OBJECTIVE To study the protective effect and potential mechanism of chikusetsu saponin Ⅳ a （chsⅣ） on renal function in diabetic nephropathy （DN） model rats. METHODS DN rat model was established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Thirty-six model rats were randomly divided into model group （i.g. administration of normal saline， high-fat diet）， chsⅣ low-dose and high-dose groups （i.g. administration of 90， 180 mg/kg chsⅣ， high-fat diet）， with 12 rats in each group. Additionally， 10 normal rats were set as the control group （i.g. administration of normal saline， regular diet）. From the 5th to the 12th week after streptozotocin injection， they were given intragastric administration of relevant drug or normal saline， once a day. After the last medication， the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine and urine protein as well as the levels of reduced glutathione （GSH）， superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in renal tissues were measured. Additionally， the insulin resistance index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin， periodic acid-Schiff， and Masson staining techniques were employed to examine the histopathological alterations in the renal tissue. The expressions of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins in renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot methods. RESULTS Compared with model group， the histomorphological of renal tissues in the chsⅣ low- and high-dose groups were significantly improved， with significant decreases in renal histological scores， mesangial expansion index， and glomerulosclerosis scores （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin， blood urea nitrogen， serum creatinine， urine protein and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance， as well as MDA content， the expression levels of Notch1， Notch intracellular domain， hairy and enhancer of Split 1 and Delta-like protein 1 in renal tissue were all significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. The levels of GSH and SOD in renal tissue were significantly elevated （ P ＜0.05）. Moreover， the improvement in these indicators was significantly more pronounced in the chsⅣ high-dose group compared to the chsⅣ low-dose group （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ChsⅣ can ameliorate renal pathological damage and functional impairment in DN rats. Its underlying mechanisms include restoration of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity， attenuation of renal oxidative stress， and suppression of aberrant Notch signaling pathway activation.

Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy has been known to ameliorate the symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), although its mechanism remains unclear. The paper reviews the articles on acupuncture-moxibustion therapy for FGIDs in recent 5 years, and it is revealed that acupuncture-moxibustion therapy can alleviate FGIDs symptoms through regulating gastrointestinal motility, modulating visceral hypersensitivity, improving the impaired gastric-duodenal mucosal barrier and inflammation, balancing intestinal microbiota, and adjusting the gut-brain axis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy remains unknown for FGIDs, the specific disease target is not identified, and the interaction among various molecules is not elucidated adequately. The researches in the future should employ advanced technologies and methodologies to comprehensively and deeply explore and clarify the mechanism of acupuncture- moxibustion therapy for FGIDs.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/microbiology* ; Animals

Abnormal accumulation of collagen fibrils is a hallmark feature of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). However, the precise characteristics and underlying mechanisms remain unclear, impeding the advancement of potential therapeutic approaches. Here, we observed that collagen I, the main component of the extracellular matrix, first accumulated in the lamina propria and subsequently in the submucosa of OSF specimens as the disease progressed. Using RNA-seq and Immunofluorescence in OSF specimens, we screened the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) responsible for the abnormal collagen accumulation. Genetic COMP deficiency reduced arecoline-stimulated collagen I deposition significantly in vivo. In comparison, both COMP and collagen I were upregulated under arecoline stimulation in wild-type mice. Human oral buccal mucosal fibroblasts (hBMFs) also exhibited increased secretion of COMP and collagen I after stimulation in vitro. COMP knockdown in hBMFs downregulates arecoline-stimulated collagen I secretion. We further demonstrated that hBMFs present heterogeneous responses to arecoline stimulation, of which COMP-positive fibroblasts secrete more collagen I. Since COMP is a molecular bridge with Fibril-associated collagens with Interrupted Triple helices (FACIT) in the collagen network, we further screened and identified collagen XIV, a FACIT member, co-localizing with both COMP and collagen I. Collagen XIV expression increased under arecoline stimulation in wild-type mice, whereas it was hardly expressed in the Comp^-/- mice, even with under stimulation. In summary, we found that COMP may mediates abnormal collagen I deposition by functions with collagen XIV during the progression of OSF, suggesting its potential to be targeted in treating OSF.
