Cardiotoxicity induced by antineoplastic agents is an important factor affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. This article systematically summarizes the clinical manifestations of cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, molecular targeted cancer therapies, and immunotherapeutic drugs, and identifies the core injury mechanisms, including cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity falls under the category of “heat toxins” characterized by dual deficiency of qi and blood, upward flaming of heart heat, stagnation of the heart vessels, and meridian obstruction induced by phlegm-dampness. Therefore, by reviewing the preventive and therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of tonic medicines, interior heat-clearing medicines, blood-circulating and stasis-resolving medicines, phlegm-transforming, cough-suppressing and panting-relieving medicines, and interior-warming medicines, this paper concludes that TCM prevention and treatment of this condition adheres to the formulation principle of “reinforcing healthy qi, removing toxins, and resolving blood stasis”. Its mechanisms of action—including antioxidation effects, regulation of autophagic balance, antagonism of inflammatory responses, and improvement of microcirculation—are highly consistent with modern medical treatment strategies (e.g., dexrazoxane for inhibiting iron-dependent oxidative stress, statins for anti-inflammatory effects). This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the collaborative and precise prevention and treatment of anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity through the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women that is a leading cause of infertility. Follicular development disorder, as the main cause of oligoovulation, is the key factor affecting the fertility of PCOS patients. Among them, the disorder of the ovarian microenvironment is an important inducement for follicular development disorder. Emerging research highlights that the ovarian microenvironment plays a sophisticated role in follicular development and maturation through various mechanisms, including the cellular constituents within the ovary, the extracellular matrix's structural support, adequate vascular supply, and the regulation of hormonal and growth factor signaling. These factors collectively ensure the normal growth and ovulation of follicles, thereby safeguarding female reproductive health. In women with PCOS, however, the ovarian microenvironment is compromised, leading to excessive extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis, abnormalities in vascular architecture and function, immune-inflammatory reactions, and metabolic disturbances. These anomalies collectively hinder follicular growth and development, resulting in ovulation disorders. This comprehensive review will delve into the intricacies of these disruptions and their implications for fertility in PCOS patients.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification in mammals, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes, including cell differentiation and the gene expression regulation. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family of DNA demethylases is integral to the regulation of DNA methylation, as it catalyzes the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to form 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. During early embryonic development, the genome undergoes extensive DNA demethylation, and any aberration in this reprogramming process can result in abnormal embryonic development and physiological defects in offspring. The TET proteins, due to their unique dynamics and multifaceted roles, facilitate DNA demethylation and are involved in development and maturation of germ cells, the establishment of pluripotency, cell lineage differentiation, and transcriptional processes throughout mammalian embryogenesis. Furthermore, these proteins are closely associated with the maintenance of pregnancy and susceptibility of progeny to disease. Factors such as genetic mutations, maternal health conditions, and exposure to adverse environmental influences can impact TET protein activity, resulting in abnormal patterns of DNA demethylation. A comprehensive investigation of the related mechanisms of TET proteins is essential for enhancing our understanding of epigenetic regulation during early life, diagnosing and treating related diseases such as early fetal development retardation, and informing strategies for the prevention and management of pregnancy.This article reviews the regulatory role of DNA demethylation mediated by TET protein in mammalian embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes.

Astragali Radix (AR), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, over centuries of use. While doxorubicin serves as an effective chemotherapeutic agent against multiple cancers, its clinical application remains constrained by significant cardiotoxicity. Research has indicated that AR exhibits protective properties against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC); however, the specific bioactive components and underlying mechanisms responsible for this therapeutic effect remain incompletely understood. This investigation seeks to identify the protective bioactive components in AR against DIC and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Through network medicine analysis, astragaloside IV (AsIV) and formononetin (FMT) were identified as potential cardioprotective agents from 129 AR components. In vitro experiments using H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes revealed that the AsIV-FMT combination (AFC) effectively reduced doxorubicin-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, with optimal efficacy at a 1∶2 ratio. In vivo, AFC enhanced survival rates and improved cardiac function in both acute and chronic DIC mouse models. Additionally, AFC demonstrated cardiac protection while maintaining doxorubicin's anti-cancer efficacy in a breast cancer mouse model. Lipidomic and metabolomics analyses revealed that AFC normalized doxorubicin-induced lipid profile alterations, particularly by reducing fatty acid accumulation. Gene knockdown studies and inhibitor experiments in H9c2 cells demonstrated that AsIV and FMT upregulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and PPARα, respectively, two key proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism. This research establishes AFC as a promising therapeutic approach for DIC, highlighting the significance of multi-target therapies derived from natural herbals in contemporary medicine.
Animals ; Doxorubicin/adverse effects* ; Saponins/administration & dosage* ; Isoflavones/pharmacology* ; Rats ; Cardiomyopathies/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Fatty Acids/metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Triterpenes/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Cardiotonic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Line ; Astragalus Plant/chemistry* ; Astragalus propinquus

Objective:To construct a Du-moxibustion technique operation scheme suitable for patients with ankylosing spondylitis based on the "multidimensional evidence body" model, so as to provide a reference for clinical Du-moxibustion in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.Methods:This study was based on the "multidimensional evidence body" model, integrating evidence such as modern literature, ancient Chinese medicine books, and the experience of famous doctors, and combined with semi-structured interviews of 20 patients to form a first draft of the operation plan from April to June 2023. Twenty traditional Chinese medicine experts from 13 regions participated in the review and revision of the plan through two rounds of consultation and expert consensus meetings from July to August 2023, forming the final draft of the operation scheme.Results:Among 20 experts, there were 3 males and 17 females, aged (42.70 ± 6.57) years old. The effective response rates of the questionnaires in the two rounds of correspondence inquiries were 95%(19/20) and 18/18 respectively, and the expert authority coefficients were 0.80 and 0.81. The coefficients of variation were 0.00-0.19 and 0.00-0.21 respectively, and the Kendall harmony coefficients were 0.179 and 0.344 respectively (both P<0.01). The final scheme included 6 first-level items, including "terms and definitions""assessment""operation point""abnormal situations and handling measures""precautions""effect evaluation" and 27 second-level items and 17 third-level items. Conclusions:The operation scheme of Du-moxibustion technique is scientific, feasible and targeted, which can provide effective guidance for clinical practice and ensure the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women that is a leading cause of infertility. Follicular development disorder, as the main cause of oligoovulation, is the key factor affecting the fertility of PCOS patients. Among them, the disorder of the ovarian microenvironment is an important inducement for follicular development disorder. Emerging research highlights that the ovarian microenvironment plays a sophisticated role in follicular development and maturation through various mechanisms, including the cellular constituents within the ovary, the extracellular matrix's structural support, adequate vascular supply, and the regulation of hormonal and growth factor signaling. These factors collectively ensure the normal growth and ovulation of follicles, thereby safeguarding female reproductive health. In women with PCOS, however, the ovarian microenvironment is compromised, leading to excessive extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis, abnormalities in vascular architecture and function, immune-inflammatory reactions, and metabolic disturbances. These anomalies collectively hinder follicular growth and development, resulting in ovulation disorders. This comprehensive review will delve into the intricacies of these disruptions and their implications for fertility in PCOS patients.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification in mammals, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes, including cell differentiation and the gene expression regulation. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family of DNA demethylases is integral to the regulation of DNA methylation, as it catalyzes the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to form 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. During early embryonic development, the genome undergoes extensive DNA demethylation, and any aberration in this reprogramming process can result in abnormal embryonic development and physiological defects in offspring. The TET proteins, due to their unique dynamics and multifaceted roles, facilitate DNA demethylation and are involved in development and maturation of germ cells, the establishment of pluripotency, cell lineage differentiation, and transcriptional processes throughout mammalian embryogenesis. Furthermore, these proteins are closely associated with the maintenance of pregnancy and susceptibility of progeny to disease. Factors such as genetic mutations, maternal health conditions, and exposure to adverse environmental influences can impact TET protein activity, resulting in abnormal patterns of DNA demethylation. A comprehensive investigation of the related mechanisms of TET proteins is essential for enhancing our understanding of epigenetic regulation during early life, diagnosing and treating related diseases such as early fetal development retardation, and informing strategies for the prevention and management of pregnancy.This article reviews the regulatory role of DNA demethylation mediated by TET protein in mammalian embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes.

Objective:To construct a Du-moxibustion technique operation scheme suitable for patients with ankylosing spondylitis based on the "multidimensional evidence body" model, so as to provide a reference for clinical Du-moxibustion in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.Methods:This study was based on the "multidimensional evidence body" model, integrating evidence such as modern literature, ancient Chinese medicine books, and the experience of famous doctors, and combined with semi-structured interviews of 20 patients to form a first draft of the operation plan from April to June 2023. Twenty traditional Chinese medicine experts from 13 regions participated in the review and revision of the plan through two rounds of consultation and expert consensus meetings from July to August 2023, forming the final draft of the operation scheme.Results:Among 20 experts, there were 3 males and 17 females, aged (42.70 ± 6.57) years old. The effective response rates of the questionnaires in the two rounds of correspondence inquiries were 95%(19/20) and 18/18 respectively, and the expert authority coefficients were 0.80 and 0.81. The coefficients of variation were 0.00-0.19 and 0.00-0.21 respectively, and the Kendall harmony coefficients were 0.179 and 0.344 respectively (both P<0.01). The final scheme included 6 first-level items, including "terms and definitions""assessment""operation point""abnormal situations and handling measures""precautions""effect evaluation" and 27 second-level items and 17 third-level items. Conclusions:The operation scheme of Du-moxibustion technique is scientific, feasible and targeted, which can provide effective guidance for clinical practice and ensure the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of treatment.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a common reproductive endocrine disease in women, which is an important factor leading to the decline of female fertility. The number and quality of oocytes in DOR women gradually decrease with age, which leads to the decline of fertility in women. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important cause of oocyte quality decline. In recent years, studies have found that mitophagy, as an important mechanism of self-repair and metabolic balance in cells, is closely related to oocyte development. This article focuses on the regulation of mitochondrial DNA copy number and mutation, ATP content, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species content, mitochondrial membrane potential changes on mitophagy, and the effects on oocyte development and the regulation of drugs on oocyte mitophagy.