Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice. Methods: Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue. Results: Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group. Conclusion Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.

OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of ketamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice based on metabolomics. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and ketamine group （25 mg/kg）， with 12 mice in each group. Each group of mice was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline or corresponding drugs， 4 times a day， for 10 consecutive days. On the last 2 days of drug administration， the cognitive behavior was evaluated by Y maze and novel object recognition test， and the histopathological changes in the prefrontal cortex （PFC） were observed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology was used to analyze the changes of metabolites in PFC， screen for differential metabolites， and perform pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS Compared with the control group， the morphology of PFC neurons in the ketamine group of mice was inconsistent. There were cavities around the nucleus， and the number of deeply stained cells increased. The mean optical density value of the Nissl staining positive area was significantly reduced， and the alternation rate and discrimination index were significantly reduced （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. In the PFC tissue samples of mice of the two groups， there were a total of 114 differential metabolites， including 73 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated metabolites， including glutamine， succinic acid， ketoglutarate， and choline， etc. The differential metabolites mentioned above were mainly enriched in metabolism of alanine， aspartate and glutamate， metabolism of arginine and proline， γ aminobutyric acid synapses， pyrimidine metabolism， cholinergic synapses pathways， etc. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine can induce cognitive impairment in mice. Its neurotoxicity is related to abnormal synaptic transmission and energy metabolism， and neuroimmune regulation disorders.

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial chronic ocular surface disorder that is challenging to manage because its pathogenesis is not well understood. The gut-eye axis theory provides insights into its pathogenesis to guide prevention and treatment. Intestinal flora dysbiosis induces dry eye disease through complex mechanisms involving inflammation, ocular surface microbiota, nerve damage, and microbial metabolites. This article reviews the immunometabolic regulation of the gut-eye axis and summarizes gut flora-targeted interventions(fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotic supplementation, and dietary modification)to provide a theoretical basis for dry eye disease prevention and treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively. Methods: The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model. Results: Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group. Conclusion This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.

Environmental toxicants have been linked to aging and age-related diseases. The emerging evidence has shown that the enhancement of detoxification gene expression is a common transcriptome marker of long-lived mice, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans. Meanwhile, the resistance to toxicants was increased in long-lived animals. Here, we show that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA), a marketed drug for the treatment of cholestasis, may extend the lifespan and healthspan both in C. elegans and chemical-induced early senescent mice. Furthermore, OCA increased the resistance of worms to toxicants and activated the expression of detoxification genes in both mice and C. elegans. The longevity effects of OCA were attenuated in Fxr ^-/- mice and Fxr homologous nhr-8 and daf-12 mutant C. elegans. In addition, metabolome analysis revealed that OCA increased the endogenous agonist levels of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a major nuclear receptor for detoxification regulation, in the liver of mice. Together, our findings suggest that OCA has the potential to lengthen lifespan and healthspan by activating nuclear receptor-mediated detoxification functions, thus, targeting FXR may offer to promote longevity.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Centella asiatica formula (CCA) for alleviating Schistosoma japonicum (Sj)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS: The active components and targets of CCA were identified using the TCMSP database with cross-analysis of Sj-related liver fibrosis targets. A "drug-component-target-pathway-disease" network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1. Functional enrichment analysis (GO/KEGG) was performed using DAVID. Molecular docking study was carried out to validate interactions between the core targets and the key compounds. For experimental validation of the results, 36 mice were divided into control group, Sj-infected model group, and CCA-treated groups. In the latter two groups, liver fibrosis was induced via abdominal infection with Sj cercariae for 8 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of daily treatment with CCA decoction or saline. Hepatic pathology of the mice was assessedwith HE and Masson staining, and hepatic expressions of collagen-I and collagen-III were detected using immunohistochemistry; serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were determined with ELISA. Hepatic expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 proteins were analyzed with Western blotting. RESULTS: We identified a total of 107 bioactive CCA components and 791 targets, including 37 intersection targets linked to Sj-induced fibrosis. The core targets included TNF, TP53, JUN, MMP9, and CXCL8, involving the IL-17 signaling, lipid metabolism, TLR4/MyD88 axis, and cancer pathways. Molecular docking study confirmed strong binding affinity between quercetin (a primary CCA component) and TNF/TP53/JUN/MMP9. In Sj-infected mouse models, CCA treatment significantly attenuated hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, reduced collagen-I and collagen-III deposition, improved tissue architecture, reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and downregulated TLR4 and MyD88 expressions in the liver. CONCLUSIONS CCA mitigates Sj-induced liver fibrosis by targeting TNF, TP53, JUN, and MMP9 to modulate the TLR4/MyD88 pathway, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine release, inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, reducing collagen deposition, and preventing granuloma formation in the liver.
Animals ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; Mice ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism* ; Schistosoma japonicum ; Liver Cirrhosis/parasitology* ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; Signal Transduction ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Inflammation ; Centella/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

The small-molecule alkaloid halofuginone (HF) is obtained from febrifugine. Recent studies on HF have aroused widespread attention owing to its universal range of noteworthy biological activities and therapeutic functions, which range from parasite infections and fibrosis to autoimmune diseases. In particular, HF is believed to play an excellent anticancer role by suppressing the proliferation, adhesion, metastasis, and invasion of cancers. This review supports the goal of demonstrating various anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms of HF. In the studies covered in this review, the anticancer molecular mechanisms of HF mainly included transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad-3/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), serine/threonine kinase proteins (Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)/wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin, the exosomal microRNA-31 (miR-31)/histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) signaling pathway, and the interaction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells. Notably, HF, as a novel type of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent inhibitor that is often combined with prolyl transfer RNA synthetase (ProRS) and amino acid starvation therapy (AAS) to suppress the formation of ribosome, further exerts a significant effect on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the combination of HF with other drugs or therapies obtained universal attention. Our results showed that HF has significant potential for clinical cancer treatment.

To study the carriage status of drug susceptibility, clonal complex groups, serotypes, surface proteins and virulence genes of Streptococcus agalactiae from respiratory specimen sources. A total of 35 strains of S.agalactiae meeting the criteria were collected from 3 hospitals in 2 locations, Tangshan and Jinan. The age span of the patients was 3 days-92 years, and the percentage of elderly patients≥60 years was 71.5%.The susceptibility to 9 antimicrobial drugs was measured and analyzed using the micro broth dilution method. The strains were 100.0% sensitive to penicillin, linezolid, vancomycin, and ceftriaxone; However, it exhibits high resistance rates to erythromycin, clindamycin and levofloxacin, at 97.1%, 85.7% and 82.9% respectively; and the resistance rates to tetracycline and chloramphenicol were 34.3% and 14.2%, respectively. Genome sequence determination and analysis showed that 16 resistance genes were detected in 35 strains, among which: macrolide and lincosamide resistance genes were mainly ermB, with a carrying rate of 74.2%; tetracycline resistance genes were mainly tetM, with a carrying rate of 25.7%; in addition, the mutation rates of the quinolone resistance determinants gyrA and parC were 88.5% and 85.7%, respectively. 35 strains belonged to 6 ST types and 4 clonal groups, with CC10/ST10 as the main one, accounting for 62.8%; they contained 4 serotypes of Ⅰb, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅴ, as well as 1 untyped strain, with serotype Ⅰb as the main one, accounting for 65.7%. The strains carried three pilus types, PI1+PI2a, PI2a and PI2b types, respectively, and detected five surface proteins, alpha, alp1, rib, srr, and r df_0594, and seven virulence factors, cba, cfb, cylE, fbsA, hylB, l mb, and pavA. Overall, S.agalactiae isolated from respiratory tract specimens is predominantly sourced from elderly patients, with CC10 strains being most prevalent. These strains harbor multiple drug-resistant and virulence genes, demonstrating elevated resistance rates to macrolides, lincosamides, and quinolones. This emphasizes the necessity for vigilant attention to the health threat posed by S. agalactiae from respiratory tract speciments of elderly patients.

Objective:By activating gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)neurons in zona incerta(ZI),we observed the alleviation of motor ability impairment in mice treated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS),and investigate the function of GABA neurons in the process of motor function impairment in mice with neuroinflammation.Methods:The central nervous system infection model of C57BU6 mice was eatablished by intraperitoneal injection of LPS.The motor function were detected by open field test and running wheel test in mice.The expression of c-Fos in ZI neurons and ionized calci-um binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba-1)in glial cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining.rAAV-DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry was bilaterally injected into ZI of adult male VGAT-Cre mice through the stereotaxic technique.After three weeks with the virus sufficiently expressing in the neurons,the neuroinflammation model was made by intrabitoneal injection of LPS,and GABAergic neurons were activated by intrabitoneal injection of N-oxyclozapine(CNO)30 min before behavioral tests.The motor ability in mice were detected by open field test and running wheel test.Results:The results of open field experiment and wheel experiment showed that the activity of mice in LPS group was significantly decreased(P＜0.05)compared with the control group.The expression of ZI c-Fos positive protein in the brain of mice was significantly down-regulated with Iba-1 positive protein up-regulating in the ZI.The chemogenetic results showed that the activity of LPS mice was relieved with ZI GABAergic neurons being activated(P＜0.05).Conclusion:The activity of ZI GABAergic neurons was significantly decreased and the motor ability was impaired in mice with neuroin-flammation in the brain.Chemogenetic activation of ZI GABAergic neurons significantly improved the motor ability of inflammatory mice.

AIM:To explore the impact of histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 2(HINT2)on atheroscle-rosis(AS),and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated from patients with chest pain and induced to differentiate into macrophages for assessing HINT2 expression.In vitro,RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were cultured to evaluate inflammatory cytokine levels and cell death in superna-tants.An apolipoprotein E gene knockout(apoE-/-)mouse model of AS was developed to analyze plaque formation,lipid metabolism and macrophage foaminess in the aortic root.Pyroptosis-related protein expression in cultured RAW264.7 cells and the aorta of apoE-/-mice was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS:Significantly reduced HINT2 expression was observed in PBMCs from patients with acute coronary syndrome,which was negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory and positively correlated with anti-inflammatory serum factors,suggesting HINT2's potential role in mitigating AS-related inflammation.In vitro experiments demonstrated that HINT2 overexpression inhibited lipid accumu-lation and foam cell formation in macrophages induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL).It also reduced se-cretion of inflammatory cytokines,including interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-1β,IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α,and de-creased cell death and pyroptosis-related protein expression.In vivo experiments in apoE-/-mice confirmed that HINT2 overexpression lessened plaque burden in the aortic root,reduced macrophage foaminess,and inhibited the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),caspase-1,gasdermin D(GSDMD),IL-1β and IL-18.CONCLUSION:HINT2 potentially inhibits ox-LDL-induced macrophage pyroptosis,attenuates inflammatory responses in AS,and may slow the progression of this disease.