Cholesterol is an essential molecule for the biosynthesis of cell membranes and cell proliferation and differentiation， and the liver plays a central role in cholesterol metabolism and is responsible for the synthesis， uptake， secretion， and transport of cholesterol. The initial stages of cholesterol synthesis in the liver are particularly important， and abnormalities in such stages are closely associated with the progression of various liver diseases. Studies have shown that as a key rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis， 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase （HMGCR） has well-defined regulatory properties and has been confirmed as an important target for the regulation of various liver diseases. This article reviews the process of cholesterol metabolism， the degradation and regulatory mechanisms of HMGCR， and the application of inhibitors， as well as the role of HMGCR in liver diseases， in order to provide new insights for scientific research and the clinical prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

ObjectiveTo explore the distribution and evolution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes and syndrome elements in psoriasis vulgaris （PV）. MethodsLiterature related to TCM syndromes of PV published in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform （Wanfang）， VIP Chinese Technology Periodical Database （VIP）， Chinese Biomedical Literature Database （CBM）， PubMed， Embase， and Web of Science from their inception to December 31， 2023， was retrieved. Statistical analysis was conducted on the distribution of TCM syndromes and syndrome elements in the included studies. The data were further categorized into five-year periods to analyze the dynamic changes in syndromes and syndrome elements over time. ResultsA total of 2,853 studies were included， with 5,896 syndrome occurrences. The most common TCM syndromes in PV were blood-heat syndrome （2,167 occurrences， 36.75%）， blood-stasis syndrome （1,219 occurrences， 20.68%）， blood-dryness syndrome （1,124 occurrences， 19.06%）， and damp-heat syndrome （263 occurrences， 4.46%）. The most frequent syndrome categories included blood syndromes （4,680 occurrences， 79.38%） and dampness syndromes （347 occurrences， 5.89%）. The most common syndrome elements related to disease location were blood division （4,874 occurrences， 94.38%） and spleen （99 occurrences， 1.92%）. The most common syndrome elements related to disease nature were blood-heat （2,213 occurrences， 25.96%）， blood-dryness （1,434 occurrences， 16.82%）， and blood-stasis （1,330 occurrences， 15.60%）. Except for the period 1978-1983， blood-heat， blood-stasis， and blood-dryness syndromes consistently ranked among the top three， with their combined proportion showing an overall upward trend （from 67.65% to 81.69%）. The proportion of spleen deficiency with damp obstruction syndrome also increased （from 0.24% to 1.46%）. In terms of syndrome classification， the proportion of blood syndromes showed an overall upward trend （from 67.65% to 83.46%）， ranking first in all periods. The proportion of dampness syndromes showed a general downward trend （from 17.65% to 4.54%）， ranking second after blood syndromes in most periods except for 1994-1998 and 1999-2003. The proportion of spleen-related syndromes showed an overall increase （from 0.24% to 1.85%）. Regarding disease location elements， the proportion of blood division remained stable above 90%， while the proportion of spleen involvement increased （from 0.68% to 3.23%）. As for disease nature elements， blood-heat （from 19.23% to 33.27%） and blood-stasis （from 1.92% to 20.83%） significantly increased， while dampness initially decreased and then slightly increased （from 11.54% to 5.73%）. ConclusionIn the distribution of PV-related TCM syndromes， blood-heat， blood-stasis， and blood-dryness syndromes are the most common. Blood syndromes dominate syndrome classification， with disease location primarily in the blood division and disease nature characterized by blood-heat， blood-stasis， and blood-dryness. Evolutionary trends indicate that blood-heat， blood-stasis， and blood-dryness syndromes remain predominant and are increasing in proportion， while spleen deficiency with damp obstruction syndrome is also rising. Among syndrome classifications， the proportion of blood syndromes is increasing， dampness syndromes are decreasing， and spleen-related syndromes are on the rise. In terms of syndrome elements， blood division remains dominant， while spleen involvement is increasing. The proportion of blood-heat and blood-stasis is significantly increasing， while dampness first declines and then slightly rebounds. Overall， the mainstream TCM perspective of treating PV based on blood differentiation remains unchanged， with syndrome distribution focusing on blood division. The increasing importance of spleen deficiency and dampness in disease pathogenesis represents a new trend.

