Objective: To investigate the mechanism of action of Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) to improve cholesterol metabolism in osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes based on the long noncoding RNA nuclear-enriched transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1)/microRNA-128-3p (miR-128-3p) pathway. Methods: For in vivo experiments, 60 mice were divided into the normal, sham operation, model, and POG groups using the random number table method, with 15 mice per group. The osteoarthritis mouse model was constructed using the modified Hulth method in the model and POG groups. Mice in the POG group were administered 30 mg/(kg·d)POG by gavage. The other groups were administered an equal amount of normal saline for 8 weeks. The cartilage tissue structure of mice in each group was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Real-time PCR was used to detect changes in the lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-128-3p mRNA expression levels in the cartilage tissues of mice. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), liver X receptor β (LXRβ), matrix metalloprotein-3 (MMP-3), and B-lymphoblastoma-2-associated X protein (Bax) in articular cartilage of mice. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content in the synovial fluid of mice. A biochemical microplate assay was used to measure the total cholesterol level in the synovial fluid of mice. The in vitro experiments were divided into the negative control, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-1β+ POG, IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1, IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 + POG, IL-1β + miR-128-3p inhibition, and IL-1β+ miR-128-3p inhibition+ POG groups. An OA model was established by inducing chondrocytes with IL-1β for 24 h, and 90 mg/L of POG and miR-128-3p inhibitor(50 nmol/L) were administered for 48 h as an intervention. lncRNA NEAT1 expression in chondrocytes was detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization. A dual luciferase assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-128-3p. Lentiviral plasmids overexpressing lncRNA NEAT1 were used to transfect mouse chondrocytes. Real-time PCR was used to detect the effect of lncRNA NEAT1 overexpression on the mRNA level of miR-128-3p in chondrocytes. Western blotting was used to detect ABCA1, LXRβ, MMP-3, and Bax protein expression in chondrocytes after lncRNA NEAT1 overexpression and miR-128-3p inhibition. Results: POG significantly reduced OA cartilage tissue damage. Compared with the model group, the lncRNA NEAT1 mRNA level decreased, whereas the miR-128-3p mRNA level increased in the cartilage tissue of the POG group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, ABCA1 and LXRβ protein expression increased in the POG group, whereas MMP-3 and Bax protein expression decreased (P<0.05). The TNF-α levels decreased in the POG group compared to the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the total cholesterol level in the synovial fluid of the joint of mice in the POG group decreased (P<0.05). The mean fluorescence intensity of lncRNA NEAT1 in the IL-1β+ POG group decreased compared with the IL-1β group (P<0.05). The relative luciferase activity in the miR-128-3p mimics group bound to the lncRNA NEAT1-WT plasmid decreased compared with the miR-128-3p negative control group (P<0.05). The lncRNA NEAT1 mRNA levels decreased, whereas the miR-128-3p mRNA levels increased in the IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 + POG group compared with the IL-1β+ oe-lncRNA NEAT1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the IL-1β+ POG group, ABCA1 and LXRβ protein expression decreased, whereas MMP-3 and Bax protein expression increased (P<0.05). Conclusion POG mediates lncRNA NEAT1/miR-128-3p to improve cholesterol metabolism in OA chondrocytes.

ObjectiveTo systematically organize the relevant research on the treatment of uterine fibroids with Xiaojie'an capsules through clinical evidence evaluation and comprehensive value analysis in the "6+1" dimension，highlighting the efficacy and characteristics of Xiaojie'an capsules. MethodsBased on evidence-based medicine，epidemiology，pharmacoeconomics，health technology assessment （HTA）， and other methodologies，this study adopted qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. Through a questionnaire survey，official website data information，published literature， and secondary evaluation of real world data，a total of "6+1" dimensions were used to build an evaluation system for the safety，effectiveness，economy，innovation，suitability，accessibility of Chinese patent medicines， and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines. Results① Safety：From January 2009 to March 2023，the National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center reported 159 cases （248 cases） of general adverse reactions and four cases of serious adverse reactions to Xiaojie'an capsules，all of which were classified as general adverse reactions after expert judgment. Through literature search，a total of 6 865 patients were treated with Xiaojie'an capsules，of which 26 articles reported adverse reactions to Xiaojie'an capsules，resulting in a total of 244 adverse reactions. The clinical manifestations of adverse reactions to Xiaojie'an capsules include nausea，vomiting，stomach discomfort，diarrhea，rash，itching，dizziness，headache，insomnia，etc. The prognosis was good， and the drug surveillance system was sound. Based on the evaluation of known risks and sufficient evidence，in terms of known risk assessment， according to the monitoring results of the spontaneous reporting system （SRS）， there were four cases of serious adverse reactions to Xiaojie'an capsules. After expert discussion， the four cases of serious adverse reactions were finally judged as general adverse reactions， and the known risks were considered to be small in combination with the known risk evaluation criteria. According to the types of studies carried out on Xiaojie'an capsules （randomized controlled trial and its systematic review， SRS data analysis， real world human experience studies， and non-clinical safety studies） and the evaluation criteria of sufficient evidence， it was considered that Xiaojie'an capsules had sufficient evidence. The safety evidence of this variety was sufficient， and the result was confirmed. ② Effectiveness： Meta-analysis results showed that the combination of Xiaojie'an capsules and Mifepristone tablets had better clinical efficacy compared to Mifepristone tablets alone and had a better effect in reducing the maximum uterine fibroid volume. Due to limitations and imprecision caused by downgrading factors，the quality of evidence was evaluated as Grade C. Based on comprehensive effectiveness evidence and value evaluation，the effectiveness evidence of this variety was relatively sufficient， and the results were clear ③ Economy：The economic evaluation results showed that treating one more patient with uterine fibroid required an additional cost of 5 438.57 yuan by using the combination of Xiaojie'an capsules and Mifepristone tablets，which was lower than the patient's willingness to pay （36 883 yuan according to 2022 National Bureau of Statistics data）. This suggested that compared with using Mifepristone tablets alone，the combination of Xiaojie'an capsules and Mifepristone tablets had a certain economy. The sensitivity analysis results were relatively robust，indicating that this variety had good economy ④ Innovation：Currently，most traditional Chinese medicine treatments for uterine fibroids advocate the method of attacking evil，which can easily harm the body. However，Xiaojie'an capsules not only soften and disperse nodules but also balance supporting the body and supplementing deficiency. The comprehensive evaluation showed sufficient evidence of the innovation of this variety，and the results were confirmed. ⑤ Suitability： The service information of Chinese patent medicines derived from the drug was complete，and the questionnaire survey results showed that the drug was suitable for clinicians，nurses，pharmacists， and patients in multiple dimensions such as individual compliance，system， and management. The comprehensive evaluation of the suitability of the product had sufficient evidence and clear results. ⑥ Accessibility：The daily cost of Xiaojie'an capsules was 16.97 yuan，and the treatment cost was 407.16 yuan. It was affordable for urban residents and rural residents and was available for sale in 23 provinces， cities，municipalities，and autonomous regions across the country. The medicinal resources were abundant and sustainably supplied，and there was sufficient evidence of accessibility with clear results. ⑦ Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine：Xiaojie'an capsules were derived from the classic Dai medicine formula of Dr. CHEN Benshan，a renowned Dai doctor，and they have been clinically used for over 20 years. Dai medicine originated from Xishuangbanna，Yunnan province，with the core theory of "four pagodas and five elements". The comprehensive evaluation showed that this variety exhibited significant characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. ⑧ Comprehensive evaluation of clinical value：Based on the "6+1" dimensions mentioned above，combined with the multi-criteria decision analysis （MCDA） model and calculations using CSC v2.0 software，the results showed that there was sufficient evidence for the clinical value of Xiaojie'an capsules，and the results were clear. ConclusionThe comprehensive evaluation of Xiaojie'an capsules has sufficient evidence of safety and innovation，and the results are confirmed. The evidence of effectiveness，suitability，and accessibility is relatively sufficient，with clear results. The economy is good，and the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine are prominent. The comprehensive evaluation of clinical value believes that there is sufficient evidence of the clinical value of Xiaojie'an capsules，and the results are clear. In the future，it is recommended to focus on clinical value， conduct high-quality and effective research that is in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine， and improve acute toxicity testing to provide a scientific and objective basis for clinical efficacy and safety research.

