Nigella sativa L. seeds have been traditionally utilized in Chinese folk medicine for centuries to treat vitiligo. This study revealed that the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa L. (HZC) enhances melanogenesis and mitigates oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes. In accordance with established protocols, the ethanol fraction from Nigella sativa L. seeds was extracted, concentrated, and lyophilized to evaluate its herbal effects via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, tyrosinase activity evaluation, measurement of cellular melanin contents, scratch assays, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis for expression profiling of experimentally relevant proteins. The results indicated that HZC significantly enhanced tyrosinase activity and melanin content while notably increasing the protein expression levels of Tyr, Mitf, and gp100 in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, HZC effectively mitigated oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence, improved melanocyte condition, and rectified various functional impairments associated with melanocyte dysfunction. These findings suggest that HZC increases melanin synthesis in melanocytes through the activation of the MAPK, PKA, and Wnt signaling pathways. In addition, HZC attenuates oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂ therapy by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway and enhancing the activity of downstream antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing premature senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Melanocytes/cytology* ; Cellular Senescence/drug effects* ; Nigella sativa/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Mice ; Animals ; Melanins/metabolism* ; Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism* ; Humans

Aim To investigate the effect of irisin on endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis(As)in mice.Methods ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into control group,As model group,and irisin group(treated with irisin based on the As model),with 10 mice in each group.The carotid tissues were stained using pathological techniques and immunofluorescence.Human aortic endothelial cells(HAEC)were cultured in vitro,treated with irisin,and stimulated with cholesterol crystal(CC).The protein levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1)and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)were then detected by Western blot.The expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2)were detected by RT-qPCR.The ad-hesion of monocytes was assessed using cell adhesion assay.Results The carotid plaque area in the mice of As model group was significantly increased compared with that in control group(P＜0.05).In contrast,the plaque area was re-duced in the irisin group compared with the As model group(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of VCAM-1,the number of CD68+macrophages,and the deposition of CC were increased in the carotid arteries of the As model group(P＜0.05),while irisin could reduce the expression of VCAM-1,the number of CD68+macrophages,and the deposition of CC(P＜0.05).At the in vitro level,the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1,as well as the adhesion of monocytes in CC-stimulated HAEC,were increased(P＜0.05).However,irisin could inhibit the increased expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1(P＜0.05),as well as the adhesion of monocytes induced by CC(P＜0.05).The mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and CCL2 in HAEC of CC stimulated group were increased(P＜0.05),while irisin could inhibit the mRNA expressions of IL-1β,IL-6 and CCL2 induced by CC(P＜0.05).Conclusion Irisin can inhibit vascular inflamma-tion,thereby reducing the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis.

Objective:To analyze the association between osteoporosis and the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods:A total of 471 922 study subjects were selected from the UK Biobank database, including 12 818 osteoporosis cases and 459 104 controls. Cox proportional hazard regression model and competing risk model were used to evaluate the association between osteoporosis and AD after adjusting confounding factors. Furthermore, a Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted by using the data of two published genome-wide association studies, and 1 050 highly relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified from the bone mineral density data as instrumental variables. The association between bone mineral density and the risk for AD was evaluated by using inverse variance weighted method, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimator method. Additionally, sensitivity analyses were performed.Results:After adjusting for confounders, no significant association between osteoporosis and an increased risk for AD was found in the cohort study (Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis: HR=1.10, 95% CI: 0.78-1.56, P=0.588). The MR analysis revealed no association between bone mineral density and the risk for AD (inverse-variance weighted: OR=1.03, 95% CI: 0.98-1.09, P=0.252), and the results remained robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. Conclusion:The study result does not support the association between osteoporosis and risk for AD.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Bufei Jiedu Granules in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)chronic infection using network pharmacology;To verify it through animal experiments.Methods Active components and potential targets in Bufei Jiedu Granules were screened through the TCMSP database,and genes related to MRSA infection were retrieved through GeneCards,OMIM,DisGeNET,TTD,DrugBank and PharmGKB databases.The STRING database was employed to construct a protein-protein interaction network on common targets,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted to identify key signaling pathways for Bufei Jiedu Granules treatment of MRSA infection.The effects of Bufei Jiedu Granules on bacterial load and pathological changes in the lung,liver and kidney of MRSA chronic infection mice models were evaluated through WT and T/B immune cell deficient Rag2-/-mouse animal experiments.The mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors(IFN-γ,IL-10)and immune checkpoints(PD1,TIM3)were detected.Results Totally 54 active components related to Bufei Jiedu Granules were selected,and 50 potential targets related to MRSA infection were identified.118 signaling pathways significantly associated with MRSA infection were identified through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis,in which the JAK-STAT signaling pathway,Th17 cell differentiation,and PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway were closely related to cell activation and T cell differentiation.Animal experimental results indicated that Bufei Jiedu Granules could effectively reduce the bacterial load in organs and ameliorate the pathological damage in the chronic MRSA infection mouse model,increase the mRNA expression of IFN-γ in the lung tissue,and decrease the mRNA expressions of IL-10,PD1 and TIM3.Conclusion Bufei Jiedu Granules has the characteristics of multi-component and multi-target in the treatment of MRSA infection,and may be involved in adaptive immune activation to effectively treat chronic MRSA infection.

