ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang （MLC） improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a blank control group （Con） and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole （1 mg·kg^-1） combined with a high-fat diet （HFD）. After model establishment， the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group （Mod， normal saline）， metformin group （Met， 0.3 g·kg^-1）， low-dose MLC group （MLC-L， 4.3 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose MLC group （MLC-M， 8.6 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose MLC group （MLC-H， 17.2 g·kg^-1）. Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases， a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed， and gene ontology（GO）and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）， testosterone （T）， and estradiol （E₂）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K （p-PI3K/PI3K）， phosphorylated Akt/Akt （p-Akt/Akt）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing， the abundances of Lachnospiraceae， Lachnoclostridium， and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups （P<0.05）， while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased （P<0.05）. KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that， compared with the Mod group， body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met， MLC-M， and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T， FSH， and LH/FSH were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the E₂ level was increased （P<0.01）. Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased， whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure， effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS， and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang （MLC） improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a blank control group （Con） and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole （1 mg·kg^-1） combined with a high-fat diet （HFD）. After model establishment， the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group （Mod， normal saline）， metformin group （Met， 0.3 g·kg^-1）， low-dose MLC group （MLC-L， 4.3 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose MLC group （MLC-M， 8.6 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose MLC group （MLC-H， 17.2 g·kg^-1）. Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases， a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed， and gene ontology（GO）and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）， testosterone （T）， and estradiol （E₂）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K （p-PI3K/PI3K）， phosphorylated Akt/Akt （p-Akt/Akt）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing， the abundances of Lachnospiraceae， Lachnoclostridium， and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups （P<0.05）， while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased （P<0.05）. KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that， compared with the Mod group， body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met， MLC-M， and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T， FSH， and LH/FSH were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the E₂ level was increased （P<0.01）. Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased， whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure， effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS， and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective: To analyze the effects of maternal gestational weight gain and pre pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on the weight of preschool children,so as to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity in children. Methods: Based on Jiangmen maternal and child health information platform, annual physical examination data of 3-6 years old preschool children from all nurseries and kindergartens in Jiangmen were collected from January to December 2024. A unique identification was made according to the mother s ID number and delivery date, and retrospective data collection was conducted on the platform to obtain pre pregnancy and pregnancy related information for 46 481 mothers. The Chi-square test,two way ordered variable analysis and Logistic regression analysis were used to compare the effects of maternal pre pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain on overweight and obesity among preschool children. Results: A total of 5 168 (11.12%) children were overweight and obese, and the proportion of overweight and obesity in the 6 year old group was the highest (12.86%). There were significant differences in the detection rates of overweight and obesity between boys and girls ( χ 2=155.38), and there were also significant gender differences in the age groups of 4, 5 and 6 years ( χ 2=17.08, 96.97, 66.27)(all P <0.01). Through trend χ 2 test, the overall detection rates of overweight and obesity, as well as those for boys, increased with age ( χ 2 trend =49.36,60.54, both P <0.01). The BMI group of preschool children was correlated with the BMI group of their mothers before pregnancy and the weight gain group during pregnancy （χ 2= 1 250.64, 157.01, both P <0.01) and the proportion of children with higher BMI levels showed an upward trend with the improvement of their mothers pre-pregnancy BMI levels or gestational weight gain levels ( Gamma =0.13, 0.10, both P <0.01). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that pre pregnancy BMI groups as overweight ( OR =1.590, 1.922), obesity ( OR =2.100, 2.921 ), and male gender of the children ( OR =1.213, 1.763)，and newborns excessive birth weight( OR =1.001，1.001) increased the risks of overweight and obesity in preschool children; maternal gestational weight gain insufficiency ( OR =1.374) and advanced maternal age at the first prenatal visit ( OR =1.012) increased the risks of obesity in preschool children; maternal gestational weight gain deficiency or excess ( OR =1.324,1.118) increased the risk of overweight in preschool children (all P <0.01). Conclusions Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity and insufficient or excessive gestational weight gain increase the risk of overweight and obesity in preschool children. It is necessary to strengthen weight management before and during pregnancy to reduce the occurrence of childhood overweight and obesity.

