ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription （BSTDP）. MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS）. Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction （PPI） network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg （mpx： GFP）. At three days post-fertilization （3 dpf）， larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group， model group， positive drug dexamethasone acetate group （75 μmol·L^-1）， and BSTDP groups with low， medium， and high doses （500， 1 000， and 2 000 mg·L^-1）. The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP， among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis （RA） and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine， vomicine， sinapine， rehmannioside， cinnamyl alcohol glycoside， and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 （Akt1）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）， TLR4， mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 （MAPK14）， and phosphatidylinositol-4，5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α （PIK3CA）， thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L^-1. Compared to those in the blank group， zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region （P<0.01） and rising mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β （P<0.01）. Compared to that in the model group， the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses， as well as the dexamethasone acetate group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP， demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription （BSTDP）. MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS）. Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction （PPI） network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg （mpx： GFP）. At three days post-fertilization （3 dpf）， larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group， model group， positive drug dexamethasone acetate group （75 μmol·L^-1）， and BSTDP groups with low， medium， and high doses （500， 1 000， and 2 000 mg·L^-1）. The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP， among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis （RA） and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine， vomicine， sinapine， rehmannioside， cinnamyl alcohol glycoside， and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 （Akt1）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）， TLR4， mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 （MAPK14）， and phosphatidylinositol-4，5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α （PIK3CA）， thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L^-1. Compared to those in the blank group， zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region （P<0.01） and rising mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β （P<0.01）. Compared to that in the model group， the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses， as well as the dexamethasone acetate group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB， TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP， demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.

BACKGROUND:Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells play pivotal roles in cell communication and epigenetic regulation due to their low immunogenicity and targeted delivery effects,and have been clinically applied in the treatment of various diseases.OBJECTIVE:To review the isolation,purification,identification methods,and application progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes,and to facilitate the development of large-scale preparation techniques and clinical translation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes.METHODS:The Chinese search terms"exosome,mesenchymal stem cells,isolation,purification,characterization,clinical application"and the English search terms"exosome,extracellular vesicles,mesenchymal stem cells,isolation,characterization,application"were used to search the literature published before September 2024 in CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science databases.Articles with poor relevance to the topic,outdated,or duplicated content were excluded,and finally,109 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This paper reviews recent methods for isolating and purifying exosomes,comparing the characteristics of ultracentrifugation,ultrafiltration,size-exclusion chromatography,polymer precipitation,immunoaffinity,microfluidic methods,and other novel approaches based on their underlying principles.(2)Methods for identifying exosomes can be categorized into physical and biochemical analyses,characterizing exosomes based on their shape,size,and characteristic proteins.(3)Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have broad applications in multiple fields such as medical aesthetics,wound repair,and cancer treatment,due to their immune-regulatory properties and ability to cross biological barriers.(4)The clinical translation of exosomes faces challenges due to their complex structure,lack of universal isolation techniques,and poor stability,making it difficult to achieve in a short period of time.

BACKGROUND:Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells play pivotal roles in cell communication and epigenetic regulation due to their low immunogenicity and targeted delivery effects,and have been clinically applied in the treatment of various diseases.OBJECTIVE:To review the isolation,purification,identification methods,and application progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes,and to facilitate the development of large-scale preparation techniques and clinical translation of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes.METHODS:The Chinese search terms"exosome,mesenchymal stem cells,isolation,purification,characterization,clinical application"and the English search terms"exosome,extracellular vesicles,mesenchymal stem cells,isolation,characterization,application"were used to search the literature published before September 2024 in CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science databases.Articles with poor relevance to the topic,outdated,or duplicated content were excluded,and finally,109 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This paper reviews recent methods for isolating and purifying exosomes,comparing the characteristics of ultracentrifugation,ultrafiltration,size-exclusion chromatography,polymer precipitation,immunoaffinity,microfluidic methods,and other novel approaches based on their underlying principles.(2)Methods for identifying exosomes can be categorized into physical and biochemical analyses,characterizing exosomes based on their shape,size,and characteristic proteins.(3)Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes have broad applications in multiple fields such as medical aesthetics,wound repair,and cancer treatment,due to their immune-regulatory properties and ability to cross biological barriers.(4)The clinical translation of exosomes faces challenges due to their complex structure,lack of universal isolation techniques,and poor stability,making it difficult to achieve in a short period of time.

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Cellular drug screening represents a key approach in the preclinical discovery of AD therapeutics. Moreover, selecting an appropriate cellular model is essential for exploring the mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to establish a progressive strategy integrating cell model construction, monomer evaluation, and effective component group-based drug discovery for the development of novel therapeutics targeting AD. Methods: A novel AD12 cell line stably expressing the double-transgenic genes amyloid precursor protein (APP)695/presenilin 1(PS1)-ΔE9 was first constructed and subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The resulting LPS-induced neuroinflammatory response was characterized using metabolomic analysis. Subsequently, 16 alkaloids derived from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) were screened with the LPS-AD12 cell model. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding affinity of benzoylaconitine (BAC) with APP and PS1 proteins. A targeted metabolomics approach focusing on amino acids and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was applied to BAC-treated LPS-AD12 cells. Finally, aconite extract was administered to five-familial-AD-mutations(5xFAD) transgenic mice, and therapeutic efficacy was evaluated through phenotypic and metabolomic analyses. Results: LPS stimulation induced neuroinflammation in AD12 cells, characterized by elevated levels of interleukin-6, amyloid-β (Aβ ), and PS1. The primary metabolic pathways affected in AD12 cells included alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as arginine biosynthesis. Notably, BAC significantly reduced the levels of Aβ and interleukin-6 in LPS-AD12 cells. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses revealed a strong binding affinity of BAC with APP and PS1 proteins. Targeted metabolomics analysis indicated that the pharmacological activity of BAC was primarily associated with its anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of the cholinergic signaling pathway, and regulation of energy metabolism. Behavioral experiments in 5xFAD mice, together with immunofluorescence assessments of brain tissues (amyloid-β, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1), demonstrated that aconite extract treatment significantly alleviated AD-related symptoms. In addition, metabolomics-based mechanistic analyses revealed that serine, acetylcholine, ornithine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid exhibited consistent trends in both brain tissue and serum samples from treated mice. Conclusion: This study established a novel AD12 cell model and an effective, reliable LPS-induced cell-based screening system. Additionally, we proposed a new drug discovery strategy integrating cell model construction, monomer evaluation, and effective component group-based drug discovery. This screening system has the potential to accelerate the identification of anti-AD agents and provides a feasible framework for subsequent in-depth investigations into new drug development from TCM, thereby contributing to the modernization of TCM-derived therapeutics.

Objective: To investigate the availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years, so as to provide the basis for improving riding safety for children. Methods: Parents of children aged 0-3 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality, were recruited using the stratified multistage random sampling method from May to July 2024. Demographic information, family travel patterns, the use of child safety seat and related health beliefs were collected using questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting the use of child safety seats were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Totally 514 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 96.98%. The respondents included 122 fathers (23.74%) and 392 mothers (76.26%), with a median age of 34.00 (interquartile range, 5.00) years. There were 446 families equipping with child safety seats, accounting for 86.77%; and 169 families using child safety seats, accounting for 32.88%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the parents who had children aged >1-2 years (OR=0.597, 95%CI: 0.366-0.973), travelled 2-4 times per month (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.213-0.607) or once per month or less (OR=0.384, 95%CI: 0.202-0.729), and scored high in perceived barrier (OR=0.634, 95%CI: 0.486-0.827) were less likely to use child safety seats; the parents who had children with local household registration (OR=2.506, 95%CI: 1.356-4.633), travelled 5-<10 km (OR=1.887, 95%CI: 1.148-3.101) or ≥10 km (OR=2.319, 95%CI: 1.355-3.967), always wore seat belts (OR=2.342, 95%CI: 1.212-4.524), scored high in perceived susceptibility (OR=1.392, 95%CI: 1.091-1.778) and self-efficacy (OR=1.413, 95%CI: 1.156-1.727) were more likely to use child safety seats. Conclusions Equipping family cars with child safety seats and using them can prevent and reduce traffic injuries among children aged 0-3 years. It is recommended to strengthen publicity to promote the use of child safety seats.

Objective To observe the value of transabdominal bowel ultrasound for monitoring therapeutic efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.Methods Totally 47 ulcerative colitis patients with Mayo endoscopic score(MES)≥2 and treated with vedolizumab were retrospectively included.Transabdominal bowel ultrasound examinations were performed at baseline,at the end of induction therapy,also 3 and 6 months after maintenance therapy,while colonoscopy was performed at baseline and 6 months after maintenance therapy.According to colonoscopy results 6 months after maintenance therapy,the patients were divided into improved group(MES≤1 or MES reduction≥1,n=25)and non-improved group(n=22),and ultrasonic findings of sigmoid colon were compared between and within groups.Results At baseline,no significant difference of ultrasonic findings of sigmoid colon was observed between groups(all P＞0.05),whereas differences of bowel wall thickness at the end of induction therapy,of Limberg grade and abnormal perienteric lymph nodes 3 months after maintenance therapy,as well as bowel wall stratification 6 months after maintenance therapy were noticed between groups(all P＜0.05).Within improved group,compared with those in baseline,bowel wall thickness improved at all time points after the beginning of treatment,Limberg grade improved 3 and 6 months after maintenance therapy,while bowel wall stratification,abnormal perienteric lymph node and perienteric fat edema improved 6 months after maintenance therapy(all P＜0.05).Meanwhile,no significant change of ultrasonic findings of sigmoid colon was observed in non-improved group during the above periods(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Transabdominal bowel ultrasound could be used to accurately monitor the therapeutic efficacy of vedolizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

Objective:To analyze the etiological characteristics of Clostridium ramosum DZS3717106 isolated from the blood of a patient with septic shock secondary to perianal abscess and the immunological characteristics of the patient. Methods:The isolate was subjected to morphological observation, mass spectrometry, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Biochemical and cytological test results of the patient were collected. Flow cytometry was used to detect T cell subsets. Impacts of the virulence factors of the isolate on the host immune system were evaluated.Results:DZS3717106 was an anaerobic Clostridium with pleomorphic rod-shaped cells and spores. It was sensitive to penicillin G, piperacillin/tazobactam, and metronidazole, but resistant to clindamycin. It carried various virulence and resistance genes. The patient was immunocompromised with abnormal IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels. Conclusions:Septic shock caused by Clostridium ramosum is rare, and more research is needed on the causes and epidemiology. DZS3717106 infection triggers over-activated inflammatory response in the patient, which may be closely related to the occurrence and development of septic shock.

Objective:To construct a sizeable naive human Fab phage display antibody library to screen high-affinity specific antibodies in vitro. Methods:Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 126 healthy individuals, subsequently reverse-transcribed into cDNA, and used as a template. PCR amplification was performed to obtain the V H from IgG, IgM and light chain κ, λ, separately, with the initial PCR products serving as templates for a second round of PCR. Overlap extension PCR was employed to generate fragments of the κ and λ light chains. These fragments were ligated with the phage vector pNC3, which harbors the variable region 1 of the heavy chain, to construct a recombinant phage plasmid. This plasmid was then electroporated into competent Escherichia Coli TG1 cells to establish a naive human Fab phage display antibody library. One hundred clones were randomly selected for identification and sequencing, and antibody gene polymorphisms were analyzed using the IMGT database and MAFFT software. Recombinant α-hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus was utilized to screen Fab antibody fragments through biopanning of the antibody library, followed by random selection of phage ELISA-identified clones. The positive clones (antigen A450∶blank control A450≥2.1) were sequenced. Results:Two large naive Fab phage display antibody libraries were successfully constructed, in which the capacity of κ and λ chain antibody libraries were 1.25×10 11 and 1.54×10 11, respectively. The titers for two antibody libraries were 6.04×10 13 CFU/ml and 3.50×10 13 CFU/ml. The positive transformation insertion rates for κ and λ chain antibody libraries were 96% (96/100) and 100% (100/100), respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that all antibody sequences were unique. The amino acid sequences in the skeletal region were relatively conserved. In contrast, significant variations in the length of the complementarity determining region (CDR) were found, and the diversity of amino acid sequence of the complementary determining region was high, especially the CDR3. Analysis using the IMGT database indicated that the sequences exhibited a broad distribution across variable-diversity-joining gene families. After six rounds of panning, specific phage antibodies enrichment targeting α-hemolysin were achieved. A total of 142 monoclonal antibodies were sequenced, yielding 8 distinct Fab antibody sequences. Conclusion:This study successfully constructed two naive human Fab phage display antibody libraries with large capacity and good diversity, which can be used for screening human antibodies for serum epidemiology.

Objective:To investigate the changes of serum complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-associated protein 3 (CTRP3) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its clinical significance.Methods:A total of 60 RA patients admitted to Chongming Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences (Chongming Branch of Xinhua Hospital) from January 2023 to February 2024 were collected.They were divided into a plaque group (38 cases) and a plaque free group (22 cases) according to the results of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) by carotid artery ultrasonography. ESR, CRP, blood lipid, HOMA-IR, RF, CCP antibody and CTRP3 levels were detected, and the relationship between CTRP3 levels and disease activity and atherosclerosis in RA patients was analyzed. The statistical analysis was carried out with independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis and logistic regression. Results:Serum CTRP3 level in RA patients was lower than that in healthy control group [(116±44)ng/ml and (184±63)ng/ml, t=-6.54, P=0.004]. The CTRP3 level in RA group with plaque was lower than that in RA group without plaque [(98±28) ng/ml and (123±38)ng/ml, t=-5.57, P=0.008]. Serum CTRP3 levels in RA patients were correlated with LDL-C ( r=-0.68, P=0.011), HOMA-IR ( r=-0.74, P=0.001), RF ( r=-0.46, P=0.042), anti-CCP antibody( r=-0.54, P=0.037), DAS28 ( r=-0.66, P=0.024) were negatively correlated with cIMT ( r=-0.76, P=0.001), and positively correlated with DMARDs duration ( r=0.51, P=0.040) and flow-mediated di latatiton ( r=0.70, P=0.004). The CTRP3 level [( OR(95% CI)=0.683(0.355, 0.807), P=0.023] was an independent correlation factor affecting cIMT. Conclusion:CTRP3 level in RA patients is significantly lower than that in healthy control group, and is negatively correlated with insulin resistance, autoantibody level and disease activity, and has a protective effect on early atherosclerosis in RA patients.