Objective To explore the indication, surgical technique, and clinical efficacy of the cross bar based on the Nuss procedure in pectus excavatum. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent cross bar based on the Nuss procedure from August 2023 to August 2024 in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 88 patients including 85 males and 3 females with a mean age of (17.56±5.20) years were enrolled. All operations were performed successfully without intraoperative cardiac injury, pericardial injury or diaphragmatic injury. The mean operation time was (147.65±47.75) min. The mean blood loss was (13.30±9.06) mL. The mean postoperative hospitalization stay was (4.81±1.55) days, without perioperative death. Six (6.82%) patients developed early postoperative complications, including 3 patients of pleural effusion, 1 patient of subcutaneous hematoma, 1 patient of suffocation and 1 patient of bar rotation. The postoperative outcomes were excellent in 71 (80.68%) patients, good in 16 (18.18%) patients and moderate in 1 (1.13%) patient. The excellent and good rate was 98.86%. Conclusion The cross bar technique is safe and convenient, with satisfactory results. It is worth promoting in clinical application.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a significant yet underappreciated risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly among older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the global burden of CVD attributable to physical inactivity in individuals aged 70 years and older from 1990 to 2021 using the Global Burden of Disease data. METHODS: We assessed trends in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths, decomposed changes into population growth, aging, and epidemiological factors, and examined health inequalities across sociodemographic index (SDI) regions. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2021, a substantial rise in DALYs was observed, especially in low and middle SDI regions, with a 120.06% increase in the low SDI region, but a 23.10% decline in the high SDI region. Decomposition analysis identified population aging and growth as primary drivers for the burden, contributing 66.39% and 83.56% to the increase in middle and low SDI regions, respectively. By contrast, epidemiological improvements alleviated burden in the high SDI region (54.91%). Gender disparities persisted, with women experiencing a higher burden. Inequality analysis indicated a shift in CVD burden towards the low SDI region, with declining concentration indices for DALYs (-0.03 to -0.13) and deaths (-0.07 to -0.15). The Bayesian age-period-cohort projections suggest continued increases in DALYs and deaths through 2050, with women disproportionately affected. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions promoting physical activity, improving healthcare access, and implementing region-specific prevention strategies.

Objective To explore the ArcCHECK system-based methods for dose verification of ultra-long target for cervical cancer VMAT so as to assure the precision of cervical cancer radiotherapy.Methods A total of 33 patients with ultra-long target(target length≥26 cm)admitted to some hospital for cervical cancer VMAT from 2021 to 2023 were selected retrospectively,and radiotherapy plans were designed for the patients with VMAT technology and verified dosimetrically with different methods.Firstly,the dose distribution data were collected respectively at 5 and 8 cm away from the center of the ArcCHECK system along the bed exit direction,and enrolled into Group Test 1 and Test 2 respectively.Then the ArcCHECK system was flipped 180°,and the dose distribution data were acquired at 8 cm away from the center along the bed exit direction and included into Group Test 3.Dose merging between Group Test 2 and Test 3 with the Merge function was carried out to obtain the dose distribution data which were divided into Group Test 4.The monitor units of Group Test 1,2 and 4 were summarized,and difference analyses were performed on the length of the target area,detection point and irradiation time.Group Test 1,2 and 4 were compared in terms of γ pass rate,normalized dose deviation,confidence limit(CL)of pass rate and acceptance rate(γ pass rate≥95%and γ pass rate≥90%).Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to correlate the parameters such as maximum transverse diameter,length,volume and monitor unit of the target area and expected execution time of the plan.SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results Group Test 1,2 and 4 had the monitor unit being(758.76±107.63)MU,and had statistically significant differences in length of the target area,detection point and irradiation time(P<0.01).In Group Test 4 γ pass rate under 2%/2 mm criterion did not reach 90%,and in Group Test 1 and 2 γ pass rates under 3%/3 mm and 3%/2 mm criteria both amounted to 95%.Group Test 1,2 and 4 had statistically significant differences in γ pass rate and normalized dose deviation(all P<0.05).In Group Test 1 there were more than 90%of the verification results where γ pass rate≥95%and more than 95%where γ pass rate≥90%under 3%/3 mm criterion.The monitor unit was positively correlated with the maximum transverse diameter,length and volume of the target area,respectively(0.337≤r≤0.568,P<0.05),and the expected execution time of the plan was positively correlated with the volume and monitor unit of the target area,respectively(0.457≤r≤0.517,P<0.01).Conclusion The dose verification method with the target at 5 cm away from the center along the bed exit direction can be applied clinically with high feasibility to the dose verification during the radiotherapy of the cervical cancer VMAT patients with ultra-long target,with the safety of the verification devices ensured effectively.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Bufei Jiedu Granules in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)chronic infection using network pharmacology;To verify it through animal experiments.Methods Active components and potential targets in Bufei Jiedu Granules were screened through the TCMSP database,and genes related to MRSA infection were retrieved through GeneCards,OMIM,DisGeNET,TTD,DrugBank and PharmGKB databases.The STRING database was employed to construct a protein-protein interaction network on common targets,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted to identify key signaling pathways for Bufei Jiedu Granules treatment of MRSA infection.The effects of Bufei Jiedu Granules on bacterial load and pathological changes in the lung,liver and kidney of MRSA chronic infection mice models were evaluated through WT and T/B immune cell deficient Rag2-/-mouse animal experiments.The mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors(IFN-γ,IL-10)and immune checkpoints(PD1,TIM3)were detected.Results Totally 54 active components related to Bufei Jiedu Granules were selected,and 50 potential targets related to MRSA infection were identified.118 signaling pathways significantly associated with MRSA infection were identified through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis,in which the JAK-STAT signaling pathway,Th17 cell differentiation,and PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway were closely related to cell activation and T cell differentiation.Animal experimental results indicated that Bufei Jiedu Granules could effectively reduce the bacterial load in organs and ameliorate the pathological damage in the chronic MRSA infection mouse model,increase the mRNA expression of IFN-γ in the lung tissue,and decrease the mRNA expressions of IL-10,PD1 and TIM3.Conclusion Bufei Jiedu Granules has the characteristics of multi-component and multi-target in the treatment of MRSA infection,and may be involved in adaptive immune activation to effectively treat chronic MRSA infection.

Aim To investigate the effect of irisin on endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis(As)in mice.Methods ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into control group,As model group,and irisin group(treated with irisin based on the As model),with 10 mice in each group.The carotid tissues were stained using pathological techniques and immunofluorescence.Human aortic endothelial cells(HAEC)were cultured in vitro,treated with irisin,and stimulated with cholesterol crystal(CC).The protein levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1)and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)were then detected by Western blot.The expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2(CCL2)were detected by RT-qPCR.The ad-hesion of monocytes was assessed using cell adhesion assay.Results The carotid plaque area in the mice of As model group was significantly increased compared with that in control group(P＜0.05).In contrast,the plaque area was re-duced in the irisin group compared with the As model group(P＜0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of VCAM-1,the number of CD68+macrophages,and the deposition of CC were increased in the carotid arteries of the As model group(P＜0.05),while irisin could reduce the expression of VCAM-1,the number of CD68+macrophages,and the deposition of CC(P＜0.05).At the in vitro level,the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1,as well as the adhesion of monocytes in CC-stimulated HAEC,were increased(P＜0.05).However,irisin could inhibit the increased expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1(P＜0.05),as well as the adhesion of monocytes induced by CC(P＜0.05).The mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and CCL2 in HAEC of CC stimulated group were increased(P＜0.05),while irisin could inhibit the mRNA expressions of IL-1β,IL-6 and CCL2 induced by CC(P＜0.05).Conclusion Irisin can inhibit vascular inflamma-tion,thereby reducing the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis.