This study aims to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide extract PCP1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema in ameliorating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury in rats through modulation of the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathway. In vivo, SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, model group, PCP1 group, nimodipine(NMDP) group, and TLR4 signaling inhibitor(TAK-242) group. A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) model was established, and neurological deficit scores and infarct size were evaluated 24 hours after reperfusion. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in ischemic brain tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) assessed ultrastructural damage in cortical neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-18(IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-10(IL-10), and nitric oxide(NO) in serum. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins. In vitro, a BV2 microglial cell oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R) model was established, and cells were divided into the control, OGD/R, PCP1, TAK-242, and PCP1 + TLR4 activator lipopolysaccharide(LPS) groups. The CCK-8 assay evaluated BV2 cell viability, and ELISA determined NO release. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of TLR4, NLRP3, and downstream pathway-related proteins. The results indicated that, compared with the model group, PCP1 significantly reduced neurological deficit scores, infarct size, ischemic tissue pathology, cortical cell damage, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, and NO(P<0.01). It also elevated IL-10 levels(P<0.01) and decreased the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, in vitro results showed that, compared with the OGD/R group, PCP1 significantly improved BV2 cell viability(P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced cell NO levels induced by OGD/R(P<0.01), and inhibited the expression of TLR4-related inflammatory pathway proteins, including TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p-p65)/nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p65), NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18(P<0.05, P<0.01). The protective effects of PCP1 were reversed by LPS stimulation. In conclusion, PCP1 ameliorates cerebral I/R injury by modulating the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway, exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic effects.
Animals ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Male ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Polysaccharides/isolation & purification* ; Polygonatum/chemistry* ; Brain Ischemia/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Humans

Forsythia suspensa is a traditional Chinese medicine and a commonly used landscaping plant. Its dried fruit is used in medicine for its functions of clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling, dissipating masses, and dispersing wind and heat. It possesses extremely high medicinal and economic value. However, the genetic differentiation and diversity of its wild populations remain unclear. In this study, chloroplast genome sequences were obtained from 15 wild individuals of F. suspensa using high-throughput sequencing technology. The sequence characteristics and intraspecific variations were analyzed. The results were as follows:(1) The full length of the F. suspensa chloroplast genome ranged from 156 184 to 156 479 bp, comprising a large single-copy region, a small single-copy region, and two inverted repeat regions. The chloroplast genome encoded a total of 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes.(2) A total of 166-174 SSR loci, 792 SNV loci, and 63 InDel loci were identified in the F. suspensa chloroplast genome, indicating considerable genetic variation among individuals.(3) Population structure analysis revealed that F. suspensa could be divided into five or six groups. Both the population structure analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction results indicated significant genetic variation within the wild populations of F. suspensa, with no obvious correlation between intraspecific genetic differentiation and geographical distribution. This study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and differentiation within F. suspensa species and offers additional references for the conservation of species diversity and the utilization of germplasm resources in wild F. suspensa.
Genome, Chloroplast ; Forsythia/classification* ; Phylogeny ; Genetic Variation ; Chloroplasts/genetics* ; Microsatellite Repeats

Climate and land use changes may significantly impact the habitat distribution of Gastrodia elata, an endangered traditional medicinal plant. Accurately predicting its future potential suitable habitats is crucial for its conservation and sustainable development. This study integrates current distribution data of G. elata with 56 environmental variables and uses the MaxEnt model to predict changes in its suitable habitats under current climate conditions and four future climate scenarios(SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). The results show that October precipitation and December minimum temperature are key environmental factors influencing its distribution. Under the current climate, optimal habitats for G. elata are concentrated in montane forest areas in Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Hubei, which meet the species' requirements for understory growth. Across all future scenarios, the suitable habitat of G. elata consistently shows a stable northward shift, with a steady increase in suitable areas, extending to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the Huang-Huai region, and even expanding into Liaoning, Jilin, and southern Heilongjiang. Land use analysis, taking into account the protection of arable land and the utilization of forest resources, indicates that by 2100, under future climate conditions, arable land in medium-to high-suitability areas is expected to increase by 30%-124%. While the conversion of non-suitable forest land into suitable habitats is projected to increase by 5%-52%, the growth of medium-to high-suitability areas within forests is relatively modest, ranging from 1% to 24%. These findings highlight the need to balance agricultural expansion with forest resource conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of G. elata and provide scientific guidance for future suitable habitat management.
Ecosystem ; China ; Climate Change ; Gastrodia/growth & development* ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Plants, Medicinal/growth & development*

