BACKGROUND:Rev-erbα is involved in the regulation of inflammation,but pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases.To reduce the relevant risk,an exploration on SR9009,a Rev-erbα agonist,combined with other drugs to relieve inflammation in skeletal myoblasts was conducted,laying the theoretical foundation for the treatment of inflammation-associated skeletal muscle atrophy. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship of SR9009,indolepropionic acid and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS:(1)C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate in the presence of lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL).RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analysis were used to study signaling pathways.(2)C2C12 myoblast viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay to determine optimal concentrations of indolepropionic acid.Subsequently,cells were categorized into control group,lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)group,SR9009(10 μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,indolepropionic acid(80μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,and SR9009+indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.ELISA was employed to measure protein expression levels of interleukin-6 in the cultured supernatant.Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to measure mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Western blot assay were employed to measure protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65.(3)After Rev-erbα was knocked down by siRNA,knockdown efficiency was assessed by RT-qPCR.And mRNA levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were also measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,lipopolysaccharide time-dependently inhibited myofibroblast fusion to form myotubes,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were elevated,and the level of interleukin-6 in the cell supernatant was significantly increased.The results of KEGG pathway showed that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated by lipopolysaccharide.Indolepropionic acid exhibited significant suppression of C2C12 myoblasts viability when its concentration exceeded 80 μmol/L.Indolepropionic acid and SR9009 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby played an anti-inflammatory role,and suppressed the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression were downregulated.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid notably reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation,further downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.The ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression was significantly lower than that in the SR9009+lipopolysaccharide group or indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.Rev-erbα increases time-dependently with lipopolysaccharide induction.The knockdown efficiency of Rev-erbα by siRNA reached over 58%,and lipopolysaccharide was added after Rev-erbα was successfully knocked down.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly up-regulated.These results conclude that Rev-erbα may act as a promising pharmacological target to reduce inflammation.SR9009 targeted activation of Rev-erbα combined with indolepropionic acid significantly inhibits the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and attenuates the inflammatory response of C2C12 myofibroblasts.Moreover,the combined anti-inflammatory effect is superior to that of the intervention alone.

BACKGROUND:Coptis chinensis can clear heat,dry dampness,relieve fire,and detoxify.Coptis chinensis and its components have a significant protective effect on cerebral ischemia.The action mechanism of anti-cerebral ischemia of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids was explored based on network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing. OBJECTIVE:Based on the study of the protective effects of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids on cerebral ischemia of rats,the action mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids intervention in cerebral ischemia was investigated by using network pharmacology and transcriptome sequencing technology. METHODS:The SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,ischemia/reperfusion group,positive drug group,and Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids group.The ischemia/reperfusion model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was prepared by modified thread method in the latter three groups.No thread was inserted and the other operations were the same in the sham operation group.TTC staining,Longa 5 neurological deficient score,hematoxylin and eosin staining,and Nissl staining were used to evaluate the protective effect of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids on ischemia/reperfusion model rats.Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the brain tissues of rats in sham operation group,ischemia/reperfusion group,and Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids group.Differentially expressed genes,gene Ontology analysis,Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis,and Correlation Analysis of Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology were used to elucidate the effect of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids on cerebral ischemia.Finally,ELISA and immunofluorescence staining were used to verify the key targets of Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids in the intervention of cerebral ischemia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids treatment decreased the Longa 5 neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction area of ischemia/reperfusion model rats,increased the number of neurons and Nissl bodies.(2)Differentially expressed gene after Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids treatment analyzed by functional enrichment analysis of gene ontology includes biological processes such as inflammatory reaction and positive regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade.The enrichment analysis of Kyoto gene and genome encyclopedia analysis pathway mainly involves interleukin-17 signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-mconophosphate signaling pathway and so on.(3)Analysis of transcriptomics showed that the main genes regulated by Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids were prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.(4)Network pharmacology analysis revealed that nine components in Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids may exert their effects by associating with 87 targets related to prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.(5)ELISA and immunofluorescence staining results further confirmed that Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids regulated the expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.(6)It is concluded that Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids treatment can significantly improve the injury in ischemia/reperfusion model rats,possibly by regulating prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2,brain derived neurotrophic factor,and transient receptor potential A1.

Hepatolenticular degeneration （HLD），also known as Wilson disease (WD) is an uncommon hereditary disorder of the nervous system， characterized by hepatic impairment， extrapyramidal manifestations， psychiatric symptoms， and renal dysfunction， while impaired vision is a rare comorbidity. This article conducts a retrospective analysis of visual acuity changes， treatment， and prognosis of a female patient， aged 22 years， who were diagnosed with HLD complicated by bilateral neuritis in an affiliated hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine in 2022， and a literature review was performed. The findings suggest that impaired vision is a rare manifestation of HLD. Ophthalmologists should consider the possibility of HLD in patients with optic atrophy and optic neuritis， and early intravenous administration of methylprednisolone may help to improve prognosis.

