Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion at Shenshu(BL23)and Zusanli(ST36)on Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-myeloid differentiation factor 88(Myd88)signaling pathway-mediated inflammatory factors in the synovial tissue of ankle joints of rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA),and to explore the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.Methods:A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,and a moxibustion group,with 8 rats in each group.The RA model was established with exposure to wind,cold,and damp environmental factors,along with Freund's complete adjuvant.After three days of modeling,mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral Shenshu(BL23)and Zusanli(ST36)in the moxibustion group using moxa sticks of 0.9 cm in diameter for 30 min each time,once a day for 14 d.Structural changes in the synovial tissue and cells were then observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy,while immunohistochemistry analysis was used to detect tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-17,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels.Moreover,the protein expression levels of Myd88,TLR4,and transient potential receptor vanilloid type 1(TRPV1)in the synovial tissue were detected using Western blotting,while their mRNA expression levels were detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Finally,the levels of IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-17A,and TNF-α in rat serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited notable pathological synovial tissue damage,along with significantly higher IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01)and a slightly higher IL-17 content(P>0.05).Furthermore,the Myd88,TLR4,and TRPV1 protein and mRNA expression levels and serum IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-17A,and TNF-α levels were all significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the moxibustion group exhibited a lower degree of synovial tissue pathological damage,along with significantly lower IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels(P<0.05 or P<0.01)and a lower IL-17 content without statistical significance(P>0.05).Moreover,the Myd88,TLR4,and TRPV1 protein and mRNA expression levels,and serum IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-17A,and TNF-α levels were all significantly lower in the moxibustion group than in the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusion:Mild moxibustion at Shenshu(BL23)and Zusanli(ST36)can effectively inhibit TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway-mediated inflammatory factor expression in the synovial tissue of ankle joints of RA rats.Furthermore,the effect of moxibustion on synovial tissue inflammation in RA rats may be attributed to TRPV1 channel activation.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Anemoside B4 (AB4) on glutamine metabolism in oral li- chen planus (OLP) epithelial cells via the nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3)-dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) axis . Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the intersection of molecular targets of OLP , AB4 , and genes related to glutamine metabolism . A lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced HOK-16B model of OLP was estab- lished . HOK-16B were divided into Ctrl group , OLP group , AB4 group , OLP + oe-NOS3 group , OLP + sh-NOS3 group , OLP + sh-NOS3 + oe-DHFR group , and OLP + sh-NOS3 + AB4 group . Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) ; cell apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling ( TUNEL) ; inflammatory factors iInterleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factors-α ( TNF-α) concentrations in cell supernatants were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits; glutamine uptake and glutamate produc- tion were determined using kits; and the protein expression of alanine-serine-cysteine transporter2 ( ASCT2) and glutamine synthase (GLS) was assessed by Western blot. Results: Bioinformatics analysis of molecular targets of OLP , AB4 , and genes related to glutamine metabolism revealed three intersection targets : NFE2L2 , NOS1 , and NOS3 . Compared with the Ctrl group , the OLP group exhibited decreased HOK-16B cell viability (P < 0. 001) , increased apoptosis rate (P < 0. 01) , upregulated concentrations of IL-1βand TNF-α(P < 0. 001) , elevated glu- tamine uptake and glutamate production (P < 0. 01) , and enhanced expression of ASCPT2 and GLS proteins (P < 0. 001) . Compared with the OLP group , the AB4 group showed improved cell viability (P < 0. 05) , reduced apop- tosis rate and release of IL-1βand TNF-α(P < 0. 05) , decreased glutamine uptake and glutamate production (P < 0. 05) , and downregulated expression of ASCPT2 and GLS proteins ( P < 0. 001) . Compared with the OLP group , the OLP + oe-NOS3 group had increased HOK-16B cell viability (P < 0. 01) , reduced apoptosis rate (P < 0. 05) , decreased concentrations of IL-1βand TNF-α(P < 0. 05) , lowered glutamine uptake and glutamate pro- duction (P < 0. 05) , and weakened expression of ASCPT2 and GLS proteins (P < 0. 01) ; whereas the OLP + sh- NOS3 group had decreased HOK-16B cell viability ( P < 0. 05) , increased apoptosis rate ( P < 0. 05) , elevated concentrations of IL-1βand TNF-α ( P < 0. 01 ) , increased glutamine uptake and glutamate production ( P < 0. 05) , and enhanced expression of ASCPT2 and GLS proteins (P < 0. 001) . Compared with the OLP + sh-NOS3 group , both the OLP + sh-NOS3 + oe-DHFR group and the OLP + sh-NOS3 + AB4 group showed increased HOK- 16B cell viability (P < 0. 001) , reduced apoptosis rate (P < 0. 05) , decreased concentrations of IL-1βand TNF-α (P < 0. 01) , lowered glutamine uptake and glutamate production ( P < 0. 05) , and weakened expression of AS- CPT2 and GLS proteins ( P < 0. 05) . Conclusion AB4 inhibits the progression of OLP by mediating glutamine metabolism via the regulation of the NOS3-DHFR axis .

