Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

This paper aimed to explore the effects of Duzhong Decoction(DZD)-containing serum on the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels(L-VGCCs). L-VGCCs inhibitors, nifedipine and verapamil, were used to block L-VGCCs in osteoblasts. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into a control group, a low-dose DZD-containing serum(L-DZD) group, a medium-dose DZD-containing serum(M-DZD) group, a high-dose DZD-containing serum(H-DZD) group, a nifedipine group, a H-DZD + nifedipine group, verapamil group, and a H-DZD + verapamil group. The CCK-8 method was used for cell proliferation analysis, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) assay kits for intracellular ALP activity measurement, Western blot for protein expression level in cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology for intracellular mRNA expression level determination, fluorescence spectrophotometer for free Ca~(2+) concentration determination in osteoblasts, and alizarin red staining(ARS) for mineralized nodule formation in osteoblasts. The experimental results show that compared to the control group, DZD groups can promote MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule formation, increase intracellular Ca~(2+) concentrations, and upregulate the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), collagen Ⅰ(COL1), α2 subunit protein of L-VGCCs(L-VGCCα2), and the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and BMP2. After blocking L-VGCCs with nifedipine and verapamil, the intervention effects of DZD-containing serum were inhibited to varying degrees. Both nifedipine and verapamil could inhibit ALP activity, reduce mineralized nodule areas, and downregulate the expression of bone formation-related proteins. Moreover, the effects of DZD-containing serum on increasing MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and Ca~(2+) concentrations, upregulating the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin(OPG) and protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) and phosphorylated forkhead box protein O1(p-FOXO1), and upregulating phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN) expression were reversed by nifedipine. The results indicate that DZD-containing serum can increase the Ca~(2+) concentration in MC3T3-E1 cells to promote bone formation, which may be mediated by L-VGCCs and the PTEN/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway, providing a new perspective on the mechanism of DZD in treating osteoporosis.
Animals ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Mice ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics* ; Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics* ; Serum/chemistry* ; Cell Line ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/genetics*

To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Qin-Zhu-Liang-Xue decoction (QZLX) in atopic dermatitis (AD) and glucocorticoid resistance, we conducted a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this concoction. Network pharmacology analysis was performed and validated through clinical studies. The efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action of QZLX and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) α recombinant protein were assessed in AD mice induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Correlation analysis was performed to determine the clinical relevance of GRα. The trial demonstrated that patients who received QZLX showed considerable improvements in their Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores compared with those who received mizolastine at week 4. Network pharmacological analysis identified GRα as a key target for QZLX in AD treatment. QZLX administration increased the serum GRα expression in AD patients, alleviated AD symptoms in mice, decreased inflammatory cytokine expression, and increased GRα expression without affecting liver or kidney function. In addition, GRα recombinant protein improved AD-like skin lesions in DNFB-induced mice. A negative correlation was observed between GRα expression and clinical parameters, including SCORAD, DLQI, and serum IgE levels. QZLX alleviates AD symptoms through the upregulation of GRα and thus presents a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention of glucocorticoid resistance in AD management.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Single-Blind Method ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Objective: To explore the pattern of change of axial length/curvatrue radius ratio (AL/CR) and associated factors in primary and secondary school students in Yunnan, so as to provide scientific basis and prospective guidance for early myopia intervention and control. Methods: A total of 685 students from grades 2 to 3 and grade 7 in 2 cities/counties in Yunnan Province were selected by multi stage stratified random cluster sampling method in 2020. All the participants were followed up twice with questionnaire of myopia related factors, uncorrected distance visual acuity, and refractive parameter measurement from October,2021 and March,2023,respectivelty. The distribution and change of AL/CR in different classes and groups were analyzed, and the influencing factos of AL/CR cumulative progression were explored using generalized linear model. Results: AL/CR ratio in primary school students was (2.95±0.09) at baseline, increased to (2.99±0.11) at the first follow up and (3.04±0.12) at the second follow up. AL/CR ratio in middle school students(3.08±0.13) at baseline, increased to (3.12±0.15) at the first follow up and (3.15±0.14) at the second follow up. The generalized linear model showed that after controlling for environmental factors, ethnicity ( β =-0.017) , cumulative progression of the SE ( β =-0.027) influenced the changes of AL/CR ratio among the primary school students, whereas the changes of AL/CR ratio were associated with baseline AL ( β =-0.005), baseline corneal curvatrue radius ( β =0.032) and cumulative progression of SE( β =-0.035) among middle school students ( P <0.05). Conclusions The AL/CR ratio of primary and secondary school students in Yunnan can be used to judge different refractive status types, but its variation is not only related to SE progression, but also affected by different ethnic groups and baseline ocular biological parameters. so the value of AL/CR application in assessing the progression of myopia needs to be further confirmed.