Objective To assess the health risks of gaseous pollutants in the indoor air of hair and beauty salons in Jinan, and to provide technical support for strengthening the hygiene management of hair and beauty salons in Jinan and promoting the improvement of conditions. Methods Every year, indoor air samples were collected from 10-16 selected hair salons and beauty salons in Jinan, and relevant information on practitioners was also collected. According to the ^“Technical Guidelines for Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Chemicals^”, an assessment was conducted on the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of inhalation pathways of gaseous pollutants in the indoor air of hair salons and beauty salons. Results Benzene, toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, and ammonia were detected in the indoor air of hair salons and beauty salons. Formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia all exceeded the standard in hair salons and beauty salons. The median risk values of formaldehyde and benzene for carcinogenesis in hair salons and beauty salons were both greater than 10^-6, with maximum values higher than 10^-4. The median chronic non-carcinogenic risk value of formaldehyde in the indoor air of hair salons and beauty salons was greater than 1. The median chronic non-carcinogenic risk values for benzene and ammonia were both less than 1, but the maximum risk value was greater than 1. Conclusion Benzene and formaldehyde in the indoor air of hair salons and beauty salons in Jinan City have carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, while ammonia has non-carcinogenic risks, which should be paid attention to.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effectiveness of orthopedic surgery for patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus and analyze its related influencing factors. METHODS: A clinical data of 247 patients (287 feet) with moderate and severe hallux valgus, who were admitted between January 2013 and October 2024 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 39 males and 208 females, with a median age of 57 years (range, 19-89 years). There were 207 cases of single-foot involvement and 40 cases of double-foot involvement; 159 feet were moderate hallux valgus and 128 feet were severe hallux valgus. The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 25 years, with a median of 5 years and 8 months. The hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), proximal articular set angle (PASA), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were measured before operation and at 6 months after operation, and the differences (change values) between pre- and post-operation were calculated. All patients were grouped according to the degree of preoperative hallux valgus deformity and age, and the patients with severe hallux valgus according to different surgical procedures, and the change values of HVA, IMA, and AOFAS scores were compared between groups. All patients were grouped according to postoperative HVA, then the postoperative AOFAS scores were compared between groups. RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the operations and were followed up 6 months to 11 years and 3 months, with an average of 4 years and 6 months. The HVA, IMA, PASA, and AOFAS scores at 6 months after operation showed significant improvement compared to preoperative levels, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). The patients with severe hallux valgus had the higher change values of HVA, IMA, and AOFAS scores than the patients with moderate hallux valgus ( P<0.05). The elderly patients had the highest change values of HVA and AOFAS scores than the young and middle-aged patients ( P<0.05). The patients with postoperative HVA ranging from 0° to 5° had the highest AOFAS scores than the other patients at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). Among different surgical procedures for severe hallux valgus, the metatarsophalangeal joint fusion had the highest change value of HVA, the Scarf osteotomy had the highest performance in correcting the IMA, and the first metatarsal base osteotomy had the highest improvement in the postoperative AOFAS score, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Elderly patients show the better improvement in HVA and foot function after operation. The first metatarsal base osteotomy show the better improvement in foot function than other surgical procedures. A certain HVA is allowed to remain after hallux valgus correction, and the postoperative AOFAS score is higher when the corrected HVA is in the range of 0°-5°.
Humans ; Hallux Valgus/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Treatment Outcome ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Severity of Illness Index ; Orthopedic Procedures/methods* ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Metatarsal Bones/surgery*

Dent disease is a rare X-linked recessive inherited renal tubular disorder characterized by low molecular weight proteinuria (LMWP), hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and other clinical features, and can lead to progressive renal failure. It is primarily caused by mutations in the CLCN5 gene. This article reports the case of a 10-year-old male patient of Chinese descent who was incidentally found to have asymptomatic proteinuria during a routine health examination. Comprehensive biochemical testing and clinical evaluation revealed significant LMWP and hypercalciuria, while renal biopsy showed mesangial cell and matrix proliferation. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel deletion mutation in the CLCN5 gene (NM_001127899.4, c.1158delC, p.F387Lfs*42) causing a frameshift and premature termination, which is likely to disrupt its role in chloride/hydrogen ion exchange and endosomal acidification. Bioinformatic analysis indicated the variant is pathogenic. Genetic testing plays an important role in diagnosing rare kidney diseases. Early identification of pathogenic mutations is essential for facilitating timely intervention and appropriate management, potentially enhancing patient outcomes. This report expands the CLCN5 mutation spectrum and contributes to understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of Dent disease.
Humans ; Chloride Channels/genetics* ; Dent Disease/genetics* ; Male ; Child ; Computational Biology ; Mutation ; Proteinuria/genetics* ; Hypercalciuria/genetics*

