphorylation levels.(2)ChIP-qPCR was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptor α interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter.Dual luciferase assay was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptorα interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter region to activate its transcriptional expression.(3)The cells were divided into three groups:mock+shNC group,estrogen receptor α+shNC group,and estrogen receptor α+shLKB1 group.Changes in the expression levels of hepatic kinase B1,phosphorylated hepatic kinase B1,and phosphorylated AMPKα1 proteins in the cells were detected by western blot.(4)The cells were divided into four groups:mock group,estrogen receptor α group,estrogen receptor α+5 μmol/L Compound C(AMPK inhibitor)group,and estrogen receptor α+10 μmol/L Compound C group.The expression of proteins related to the AMPK signaling pathway and related to osteogenesis and osteoinductivity were detected by western blot method.Cells were transfected for 24 hours and then subjected to osteogenic induction for 14 days.Alkaline phosphatase staining was performed and cell viability in each group was detected.Mineralized nodule formation was detected by alizarin red staining at 21 days of osteogenic induction.(5)The cells were transfected and pretreated with different concentrations of AMPK inhibitor in corresponding groups,and cell viability was detected by cell counting kit 8.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells.(2)Estrogen receptor α promotes liver kinase B1 transcription and mediates AMPK signaling pathway activation.(3)Estrogen receptor α promotes the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway,and the expression of AMPKα1,p-AMPKα,osteoprotegerin,osteopontin,and Runx2 proteins was down-regulated under the intervention of AMPK inhibitor,and the viability of osteoblasts was decreased.(4)To conclude,estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway by acting on liver kinase B1 promoter,promotes osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation,and prevents osteoporosis.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

Background Bacteria are the most diverse and widely sourced microorganisms in the indoor air of subway stations, where pathogenic bacteria can spread through the air, leading to increased health risks. Objective To understand the status and distribution characteristics of indoor air bacterial pollution in subway stations and compartments in a city of Central South China, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating intervention measures to address indoor air bacteria pollution in subways. Methods Three subway stations and the compartments of trains parking there in a city in Central South China were selected according to passenger flow for synchronous air sampling and monitoring. Temperature, humidity, wind speed, carbon dioxide (CO₂), fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), and inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀) were measured by direct reading method. In accordance with the requirements of Examination methods for public places-Part 3: Airborne microorganisms (GB/T 18204.3-2013), air samples were collected at a flow rate of 28.3 L·min⁻¹, and total bacterial count was estimated. Bacterial microbial species were identified with a mass spectrometer and pathogenic bacteria were distinguished from non-pathogenic bacteria according to the Catalogue of pathogenic microorganisms transmitted to human beings issued by National Health Commission. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the subway hygiene indicators in different regions and time periods, and Bonferroni test was used for pairwise comparison. Spearman correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between CO₂ concentration and total bacterial count. Results The pass rates were 100.0% for airborne total bacteria count, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀ in the subway stations and train compartments, 94.4% for temperature and wind speed, 98.6% for CO₂, but 0% for humidity. The overall median (P₂₅, P₇₅) total bacteria count was 177 (138,262) CFU·m⁻³. Specifically, the total bacteria count was higher in station halls than in platforms, and higher during morning peak hours than during evening peak hours (P<0.05). A total of 874 strains and 82 species were identified by automatic microbial mass spectrometry. The results of identification were all over 9 points, and the predominant bacteria in the air were Micrococcus luteus (52.2%) and Staphylococcus hominis (9.8%). Three pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii (0.3%), Corynebacterium striatum (0.1%), and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacilli (2.2%) were detected in 23 samples (2.6%), and the associated locations were mainly distributed in train compartments during evening rush hours. Conclusion The total bacteria count in indoor air varies by monitoring sites of subway stations and time periods, and there is a risk of opportunistic bacterial infection. Attention should be paid to cleaning and disinfection during peak passenger flow hours in all areas.

Objective:Employing the cascade care model, this qualitative study explores determinants influencing the cascading care stages of hypertension and diabetes by interviewing various stakeholders.Methods:In July 2023, purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from Gongyi and Wugang cities in Henan Province, and Linqu County in Weifang City, Shandong Province. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of policymakers, healthcare institution managers, providers, and patients with hypertension and diabetes.And thematic analysis was performed using both inductive and deductive approaches.Results:A total of 82 individuals were interviewed, with an age range of (53.8±12.0) years, among which 48 (58.5%) were male; including 5 policymakers, 10 institutional managers, 20 healthcare providers, and 47 patients with hypertension and diabetes. The study identified both barriers and facilitating factors at the patient, healthcare provider, and system levels across various stages: awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment, long-term management, and control of hypertension and diabetes.Conclusion:By delineating and analyzing the barriers and facilitators at each stage of hypertension and diabetes care, this study lays the groundwork for the development of effective, feasible, and sustainable implementation pathways, with significant implications for the enhanced management of hypertension and diabetes in China.