Objective To explore the repair effect and mechanism of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(hAMSCs)on endometrial injury.Methods hAMSCs were isolated using a two-enzyme digestion and then cultured.The third-passage(P3)cells were harvested to detect the surface markers by flow cytometry and to identify their trilineage differentiation potentials.Eighteen nulliparous female SD rats(8～9 weeks old,weighing 250～280 g)were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=6):normal control group,model group,and hAMSCs group.A rat model of intrauterine adhesions(IUA)was established in SD rats by using curettage combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)infection.In 2 weeks after modeling,the hAMSCs group received a bilateral uterine horn transplantation of 0.2 mL hAMSCs(1.0×10? cells/mL),while the model group received a same volume of PBS into both uterine horns.All rats were sacrificed in 2 weeks after transplantation.HE and Masson staining was used to observe endometrial thickness and gland number as well as endometrial fibrosis area.RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1,Smad3,Smad7,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)markers(E-cadherin,Vimentin),fibrosis factor α-SMA,and endometrial estrogen receptor(ER)and progesterone receptor(PR)in endometrial tissues.Results The obtained cells were identified as hAMSCs due to the characteristics of surface markers and differentiation potentials.Compared with the normal control group,the model group showed decreased endometrial thickness,reduced gland number,increased fibrosis area,and enhanced mRNA and protein levels of fibrosis-related factors TGF-β1,Smad3,Vimentin,and α-SMA(P<0.01),while down-regulation of fibrosis-inhibiting molecule Smad7,the EMT marker E-cadherin,and endometrial receptors ER and PR at both mRNA and protein levels(P<0.01).hAMSCs transplantation increased endometrial thickness and gland number,decreased fibrosis area,and down-regulated mRNA expression of the aforementioned fibrosis-related factors(P<0.01),and up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of Smad7,E-cadherin,ER,and PR(P<0.01).The hAMSCs group also exhibited obviously down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1,Smad3,and α-SMA(P<0.05),while enhanced protein levels of Smad7 and PR(P<0.05).Conclusion Intrauterine transplantation of hAMSCs can promote the repair of endometrial injury,and inhibits endometrial EMT and fibrosis through the TGF-β1/Smad7 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo comprehensively assess the clinical value of Duliang soft capsules in the treatment of migraine with wind-cold blood stasis syndrome， and to provide guidance for national medical decision-making， clinical drug promotion， and pharmaceutical services. MethodThe evaluation of Duliang soft capsules' clinical value was conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for the Management of Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation of Drugs （Trial Version， 2021） using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Utilizing the CSC v2.0 software， this study conducted a comprehensive clinical evaluation of Duliang soft capsules across the "6+1" dimensions， including safety pre- and post-market launch， effectiveness in treating migraine， economy （cost-effectiveness）， and innovation， suitability， accessibility， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） characteristics in both its technology and clinical applications. ResultSafety： Duliang soft capsules were found to have good safety based on evidence from known adverse reactions （spontaneous reporting system （SRS） data， literature data， etc.）， pre-marketing toxicological research， and post-marketing drug monitoring. Effectiveness： A meta-analysis indicated that the combination of Duliang soft capsules and western medicine was more effective than Western medicine alone in the treatment of migraine. The product's effectiveness was rated as "Best" based on the quality and value of the evidence. Economy： Duliang soft capsules are moderately priced and categorized as a Type B medical insurance product. Economic research indicated that the combination of Western medicine and Duliang soft capsules was more cost-effective than Western medicine alone. The product's economy was rated as "Better". Innovation： Duliang soft capsules， with Angelicae Dahuricae Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma as the main components， hold one invention patent and have been awarded the China Patent Excellence Award. The pharmaceutical company has introduced innovative extraction （CO₂ supercritical extraction technology） and formulation （soft capsule） processes. The product's innovation was rated as "Better". Suitability： A questionnaire survey on Duliang soft capsules showed that it was well-suited for both patients and healthcare professionals. The product received a comprehensive assessment of suitability through the "Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine Information Services". The product's suitability was rated as "Best". Accessibility： Duliang soft capsules are moderately priced， making them accessible and affordable. The product's accessibility was rated as "Good" based on evidence from these three aspects. TCM characteristics： The formulation of Duliang soft capsules can be traced back to WANG Qiu's Selected Formulas from the Praiseworthy Studio （Shi Zhai Bai Yi Xuan Fang） from the Song Dynasty， and it was documented in ZHANG Jiebin's The Complete Works of Zhang Jing-yue （Jing Yue Quan Shu） as "Duliangwan". The product has been extensively studied with over 2000 clinical cases since its market launch， and its TCM characteristics were rated as outstanding with sufficient evidence. ConclusionThe comprehensive clinical value evaluation of Duliang soft capsules demonstrated its high effectiveness， suitability， and accessibility， and outstanding TCM characteristics. The product's safety， economy， and innovation received good ratings. In summary， Duliang soft capsules exhibited significant clinical value and outstanding TCM characteristics， the evidence was sufficient， and the result was confirmed， providing crucial references for clinical decision-making and pharmaceutical management.

