Taxifolin (Tax) has been proved to be a medicinal edible substance with protective effects against alcoholic liver injury, however, its poor hydrophilicity and permeability have hindered the clinical application of Tax. In this study, we prepared taxifolin-phosphatidylcholine/sodium deoxycholate/PVP-K30 micells (Tax-MLs). Box-Behnken test was used to obtain the optimal preparation process, and Tax-MLs were characterised by transmission electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Physicochemical parameters such as proximate micelle concentration, equilibrium solubility and oil-water partition coefficient were determined, and the release pattern of Tax-MLs was investigated by in vitro digestion simulation. Alcoholic liver injury model to explore the in vivo efficacy of Tax-MLs. The results showed that the average particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of Tax-MLs were 36.90 ± 4.57 nm, 0.194 ± 0.01 and -32.6 ± 0.35 mV, respectively, and the uniform size and distribution of Tax-MLs were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The formation of Tax-MLs was proved by differential scanning calorimetry and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In terms of physicochemical properties, the solubility of Tax-MLs in water increased by 92.02 times compared with Tax, and its oil-water partition coefficient in water increased from 0.43 to 1.14, which proved that Tax-MLs could improve its solubility and permeability. The in vivo pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the Tax group, Tax-MLs low, medium and high dose groups showed a significant reduction in liver indices and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.05), and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and lowered the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) more significantly in the hepatic tissues. Tax-MLs effectively improved drug solubility and permeability, and enhanced the protective effect against alcoholic liver injury. Animal experiments were conducted with approval from the Animal Ethics Committee of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (approval number: 2023601).

The auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) gene family is an important regulator for plant growth hormone signaling, involved in plant growth, development, as well as response to environmental stresses. In the present study, we identified SmIAA7 which is potentially associated with Salvia miltiorrhiza leaf development through comparatively analyzed the transcriptome data from different pinnate leaves. SmIAA7 was successfully isolated from S. miltiorrhiza using the specific primers. Then subsequent bioinformatic analysis, prokaryotic expression and purification, subcellular localization, and induction expression analysis under auxin and abiotic stress were performed. The full-length of SmIAA7 contained an ORF of 684 bp encoding a protein of 227 amino acid with a molecular weight of 25.3 kD. Conserved domain analysis showed that SmIAA7 contains the conserved Aux_IAA domain (pfam02309). Sequence analysis and phylogenetic tree analysis results indicated SmIAA7 was phylogenetically close to IAA7 and IAA14 from other plants, suggesting SmIAA7 involved in plant growth and development as well as response to environmental stresses. The prokaryotic expression vector pET28a-SmIAA7 was constructed and SmIAA7 recombinant protein was successfully expressed in E. coli Rosetta (DE3) strain. Subcellular localization experiment demonstrated that SmIAA7 localized in the nucleus of plant cells. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that the expression level of SmIAA7 was upregulated in response to auxin. Drought, low temperature, and salt stress significantly increased the transcript level of SmIAA7 gene. This study lays a foundation for further elucidating the role of SmIAA7 in leaf development, signal transduction, and stress defense in S. miltiorrhiza.

Twelve compounds were isolated from the rice fermentation extracts of Penicillium expansum GY618 by silica column chromatography, Sephadex gel column chromatography, ODS column chromatography and semi preparative HPLC methods. They were determined as 11-hydroxyl-penicitrinone F (1), penicitrinone F (2), betulin (3), erythrodiol (4), ergosterol (5), ergost-5α,8α-epidioxy-6,22-dien-3β-ol (6), (5α,8α-epidioxy-(22E,24R)-ergosta-6,9(11),22-trien-3β-ol) (7), 5α,8α-epidioxy-(22E,24R)-23-methylergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (8), 5α,8α-epidioxy- 23,24(R)-dimethylcholesta-6,9(11),22-trien-3β-ol (9), dankasterone A (10), (17R)-4-hydroxy-17-methylincisterol (11) and ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (12), through mass spectrometer, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and comparison with the literature. Compound 1 was a new compound and compounds 2-4, 6-12 were isolated from Penicillium expansum fungus for the first time. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity experiment showed that compounds 1, 3 and 12 showed certain inhibitory activity against tyrosinase with IC₅₀ values of (75 ± 9), (69 ± 8) and (64 ± 2) μmol·L^-1, respectively. The IC₅₀ of other compounds were all greater than 100 μmol·L^-1, while IC₅₀ of the positive control kojic acid was (46 ± 4) μmol·L^-1.

Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with in vitro experiment verification, we explored the mechanism of action of Porana racemosa Roxb. (PRA) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and provided a modern pharmacological basis for the treatment of RA by PRA. The potential target of chemical components in the analyzed moth rattan was predicted by Swiss Target Prediction database; OMIM, GeneCards, TTD and Disgenet databases were used to search the disease targets of RA; the protein interaction (PPI) network and medicine-composition-target network were constructed using STRING database and Cytoscape software; GO (gene ontology) functional enrichment and KEGG (kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathway analysis were carried out using DAVID database, and molecular docking software was used to dock the potentially active ingredients of PRA and core targets; finally, MH7A cells were selected for cell viability, scratch healing and mRNA expression level analysis of key genes to explore the effects of PRA and their potentially active ingredients on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of MH7A cells. In this study, a total of 628 potentially active ingredient targets, 1 890 RA targets and 235 intersection targets were identified. It was screened that the potentially active ingredients of RA treatment by PRA were ethylcaffeate, N-p-coumaroyltyramine, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester and so on, and the core targets involved tumor necrosis factor (TNF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and so on. 1 200 GO entries and 166 KEGG pathway entries were obtained from the enrichment analysis; molecular docking results showed that N-p-coumaroyltyramine and ethylcaffeate had good binding activity with TNF, MMP9, cysteine-aspartate protease 3 (CASP3), PTGS2, B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) proteins. In vitro experiments showed that PRA, ethylcaffeate and N-p-coumaroyltyramine could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of MH7A cells, up-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related gene CASP3 mRNA, and down-regulate the expression of MMP9, PTGS2 and BCL2 mRNA, and it can also down-regulate the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) mRNA and PI3K and p-AKT proteins. This study preliminarily revealed that the treatment of RA by PRA may be related to proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Objective: To understand the current situation and related factors of screening myopia among students in special education schools, so as to provide evidence for promoting the health level of this population. Methods: From November 2021 to December 2023, a total of 281 students from 6 special education schools in 5 districts of Tianjin were selected by cluster random sampling method for computer optometry visual acuity examination for non ciliary paralysis and questionnaire survey. Multiple Logistic regression was performed to analyze the influencing factors of screening myopia among special education students. Results: The screening myopia detection rate among these special education students in Tianjin was 27.0%, and the screening myopia detection rates of students with autism, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities were 22.4%, 12.5%, and 33.0%, respectively. The degree of myopia increased with age ( χ 2 trend =22.65, P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(10-13 years old: OR =5.40, 14-17 years old: OR =8.40, 18-23 years old: OR =6.02), accommodation(non resident: OR =0.29), daily mobile phone usage ≥2 hours ( OR =2.37), and daily computer/tablet usage ≥2 hours ( OR =2.70) were the risk factors for screening myopia among special education students ( P <0.05). Conclusions The detection rate and degree of screening myopia increase with age in special education students. Prolonged screen time exposure is a primary risk factor for screening myopia in special education students. Effective myopia prevention and control strategies should be designed according to the characteristics of special education students.

Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein （SIRT6）/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis （UC） and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a Mesalazine group （0.42 g·kg^-1）， a Shaoyaotang group （31.08 g·kg^-1）， an inhibitor group （OSS-128167， 50 mg·kg^-1）， and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group （50 mg·kg^-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg^-1 Shaoyaotang）. A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） solution for mice in other groups for 7 d， except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline， Mesalazine， Shaoyaotang， inhibitor， and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang， respectively， for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region， and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to detect serum interleukin （IL）-10， IL-17， and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A （LDHA） levels. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁） levels in colon tissue， and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6， HIF-1α， and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group， disease activity index （DAI） scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened， and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated， and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β₁ were significantly reduced in colon tissue （P<0.01）. The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Mesalazine group， the Shaoyaotang group， and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury， significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6， significant increase in IL-10 （P<0.01）， significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β₁ in colon tissue （P<0.01）， significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions （P<0.01）， and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA， the relative mRNA expressions， and the contents of glucose and lactate （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group， the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased， and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β₁ in colon tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA， the relative mRNA expressions， and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. However， the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway， and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of silent information regulatory protein （SIRT6）/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） pathway in regulating the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in ulcerative colitis （UC） and the mechanism of intervention of Shaoyaotang. MethodsForty-eight c57bL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a Mesalazine group （0.42 g·kg^-1）， a Shaoyaotang group （31.08 g·kg^-1）， an inhibitor group （OSS-128167， 50 mg·kg^-1）， and an inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group （50 mg·kg^-1 OSS-128167 + 31.08 g·kg^-1 Shaoyaotang）. A UC model was established by the administration of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） solution for mice in other groups for 7 d， except for the blank group. The mice in each group were treated with saline， Mesalazine， Shaoyaotang， inhibitor， and inhibitor + Shaoyaotang， respectively， for 7 d. The mice were necropsied 24 h after the last administration of the drug. The blood was collected from the orbital region， and colon tissue was taken. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in colon tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to detect serum interleukin （IL）-10， IL-17， and IL-6 levels. A biochemical method was used to detect glucose and lactate dehydrogenase A （LDHA） levels. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁） levels in colon tissue， and Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） were used to detect relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6， HIF-1α， and LDHA. ResultsCompared with those of the blank group， disease activity index （DAI） scores of mice in the model group and inhibitor group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The length of colon tissue was significantly shortened， and colon tissue was congested and eroded. The pathohistological scores were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly elevated， and the levels of IL-10 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β₁ were significantly reduced in colon tissue （P<0.01）. The relative protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT6 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. The level of inflammation in the colon of the mice in the inhibitor group was more severe than that in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Mesalazine group， the Shaoyaotang group， and the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group showed reduced colonic injury， significant decrease in serum IL-17 and IL-6， significant increase in IL-10 （P<0.01）， significant increase in the protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β₁ in colon tissue （P<0.01）， significant increase in the protein expressions of SIRT6 and the relative mRNA expressions （P<0.01）， and significant reduction in the protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA， the relative mRNA expressions， and the contents of glucose and lactate （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the Shaoyaotang group， the serum IL-17 and IL-6 were significantly increased， and IL-10 was significantly decreased in the inhibitor + Shaoyaotang group （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of IL-22 and TGF-β₁ in colon tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expressions of SIRT6 protein and the relative mRNA expressions were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of HIF-1α and LDHA， the relative mRNA expressions， and the contents of glucose and lactate were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. However， the difference between the Shaoyaotang group and the Mesalazine group was not significant. ConclusionShaoyaotang can effectively treat DSS-induced mice with UC through the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway， and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the SIRT6/HIF-1α pathway and glucose metabolism reprogramming and the inhibition of glycolysis.

