This study investigates the pharmacokinetics and metabolic characteristics of three marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease: piericidin A (PA) and its two glycosides (GPAs), glucopiericidin A (GPA) and 13-hydroxyglucopiericidin A (13-OH-GPA). The research aims to facilitate lead selection and optimization for developing a viable preclinical candidate. Rapid absorption of PA and GPAs in mice was observed, characterized by short half-lives and low bioavailability. Glycosides and hydroxyl groups significantly enhanced the absorption rate (13-OH-GPA > GPA > PA). PA and GPAs exhibited metabolic instability in liver microsomes due to Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases (UGTs). Glucuronidation emerged as the primary metabolic pathway, with UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 demonstrating high elimination rates (30%-70%) for PA and GPAs. This rapid glucuronidation may contribute to the low bioavailability of GPAs. Despite its low bioavailability (2.69%), 13-OH-GPA showed higher kidney distribution (19.8%) compared to PA (10.0%) and GPA (7.3%), suggesting enhanced biological efficacy in kidney diseases. Modifying the C-13 hydroxyl group appears to be a promising approach to improve bioavailability. In conclusion, this study provides valuable metabolic insights for the development and optimization of marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Aquatic Organisms/chemistry* ; Biological Availability ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism* ; Glucuronosyltransferase/metabolism* ; Microsomes, Liver/metabolism* ; Molecular Structure ; Biological Products/pharmacokinetics* ; Pyridines/pharmacokinetics*

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with hidden onset.Recent researches have shown that apolipoprotein E4(APOE4)is a high-risk genetic factor of AD,and the clinical symptoms in APOE4 genotype AD patients are closely related to metabolic disorders.This paper reviewed the role of APOE4 in the pathogenesis of AD,and it is indicated that APOE4 contributes to the injury of the cerebral blood-brain barrier,is associated with the disorder of cerebral glucose and lipid metabolism,and leads to the damage of the scavenging ability of microglia.Moreover,this paper explored the approach of early intervention of AD with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)based on the APOE4 pathogenesis.Based on the pathogenesis of AD being deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality,and under the guidance of the principle of prevention before illness in TCM,it is proposed that early TCM intervention for APOE4 genotype AD patients with metabolic disorders can be performed through improving the phlegm-dampness constitution,by focusing on insulin resistance-related indicators,and with traditional Chinese drug therapy based on syndrome differentiation alone or together with comprehensive management of exercises,diet control and drug interventions,thus to reduce or delay the onset of APOE4 genotype AD.

Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative old muscular calf vein thrombosis on the safety and efficacy of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 411 patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary TKA in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 89 males and 322 females, aged 68.05±5.91 years (range, 50-82 years). The body mass index was 26.8±3.7 kg/m 2 (range, 17.4-39.8 kg/m 2). The group was divided into a preoperative thrombosis group (47 cases) and a preoperative none-thrombosis group (364 cases) according to whether or not there was a combination of old muscular calf vein thrombosis before TKA. The clinical characteristics (location and size) and lower limb swelling were observed, and the American Knee Society (AKS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Villalta score were recorded to compare the differences between the two groups. Results:All patients successfully completed the operation and were followed up for 7.4±1.1 months (range, 6-9 months). Postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) occurred in 96% (45/47) of the patients in the preoperative thrombus group, which was greater than the 38.5% (140/364) in the preoperative none-thrombus group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=55.184, P<0.001). 29% (13/45) of the patients who developed DVT postoperatively in the preoperative thrombus group had DVT located in the main vein, which was greater than the 9% (12/140) in the preoperative none-thrombus group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=12.028, P<0.001). 51% (23/45) of patients with DVT after operation had thrombosis ≥6 mm, which was higher than 34% (47/140) of patients in the preoperative none-thrombus group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=4.454, P=0.035). The rate of thigh swelling on postoperative day 3 was 8.42%±3.50% in the group with preoperative thrombus and 7.80%±4.12% in the preoperative none-thrombus group, and the differences were not statistically significant ( t=-0.995, P=0.320). The rate of calf swelling on postoperative day 3 was 8.14%±3.40% in the preoperative thrombus group, which was greater than the 5.51%±3.45% in the preoperative none-thrombus group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-4.923, P<0.001). Postoperative AKS scores were elevated in both groups and were greater than preoperative scores at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in AKS score between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05), and the AKS scores in the preoperative thrombus group were smaller than those in the preoperative none-thrombus group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Postoperative VAS scores were reduced in both groups and were smaller than preoperative scores at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative VAS scores between the two groups ( P<0.05), and the VAS scores in the preoperative thrombus group were greater than those in the preoperative none-thrombus group at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The Villalta score of patients with DVT after operation in the preoperative thrombus group was 4.47±2.47 at the last follow-up, which was greater than that of the preoperative none-thrombus group, which was 2.90±1.92, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-4.395, P<0.001). Conclusion:Preoperative combined old muscular calf vein thrombosis increases the incidence of postoperative DVT and the dangerousness of DVT is higher.

Normal human blood pressure has a certain circadian rhythm,which is high during the day and low at night,and two peaks and one valley of the arytenoid change. The theory of opening-closing-pivot is an essential part of the yin and yang theory in traditional Chinese medicine,which reflects the law of qi movement changes of the three yin and three yang. According to "time to heal six channels" in Shanghan Lun,the opening-closing-pivot of three yin and three yang have their own time. Following certain time laws,the ascending,descending,exiting,and entering of the yin and yang qi movement conform to the circadian rhythm,which is the basis for maintaining the normal circadian rhythm of human blood pressure. Jueyin closing and shaoyang pivot mainly regulate morning blood pressure,whereas yangming closing,taiyin opening,and shaoyin pivot mainly regulate night blood pressure. The opening-closing-pivot of three yin and three yang coordinate and influence each other to maintain the stability of the circadian rhythm of blood pressure. The abnormal opening-closing-pivot can lead to the disturbance of the circadian rhythm of blood pressure,which primarily manifests as early morning hypertension caused by jueyin closing and shaoyang pivot failure,and night hypertension caused by yangming closing,taiyin opening and shaoyin pivot failure. By adjusting the movement of opening-closing-pivot of three yin and three yang,the blood pressure of corresponding period can be regulated. Combined with Western medical research,a new idea and method of regulating the circadian rhythm of blood pressure with traditional Chinese medicine is put forward.

Objective: : The spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. The purpose of this retrospective study is to develop multiple models for predicting ICH outcomes using machine learning (ML). Methods: : Between January 2014 and October 2021, we included ICH patients identified by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and treated with surgery. At the 6-month check-up, outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale. In this study, four ML models, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree C5.0, Artificial Neural Network, Logistic Regression were used to build ICH prediction models. In order to evaluate the reliability and the ML models, we calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Results: : We identified 71 patients who had favorable outcomes and 156 who had unfavorable outcomes. The results showed that the SVM model achieved the best comprehensive prediction efficiency. For the SVM model, the AUC, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, PLR, NLR, and DOR were 0.91, 0.92, 0.92, 0.93, 11.63, 0.076, and 153.03, respectively. For the SVM model, we found the importance value of time to operating room (TOR) was higher significantly than other variables. Conclusion : The analysis of clinical reliability showed that the SVM model achieved the best comprehensive prediction efficiency and the importance value of TOR was higher significantly than other variables.

Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative patellar tilt angle on postoperative outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 277 patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent TKA without patellar replacement in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 72 males and 205 females, aged 69.16±6.77 years (range, 52-87 years), body mass index 27.01±3.81 kg/m 2 (range 18.14-39.01 kg/m 2). The patients were divided into three groups according to the preoperative tilt angle of the patella: tilt angle<5° for mild tilt group, 5°≤tilt angle<10° for moderate tilt group, and tilt angle≥10° for severe tilt group. There were 103 cases in the mild group, 137 cases in the moderate group, and 37 cases in the severe group. The preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and Feller's score of patella were compared. Results:All patients were followed up for 15.73±3.06 months (range, 12-22 months). The patellar tilt angle was 6.86°±3.55° preoperatively and 3.63°±2.61° postoperatively ( t=19.086, P<0.001). The patellar tilt angle of mild group, moderate group and severe group decreased after operation, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that before operation ( P<0.05). The anterior knee VAS of the three groups decreased after operation, and the differences were statistically significant compared with those before operation. The anterior knee VAS at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were lower than those before operation. The differences between groups at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were statistically significant ( P<0.05), with anterior knee VAS scores of 2.59±0.55 and 2.03±0.55 in the severe group being greater than those of 2.15±0.38 and 1.57±0.50 in the mild group and 2.19±0.49 and 1.67± 0.61 in the moderate group. The HSS score of the three groups was increased after operation, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that before operation ( P<0.05), and the HSS scores at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation were higher than those before operation. There were significant differences at 6 and 12 months after operation ( P<0.05), the HSS scores of the severe group were 86.27±2.04 and 87.73±2.28, which were lower than those of the mild group 89.02±2.33 and 89.83±1.48, and the moderate group 88.77±2.83 and 89.52±1.95. Postoperative patellar Feller score increased in all three groups, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that before operation ( P<0.05), the patellar Feller score at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation was higher than that before operation. There were significant differences at 6 and 12 months after operation ( P<0.05), the patellar Feller scores in the severe group were 18.32±1.99 and 20.32±1.60, which were lower than those in the mild group 20.92±1.01 and 23.07±1.39 and the moderate group 20.91±1.95 and 22.69±1.59. Conclusion:In TKA patients without patella replacement, the increase of patellar tilt angle before operation can lead to anterior knee pain and reduced knee function.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism by which baicalein alleviates osteoarthritis by regulating Sirtuin (Sirt) to inhibit the senescence of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS).Methods:FLS were extracted from synovium of non-osteoarthritis patients (3 patients) and osteoarthritis patients (3 patients), and assessed the senescence of FLS in osteoarthritis patients by Western blot, β-galactosidase staining and immunofluorescence, and examined the changing levels of Sirt family proteins and mRNAs in FLS. The relative expression level of Sirt1 in FLS was knocked down by transfection with Sirt1 siRNA, and the antioxidative capacity and senescence degree of FLS were analyzed. Chondrocytes were co-cultured with FLS and functional changes in chondrocytes were detected by Western blot. After inducing FLS senescence with bleomycin (BLM), different concentrations of baicalein were administered to detect the expression levels of Sirt1, p16, and p21 proteins and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression level of Sirt1 in FLS was knocked down, and BLM and baicalein treatments were applied. The relative expression levels of Sirt1 and ROS were detected using Western blot and ROS assays. After BLM-induced FLS senescence, baicalein and Compound C were added. The relative expression levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), p16, p21, and ROS were detected by Western blot and ROS assays.Results:The relative expression of p16 and p21 in FLS in the osteoarthritic group were 3.66±0.38 and 3.55±0.34, which were higher than those in non-osteoarthritis group 1.00±0.07 and 1.00±0.09 ( t=11.860, P<0.001; t=12.520, P<0.001). The relative expression levels of Sirt1 and Sirt6 in FLS in the osteoarthritis group were 0.30±0.04 and 0.16±0.01, which were smaller than those in the non-osteoarthritis group 1.00 ± 0.03 and 1.00±0.04 ( t=23.840, P<0.001; t=34.130, P<0.001). After baicalein treatment, the relative expression of ROS was 2.58±0.28, 1.65±0.14 and 1.00±0.24 in the BLM, BLM+Bai and control groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the groups ( F=35.700, P<0.001), which was greater in the BLM and BLM+Bai than in the control group, and lower in the BLM+Bai than in the BLM group ( P<0.05). The relative expression of pAMPK and NRF2 was 0.28±0.02 and 0.38±0.09 after Compound C+Baicalein treatment, which was lower than that of 0.56±0.07 and 0.60±0.08 in the BLM+Bai group ( P<0.05). The relative expression of ROS increased from 1.75±0.16 to 3.45±0.12 ( P<0.001). The proportion of positivity in the BLM+Bai+Compound C, BLM+Bai and control groups was 47.30%±4.29%, 18.18%±3.89% and 7.70%±3.53% ( F=109.700, P<0.001), respectively, with the BLM+Bai+Compound C group being higher than that in the BLM+Bai group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The downregulation of Sirt1 expression in patients with osteoarthritis leads to FLS senescence and accelerates the progression of osteoarthritis. Baicalein can inhibit FLS senescence by activating Sirt1/AMPK/NRF2 pathway, which may delay the progression of osteoarthritis and improve the function of chondrocytes.

Objective:To investigate the perioperative impact of closure of mesenteric fissure in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.Methods:The prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. The clinical data of 320 patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in 11 medical centers, including The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University et al, from November 2022 to August 2023 were selected. Based on block randomization, patients were alloca-ted into the mesenteric fissure non-closure group and the mesenteric fissure closure group. Observa-tion indicators: (1) grouping of the enrolled patients; (2) intraoperative conditions; (3) postopera-tive conditions. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3) and com-parison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were represen-ted as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the rank sum test. Comparison of visual analog scores was analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results:(1) Grouping of the enrolled patients. A total of 320 patients with colon cancer were screened for eligibility, including 156 males and 164 females, aged 68(59,73)years. All the 320 patients were allocated into the mesenteric fissure non-closure group with 164 cases and the mesenteric fissure closure group with 156 cases. There was no significant difference in the age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, maximum tumor diameter, anastomosis location, anastomosis method, surgical approach, range of lymph node dissection, tumor staging between the two groups ( P>0.05) and there was a significant difference in the sex between them ( P<0.05). (2) Intraoperative conditions. There was no significant difference between the mesenteric fissure closure group and the mesenteric fissure non-closure group in the volume of intraoperative blood loss, operation time, conversion to laparotomy, intraoperative complication ( P>0.05). Three patients in the mesenteric fissure non-closure group were converted to laparotomy. One patient in the mesenteric fissure closure group was converted to laparotomy, and 2 cases with intraoperative complication were mesenteric hematoma. (3) Postoperative conditions. There was no significant difference between the mesenteric fissure non-closure group and the mesenteric fissure closure group in the overall postoperative complications ( χ2=0.28, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative intestinal obstruction, abdominal distension, ascites, pleural effusion, gastric paralysis, anastomotic bleeding, anastomotic leakage, or surgical wound infection between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the reoperation, postoperative gastric tube replacement. There was no significant differ-ence in time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative initial liquid food intake, time to post-operative resumption of bowel movements, duration of postoperative hospital stay, total hospital expenses between the two groups ( Z=-0.01, 0.43, 1.04, -0.54, -0.36, P>0.05). One patient in the mesenteric fissure non-closure group received reoperation. No perioperative internal hernia or death occurred in either group. The visual analog score decreased with time in both groups. There was no significant difference in the visual analog score between the mesenteric fissure closure group and the mesenteric fissure non-closure group [ β=-0.20(-0.53,0.13), P>0.05]. Conclusion:Compared with closure of mesenteric fissure, non-closure of mesenteric fissure during laparoscopic right hemi-colectomy dose not increase perioperative complications or postoperative management risk.