Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation. Methods: The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation. Results: MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs. Conclusions In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

This study aims to investigate the effects of renin inhibitor aliskiren on kidney injury in human angiotensinogen-renin (AGT-REN) double transgenic hypertensive (dTH) mice and explore its possible mechanism. The dTH mice were divided into hypertension group (HT group) and aliskiren intervention group (HT+Aliskiren group), while wild-type C57BL/6 mice were served as the control group (WT group). Blood pressure data of mice in HT+Aliskiren group were collected after 28 d of subcutaneous penetration of aliskiren (20 mg/kg), and the damage of renal tissue structure and collagen deposition were observed by HE, Masson and PAS staining. The ultrastructure of kidney was observed by transmission electron microscope. Coomassie bright blue staining and biochemical analyzer were used to detect renal function injury. The expression of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) was determined by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney were determined by chemiluminescence method. The content of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit p47^phox, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) were detected by Western blot analysis. The results showed that compared with WT group, the blood pressure of mice in HT group was significantly increased. The renal tissue structure in HT group showed glomerular sclerosis, severe interstitial tubular injury, and increased collagen deposition. In addition, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine and urea levels increased. Serum and renal tissue levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) were increased, serum angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] expression was decreased, and renal Ang-(1-7) expression was elevated. The expressions of ACE, Ang II type 1 receptor (AT₁R) and MasR in renal tissue were increased, while the expression of ACE2 was decreased. MDA content increased, SOD content decreased, and the expressions of p47^phox, iNOS, 3-NT, NOX2 and NOX4 were increased. However, aliskiren reduced blood pressure in dTH mice, improved renal structure and renal function, reduced Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels in serum and renal tissue, reduced the expression of ACE and AT₁R in renal tissue, increased the expression of ACE2 and MasR in renal tissue, and decreased the above levels of oxidative stress indexes in dTH mice. These results suggest that aliskiren may play a protective role in hypertensive renal injury by regulating the balance between ACE-Ang II-AT₁R and ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-MasR axes and inhibiting oxidative stress.
Animals ; Fumarates/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Renin/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Amides/therapeutic use* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Hypertension/physiopathology* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Kidney/pathology* ; Angiotensinogen/genetics* ; Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects* ; NADPH Oxidases/metabolism* ; Male ; Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; NADPH Oxidase 4

The current clinical treatment of bladder cancer (BCa) is mainly surgical treatment，supplemented by postoperative chemotherapy and immunotherapy.However，due to the lack of specificity，targeting and other reasons，the therapeutic effect is not satisfactory.In recent years，it has been found that metal nanoparticles (MNPs) prepared by gold，silver，and so on，as bladder infusion drugs or drug carriers，can not only accurately target BCa cells，but also have high stability and drug release rate，thereby reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy drugs.Based on domestic and foreign studies，this paper reviews the progress of MNPs in the treatment of BCa，including gold，silver，copper and other MNPs，and prospects the trend of bladder perfusion combined with nanomedical drugs.

A 20-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Dermatology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of an 8-year history of facial scarring, swelling of the lower limbs, and a 4-year history of scalp thickening. Physical examination showed thickening furrowing wrinkling of the skin on the face and behind the ears, ciliary body hirsutism, blepharoptosis, and cutis verticis gyrate. Both lower limbs were swollen, especially the knees and ankles. The skin of the palms and soles of the feet was keratinized and thickened. Laboratory examination using bone and joint X-ray showed periostosis of the proximal middle phalanges and metacarpals of both hands, distal ulna and radius, tibia and fibula, distal femurs, and metatarsals.Genetic testing revealed two variants in SLCO2A1, c.1658T > A and c.96+4A > C.Through multidisciplinary consultation, we confirmed the diagnosis of pachydermoperiostosis.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To explore the preliminary results of using the UreteroPyeloVisClear Catheter (VCC) in the treatment of ureteral stones.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 18 patients with ureteral stones who underwent treatment with VCC at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from November 2023 to March 2024. The cohort consisted of 15 men and 3 women, with a mean age of 53 years (range: 27-75 years). The preoperative CT measurements showed that the mean maximum stone diameter was 9 mm (range: 3-18 mm), and the mean maximum CT value of the stones was 870 HU (range: 260-1 480 HU). The distribution of stones was as follows: 3 cases in the upper ureter, 8 in the middle ureter, and 7 in the lower ureter. Gravity-assisted perfusion was used, and all patients underwent VCC combined with Holmium laser lithotripsy, with flexible ureteroscopy used if necessary. A ureteral stent was routinely placed for 2 weeks postoperatively. Perioperative conditions and complications were analyzed.Results:All 18 patients successfully underwent VCC lithotripsy, with one patient experiencing stone migration during the procedure. The average operation time was 53 minutes (range: 20-100 minutes), and the average lithotripsy time was 25.5 minutes (range: 6–60 minutes). There were no significant changes in serum creatinine or hemoglobin levels on the first postoperative day. The average hospital stay was 2 days (range: 1–3 days). One patient experienced a fever (maximum temperature of 38.5℃), which resolved with antibiotic treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores on postoperative day 1 were 0 for 15 patients, 2 for 1 patient, 3 for 1 patient, and 4 for 1 patient. No complications of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅱ or higher were observed. At 1-month follow-up, the stone-free rate (SFR) was 100%(18/18), and no hydronephrosis was observed in the affected kidney.Conclusions:The results of this study indicates that VCC is a safe and effective method for treating ureteral stones, with a low incidence of postoperative complications and a high stone clearance rate.

