ObjectiveThis study aims to observe the effect of sinomenine （SIN） on fatty acid binding protein 4 （FABP4） in synovial tissue of rats with osteoarthritis （OA） and investigate the therapeutic mechanism of SIN on OA， further providing new ideas for the management of osteoarthritis by traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. MethodsAn OA rat model was constructed and randomly divided into a control group， an OA group， an OA + SIN-L group （50 mg·kg^-1）， an OA + SIN-M （100 mg·kg^-1）， an OA + SIN-H （200 mg·kg^-1）， and an OA + prednisone （PDN） group （5 mg·kg^-1）. Following surgical modeling for three weeks， an appropriate medication was administered for four weeks. During modeling and administration， a hot plate test was performed to detect the pain and swelling of the knee joints of the rats. The periarticular tissue was collected for arthropathological observation at the end of drug administration. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）， and FABP4 in the synovial tissue of rats was detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the expression and distribution of FABP4 protein in the synovial membrane were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with those in the control group， the levels of inflammatory factors and FABP4 in the serum of rats in the OA group were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and joint swelling was significantly elevated （P<0.01）. The thermal pain threshold was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and the expression of FABP4 protein and the fluorescence intensity were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The synovial tissue exhibited significantly increased inflammatory infiltration， proliferated fibroblasts， and an elevated apoptotic index （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the OA group， the serum lipid metabolism indexes of rats in the SIN administration group gradually returned to normal （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the levels of inflammatory factors and FABP4 in the serum of rats in the SIN-administered group were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and joint swelling was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The thermal pain threshold was significantly elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the expression of FABP4 protein and fluorescence intensity in the synovial tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The synovial tissue displayed significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration and a decreased apoptotic index （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe therapeutic effect of SIN on OA may be related to the down-regulation of FABP4 expression， reduction of apoptosis， and inhibition of inflammatory factor expression.

Objective:To analyze the drug-resistance pattern and molecular epidemiological characteristics of Enterobacteriales carrying the blaNDM gene in Lishui, aiming to guide clinical anti-infection treatment. Methods:Non-duplicate blaNDM-carrying Enterobacteriales, isolated from Lishui Central Hospital, were collected and identified by VITEK MS. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were detected by the broth microdilution method. The ST types of the strains were determined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Plasmid types were identified by transformation or conjugation experiments and replication initiator amplification experiments. The transposon structures were detected by PCR amplification. Finally, the epidemic regularity of blaNDM gene in Lishui was analyzed from three levels: clonal group, plasmid, and mobile genetic elements. Results:A total of 109 blaNDM-positive strains were collected. Among them, 60 strains carried the blaNDM-1 gene and 49 strains carried the blaNDM-5 gene. The 109 strains showed 100% resistance to ceftazidime and cefotaxime. The resistance rates to peracillin-tazobactam and imipenem were higher than 80%. Strains carrying the blaNDM-5 gene were more resistant to meropenem than those carrying blaNDM-1 gene( P<0.05). A total of 68 STs were detected from 109 strains, and IncX3, IncFⅡγ, IncA/C and IncT/R plasmids were detected, and 90.83% of the blaNDM genes were located in the IncX3 plasmid. Twelve types of blaNDM gene surrounding structures existed, and they all carried the highly conserved blaNDM- bleMBL- trpF gene sequence. Conclusions:The blaNDM gene has diverse transmission modes in Lishui. The IncX3 plasmid is the main factor mediating its transfer, and all strains carry highly conserved blaNDM- bleMBL- trpF gene sequence.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between blood lipid levels and arterial stiffness in middle-aged and elderly Han Chinese individuals with angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)gene I/D polymorphism in Beijing.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study.The Han Chinese residents, aged 45 years and above, from Haidian District of Beijing, were recruited for the survey from May to August 2022.Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 356 subjects were included, of which 100(28.09%)were male and 256(71.91%)were female.According to the population division criteria proposed by the World Health Organization, the subjects were divided into 253 cases in the middle-aged group[45-59 years old, median age 52.5(49.0, 56.0)years]and 103 cases in the elderly group[60-89 years old, median age 63.0(61.0, 65.0)years].Subjects were tested for ACE genotyping, lipids and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV).Lipid indices included triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C).Results:In the middle-aged group, there were no significant differences in plasma levels of TC, TG and HDL-C between individuals with the DD genotype and those with the ID/Ⅱ genotype(all P>0.05).Similarly, in the elderly group, no significant differences were observed in plasma TC, TG, and HDL-C levels between individuals with the DD genotype and those with the ID/Ⅱ genotype(all P>0.05).In the middle-aged group, plasma LDL-C levels were significantly higher in the DD phenotype than in the ID/Ⅱ phenotype( Z=-2.483, P=0.013), while there was no significant difference in plasma LDL-C levels between the two phenotypes in the elderly group( Z=-0.935, P=0.350).There were no significant differences in baPWV between the DD and ID/Ⅱ phenotypes in both the middle-aged and elderly groups( Z=-0.104, -1.490, P=0.917, 0.136).In the elderly group, plasma TG levels were positively correlated with baPWV in the DD phenotype( r=0.590, P=0.016).In the middle-aged group, plasma TG levels were positively correlated with baPWV in the ID/Ⅱ phenotype( r=0.158, P=0.019), while plasma HDL-C levels were negatively correlated with baPWV( r=-0.174, P=0.009). Conclusions:Among middle-aged and elderly individuals with different ACE gene I/D polymorphisms, there are differences in blood lipid indicators sensitive to arterial stiffness.For middle-aged individuals with the ID/Ⅱ phenotype, arterial stiffness is more sensitive to high TG and low HDL-C levels, whereas for elderly individuals with the DD phenotype, arterial stiffness is more sensitive to high TG levels.These findings offer an experimental foundation for tailored blood lipid management strategies across diverse populations, aiming to maintain cardiovascular health and reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND:Primary osteoporosis has a high incidence,but the pathogenesis is not fully understood.Currently,there is a lack of effective early screening indicators and treatment programs. OBJECTIVE:To further explore the mechanism of primary osteoporosis through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. METHODS:The primary osteoporosis data were obtained from the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database,and the differentially expressed genes were screened for Gene Ontology(GO)function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.In addition,the differentially expressed genes were subjected to protein-protein interaction network to determine the core genes related to primary osteoporosis,and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was used to identify and verify the primary osteoporosis-related biomarkers.Immune cell correlation analysis,gene enrichment analysis and drug target network analysis were performed.Finally,the biomarkers were validated using qPCR assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 126 differentially expressed genes and 5 biomarkers including prostaglandins,epidermal growth factor receptor,mitogen-activated protein kinase 3,transforming growth factor B1,and retinoblastoma gene 1 were obtained in this study.GO analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in the cellular response to oxidative stress and the regulation of autophagy.KEGG analysis showed that autophagy and senescence pathways were mainly involved.Immunoassay of biomarkers showed that prostaglandins,retinoblastoma gene 1,and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 were closely related to immune cells.Gene enrichment analysis showed that biomarkers were associated with immune-related pathways.Drug target network analysis showed that the five biomarkers were associated with primary osteoporosis drugs.The results of qPCR showed that the expression of prostaglandins,epidermal growth factor receptor,mitogen-activated protein kinase 3,and transforming growth factor B1 in the primary osteoporosis sample was significantly increased compared with the control sample(P<0.001),while the expression of retinoblastoma gene 1 in the primary osteoporosis sample was significantly decreased compared with the control sample(P<0.001).Overall,the study screened and validated five potential biomarkers of primary osteoporosis,providing a reference basis for further in-depth investigation of the pathogenesis,early screening and diagnosis,and targeted treatment of primary osteoporosis.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for muscle atrophy in patients with immobilization after surgical fixation of foot and ankle fractures.MethodsThis was a two-arm randomized controlled trial wherein 80 patients were recruited and divided into control (n = 40) and intervention (n = 40) groups. The control group received conventional orthopedic treatment, whereas the intervention group received TEAS and conventional treatment. The intervention group received TEAS 3 times a week for 30 min each time for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were muscle thickness (MT) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles, whereas the secondary outcome measure was echo intensity (EI). Data were collected before the fixation operations (baseline assessment) and 4 and 8 weeks after intervention.ResultsCompared with baseline, the MT and CSA were reduced in both groups by the end of treatment, whereas EI increased in both groups. At week 4, the reduction in the rectus femoris CSA in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = .02); however, the between-group differences in the MT and EI (all P .05) were not significant. No serious adverse events were observed in either group.ConclusionOur study showed that TEAS can improve muscle atrophy by attenuating the decline in the muscle CSA. Because this was only a pilot trial, subsequent studies will need longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes.

Primers and probes were designed based on the conserved regions of Senecavirus A(SVA),foot-and-mouth disease virus(FMDV),and porcine teschovirus(PTV)and used to devel-op a TaqMan fluorescent quantitative PCR method for detecting the above-mentioned three viru-ses.The triplex fluorescent quantitative PCR system was developed using recombinant positive plasmids containing conserved sequences of the three viruses as templates.After optimizing the conditions,the specificity,sensitivity,repeatability,standard curve,and mixed infection model were evaluated,and the constructed triplex fluorescent quantitative PCR was used for clinical detection.The results showed that this method could specifically detect SVA,FMDV and PTV without cross-reactivity with other pathogens with the minimal detection concentrations for SVA,FMDV,and PTV as low as 1X101 copies/μL,respectively.The coefficients of variation within and between groups were less than 5％.Furthermore,none of the three viruses were detected in 126 samples.The above results indicate that this method is highly specific,sensitive,and stable,making it suit-able for clinical detection.

