This paper primarily investigated the protective effects and potential mechanisms of total saponins from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in alleviating isoprenaline(ISO)-induced hypertrophy and damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Initially, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were used as the research subject to analyze the effects of ISO at different concentrations on cell hypertrophy and damage. On this basis, the H9c2 cardiomyocytes were divided into blank, model, and high-dose(200 μg·mL~(-1)), medium-dose(100 μg·mL~(-1)), and low-dose(50 μg·mL~(-1)) groups of total saponins from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. Cell hypertrophy and damage models were induced by treating cells with 400 μmol·L~(-1) ISO for 24 hours. The Incucyte live-cell analysis system was utilized to observe the status, size changes, and confluence of the cells in each group. Cell viability was detected by using the CCK-8 assay. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression of Ras-associated protein 7A(RAB7A), sequestosome 1(SQSTM1/p62), autophagy-related protein Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3). Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression level of the autophagy marker Beclin1 in H9c2 cells. The results demonstrated that compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in cell viability(P<0.01) and a marked increase in cell hypertrophy, with an average cell length growth of 13.53%. Compared with the model group, the high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of total saponins from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma exhibited reduced hypertrophy, with respective growths of 6.89%, 8.30%, and 8.49% and a significant decrease in growth rates(P<0.01). Cell viability in the high-dose of total saponins from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma was also significantly increased(P<0.01). Western blot and immunofluorescence results indicated that compared with the blank group, the model group showed changes in Beclin1, RAB7A, and p62 expression, as well as the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio, although most changes were not statistically significant. In the groups treated with total saponins from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, the expression of autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and RAB7A and the LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio were significantly increased(P<0.05), while p62 expression significantly decreased(P<0.05). These findings collectively suggested that pretreatment of cells with total saponins from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma significantly enhanced autophagy activity in cells. In summary, total saponins from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma inhibit ISO-induced hypertrophy and damage in H9c2 cells by promoting autophagy, demonstrating potential cardioprotective effects and providing new insights and scientific evidence for their preventive and therapeutic use in cardiovascular diseases.
Autophagy/drug effects* ; Saponins/pharmacology* ; Panax notoginseng/chemistry* ; Panax/chemistry* ; Animals ; Rats ; Cell Line ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Rhizome/chemistry* ; Isoproterenol/adverse effects* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology* ; Hypertrophy/drug therapy*

OBJECTIVES: To characterize fine particulate matter (PM _2.5)-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted from different cooking fumes and their exposure routes and assess their health-associated impact to provide a reference for health risk prevention from PAH exposure across different age and sex groups. METHODS: Sixteen PM _2.5-bound PAHs emitted from 11 cooking styles were analyzed using GC-MS/MS. The health hazards of these PAHs in the Handan City population (stratified by age and sex) were predicted using the incremental lifetime cancer risk ( ILCR) model. The respiratory deposition doses ( RDDs) of the PAHs in children and adults were calculated using the PM _2.5 deposition rates in the upper airway, tracheobronchial, and alveolar regions. RESULTS: The total concentrations of PM _2.5-bound PAHs ranged from 61.10 to 403.80 ng/m ³. Regardless of cooking styles, the ILCR _total values for adults (1.23 × 10 ^-6 to 3.70 × 10 ^-6) and older adults (1.28 × 10 ^-6 to 3.88 × 10 ^-6) exceeded the acceptable limit of 1.00 × 10 ^-6. With increasing age, the ILCR _total value first declined and then increased, varying substantially among the population groups. Cancer risk exhibited particularly high sensitivity to short exposure to barbecue-derived PAHs under equivalent body weights. Furthermore, barbecue, Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and Chinese fast food were associated with higher RDDs for both adults and children. CONCLUSION ILCR _total values exceeded the acceptable limit for both females and males of adults, with all cooking styles showing a potentially high cancer risk. Our findings serve as an important reference for refining regulatory strategies related to catering emissions and mitigating health risks associated with cooking styles.