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Daotan Xixin Decoction on APP/PS1 mice. Twelve APP/PS1 male mice were randomized into four groups: APP/PS1 and low-, medium-, and high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction. Three C57BL/6 wild-type mice were used as the control group. The learning and memory abilities of mice in each group were examined by the Morris water maze test. The pathological changes of hippocampal nerve cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of β-amyloid(Aβ)_(1-42) in the hippocampal tissue. The high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction group with significant therapeutic effects and the model group were selected for high-throughput sequencing. The differentially expressed gene(DEG) analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Variation Analysis(GSVA) were performed on the sequencing results. RT-qPCR and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of some DEGs. Compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice, ameliorated the neuropathological damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, increased the number of neurons, and decreased the deposition of Aβ_(1-42) in the brain. A total of 1 240 DEGs were screened out, including 634 genes with up-regulated expression and 606 genes with down-regulated expression. The GO analysis predicted the biological processes including RNA splicing and protein folding, the cellular components including spliceosome complexes and nuclear spots, and the molecular functions including unfolded protein binding and heat shock protein binding. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of neurodegenerative disease pathways, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and splicing complexes. Further GSVA pathway enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated pathways involved nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) signaling pathway, UV response, and unfolded protein response, while the up-regulated pathways involved the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blot showed that compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), NF-κB, and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Daotan Xixin Decoction can improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB/IL-6 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Male ; Alzheimer Disease/metabolism* ; Computational Biology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Presenilin-1/metabolism* ; Humans ; Memory/drug effects* ; Maze Learning/drug effects* ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal

Osteoporosis(OP) is a senile bone disease characterized by an imbalance between bone remodeling and bone formation. Targeting pathogenesis of kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction has a significant effect on the treatment of OP by tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen, and activating blood circulation. MicroRNA(miRNA) and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1) are closely related to bone cell metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the binding of miR-140-5p to BCL2L1 was detected by dual luciferase assay and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). After silencing or overexpressing miR-140-5p, the apoptosis, autophagy, and osteogenic function of human fetal osteoblast cell line 1.19(HFOB1.19) were observed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in rats. Different concentrations of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum were used to treat HFOB1.19 with or without miR-140-5p mimic. The expression of osteogenic proteins in each group was observed, and the role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 was studied, along with the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction on these processes. As indicated by the dual luciferase assay, miR-140-5p bound to BCL2L1. Flow cytometry and Western blot showed that miR-140-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HFOB1.19. After intervention with high, medium, and low doses of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-medicated serum, compared with the miR-140-5p NC group, the expression of osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) decreased in the miR-140-5p mimic group, while the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) showed no significant difference under high-dose intervention. Therefore, miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 can promote apoptosis and inhibit autophagy in HFOB1.19. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction can affect the osteogenic effect of miR-140-5p through BMP2.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Cell Line ; bcl-X Protein/metabolism* ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Rats ; Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Osteogenesis/drug effects*

This study aims to explore whether Naoxintong Capsules improve multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury via promoting angiogenesis, thereby exerting a simultaneous treatment effect on both the brain and heart. Male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham-operated group, model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of Naoxintong Capsules(440, 220, and 110 mg·kg~(-1)), and nimodipine group(10.8 mg·kg~(-1)). Rat models of multiple cerebral infarctions were established by injecting autologous thrombus, and samples were collected and tested seven days after modeling. Evaluations included multiple cerebral infarction model assessments, neurological function scores, grip strength tests, and rotarod tests, so as to evaluate neuromotor functions. Morphological structures of brain and heart tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, Nissl staining, and Masson staining. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the mechanisms of Naoxintong Capsules in improving multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury. Neuronal and myocardial cell ultrastructures were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Apoptosis rate in brain neuronal cells was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining, and reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels in myocardial cells were measured. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31), antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki67(Ki67), hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen CD34(CD34), and hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) in brain and myocardial tissue. Western blot, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2), sarcoma(Src), basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF), angiopoietin-1(Ang-1), and TEK receptor tyrosine kinase(Tie-2). Compared with the model group, the medium-dose group of Naoxintong Capsules showed significantly lower neurological function scores, increased grip strength, and prolonged time on the rotarod. Pathological damage in brain and heart tissue was reduced, with increased and more orderly arranged mitochondria in neurons and cardiomyocytes. Apoptosis in brain neuronal cells was decreased, and ROS levels in cardiomyocytes were reduced. The microvascular density and endothelial cells of new blood vessels in brain and heart tissue increased, with increased overlapping regions of CD31 and Ki67 expression. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, Src, Ang-1, Tie-2, and bFGF were elevated in brain tissue and myocardial tissue. Naoxintong Capsules may improve multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury by mediating HIF-1α/VEGF expression to promote angiogenesis.
Animals ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Cerebral Infarction/genetics* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics* ; Capsules ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Humans ; Brain/metabolism* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

The tumor microenvironment is a crucial factor in tumor occurrence and progression. The hypoxic microenvironment is widely present in tumor tissue and is a key endogenous factor accelerating tumor deterioration. The "blood stasis toxin" theory, as an emerging perspective in tumor research, is regarded as the unique "soil" in tumor progression from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) due to its dynamic evolution mechanism, which closely resembles the formation of the hypoxic microenvironment. Scientifically integrating TCM theories with the biological characteristics of tumors and exploring precise syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies are key to achieving comprehensive tumor prevention and control. This article focused on the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor, elucidating its formation mechanisms and evolutionary processes and carefully analyzing the internal relationship between the "blood stasis toxin" theory and the hypoxic microenvironment. Additionally, it explored the interaction among blood stasis, toxic pathogens, and hypoxic environment and proposed micro-level prevention and treatment strategies targeting the hypoxic microenvironment based on the "blood stasis toxin" theory, aiming to provide TCM-based theoretical support and therapeutic approaches for precise regulation of the hypoxic microenvironment.
Humans ; Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects* ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Disease Progression ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal