ObjectiveBased on the conjoint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome， the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of Lonicera macranthoides were explored， which provided a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoid compounds in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides. MethodsThe stem， leaves， and three flowering flowers of "Xianglei" L. macranthoides were selected as experimental materials to construct transcriptome and metabolome. The transcriptome and metabolomics were conjointly analyzed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） database and weighted correlation network analysis （WGCNA）， and the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of L. macranthoides were explored. ResultsIn this study， 77 differential phenylpropanoids and 315 differential genes were found. Through the joint analysis of transcription and metabolism， nine key differential metabolites and four key genes related to them were finally discovered. Among them， cinnamic acid， 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid，sinapyl alcohol， and chlorogenic acid were higher in flowers， and the content of the iconic effective component， namely chlorogenic acid，decreased sharply during the withering period. Caffeic acid，ferulic acid， 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde，p-coumaryl alcohol， and syringin were higher in leaves. These four key genes belong to the cinnamic alcohol dehydrogenase （CAD） family， 4-coumaric acid： Coenzyme A （4CL） family， hydroxycinnamyl transferase （HCT） family， and L-phenylalanine ammonlyase （PAL） family genes. ConclusionAmong the four key genes excavated from L. macranthoides， TRINITY_DN42767_c0_g6 is related to the synthesis of p-coumaryl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. TRINITY_DN43525_c4_g1 uses caffeic acid，ferulic acid，and cinnamic acid as substrates to catalyze the next reaction. TRINITY_DN47958_c3_g4 correlates with the synthesis of 3-p-coumaroyl quinic acid and caffeoyl-CoA， and TRINITY_DN52595_c1_g2 correlates with cinnamic acid synthesis. These findings provide a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoids in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the improvement effect of electroacupuncture (EA) based on Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) on cognitive impairment in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to explore its regulatory mechanisms on the kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A)/mitochondrial Rho GTPase 1 (Miro1) pathway and mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons. METHODS: A total of 70 male C57BL/6J mice of clean grade were randomly divided into a normal group (12 mice), a sham operation group (12 mice), and a model pre-screening group (46 mice). Unilateral stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle was adopted to establish the PD model in the model pre-screening group. Twenty-four mice after successful modeling were randomly selected and divided into a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at "Shuigou" (GV26) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6), ipsilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Neiguan" (PC6) were connected to EA respectively, with disperse-dense wave, 5 Hz/20 Hz in frequency, 0.5 mA in current intensity, 20 min a time, 6 times a week for 30 days. Cognitive function was assessed by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests; morphology of prefrontal cortex was observed by H.E. staining; reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in prefrontal cortex was detected by fluorescence probe method; mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy; the mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR; the protein expression of TH, KIF5A, Miro1, p62, Parkin and PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1) was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, both the model group and the EA group exhibited increased rotation number of per minute (P<0.001). Compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was shortened (P<0.001), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was prolonged (P<0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was reduced (P<0.01); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was increased (P<0.001), and mitochondrial autophagosomes could be observed; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was increased (P<0.001), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was decreased (P<0.001), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was increased (P<0.001, P<0.01), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was decreased (P<0.001). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the novel arm exploration time of Y-maze test was prolonged (P<0.01), the escape latency of Morris water maze test was shortened (P<0.05) and the platform crossing number of Morris water maze test was increased (P<0.05); in the prefrontal cortex, the number of cellular vacuole and neurons with karyopyknosis was decreased (P<0.001), and the number of mitochondrial autophagosomes reduced and the mitochondrial morphology was improved; in the prefrontal cortex, the relative expression of ROS was decreased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression of TH was increased (P<0.001, P<0.01), the protein expression of Miro1, PINK1, Parkin was decreased (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05), the protein expression of KIF5A and p62 was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Xingnao Kaiqiao electroacupuncture effectively alleviates cognitive impairment and damage of neuronal function in PD mice, its mechanism may be related to the regulation of KIF5A/Miro1 pathway, hence reducing the mitophagy in prefrontal cortical neurons.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Mice ; Parkinson Disease/physiopathology* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology* ; Kinesins/genetics* ; Humans ; Mitophagy ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; rho GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Mitochondria/genetics* ; Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism*

Objective To investigate prokaryotic expression of the antigen sequence (amino acids 59-145) of mouse leukemia-related protein 16 (LRP16) protein and preparation of rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody. Methods The prokaryotic expression plasmid pLS962-LRP16 was constructed by the molecular cloning method and transferred into E.coli Rosetta to express LRP16 protein induced by IPTG. The recombinant protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity columns followed by gel filtration chromatography. New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with the purified antigen to generate polyclonal antiserum, with antibody titer quantified by ELISA. Antigen-specific IgG was affinity-purified using Sepharose-coupled LRP16 and validated through Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Results SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed insoluble expression of the LRP16 fusion protein as inclusion bodies. ELISA demonstrated exceptional antiserum titer (1:256 000). Western blot and immunofluorescence verified that the polyclonal antibody could specifically recognize endogenous LRP16 in murine tissues. Conclusion The prokaryotic expression of the LRP16 gene is successfully achieved, and the rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody exhibiting high specificity is prepared. This lays the foundation for further studies on the function of the LRP16 gene.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Mice ; Antibodies/immunology* ; Escherichia coli/metabolism* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Blotting, Western ; Antibody Specificity

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant cause of subfertility in reproductive-aged women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Neurotensin (NTS) is a member of the gut-brain peptide family and is involved in ovulation; its relationship with PCOS is unclear. Here, we found that NTS expression in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluids was markedly decreased in patients with PCOS. In the in vitro culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes, the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) antagonist SR48692 blocked cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic maturation by inhibiting metabolic cooperation and damaging the mitochondrial structure in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells. Furthermore, the ERK1/2-early growth response 1 pathway was found to be a key downstream mediator of NTS/NTSR1 in the ovulatory process. Animal studies showed that in vivo injection of SR48692 in mice reduced ovulation efficiency and contributed to irregular estrus cycles and polycystic ovary morphology. By contrast, NTS partially ameliorated the ovarian abnormalities in mice with dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. Our findings highlighted the critical role of NTS reduction and consequent abnormal NTSR1 signaling in the ovulatory dysfunction of PCOS, suggesting a potential strategy for PCOS treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology* ; Female ; Animals ; Neurotensin/metabolism* ; Receptors, Neurotensin/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Mice ; Ovulation/drug effects* ; Humans ; Granulosa Cells/metabolism* ; Adult ; Oocytes/metabolism* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Signal Transduction ; Follicular Fluid/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives*

Abstract: It is well-known that crystal form of a drug is a key factor impacting the physicochemical properties of the drug, which in turn affects its in vivo efficacy, safety and stability. The study on crystal forms of solid-state drugs is crucial for drug quality control, selection of production process and evaluation of clinical efficacy. The combination of chemometric and analytical techniques exhibited its great ability to analyze a large amount of multidimensional data, providing the possibility for quantification of trace amount of crystals (< 1%). Meanwhile, using the process analytical technology (PAT) to monitor the crystal content real-time during prescription preparation process can further realize the control on formulation quality and serve as a core technology to support the patent protection of crystalline forms. In this review, the combined application of crystal analytical techniques and chemometric methods for the quantitative analysis of trace crystals were summarized, aiming to provide guidance for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical preparations and their quality control.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of the extract of Liuwei Dihuangwan （LW） on mitochondrial damage in the Alzheimer's disease （AD） model of Caenorhabditis elegans （C. elegans）. MethodC. elegans transfected with human β-amyloid protein （Aβ） _1-42 gene was used as an AD model. The rats were divided into blank group， model group， metformin group （50 mmol·L^-1）， and low， medium， and high dose （1.04， 2.08， 4.16 g·kg^-1） LW groups. Behavioral methods were used to observe the sensitivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） in nematodes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Aβ in nematodes. Total ATP content in nematodes was detected by the adenine nucleoside triphosphate （ATP） kit， and mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by the JC-1 method. In addition， the mRNA expression of Aβ expression gene （Amy-1）， superoxide dismutase-1 （SOD-1）， mitochondrial transcription factor A homologous gene-5 （HMG-5）， mitochondrial power-associated protein 1 （DRP1）， and mitochondrial mitoprotein 1 （FIS1） was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. ResultThe extract of LW could reduce the hypersensitivity of the AD model of nematodes to exogenous 5-HT （P<0.05） and delay the AD-like pathological characteristics of hypersensitivity to exogenous 5-HT caused by toxicity from overexpression of Aβ in neurons of the AD model of nematodes. Compared with the blank group， in the model group， the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 increased （P<0.01）， and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of DRP1 and FIS1 increased （P<0.01）， and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential decreased （P<0.05）. The content of ATP decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， in the positive medicine group and medium and high dose LW groups， the mRNA expression of Aβ protein and Amy-1 decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the mRNA expression of SOD-1 and HMG-5 increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of DRP1 decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and that of FIS1 decreased （P<0.01）. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential increased （P<0.01）， and the content of ATP increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionThe extract of LW may enhance the antioxidant ability of mitochondria， protect mitochondrial DNA， reduce the fragmentation of mitochondrial division， repair the damaged mitochondria， adjust the mitochondrial membrane potential， restore the level of neuronal ATP， and reduce the neuronal damage caused by Aβ deposition.

Leukemia is a critical disease with a high incidence and extremely high fatality rate.Immune escape by leukemia stem cells(LSC)is the main factor for recurrence and progression after remission.Clinical diagnosis and treatment by Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)have distinct advantages of syndrome differentiation and treatment.Based on the purpose of diagnosis and treatment,leukemia treatment by TCM emphasizes the harmony of yin and yang to restore human functions,which is conducive to improve autoimmunity and conforms to the mechanism of intervention for tumor cell immune escape.This article discusses the mechanism and research progress of TCM interventions in LSC immune escape based on literature and TCM theory.

Objective To investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)on postoperative sore throat(POST)in patients undergoing double-lumen bronchial intubation based on general anesthesia.Methods A total of 103 patients,45 males and 58 females,aged 18-64 years,BMI 18-28 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ,who received selective operation of double-lumen bronchial intubation under general anesthesia were selected.The patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method:TEAS group(n = 51)and control group(n = 52).In the TEAS group,TEAS on Tiantu acupoint and bilateral Hegu acupoints started 30 minutes before anesthesia induction,and the stimulation lasted until the patients were sent to the recovery room.In the control group,electrodes were placed on the same acupoints without electrical stimulation.The Mallampati grade,number of tracheal intu-bation attempts,compression of cricoid cartilage,resistance during intubation,and double-lumen endobron-chial tube(DLT)retention time were recorded.The incidence and severity of POST,VAS pain scores of sore throat,and the incidence of hoarseness 1 hour,6,and 24 hours after extubation were recorded.Results Compared with the control group,the incidence of POST,the incidence of POST level 1,and VAS pain scores of sore throat were significantly decreased 1 hour,6,and 24 hours after extubation(P＜0.05),the incidence of POST level 2 was significantly decreased 6 hours after extubation in the TEAS group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the situations related to tracheal intubation,and the inci-dence of hoarseness 1 hour,6,and 24 hours after extubation between the two groups.Conclusion The transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on Tiantu acupoint and bilateral Hegu acupoints can signifi-cantly reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat,and VAS pain scores of sore throat in patients undergoing double-lumen bronchial intubation.

A 29-year-old man visited Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University in December 2021. The patient presented with recurrent coughing, sputum, and wheezing, high level of serum total IgE, positive aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE and extremely severe mixed ventilatory dysfunction. These features and thoracic CT results scan showed bronchiectasis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. In consideration of his clinical characteristics, including low levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and nasal nitric oxide (nNO), persistent cough after birth, consanguineous marriage of his parents, etc. we ratiocinated a possibility of hereditary diseases, especially primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). From this perspective, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed and the diagnosis of PCD was ultimately confirmed.