Humans ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis* ; Cooking/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Adult ; Child ; Middle Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Adolescent ; Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis* ; Young Adult ; Child, Preschool ; Aged ; China ; Inhalation Exposure ; Age Factors ; Sex Factors ; Cities ; Infant

Objective Tissue uptake and distribution of nano-/microplastics was studied at a single high dose by gavage in vivo.Methods Fluorescent microspheres (100 nm, 3 μm, and 10 μm) were given once at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·body weight). The fluorescence intensity (FI) in observed organs was measured using the IVIS Spectrum at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after administration. Histopathology was performed to corroborate these findings.Results In the 100 nm group, the FI of the stomach and small intestine were highest at 0.5 h, and the FI of the large intestine, excrement, lung, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscles were highest at 4 h compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the 3 μm group, the FI only increased in the lung at 2 h (P < 0.05). In the 10 μm group, the FI increased in the large intestine and excrement at 2 h, and in the kidney at 4 h (P < 0.05). The presence of nano-/microplastics in tissues was further verified by histopathology. The peak time of nanoplastic absorption in blood was confirmed.Conclusion Nanoplastics translocated rapidly to observed organs/tissues through blood circulation;however, only small amounts of MPs could penetrate the organs.

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin and linagliptin in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with heart failure(HF).Methods Patients with T2DM and HF were randomly into control group and treatment group.Both groups were treated with individualized anti-HF and metformin-based hypoglycemic therapy.On this basis,the control group was given linagliptin orally(5 mg each time,once a day),while the treatment group was given oral administration of empagliflozin 10 mg every day.Patients in both groups were treated continuously for 6 months.The clinical efficacy and blood glucose indicators[fasting blood glucose(FBG),2 h postprandial blood glucose(2 h PBG),hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)],cardiac molecular markers[N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23),copeptin(CPP)]and caridac function indicators[left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular remodeling index(LVRI)]before and after treatment were compared,and the adverse drug reactions were recorded.Results There were 40 cases in treatment group and 40 cases in control group.After treatment,the total effective rates in treatment group and control group were 97.50％(39 cases/40 cases)and 80.00％(32 cases/40 cases),with no significant difference(P＜0.05).The FBG levels in treatment group and control group were(7.64±1.18)and(7.83±1.24)mmol·L-1;2 h PBG levels were(8.97±1.46)and(9.04±1.35)mmol·L-1;HbA1c levels were(7.58±1.27)％and(7.65±1.42)％,all with no significant difference(all P＞0.05).The NT-proBNP levels in treatment group and control group were(612.53±204.62)and(1 045.24±316.75)pg·mL-1;FGF23 levels were(362.74±62.61)and(493.27±74.64)μg·L-1;CPP levels were(12.58±3.43)and(16.87±4.36)pmol·L-1;LVEDD values were(51.19±2.36)and(53.35±2.24)mm;LVEF values were(52.69±3.38)％and(50.28±3.75)％;LVRI values were(2.62±0.29)and(2.96±0.33)kg·L-1,all with significant difference(all P＜0.05).The incidence rates of adverse reactions in treatment group and control group were 5.00％(2 cases/40 cases)and 10.00％(4 cases/40 cases),with no significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion Both empagliflozin and linagliptin can effectively reduce the blood glucose in patients with T2DM complicated with HF.Empagliflozin can better promote the improvement of cardiac function in patients without significantly increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions.

Objective:Analyzed the clinicopathological features of thymoma with alopecia areata, and discussed the pathogenesis and treatment methods.Methods:The clinicopathologic data of patients with thymoma who underwent surgery from August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2020 in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University were reviewed. Transversally analyzed the patients of thymoma with alopecia areata and longitudinally compared with the patients of thymoma without alopecia areata after 1﹕10 matched by propensity score matching.Results:A total of 252 patients of thymoma were enrolled, including 6 patients with alopecia areata, accounting for 2.38%. The anti-AchR antibody, CD4 + /CD8 + T inversion in serum and myasthenia gravis were present in the all 6 thymoma patients with alopecia areata, which were significantly higher than those in the group of thymoma without alopecia areata. Besides myasthenia gravis, the proportion of complicated with other autoimmune diseases in thymoma patients with alopecia areata was significantly higher than that of thymoma patients without alopecia areata[83.33%(5/6) vs. 20.00%(12/60), P=0.003]. After operation, 5 patients’ alopecia areata were improved in 6 thymoma patients with alopecia areata(83.33%, 5/6). Conclusion:The thymoma patients with alopecia areata always complicated with myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis may be associated with autoimmune CD8 + T lymphocytes produced by thymoma. At present, surgery is still the most effective way to improve thymoma-associated alopecia areata.

Purpose::To assess the value of the driving pressure variation rate (ΔP%) in predicting the outcome of weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.Methods::In this case-control study, a total of 35 patients with moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2022 and December 2022 and received invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h were enrolled. Patients were divided into successful weaning group and failed weaning group depending on whether they could be removed from ventilator support within 14 days. Outcome measures including driving pressure, PaO 2:FiO 2, and positive end-expiratory pressure, etc. were assessed every 24 h from day 0 to day 14 until successful weaning was achieved. The measurement data of non-normal distribution were presented as median (Q 1, Q 3), and the differences between groups were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. And categorical data use the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test to compare. The predictive value of ΔP% in predicting the outcome of weaning from the ventilator was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results::Of the total 35 patients included in the study, 17 were successful vs. 18 failed in weaning from a ventilator after 14 days of mechanical ventilation. The cut-off values of the median ΔP% measured by Operator 1 vs. Operator 2 in the first 4 days were ≥ 4.17% and 4.55%, respectively ( p < 0.001), with the area under curve of 0.804 (sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 64.7%) and 0.770 (sensitivity of 88.2%, specificity of 64.7%), respectively. There was a significant difference in mechanical ventilation duration between the successful weaning group and the failure weaning group (8 (6, 13) vs. 12 (7.5, 17.3), p = 0.043). The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the successful weaning group was significantly lower than in the failed weaning group (0.2‰ vs. 2.3‰, p = 0.001). There was a significant difference noted between these 2 groups in the 28-day mortality (11.8% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.003). Conclusion::The median ΔP% in the first 4 days of mechanical ventilation showed good predictive performance in predicting the outcome of weaning from mechanical ventilation within 14 days. Further study is needed to confirm this finding.

Objective:To prepare recombinant protein of group 36 allergen of Dermatophagoides farinae(Der f 36),to deter-mine its immunogenicity and bioinformatics analysis was performed.Methods:Nucleic acid sequence coding for Der f 36 was obtained and artificially synthesized,pET-28a(+)was inserted to construct pET-28a(+)-Der f 36 plasmid and transformed into BL21(DE3)receptor cells.After expressed and purified in BL21(DE3),recombinant allergen rDer f 36 was obtained,recombinant protein rDer f 36 was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.Serum IgE binding rates of rDer f 36 was determined by IgE-ELISA.Cross-reactivity between rDer f 36 and rDer p 36 was detected by IgE-ELISA inhibition assay.HNEpC cells were cultured with rDer f 36 for 24 h and cytokines were detected.Bioinformatics softwares were used to analyze physicochemical properties and structures of Der f 36 and Der p 36.Results:Coding gene for Der f 36 was obtained with a total length of 690 bp,whose molecular weight was 25.6 kD;serum IgE binding rate of rDer f 36 was 42.1%by IgE-ELISA;IgE-ELISA inhibition assay showed that rDer p 36 had 40%(8/20)inhibition rate(>50%)for rDer f 36,with an average inhibition rate of 52.98%.Compared with control group,HNEpC cells cultured with rDer f 36 showed that IL-6,IL-8,IL-33,IL-25 and TSLP expressions had increased;bioinformatics analyses show that sequence consistency of Der f 36 and Der p 36 was 77.63%,with similar physicochemical properties.Secondary structure analysis showed that both of them contained α helix,β-turn and random coils,and content of random coils was the highest;structure of C2 domains was also highly overlapping(RMSD=0.046).Conclusion:Recombinant allergen rDer f 36 is successfully prepared with good immunogenicity,laying foundation for diagnosis and treatment of dust mite allergen single component.High similarity in physical and chemical properties,secondary structure,and tertiary structure between Der f 36 and Der p 36 determines their cross reactivity.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of serological indicators and evaluate the diagnostic value of a new established combined serological model on identifying the minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with compensated cirrhosis.Methods:This prospective multicenter study enrolled 263 compensated cirrhotic patients from 23 hospitals in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China between October 2021 and August 2022. Clinical data and laboratory test results were collected, and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was calculated. Ammonia level was corrected to the upper limit of normal (AMM-ULN) by the baseline blood ammonia measurements/upper limit of the normal reference value. MHE was diagnosed by combined abnormal number connection test-A and abnormal digit symbol test as suggested by Guidelines on the management of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis. The patients were randomly divided (7∶3) into training set ( n=185) and validation set ( n=78) based on caret package of R language. Logistic regression was used to establish a combined model of MHE diagnosis. The diagnostic performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve. The internal verification was carried out by the Bootstrap method ( n=200). AUC comparisons were achieved using the Delong test. Results:In the training set, prevalence of MHE was 37.8% (70/185). There were statistically significant differences in AMM-ULN, albumin, platelet, alkaline phosphatase, international normalized ratio, MELD score and education between non-MHE group and MHE group (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that AMM-ULN [odds ratio ( OR)=1.78, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.05-3.14, P=0.038] and MELD score ( OR=1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.20, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for MHE, and the AUC for predicting MHE were 0.663, 0.625, respectively. Compared with the use of blood AMM-ULN and MELD score alone, the AUC of the combined model of AMM-ULN, MELD score and education exhibited better predictive performance in determining the presence of MHE was 0.755, the specificity and sensitivity was 85.2% and 55.7%, respectively. Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve showed that the model had good calibration ( P=0.733). The AUC for internal validation of the combined model for diagnosing MHE was 0.752. In the validation set, the AUC of the combined model for diagnosing MHE was 0.794, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration ( P=0.841). Conclusion:Use of the combined model including AMM-ULN, MELD score and education could improve the predictive efficiency of MHE among patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Danshen, the dried roots and rhizomes of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza), is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tanshinones, the bioactive compounds from Danshen, exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, suggesting their potential for future therapeutic applications. Tanshinone biosynthesis is a complex process involving at least six P450 enzymes that have been identified and characterized, most of which belong to the CYP76 and CYP71 families. In this study, CYP81C16, a member of the CYP71 clan, was identified in S. miltiorrhiza. An in vitro assay revealed that it could catalyze the hydroxylation of four para-quinone-type tanshinones, namely neocryptotanshinone, deoxyneocryptotanshinone, and danshenxinkuns A and B. SmCYP81C16 emerged as a potential broad-spectrum oxidase targeting the C-18 position of para-quinone-type tanshinones with an impressive relative conversion rate exceeding 90%. Kinetic evaluations andin vivo assays underscored its highest affinity towards neocryptotanshinone among the tested substrates. The overexpression of SmCYP81C16 promoted the accumulation of (iso)tanshinone in hairy root lines. The characterization of SmCYP81C16 in this study accentuates its potential as a pivotal tool in the biotechnological production of tanshinones, either through microbial or plant metabolic engineering.
Humans ; Salvia miltiorrhiza/metabolism* ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Quinones/metabolism* ; Plant Roots/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant