Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.

Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.

This paper reports the clinical pharmacist's participation in the treatment of a patient with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(DVT)after atrial septal defect(ASD)occlusion.The patient developed lower extremity venous thrombosis after ASD occlusion.The clinical pharmacist evaluated the risk of thrombus and bleeding referring to the domestic and foreign literature and considering the patient's age,symptoms,liver and kidney function and medical history.They suggested that the patient was given antithrombotic therapy of nadroparin calcium injection combined with aspirin.Iliac vein thrombosis and cardiac thrombosis were excluded during hospitalization.The patient's symptoms of lower extremity DVT were significantly improved,hence the antithrombotic therapy was not further adjusted.After the antithrombotic therapy,the swelling in the patient's lower extremities had subsided,and the lower extremity DVT was effectively controlled,with no bleeding points observed throughout the body.The patient was discharged from hospital,and the clinical pharmacist suggested the antithrombotic therapy plan that was aspirin combined with rivaroxaban for 3-6 months,and advised the patient to pay attention to the bleeding tendency during medication.The clinician adopted the suggestion.After discharge,venous bilateral doppler ultrasonography of lower extremity showed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis.The clinical pharmacist assisted clinicians to develop individualized antithrombotic therapy and conducted the whole process of pharmaceutical care.This controlled the patient's condition effectively,ensured the safety and effectiveness of drug use,and could provide reference for the management of antithrombotic therapy in patients with venous thrombosis after ASD occlusion.

AIM:Uterine leiomyoma is the most prevalent benign tumor among women of reproductive age.This study aims to investigate the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)in the progression of uterine leiomyoma through the cell division cycle protein 42(Cdc42)/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.METHODS:Clinical data and tissue samples were collected from 36 patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open hysteromyomectomy at the Gynecology Department of Chizhou People's Hospital between January 2022 and December 2023.Immunohistochemi-cal staining was utilized to assess the expression of VEGFA and Cdc42.Cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 as-say,while cell proliferation was measured by EdU staining and flow cytometry.The expression levels of VEGFA,Cdc42,β-catenin,and their downstream targets,cyclin D1 and c-Myc,were analyzed via Western blot.RESULTS:Immunohis-tochemical and Western blot analyses revealed significantly higher levels of VEGFA and Cdc42 in leiomyoma tissues com-pared with normal uterine smooth muscle tissues.Further subgroup analysis via Western blot indicated that the expression levels of VEGFA and Cdc42 were elevated in intermuscular fibroids compared with submucosal and subserous fibroids.The CCK-8 assay demonstrated that VEGF receptor inhibitor axitinib effectively reduced the viability of uterine leiomyoma cells.Moreover,the proliferation capacity of uterine leiomyoma cells was significantly greater than that of normal uterine smooth muscle cells,and axitinib substantially inhibited this proliferation.Western blot results further confirmed signifi-cant increases in the expression of VEGFA,Cdc42,β-catenin,and their downstream proteins,cyclin D1 and c-Myc,in uterine leiomyoma cells.Axitinib was shown to inhibit the expression levels of Cdc42,β-catenin,and their downstream targets,cyclin D1 and c-Myc.The Cdc42 inhibitor ML141 did not affect VEGFA expression,but effectively inhibited the expression of β-catenin and its downstream target proteins,cyclin D1 and c-Myc.CONCLUSION:The VEGFA may play a significant role in the progression of uterine leiomyoma via the Cdc42/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,suggesting that VEGFA could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious intracranial hemorrhage characterized by acute bleeding into the subarachnoid space. The effects of shikonin, a natural compound from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, on oxidative stress and blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury in SAH was evaluated in this study. A rat model of SAH was established by endovascular perforation to mimic the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Rats were then administered 25 mg/kg of shikonin or dimethylsulfoxide after surgery. Brain edema, SAH grade, and neurobehavioral scores were measured after 24 h of SAH to evaluate neurological impairment. Concentrations of the oxidative stress markers superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain cortex were determined using the corresponding commercially available assay kits. Evans blue staining was used to determine BBB permeability. Western blotting was used to quantify protein levels of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-5. After modeling, the brain water content increased significantly whereas the neurobehavioral scores of rats with SAH decreased prominently. MDA levels increased and the levels of the antioxidant enzymes GSH and SOD decreased after SAH. These changes were reversed after shikonin administration. Shikonin treatment also inhibited Evans blue extravasation after SAH. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of tight junction proteins after SAH modeling was rescued after shikonin treatment. In conclusion, shikonin exerts a neuroprotective effect after SAH by mitigating BBB injury and inhibiting oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex.

Objective To investigate the effects of perampanel on the C-C chemokine receptor 5(CCR5)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase A(PKA)/cyclic-AMP response binding protein(CREB)pathway and hippocampal neuronal damage in epileptic rats.Methods Seventy-two male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into epilepsy group,perampanel group,CCR5 inhibitor(maraviroc)group,recombinant CCL5 protein(rCCL5,CCR5 activator)group,perampanel+rCCL5 group,and a control group,with 12 rats in each group.The duration and frequency of epi-leptic seizures were detected in above groups.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of the hippocampal CA1 region.ELISA was employed to measure the contents of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2),TNF-α,and IL-18 in the hippocampal CA1 region.Western blotting was conducted to measure the expression levels of CCR5,PKA,and p-CREB in the hippocampal CA1 region.Results Compared with the control group,the epilepsy group demonstrated badly-arranged and swollen neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region,longer duration of epilepsy,higher seizure frequency,increased COX-2,TNF-α and IL-18 contents in the CA1 region,elevated apoptotic rate and CCR5 protein level,and prolonged escape latency,while less number of crossing platforms and reduced protein levels of PKA and p-CREB(P＜0.05).While,both perampanel and maraviroc treatment could reverse above indicators when compared with the levels of the epilepsy group(P＜0.05).In the rCCL5 group,the neural injury was significantly aggravated,the duration of epilepsy and the frequency of epileptic seizures were increased,the contents of COX-2,TNF-α and IL-18 in the hip-pocampal CA1 region were enhanced,the rate of neuronal apoptosis and the expression of CCR5 protein were significantly enhanced,the escape latency was prolonged,and the number of crossed platforms,PKA,and the expression of p-CREb protein were declined(P＜0.05).When compared with the perampanel group,addition of rCCL5 resulted prolonged duration of epilepsy and escape latency,increased frequency of epileptic seizures and protein levels of COX-2,TNF-α,IL-18 and CCR5,more severe neuronal injury in the CA1 region,less platforms crossed,and decreased pro-tein expression of PKA and p-Creb(P＜0.05).The neural apoptotic rate in the hippocampal CA1 region was significantly higher in the perampanel+rCCL5 group than the perampanel group[(10.58±0.43)％vs(6.36±0.31)％,P＜0.05].Conclusion Perampanel may inhibit neuroin-flammation and neuronal apoptosis in epileptic rats by down-regulating CCR5 and then activating the PKA/CREB pathway,and thus attenuate hippocampal neuronal damage.

Guided by the theory of latent pathogens， it is believed that the basic pathogenesis of adult-onset Still's disease is the latent pathogens in the deep yin level. The onset of the disease is fundamentally characterized by the deficiency of both qi and yin as the root， with dampness， heat， phlegm， and blood stasis as the branch， which triggered by intruding pathogens activate the latent pathogens in yin level. The treatment focuses on nourishing yin and dispersing heat as the key therapeutic method. It is proposed that clearing and resolving dampness-heat， expelling pathogens outward， dispersing the latent pathogens， reinforcing healthy qi and consolidating the root， boosting qi and nourishing yin as treatment idea. In clinic， Qinghao Biejia Decoction （青蒿鳖甲汤） could be used as the basic formula， and modified with characteristic herb pairs such as Qinghao （Artemisia annua） - Digupi （Lycium chinense） to enrich yin and clear heat， and enforce the power of clearing deficient heat； Biejia （Lawsonia inermis） - Xuchangqing （Vincetoxicum mukdenense） to enrich yin and activate blood， unblock the collaterals and dissipate masses； Duhuo （Angelica biserrata） - Mudanpi （Paeonia × suffruticosa） to dispel wind and activate blood， resolve dampness and unblock the collaterals， so as to clear and warm simultaneously， and regulate qi and blood at the same time； and Chuanshanlong （Dioscorea nipponica） - Difuzi （Bassia scoparia） to dissolve stasis and dispel phlegm， explore and dispel latent pathogens.