Exosomes, as crucial mediators of intercellular communication, exhibit a wide range of biological functions in the onset and treatment of atherosclerosis (AS). Recent studies have indicated that exosomes can carry various active substances, including miRNA, lncRNA, proteins, and lipids. By regulating inflammatory responses, lipid metabolism, vascular endothelial function, and the immune microenvironment, they mediate the formation, progression, and reversal of AS at multiple levels. Specifically, miRNAs within exosomes can target and regulate the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibiting macrophage activation and foam cell formation. Meanwhile, exosomes derived from endothelial cells (EC) or stem cells can enhance vascular endothelial integrity and suppress endothelial dysfunction (ED). Furthermore, exosomes have been extensively explored as natural carriers for delivering drugs and nucleic acid molecules. Their membrane structure possesses excellent biocompatibility and targeting capabilities, showcasing significant potential as a novel therapeutic tool. Starting from basic mechanistic studies, this article summarizes the molecular pathways and key biological effects of exosomes in AS intervention, and further explores their current clinical application and multiple challenges they face, aiming to provide theoretical support and research directions for novel cardiovascular disease intervention strategies.

Objective To assess the clinical value of prognostic nutritional index(PNI)in predicting the prognosis of patients with advanced liver cancer treated with transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with ablation therapy.Methods A total of 112 patients with advanced liver cancer,who received TACE combined with ablation at the Lishui Municipal Central Hospital of China from January 2020 to January 2024,were enrolled in this study.The general data,survival status,and survival time were collected.The Youden index of PNI was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve model,and the optimal cutoff value was determined.Based on the optimal cutoff value,the patients were divided into low-PNI group and high-PNI group.The progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)time were compared between the two groups,and the independent risk factors affecting PFS and OS were analyzed.Results The Youden index for PNI was 0.43,and the optimal cutoff value of PNI was 43.95.The low-PNI group included 65 patients,and the high-PNI group included 47 patients.There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups.The median PFS and the median OS in the high-PNI group were 13.21 months(95％CI=4.37-22.03)and 40.80 months(95％CI=31.55-50.05)respectively,which were longer than 9.20 months(95％CI=6.58-11.82)and 21.37 months(95％CI=16.56-26.17)respectively in the low-PNI group,the differences were statistically significant(both P＜0.05).The 6-month,one-year and 2-year PFS in the high-PNI group was 56.95％,47.25％and 33.87％respectively,which were higher than 43.95％,32.56％and 16.31％respectively in the low-PNI group.The one-year,2-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates in the high-PNI group were 80.77％,66.66％and 39.40％respectively,which were higher than 63.79％,34.31％and 27.75％respectively in the low-PNI group.Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the number of nodules,metastasis and PNI significantly affected OS,and metastasis and PNI strikingly affected PFS.High PNI was a protective factor for both PFS and OS.Conclusion For patients with advanced liver cancer treated with TACE combined with ablation therapy,PNI is an effective indicator for predicting the prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) on learning memory and abnormal Aβ deposition in cerebral amyloid angiopathy(CAA) model mice, and further to investigate whether the mechanism involves the transport function of glymphatic system.Methods:Eight-month-old SPF grade Tg-SWDI mice were randomly divided into the CAA group and the rTMS group according to the random number table method with 7 in each group.Seven wild-type mice of the same genetic background and age served as the control group. The mice in rTMS group received two weeks of high-frequency rTMS intervention, and the mice in CAA group and control group were only restrained without rTMS intervention.Learning and memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze test.Amyloid-beta deposition, glymphatic system clearance, and aquaporin-4(AQP4) polarization were assessed using immunofluorescence, and AQP4 expression levels were measured by Western blot.Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 9.5 softwares.Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for data on escape latency, and one-way ANOVA was used for comparisons between multiple groups for other data.Results:(1)In the novel object recognition test, there were statistically significant differences in recognition indices among the three groups of mice ( F=22.59, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mice in the CAA group showed a significant decrease in the new object recognition index ( P<0.05).Compared with the CAA group, the mice in the rTMS group showed a significant increase in the new object recognition index ( P<0.05).(2)In the Y-maze, there were statistical differences in the spontaneous alternation rates among the three groups ( F=5.00, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the CAA group was significantly lower ( P<0.05).And compared with the CAA group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the rTMS group was significantly higher ( P<0.05).(3)In the Morris water maze test, there were significant interactions in escape latency among the three groups ( F=4.05, P=0.02), significant main effects of time ( F=713.22, P<0.01), and significant main effects of group ( F=421.55, P<0.01). There was no significant statistical difference in swimming speed among the three groups ( F=0.19, P>0.05), while the difference of the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent were statistically significant( F=71.67, 294.14, both P<0.05).Compared with the control group, the CAA group mice significantly decreased in the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent in the middle zone (both P<0.01).