ObjectiveNon-invasive magnetic stimulation technology has been widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there is a lack of convenient and timely methods for evaluating and providing feedback on the effectiveness of the stimulation, which can be used to guide the adjustment of the stimulation protocol. This study aims to explore the possibility of heart rate variability (HRV) in diagnosing AD and guiding AD magnetic stimulation intervention techniques. MethodsIn this study, we used a 40 Hz, 10 mT pulsed magnetic field to expose AD mouse models to whole-body exposure for 18 d, and detected the behavioral and electroencephalographic signals before and after exposure, as well as the instant electrocardiographic signals after exposure every day. ResultsUsing one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, we found that some HRV indicators could identify AD mouse models as accurately as behavioral and electroencephalogram(EEG) changes (P<0.05) and significantly distinguish the severity of the disease (P<0.05), including rMSSD, pNN6, LF/HF, SD1/SD2, and entropy arrangement. These HRV indicators showed good correlation and statistical significance with behavioral and EEG changes (r>0.3, P<0.05); HRV indicators were significantly modulated by the magnetic field exposure before and after the exposure, both of which were observed in the continuous changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) (P<0.05), and the trend of the stimulation effect was more accurately observed in the continuous changes of ECG. ConclusionHRV can accurately reflect the pathophysiological changes and disease degree, quickly evaluate the effect of magnetic stimulation, and has the potential to guide the pattern of magnetic exposure, providing a new idea for the study of personalized electromagnetic neuroregulation technology for brain diseases.

The study aimed to construct the second and third generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) targeting the c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) protein, and observe their killing effect on human serous ovarian cancer cell SKOV-3. The expression of MET gene in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, the correlation between MET gene expression and the abundance of immune cell infiltration, and the effect of MET gene expression on the tissue function of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma were analyzed by bioinformatics. The expression of c-Met in ovarian cancer tissues and adjacent tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The second and third generation c-Met CAR-T cells, namely c-Met CAR-T(2G/3G), were prepared by lentivirus infection, and the cell subsets and infection efficiency were detected by flow cytometry. Using CD19 CAR-T and activated T cells as control groups and A2780 cells with c-Met negative expression as Non target groups, the kill efficiency on SKOV-3 cells with c-Met positive expression, cytokine release and cell proliferation of c-Met CAR-T(2G/3G) were explored by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, ELISA and CCK-8 respectively. The results showed that MET gene expression was significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues compared with normal tissues, which was consistent with the immunohistochemistry results. However, in all pathological stages, there was no obvious difference in MET expression and no correlation between MET gene expression and the race and age of ovarian cancer patients. The second generation and third generation c-Met CAR-T cells were successfully constructed. After lentivirus infection, the proportion of CD8⁺ T cells in c-Met CAR-T(2G) was upregulated, while there was no significant change in the cell subsets of c-Met CAR-T(3G). The LDH release experiment showed that the kill efficiency of c-Met CAR-T(2G/3G) on SKOV-3 increased with the increase of effect-target ratio. When the effect-target ratio was 20:1, the kill efficiency of c-Met CAR-T(2G) reached (42.02 ± 5.17)% (P < 0.05), and the kill efficiency of c-Met CAR-T(3G) reached (51.40 ± 2.71)% (P < 0.05). ELISA results showed that c-Met CAR-T released more cytokine compared to CD19 CAR-T and activated T cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, the cytokine release of c-Met CAR-T(3G) was higher than c-Met CAR-T(2G) (P < 0.01). The CCK-8 results showed that after 48 h, the cell number of c-Met CAR-T(2G) was higher than that of c-Met CAR-T(3G) (P < 0.01). In conclusion, both the second and third generation c-Met CAR-T can target and kill c-Met-positive SKOV-3 cells, with no significant difference. c-Met CAR-T(2G) has stronger proliferative ability, and c-Met CAR-T(3G) releases more cytokines.
Humans ; Female ; Ovarian Neoplasms/immunology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met/metabolism* ; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/immunology* ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology*

To investigate the effects of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and their molecular mechanism, nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells CNE1 and CNE2 were used. They were divided into control group(30% blank serum medium), low-(10% drug-containing serum + 20% blank serum medium), medium-(20% drug-containing serum + 10% blank serum medium), and high-(30% drug-containing serum medium) concentration group of Biyan Jiedu Capsules according to in vitro experiment. After 24 h of intervention, the effects of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the proliferation of CNE1 and CNE2 were detected by CCK-8 assay, clonal formation experiment, and EdU staining. The effect of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on apoptosis of CNE1 and CNE2 was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the effect of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the expression of X-linked apoptosis inhibitor protein(XIAP), survivin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), and PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins in CNE1 and CNE2. The results showed that compared with the control group, the survival rate of CNE1 and CNE2 in the medium and high concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules could be decreased in a concentration-dependent way(P<0.05, P<0.01). At the same time, EdU staining and clonal formation experiments showed that the proliferation of CNE1 and CNE2 was significantly inhibited in the medium and high concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules(P<0.05, P<0.01). Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of CNE1 and CNE2 was significantly increased in all concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules(P<0.01), and the apoptosis rate was concentration-dependent. Western blot showed that the expressions of XIAP, survivin, PCNA, p-PI3K, and p-Akt in all concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05, P<0.01). In conclusion, Biyan Jiedu Capsules can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells possibly by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Capsules ; Carcinoma/drug therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed. CONCLUSION STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Angina, Stable/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; Placebos ; Tablets

Myocardial fibrosis is a serious cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the expression of sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1), was increased significantly in the ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, dilated cardiomyopathy patients (GSE116250) and fibrotic heart tissues of mice. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of SARM1 can improve myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function of myocardial infarction (MI) mice. Moreover, SARM1 fibroblasts-specific knock-in mice had increased deposition of extracellular matrix and impaired cardiac function. Mechanically, elevated expression of SARM1 promotes the deposition of extracellular matrix by directly modulating P4HA1. Notably, by using the Click-iT reaction, we identified that the increased expression of ZDHHC17 promotes the palmitoylation levels of SARM1, thereby accelerating the fibrosis process. Based on the fibrosis-promoting effect of SARM1, we screened several drugs with anti-myocardial fibrosis activity. In conclusion, we have unveiled that palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Inhibition of SARM1 is a potential strategy for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. The sites where SARM1 interacts with P4HA1 and the palmitoylation modification sites of SARM1 may be the active targets for anti-fibrosis drugs.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale lipid bilayer vesicles actively secreted by organisms into the extracellular environment, are rich in specific bioactive substances, such as proteins, genetic materials and lipids. These vesicles are involved in intercellular interactions and can pass through the blood-brain barrier, and may thus potentially serve as important biological substances for treatment of neurological diseases. In this review, we summarize the biological origin of EVs and their therapeutic potential in neurological diseases, expound the possibility of EV-based treatment of neurological diseases using traditional Chinese medicine, and discuss the challenges and prospects of researches of EVs for the treating neurological diseases.
Extracellular Vesicles ; Humans ; Nervous System Diseases/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective To explore the effects of CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1(CDS1)on autophagy and amyloid deposition in hippocampal neurons of mice and the related mechanism.Methods Congo red and immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the amyloid deposition in hippocampus of amyloid precursor protein(APP)/presenilin 1(PS1)double-transgenic mice.Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of APP was induced in HT22 cells,and Congo red staining was used to observe the amyloid deposition in HT22 cells.The protein expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)-Ⅱ and P62 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and APP-overexpressed HT22 cells were detected by Western blotting.The differential protein CDS1 was screened based on the hippocampal proteomics results of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice.The expression of CDS1 protein in hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 transgenic mice and APP-overexpressed HT22 cells was detected by Western blotting.After lentivirus-mediated APP overexpression in HT22 cells,CDS1 was overexpressed,and the protein expression levels of LC3-Ⅱ and P62 were detected by Western blotting.Results β-amyloid protein(Aβ)was deposited in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and in HT22 cells overexpressing APP.The levels of LC3-Ⅱ and P62 protein in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and APP-overexpressed HT22 cells were significantly increased.A differential metabolic pathway,glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway,was screened by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis in the proteomic results of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice,and the differential protein CDS1 was obtained.Compared with wild-type C57BL/6 mice,APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice exhibited a significantly decrease in CDS1 protein expression in the hippocampus(0.46±0.07 vs 1.00±0.25,P＜0.01).Similarly,lentivirus-mediated overexpression of APP in HT22 cells resulted in decreased CDS1 protein levels compared to cells infected with empty viral vector controls(0.68±0.18 vs 1.00±0.13,P＜0.01).The autophagy flow of nerve cells was significantly restored after the CDS1 overexpression in APP-overexpressed HT22 cells(LC3-Ⅱ:1.00±0.15 vs 0.21±0.05,P＜0.01;P62:1.00±0.16 vs 0.67±0.10,P＜0.01),and Aβ deposition was significantly decreased.Conclusion Downregulation of CDS1 expression can induce dysfusion of autophagosome and lysosome,promoting amyloid deposition in hippocampus of mice with Alzheimer's disease.