Objective: To monitor the prevelance of Neisseria meningitidis among healthy children and adolescents aged 3-18 in Anhui Province, so as to provide support for epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis prevention and control. Methods: From September to October in 2021 and 2022, 4 033 healthy children and adolescents aged 3-18 were selected by stratified random sampling from Anhui Province, including areas north of the Yangtze River (Bozhou, Fuyang, Bengbu, Huainan, Chuzhou, Hefei) and areas south of the Yangtze River (Wuhu, Maanshan, Tongling, Anqing, Chizhou, Xuancheng) and the secretions of children and adolescents were collected from the posterior pharyngeal wall above the uvula, and the strains were identified by bacterial culture and nucleic acid detection. McNemar test and Kappa consistency test were used for statistical analysis. Chisquare test and Chisquare trend test were used to compare the rates. Results: The carrier rates of Neisseria meningitidis were 0.47% and 1.07%, respectively. The sensitivity of nucleic acid detection was higher. Among the detected bacteria, group B accounted for the largest proportion of 76.74%. It was followed by group C (4.65%), group Y (4.65%), group W 135 (2.33%) and group X (2.33%). The bacteria bearing rate of male students was higher than that of female students (χ2=11.44); with the increase of age, the bacteria bearing rate of children and adolescents showed an increasing trend (χ2trend=42.69); the bacterial bearing rate of children and adolescents in the north of the Yangtze River was higher than that in the south of the Yangtze River (χ2=23.19); the bacteria bearing rate of children and adolescents without immune history was higher than that with immune history (χ2=11.02)(P<0.01). Conclusions Neisseria meningitidis group B has become an epidemic strain in Anhui Province, and senior children and adolescents have become the key population of epidemic prevention and control. It is necessary to continue to do a good job in the surveillance of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis disease and focuse on group B disease cases, so as to prevent the occurrence of cluster outbreaks in schools.

Objective: To analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the construction on intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide countermeasures for promoting the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province. Methods: By reviewing the annual reports of Zhejiang immunization planning, survey data from Zhejiang Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Immunization Intelligent Service System, data of human resources of immunization planning, vaccine procurement, construction progress of intelligent vaccination clinics and vaccination were collected. The relevant literature was searched to gather information on the construction standards and norms of intelligent vaccination clinics. The analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics was conducted, and corresponding countermeasures and suggestions were proposed. Results: The National Immunization Program reported vaccine rate in Zhejiang Province is more than 99%, and standardized vaccination clinics have been popularized throughout the province. The vaccination staff are professional, and a province-wide intelligent immunization service information system has been established, providing the resources and conditions for the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics. However, there are problems such as low data quality and matching efficiency in vaccination, insufficient data interoperability and sharing, unbalanced regional capabilities in intelligent transformation, and uneven distribution of talent and resources. It is crucial to seize the opportunities presented by the development of big data and artificial intelligence, rely on the regional development of the Internet and health industry, seize the opportunity of rapid growth in demand for intelligent vaccination services and high public acceptance, accelerate the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics, and establish intelligent vaccination service standards as soon as possible. Conclusion We should seize the opportunities presented by the digital reform and development, fully utilize the existing vaccination resources and strengths, address the shortcomings, and accelerate the construction of intelligent vaccination clinics in Zhejiang Province.