(4)Compared with the CAA group, the rTMS group significantly increased in the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent in the middle zone (both P<0.01).The result of immunofluorescence test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the levels of Aβ in the cerebral vessels among the three groups( F=385.76, P<0.01).The levels of Aβ in the cerebral vessels of the CAA group (62.00±2.65) were significantly higher than those in the control group (9.00±1.00, P<0.01).The levels in the rTMS group (51.33±3.21) were significantly lower than those in the CAA group (62.00±2.65, P<0.01). Using the residual fluorescence tracer levels of the control group as a baseline, there were statistically significant differences in the tracer intensities in the corpus callosum and cerebral cortex( F=258.97, 46.44, both P<0.05), the tracer intensities in the corpus callosum (3.57±0.21) and cerebral cortex (4.96±0.79) of the CAA group mice were significantly higher than those in the rTMS group (1.45±0.14, 1.78±0.47, P<0.01). The polarization of AQP4 in the cerebral cortex of rTMS group (0.51±0.07) was significantly higher than that in the CAA group (0.30±0.02, P<0.01). Conclusion:rTMS can alleviate learning memory and abnormal Aβ deposition in CAA model mice by modulating AQP4 polarisation and promoting transport function of glymphatic system.

Objective To observe the differences in gut microbiota in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression model rats of both sexes,and to provide experimental evidence for exploring sex differences in depression onset.Methods Thirty-two healthy SD rats were divided randomly into four groups based on sex:Male control group(Control-M),Female control group(Control-F),Male model group(Model-M),and Female model group(Model-F)(n=8 rats per group).Rats in the control groups were fed without stimulation,while rats in the model groups were stimulated using the 28 d CUMS-induced depression method.After successful modeling,fresh feces were collected from all rats for high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing.Behavioral observations were also conducted before and after preparing the model.Results The result of sucrose-preference,open-field,and forced-swimming tests differed significantly between the control and model groups.The result of the sucrose-preference test also differed between the sexes,while there was no difference in the open-field or forced-swimming test between the sexes.The α and β diversity of the gut microbiota genera showed an upward trend in the CUMS group compared with the control group.The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the richness of the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were decreased in male rats but showed an increasing trend in female rats.Conclusions The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in the gut microbiota may be a key factor affecting the difference in the onset of depression between males and females,while the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group be potential factors in correcting the gut microbiota and improving the symptoms of depression.

Objective:To investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS) on learning memory and abnormal Aβ deposition in cerebral amyloid angiopathy(CAA) model mice, and further to investigate whether the mechanism involves the transport function of glymphatic system.Methods:Eight-month-old SPF grade Tg-SWDI mice were randomly divided into the CAA group and the rTMS group according to the random number table method with 7 in each group.Seven wild-type mice of the same genetic background and age served as the control group. The mice in rTMS group received two weeks of high-frequency rTMS intervention, and the mice in CAA group and control group were only restrained without rTMS intervention.Learning and memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze test.Amyloid-beta deposition, glymphatic system clearance, and aquaporin-4(AQP4) polarization were assessed using immunofluorescence, and AQP4 expression levels were measured by Western blot.Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS 25.0 and GraphPad Prism 9.5 softwares.Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for data on escape latency, and one-way ANOVA was used for comparisons between multiple groups for other data.Results:(1)In the novel object recognition test, there were statistically significant differences in recognition indices among the three groups of mice ( F=22.59, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mice in the CAA group showed a significant decrease in the new object recognition index ( P<0.05).Compared with the CAA group, the mice in the rTMS group showed a significant increase in the new object recognition index ( P<0.05).(2)In the Y-maze, there were statistical differences in the spontaneous alternation rates among the three groups ( F=5.00, P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the CAA group was significantly lower ( P<0.05).And compared with the CAA group, the spontaneous alternation rate in the rTMS group was significantly higher ( P<0.05).(3)In the Morris water maze test, there were significant interactions in escape latency among the three groups ( F=4.05, P=0.02), significant main effects of time ( F=713.22, P<0.01), and significant main effects of group ( F=421.55, P<0.01). There was no significant statistical difference in swimming speed among the three groups ( F=0.19, P>0.05), while the difference of the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent were statistically significant( F=71.67, 294.14, both P<0.05).Compared with the control group, the CAA group mice significantly decreased in the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent in the middle zone (both P<0.01).(4)Compared with the CAA group, the rTMS group significantly increased in the number of entries into the inner zone and the proportion of time spent in the middle zone (both P<0.01).The result of immunofluorescence test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the levels of Aβ in the cerebral vessels among the three groups( F=385.76, P<0.01).The levels of Aβ in the cerebral vessels of the CAA group (62.00±2.65) were significantly higher than those in the control group (9.00±1.00, P<0.01).The levels in the rTMS group (51.33±3.21) were significantly lower than those in the CAA group (62.00±2.65, P<0.01). Using the residual fluorescence tracer levels of the control group as a baseline, there were statistically significant differences in the tracer intensities in the corpus callosum and cerebral cortex( F=258.97, 46.44, both P<0.05), the tracer intensities in the corpus callosum (3.57±0.21) and cerebral cortex (4.96±0.79) of the CAA group mice were significantly higher than those in the rTMS group (1.45±0.14, 1.78±0.47, P<0.01). The polarization of AQP4 in the cerebral cortex of rTMS group (0.51±0.07) was significantly higher than that in the CAA group (0.30±0.02, P<0.01). Conclusion:rTMS can alleviate learning memory and abnormal Aβ deposition in CAA model mice by modulating AQP4 polarisation and promoting transport function of glymphatic system.