Objective To explore the association between oral microbiota and esophageal carcinogenesis. Methods A case-control study design was employed. A total of 309 subjects were recruited, consisting of 159 healthy controls, 32 cases of esophageal basal cell hyperplasia, 32 cases of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 14 cases of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and 72 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Tongue swab samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. The α-diversity and β-diversity of the microbiota were analyzed, and the characteristics of the microbial communities at different stages of esophageal carcinogenesis were compared. The strength of the association was expressed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results α-diversity analysis indicated significant differences in the observed species number (Sobs) index across various stages of esophageal cancer progression (P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the Simpson index was positively correlated with carcinogenesis (P=0.006). β-diversity analysis revealed differences in microbiota structure among the groups. After ordered multinomial logistic regression analysis and adjustment for multiple confounding factors, the relative abundance of Peptostreptococcus (OR: 2.06, 95%CI: 1.22–3.60), Patescibacteria (OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.04–1.67), Capnocytophaga (OR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.05–1.54), and Bacteroidota (OR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00–1.05) was positively correlated with carcinogenesis. The relative abundance of Stomatobaculum (OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.30–1.00) and Actinobacteriota (OR: 0.95, 95%CI: 0.92–0.98) was negatively correlated with carcinogenesis. Conclusion Specific oral microbiotas are significantly associated with esophageal carcinogenesis, and synergistic or antagonistic interactions may be observed among the microbiota.

This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Inflammation/genetics* ; Oxygen/metabolism* ; Pyrazines/pharmacology* ; Microglia/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; NF-kappa B/immunology* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Qingda Granule (QDG) in ameliorating hypertension-induced cardiac damage and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: Twenty spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used to develope a hypertension-induced cardiac damage model. Another 10 Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as normotension group. Rats were administrated intragastrically QDG [0.9 g/(kg•d)] or an equivalent volume of pure water for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, histopathological changes, cardiac function, levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers were measured. Furthermore, to gain insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of QDG against hypertension-induced cardiac injury, a network pharmacology study was conducted. Predicted results were validated by Western blot, radioimmunoassay immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: The administration of QDG resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure levels in SHRs (P<0.01). Histological examinations, including hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining revealed that QDG effectively attenuated hypertension-induced cardiac damage. Furthermore, echocardiography demonstrated that QDG improved hypertension-associated cardiac dysfunction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method indicated that QDG significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response levels in both myocardial tissue and serum (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Both network pharmacology and experimental investigations confirmed that QDG exerted its beneficial effects in decreasing hypertension-induced cardiac damage by regulating the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II receptor type 1 axis and ACE/Ang II/Ang II receptor type 2 axis.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Hypertension/pathology* ; Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects* ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Myocardium/pathology* ; Rats ; Inflammation/pathology*

Twelve compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the 80% aqueous ethanol extract of the roots and stems of Dalbergia rimosa Roxb. by silica gel, MCI, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by spectral analysis such as UV, IR, MS, 1D/2D NMR and by comparison with literature information as dalbergiquinol A (1), dalbergiquinol B (2), R-(-)-3′-hydroxy-2,4,5-trimethoxydalbergiquinol (3), neokhriol A (4), mucronulatol (5), (3R)-7,2′,3′-trihydroxy-4′-methoxy-isoflavane (6), isomucronulatol (7), (3S)-violanone (8), 3′-O-methylviolanone (9), eryvarin M (10), (±)-α,3,4,2′,4′-pentahydroxydihydrochalcone (11) and (-)-butin (12). Compound 1 and 2 are new compounds, and compounds 3-12 were isolated from this plant for the first time. Compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12 showed good scavenging effect on DPPH free radical.

Objective To explore the role of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)in regulating the expression of sortilin and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1)in macrophages,and the effect of PNS on inhibiting formation of foam cells and the potential mechanism of PNS adjusting sortilin expression and cholesterol metabolism.Methods The macrophages were divided into five groups as follows:group A(only added with cell culture),group B(transfected with negative control lentivirus),group C(transfected with lentivirus-mediated sortilin overexpression),group D(transfected with lentivirus-mediated sortilin overexpression+60 μg·mL-1PNS),group E(transfected with lentivirus-mediated sortilin overexpression+10 μmol·L-1 mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(MEK)inhibitor PD98059+60 μg·mL-1 PNS).The protein contents of sortilin,ABCA1,extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)and phosphorylated-ERK(p-ERK)were evaluated with Western blot.All the cells in five groups were cultured with 50 μg·mL-1ox-LDL to form foam cells.The lipid in macrophages was investigated with red O assay.Results The relative expression levels of sortilin protein were 1.00±0.08,0.91±0.15,2.28±0.13,1.62±0.09 and 2.01±0.08;the relative expression levels of ABCA1 protein were 1.00±0.01,0.92±0.07,0.29±0.04,0.66±0.09 and 0.44±0.07;the ratios of p-ERK/ERK protein were 1.00±0.09,0.92±0.05,1.03±0.12,2.00±0.12 and 1.64±0.14;the contents of lipid in macrophages were(4.82±2.19)％,(6.70±0.88)％,(44.56±4.15)％,(27.66±3.25)％and(41.67±5.45)％.Except the ratios of p-ERK/ERK,the other parameters between group C and group A were statistically significant difference(all P＜0.01).Meanwhile,there were also statistically significant difference between group D and group C as well as group D and group E(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion PNS inhibits the lipid accumulation in macrophages through upregulating ABCA1 and downregulating sortilin,and ERK signaling pathway may be as one of important mechanisms influencing the expression of sortilin and ABCA1 mediated by PNS.

Following the principles of evidence-based medicine,in accordance with the structure and drafting rules of standardized documents,based on literature research,according to the characteristics of chronic cough in children and issues that need to form a consensus,the TCM Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough in Children was formulated based on the Delphi method,expert discussion meetings,and public solicitation of opinions.The guideline includes scope of application,terms and definitions,eti-ology and diagnosis,auxiliary examination,treatment,prevention and care.The aim is to clarify the optimal treatment plan of Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease,and to provide guidance for improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in children with Chinese medicine.

The changes in epigenetic modifications of histones are one of the important factors in cancer development and metastasis,and the development of epigenetic therapies for cancer treatment has led to epigenetic drug screening as a research focus. In this work,the common methylation and acetylation modifications at the N-terminal of cellular histones H3 were quantified by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method,and a throughput assay for screening and assessment of epigenetic drug was established. A total of 39 kinds of modification combinations containing common methylation and acetylation sites of H3 peptides were simultaneously monitored by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The developed method was applied to analyze HepG2 cells exposed for 24 h to 28 kinds of epigenetic drugs that could modulate the level of methylation or acetylation modifications. Results showed that 25 of these drugs,such as deacetylase inhibitors Abexinostat,Valproic acid and AGK7,induced histone H3 modification changes in the exposed cells that were consistent with those reported in the literature,while other modification changes were also detectable. Three of these drugs,including demethylase inhibitors IOX1,GSK-j1 and acetyltransferase inhibitor L002,however,induced modification changes different from those reported in the literature. An overall test match rate of 89.3％ was achieved. The established LC-MS/MS method could quantitatively analyze histone H3 modification sites and their changes in cells in a high-throughput and highly sensitive manner,and could be applied to the evaluation of epigenetic drugs with known activities,with good specificity and rich modification information,which was expected to provide a new technological tool for screening and evaluation of epigenetically active compounds and exploration of their mechanism of action.

In infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia(sBPD),severe pulmonary lobar emphysema may occur as a complication,contributing to significant impairment in ventilation.Clinical management of these infants is extremely challenging and some may require lobectomy to improve ventilation.However,prior to the lobectomy,it is very difficult to assess whether the remaining lung parenchyma would be able to sustain adequate ventilation postoperatively.In addition,preoperative planning and perioperative management are also quite challenging in these patients.This paper reports the utility of selective bronchial occlusion in assessing the safety and efficacy of lobectomy in a case of sBPD complicated by severe right upper lobar emphysema.Since infants with sBPD already have poor lung development and significant lung injury,lobectomy should be viewed as a non-traditional therapy and be carried out with extreme caution.Selective bronchial occlusion test can be an effective tool in assessing the risks and benefits of lobectomy in cases with sBPD and lobar emphysema.However,given the technical difficulty,successful application of this technique requires close collaboration of an experienced interdisciplinary team.