BACKGROUND:Titanium implants are widely used in clinical practice because of their high strength and good biocompatibility.However,during implantation,bacterial infection and tissue damage environment produce a large number of reactive oxygen species,which can easily lead to delayed tissue healing and surgical failure.Consequently,the development of titanium implants with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties becomes paramount. OBJECTIVE:Considering the potent antimicrobial attributes of copper ions and the remarkable antioxidant qualities of polyphenols,we proposed the fabrication of polyphenol-mediated copper ion coatings on titanium surfaces.These coatings were subsequently assessed for their in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. METHODS:Nanostructures were generated on the titanium surface using the alkali thermal method.The titanium was immersed in a solution containing tannic acid and copper ions to achieve polyphenol-mediated copper ion coatings.The surface morphology and water contact angle were detected.The loading and release of copper ions were examined using atomic absorption spectroscopy.Staphylococcus aureus was inoculated on the surface of pure titanium sheet(blank group),alkali heat treated titanium sheet(control group),and polyphenol mediated copper ion modified titanium sheet(experimental group)to observe the bacterial survival status.Osteoblast precursor cells MC3T3-E1 were co-cultivated on the surface of three groups of titanium sheets to assess their antioxidant properties and bioactivity. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy showed that the polyphenol-mediated copper ion modified titanium sheet had rod-like nanostructures and no cracks on the surface.The surface hydrophilicity of copper ion modified titanium sheet mediated by polyphenol was close to that of pure titanium sheet.Atomic absorption spectrometry results showed a 51%increase in the loading capacity of copper ions after polyphenol mediation,with a uniform release of copper ions.(2)The antibacterial rates of titanium sheets in the blank group,control group,and experimental group were 0%,21.65%,and 93.75%,respectively.The live/dead staining and CTC staining showed that the live bacteria on the surface of titanium plates in the blank group were the most,and the live bacteria on the surface of titanium plates in the experimental group were the least.(3)The results of live/dead staining and CCK-8 assay showed that the three groups of titanium sheets had good cytocompatibility,and the titanium sheets in the experimental group were more conducive to the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.Active oxygen fluorescence probe detection exhibited that compared with the other two groups,the fluorescence intensity of active oxygen on the surface of the experimental group was significantly reduced.The results of alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining showed that the osteogenic differentiation and extracellular matrix mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells on the surface of titanium sheets in the experimental group were stronger than those in the other two groups.(4)These results show that the polyphenol-mediated copper ion coating has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties and promotes osteogenic differentiation.

The surgical treatment of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) requires a unique multidisciplinary approach. A thorough preoperative examination and evaluation are essential to determine the optimal timing for surgery and to optimize organ function as needed. During the perioperative period, excellent surgical skills and an appropriate strategy for extracorporeal circulation will be employed based on the extent of the aneurysm. Additionally, necessary measures will be taken to monitor and protect the functions of vital organs. Close monitoring and management in the postoperative stage, along with early detection of complications and effective treatment, are crucial for improving the prognosis of TAAA surgery. This article reviews the current research progress in the perioperative management of TAAA surgery.

Background Existing studies suggest that cadmium exposure is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the current epidemiological evidence is inconsistent. Objective To systematically evaluate the relationship between cadmium exposure and CVD through meta-analysis. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and SinoMed databases to collect observational studies on the relationship between cadmium exposure and CVD in human population published until July 30, 2024. On the basis of following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the retrieved literature was systematically screened, and the basic information of the included research was extracted, including basic participant information, research outcomes, and data results. This study used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and a cross-sectional study evaluation protocol (11 items) recommended by the Quality of Health Care and Research Institutions of the United States for literature quality evaluation. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of publication bias of the data were conducted using Stata16.0 software. Result A total of 15 studies (18 datasets) were included, and the quality of all the studies was graded as medium or above. Among them, there were 10593 cases of CVD and 86801 controls. The results of meta-analysis showed that the standard mean difference (SMD) of the CVD case group was 0.44 and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was (0.30, 0.58), and the cadmium exposure level of the CVD case group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that the cadmium exposure levels in the CVD patients from the Americas (SMD=0.46, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.63) and Europe (SMD=0.14, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.19) were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The cadmium levels in blood (SMD=0.52, 95%CI: 0.31, 0.73) and urine (SMD=0.34, 95%CI: 0.16, 0.52) in the CVD case group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). In those cross-sectional studies (SMD=0.34, 95%CI: 0.23, 0.46), the cadmium exposure level in the CVD patients was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The sensitivity analysis showed robust meta-analysis results and the assessment of publication bias also showed no publication bias. Conclusion Cadmium exposure may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease after multiple studies were combined by meta analysis, suggesting that the scope and level of cadmium exposure in the population should be further controlled.