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a critical foundation for ensuring the stability of its efficacy, as well as the safety and effectiveness of its clinical use. The identification of critical quality attributes(CQAs) is one of the core components of TCM preparation quality control. This study focuses on Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and explores their CQAs related to property and flavor from the perspective of taste receptor proteins. Three taste receptor proteins, T1R2, T1R3, and TRPV1, were selected, and a biosensor based on high-electron-mobility transistor(HEMT) was constructed to detect the interactions between Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and taste receptor proteins. Simultaneously, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) technology was used to analyze the chemical composition of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. In examining the interaction strength, the results indicated that the interaction between Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and TRPV1 protein was the strongest, followed by T1R3, with the interaction with T1R2 being relatively weaker. By combining biosensing technology with LC-MS, 16 chemical components were identified from Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, among which six were selected as CQAs for sweetness and seven for pungency. Further validation experiments demonstrated that CQAs such as hesperidin and hesperetin had strong interactions with their corresponding taste receptor proteins. Through the combined use of multiple technological approaches, this study successfully determined the property and flavor-related CQAs of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. It provides novel ideas and approach for the identification of CQAs in TCM preparations and offers comprehensive theoretical support for TCM quality control, contributing to the improvement and development of TCM preparation quality control systems.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; TRPV Cation Channels/chemistry* ; Tablets/chemistry* ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics* ; Quality Control ; Taste ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition with genetic underpinnings, is traditionally managed with cupping therapy. Although used historically, the precise mechanical effects and therapeutic mechanisms of cupping in psoriasis remain largely unexamined. This study aimed to evaluate cupping therapy's efficacy for psoriasis and investigate its role in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular metabolism. METHODS: Psoriasis was induced in mice using topical imiquimod (IMQ). The effects of cupping on psoriatic lesions were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. polymerase chain reaction sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western blotting were conducted to examine changes in mRNA expression and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. RESULTS: Cupping therapy significantly reduced inflammation, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed lower expression of inflammatory markers and a shift in T-cell populations. RNA-seq and Western blotting indicated that cupping upregulated Piezo1 and activated the AMPK pathway, improving energy metabolism in psoriatic skin. CONCLUSION Cupping therapy reduces epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation in psoriasis, rebalancing the local immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, cupping promotes calcium influx via Piezo1, activates AMPK signaling, and supports metabolic homeostasis, suggesting therapeutic potential for psoriasis. Please cite this article as: Xi RF, Liu X, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Yuan SJ, Guo DJ, Zhu JY, Li FL, Duan YJ. Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):721-732.
Animals ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Mice ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cupping Therapy/methods* ; Signal Transduction ; Imiquimod ; Ion Channels/genetics* ; Male ; Mechanotransduction, Cellular

OBJECTIVE: Recombination events are common and serve as the primary driving force of diverse human adenovirus (HAdV), particularly in children with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Therefore, continual monitoring of these events is essential for effective viral surveillance and control. METHODS: Respiratory specimens were collected from children with ARIs between January 2022 and December 2023. The penton base, hexon, and fiber genes were amplified from HAdV-positive specimens and sequenced to determine the virus type. In cases with inconsistent typing results, genes were cloned into the pGEM-T vector to detect recombination events. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed to characterize the recombinant HAdV genomes. RESULTS: Among 6,771 specimens, 277 (4.09%, 277/6,771) were positvie for HAdV, of which 157 (56.68%, 157/277) were successfully typed, with HAdV-B3 being the dominant type (91.08%, 143/157), and 14 (5.05%, 14/277) exhibited inconsistent typing results, six of which belonged to species B. The penton base genes of these six specimens were classified as HAdV-B7, whereas their hexon and fiber genes were classified as HAdV-B3, resulting in a recombinant genotype designated P7H3F3, which closely resembled HAdV-B114. Additionally, a partial gene encoding L1 52/55 kD was identified, which originated from HAdV-B16. CONCLUSION A novel recombinant, P7H3F3, was identified, containing sequences derived from HAdV-B3 and HAdV-B7, which is similar to HAdV-B114, along with additional sequences from HAdV-B16.
Humans ; Adenoviruses, Human/isolation & purification* ; Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology* ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Recombination, Genetic ; Male ; Beijing/epidemiology* ; Infant ; Female ; Phylogeny ; Adenovirus Infections, Human/epidemiology* ; Acute Disease ; Genome, Viral