Objective To explore the efficacy and influencing factors of polyethylene glycol interferon α-2b(Peg-IFNα-2b)combined nucleoside analogues(NAs)in the treatment of hepatitis B virus e-antigen(HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients who had received NAs treatment,and evaluate the correlation of mononucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin-28B and programmed death receptor-1(PD-1)with interferon treatment response.Methods HBeAg-negative CHB patients who visited Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2020 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.Patients with Peg-IFNα-2b and NAs treatment were as the study group,while those with NAs therapy alone as the control group.Clinical efficacy of two groups of patients at the 12nd,24th,and 48th weeks of treatment,as well as the persistent response and recurrence at the 72nd week were analyzed.PD-1 and IL-28B single nucleotide polymorphisms were adopted to evaluate the value of HBeAg-nega-tive CHB patients in response to interferon treatment.Results At the 48th week of treatment,the response rate of HBeAg-negative CHB patients in the study group was higher than that in the control group(52.05％[38/73]vs 1.64％[1/61],P＜0.05).Among HBeAg-negative CHB patients in the study group,response rates at 48th week of treatment in patients with baseline HBsAg＜100 IU/mL and HBsAg＜1 000 IU/mL were higher than those with HBsAg≥1 000 IU/mL,respectively(both P＜0.05).Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that in HBeAg-negative CHB patients in the study group,the baseline HBsAg levels(OR=1.004,95％CI:1.001-1.006)and HBsAg decline magnitude at the 24th week of treatment(OR=0.111,95％CI:0.034-0.362)were influencing factors for the response of interferon treatment combined with NAs(both P＜0.05).The results of single nucleo-tide polymorphism analysis showed that in HBeAg-negative CHB patients in the study group,the proportion of PD-1 rs10204525 C/T heterozygous mutation in the response population was higher(66.67％vs 16.67％,P＜0.05),while that of IL-28B mutation was not significantly different(P＞0.05).Conclusion Combined treatment with Peg-IFNa-2b can achieve higher HBsAg clearance rate and serological conversion rate in HBeAg-negative CHB patients who had received NAs treatment.HBsAg decline magnitude at the 24th week of treatment can better pre-dict the response at the 48th week of treatment.Patients with low baseline HBsAg level and those carrying PD-1 rs10204525C/T heterozygous mutation gene present better therapeutic effect after receiving Peg-IFNa-2b.

Objective To monitor the antifungal resistance of clinical isolates of Candida spp.in the East China region.Methods MALDI-TOF MS or molecular methods were used to re-identify the strains collected from January 2018 to December 2022.Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the broth microdilution method.The susceptibility test results were interpreted according to the breakpoints of 2022 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)documents M27 M44s-Ed3 and M57s-Ed4.Results A total of 3 026 strains of Candida were collected,65.33％of which were isolated from sterile body sites,mainly from blood(38.86％)and pleural effusion/ascites(10.21％).The predominant species of Candida were Candida albicans(44.51％),followed by Candida parapsilosis complex(19.46％),Candida tropicalis(13.98％),Candida glabrata(10.34％),and other Candida species(0.79％).Candida albicans showed overall high susceptibility rates to the 10 antifungal drugs tested(the lowest rate being 93.62％).Only 2.97％of the strains showed dose-dependent susceptibility(SDD)to fluconazole.Candida parapsilosis complex had a SDD rate of 2.61％and a resistance rate of 9.42％to fluconazole,and susceptibility rates above 90％to other drugs.Candida glabrata had a SDD rate of 92.01％and a resistance rate of 7.99％to fluconazole,resistance rates of 32.27％and 48.24％to posaconazole and voriconazole non-wild-type strains(NWT),respectively,and susceptibility rates above 90％to other drugs.Candida tropicalis had resistance rates of 29.55％and 26.24％to fluconazole and voriconazole,respectively,resistance rates of 76.60％and 21.99％to posaconazole and echinocandins non-wild-type strains(NWT),and a resistance rate of 2.36％to echinocandins.Conclusions The prevalence and species distribution of Candida spp.in the East China region are consistent with previous domestic and international reports.Candida glabrata exhibits certain degree of resistance to fluconazole,while Candida tropicalis demonstrates higher resistance to triazole drugs.Additionally,echinocandins resistance has emerged in Candida albicans,Candida glabrata,Candida tropicalis,and Candida parapsilosis.