Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint damage, accompanied by the accumulation of plasma cells, which contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic alterations occurring during plasma cell differentiation in RA can deepen our comprehension of its pathogenesis and guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, our study elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying plasma cell differentiation by demonstrating that PRDX1 interacts with DOK3 and modulates its degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of plasma cell differentiation, thereby alleviating the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Additionally, our investigation identifies Salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a potent small molecular glue-like compound that enhances the interaction between PRDX1 and DOK3, consequently impeding the progression of collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting plasma cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of developing chemical stabilizers for the PRDX1-DOK3 complex in suppressing plasma cell differentiation for RA treatment and establish a theoretical basis for targeting PRDX1-protein interactions as specific therapeutic targets in various diseases.

ObjectiveBased on cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）/cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 （Epac1）/Ras-homologous protein 1 （Rap1） signaling pathway to explore the myocardial protective mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue prescription on coronary heart disease （CHD） rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodEighty-eight specific-pathogen-free （SPF） grade male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were divided into a sham operation group （n=12） and an experimental group （n=76） according to the random number table. The experimental group underwent a restricted diet and exhaustive swimming combined with left anterior descending （LAD） coronary artery ligation to construct a model of CHD with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome， and electrocardiograms （ECGs） of rats before and after the LAD operation were collected. After the model was successfully established， the rats were randomly divided into model group， Yiqi Huoxue prescription low-dose group （4.28 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose group （8.55 g·kg^-1）， high-dose group （17.1 g·kg^-1）， and Western medicine group （isosorbide mononitrate tablets， 3.6 mg·kg^-1）. Rats were intragastrically administered assigned drugs for 4 weeks consecutively， while the sham operation group and the model group were administered with equal volumes of double distilled water. Twenty-four hours after the final administration， the rats were anesthetized with isoflurane to detect the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD）， left ventricular end-systolic diameter （LVESD）， left ventricular fractional shortening （FS， %）， and ejection fraction （EF， %） by echocardiography. Blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta for hemorheological measurements， and plasma cAMP levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Myocardial tissue was collected for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson staining to observe myocardial pathological damage， and a transmission electron microscope was used to observe ultrastructural changes of myocardial tissue， fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the expressions of myocardial Epac1， Rap1 GTPase activating protein （Rap1GAP） and Rap1 mRNA， and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of myocardial Epac1， Rap1GAP and Rap1 protein. ResultCompared with those in the sham operation group， LVEDD and LVISD of rats in the model group significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the ratios of EF and FS significantly decreased （P<0.01）， indicating symptoms of heart function decline， referred to as "heart Qi deficiency". The viscosity of whole blood and plasma significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the content of cAMP significant increased （P<0.01）. In addition， there was a significant proliferation of collagen fibers in myocardial tissue （P<0.01）， and the ultrastructure of the myocardial tissue was severely damaged， indicating pathological changes consistent with "blood stasis". Real-time PCR results showed that Epac1 and Rap1 mRNA levels in the model group were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， while Rap1GAP mRNA levels were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis showed a significant decrease in Epac1 protein expression （P<0.01） and a significant increase in Rap1GAP protein expression （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， Yiqi Huoxue prescription improved cardiac function， reduced blood viscosity， lowered plasma cAMP levels， decreased collagen fiber proliferation， and improved myocardial ultrastructure damage in CHD rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The high-dose group showed the most significant effects. In the high-dose group， Epac1 mRNA and protein expression levels significantly increased （P<0.01）， Rap1 mRNA expression significantly increased （P<0.01）， and Rap1GAP mRNA and Rap1GAP/Rap1 protein expression levels significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionYiqi Huoxue prescription can improve cardiac function， reduce blood viscosity and plasma cAMP levels， improve myocardial damage， and reduce collagen fiber proliferation in CHD rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The