The gut microbiota regulates intestinal nutrient absorption, participates in modulating host glucolipid metabolism, and contributes to ameliorating glucolipid metabolism disorder. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can compromise the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, induce inflammatory responses, and exacerbate insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism in the host. Dangua Humai Oral Liquid, a hospital-developed formulation for regulating glucolipid metabolism, has been granted a national invention patent and demonstrates significant clinical efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Dangua Humai Oral Liquid on gut microbiota and the intestinal mucosal barrier in a mouse model with glucolipid metabolism disorder. A glucolipid metabolism disorder model was established by feeding mice a high-glucose and high-fat diet. The mice were divided into a normal group, a model group, and a treatment group, with eight mice in each group. The treatment group received a daily gavage of Dangua Humai Oral Liquid(20 g·kg~(-1)), while the normal group and model group were given an equivalent volume of sterile water. After 15 weeks of intervention, glucolipid metabolism, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and inflammatory responses were evaluated. Metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics were employed to analyze changes in gut microbiota and associated metabolic pathways. Significant differences were observed between the indicators of the normal group and the model group. Compared with the model group, the treatment group exhibited marked improvements in glucolipid metabolism disorder, alleviated pathological damage in the liver and small intestine tissue, elevated expression of recombinant claudin 1(CLDN1), occluding(OCLN), and zonula occludens 1(ZO-1) in the small intestine tissue, and reduced serum levels of inflammatory factors lipopolysaccharides(LPS), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein(LBP), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota decreased, while that of Firmicutes increased. Lipid-related metabolic pathways were significantly altered. In conclusion, based on the successful establishment of the mouse model of glucolipid metabolism disorder, this study confirmed that Dangua Humai Oral Liquid effectively modulates gut microbiota and mucosal barrier function, reduces serum inflammatory factor levels, and regulates lipid-related metabolic pathways, thereby ameliorating glucolipid metabolism disorder.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Mice ; Intestinal Mucosa/microbiology* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Glycolipids/metabolism* ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Administration, Oral ; Disease Models, Animal

Diabetic foot (DF) is one of the most serious chronic complications of diabetes. The incidence rate among global diabetes patients is as high as 15% to 25%, and about 50% of patients will develop contralateral foot ulcers within 5 years after the first unilateral ulcer. As a non-invasive prevention and control solution, the application progress of functional insoles is mainly reflected in the following aspects:(1) Material innovation. The application of new composite materials and smart materials has significantly enhanced the pressure reduction effect and comfort. (2) Structural optimization. The development of multi-layer design and local pressure reduction structure has achieved more precise pressure distribution regulation. (3) Manufacturing process. 3D printing and parametric design have enabled the personalized customization of functional insoles. (4) Intelligent monitoring. It integrates functions such as pressure sensing and temperature monitoring, achieving real-time monitoring and early warning of foot conditions. Clinical research has confirmed that personalized functional insoles could reduce the incidence of foot ulcers and shorten the healing time of ulcers. At present, the research hotspots mainly focus on the development of smart materials, the construction of multi-functional integration and remote monitoring systems. However, in-depth research is still needed in the aspects of biomechanical mechanisms, standardized evaluation systems and long-term efficacy assessment. The development of future functional insoles should focus on the coordinated advancement of "personalization-intelligence-standardization", with the aim of providing more effective solutions for the prevention and treatment of DF.