Oral Submucous Fibrosis/pathology* ; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein/genetics* ; Animals ; Mice ; Humans ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Collagen Type I/metabolism* ; Arecoline/pharmacology* ; Mouth Mucosa/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique

ObjectiveTo investigate the infection characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, from 2013 to 2023, so as to provide an evidence for the prevention and control of RSV in Shanghai. MethodsChildren who sought medical care at sentinel healthcare facilities in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, between January 2013 and December 2023 and met the case definition of ARI were included in the study. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and tested for viral pathogens using real-time fluorescene PCR, and the clinical information of whom was collected simultaneously. ResultsA total of 4 980 children were included in the ARI surveillance, among whom 231 tested positive for RSV, with an overall detection rate of 4.64%. Of these, 106 cases were type A and 125 were type B. From 2013 to 2023, the detection rate of RSV in children showed an overall trend of initial increase followed by a decline, with higher detection rates in autumn and winter and lower rates in spring and summer. The RSV detection rate gradually decreased with age, with the highest rate observed in children <1 year old, accounting for 16.33% (80/490) of RSV-detection cases. Cough was the most common clinical symptom. Among the RSV-positive cases, 36 involved co-infection with another virus, 6 co-infected with three viruses, and 1 with mixed infection of four viruses. The most frequent co-infection was RSV and human coronavirus. ConclusionChildren under 1 year of age are more susceptible to RSV infection, with cough being the predominant symptom. RSV infection in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, mainly occurs in winter. Targeted prevention and control measures should be taken for children under 1 year old during the winter season to reduce the risk of both RSV infection and co-infection with human coronavirus and influenza virus.

Objective:To explore the specific mechanism of lactic acid(LA)on regulating decidual macrophage differentia-tion in pre-eclampsia(PE)through non-receptor tyrosine kinase sarcoma virus protein/lactate dehydrogenase A(SRC/LDHA)signaling pathway.Methods:Decidual tissues were collected from 16 women with preeclampsia(PE)and 16 women with normal pregnancies during the same period.Immunofluorescence was used to assess macrophage subtypes and LA secretion in decidual tissues.Biochemi-cal assays and Western blot were performed to measure levels of LA,LDHA and MCT-4 in tissues.Biochemical assays were conducted to measure LA level in supernatants of normal trophoblast cells under different cell densities and oxygen conditions.Flow cytometry was used to assess polarization of macrophages in normal decidual tissues under different conditions of LA,oxygen and culture media.qRT-PCR,Western blot,ROS,and NAD+/NADH measurements were performed to evaluate mRNA and protein levels related to gly-colysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation,as well as proteins associated with SRC/LDHA signaling pathway,ROS level,and NAD+/NADH.Thirty pregnant rats were divided into normal group,model group,low-,medium-,high-dose AZD3965 groups,with 6 rats in each group.PE model was established,and the systolic blood pressure and urinary protein levels of pregnant rats were measured at various time points.On gestational day 20,the placental and fetal development in each group were compared.Immunofluo-rescence was used to assess trophoblast cell invasion and uterine spiral artery remodeling in decidual tissues.Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate fetal vascular development and macrophage polarization.Results:Compared with nor-mal pregnant women,patients with PE exhibited an increased proportion of M1 macrophages,CK7+LDHA+,CK7+MCT-4+cells,LA,LDHA and MCT-4(P<0.05),while proportion of M2 macrophages was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with normoxic conditions,LA level in supernatant of trophoblast cells was significantly increased under hypoxic conditions(P<0.05).Under normoxic condition,compared with control groups,conditioned culture group showed a decreased M1/M2 macrophage(P<0.05).LA group exhibited in-creased expressions of NDUFA1,NDUFA2,UQCRC1,UQCRC2,COX4I1,COX4I2,ATP5F1A,ATP5F1B mRNA,and SDHB,COX4I1,LDHB,p-SRC(Y416),p-LDHA(Y10),VEGF and ARG-1 protein(P<0.05).NAD+/NADH was decreased(P<0.05).PX478 group showed increased expression of p-SRC(P<0.05).LA+PX478 group exhibited increased expressions of p-SRC(Y416)and p-LDHA(Y10)(P<0.05),while VEGF expression was decreased(P<0.05).Under hypoxic conditions,compared with control groups,the conditioned culture group,LA group and LA+PX478 group exhibited an increased M1/M2 macrophage(P<0.05).LA group showed upregulated expressions of LDHA mRNA,HIF-1α,LDHA,p-SRC(Y416),p-LDHA(Y10)and iNOS(P<0.05),while mRNA expression of LDHB and protein expressions of NDUFA1 and UQCRC2 were downregulated(P<0.05).ROS level and NAD+/NADH were decreased(P<0.05).PX478 group demonstrated reduced HIF-1α expression(P<0.05)and increased p-SRC(Y416)expression(P<0.05).LA+PX478 group showed decreased