ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including 213 cases with one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccups, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing (sorted in accordance with the abovementioned symptoms; if there are multiple symptoms, then the former is taken); 55 cases with at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 108 cases (15.1%); followed by acid reflux, belching, etc. In 2024, the same group of people was investigated, and eight people were missing because of relocation. A total of 703 people were successfully investigated, of which 189 cases (26.8%) had one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn (sorted in accordance with relevant symptoms, if there are multiple symptoms, then the former will be selected); 167 cases (23.7%) had at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 139 cases (19.7%); followed by acid reflux. Over 16 years, among the 703 people investigated, 45 cases had esophageal cancer and they had one or more of the abovementioned symptoms. No significant differences in the reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.26); no significant differences in the composition of reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.299). Conclusion The detection rate of reflux esophagitis-related symptoms in the population in a high-risk area of esophageal cancer has not decreased in the past 16 years, and the high-risk factors still exist. Esophageal cancer is closely related to reflux esophagitis, and clinical practice can provide early diagnosis and treatment for high-risk population.

The molecular mechanisms underlying the health-promoting effects of exercise remain to be fully elucidated. As a bridge between genetics, exercise and phenotype, metabolites can be detected in high throughput through metabolomics, offering valuable insights into mechanism elucidation and disease prediction. Metabolic homeostasis is intricately regulated by various factors, including enzyme activity and transporters. Integration of multiple omics technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics enables the comprehensive elucidation of the metabolic network modulated by exercise interventions and facilitates the identification of key metabolic markers. This review summarizes the current research advancements, biological functions, discovery methods, and applications of exercise-induced multi omics metabolic markers, furnishing a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms of exercise-induced health benefits and enabling precision interventions. Relevant literatures from 2000 to 2025 were systematically retrieved from databases including PubMed, CNKI and other databases with the keywords such as “multi-omics”, “metabolic biomarkers”, “exercise”, “health”. Subsequently, the identified literature was meticulously screened to meet the specified criteria and was subsequently incorporated into the study. (1) Exercise induces profound alterations in metabolite levels within the body, with particular emphasis on markers associated with sugar, lipid, and protein metabolism being extensively investigated. As an intensity marker, lactate is implicated in the regulation of fat browning (UCP-1), angiogenesis (VEGF), mitochondrial function (PGC-1α) and metabolic homeostasis (HIF-1α/CES2). Following resistance training, pyruvate levels increase, and an aberrant pyruvate to lactate ratio (approximately 10) may indicate mitochondrial dysfunction. Supplementation with pyruvate has been shown to reduce weight and lipid levels. Ketone bodies regulate metabolism by inhibiting lipolytic enzyme activity and promoting insulin secretion. Plasma ketone body concentrations rise after high-intensity exercise, with levels positively associated with central fatigue. Carnitine levels elevate post-endurance training, and supplementation with carnitine has been linked to increased lean body mass and enhanced cognitive function in older individuals. Serum alanine levels rise following resistance training and, as a precursor of carnosine, supplementation can elevate carnosine concentration by 80%, exerting antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Creatine, a pivotal molecule in phosphogen energy supply, exhibits a 93% increase in plasma levels post-marathon, with its metabolism intricately related to AMPK activation. (2) Metabolites play a crucial role in disease prediction, particularly in the context of cardiovascular disease where 18 metabolites including glycoprotein acetyl and ketone bodies have been shown to enhance the performance of prediction models. Similarly, in diabetes research, acylcarnitine and other metabolites can improve prediction model efficacy. The combination of multiple metabolites has been found to substantially enhance predictive capabilities for various conditions such as cancer, aging, and other risks, surpassing the predictive power of traditional indicators. (3) Genomics investigations have unveiled the genetic underpinnings of exercise-related metabolites. VO₂max, a significant exercise phenotype with heritability estimates ranging from 0.59 to 0.66, exhibits a negative correlation with the susceptibility to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. SNPs associated with VO₂max, such as variants in the FSHR gene, are positively linked to serum creatinine levels. Reduced creatinine levels have been associated with an elevated risk of T2DM. These findings suggest that creatinine serves as a potential marker of exercise metabolism. (4) Transcriptomic studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which exercise modulates metabolites. Acute exercise induces rapid alterations in the expression profiles of 9 132 transcripts. Exercise elicits upregulation of genes involved in the fructose/mannose metabolic pathway (such as SORD, PFKFB3), suggesting these metabolites may serve as pivotal mediators in the beneficial effects of exercise on Parkinson’s disease. Altitude training enhances the expression of the PHOSPHO1 gene, which encodes an enzyme facilitating choline synthesis. Choline deficiency has been linked to insulin resistance. Choline supplementation has been shown to augment the effects of resistance training, underscoring the significance of choline as a key marker in exercise-mediated metabolic health promotion. (5) Proteomic analyses have unveiled the key mechanisms through which exercise modulates metabolism. Endurance training induces significant alterations in myofibrillar expression, with 237 slow muscles and 172 fast muscles proteins showing differential regulation, of which 65% are associated with metabolism, including ACSL1 and ECHS1. Various training modalities elicit distinct phosphorylation modifications, exemplified by the negative correlation between LDHA3 phosphorylation and lactate levels. Endurance training upregulates SLC25A15 expression in adipose tissue, enhancing arginine synthesis. The post-exercise elevation of plasma GPLD1 levels mimics the neuroprotective effects of exercise on the brain. These findings present novel targets for investigating exercise-related metabolic markers. The application of multi omics technologies has expedited the identification and mechanistic analysis of both established and novel sports-related metabolic markers like lactate. Integrated multi omics strategies (e.g., genome-metabolome) enable the simultaneous examination of metabolic markers and their regulatory mechanisms, facilitating the discovery of exercise-related genetic markers and pivotal regulatory proteins. However, challenges persist, including inadequate data integration and a lack of standardization. Future endeavors should focus on developing dynamic monitoring tools, integrating state-of-the-art approaches such as single-cell/spatial omics, and leveraging AI algorithms for optimized analysis to construct precise predictive models for maximizing health benefits in exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical manifestations and genetic characteristics of a child with Leukoencephalopathy with ataxia (LKPAT) caused by a CLCN2 gene variant. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a child admitted to Hunan Children's Hospital in June 2024 due to "intermittent convulsions for 13 days". Peripheral blood samples were collected from the child and his parents for whole exome sequencing, followed by Sanger sequencing validation and pathogenicity analysis of candidate variants. Literature searches were performed using the keywords "CLCN2 gene" "chloride channel-2" "leukoencephalopathy with ataxia/LKPAT" "leukoencephalopathy" in both Chinese and English on CNKI, Wanfang, and PubMed databases. The search time was set from the establishment of the databases to July 31, 2024. Childhood-onset LKPAT literature was screened and analyzed. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Hunan Children's Hospital (Ethics No. HCHLL-2024-351). RESULTS: The child was a 7-month-and-26-day-old male infant born to consanguineous parents, presenting with epileptic seizures and borderline development. Cranial MRI revealed symmetrical long T₂ signal shadows in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, cerebral peduncle, pons, and middle peduncle of the cerebellum. Video electroencephalogram (EEG) showed an abnormal childhood EEG with one focal seizure. Whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous c.2201dup (p.Glu735Ter) variant in the CLCN2 gene of the child. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the variant was inherited from both parents. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), this variant was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM3_Supporting+PM2_Supporting). A total of 8 relevant literature were retrieved, together with the present case, 16 childhood-onset LKPAT patients were cumulatively reported, which consisted of 9 males and 7 females. Twelve CLCN2 gene variants were involved, including 2 nonsense variants, 3 missense variants, 7 frameshifting variants, 2 c.61dup variants, and 5 c.1709G>A variants. The initial symptoms of the 16 patients included headache, ataxia, epileptic seizures, spasticity, developmental delay, lower back pain, hearing impairment, and intention tremor. Three patients had onset of the disease before the age of one, of which 2 had epileptic seizures as the initial symptom. CONCLUSION The homozygous variant CLCN2: c.2201dup (p.Glu735Ter) is considered the pathogenic cause of LKPAT in this child, marking the first childhood-onset case reported in China. Genetic testing has facilitated the diagnosis of childhood-onset LKPAT and expanded the spectrum of CLCN2 gene mutations.
Humans ; Chloride Channels/genetics* ; Male ; CLC-2 Chloride Channels ; Leukoencephalopathies/genetics* ; Infant ; Ataxia/genetics* ; Homozygote ; Mutation ; Retrospective Studies ; Exome Sequencing ; Genetic Testing ; Female

Objective To investigate whether ginsenoside Rh1(G-Rh1)can alleviate liver fibrosis induced by a choline-deficient,L-amino acid-defined,high-fat diet(CDAHFD)and to explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 6 groups(n=8 in each group),including a standard diet group(or the control group),a high-fat diet group(or the CDAHFD group),a silymarin group(given silymarin at 5 mg/kg),a low-dose G-Rh1 group(given G-Rh1at 5 mg/kg),a medium-dose G-Rh1 group(given G-Rh1at 10 mg/kg),and a high-dose G-Rh1 group(given G-Rh1 at 20 mg/kg).The control group was given a standard feed,while the other groups were fed CDAHFD for 7 weeks to establish the mouse model of liver fibrosis.Starting from the first week,the mice in the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs by intragastric gavage once daily for 7 weeks in succession.After the administration of the final drug treatment,the body mass and organ mass of the mice in different groups were measured,and the organ index was obtained according.Liver tissues were examined using HE staining,Sirius red staining,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining.Western blot was performed to measure α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),two liver fibrosis-related proteins,and fibroblast growth factor 12(FGF-12),a pathway-related protein.The serum biochemical indicators,including aspartate transferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total bilirubin(TBIL),and direct bilirubin(DBIL),were measured.Additionally,RAW246.7 cells were randomly divided into 5 groups,including a control group,a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)group,and 3 G-Rh1 treatment groups.The control group had only RAW246.7 cells in the culture medium.The other groups were given LPS(500 ng/mL),and the 3 treatment groups received G-Rh1 at 10,20,and 40 μmol/L in addition.The supernatants from the 5 groups of RAW246.7 cells were collected and cocultured with HSC-T6 cells for 24 hours to observe and compare the effects of G-Rh1 and LPS on the expression of fibrosis-related proteins,including α-SMA,Col1a1,etc,in HSC-T6 cells and on the expression of fibrotic signaling pathway-related proteins,including fibroblast growth factor 12(FGF-12)and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),in RAW264.7 cells.Flow cytometry was conducted to analyze the phenotypes of RAW246.7 cells,and ELISA was performed to measure fibrosis-related factors,including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β).Results Compared with the control mice,the mice in the CDAHFD group exhibited obvious liver fibrosis.Compared with CDAHFD mice,mice in the G-Rh1 treatment groups all showed alleviation of liver fibrosis of was alleviated to some extent in a dose-dependent manner,and the improvement effect was superior to that of silymarin,a reference drug.G-Rh1 also alleviated CDAHFD-induced body mass loss(P＜0.01),reduced the liver index(P＜0.01),and significantly decreased the serum levels of AST,ALT,DBIL,and TBIL(P＜0.0001).Significant differences in the protein expression ofα-SMA,TGF-β1,and FGF-12 in the liver were observed(P＜0.01).Compared with the LPS group,the LPS+G-Rh,groups exhibited significant differences in the expression of FGF-12 and p-STAT3/STAT3 in RAW246.7 cells,and α-SMA and Col1a1 in HSC-T6 cells(P＜0.001).In the LPS+G-Rh,groups(the 20 μmol/L and 40 μmol/L treatment groups),the conversion ratio of Ly6C-low expressing RAW246.7 cells into Ly6C-high expressing RAW246.7 cells decreased significantly(P＜0.0001),while the secretion of fibrosis-related factors MCP-1 and TGF-β decreased(P＜0.0001),which was consistent with the trend of the activation levels of HSC-T6 cells.Conclusions G-Rh1 can prevent and improve CDAHFD-induced liver fibrosis in mice,potentially through mechanisms involving the reduction of RAW264.7 phenotype transformation mediated by FGF-12 overexpression.

Osteoporosis(OP) is a senile bone disease characterized by an imbalance between bone remodeling and bone formation. Targeting pathogenesis of kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction has a significant effect on the treatment of OP by tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen, and activating blood circulation. MicroRNA(miRNA) and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1) are closely related to bone cell metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the binding of miR-140-5p to BCL2L1 was detected by dual luciferase assay and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). After silencing or overexpressing miR-140-5p, the apoptosis, autophagy, and osteogenic function of human fetal osteoblast cell line 1.19(HFOB1.19) were observed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in rats. Different concentrations of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum were used to treat HFOB1.19 with or without miR-140-5p mimic. The expression of osteogenic proteins in each group was observed, and the role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 was studied, along with the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction on these processes. As indicated by the dual luciferase assay, miR-140-5p bound to BCL2L1. Flow cytometry and Western blot showed that miR-140-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HFOB1.19. After intervention with high, medium, and low doses of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-medicated serum, compared with the miR-140-5p NC group, the expression of osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) decreased in the miR-140-5p mimic group, while the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) showed no significant difference under high-dose intervention. Therefore, miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 can promote apoptosis and inhibit autophagy in HFOB1.19. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction can affect the osteogenic effect of miR-140-5p through BMP2.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Cell Line ; bcl-X Protein/metabolism* ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Rats ; Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Osteogenesis/drug effects*

This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of total extracts from Anthriscus sylvestris on pulmonary hypertension in rats. Sixty male SD rats were divided into normal(NC) group, model(M) group, positive drug sildenafil(Y) group, low-dose A. sylvestris(ES-L) group, medium-dose A. sylvestris(ES-M) group, and high-dose A. sylvestris(ES-H) group. On day 1, rats were intraperitoneally injected with monocrotaline(60 mg·kg~(-1)) to induce pulmonary hypertension, and the rat model was established on day 28. From days 15 to 28, intragastric administration of the respective treatments was performed. After modeling and treatment, small animal echocardiography was used to detect the right heart function of the rats. Arterial blood gas was measured using a blood gas analyzer. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe cardiopulmonary pathological damage. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis in the lung and myocardial tissues and reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels. Western blot was applied to detect the expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3(p-Smad3), Smad3, tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) in lung tissue. A blood routine analyzer was used to measure inflammatory immune cell levels in the blood. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of P-selectin and thromboxane A2(TXA2) in plasma. The results showed that, compared with the NC group, right heart hypertrophy index, right ventricular free wall thickness, right heart internal diameter, partial carbon dioxide pressure(PaCO_2), apoptosis in cardiopulmonary tissue, and ROS levels were significantly increased in the M group. In contrast, the ratio of pulmonary blood flow acceleration time(PAT)/ejection time(PET), right cardiac output, change rate of right ventricular systolic area, systolic displacement of the tricuspid ring, oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2), and blood oxygen saturation(SaO_2) were significantly decreased in the M group. After administration of the total extract of A. sylvestris, right heart function and blood gas levels were significantly improved, while apoptosis in cardiopulmonary tissue and ROS levels significantly decreased. Further testing revealed that the total extract of A. sylvestris significantly decreased the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and PAI-1 proteins in lung tissue, while increasing the expression of t-PA. Additionally, the extract reduced the levels of inflammatory cells such as leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes in the blood, as well as the levels of P-selectin and TXA2 in plasma. Metabolomics results showed that the total extract of A. sylvestris significantly affected metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. In conclusion, the total extract of A. sylvestris may exert an anti-pulmonary hypertension effect by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating immune-inflammatory responses and thrombosis.
Animals ; Male ; Smad3 Protein/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/genetics* ; Thrombosis/immunology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

Objective:To discuss the inhibitory effects of combined application of chlorogenic acid(CA),procyanidin(PC),and paeoniflorin(PF),the active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra,on Enterococcus faecalis(E.faecalis)and its biofilm,and to clarify the mechanism.Methods:The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC)of CA,PC,and PF against E.faecalis were detected by microdilution method;the fractional inhibitory concentration index(FICI)and fractional bactericidal concentration index(FBCI)of the three active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra in combination were detected by checkerboard dilution method.The experiment was divided into control group,high concentration of single-drug groups(PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group),and drug combination groups(CA-2+PC-1 group,CA-2+PC-2 group,PF-4+PC-2 group,PF-6+PC-2 group,PF-4+CA-4 group,and PF-6+CA-4 group).Crystal violet staining was used to detect the biofilm formation of E.faecalis in various groups after treated with three active components in combination;scanning electron microscope(SEM)was used to observe the morphology of E.faecalis biofilm in various groups after treated with three active components in combination;spot assay was used to detect the inhibitory effects of three active components in combination on E.faecalis planktonic bacteria and biofilm in various groups;SEM was used to observe the damage to E.faecalis cell membrane in various groups after treated with three active components in combination;kit was used to detect the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)levels in E.faecalis planktonic bacteria and biofilm in various groups after treated with three active components in combination.Results:Among the three active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra,the MIC of PC was 4 g·L?1 and the MBC was 6 g·L?1;the MIC of CA was 8 g·L?1 and the MBC was 10 g·L?1;the MIC and MBC of PF were both>10 g·L?1,and the concentration of PF was selected as 10 g·L?1.The combination of PC and CA showed synergistic effects,the combination of PC and PF showed additive effects,and the combination of CA and PF showed additive effects.The crystal violet staining results showed that compared with control group,the biofilm formations of E.faecalis in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,CA-10 group,and drug combination groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with PF-10 group,the biofilm formations of E.faecalis in PC-6 group,CA-10 group,CA-2+PC-1 group,CA-2+PC-2 group,PF-4+PC-2 group,PF-6+PC-2 group,and PF-6+CA-4 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The SEM results showed that in control group,the E.faecalis biofilm was thick,with tightly connected bacteria,regular morphology,and intact cell membranes;in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group,the thickness of E.faecalis biofilm was significantly reduced,and the arrangement of bacteria became relatively loose;in all drug combination groups,the E.faecalis biofilm was significantly reduced or even completely disappeared,and under high magnification,the biofilm structure was completely absent,with bacterial fragments adhering and aggregating,losing their original bacterial morphology.The spot assay results showed that compared with control group,the colonies of E.faecalis planktonic bacteria in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group were significantly reduced after treated for 5,10,and 30 min,indicating gradually enhanced bactericidal effects;among drug combination groups,the combination of CA and PC significantly reduced the colonies of E.faecalis planktonic bacteria within 5 min,showing strong bactericidal effects.Compared with CA group and PC group,the colonies of E.faecalis planktonic bacteria in all drug combination groups showed no significant reduction after treated for 5,10,and 30 min;compared with control group,the colonies of E.faecalis biofilm in PF-10 group,PC-6 group,and CA-10 group were gradually decreased after the treated for 30 and 60 min,suggesting that the high concentration of single-drug groups exhibited gradually enhanced bactericidal effects on E.faecalis in biofilm.Among them,the biofilm-killing effect of PC-6 group was the most significant,with no colony formation observed after treated for 30 min;in drug combination groups,only a few colonies of E.faecalis biofilm were observed in CA-2+PC-2 group after treated for 30 min,indicating effective killing of bacteria in biofilm;compared with PC-6 group and CA-10 group,all drug combination groups achieved the bactericidal effects of high concentration of single-drug groups at low concentrations.The SEM results showed that in control group,E.faecalis exhibited an oval shape with intact cell membranes;in PF group,bacterial morphology was altered,and cell membrane integrity was damaged;in CA group,most bacterial cell membranes remained relatively intact,but the bacterial surface showed shrinkage and depression,with a few bacteria exhibiting disrupted cell membrane integrity;in PC group,the integrity of bacterial cell membranes was most severely damaged,leading to leakage of cellular contents and aggregation of cell fragments into flocculent structures;in all drug combination groups,E.faecalis exhibited ruptured cell membranes,leakage of contents,and aggregation of bacterial debris,especially in the combination of CA and PC,where the most severe disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity and complete leakage of contents were observed;in the combination of PF and CA,bacterial surface pits and shrinkage were observed,with occasional cell membrane rupture.The kit results showed that compared with control group,the ATP levels in E.faecalis planktonic bacteria and biofilm in various groups were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with PF-10 group,the ATP levels in E.faecalis planktonic bacteria in CA-10 group,CA-2+PC-2 group,PF-4+CA-4 group,and PF-6+CA-4 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the ATP levels in E.faecalis biofilm in CA-10 group and CA-2+PC-2 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:The combined application of PF,PC,and CA,the active components of Paeoniae Radix Rubra,exhibits significant inhibitory effects on E.faecalis and its biofilm formation.The pairwise combinations of three active components show synergistic or additive effects,with the combination of CA and PC demonstrating the most significant synergistic effect.The underlying mechanism may be related to the disruption of E.faecalis cell membrane integrity and inhibition of bacterial ATP levels.