Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of modified Guizhi Fuling Pills in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD)through autophagy regulation based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.Methods Active components and action targets of modified Guizhi Fuling Pills were screened via the TCMSP database.DKD-related autophagy targets were obtained from GeneCards,TTD,DrugBank and PharmGKB.A protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING,followed by GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses via DAVID.Molecular docking of key components and core targets was performed using AutoDock Tools 1.5.7.DKD model rats were prepared.The rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,valsartan group(50 mg/kg),and modified Guizhi Fuling Pills low-,medium-and high-dosage group(9.9,19.8 and 39.6 g/kg).After 8-week interventions,body mass and water intake were recorded;fasting blood glucose,24 h urinary total protein(24 hUTP),urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR)were monitored.Renal histopathology was evaluated via HE and Masson staining.Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of AMPK/FOXO1 pathway(p-AMPK,AMPK,FOXO1)and autophagy markers(Beclin-1,p62),while quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess AMPK and FOXO1 mRNA expressions.Results A total of 146 active components of Guizhi Fuling Pills and 33 main targets for treating DKD were screened,with the core targets including FOXO1,BCL2,TP53 and PTEN.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that AMPK/FOXO1 signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE and insulin signaling pathways may play a core regulatory role.Guizhi Fuling Pills could significantly reduce the body mass of DKD rats,reduce water intake,decrease renal index,decrease fasting blood glucose,24 hUTP and UACR(P<0.05,P<0.01),improve renal tissue pathology,increase AMPK,FOXO1,Beclin-1 protein expressions and AMPK,FOXO1 mRNA expressions(P<0.05),and reduce p62 protein expression(P<0.05).Conclusion Modified Guizhi Fuling Pills may exert therapeutic effects on DKD by regulating the AMPK-FOXO1-autophagy axis.

Objective To analyze the effectiveness and safety of low molecular weight heparin(LMWH)combined with urokinase thrombolysis in the treatment of elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods A total of 132 elderly AIS patients admitted in Department of Neurology of Wuhan No.1 Hospital from January 2023 to September 2024 were recruited,and randomized into control group,group A,group B and group C,with 33 cases in each group.Besides urokinase thrombolysis as basic treatment,the patients in groups A,B and C were given LMWH within 24,24-47 and 48-72 h after thrombolysis,respectively.After 1 week of treatment,the incidence rate of cerebrovascular re-occlusion was compared among the four groups.Plasma prothrombin time(PT),platelet count(PLT),fibrinogen(Fib),nerve growth factor(NGF),neuron-specific enolase(NSE),neurotrophic factor(NTF)and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score were compared before and after treatment and among the four groups.The incidences of adverse reactions were also compared among them during treatment.Results Compared with the levels before treatment,the levels of NGF and NTF were significantly increased,while the PT,PLT,Fib and NSE levels and NIHSS score were obviously decreased in the four groups after 1 week of treatment(P＜0.05).At 1 week of treatment,group A obtained notably higher NGF and NTF levels,and remarkably lower PT,PLT,Fib and NSE levels and NIHSS score than the other three groups(P＜0.05).So were group B when compared with group C and control groups(P＜0.05),and group C when compared with control group(P＜0.05).There was no statistical significance in the comparison of total incidence rate of adverse reactions during treatment among the four groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion LMWH combined with urokinase thrombolytic therapy can effectively improve the coagulation status and neurological function for elderly AIS patients,and the earlier it is applied,the better the efficacy will be.

OBJECTIVE To establish a preparation method for Phellodendrine-11-O-β-D-glucuronide(M1),a metabolite of Phellodendrine(PHE),and to evaluate its regulatory effects on glycolipid metabolism disorder in insulin-resistant HepG2(IR-HepG2)cells.METHODS The preparation,extraction,separation,purification and identification of M1 were completed by in vitro incuba-tion of intestinal microsomes combined with liquid phase,mass spectrometry and NMR.With Metformin as positive control,IR-HepG2 cells were treated with low(25 μmol·L-1),medium(50 μmol·L-1)and high(100 μmol·L-1)doses of M1 for 24 h.Glucose con-sumption,glucose uptake,triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were quantified.The binding ability of M1 to the key targets INSR,IRS1,PI3K and AKT2 in the IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway was explored through molecular docking technology.The effects of M1 on the mRNA and protein expression of these key targets in the IRS1/PI3K/AKT pathway were detected by qPCR and Western blot,respectively.RESULTS The purified product was confirmed by NMR as Phellodendrine-11-O-β-D-glucuronide(95%purity).Compared to the model group,all M1 do-ses significantly enhanced glucose consumption(P<0.01,P<0.001)and uptake(P<0.001)in IR-HepG2 cells,outperforming PHE(P<0.001).At medium and high doses,it could significantly reduce the content of TG and TC in cells(P<0.001),and its improve-ment effect at the TG level was better than that of PHE(P<0.01);while all concentrations decreased LDL-C(P<0.001)and in-creased HDL-C(P<0.01,P<0.001).Molecular docking revealed strong binding interactions between M1 and INSR,IRS1,PI3K,and AKT2.Compared with the model group,M1 administration group increased the expression of INSR,IRS1,PI3K,AKT2,and GLUT2 mRNA to varying degrees,downregulated the protein expression of p-IRS1/IRS1(P<0.001),and upregulated the protein ex-pression of PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,and p-GSK3β/GSK3β.CONCLUSION The established protocol enables high purity M1 prepara-tion.M1 alleviates IR by regulating IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to improve the disorder of glycolipid metabolism.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of off-label use of flow diverters (FDs) in aneurysms beyond the circle of Willis.Methods:Seventy-one patients with aneurysms beyond the circle of Willis treated with FDs from January 2016 to September 2023 at Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center (Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University), Department of Neurosurgery (Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital), Department of Neurosurgery (First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University), and Department of Neurosurgery (Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University) were selected. The clinical and imaging data of these patients were analyzed retrospectively, and the clinical characteristics, aneurysm characteristics, endovascular treatments, perioperative complications, and clinical and imaging follow-up results were summarized and analyzed.Results:Among the 71 patients, 22 (31.0%) had ischemic stroke history and 43 (60.6%) had hypertension history. A total of 76 aneurysms were found, including 5 aneurysms (6.6%) at the anterior communicating artery, 10 (13.2%) at the anterior cerebral artery, 53 (69.7%) at the middle cerebral artery, and 8 (10.5%) at the posterior cerebral artery. The median aneurysm size (Inter Quartile Range) was 5.65 (3.63, 10.12) mm, and mean diameter of the parent artery was (2.70±0.57) mm. A total of 80 FDs were used, including 38 (47.5%) Pipeline embolization devices and 42 (52.5%) Tubridge embolization devices; the implantation success rate was 98.8% (79/80). Seven patients (9.9%) had perioperative complications, of which 2 (2.8%) were permanent (1 patient with visual field defect and 1 patient with intracranial hemorrhage). Seventy-one patients had clinical follow-up for (19.73±11.90) months, of which 68 patients (95.8%) had good outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 0-2), 10 patients (14.1%) had ischemic complications, and one patient (1.4%) had hemorrhage complications. Sixty-seven aneurysms (88.2%) underwent angiographic follow-up for 7 (6-12) months, of which 44 aneurysms (65.7%) were completely occluded and 10 (14.9%) had in-stent stenosis.Conclusion:The results of this study preliminarily confirm that off-label use of FDs is relatively safe and effective in aneurysms beyond the circle of Willis.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrasaccular flow disruptor in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.Methods:One hundred and seventeen patients with wide-necked intracranial aneurysms treated with intrasaccular flow disruptor were collected from Department of Neurointervention (First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Department of Neurosurgery (Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University), Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center (Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University), and Department of Neurosurgery (First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University) from August 2022 to March 2024. Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) was employed to evaluate aneurysm embolization immediately after procedure; cranial CT or MRI within 48 hours of embolization were performed to identify any new intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or new symptomatic cerebral infarction related to the intracranial aneurysms. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess the neurological function at discharge. Imaging follow-up and outpatient follow-up were performed at 6 months after embolization to evaluate the aneurysm occlusion degree and complications.Results:A total of 117 intrasaccular flow disruptors were implanted in 117 patients, with a technical success rate of 100%; 115 patients (98.3%) enjoyed successful one-time release of their disruptors, and 2 patients (1.7%) required retrieval and redirection of the disruptors before second successful attempt. Flow disruptor plus stent was performed in 13 patients (11.1%). Immediately after procedure, RROC grading I was noted in 3 patients, grading II in 51 patients and grading III in 63 patients. Cranial CT or MRI within 48 hours of embolization indicated no new intracranial hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or symptomatic cerebral infarction related to the intracranial aneurysms. All patients had mRS score of 0 at discharge. Eighty-three patients completed a 6-month follow-up (RROC grading I in 41 patients, grading II in 33 patients and grading III in 9 patients), without ischemic or hemorrhagic adverse events.Conclusion:The results of this study preliminarily suggest that intrasaccular flow disruptor is effective and safe in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; the clinical data of 46 patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms accepted Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2022 to March 2024 were collected. There were 28 ruptured aneurysms (60.87%) and 18 unruptured aneurysms (39.13%). Follow-up was performed for more than 3 months; Raymond-Roy grading was used to evaluate the aneurysm embolization immediately after embolization and during follow-up; perioperative hemorrhagic or ischemic complications were recorded; modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients at discharge and during follow-up (mRS score≤2: good prognosis, and mRS score>2: poor prognosis).Results:Coil embolization was successful in all 46 patients. DSA immediately after embolization showed that 41 patients (89.13%) had completely occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading I), 2 patients (4.35%) had residual aneurysm neck (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅱ) and 3 patients (6.52%) had partially occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅲ). Perioperative complications occurred in 5 patients, including 2 with postoperative cerebral infarction, 1 with hydrocephalus, 1 with postoperative pneumonia leading to respiratory failure, and 1 with stent thrombosis during embolization. Both at discharge and 3 months after embolization, 43 patients (93.48%) had good prognosis and 3 patients (6.52%) had poor prognosis. No obvious ischemic complications (such as stent restenosis) or hemorrhagic complications (such as re-rupture of the aneurysms) were found in all patients. Thirty patients (65.22%) had imaging follow-up for 6-12 months: 26 (86.67%) had Raymond-Roy grading I, 3 (10.00%) had Raymond-Roy grading II, and 1 (3.33%) had Raymond-Roy grading III.Conclusion:Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization has good short-term efficacy and high safety in middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms, but long-term follow-up observation is still needed to verify its efficacy.