Objective:To explore the value of high resolution computed tomography（HRCT） combined with Magnetic Resonance Imaging（MRI） in the diagnosis of inner ear malformation. Methods:HRCT and MRI data of 82 patients with inner ear malformations were analyzed retrospectively. HRCT MPR and CPR reconstruction of the inner ear structure, facial nerve canal and oblique sagittal MRI reconstruction of the internal auditory canal were performed. The inner ear malformations were classified, the conditions of facial nerve canal and cochlear nerve were evaluated. The association between inner ear malformation and cochlear nerve dysplasia were analyzed by Chi-square test with continuity correction. Results:Among the 82 patients with inner ear malformations,there were 49 cases of bilateral symmetry, 11 cases of bilateral asymmetry and 22 cases of unilateral inner ear malformations. Respectively, the most prevalent types were IP-Ⅱ（42.96%）, dilatation of atrium aqueduct（18.31%） and malformations of atrium and semicircular canal 19.72%. Out of 50 cases of cochlear malformations,only 3 were isolated cochlear malformations, and the rest were accompanied by other malformations of varying degrees. In the 67 ears examined by MRI, 26（38.81%） had cochlear nerve deficiency（CND）, and the incidence of CND varied with different types of inner ear malformations. Out of 142 ears, 28（19.72%） had abnormalities of the facial nerve canal. Conclusion:HRCT combined with MRI can accurately distinguish the types of inner ear malformation and effectively evaluate the facial nerve canal and cochlear nerve, and further provides the important finger and Guide value for the clinician to formulate the reasonable treatment and the operation plan.
Humans ; Ear, Inner/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Male ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Child ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Nerve/diagnostic imaging* ; Facial Nerve/abnormalities* ; Cochlea/abnormalities* ; Infant ; Young Adult

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl₄ and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Objectiveto investigate the differential expression of intestinal flora and serum metabolites and potential biomarkers in patients with pre-diabetic sputum syndrome. MethodA total of 34 patients with pre-diabetic sputum syndrome were included as the phlegm syndrome group，and 37 healthy people were selected as the normal group. Serum and fecal samples of the two groups were collected，and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS） non-targeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology were used to detect serum metabolites and different intestinal flora of the two groups and explore the relationship among pre-diabetic sputum syndrome，serum metabolites，and intestinal flora. ResultIn the distribution of disease syndrome elements in the phlegm syndrome group，the first five disease syndrome elements in terms of frequency and proportion were dampness （73.53%），Qi stagnation （58.82%），Yin deficiency （50.00%），blood stasis （41.18%），and heat （35.29%）. According to the frequency and proportion of disease location syndrome elements，the first three main disease location syndrome elements were spleen （100.00%），liver （41.18%），and kidney （23.53%）. The results of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing showed that there were 44 different intestinal flora between the two groups. In order genus，there were significant differences in Bifidobacterium，Veillonococcus，and Roseococcus between the two groups （P<0.05）. The diversity，abundance，and evenness of intestinal flora in the phlegm syndrome group were lower than those in the normal group，with the difference not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the community structure between two groups. The results of serum metabolomics showed that there were 13 differential metabolites in the two groups，which were mainly concentrated in amino acid metabolism，bile secretion，bile acid biosynthesis，and lipid metabolism （P<0.05）. The correlation among differential metabolites，intestinal flora，and syndrome elements was analyzed，and the results showed that ① lysine was positively correlated with spleen，Yin deficiency，and blood stasis，while taurocholic acid was positively correlated with liver，kidney，blood stasis，and dampness，and there was a positive correlation between taurocholic acid and yin deficiency and heat. The taurochenodeoxycholic acid was positively correlated with liver and dampness，and there was a negative correlation between arachidonic acid and dampness，as well as a positive correlation between glucose and spleen and blood stasis. ② Clostridium was positively correlated with spleen，kidney，Yin deficiency，and Qi stagnation. Rosepiella was negatively correlated with spleen，and Sutterella was negatively correlated with dampness. Bacteroides was negatively correlated with the spleen and kidney，and Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with the spleen and dampness. ③ Bifidobacterium was positively correlated with glycine，threonine，lysine，and deoxycholic acid significantly，negatively correlated with cholic acid significantly，and positively correlated with taurochenodeoxycholic acid and pyruvic acid. Clostridium was positively correlated with glycine significantly and positively correlated with threonine and lysine. Lachnospira was negatively correlated with glycine，threonine，and pyruvic acid. Lysine was also negatively correlated with Faecalibacterium and Eubacterium ventriosum and positively correlated with Megamonas. There was a positive correlation between taurocholic acid and glycine bile acid and Campylobacter，between taurochenodeoxycholic acid and Veillonococcus，and between glucose and Rosepiella and Eubacterium ventriosum. There was a negative correlation between pyruvic acid and Escheria-Shigella and between taurochenodeoxycholic acid and Prevotella. Conclusionthere are differences in intestinal flora and serum metabolites between patients with pre-diabetic sputum syndrome and healthy people. The intestinal flora and metabolites have been disturbed in the stage of pre-diabetes，Bifidobacterium，Clostridium，Lachnospira，glycine，threonine，and lysine may be the breakthrough to explore the development of pre-diabetic sputum syndrome.