ObjectiveTo systematically review the existing evidence of Tongxiening（TXN） Granules in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-D） with liver Qi invading spleen syndrome，and evaluate the clinical comprehensive value from the 6+1 dimension，providing references for national medical decision-making，drug clinical application promotion，pharmaceutical services，etc. MethodFollowing the relevant standards of the "Guidelines for the Management of Clinical Evidence and Value Evaluation of Drugs"， a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches based on evidence-based medicine，questionnaire surveys，pharmacoeconomic evaluation，etc.，was employed. Multi-criteria decision analysis （MCDA） model was employed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical evidence and value of TXN Granules in the treatment of IBS-D with liver Qi invading spleen syndrome from the "6+1" dimensions of effectiveness，safety，economy，innovation，suitability，accessibility， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） characteristics Result① Safety： Based on the evaluation of known risks and adequacy of safety evidence， TXN granules were considered to have controllable risks with sufficient safety evidence. ② Effectiveness： Meta-analysis showed that TXN granules combined with probiotics could reduce the intestinal symptom score level of IBS-D patients ［mean difference （MD）=-2.29， 95% confidence interval （CI） （-3.20， -1.38）， P<0.01］， and TXN granules combined with conventional treatments （such as Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules，pinaverium bromide tablets，or trimebutine maleate tablets）effectively improved the comprehensive improvement rate of IBS-D patients ［relative risk （RR）=1.19， 95%CI （1.14，1.25）， P<0.01］. TXN granules significantly improved abdominal pain ［RR=1.99， 95%CI （1.62，2.44）， P < 0.01］ and diarrhea efficacy rate ［RR = 1.56， 95% CI （1.07，2.25）， P<0.05］ in IBS-D patients. TXN granules were comparable to pinaverium bromide tablets in reducing HAMA score ［MD = 0.29， 95% CI （-0.30， 0.88）， P=0.34］， HAMD score ［MD=0.35， 95%CI （-0.31，1.00），P=0.30］， and improving IBS-QOL score ［MD = 0.28， 95%CI （-1.70，2.26）， P=0.78］. Based on the quality of evidence and evidence value assessment of effectiveness， it was considered that there was sufficient evidence of effectiveness for this product. ③ Economy： TXN granules are a national medical insurance category B product. After 5 years of simulation with three kinds of Markov models， it was considered that TXN granules were the advantageous treatment option with stable results and good economy. ④ Innovation： TXN granules adhered to original innovation， conducting research and development from clinical application， product components， and production processes. They have obtained national TCM new drug certificates， first prizes from the China Association of Chinese Medicine for Science and Technology， and excellent awards for Chinese patents， providing sufficient innovative evidence in clinical， corporate， and industrial aspects. ⑤ Suitability： The information service of this drug is comprehensive. The questionnaire survey results showed that this drug was suitable for clinical doctors， nurses， pharmacists， and patients in terms of individual compliance， system， and management across multiple dimensions. The overall assessment showed sufficient evidence of suitability for this product. ⑥ Accessibility： The daily cost of TXN granules accounts for 2.43% of the median disposable daily income of urban residents and 9.26% of rural residents， which is moderate and reasonable compared to similar drugs. There is sufficient evidence of affordability， and it is sold nationwide covering all 31 provinces， municipalities， and autonomous regions， with full accessibility evidence and clear results. TCM characteristics： TXN granules originate from the prescription for treating diarrhea in Danxi's Experiential Therapy. They are derived from classical formulas and have undergone multiple clinical trials involving 5 000 cases since their launch， accumulating a certain amount of human use experience. Based on the principles of evaluating TCM characteristics， TXN granules highlight TCM characteristics. The comprehensive value measured using CSC V2.0 software is 0.83 points based on the results of “6+1” dimensions. ConclusionBased on the evaluation results of TXN granules in various dimensions and the comprehensive evaluation score， it is considered that there is sufficient clinical value evidence for TXN granules in treating IBS-D with liver Qi invading spleen syndrome， which can provide references for clinical decision-making and pharmaceutical management. It is suggested for future research to conduct network Meta-analysis， conduct horizontal comparisons of similar TCM treatments for IBS-D， improve the quality of evidence-based evidence， and fully leverage the clinical value advantages of TXN granules.

Since the concept of mixed connective tissue disease was proposed，it remains controversial in its pathogenesis and diagnosis.Mixed connective tissue disease is generally recognized as a disease entity characterized by overlapping clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus，systemic sclerosis，and polymyositis，as well as high titers of serum anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein antibody.Studies have shown that up to 1/4 of the patients have the disease at an early age，with the first symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon and polyarthritis，and the disease has certain differences in clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment from adults.The disease may evolve into other connective tissue diseases in the later stage，so early diagnosis and treatment are of great significance to improve prognosis.This article elaborates on the epidemiology，pathogenesis，clinical manifestations，diagnosis and treatment of juvenile mixed connective tissue disease.

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsule(TGXTC)alleviates chondrocyte degeneration in knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods Thirty 2-month-old C57BL/6 mouse models of KOA established using the Hulth method were randomized into model group,TGXTC group,and diclofenac sodium group and received treatment with saline,TGXTC(368 mg/kg),and diclofenac sodium(10 mg/kg)by gavage,respectively,with another 10 untreated mice as the blank control group.All interventions were administered 6 times a week for 4 weeks.After the treatments,structural changes in the cartilage tissue were observed with morphological staining,and Nav1.7 mRNA expression and the protein expression levels of Nav1.7,MMP-3,ADAMTS-5,and COX-2 were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)was used to detect Nav1.7 expression in the chondrocytes.In cultured KOA chondrocytes,the effect of TGXTC and lentivirus-mediated Nav1.7 knockdown on MMP-3,MMP-13,ADAMTS-4,ADAMTS-5,and COX-2 protein expressions were assessed with Western blotting.Results In KOA mice treatments with TGXTC and diclofenac sodium both significantly alleviated structural damage of the cartilage layer,reduced Nav1.7 protein and mRNA expressions and lowered the expressions of MMP-3,ADAMTS-5,and COX-2 proteins in the cartilage tissues.FISH results indicated that TGXTC treatment significantly reduced IL-1β-induced Nav1.7 expression in the chondrocytes.In Nav1.7 knockdown experiment,Nav1.7 levels were significantly lower in IL-1β+sh-Nav1.7 group than in IL-1β group,and also lower in IL-1β+TGXTC group than in IL-1β+sh-Nav1.7+TGXTC group.TGXTC treatment significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced elevation of MMP-3,MMP-13,ADAMTS-4,ADAMTS-5 and COX-2 protein expressions in the chondrocytes,but its effects were strongly weakened by Nav1.7 knockdown.Conclusion TGXTC alleviates extracellular matrix metabolic disorder in KOA chondrocytes by regulating Nav1.7,thereby mitigating chondrocyte degeneration in KOA mice.

Objective: : Blood-blister aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are challenging lesions with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although research on BBAs is well documented in different populations, the study of BBAs in the Tibetan population is extremely rare. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of BBAs and analyze the treatment modalities and long-term outcomes in the Tibetan population in comparison with the Han population. Methods: : The characteristics of patients with BBAs of the ICA from January 2009 to January 2021 at our institution were reviewed. The features of aneurysms, treatment modalities, complications, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: : A total of 130 patients (41 Tibetan and 89 Han patients) with BBAs of the ICA who underwent treatment were enrolled. Compared with the Han group, the Tibetan group significantly demonstrated a high ratio of BBAs among ICAs (8.6%, 41/477 vs. 1.6%, 89/5563; p<0.05), a high ratio of vasospasm (34.1%, 14/41 vs. 6.7%, 6/89; p=0.001), a high risk of ischemic events (43.9%, 18/41 vs. 22.5%, 20/89; p<0.05), and a low ratio of good outcomes (modified Rankin scale, 0–2) at the 1-year follow-up (51.2%, 21/41 vs. 74.2%, 66/89; p<0.05). The multivariate regression model showed that ischemic events significantly contributed to the prediction of outcomes at 1 year. Further analysis revealed that microsurgery and vasospasm were associated with ischemic events. Conclusion : In comparison with Han patients, the Tibetan population had a high ratio of BBA occurrence, a high incidence of ischemic events, and a high ratio of poor outcomes. The endovascular approach showed more benefits in BBA patients.

Objective To investigate the training needs and suggestions of advanced practice nurses in medical institutions in China,and to provide references for the formulation of training programs for advanced practice nurses.Methods By a convenient sampling method,from May to July in 2023,the heads of nursing nurses in medical institutions in 29 provinces,autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government were investigated,and the self-designed questionnaires were distributed in the form of electronic questionnaire.Results 1 287 medical institutions participated in the survey,with tertiary hospitals accounting for 65.50％.93.16％of medical institutions had the use needs of advanced practice nurses,and the top 3 professional fields hoping to prioritize in the APN training were in the order of critical illness,emergency treatment and intravenous treatment.Among the APN core competence,the most important one was direct clinical practice(92.77％),followed by professional development(89.43％)and scientific research and evidence-based practice(86.40％).71.72％of medical institutions suggested that the theoretical training time is 4 weeks,combining online and offline training(50.35％),and the clinical practice time should not be less than 12 weeks(97.66％).Theoretical learning course assignment(92.93％),case report(90.83％)and clinical practice reflection diary(88.19％)were the main process evaluation methods,while 1 case study with the completion of the report and defense(87.65％)and 1 evidence-based nursing practice research plan with the completion of a report and defense(77.93％)were the main final evaluation methods.Conclusion Advanced practice nurses are important roles in the process of nursing professional development,and medical institutions in our country have a high demand for the training of advanced practice nurses.It is imperative to carry out the training of advanced practice nurses.The suggestions of medical institutions on the training content and methods focus more on the training of core competence.On this basis,the admission conditions should be clarified,and the training program of advanced practice nurses for China's national conditions should be explored.

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsule(TGXTC)alleviates chondrocyte degeneration in knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods Thirty 2-month-old C57BL/6 mouse models of KOA established using the Hulth method were randomized into model group,TGXTC group,and diclofenac sodium group and received treatment with saline,TGXTC(368 mg/kg),and diclofenac sodium(10 mg/kg)by gavage,respectively,with another 10 untreated mice as the blank control group.All interventions were administered 6 times a week for 4 weeks.After the treatments,structural changes in the cartilage tissue were observed with morphological staining,and Nav1.7 mRNA expression and the protein expression levels of Nav1.7,MMP-3,ADAMTS-5,and COX-2 were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)was used to detect Nav1.7 expression in the chondrocytes.In cultured KOA chondrocytes,the effect of TGXTC and lentivirus-mediated Nav1.7 knockdown on MMP-3,MMP-13,ADAMTS-4,ADAMTS-5,and COX-2 protein expressions were assessed with Western blotting.Results In KOA mice treatments with TGXTC and diclofenac sodium both significantly alleviated structural damage of the cartilage layer,reduced Nav1.7 protein and mRNA expressions and lowered the expressions of MMP-3,ADAMTS-5,and COX-2 proteins in the cartilage tissues.FISH results indicated that TGXTC treatment significantly reduced IL-1β-induced Nav1.7 expression in the chondrocytes.In Nav1.7 knockdown experiment,Nav1.7 levels were significantly lower in IL-1β+sh-Nav1.7 group than in IL-1β group,and also lower in IL-1β+TGXTC group than in IL-1β+sh-Nav1.7+TGXTC group.TGXTC treatment significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced elevation of MMP-3,MMP-13,ADAMTS-4,ADAMTS-5 and COX-2 protein expressions in the chondrocytes,but its effects were strongly weakened by Nav1.7 knockdown.Conclusion TGXTC alleviates extracellular matrix metabolic disorder in KOA chondrocytes by regulating Nav1.7,thereby mitigating chondrocyte degeneration in KOA mice.