Objective To analyze the composition of the aqueous extract of Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua(PCHE)and evaluate its antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.Our aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of Polygonatum Cyrtonema Hua.Methods(1)PCHE was prepared by aqueous extraction,and the chemical composition of PCHE was analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and phenol-sulfuric acid method.The inhibitory activity on tumor cells proliferation of PCHE was detected by CCK-8 assay.Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry,and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax was detected by Western Blot.The inhibitory activity of PCHE-containing serum on cell proliferation was detected.(2)A B16 tumor-bearing mice model was constructed and model mice were randomly divided into the model group(saline),the positive drug group(CTX:50 mg·kg-1),and PCHE low-,medium-,and high-dose groups(55.9,111.8,223.6 mg·kg-1),and treated by gavage for 7 days.Changes in body weight and tumor volume of mice were observed during the treatment period.The mice were executed after the treatment,and the histopathological changes of heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney and tumor were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC).Results The polysaccharide content of PCHE reached(10.07±1.3)%,and the flavonoid content was(0.044±0.004)%,and thirty-nine components were detected by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS,which contained antitumor components such as flavonoids(baicalein,quercetin,luteolin and rutin),organic acids(ferulic acid)and polyphenols(gallic acid),etc.PCHE exhibited the inhibitory effects on Hela,A549,4T1,B16,MFC and HepG2 cells,among which the inhibitory effect on B16 cells was the most significant(P＜0.001),and PCHE induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in B16 cells(P＜0.001).The results of double-staining flow cytometry and Western Blot showed that PCHE significantly promoted apoptosis of B16 cells,decreased the expression of Bcl-2,and promoted the expression of Bax(P＜0.01,P＜0.001).and PCHE constituents absorbed into blood also had an inhibitory effect on B16 cells(P＜0.001).In addition,the results of in vivo activity assay showed that different doses of PCHE could inhibit tumor growth,induce tumor cell necrosis,reduce Bcl-2 expression,and increase Bax expression compared with the model group.Conclusion The ingredients in PCHE are abundant.It contains a variety of antitumor active ingredients,which can inhibit tumor growth,induce tumor cell apoptosis,show strong anti-tumor effects and be worthy of in-depth study.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