Aim To explore the specific mechanism by which scutellarin(Scu)antagonizes the injury of human aortic endothelial cells(HAEC)induced by 2,2-azobis(2-methylpropylimidate)dihydrochloride(AAPH)by regulating the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)/ac-tivating transcription factor 4(ATF4)-C/EBP homology protein(CHOP)pathway.Methods HAEC were pre-pro-tected by Scu and then injured by AAPH to explore the molecular mechanism of Scu on HAEC injury.The cells were di-vided into control group,AAPH group,AAPH+Scu low,medium and high groups.The contents of superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and glutathione S-transferase(GSH-ST)in the cells were measured.The content of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in cells was detected by fluorescent probe,and the apop-tosis rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI method.The mRNA expression of PERK and eIF2α in cells was detected by RT-qPCR.The protein expression of glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78),PERK,p-PERK,eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α),p-eIF2α,ATF4,CHOP,Nrf2,Bcl-2,p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis(PUMA),Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 in cells was detected by Western blot.In order to further study the molecular mechanism of Scu against HAEC injury,gene silencing technology was used to inhibit the expression of PERK in HAEC.The cells were divided in-to five groups:control group,AAPH+si-con group,AAPH+Scu+si-con group,AAPH+si-PERK group,AAPH+si-PERK+Scu group.The mRNA expression of PERK and eIF2α in cells after si-PERK interference was detected by RT-qPCR.The protein expression of PERK,p-eIF2α,eIF2α,ATF4,CHOP,Nrf2,Bcl-2,PUMA,Caspase-3 and Caspase-12 in cells after si-PERK interference was detected by Western blot.Results The content of ROS and the rate of apoptosis were significantly reduced after Scu intervention(P＜0.01).Scu could down-regulate the mRNA expression of PERK and eIF2α,and down-regulate the protein expression of GRP78,p-PERK,p-eIF2α,ATF4,CHOP,PUMA,Caspase-3,Caspase-12 and up-regulate the protein expression of Nrf2 and Bcl-2(P＜0.01).After interference with si-PERK,there were significant differences in the protein expression of PERK,p-eIF2α,ATF4,CHOP,Nrf2,Bcl-2,PUMA,Caspase-3,Caspase-12,as well as the mRNA expression of PERK and eIF2α in cells compared to before interference(P＜0.01).It is proved that Scu could anti-endoplasmic role in reticulum stress and apoptosis,which is closely associated with the regula-tion of the PERK-Nrf2/ATF4-CHOP pathway.Conclusion Scu can effectively alleviate AAPH-induced injury to HAEC by regulating PERK-Nrf2/ATF4-CHOP pathways to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell apoptosis.

Trifluridine-tipiracil(TAS-102),as a novel fluorouracil-based chemotherapeutic agent,effectively overcomes fluorouracil resistance in colorectal cancer(CRC)through its unique pharmacological mechanisms,providing a critical treatment option for advanced CRC patients.Probiotics have shown unique value in CRC prevention and adjuvant therapy by regulating intestinal flora homeostasis and modulating host immune response.It is worth noting that the combination of chemotherapeutic drugs and probiotics not only enhances the anti-tumor activity through synergistic effects,but also reduces the adverse effects caused by chemotherapeutic drugs.Based on this,this paper systematically reviews the pharmacological properties of TAS-102 and describes its synergistic effects in combination with other antitumor drugs.It also summarizes the synergistic effect of fluorouracil drugs combined with probiotics to enhance the effectiveness and reduce the toxicity,and discusses the potential value of the combination of TAS-102 and probiotics,which provides a new research direction for optimizing the precision treatment of CRC and a scientific basis for improving the quality of life of patients.