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of TCM compound Shengxue Tongbian Granules in improving intestinal injury in septic rats through bioinformatics and experimental validation methods.Methods:The GSE131761 gene set was processed by bioinformatics to screen differential genes, then weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to screen modular genes. The intersection of modular genes and differential genes was taken, and finally, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) technique was applied to further obtain the key targets of sepsis, which was validated by experiments. Totally 72 SD rats were divided into sham-operation group, model group, dexamethasone group (0.15 mg/kg), Shengxue Tongbian Granules low- (0.3 g/kg), medium- (0.6 g/kg), and high-dosage (1.2 g/kg) groups, with 12 rats in each group. Corresponding drug interventions were administered to each treatment group before and 12 hours after modeling. The sham-operation group and the model group were gavaged daily with equal amounts of saline. Samples were collected after 24 hours. HE staining was used to detect the pathological morphology of intestinal tissues in each group of rats; ELISA was used to detect the levels of TNF-α, diamine oxidase (DAO), IL-6, IL-10, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in rat serum. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expressions of MPO and neutrophil elastase (NE/LANE) in intestinal tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of peptidyl arginine deaminase (PAD4) in intestinal tissue.Results:Seven final key genes related to sepsis were selected, namely ANXA3, CYP1B1, FCAR, LILRA5, PADI4, NOV, and S100A12. Experimental results showed that drug administration alleviated intestinal injury; compared with the model group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MPO, and DAO decreased in the Shengxue Tongbian Granules high-dosage group ( P<0.05), the levels of ELANE and MPO were reduced in Shengxue Tongbian Granules low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups ( P<0.05), and PAD4 expression was reduced in the Shengxue Tongbian Granules high-dosage group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Shengxue Tongbian Granules can improve the intestinal injury of septic rats, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PAD4-mediated formation of NETs and the improvement of inflammatory response.

Objective To evaluate the short-term clinical effect(including curative efficacy,pain relief,and quality of life)of CT-assisted 3D printing template-guided implantation of 125I particles in treating head and neck malignancies.Methods A total of 12 patients with head and neck malignant tumors complicated by moderate to severe cancerous pain,who were admitted to Yichang Municipal second People's Hospital to receive treatment from September 2019 to July 2024,were enrolled in this study.All patients received CT-assisted 3D individualized template-guided implantation of 125I particles therapy.The short-term curative efficacy,pain relief,and quality of life of patients were evaluated.Results Three months after implantation of 125I particles,complete response(CR)was obtained in 3 patients,partial remission(PR)in 5 patients,and stable disease(SD)in 4 patients,with an objective response rate(ORR)of 66.67％and a disease control rate(DCR)of 100％.The preoperative mean NRS score was(5.58±0.79)points,and the postoperative 3-month mean NRS score was(2.08±0.67)points.The postoperative 3-month physiological well-being(PWB),emotional well-being(EWB),functional well-being(FWB),and the total score were significantly better than their preoperative values,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).No statistically significant difference in social/family well-being(SWB)existed between its postoperative 3-month value and its preoperative value.Adverse reactions occurred in 2 patients,including local mucosal ulceration(n=1)and skin redness with swelling(n=1),which were improved after treatment.No serious complications occurred.Conclusion For the treatment of patients with head and neck malignant tumors complicated by moderate to severe cancerous pain,radioactive 125I particle implantation has a significant short-term effect,it can effectively relieve cancerous pain and improve quality of life of patients with reliable clinical safety.

Background: Psoralea corylifolia L. (Buguzhi, BGZ), known for its efficacy in supporting pregnancy and preventing miscarriage, has been used in China for over 1000 years. Recently, BGZ has been identified as a potential cause of drug-induced liver injury. However, its safety during pregnancy remains unclear, which significantly hinders its routine clinical application. Objective: To investigate the effects of BGZ administration during pregnancy on the liver of mouse mothers and their weaned 21-day-old offspring. Methods: Mice were orally administered BGZ at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, with BGZ withdrawal during the lactation period. Liver histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), biochemical analysis, and evaluation of liver bile acid metabolism were performed after the lactation period. Results: BGZ administration at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, followed by withdrawal during the lactation period, caused mild liver damage in both mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. Serum total bile acid (TBA) levels were elevated compared with those in the control group. Additionally, changes were observed in the levels and proportions of various bile acids (BAs) in the liver, suggesting mild effects on BA metabolism. Conclusion: BGZ administration during pregnancy caused mild liver damage and increased serum TBA levels in both mouse mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. This phenomenon may be associated with imbalanced BA metabolism in the liver. Based on the present study and the limited toxicological research on BGZ, pregnant women should avoid prolonged use of BGZ. If BGZ is administered during pregnancy, serum TBA levels should be monitored, and if elevated, BGZ should be discontinued.