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of moxibustion on joints and its influence on the expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A8(S100A8),S100 calcium binding protein A9(S100A9),serum amyloid A1(SAA1),and related inflammatory factors in rats with adjuvant arthritis(AA).Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a medication group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,AA models were established in the other three groups by exposing rats to wind-cold-dampness environmental conditions combined with complete Freund's adjuvant.After successful modeling,the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention,while the medication group was administered tripterygium glycosides tablets via oral gavage.The normal and model groups underwent similar handling and fixation without additional interventions.After 15 d of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the knee joint synovial membrane.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-23.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly increased protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue,as well as elevated serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Histopathological analysis revealed marked synovial hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group.Compared to the model group,both the moxibustion and medication groups showed significant reductions in the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue,as well as decreased serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Additionally,synovial tissue in these two groups displayed minimal hyperplasia and only mild inflammatory cell infiltration.Notably,compared to the moxibustion group,the medication group exhibited significantly higher protein expression of S100A9 in the synovial tissue(P<0.05),while no significant differences were observed in the expression of S100A8,SAA1,or serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P>0.05).Both intervention groups showed comparable degrees of synovial inflammation,clear tissue structure,and no obvious hyperplasia.Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate joint swelling and reduce inflammatory responses in AA rats.Its mechanism may involve regulating the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of moxibustion on joints and its influence on the expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A8(S100A8),S100 calcium binding protein A9(S100A9),serum amyloid A1(SAA1),and related inflammatory factors in rats with adjuvant arthritis(AA).Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a medication group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,AA models were established in the other three groups by exposing rats to wind-cold-dampness environmental conditions combined with complete Freund's adjuvant.After successful modeling,the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention,while the medication group was administered tripterygium glycosides tablets via oral gavage.The normal and model groups underwent similar handling and fixation without additional interventions.After 15 d of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the knee joint synovial membrane.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-23.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly increased protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue,as well as elevated serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Histopathological analysis revealed marked synovial hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group.Compared to the model group,both the moxibustion and medication groups showed significant reductions in the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue,as well as decreased serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Additionally,synovial tissue in these two groups displayed minimal hyperplasia and only mild inflammatory cell infiltration.Notably,compared to the moxibustion group,the medication group exhibited significantly higher protein expression of S100A9 in the synovial tissue(P<0.05),while no significant differences were observed in the expression of S100A8,SAA1,or serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P>0.05).Both intervention groups showed comparable degrees of synovial inflammation,clear tissue structure,and no obvious hyperplasia.Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate joint swelling and reduce inflammatory responses in AA rats.Its mechanism may involve regulating the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue.

Objective To observe the differences in gut microbiota in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression model rats of both sexes,and to provide experimental evidence for exploring sex differences in depression onset.Methods Thirty-two healthy SD rats were divided randomly into four groups based on sex:Male control group(Control-M),Female control group(Control-F),Male model group(Model-M),and Female model group(Model-F)(n=8 rats per group).Rats in the control groups were fed without stimulation,while rats in the model groups were stimulated using the 28 d CUMS-induced depression method.After successful modeling,fresh feces were collected from all rats for high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing.Behavioral observations were also conducted before and after preparing the model.Results The result of sucrose-preference,open-field,and forced-swimming tests differed significantly between the control and model groups.The result of the sucrose-preference test also differed between the sexes,while there was no difference in the open-field or forced-swimming test between the sexes.The α and β diversity of the gut microbiota genera showed an upward trend in the CUMS group compared with the control group.The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the richness of the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group were decreased in male rats but showed an increasing trend in female rats.Conclusions The ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in the gut microbiota may be a key factor affecting the difference in the onset of depression between males and females,while the Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group be potential factors in correcting the gut microbiota and improving the symptoms of depression.