Objective·To investigate the mechanisms by which different subtypes of G protein-coupled receptor kinases(GRKs)regulate the biased signaling transduction mediated by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1(M1 receptor),focusing on their molecular effects in modulating the binding of the M1 receptor to the downstream heterotrimeric G protein(Gαq-Gβ1-Gγ2)andβ-arrestin 2(βarr2).Methods·By establishing a highly sensitive protein interaction detection system based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET),six M1 receptor agonists/allosteric modulators were selected to measure the dynamic interactions between the M1 receptor and four GRK subtypes(GRK2/3/5/6),βarr2,and the G protein under stimulation.All BRET data were statistically quantified using the area under the curve(AUC)of the time-response curves.First,concentration-effect curves were established by treatment with gradient concentrations of agonists/allosteric modulators and AUC fitting,to comprehensively analyze the differences in efficacy between each agonist/allosteric modulator and the endogenous agonist acetylcholine chloride(ACh)in promoting the interactions of M1 receptor with GRK3/5,βarr2,and the G protein;next,GRKs were divided into two groups based on subtypes:GRK2/3 and GRK5/6.The maximum AUC values for the interaction between the M1 receptor and the two GRK groups under high concentrations were calculated respectively,to further evaluate the regulatory propensity of different types of GRKs on the binding strength of the M1 receptor to βarr2 or the G protein.Results·All six agonists/allosteric modulators effectively induced the association of the M1 receptor with GRK3,while simultaneousey inducing dissociation of the M1 receptor from GRK5.The allosteric modulator BQCA not only activated the M1 receptor alone and triggered its binding to downstream signaling proteins,but also,when co-treated with ACh,caused a significant leftward shift of the concentration-effect curves in the M1-G protein and M1-βarr2 systems,suggesting that its potentiation effect on ACh was mainly achieved by reducing the half-maximal effective concentration.A moderate positive correlation was observed between the maximum AUC values of M1-βarr2 and M1-G protein interactions induced by the seven groups of drug treatments(r=0.722,P=0.067).Further analysis showed that the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-GRK2/3 interaction to that for M1-GRK5/6 interaction was also positively correlated with the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-βarr2 interaction to that for M1-G protein interaction(r=0.760,P=0.047).Conclusion·The M1 receptor may be pre-coupled with GRK5/6 under basal conditions,and they dissociate upon receptor activation,suggesting that GRK5/6 may be involved in M1 receptor inactivation or signal reprogramming.The relative efficiency of the M1 receptor's interaction with different GRK subtypes determines its preference for downstream signaling pathways.

Objective·To investigate the mechanisms by which different subtypes of G protein-coupled receptor kinases(GRKs)regulate the biased signaling transduction mediated by the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1(M1 receptor),focusing on their molecular effects in modulating the binding of the M1 receptor to the downstream heterotrimeric G protein(Gαq-Gβ1-Gγ2)andβ-arrestin 2(βarr2).Methods·By establishing a highly sensitive protein interaction detection system based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer(BRET),six M1 receptor agonists/allosteric modulators were selected to measure the dynamic interactions between the M1 receptor and four GRK subtypes(GRK2/3/5/6),βarr2,and the G protein under stimulation.All BRET data were statistically quantified using the area under the curve(AUC)of the time-response curves.First,concentration-effect curves were established by treatment with gradient concentrations of agonists/allosteric modulators and AUC fitting,to comprehensively analyze the differences in efficacy between each agonist/allosteric modulator and the endogenous agonist acetylcholine chloride(ACh)in promoting the interactions of M1 receptor with GRK3/5,βarr2,and the G protein;next,GRKs were divided into two groups based on subtypes:GRK2/3 and GRK5/6.The maximum AUC values for the interaction between the M1 receptor and the two GRK groups under high concentrations were calculated respectively,to further evaluate the regulatory propensity of different types of GRKs on the binding strength of the M1 receptor to βarr2 or the G protein.Results·All six agonists/allosteric modulators effectively induced the association of the M1 receptor with GRK3,while simultaneousey inducing dissociation of the M1 receptor from GRK5.The allosteric modulator BQCA not only activated the M1 receptor alone and triggered its binding to downstream signaling proteins,but also,when co-treated with ACh,caused a significant leftward shift of the concentration-effect curves in the M1-G protein and M1-βarr2 systems,suggesting that its potentiation effect on ACh was mainly achieved by reducing the half-maximal effective concentration.A moderate positive correlation was observed between the maximum AUC values of M1-βarr2 and M1-G protein interactions induced by the seven groups of drug treatments(r=0.722,P=0.067).Further analysis showed that the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-GRK2/3 interaction to that for M1-GRK5/6 interaction was also positively correlated with the ratio of the maximum AUC for M1-βarr2 interaction to that for M1-G protein interaction(r=0.760,P=0.047).Conclusion·The M1 receptor may be pre-coupled with GRK5/6 under basal conditions,and they dissociate upon receptor activation,suggesting that GRK5/6 may be involved in M1 receptor inactivation or signal reprogramming.The relative efficiency of the M1 receptor's interaction with different GRK subtypes determines its preference for downstream signaling pathways.