myocardial protection mechanism may be related to the regulation of the cAMP/Epac1/Rap1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To study the correlation between adverse clinical outcomes and early postnatal weight loss(representing the results of fluid management) during hospitalization in extremely premature infants(EPIs).Methods:From January 2019 to March 2023, EPIs (gestational age (GA)<28 weeks) admitted to neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) of our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to weight loss (WL) within the first 3 d after birth, the infants were assigned into no-WL group, WL<6% group, WL 6%-10% group and WL>10% group. The following items were compared among the four groups: fluid intake within the first 7 d after birth, the incidences of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA), PDA requiring surgical ligation, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, ≥stage II necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC), grade 3-4 intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH), moderate bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), severe BPD, mortality rates and total length of hospital stay.Results:A total of 119 EPIs were enrolled, including 41 in no-WL group, 22 in WL<6% group, 31 in WL 6%-10% group and 25 in WL>10% group. Among the four groups, no significant differences existed in fluid intake on d1 and d5-d7 after birth ( P>0.05). WL 6%-10% and >10% groups had significantly lower fluid intake during d2-d4 than no-WL group ( P<0.05).On d4, WL 6%-10% and >10% groups had lower fluid intake than WL <6% and no-WL groups( P<0.05).WL 6%-10% and >10% groups showed lower incidences of hsPDA than no-WL group ( P<0.05).WL>10% group had lower incidences of ≥stage II NEC, moderate BPD, shorter duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and total hospital stay than no-WL group( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in the incidences of PDA requiring surgical ligation, grade 3-4 IVH, severe BPD and mortality rates among the four groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:For EPIs, a certain degree of WL within the first 3 d after birth is beneficial to reduce the incidences of hsPDA, NEC, moderate BPD, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and total hospital stay. Focusing on body weight is helpful for a more optimal fluid management strategy in the early postnatal period.

Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of the application of day surgery management model under enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)concept in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.Methods A non-randomized concurrent control trial was conducted on the patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery in our department from January to August 2021.A total of 92 patients admitted on odd date were assigned into Ward B of our department and served as the control group,and another 96 patients hospitalized on even date were subjected into Ward A and served as the observation group.The control group was given the routine treatment schedule,including the relevant examinations after admission and general operation procedure during hospitalization.The observation group was under a day surgery management model based on the concept of ERAS,with aid of a day surgery team and optimized perioperative management measures,including pre-hospital rehabilitation,shortening water fasting before surgery,multi-mode analgesia,preventive antiemesis,intraoperative warmth,prevention of deep vein thrombosis,immediate postoperative eating and activity,and follow-up after discharge.Postoperative subjective comfort,intestinal function recovery,social and economic benefits,postoperative complications and inflammatory indicators were compared between the 2 groups.Results In 0～6,7～12 and 13～24 h after operation,the scores of thirst,hunger,nausea,pain,abdominal distension and pharyngeal discomfort were significantly lower in the observation group than the control group(P＜0.01).The observation group had obviously shorter length of hospital stay and ealier bowel sound recovery and first anal exhaust than the control group(P＜0.01).No postoperative complication,such as fall,unplanned secondary operation or wound infection was observed in both groups.The postoperative inflammatory indicators,including procalcitonin(PCT),neutrophil percentage(Neu％)and white blood cell count(WBC)were all in the normal ranges in the 2 groups at 24 h and 3 and 7 d after surgery.Statistical differences were found in firstly postoperative mobilization,length of hospital stay,hospitalization cost and patient satisfaction between the 2 groups(P＜0.01).Conclusion ERAS-based day surgery management model has the advantages of shortening hospital stay,reducing medical costs,promoting postoperative rehabilitation,and improving the comfort and satisfaction in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Objective: To explore the differential expression profiles of DNA methylation sites/regions and potential molecular mechanisms in the peripheral blood of coronary heart disease (CHD)-induced unstable angina pectoris patients with or without Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, and to provide scientific evidence for the conbination of disease and syndrome. Methods: According to the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study subjects were enrolled and divided into two groups namely CHD-induced unstable angina group (G group) and healthy control group (J group) to conduct “disease” analysis, while G group was further divided into Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome group (case group) and non-Qi deficiency blood stasis syndrome group (control group) to perform “syndrome” analysis. The general data and clinical information of the study subjects were collected. The peripheral venous blood was extracted on an empty stomach, and the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850K methylation chip) was used to detect the differential expressionprofiles of DNA methylation in each group, ChAMP software (V 2.14.0) was used for the differential methylation data analysis, with a threshold of the adjusted P value (adj.P.val) < 0.01. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) were employed for the functional and pathway enrichment analyses of related mapped genes. Results: A total of 263 differentially methylated CpG positions (DMPs) were screened out between G and J groups, including 191 hypermethylated positions such as cg05845204 and cg08906898, and 72 hypomethylated positions such as cg26919182 and cg13149459. These positions were mainly mapped to 148 genes encompassing RNA binding motif protein 39 (RBM39), acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 2 (ACAA2), protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 12B (PPP1R12B), and the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2). GO functional enrichment analysis revealed that the genes of the DMPs were primarily enriched in protein localization to chromosomes, regulation of cell morphogenesis, negative regulation of calcium-mediated signals, etc. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that the genes were mainly enriched in fatty acid metabolism and endocytosis pathways. In addition, a total of 23 differential methylation regions (DMRs) were identified, with overlapping genes such as transmembrane protein 232 (TMEM232), ribosomal protein large P1 (RPLP1), peroxisomal biogenesis factor 10 (PEX10), and forkhead box N3 (FOXN3) recognized. It was found that GO functions were mainly enriched in the negative regulation of Ras protein signal transduction, small GTPase-mediated signal transduction, negative regulation, etc. A total of 1 703 differential methylation sites were screened out between case and control groups, including 444 increased methylation positions such as cg05573767 and 1 259 decreased methylationpositions such as cg19938535, and cg03893872. These positions were mapped to 1 108 genes such as ribosomal protein S6 kinase A2 (RPS6KA2), leucine rich repeat containing 16A (LRRC16A), and hedgehog acyltransferase (HHAT). According to the GO functional enrichment analysis, the genes relating to the DMPs were mainly enriched in biological functions such as transmembrane receptor protein serine/threonine kinase signaling pathway and axonogenesis. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of Rap1 signaling pathway, adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, etc. A total of 21 DMRs were identified, including 22 overlapping genes such as mucin 4 (MUC4), three prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1), and LIM homeobox 6 (LHX6). GO analysis demonstrated that the genes primarily participated in molecular functions such as positive regulation of transmembrane transport, regulation of fatty acid metabolism, and copper ion binding. Conclusion This study reveals the methylation patterns of DMPs and DMRs in patients with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome caused by CHD-induced unstable angina pectoris. Potential epigenetic regulation of fatty acid metabolism, Rap1 signaling, and other molecular functions are involved in the development of CHD between the "disease" and "syndrome".

Objective:To explore the possible mechanism of Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods:The main active components and target information of Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription were screened by TCMSP database, and targets were identified by GeneCards, OMIM, TTD and PharmGKB databases. The intersection of active ingredient components and disease targets was selected to construct PPI network by STRING. Cytoscape CytoNCA plug-in was used to extract core targets for analysis. GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using Metascape. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to construct the "component-target-signal pathway" network, and Autodock was used to complete molecular docking verification. Animal experiments were further used for verification. SPF SD male rats were selected and GERD model was established by esophageal stent implantation. After 14 days of intervention, serum TNF-α and COX-2 levels of rats in each group were detected for verification.Results:A total of 215 effective compounds were screened from Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription. The main targets of GERD were TNF, IL6, CASP3, TP53 and PTGS2, which mainly focused on cancer pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding potential and activity of the key active components of Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription and the core target were better. Compared with the model group, Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription could reduce the serum expression levels of TNF-α and COX-2 ( P<0.01). Conclusions:By regulating TNF, IL6, CASP3, TP53, PTGS2 and other core targets, Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription can regulate NF-κB signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway and other signaling pathways to play a role in the treatment of GERD.