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of rashes in monkeypox patients through a series of skin biopsies, and examine their pathological features and the most effective tests.Methods:Patients with monkeypox virus infection admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital from June to August 2023 were identified. Among them, 24 patients underwent skin biopsies for clinical pathological study that were included in this study. Clinical information, rash pictures, and nucleic acid test results were analyzed using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope ? hybridization and electron microscopy. Results:All 24 patients were male, including 14 patients with concurrent human immunodeficiency virus infection. Their average age was (32.3±5.4) years. The nucleic acid test confirmed monkeypox virus infection. The clinical feature of monkeypox rashes was solitary rather than clustered distribution, with rashes occurring in similar phase, distinguishing it from herpesvirus. The rashes in these patients were mostly scattered, with an average of (13.0±11.8) rashes, and most commonly present in the perineum, face, limbs, and trunk. The three main pathological features of these rashes were ballooning degeneration of the epidermal spinous cell layer, the characteristic intra-cytoplasmic Guarnieri′s bodies and significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in whole dermal layer. Immunohistochemistry, RNAscope ? hybridization, and electron microscopy can all effectively detect the monkeypox virus. Electron microscopy showed viral replication in various types of skin cells. Conclusions:The study describes the pathological features of monkeypox virus rashes. Pathological examination of skin biopsy samples is helpful to diagnose these rashes. The study suggests that the monkeypox virus has a unique epitheliotropic affinity and can infect various types of cells in the skin.

Objective:To analyze the changing trends of the epidemic characteristics of human brucellosis in Hangzhou City, and to provide a basis for further formulating prevention and control measures.Methods:The epidemic data of brucellosis in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021 were collected from the "China Disease Control and Prevention Information System" and the annual reports, compilations and summaries of prevention and control work of brucellosis in Hangzhou City, and the epidemiological characteristics and trends of brucellosis cases in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2009, 2010 to 2015, and 2016 to 2021 were compared and analyzed.Results:A total of 186 cases of brucellosis were diagnosed in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.151/100 000, ranging from 0.016/100 000 to 0.286/100 000. The incidence rate showed a stage-by-stage upward trend from 2004 to 2009, 2010 to 2015, and 2016 to 2021 ( Z = 3.15, P = 0.002). The age of onset of brucellosis cases was predominantly 18 - 60 years old, accounting for 78.49% (146/186). The male-to-female ratio was 2.10∶1.00 (126∶60). The occupational and non-occupational populations accounted for 62.90% (117/186) and 37.10% (69/186), respectively, with the proportion of non-occupational cases in the three stages being 28.57%, 23.29% and 51.76%, showing an increasing trend (χ 2trend = 9.85, P = 0.002). The regional distribution was dominated by Yuhang District, accounting for 55.91% (104/186), followed by Jianggan District (9.14%, 17/186) and Fuyang District (7.53%, 14/186). The number of brucellosis epidemic counties (cities, districts) increased from 6 to 9. The seasonal analysis showed that the proportion of cases from January to June decreased from 84.93% (23/28) from 2004 to 2009 to 54.12% (46/85) from 2016 to 2021. The proportion of infection from outside the province in the three stages was 0, 10.96% and 27.38%, respectively, showing an upward trend (χ 2trend = 18.16, P < 0.001), the main infected areas were Henan Province, Heilongjiang Province, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In clinical symptoms and signs, the incidence of muscle and joint pain and low back pain increased from 60.71% (17/28) and 10.71% (3/28) from 2004 to 2009, respectively, to 83.53% (71/85) and 25.88% (22/85) from 2016 to 2021, both showing an upward trend (χ 2trend = 9.92, 4.67, P = 0.002, 0.031). Conclusions:The incidence of human brucellosis in Hangzhou City is on the rise, and the number of cases of non-occupational population has increased significantly in recent years. The sheep breeding places have gradually become the high incidence areas of brucellosis in Hangzhou City. It is recommended to strengthen the promotion and education of knowledge on brucellosis prevention among the general public, and focus on actively monitoring human brucellosis in high-risk areas.