ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule （BBD） in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder comorbid with gallbladder polyps. MethodsA randomized， double-blinded， placebo-controlled single-center trial was conducted among 120 patients with chronic HBV infection who were admitted to Beijing YouAn Hospital， Capital Medical University， from August 2020 to April 2023， and they were divided into treatment group （BBD） and control group （placebo）， with 60 patients in each group. The course of treatment was 24 weeks， and follow-up assessments were conducted every 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the number and maximum diameter of gallbladder polyps （assessed by ultrasound）， and the secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， blood lipid levels， and liver function parameters. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups； the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of ranked data between two groups； the generalized estimating equation was used to analyze repeated measures data. ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment， the treatment group had a significantly smaller diameter of polyps and a significantly lower number of polyps than the control group （Z=-1.76 and -1.80， both P<0.05）， and after 24 weeks of treatment， the treatment group had a significantly higher polyp reduction rate than the control group （30.51% vs 10.91%， P<0.05）. The subgroup analysis showed that patients receiving combined antiviral therapy， male patients， patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm， and patients with multiple polyps tended to achieve significantly greater benefits. At week 8 of treatment， the treatment group had a significantly better TCM syndrome score than the control group （Z=-2.35， P<0.05）； after treatment， compared with the control group， the treatment group had a significantly greater increase in high-density lipoprotein （Z=-1.85， P<0.05） and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase （Z=-2.06， P <0.05）， aspartate aminotransferase （Z=-2.13， P<0.05）， total bilirubin （Z=-2.12， P<0.05）， and direct bilirubin （Z=-3.09， P<0.05）. No serious adverse events were reported in either group. ConclusionBBD can effectively reduce the size of gallbladder polyps， improve TCM syndrome score， and reduce the level of bilirubin in patients with chronic HBV infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder， with a favorable safety profile， and it may be more suitable for patients receiving combined antiviral therapy and specific subgroups （male patients， patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm， and patients with multiple polyps.

Objective To investigate whether ginsenoside Rg3 can ameliorate glomerular endothelial injury in diabetic nephropathy(DN)mice through Ras homologous gene family member A(Rho A)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase,(ROCK1)/NLR family pyrin domain protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.Methods Forty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group,DN group,ginsenoside(ginsenoside Rg3)group and RhoA/ROCK pathway inhibition(FD)group,with 10 mice in each group.Fasting blood glucose(FBG)was measured by glucose meter.The levels of urinary protein,urea nitrogen(BUN)and serum creatinine(SCr)were detected by ELISA.PAS staining was used to detect glomerular morphology and structure and to evaluate glomerular injury index(GDI).The expression of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule(PECAM-1 or CD31),von Willefibrilia factor(vWF),RhoA,ROCK and NLRP3 protein related to pyrodeath were detected by immunofluorescence staining.Western blotting detected the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1),the inflammatory factor interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 protein in the glomerulus.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of FPG,urinary protein,BUN and SCr in DN group were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=17.59～43.81,all P<0.05).The glomerular structure was significantly damaged and GDI was increased(t=20.73,P<0.05).The expressions of CD31,RhoA,ROCK and NLRP3 in glomeruli were increased,while the expression of vWF was decreased.The expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-1β and IL-18 in renal tissues were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=27.95～40.10,all P<0.05).Compared with the DN group,the levels of FPG,urinary protein,BUN and SCr in ginsenoside group were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=14.87～20.33,all P<0.05).The damage of glomerular structure was improved and GDI was decreased(t=19.80,P<0.05),the expression of CD31,RhoA,ROCK and NLRP3 in glomerular was decreased,and the expression of vWF was increased.The expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-1β and IL-18 in renal tissues of FD group were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=12.62～39.68,all P<0.05).Conclusion Ginsenosides Rg3 can improve the level of glomerular endothelial injury and pyroptosis in DN mice by down-regulating RhoA/ROCK/NLRP3 pathway.

Objective To analyze the literature on the"gut-liver axis"theory,and to understand the hotspots and development trends of the"gut-liver axis"theory.Methods Literatures related to the"gut-liver axis"in databases were searched from the establishment of the database to October 1,2024.A total of 292 Chinese and 1591 English articles were included.CiteSpace 6.4R1 and VOSviewer1.6.20 software were used for analysis.Results High-frequency Chinese keywords included"gut-liver axis""intestinal flora""non-alcoholic fatty liver disease"etc,10 clusters were formed.High-frequency English keywords included"gut-liver axis""gut microbiota""inflammation",etc,14 clusters were formed.Conclusion The research on the"gut-liver axis"is increasing year by year,and the direction of liver fibrosis and immunity will be the hot direction in the future.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture technique (for regaining consciousness and opening orifice) on methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), and key methyltransferases and demethylases, so as to clarify the mechanism of acupuncture on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). METHODS: Of 68 male Sprague-Dawley rats of SPF grade, 15 rats were randomly selected as a sham-operation group, and the remaining rats were subjected to the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion using the suture ligation. CIRI was induced by ischemia for 2 h followed by reperfusion. Rats that failed to modeling or died were excluded. The rest 45 rats were randomly divided into three groups, i.e. model group, acupuncture group, and non-point acupuncture group, with 15 rats in each group. The rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Shuigou" (GV26). In the non-point acupuncture group, acupuncture was delivered at three non-points, located 3 mm below the bilateral midaxillary line and 3 mm lateral to the tip of the coccyx. One intervention was operated in these two acupuncture groups and the needles were retained for 30 min. Before modeling start and 2 h after ischemia, a laser speckle flowmeter was used to monitor the cerebral blood perfusion. In 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion, the neurological behavioral score was evaluated. The volume of rat cerebral infarction was determined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and the level of m6A methylation in ischemic cortical area was detected by Dot blot, and the protein and mRNA expression of the demethylase i.e. fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) and key methyltransferases, i.e. methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14), and Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) in ischemic cortical area were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Cerebral blood perfusion decreased by>70% after 2 h ischemia. Compared with the sham-operation group, the neurobehavioral score and the percentage of cerebral infarction volume increased in the model group (P<0.01); the level of m6A methylation in the ischemic cortical area increased (P<0.01), the protein and mRNA expression of FTO decreased (P<0.01), and that of ALKBH5, METTL3, and METTL14 increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. When compared with the model group and the non-point acupuncture group, the acupuncture group showed a decrease in the neurobehavioral score and the percentage of cerebral infarction volume (P<0.01), the level of m6A methylation in the ischemic cortical area was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the protein and mRNA expression of FTO was elevated (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture technique presents its protective effect on the brain in the rats with CIRI, which is related to up-regulating the expression of FTO and modulating m6A methylation.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Rats ; Brain Ischemia/genetics* ; Humans ; Adenosine/metabolism* ; Methylation ; Acupuncture Points ; Cerebral Cortex/metabolism*

Objective To compare the positioning errors,required planning target volume(PTV)outer expansion boundary and three-dimensional displacement of two different positioning fixation devices CIVCO Uni-frame carbon fiber adjustable angle head frame and domestic integrated board in radiotherapy for the pa-tients with head tumor,and to investigate the application value of CIVCO headrest in the positioning of head tumor radiotherpay.Methods The clinical data of 82 patients with head tumors who underwent radiotherapy in this hospital from January to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into the adjustable angle head frame group and integrated plate group,41 cases in each group.Both groups were fixed with U-shaped thermoplastic head film.Radiotherapy was performed by using ELEKTA infinity linear accelerator.The cone beam computed tomography(CBCT)image guidance was used,combined with bone reg-istration and manual calibration to obtain the patient positioning errors in three directions:X axis,Y axis and Z axis.The positioning error data of each CBCT was recorded;based on the PTV outward expansion boundary formula(2.5∑+0.7σ),the PTV outward expansion boundaries required by the two fixation devices in all di-rections for the treatment of head tumors were calculated;the 3-dimensional spatial displacement was calculat-ed based on the patient's single radiotherapy positioning error.Results The absolute positioning errors in the X,Y,and Z directions of the adjustable angle head frame group were 0.13(0.07,0.22),0.16(0.16,0.27),0.10(0.05,0.18)cm respectively,which in the integrated board group were 0.14(0.07,0.24),0.18(0.08,0.32),0.09(0.04,0.10)cm respectively.The absolute error of the Y direction in the adjustable angle head frame group was smaller than that of the integrated board group(P=0.006),and the difference in the relative error between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).According to the PTV expansion formula,the calculated expansion boundaries of the X,Y,and Z directions in the adjustable head frame group were 0.24,0.30,0.22 cm,which in the integrated plate group were 0.21,0.36,0.21 cm,respectively.The three-dimensional space comprehensive positioning error value could be calculated by the formula calculation using the positioning error values in three directions.The mean values of the three-dimensional space positio-ning errors of the adjustable angle headstock group and domestic integrated plate group were 0.320 cm and 0.340 cm respectively,there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.Conclusion The absolute error in Y direction and the median value of three-dimensional displacement of the CIVCO adjustable angle head rest are smaller than those of the domestic integrated plate,which is worthy of clinical promoted applica-tion if conditions permit.

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become one of the important causes of hepatocellular carcinoma globally, with the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Thus, the incidence of MAFLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma has increased significantly. Currently, more than 1/3 of such patients often have combined metabolic disorders and can directly progress to hepatocellular carcinoma without going through the cirrhosis stage, which increases the difficulty of early-stage clinical screening, diagnosis and treatment and greatly increases the global disease burden. This paper describes the epidemiological trends and clinical characteristics of MAFLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, explores the difficulties in screening and treatment methods, and provides a reference for clinical practice and research.

Anticipatory anxiety is a negative emotion that arises when individuals encounter potential threats or uncertainties in the future. It is the core symptom of a variety of anxiety disorders, and is closely associated with the occurrence, severity, treatment outcome, and prognosis of anxiety disorders, which has garnered a growing amount of focus in clinical practice. Nevertheless, scientific research on anticipatory anxiety continues to face obstacles such as unclear pathological mechanisms, the absence of simple and consistent self-assessment tools, and effective interventions. To improve understanding of the role of anticipatory anxiety in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, this study reviews pertinent domestic and international literature, and briefly introduces the concept, assessment and measurement, activation paradigm, pathological mechanisms, and interventions of anticipatory anxiety.

Objective Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of Yishen Jiangzhuo Granules(YSJZG)on chronic kidney disease(CKD)based on mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells.Methods The CKD model of rats with 5/6 nephrectomy was adopted and divided into 6 groups according to random number table:sham operation control group,model group,emodin group(500 mg/kg/d),Yishen Jiangzhuo granule low,middle and high dose groups.After 8 weeks of treatment with YSJZG,serum creatinine(SCR)and urea nitrogen(BUN),pathological changes of renal cortex,mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure were detected,and mitochondrial kinetic protein in renal tubular epithelial cells was detected by immunohistochemistry(Drp1,Fis1)and fusion proteins(Opa1,Mfn1)were detected by Western blot,and apoptotic proteins(CytC,Bax)in cytoplasm and mitochondria were detected by real-time PCR.Results Renal injury:Compared with the model group,YSJZG groups significantly reduced the levels of SCR and BUN,renal tubular degeneration and necrosis,and mitochondrial structural damage in rats.Renal tubule mitochondrial dynamic protein:Compared with the model group,the expression of division proteins Drp1 and Fis1 was downregulated,the expression of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 was upregulated,and transmission electron microscopy observed that the mitochondrial fragmentation changes were relatively mild.Apoptosis related indicators and mtDNA copy number of renal tubular cells:Compared with the model group,the content of Bax protein in renal tubular epithelial cells of YSJZG groups increased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and decreased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The content of CytC protein decreased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and increased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The copy number of mtDNA increased significantly(P<0.05),and the total levels of SMAC,CytC and Bax mRNA decreased significantly(P<0.05).Correlation between mitochondrial dynamic protein and apoptosis in renal tubular cells:Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression of Drp1 and Fis1 was negatively correlated with the expression of CytC in mitochondria,and positively correlated with the expression of CytC in cytoplasm.The expression levels of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 showed a significant positive correlation with CytC expression in mitochondria,and a significant negative correlation with CytC expression in cytoplasm.Conclusion YSJZG can significantly delay the progression of CKD,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating mitochondrial dynamics of renal tubular epithelial cells,thereby inhibiting endogenous cell apoptosis pathway.

Objective To investigate whether ginsenoside Rg3 can ameliorate glomerular endothelial injury in diabetic nephropathy(DN)mice through Ras homologous gene family member A(Rho A)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase,(ROCK1)/NLR family pyrin domain protein 3(NLRP3)pathway.Methods Forty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group,DN group,ginsenoside(ginsenoside Rg3)group and RhoA/ROCK pathway inhibition(FD)group,with 10 mice in each group.Fasting blood glucose(FBG)was measured by glucose meter.The levels of urinary protein,urea nitrogen(BUN)and serum creatinine(SCr)were detected by ELISA.PAS staining was used to detect glomerular morphology and structure and to evaluate glomerular injury index(GDI).The expression of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule(PECAM-1 or CD31),von Willefibrilia factor(vWF),RhoA,ROCK and NLRP3 protein related to pyrodeath were detected by immunofluorescence staining.Western blotting detected the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1),the inflammatory factor interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and IL-18 protein in the glomerulus.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of FPG,urinary protein,BUN and SCr in DN group were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=17.59～43.81,all P<0.05).The glomerular structure was significantly damaged and GDI was increased(t=20.73,P<0.05).The expressions of CD31,RhoA,ROCK and NLRP3 in glomeruli were increased,while the expression of vWF was decreased.The expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-1β and IL-18 in renal tissues were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=27.95～40.10,all P<0.05).Compared with the DN group,the levels of FPG,urinary protein,BUN and SCr in ginsenoside group were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=14.87～20.33,all P<0.05).The damage of glomerular structure was improved and GDI was decreased(t=19.80,P<0.05),the expression of CD31,RhoA,ROCK and NLRP3 in glomerular was decreased,and the expression of vWF was increased.The expressions of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,IL-1β and IL-18 in renal tissues of FD group were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=12.62～39.68,all P<0.05).Conclusion Ginsenosides Rg3 can improve the level of glomerular endothelial injury and pyroptosis in DN mice by down-regulating RhoA/ROCK/NLRP3 pathway.

Objective Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of Yishen Jiangzhuo Granules(YSJZG)on chronic kidney disease(CKD)based on mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells.Methods The CKD model of rats with 5/6 nephrectomy was adopted and divided into 6 groups according to random number table:sham operation control group,model group,emodin group(500 mg/kg/d),Yishen Jiangzhuo granule low,middle and high dose groups.After 8 weeks of treatment with YSJZG,serum creatinine(SCR)and urea nitrogen(BUN),pathological changes of renal cortex,mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure were detected,and mitochondrial kinetic protein in renal tubular epithelial cells was detected by immunohistochemistry(Drp1,Fis1)and fusion proteins(Opa1,Mfn1)were detected by Western blot,and apoptotic proteins(CytC,Bax)in cytoplasm and mitochondria were detected by real-time PCR.Results Renal injury:Compared with the model group,YSJZG groups significantly reduced the levels of SCR and BUN,renal tubular degeneration and necrosis,and mitochondrial structural damage in rats.Renal tubule mitochondrial dynamic protein:Compared with the model group,the expression of division proteins Drp1 and Fis1 was downregulated,the expression of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 was upregulated,and transmission electron microscopy observed that the mitochondrial fragmentation changes were relatively mild.Apoptosis related indicators and mtDNA copy number of renal tubular cells:Compared with the model group,the content of Bax protein in renal tubular epithelial cells of YSJZG groups increased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and decreased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The content of CytC protein decreased significantly in cytoplasm(P<0.05)and increased significantly in mitochondria(P<0.05).The copy number of mtDNA increased significantly(P<0.05),and the total levels of SMAC,CytC and Bax mRNA decreased significantly(P<0.05).Correlation between mitochondrial dynamic protein and apoptosis in renal tubular cells:Pearson correlation analysis showed that the expression of Drp1 and Fis1 was negatively correlated with the expression of CytC in mitochondria,and positively correlated with the expression of CytC in cytoplasm.The expression levels of fusion proteins Opa1 and Mfn1 showed a significant positive correlation with CytC expression in mitochondria,and a significant negative correlation with CytC expression in cytoplasm.Conclusion YSJZG can significantly delay the progression of CKD,and its mechanism may be achieved by regulating mitochondrial dynamics of renal tubular epithelial cells,thereby inhibiting endogenous cell apoptosis pathway.