Humans ; Diabetic Foot/therapy* ; Foot Orthoses

BACKGROUND:Adipose-derived stem cells have anti-aging effects,but whether adipose-derived stem cells from donors of different ages are different needs further study. OBJECTIVE:To compare the biological properties of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice. METHODS:Adipose-derived stem cells were extracted from adipose tissue of C57BL mice aged 8 and 14 weeks,respectively.The differences of cell cycle,apoptosis,and proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice were compared.The expression levels of aging-related P21 and P27 genes and proteins of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice were detected by quantitative PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with old mouse adipose-derived stem cells,young mouse adipose-derived stem cells were more active,more regular in morphology,less apoptosis,faster proliferation,and lower in expression of age-related P21 and P27 genes and proteins.It has been proven that adipose-derived stem cells from young mice have better anti-aging effects.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of Qiangjin Zhuanggu Capsules in bone remodeling in ovariectomized osteoporotic mice.Methods:Totally 75 8-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were divided into a sham-operation group of 15 mice and a modeling group of 60 mice. The model was created using bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) to replicate a postmenopausal osteoporosis mouse model. The successfully modeled mice were divided into model group, estradiol group, and Qiangjin Zhuanggu Capsules low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups using a random number table method, with 10 mice in each group. The estradiol group was given a 0.013 mg/ml solution of estradiol valerate tablets by gavage; Qiangjin Zhuanggu Capsules low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups were orally administered with Qiangjin Zhuanggu Capsule solution at dosages of 46.0, 92.0, and 184.0 mg/ml. The sham-operation group and model group were orally administered with equal volumes of physiological saline once a day for 8 consecutive weeks. After the intervention, the femoral trabecular bone structure, bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), bone surface area/bone volume (BS/BV), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) were assessed using Micro-CT. Serum levels of bone metabolism markers such as calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OCN), and cathepsin K (CTSK) were measured by ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes in femoral trabecular bone structure and collagen fibers. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), .Results:Compared with the model group, the levels of BMD, BV/TV, Tb. N, and Tb.Th ( P<0.01 or P<0.05) in estradiol group and Qiangjin Zhuanggu Capsule medium- and high-dosage groups increased ( P<0.01, P<0.05), and BS/BV and Tb.Sp decreased ( P<0.01, P<0.05)serum levels of Ca, P, BALP, and OCN were elevated ( P<0.01, P<0.05), while CTSK was reduced ( P<0.01); the expression of Runx2, ALP and BMP-2 proteins significantly increased ( P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion:Qiangjin Zhuanggu Capsules exhibit preventive and therapeutic effects on postmenopausal osteoporosis, potentially through the regulation of Runx2, ALP and BMP-2.

Objective:To analyze the liver histological characteristics and clinically related factors in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers (IHC), and also explore whether antiviral treatment is necessary for IHC, as defined in the 2022 version of the hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines.Methods:A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Two hundred and thirty-one IHC cases who underwent liver biopsy histopathological examination in nine medical institutions, including Beijing Youan Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2023 were included. General informative data, clinical serological markers, and transient elastography (TE) examination results were collected. Patients were divided into a positive (148 cases) and a negative group (83 cases) according to the results of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA detection. The differences in liver pathological inflammatory activity (G) and liver fibrosis stage (S) were analyzed between the two groups to explore the correlation between liver tissue conditions and clinically related factors. Comparsions of normally distributed continwous data, skeukd continuous data, and categorical data between groups are performed using t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and χ2 tests, respectively. Results:The age of 231 IHC cases was 43 (38, 51) years old, with 95.2% (220/231) aged ≥30 years, and males accounted for 64.9% (150/231). HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were 131.9 (20.8, 400.9) IU/mL and 94.0 (0, 448.5) IU/mL, respectively, of which 35.9% (83/231) were HBV DNA negative (<20 IU/mL). The remarkable proportions of G≥2, S≥2, and liver injury (G≥2 and/or S≥2) in liver tissue were 16.5% (38/231), 29% (67/231), and 35.9% (83/231), respectively. The S≥2 proportion was significantly higher in the HBV DNA-negative group than the positive group (42.2% vs. 21.6%, P<0.001), and it mainly occurred in the population cohort over 30 years old (44.9% vs. 31.0%, P=0.04). The liver stiffness measurement (LSM), aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and platelet (PLT) were significantly higher in the S≥2 group than the S<2 group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Clinicians can comprehensively evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in IHC based on clinical factors such as age, PLT, APRI, and LSM, even if the liver histological results are lacking. The China 2022 version guidelines define that nearly half of IHC has histological indications for antiviral therapy, and liver biopsy and prompt treatment can be recommended.