Aim To explore the mechanism of the syn-ergistic effect of the ferroptosis inducer erastin com-bined with shikonin in promoting ferroptosis in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts(HSFBs).Methods Hypertrophic scar tissues provided by the General Hos-pital of Ningxia Medical University were collected,and HSFBs were extracted.HSFBs were identified by HE staining and immunofluorescence.The inhibitory rates of Era and SHK on HSFBs at different concentrations were detected by CCK-8 assay,and the IC50 value was calculated.CompuSyn software was used to calculate the co-use index(CI).Control group,Erastin(Era)group,shikonin(SHK)group and Era+SHK group were set up,and the number and morphological chan-ges of cells were observed after 24 hours of interven-tion.The ability of cell migration and invasion was de-tected by scratch test and Transwell test.The changes of malondialdehyde(MDA),total iron ion and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by corresponding biochemical kits.The expressions of collagen I,α-SMA and GOT1,SLC7A11,GPX4 and FTH1 were detected by Western blot.Results The IC50 value of Era and SHK of primary HSFBs was 2.22 μmol·L-1 and 3.94μmol·L-1 respectively,which was used as the single drug concentration for subsequent experiments.The CompuSyn software was employed to calculate the CI value when the two drugs were used in combination,and the concentrations corresponding to CI=0.39597(Era:1.2 μmol·L-1+SHK:1.5 μmol·L-1)were selected as subsequent combination concentrations(Because when CI was equal to 0.395 97,the concen-tration of each drug was lower than the concentration of single drug,and the inhibition rate of combined drug was greater than 50％).Compared with the monother-apy group,the number of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group was significantly reduced,cell membrane showed breakage and vesiculation,cell wrinkling became smal-ler,and cytoplasm was concentrated.The migration and invasion ability of HSFBs in the SHK+Era group were obviously weakened(P＜0.05),and the expres-sion of fibrosis-related proteins collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA was reduced(P＜0.05);the contents of MDA,total i-ron ions,and ROS in HSFBs of the SHK+Era group increased(P＜0.05),and the protein expression lev-els of SLC7A11,GOT1,GPX4,and FTH1 further de-creased(P＜0.05).Conclusions Erastin in combi-nation with shikonin can synergistically inhibit the pro-liferation,migration and fibrosis levels of HSFBs.The mechanism may be that erastin enhances the inhibition of shikotin on GOT1,increases the levels of cellular i-ron ions,ROS,and lipid peroxides,thereby promoting ferroptosis in HSFBs.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of Femoral Artery Compression-Related Skin Complications Around the Puncture Site(FACR-SCAPS)in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)undergoing transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling.A total of 1 573 HCC patients who underwent TACE between April 2023 and October 2024 were recruited from interventional radiology departments,oncology units,and specialized centers across 10 hospitals in Beijing,Tianjin,Shandong,Hebei,Qinghai,and Inner Mongolia.Descriptive statistics,univariate analysis,and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of FACR-SCAPS in this population.Results Among the 1 573 primary HCC patients undergoing TACE interventional therapy,FACR-SCAPS occurred in 28.99％(456/1 573),with a total of 476 complication instances recorded(30.26 per 100 patients).Patients with a single complication accounted for 96.93％,whereas those with multiple complications constituted 3.07％.The most prevalent types of complications were skin erythema,skin ecchymosis,and hard lumps formation,collectively accounting for 96.49％of all complications.Hematoma,blisters,and rupture complications collectively accounted for only 4.61％.Logistic regression analysis revealed that peak diastolic blood pressure during compression(OR=1.024,95％CI:1.013-1.035,P＜0.001),use of rotary compression hemostasis devices(OR=3.220,95％CI:2.120-4.891,P＜0.001),elevated PT-INR(OR=19.630,95％CI:6.039-63.810,P＜0.001),and anticoagulant use within the last three months(OR=1.909,95％CI:1.064-3.427,P=0.030)were significant influencing factors associated with FACR-SCAPS post-TACE.Conclusion FACR-SCAPS is commonly seen among primary HCC patients after TACE,its risk factors include peak diastolic blood pressure during compression,use of rotary compression devices,elevated PT-INR,and recent anticoagulant use.

Objective:To investigate the effect of FOXQ1 expression on chemoresistance in colorectal cancer and analyze its regulatory role in SIRT1 expression and p53 deacetylation under DNA damage response(DDR)condi-tions.Methods:qRT-PCR was used to detect FOXQ1 mRNA expression levels in SW620 cells and SW620 cells stimulated with cisplatin(CDDP).Lentiviral vectors were constructed for FOXQ1 overexpression and RNA interference.The cells were divided into three groups:FOXQ1 overexpression group(oe-FOXQ1),FOXQ1 RNA interference group(sh-FOXQ1),and a control group transfected with an empty vector(NC).The half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of CDDP in each group was determined using the CCK-8 assay.Apoptosis level and cell viability were assessed using the Annexin V-APC/7-ADD apoptosis detection kit and Calcein/PI staining.Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of FOXQ1 on SIRT1 expression and acetylated p53 levels.The SIRT1 pathway inhibitor(S)-Selisi-stat was introduced to observe changes in p53 acetylation levels.Results:Compared to normal colon tissues,FOXQ1 expression was significantly upregulated in SW620 cells(P＜0.05),and low-dose CDDP stimulation further en-hanced its expression(P＜0.05).After 24 hours of CDDP treatment,the IC50 values for the oe-FOXQ1,sh-FOXQ1,and NC groups were 58.3 μmol/L,36.4 μmol/L,and 43.7 μmol/L,respectively,with statistically significant differences among the groups(P＜0.05).Compared to the NC group,the oe-FOXQ1 group showed a decrease in late apoptotic cell count(P＜0.05),while the sh-FOXQ1 group exhibited an increase(P＜0.05).Cytotoxic fluorescence staining re-vealed that the proportion of cell death was lower in the oe-FOXQ1 group and higher in the sh-FOXQ1 group com-pared to the NC group(P＜0.05).Protein expression analysis showed that FOXQ1 and SIRT1 levels were higher in the oe-FOXQ1 group and lower in the sh-FOXQ1 group compared to the NC group(P＜0.05).FOXQ1 overexpression pro-moted p53 deacetylation,while the addition of the SIRT1 pathway inhibitor(S)-Selisistat restored p53 acetylation levels(P＜0.05).Conclusion:FOXQ1 promotes p53 deacetylation by upregulating SIRT1 expression,thereby inhibiting DDR-induced apoptosis.

Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.

Objective To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of children with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide(NTCP)deficiency.Methods Clinical data of children with NTCP deficiency diagnosed and treated at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from July 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 14 children were included(6 males,8 females),all with normal growth and development.Reasons for initial consultation included elevated serum bile acids in 7 cases,jaundice in 4 cases,cholestatic hepatitis in 1 case,and one case each of pneumonia and cow's milk protein allergy.At the first visit,all patients had elevated serum total bile acids beyond the normal range,with a mean of 152.5 μmol/L.Elevated alanine aminotransferase was observed in 1 case,elevated aspartate aminotransferase in 2 cases,and elevated total bilirubin in 10 cases.Genetic sequencing revealed that all children carried the homozygous SLC10A1 variant c.800C>T(p.Ser267Phe),classified as likely pathogenic.Conclusions NTCP deficiency often lacks obvious clinical symptoms and signs.Some children present with transient hyperbilirubinemia,cholestasis,or other liver function abnormalities.Persistent isolated elevation of serum bile acids warrants suspicion for this disease.Biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC10A1 constitute the basis for definitive diagnosis.There is no specific treatment for this disease,and management is mainly symptomatic.

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wenweishu granule （WWSG） on functional dyspepsia （FD） with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats by integrating network pharmacology， molecular docking， and animal experiments. MethodsActive components and corresponding targets of WWSG were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP） and the Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM）. Disease-related targets for FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome were screened using GeneCards and the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCMIP）. Core therapeutic targets were identified via Cytoscape and validated by molecular docking. A rat model of FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome was established using vinegar gavage combined with tail-clamping. The rats were randomly divided into a model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose WWSG groups （2.0， 4.0， 8.0 g·kg^-1）， a domperidone group （3.0 mg·kg^-1）， a Fuzi Lizhong pillwan （0.8 g·kg^-1）， and a normal control group （n=10 per group）. Drugs were administered once daily by gavage for 14 consecutive days. After treatment， body weight， symptom scores， and gastrointestinal motility indices were recorded. Gastric and duodenal pathologies changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Brain-gut peptides were measured in serum and tissue using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to assess stem cell factor （SCF） and receptor tyrosine kinase （c-Kit） protein expression in gastric tissues. ResultsA total of 305 drug targets， 1 140 disease targets， and 116 overlapping targets were identified. Cytoscape analysis revealed 104 core targets. Enrichment analysis indicated that the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway was the key mechanism. Molecular docking confirmed a strong binding affinity between active components of WWSG and SCF/c-Kit proteins （binding energy<-5.1 kcal·mol^-1）. Compared with the normal group， model rats exhibited slower weight gain （P<0.05）， reduced gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion （P<0.01）， mild gastric mucosal shedding， duodenal inflammatory cell infiltration， decreased levels of gastrin （GAS）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and elevated somatostatin （SS） expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）. WWSG treatment ameliorated weight gain， symptom scores， and low-grade inflammation in gastric/duodenal tissues. High-dose WWSG significantly improved gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion， upregulated GAS， 5-HT， and VIP， and downregulated SS expression in serum and tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot demonstrated that SCF and c-Kit protein expression was decreased in the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， which was reversed by WWSG intervention （P<0.05）. ConclusionWWSG exerts therapeutic effects on FD with spleen-stomach deficiency cold syndrome in rats， potentially by regulating the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway to enhance gastrointestinal motility.

Background: and Purpose Ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) are associated with a mortality rate of up to 40% in the Chinese population, highlighting the critical need for targeted treatment interventions for at-risk individuals. Although the impact of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene mutations on susceptibility to intracranial aneurysms (IA) is well documented, the potential connection between ALDH2 rs671 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and RIA remains unexplored. Given the increased prevalence of ALDH2 gene mutations among Chinese Han individuals, it is clinically relevant to investigate the link between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and IA rupture. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 546 patients diagnosed with IA to investigate the association between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and the risk of IA rupture. Results: The ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*2) was significantly more prevalent in patients with unruptured IA (UIA) than in those with RIA (32.56% vs. 18.58%, P=0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that people with the ALDH2 mutation (ALDH2*1/*2 and ALDH2*2/*2 gene type) had a significantly reduced odds ratio (OR=0.49; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.27–0.88; P=0.018) for RIAs. Age-specific subgroup analysis indicated that the ALDH2 mutation provided a stronger protective effect in individuals aged 60 years and above with IA compared to those under 60 years old (OR=0.38 vs. OR=0.52, both P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence of RIA was significantly higher in individuals with a normal ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*1/*1) than in those with an ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2). ALDH2 rs671 SNP may serve as a protective factor against RIA in the Chinese Han population.

Background: and Purpose Ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) are associated with a mortality rate of up to 40% in the Chinese population, highlighting the critical need for targeted treatment interventions for at-risk individuals. Although the impact of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene mutations on susceptibility to intracranial aneurysms (IA) is well documented, the potential connection between ALDH2 rs671 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and RIA remains unexplored. Given the increased prevalence of ALDH2 gene mutations among Chinese Han individuals, it is clinically relevant to investigate the link between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and IA rupture. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 546 patients diagnosed with IA to investigate the association between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and the risk of IA rupture. Results: The ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*2) was significantly more prevalent in patients with unruptured IA (UIA) than in those with RIA (32.56% vs. 18.58%, P=0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that people with the ALDH2 mutation (ALDH2*1/*2 and ALDH2*2/*2 gene type) had a significantly reduced odds ratio (OR=0.49; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.27–0.88; P=0.018) for RIAs. Age-specific subgroup analysis indicated that the ALDH2 mutation provided a stronger protective effect in individuals aged 60 years and above with IA compared to those under 60 years old (OR=0.38 vs. OR=0.52, both P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence of RIA was significantly higher in individuals with a normal ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*1/*1) than in those with an ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2). ALDH2 rs671 SNP may serve as a protective factor against RIA in the Chinese Han population.

Parkinson's disease(PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the accumulation of Lewy bodies. While conventional drugs like levodopa can improve early symptoms, their efficacy diminishes over time, and they may cause severe side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its multi-target therapeutic approach, has shown unique advantages in PD treatment, particularly in slowing disease progression and improving clinical symptoms. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and cellular repair mechanisms, which are crucial for neuroprotection against PD. Studies indicate that TCM regulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to enhance neuronal antioxidative capacity, inhibit neuroinflammation, promote dopaminergic neuron repair and survival, and slow pathological progression. This review explores the neuroprotective role of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PD patients, including alleviating oxidative stress, suppressing neuroinflammation, promoting neuronal repair, and regulating iron metabolism and autophagy. It also discusses the mechanisms by which TCM active ingredients(flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins, polyphenols, etc.), single herbs(Cistanche deserticola, Uraria crinite, and Melissa officinalis, etc.), and formulas(Bushen Jianpi Decoction, Didang Decoction, and Gancao Yangyin Decoction, etc.) modulate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PD treatment, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application and new drug development of TCM in PD prevention and treatment.
Humans ; Parkinson Disease/genetics* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism by which the extract of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract promotes bone growth in mice by modulation of the expression of miR-34a-5p in brain tissue. METHODS: Mice were assigned to four experimental groups:a normal control group, a drug administration group (receiving 0.320 mg·g^-1 body weight of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract via intragastric administration), a positive control group (receiving 0.013 mg·g^-1 body weight of jujube seed saponin via intragastric administration), and a combination group administration with Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract plus a 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist (intragastric administration of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract combined with intracerebroventricular injection of 8 μg P-MPPF per mice for the final three days of the experiment). Following a 20-day administration period, the effects of the interventions on bone growth, serum growth hormone (GH) levels, and 5-HT2AR expression in brain tissue were evaluated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that were differentially expressed in the brain tissues of mice exhibiting bone growth induced by Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract, as compared to those in normal mice, were identified using a gene chip approach. The interaction between miR-34a-5p and 5-HT2AR was subsequently validated through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chainreaction (RT-qPCR) and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. Subsequently, by utilizing the miR-34a-5p inhibitor group and mimics group, along with the normal control group, the drug administration group, the positive control group, and the drug administration combined with miR-34a-5p inhibitor group, the variations in 5-HT2AR expression in mouse brain tissue across all groups were examined, and the binding activity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) to the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5-HT1AR) in mice was assessed. RESULTS: The body lengths of the normal control group and the drug administration group were(8.9±0.3) and(10.4±0.4) cm;femur lengths were (8.5±0.3) and (9.1±0.5) mm;tibia lengths were (10.7±0.3) and (11.2±0.4) mm, respectively. The contents of GH levels were (58.6±8.2) and (72.9±6.1) ng·ml-1;and the contents of 5-HT2AR were (32.0±5.0) and (21.9± 5.5) ng·ml-1, respectively. Compared with the normal control group, the drug administration group promoted the growth of body length, femur, and tibia in mice, and increased GH secretion, showing statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Additionally, it significantly reduced the content of 5-HT2AR in brain tissue, with statistical significance (P<0.01). The gene chip analysis identified a total of 16 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which 13 were up-regulated and 3 were down-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the up-regulated miR-34a-5p could regulate the expression of 5-HT2AR, a prediction that was confirmed through a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, demonstrating a direct regulatory interaction between the two. Furthermore, in vivo experiments in mice revealed that overexpression and silencing of miR-34a-5p resulted in corresponding changes in the expression levels of 5-HT2AR in brain tissues/cells, as well as in the binding activity between 5-HT and 5-HT1AR. CONCLUSION The Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract promotes animal bone growth by enhancing miR-34a-5p expression in brain tissue, downregulating the expression level of 5-HT2AR, improving the binding activity between 5-HT and 5-HT1AR, and extending slow-wave sleep duration, thereby stimulating GH secretion.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Mice ; Male ; Brain/metabolism* ; Ziziphus/chemistry* ; Bone Development/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*