Objective:To corelate thromboelastography (TEG)-related parameters and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels with the severity of preeclampsia and pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.Methods:A case-control study was conducted involving 92 patients with preeclampsia who received treatment at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital between March 2022 and September 2023 (patient group) and 92 healthy pregnant women who underwent routine check-ups during the same period (control group). All participants underwent TEG tests, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were measured. Intergroup comparisons were performed, and patients were categorized based on the severity of their condition. TEG parameters and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were compared among patients with varying severities of preeclampsia. TEG-related parameters were correlated with D-dimer and fibrinogen levels. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in the patient group were statistically analyzed, and risk factors for these adverse outcomes in women with preeclampsia were identified.Results:In the patient group, the R and K values were (3.06 ± 0.36) minutes and (1.21 ± 0.14) minutes, respectively, both of which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(5.44 ± 0.61) minutes, (1.79 ± 0.21) minutes, t = 32.22, 22.04, both P < 0.001]. The α angle, CI value, MA value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in the patient group were (71.31 ± 7.63)°, (3.89 ± 0.41), (65.71 ± 7.01) mm, (2.22 ± 0.24) mg/L, and (4.51 ± 0.49) g/L, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(64.85 ± 6.79)°, (2.19 ± 0.23), (58.96 ± 6.09) mm, (1.92 ± 0.21) mg/L, (3.75 ± 0.40) g/L, t = -6.06, -34.68, -6.97, -9.02, -11.52, all P < 0.001]. In the patient group, severe cases had significantly lower R and K values compared with mild cases, while the α angle, CI value, MA value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in severe cases than in mild cases ( t = 11.06, 7.16, -8.01, -12.05, -3.91, -13.74, -8.269, all P < 0.001). In patients with preeclampsia, the R and K values were negatively correlated with D-dimer levels, and the R value was negatively correlated with fibrinogen level ( r = -0.504, -0.612, -0.493, all P < 0.05). In addition, the MA and CI values were positively correlated with D-dimer level, and the α angle was positively correlated with fibrinogen level ( r = 0.436, 0.534, 0.492, all P < 0.05). Among the participants, 41 women experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes. In patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes, the R and K values were (2.48 ± 0.25) minutes and (1.12 ± 0.14) minutes, which were significantly lower than those in patients without adverse pregnancy outcomes [(2.75 ± 0.29) minutes, (1.28 ± 0.13) minutes, t = 4.71, 5.67; both P < 0.001]. The α angle, CI value, MA value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes were (76.62 ± 8.01)°, (4.42 ± 0.46), (69.77 ± 7.06) mm, (2.57 ± 0.27) mg/L, and (4.97 ± 0.51) g/L, all of which were significantly higher than those in patients without adverse pregnancy outcomes [(67.04 ± 7.01)°, (3.46 ± 0.37), (62.45 ± 6.82) mm, (1.94 ± 0.21) mg/L, (4.14 ± 0.43) g/L, t = -6.11, -5.03, -11.09, -12.25, -8.46, all P < 0.001]. Logistic regression analysis indicated that R and K values were protective factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes ( OR < 1, P < 0.05), while MA value, α angle, CI value, and D-dimer and fibrinogen levels were independent risk factors ( OR > 1, P < 0.05). Conclusion:TEG-related parameters differ significantly between patients with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women. These parameters are correlated with the severity of preeclampsia, as well as with D-dimer and fibrinogen levels. TEG-related parameters are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.

Objective To study the relationship between the changes of sagittal spinopelvic parameters and facet joint-derived low back pain in patients with hip osteoarthritis after hip arthroplasty.Methods The clinical data of 30 patients with facet joint-derived low back pain induced by hip osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral hip arthroplasty(observation group)from June 2019 to November 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed,and 50 healthy subjects who underwent lumbar X-ray examination in the physical examination center of our hospital at the same time were randomly selected as the control group.The sagittal spinopelvic parameters were measured based on the X-ray,including pelvic incidence(PI),pelvic tilt(PT),sacral slope(SS),lumbar lordosis(LL),sacrum pubic incidence(SPI)and sacrum pubic posterior angle(SPPA).The correlation between the changes of sagittal spinopelvic parameters and facet joint-derived low back pain was analyzed by multiple linear regression,and its diagnostic efficacy to facet joint-derived low back pain was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The PI,LL,SPI or SPA before and 1 year after surgery of the observation group had no significant difference combined with those of the control group(P>0.05).The PT before surgery of the observation group was smaller than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the SS before surgery was larger than that of the control group(P<0.05).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PT and SS before surgery were correlated with facet joint-derived low back pain(P<0.05).The sensitivity of PT and SS before surgery in diagnosing facet joint-derived low back pain were 50.00%and 73.30%,with the specificity of 88.00%and 78.00%,respectively.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of PT and SS before surgery in diagnosing facet joint-derived low back pain were 0.708(95%CI:0.595 to 0.822)and 0.775(95%CI:0.673 to 0.877),respectively.Conclusion Patients with hip osteoarthritis pain have significantly larger SS and significantly smaller PT.Hip arthroplasty can alleviate the symptoms of low back pain without affecting the sagittal spinopelvic balance;the PT and SS before surgery are correlated with the facet joint-derived low back pain,and they are of high value in the diagnosing facet joint-derived low back pain.