Objective:To study the effects of Zuogui Pills on the expressions of miR-133b-3p and RhoA in osteoclasts of postmenopausal osteoporosis rats; To discuss its potential mechanism.Methods:SD female rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, sham-operation group, and Zuogui Pills group using a random number table method, with 6 rats in each group. The model group and Zuogui Pills group were treated with oophorectomy to construct a rat model of osteoporosis. Zuogui Pills group was orally administered with Zuogui Pills decoction at a concentration of 10 g/kg for 12 consecutive weeks. Colorimetric method was used to measure the serum calcium and phosphorus levels of rats, and ELISA method was used to detect ALP levels. Bone density meter was used to measure the bone density of the femurs of rats in each group. The osteoclast of each group were cultured, and the expressions of RANKL and RUNX2 protein were detected by Western blot. MiRNA sequencing and differential expression analysis were performed on bone tissues of rats. Osteoclasts were treated with miR-133b-3p mimic and its negative control. The cell proliferation activity of osteoclasts was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The osteoclast differentiation activity was detected by the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the relationship between miR-133b-3p and RhoA. The "rescue" experiment of miR-133b-3p mimic and RhoA co-expression were used to study the molecular regulatory mechanism of Zuogui Pills on osteoclast activity.Results:Compared with the model group, the bone mineral density of Zuogui Pills group significantly increased ( P<0.05, P<0.01), the levels of calcium and phosphorus in serum increased, the level of alkaline phosphatase ALP decreased ( P<0.05), the expression of RANKL protein decreased, and the expression of RUNX2 protein increased. Sequencing results showed that rno-miR-133b-3p was down-regulated in osteoclasts of postmenopausa osteoporosis rats treated with Zuogui Pills with the maximum difference ( P<0.01). Q-PCR results showed that the expression of miR-133b-3p in osteoclasts of Zuogui Pills group was significantly lower than that of the model group. The upregulation of miR-133b-3p could significantly promote the cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts. RhoA overexpression could reverse the excessive proliferation and differentiation of osteoclasts caused by miR-133b-3p overexpression. Conclusions:RhoA is the target gene regulated by miR-133b-3p. Zuogui Pills can inhibit the activity of osteoclasts by regulating miR-133b-3p/RhoA axis, relieving the symptoms of osteoporosis.

The Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is related to the dynamic disorder of the digestive tract caused by the imbalance of the viscera and meridians.The spleen and stomach are the hub of the qi machinery,transforming the essence of water and valley into energy and regulating the Yin and Yang of all bodies.The sympathetic balance between Ren-Du and Qi is the motivity of the spleen and stomach.Interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)are the hub of digestive motility,which can maintain mitochondrial energy metabolism through mitochondrial autophagy and improve the digestive motility.Therefore,in this paper,the molecular biological basis of GERD was discussed based on the"regulating pivot with pivot"theory that the pivots of viscera and meridians drive ICC mitochondrial energy balance.It also explains the feasibility of Qi-Shi-Sheng-Jiang-Gui-Yuan Decoction in treating GERD based on"regulating pivot with pivot",which is helpful to realize the microscopization and concretization of"regulating pivot with pivot"theory and realize the modernization of TCM theory.

Objective:To explore the characteristics and correlation of psychological defense mechanism and coping style of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) .Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study. From March to August 2021, 223 parents of children with ASD in the Child Healthcare Department of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were selected by convenient sampling. The parents of the children were investigated with the General Information Questionnaire, the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ) and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) . Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between psychological defense mechanism and coping style. Multiple linear stepwise regression was used to analyze the impact of defense styles on coping styles. A total of 223 questionnaires were issued, 210 were recovered, and 206 were valid, with an effective recovery rate of 98.10% (206/210) .Results:Among 206 parents of children with ASD, the scores of mature, intermediate and immature defense types were (4.85±1.20) , (4.33±0.90) and (3.98±1.43) respectively. The scores of positive and negative coping in SCSQ were (1.76±0.53) and (1.18±0.58) respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that mature defense mechanism was positively correlated with positive coping ( r=0.26, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with negative coping ( r=-0.22, P<0.01) , and the immature and intermediate defense mechanisms were negatively correlated with positive coping ( r=-0.38, -0.22; P<0.01) and positively correlated with negative coping ( r=0.52, 0.43; P<0.01) . The multiple linear stepwise regression analysis showed that the four defense styles of complaint, expectation, sublimation and dissociation were the influencing factors of parents' positive coping in children with ASD ( P<0.05) , and projection, consumption tendency and passive aggression were the influencing factors of parents' negative coping in children with ASD ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Although parents of children with ASD mainly use positive coping styles, they often use expectation, avoidance, fantasy and other defensive styles in psychological defense. There is a correlation between defense mechanism and coping styles. We should provide targeted social support for parents of children, improve their psychological defense and maintain positive coping styles.