ObjectiveTo investigate the dynamic expression profiles and potential regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs （lncRNAs） in male reproductive system aging. MethodsA naturally aging C57BL/6 mouse model was used and 4 mice were selected each at 3， 15， and 21 months of age. RNA was extracted from seven regions of the male reproductive tract （testis， efferent duct， initial segment of epididymis， caput epididymis， corpus epididymis， cauda epididymis， and vas deferens）， followed by RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. ResultsRegion-specific dynamic expression profiles of lncRNAs were constructed in the testis， epididymis （efferent duct， initial segment， caput， corpus， and cauda）， and vas deferens of male mice. Combined with gene functional enrichment analysis， the functional associations of lncRNAs were elucidated in reproductive system aging. The differentially expressed lncRNAs in the aging testis were primarily involved in hormone biosynthesis and extracellular matrix organization， while those in the initial segment of the epididymis were closely related to cell recognition and epithelial cell migration. A comprehensive lncRNA expression atlas associated with male reproductive aging was established. ConclusionLncRNAs may participate in male reproductive aging through the regulation of the reproductive microenvironment， which provides key molecular targets and a research foundation for understanding age-related fertility decline.

Retinal vein occlusion(RVO)is the second most common blinding retinal vascular disease, and its secondary macular edema(ME)is an important cause of visual function impairment in patients. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drugs serves as the first-line treatment, yet it is confronted with such issues as the need for repeated injections and non-response in some patients. Imaging and laboratory biomarkers play a crucial role in the early accurate diagnosis, prediction of disease progression, and evaluation of visual prognosis of RVO-ME. This study systematically reviews the research progress of imaging and laboratory biomarkers related to the prognosis of RVO-ME after anti-VEGF treatment in recent years, covering imaging biomarkers like central retinal thickness and ellipsoid zone integrity, as well as laboratory biomarkers such as serum APLN and aqueous humor IL-6. It summarizes the associations between different biomarkers and the prognosis of anti-VEGF therapy, aiming to provide a basis for the early accurate assessment and optimization of individualized treatment for RVO-ME patients, which holds significant clinical reference value.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder that significantly impairs quality of life among elderly individuals because of chronic pain and physical disability. As the global burden of OA continues to rise, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Kaempferide (KA), a flavonoid derived from traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of KA on the progression of OA has not been well investigated. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of KA in an OA model and investigate the underlying mechanisms via transcriptomic sequencing. METHODS: An in vitro OA model was established using SW1353 cells treated with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and different concentrations of KA (30, 60, or 90 μmol/L) for 24 h. The anti-inflammatory effects of KA were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting. In vivo , a papain-induced OA rat model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of KA through histological and behavioral analyses. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and related signaling pathways. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: KA significantly increased cell viability in the OA chondrocyte model and downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and cartilage degradation markers, with the greatest reduction observed at 90 μmol/L. In vivo , KA treatment mitigated cartilage degradation and improved gait behavior in OA rats. Transcriptomic analysis revealed substantial modulation of DEGs, implicating the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway as a key mechanism. Further blocking and rescue experiments revealed that KA regulated key molecules within the HIF-1 pathway, specifically interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), confirming their critical roles in mediating the therapeutic effects of KA. CONCLUSION KA inhibited the progression of OA by targeting the HIF-1 signaling pathway, reducing inflammation, and cartilage degradation.
Animals ; Osteoarthritis/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Male ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of Ilizarov technique combined with steel needle internal fixation in treating Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot and ankle. METHODS: Between June 2020 and December 2023, 12 patients with Eichenholtz stage Ⅲ CN of the foot and ankle were treated with Ilizarov technique and steel needle internal fixation. There were 9 males and 3 females with an average age of 48.6 years (range, 19-66 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 16 months (mean, 6.8 months). Ankle joint involvement predominated in 7 cases, while midfoot involvement occurred in 5 cases; 3 cases presented with skin ulceration and soft tissue infection. Preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 31.2±9.0, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)-Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 32.6±6.8, and Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 47.8±8.4. Postoperative assessments included wound healing, regular X-ray film/CT evaluations of fusion status, and effectiveness via AOFAS and SF-36-PCS, MCS scores. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed without neurovascular complication. Two patients experienced delayed wound healing requiring intervention, and the others achieved primary healing. All patients were followed up 15-43 months (mean, 23.3 months). Imaging confirmed successful joint fusion within 13-21 weeks (mean, 16.8 weeks). At last follow-up, the AOFAS score was 72.5±6.4, and the SF-36-PCS and MCS scores were 63.2±8.4 and 76.7±5.3, respectively, all of which improved compared to preoperative levels, with significant differences ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Ilizarov technique combined with steel needle internal fixation effectively restores walking function and achieves satisfactory short-term effectiveness in CN of the foot and ankle.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Ilizarov Technique ; Arthropathy, Neurogenic/surgery* ; Aged ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Needles ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Steel ; Young Adult ; Foot Joints/surgery*