HIF-1α expression(P<0.05)and increased p-LDHA(Y10)ex-pression(P<0.05).Compared with LA group,LA+PX478 group exhibited elevated ROS level(P<0.05)and a reduced NAD+/NADH(P<0.05).Compared with normal group,pregnant rats in model group exhibited increased blood pressure,urine protein levels and an elevated M1/M2 in decidual tissue(P<0.05).The fetal mice exhibited abnormal development,with inadequate trophoblast cell infiltra-tion,impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling,a decreased number of fetal blood vessels in placental labyrinthine layer,and nar-rowed lumens.Compared with model group,the low,medium,and high-dose AZD3965 groups showed decreased blood pressure,urine protein levels and M1/M2(P<0.05).Additionally,there was an improvement in fetal mouse development,trophoblast cell infil-tration and uterine spiral artery remodeling.The number of fetal blood vessels in placental labyrinthine layer increased,and the lu-mens expanded.Conclusion:LA can regulate macrophage polarization in decidua of PE through SRC/LDHA pathway,and blocking LA uptake can alleviate the pathological manifestations in pregnant rats with PE.

Objective To analyze the current status of outcome measures in randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of acupuncture treatment for vascular dementia(VD)and promote the development of a standardized set of outcome measures.Methods Chinese and English literature databases were searched,including the Chinese Medical Periodical Full-Text Database,the Chinese Biology Medicine disc,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data,VIP Database,PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,Web of Science,Chinese Clinical Trials Registry,and the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry.Two researchers independently screened RCT literature on acupuncture treatment for VD between January 1,2015 and January 1,2025,risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.Extract basic study information,intervention measures,diagnostic criteria for both Chinese and Western medicine,TCM syndromes,and outcome measures.Summarize the indicator domains of RCT studies on acupuncture treatment for VD,and analyze the basic information and outcome measures of the included studies.Results A preliminary search identified 2,898 articles,of which 93 RCTs were ultimately included.These studies involved 84 outcome measures,covering six indicator domains:symptoms/signs(23.81%),traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes(3.57%),medical checkups(60.71%),quality of life(5.95%),safety assessment(4.76%),and prognosis follow-up(1.19%).A total of 91(97.85%)RCTs reported treatment duration,ranging from 2 to 24 weeks;72(77.42%)RCTs used clinical efficacy as the outcome indicator;11 studies(11.83%)reported safety assessments and adverse events.Conclusion Currently,the RCT study design for acupuncture treatment of VD lacks unified standards and has numerous methodological issues.These include insufficient description of sample size estimation processes,strong reliance on subjective rating scales,ambiguous definitions of primary and secondary outcome measures,incomplete integration of Chinese and Western medical indicators,and insufficient reflection of individualized syndrome differentiation and treatment characteristics.In addition,safety assessments and follow-up mechanisms remain relatively weak.Future research should focus on the essential nature of VD,establish a core set of indicators aligned with the clinical characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine,promote the scientific and standardized development of acupuncture research for VD,and provide more compelling evidence-based support for clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanisms of bexarotene in treating double hit lymphoma(DHL)based on Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis(WGCNA),thereby providing potential targets and experimental evidence for DHL treatment.Methods:The gene expression datasets GSE44164 and GSE43677 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,and differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified.WGCNA was employed to identify gene modules associated with DHL.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed to screen for key hub genes.Drug-gene association analysis was conducted using the EpiMed platform to identify potential targeted drugs for DHL.The effects of bexarotene on DHL cell proliferation and key protein expression were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay and Western blotting(WB),and its effects on cell apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry.Results:WGCNA identified a turquoise module highly associated with DHL,and 10 hub genes(COL1A2,COL3A1,MMP2,COL5A2,DCN,BGN,FN1,MMP9,FBN1,and LUM)were screened from the PPI network.Drug association analysis nominated bexarotene as a potential therapeutic agent.In vitro validation demonstrated that bexarotene significantly inhibited U2932 cell viability(P<0.05),promoted cell apoptosis(P<0.001),and downregulated c-Myc and COL1A2 expression(P<0.05).Conclusion:Bexarotene may exert anti-DHL effects by suppressing the c-Myc signaling pathway and modulating extracellular matrix-related genes.Further studies are warranted to validate its in vivo efficacy and potential for combination therapy.

BACKGROUND:Osteosarcoma has a complex pathogenesis and a poor prognosis.While advancements in medical technology have led to some improvements in the 5-year survival rate,substantial progress in its treatment has not yet been achieved. OBJECTIVE:To screen key molecular markers in osteosarcoma,analyze their relationship with osteosarcoma treatment drugs,and explore the potential disease mechanisms of osteosarcoma at the molecular level. METHODS:GSE99671 and GSE284259(miRNA)datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Differential gene expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis(WGCNA)on GSE99671 were performed.Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes separately for the differentially expressed genes and the module genes with the highest positive correlation to the disease.The intersection of these module genes and differentially expressed genes was taken as key genes.A Protein-Protein Interaction network was constructed,and correlation analysis on the key genes was performed using CytoScape software,and hub genes were identified.Hub genes were externally validated using the GSE28425 dataset and text validation was conducted.The drug sensitivity of hub genes was analyzed using the CellMiner database,with a threshold of absolute value of correlation coefficient|R|>0.3 and P<0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Differential gene expression analysis identified 529 differentially expressed genes,comprising 177 upregulated and 352 downregulated genes.WGCNA analysis yielded a total of 592 genes with the highest correlation to osteosarcoma.(2)Gene Ontology enrichment results indicated that the development of osteosarcoma may be associated with extracellular matrix,bone cell differentiation and development,human immune regulation,and collagen synthesis and degradation.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results showed the involvement of pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,focal adhesion signaling pathway,and immune response in the onset of osteosarcoma.(3)The intersection analysis revealed a total of 59 key genes.Through Protein-Protein Interaction network analysis,8 hub genes were selected,which were LUM,PLOD1,PLOD2,MMP14,COL11A1,THBS2,LEPRE1,and TGFB1,all of which were upregulated.(4)External validation revealed significantly downregulated miRNAs that regulate the hub genes,with hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-150-5p showing the most significant downregulation.Text validation results demonstrated that the expression of hub genes was consistent with previous research.(5)Drug sensitivity analysis indicated a negative correlation between the activity of methotrexate,6-mercaptopurine,and pazopanib with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,PLOD2,and MMP14.Moreover,zoledronic acid and lapatinib showed a positive correlation with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,LUM,MMP14,PLOD2,and TGFB1.This suggests that zoledronic acid and lapatinib may be potential therapeutic drugs for osteosarcoma,but further validation is required through additional basic experiments and clinical studies.

Objective:To explore the specific mechanism of lactic acid(LA)on regulating decidual macrophage differentia-tion in pre-eclampsia(PE)through non-receptor tyrosine kinase sarcoma virus protein/lactate dehydrogenase A(SRC/LDHA)signaling pathway.Methods:Decidual tissues were collected from 16 women with preeclampsia(PE)and 16 women with normal pregnancies during the same period.Immunofluorescence was used to assess macrophage subtypes and LA secretion in decidual tissues.Biochemi-cal assays and Western blot were performed to measure levels of LA,LDHA and MCT-4 in tissues.Biochemical assays were conducted to measure LA level in supernatants of normal trophoblast cells under different cell densities and oxygen conditions.Flow cytometry was used to assess polarization of macrophages in normal decidual tissues under different conditions of LA,oxygen and culture media.qRT-PCR,Western blot,ROS,and NAD+/NADH measurements were performed to evaluate mRNA and protein levels related to gly-colysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation,as well as proteins associated with SRC/LDHA signaling pathway,ROS level,and NAD+/NADH.Thirty pregnant rats were divided into normal group,model group,low-,medium-,high-dose AZD3965 groups,with 6 rats in each group.PE model was established,and the systolic blood pressure and urinary protein levels of pregnant rats were measured at various time points.On gestational day 20,the placental and fetal development in each group were compared.Immunofluo-rescence was used to assess trophoblast cell invasion and uterine spiral artery remodeling in decidual tissues.Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate fetal vascular development and macrophage polarization.Results:Compared with nor-mal pregnant women,patients with PE exhibited an increased proportion of M1 macrophages,CK7+LDHA+,CK7+MCT-4+cells,LA,LDHA and MCT-4(P<0.05),while proportion of M2 macrophages was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with normoxic conditions,LA level in supernatant of trophoblast cells was significantly increased under hypoxic conditions(P<0.05).Under normoxic condition,compared with control groups,conditioned culture group showed a decreased M1/M2 macrophage(P<0.05).LA group exhibited in-creased expressions of NDUFA1,NDUFA2,UQCRC1,UQCRC2,COX4I1,COX4I2,ATP5F1A,ATP5F1B mRNA,and SDHB,COX4I1,LDHB,p-SRC(Y416),p-LDHA(Y10),VEGF and ARG-1 protein(P<0.05).NAD+/NADH was decreased(P<0.05).PX478 group showed increased expression of p-SRC(P<0.05).LA+PX478 group exhibited increased expressions of p-SRC(Y416)and p-LDHA(Y10)(P<0.05),while VEGF expression was decreased(P<0.05).Under hypoxic conditions,compared with control groups,the conditioned culture group,LA group and LA+PX478 group exhibited an increased M1/M2 macrophage(P<0.05).LA group showed upregulated expressions of LDHA mRNA,HIF-1α,LDHA,p-SRC(Y416),p-LDHA(Y10)and iNOS(P<0.05),while mRNA expression of LDHB and protein expressions of NDUFA1 and UQCRC2 were downregulated(P<0.05).ROS level and NAD+/NADH were decreased(P<0.05).PX478 group demonstrated reduced HIF-1α expression(P<0.05)and increased p-SRC(Y416)expression(P<0.05).LA+PX478 group showed decreased HIF-1α expression(P<0.05)and increased p-LDHA(Y10)ex-pression(P<0.05).Compared with LA group,LA+PX478 group exhibited elevated ROS level(P<0.05)and a reduced NAD+/NADH(P<0.05).Compared with normal group,pregnant rats in model group exhibited increased blood pressure,urine protein levels and an elevated M1/M2 in decidual tissue(P<0.05).The fetal mice exhibited abnormal development,with inadequate trophoblast cell infiltra-tion,impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling,a decreased number of fetal blood vessels in placental labyrinthine layer,and nar-rowed lumens.Compared with model group,the low,medium,and high-dose AZD3965 groups showed decreased blood pressure,urine protein levels and M1/M2(P<0.05).Additionally,there was an improvement in fetal mouse development,trophoblast cell infil-tration and uterine spiral artery remodeling.The number of fetal blood vessels in placental labyrinthine layer increased,and the lu-mens expanded.Conclusion:LA can regulate macrophage polarization in decidua of PE through SRC/LDHA pathway,and blocking LA uptake can alleviate the pathological manifestations in pregnant rats with PE.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of water-borne endemic fluorosis in Anhui Province, and provide basic data for the adjusting the prevention and control measures.Methods:Using cross-sectional survey method, all villages in the water-borne endemic fluorosis areas were investigated in Anhui Province from 2019 to 2022. In water-borne endemic fluorosis village, the situation of water improvement project and the fluoride level of drinking water were investigated, and dental fluorosis of all children aged 8 - 12 was examined. The criteria for determining the achievement of control targets for water-borne endemic fluorosis in affected counties were based on the "Evaluation Measures for Control and Elimination of Key Endemic Diseases (2019 Edition)".Results:From 2019 to 2022, the rate of water improvement village in water-borne endemic fluorosis areas were 88.47% (1 527/1 726), 100% (1 726/1 726), 100% (1 726/1 726) and 100% (1 726/1 726), respectively. The qualified proportion of water fluoride in water-borne endemic fluorosis villages was 33.84% (584/1 726), 63.09% (1 089/1 726), 70.74% (1 221/1 726) and 74.33% (1 283/1 726), respectively. The prevalence rates of dental fluorosis in children aged 8 - 12 were 25.48% (45 461/178 440), 15.78% (27 959/177 200), 13.68% (23 505/171 880) and 12.66% (23 315/184 200), respectively. The proportion of affected counties that had achieved the control target of water-borne endemic fluorosis was 16% (4/25), 60% (15/25), 36% (9/25) and 40% (10/25), respectively.Conclusions:The water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Anhui Province have improved the water fluoride qualification rate and reduced the incidence of fluorosis in children through prevention and control measures such as water improvement and fluoride reduction. However, the prevention and control efforts in key areas and counties need to be further improved.