Background: Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most common sensory disorders, affecting over 5-8% of the world's population. Approximately half of HL cases are attributed to genetic factors. In hereditary deafness, about 75-80% is inherited through autosomal recessive inheritance, and common pathogenic genes include GJB2 and SLC26A4. Pathogenic variants in the SLC26A4gene are the leading cause of hereditary hearing loss in humans, second only to the GJB2 gene. Variants in the SLC26A4gene cause hearing loss, which can be non-syndromic autosomal recessive deafness (DFNB4, OMIM #600791) associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) or Pendred syndrome (Pendred, OMIM #605646). DFNB4 is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss combined with EVA or less common cochlear malformation defect. Pendred syndrome is characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with EVA and an iodine defect that can lead to thyroid goiter. Currently, it is known that EVA is associated with variants in the SLC26A4 gene and is a penetrant feature of SLC26A4-related HL. Predominant mutations in these genes differ significantly across populations. For instance, predominant SLC26A4 mutations differ among populations, including p.T416P and c.1001G>A in Caucasians, p.H723R in Japanese and Koreans, and c.919-2A>G in Han Taiwanese and Han Chinese. On the other hand, there has been no study of hearing loss related to SLC26A4 gene variants among Mongolians, which is the basis of our research. Aim: We aimed to identify the characteristics of the SLC26A4 gene variants in Mongolian people with Enlarged vestibular aqueduct and Mondini malformation. Materials and Methods: In 2022-2024, We included 13 people with hearing loss and enlarged vestibular aqueduct, incomplete cochlea (1.5 turns of the cochlea with cystic apex- incomplete partition type II- Mondini malformation) were examined by CT scan of the temporal bone in our study. WES (Whole exome sequencing) analysis was performed in the Genetics genetic-laboratory of the National Taiwan University Hospital. Results: Genetic analysis revealed 26 confirmed pathogenic variants of bi-allelic SLC26A4 gene of 8 different types in 13 cases, and c.919-2A>G variant was dominant with 46% (12/26) in allele frequency, and c.2027T>A (p.L676Q) variant 19% (5/26), c.1318A>T(p.K440X) variant 11% (3/26), c.1229C>T (p.T410M) variant 8% (2/26) ) , c.716T>A (p.V239D), c.281C>T (p.T94I), c.1546dupC, and c.1975G>C (p.V659L) variants were each 4% (1/26)- revealed. Two male children, 11 years old (SLC26A4: c.919-2A>G) and 7 years old (SLC26A4: c.919-2A>G:, SLC26A4: c.2027T>A (p.L676Q))had history of born normal hearing and progressive hearing loss. Conclusions 1. 26 variants of bi-allelic SLC26A4 gene mutation were detected in Mongolian people with EVA and Mondini malformation, and c.919-2A>G was the most dominant allele variant, and rare variants such as c.1546dupC, c.716T>A (p.V239D) were detected. 2. Our study shows that whole-exome sequencing (WES) can identify gene mutations that are not detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or NGS analysis.

Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.