Objective To evaluate the resuscitation efficacy of novel lyophilized platelets(LP,thrombin-stimulated platelets)combined with lactated Ringer's(LR)solution in rabbits with hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion.Methods Fifty rabbits were randomly assigned to 5 groups(Groups A,B,C,D and E,n=10).After all rabbits were anesthetized with 3%pentobarbital sodium at a dose of 1 mL/kg,soft tissue injury was inflicted in the left lower limb.The blood loss from the soft tissue injury was quantified after gauze hemostasis.The right lower limb was subjected to femoral artery catheterization,followed by blood withdrawal equivalent to 26%of the total blood volume of the rabbit.The rabbits were then vertically immersed in 3%artificial seawater,with the water level reaching above the xiphoid process,and were retrieved in 15 min later.Resuscitation strategies were applied to the rabbits from different group:Group A(no resuscitation),Group B(resuscitation with LR solution),Group C(resuscitation with LR solution and fresh platelets),Group D(resuscitation with LR solution and LP),and Group E(resuscitation with LR solution and novel LP).Coagulation function test,routine blood test,blood gas analysis,and thromboelastography were conducted at baseline and at 1,2 and 4 h after injury.Results The LP and rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion were successfully prepared.At 1 h after injury,the mean arterial pressure(MAP)of Groups C,D and E(infused with platelet preparations)was significantly higher than that of Group A(without resuscitation,P<0.05);the lactate(Lac)content of Group C was obviously lower than that of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the base excess(BE)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels of Groups C,D and E were notably lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);and the prothrombin time(PT)of Group A was significantly longer than that of before injury(P<0.05).At 2 h after injury,the MAP of Groups C and D was significantly higher than that of Groups A and B,and that of Group E was notably higher than that of Group A(P<0.05);the Lac content of Groups C and E was obviously lower than that of Groups A and B,while that of Group D was also lower than that of Group A(P<0.05);the BE and BUN levels of Groups C,D and E were remarkably lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the maximum amplitude(MA)value of Group C was higher than that of Group A,while the value of Groups A and D at this time was significantly lower than the corresponding value before injury(P<0.05);and the activated partial clotting time(APTT)of Groups A and D was statistically longer than the corresponding baseline time(P<0.05).At 4 h after injury,the MAP of Groups C,D,and E was higher than that of Groups A and B,and that of Group B was higher than that of Group A(P<0.05);the Lac and BUN levels of Groups C,D,and E were lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the BE level of Groups C and D were lower than those of Groups A and B(P<0.05);the MA value of Groups B,C,and E were higher than those of Group A(P<0.05),while the MA value and APTT value of Groups A and D were significantly lower than their corresponding baseline values(P<0.05).Conclusion For rabbits with hemorrhagic shock and seawater immersion,the novel LP combined with LR solution can significantly increase the MAP level,reduce Lac content,and sustainably maintain blood clot firmness and coagulation function.

Aim To explore the mechanism of action of Ruanmai decoction in treating atherosclerosis through network pharmacology. Methods The chemical components and targets of Ruanmai decoction were queried using TCMSP. Relevant targets for atherosclerosis were retrieved from DrugBank, GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD databases. The " Drug-Active Ingredient-Target" PPI network was constructed using Cyto-scape software. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed using the David database. Molecular docking verification of key components with core targets was conducted using the Seesar software. Atherosclerosis mouse models were established by feeding ApoE mice with a high-fat diet, and Ruanmai decoction granules were administered orally. Aortic pathological sections were stained, blood lipids were measured, and immunofluorescence was used to detect Mac2 and YWHAZ protein expression. Western blot was used to detect p-p38MAPK and C-CASP3 protein expression. Results Ruanmai decoction screened a total of 72 active drug components corresponding to 168 target genes for the treatment of atherosclerosis. The targets were primarily enriched in biological processes related to lip-id metabolism, inflammation and immunity, oxidative stress, vascular endothelial function, cell proliferation and apoptosis, glycolysis, and ubiquitination. Signaling pathways such as МАРК, TNF, PDK-Akt, and IL-17 were also involved. Animal experiments verified that RMJ could regulate the p38MAPK signaling pathway by down-regulating key targets YWHAZ, p-p38MAPK, and C-CASP3, thereby reducing AS inflammation and inflammation-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Ruanmai decoction can inhibit the expression of YWHAZ and activate the p38MAPK signaling pathway, potentially improving vascular inflammation, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and other pathological processes by regulating the МАРК, TNF, PDK-Akt, and IL-17 signaling pathways, thus preventing and treating atherosclerosis.

Objective To investigate the effect of human colorectal fibroblast(CCD-18Co)-conditioned medium(CCD18-Co-CM)on biological behaviors of colorectal cancer(CRC)cells and explore the possible molecular mechanisms.Methods Real-time cellular analysis(RTCA),clone formation assay and wound healing assay were used to analyze the changes in proliferation,clone formation,and migration abilities of CRC cell lines HCT116 and Caco-2 treated with CCD18-Co-CM.Western blotting was used to detect the changes in ATK,ERK and STAT3 signaling pathways in the CRC cells activated by CCD18-Co-CM.The effect of CCD18-Co-CM on spheroidization ability of the cells was assessed with sphere-formation assay,and the changes in expressions of CRC stemness markers were detected using RT-PCR.Results CCD-18Co-CM significantly promoted proliferation,colony formation,and migration of HCT116 and Caco-2 cells,enhanced sphere-forming ability and expressions of CRC stemness markers,and increased ERK phosphorylation in the cells.Treatment with SCH772984 effectively inhibited CCD-18Co-CM-induced ERK signaling pathway activation,suppressed the malignant phenotype,and lowered the sphere-forming ability and expression of stemness markers of the two CRC cells.Conclusion Colorectal fibroblasts promote malignant phenotype of CRC cells by activating the ERK signaling pathway.