ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang regulating the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 （Fas）/cysteine protease-8 （Caspase-8）/cysteine protease-3 （Caspase-3） signaling pathway to inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and improve cholestatic liver injury （CLI）. MethodsAmong 48 Wistar rats，12 rats were randomly selected as the blank group，and the other rats were administered alpha-naphthalene isothiocyanate （ANIT） by gavage to induce a CLI model. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group， the ursodeoxycholic acid group（0.1 g·kg^-1） and the Yinchenhao Tang group（9.23 g·kg^-1），with 12 rats in each group. The rats in each group were given corresponding drugs by gavage for three consecutive days. The levels of alanine aminotransferase （ALT），aspartate aminotransferase （AST），alkaline phosphatase （ALP），gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （γ-GT），total bilirubin （TBil） and total bile acid （TBA） in serum were detected. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in liver tissue were detected. The histopathological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The protein and mRNA expressions of Fas，Caspase-8，Caspase-3，B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） associated X protein （Bax） and Bcl-2 in liver tissue were detected by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group，the levels of ALT，AST，ALP，γ-GT，TBA and TBil in serum of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The levels and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in liver tissue were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The arrangement of hepatocytes was disordered，and inflammatory cell infiltration and bile duct epithelial cell proliferation were observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of Fas，Caspase-8，Caspase-3 and Bax in liver tissue were significantly increased（P<0.05，P<0.01），while the protein and mRNA expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group，the levels of ALP，γ-GT，TBA and TBil in the serum of rats in the ursodeoxycholic acid group were significantly decreased. The levels and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in liver tissue were significantly decreased（P<0.05，P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of Fas，Caspase-8，Caspase-3 and Bax in liver tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01），while the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased （P<0.05，）. The levels of ALT，AST，γ-GT，TBA and TBil in the serum of rats in the Yinchenhao Tang group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The levels and mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in liver tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The protein expression of Fas and Bax and the mRNA expression of Fas，Caspase-8，Caspase-3 and Bax in liver tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01），while the protein and mRNA expression of Bcl-2 were significantly increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Hepatocyte injury，inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells were reduced. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang can ameliorate CLI，and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis mediated by the Fas/Caspase-8/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang on the improvement of cholestatic liver injury （CLI） by inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） pathway via regulating farnesol X receptor （FXR）. MethodsA total of 40 Wistar male rats were randomly selected， with 10 as a blank group，and the remaining rats were subjected to the CLI model induced by alpha-naphthalene isothiocyanate （ANIT）. After modeling，they were randomly divided into the model group， the ursodeoxycholic acid （0.1 g·kg^-1） group and the Yinchenhao Tang （9.23 g·kg^-1） group，with 10 animals in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding drug by intragastric administration for three consecutive days. Alanine aminotransferase （ALT），aspartate aminotransferase （AST），alkaline phosphatase （ALP），γ-glutamyl transpeptidase （γ-GT），total bile acid （TBA），total bilirubin （TBil） and direct bilirubin （DBil） levels in serum were detected. Tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α），interleukin-1β （IL-1β），and interleukin-6 （IL-6） levels in liver tissue were detected. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of FXR，TLR4，MyD88，NF-κB，F4/80，TNF-α，IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of FXR，TLR4，MyD88 and NF-κB in liver tissue. The histopathological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group，ALT，AST，ALP，γ-GT，TBA，TBil and DBil levels in serum of rats in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α，IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were significantly increased （P<0.01），and the mRNA and protein expressions of FXR in liver tissue were decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4，MyD88 and NF-κB and the mRNA expression of F4/80 were obviously increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Hepatic histopathology showed inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferative changes of bile duct epithelial cells. Compared with those in the model group，ALT，ALP，γ-GT，TBA，TBil and DBil levels in serum of rats in the ursodeoxycholic acid group were obviously decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01），and the levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α，IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were obviously decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4，MyD88 and NF-κB and the mRNA expression of F4/80 in liver tissue were obviously decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ALT，AST，ALP，γ-GT，TBA，TBil and DBil levels in the serum of rats in the Yinchenhao Tang group were obviously decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01），and the levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α，IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were obviously decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of FXR in liver tissue were significantly increased，and the mRNA expressions of TLR4，MyD88，NF-κB，and F4/80， as well as the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB were obviously decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The inflammatory cell infiltration of liver tissue and the proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells decreased. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang has an obvious protective effect on CLI，and its mechanism may be related to regulating FXR to inhibit TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammatory response.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and autologous transplantation in preserving fertility and ovarian endocrine function in patients with cervical cancer. MethodsA 26-year-old patient with stage ⅡA1 cervical cancer underwent ovarian tissue harvesting and cryopreservation during cancer surgery. Following complete remission of the cancer， autologous ovarian tissue transplantation was performed. Follow-up monitoring included assessment of menopausal symptoms， hormone levels， and follicular development. ResultsSix months after transplantation， follicle-stimulating hormone levels decreased to 6.60 U/L， and estradiol levels increased from ＜10.00 ng/L to 89.00 ng/L. At 10 months after transplantation， ultrasound monitoring confirmed follicular development and physiological ovulation in the transplanted ovarian tissue. By 15 months after transplantation， follicle-stimulating hormone levels remained stable at 7.24 U/L， and estradiol levels further increased to 368.00 ng/L. Over 2 years after transplantation， the patient successfully gave birth to a healthy baby through assisted reproductive technology. ConclusionThe restoration of endocrine and ovulation functions in the transplanted cryopreserved ovarian tissue， followed by successful pregnancy， demonstrates the clinical success of ovarian tissue transplantation.

Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Tic Disorders/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with NRAS and KRAS gene mutations, and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis. METHODS: The clinical data and next-generation sequencing results of 80 newly diagnosed AML patients treated at our hospital from December 2018 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes of NRAS and KRAS , and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis in newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 80 newly diagnosed AML patients, NRAS mutations were detected in 20 cases(25.0%), and KRAS mutations were detected in 9 cases(11.3%). NRAS mutations predominantly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, as well as codon 61 of exon 3, while KRAS mutations were most commonly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, all of which were missense mutations. There were no statistically significant differences observed in terms of age, sex, white blood cell count(WBC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelet count(PLT), bone marrow blasts, first induction chemotherapy regimen, CR1/CRi1 rates, chromosome karyotype, 2022 ELN risk classification and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) among the NRAS mutation group, KRAS mutation group and NRAS/KRAS wild-type group (P >0.05). KRAS mutations were significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutations (r =0.344), whereas no genes significantly associated with NRAS mutations were found. Survival analysis showed that compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with NRAS mutation had a relatively higher 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, though the differences were not statistically significant (P =0.097, P =0.249). Compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with KRAS mutation had a lower 5-year OS rate and RFS rate, with no significant differences observed (P =0.275, P =0.442). There was no significant difference in the 5-year RFS rate between the KRAS mutation group and NRAS mutation group (P =0.157), but the 5-year OS rate of patients with KRAS mutation was significantly lower than that of patients with NRAS mutation (P =0.037). CONCLUSION In newly diagnosed AML patients, KRAS mutation was significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutation. Compared to patients with NRAS/KRAS wild-type, those with NRAS mutation showed a more favorable prognosis, while patients with KRAS mutation showed a poorer prognosis; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Notably, the prognosis of AML patients with KRAS mutation was significantly inferior compared to those with NRAS mutation.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis* ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a crucial risk factor influencing an unfavorable prognosis in specific cancers. Fundamental research illuminates our understanding of tumor behavior and identifies valuable therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the exploration of fundamental theories and the validation of clinical therapies hinge on preclinical experiments. Preclinical models, in this context, serve as the conduit connecting fundamental theories to clinical outcomes. In vivo models established in animals offer a valuable platform for comprehensively observing interactions between tumor cells and organisms. Using various experimental animals, including mice, diverse methods, such as carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis, tumor cell line or human tumor transplantation, genetic engineering, and humanization, have been used effectively to construct numerous models for tumor LNM. Carcinogen-induced models simulate the entire process of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Transplantation models, using human tumor cell lines or patient-derived tumors, offer a research platform closely mirroring the histology and clinical behavior of human tumors. Genetically engineered models have been used to delve into the mechanisms of primary tumorigenesis within an intact microenvironment. Humanized models are used to overcome barriers between human and murine immune systems. Beyond mouse models, various other animal models have unique advantages and limitations, all contributing to exploring LNM. This review summarizes existing in vitro and animal preclinical models, identifies current bottlenecks in preclinical research, and offers an outlook on forthcoming preclinical models.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cell Line, Tumor

OBJECTIVES: To study the therapeutic mechanism of Tuihuang Mixture against cholestasis. METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomized equally into blank group, model group, ursodeoxycholic acid group and Tuihuang Mixture group. Except for those in the blank group, all the rats were given α‑naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) to establish rat models of cholestasis, followed by treatments with indicated drugs or distilled water. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL of the rats were determined, and hepatic expressions IL-1β, IL-18, FXR, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were detected using q-PCR, ELISA or Western blotting. Histopathological changes of the liver tissues were observed using HE staining. RESULTS: The rat models of cholestasis had significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL with increased mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18, decreased protein and mRNA expressions of FXR, and increased protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 and mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD in the liver tissue, showing also irregular arrangement of liver cells, proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells and inflammatory cells infiltration. Treatment of the rat models with Tuihuang Mixture significantly decreased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL, lowered IL-1β and IL-18 and increased FXR protein and mRNA expressions, and reduced NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD proteins and NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA expressions in the liver tissue. Tuihuang Mixture also significantly alleviated hepatocyte injury, bile duct epithelial cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of the rat models. CONCLUSIONS Tuihuang Mixture can effectively improve cholestasis in rats possibly by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatosome-mediated pyroptosis via regulating FXR.
Animals ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Rats ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism* ; Cholestasis/drug therapy* ; Rats, Wistar ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; 1-Naphthylisothiocyanate ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Interleukin-18/metabolism* ; Caspase 1/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Liver/metabolism*

Acute mitochondrial damage and the energy crisis following axonal injury highlight mitochondrial transport as an important target for axonal regeneration. Syntaphilin (Snph), known for its potent mitochondrial anchoring action, has emerged as a significant inhibitor of both mitochondrial transport and axonal regeneration. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms that influence the expression levels of the snph gene can provide a viable strategy to regulate mitochondrial trafficking and enhance axonal regeneration. Here, we reveal the inhibitory effect of microRNA-146b (miR-146b) on the expression of the homologous zebrafish gene syntaphilin b (snphb). Through CRISPR/Cas9 and single-cell electroporation, we elucidated the positive regulatory effect of the miR-146b-snphb axis on Mauthner cell (M-cell) axon regeneration at the global and single-cell levels. Through escape response tests, we show that miR-146b-snphb signaling positively regulates functional recovery after M-cell axon injury. In addition, continuous dynamic imaging in vivo showed that reprogramming miR-146b significantly promotes axonal mitochondrial trafficking in the pre-injury and early stages of regeneration. Our study reveals an intrinsic axonal regeneration regulatory axis that promotes axonal regeneration by reprogramming mitochondrial transport and anchoring. This regulation involves noncoding RNA, and mitochondria-associated genes may provide a potential opportunity for the repair of central nervous system injury.
Animals ; Zebrafish ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Nerve Regeneration/physiology* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Zebrafish Proteins/genetics* ; Axons/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Axonal Transport/physiology* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics*

Abstract Cholestasis can be seen in many acute and chronic liver diseases. If not intervened in time, persistent cholestasis can further progress to liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. The pathogenesis of cholestasis is complex, and there is currently a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Bile acids(BAs), the main component of bile, are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver as primary bile acids. After entering the intestine through the enterohepatic circulation, they are reshaped into secondary bile acids by gut microbiota. BAs can directly or indirectly affect the composition and function of gut microbiota, which in turn can regulate the synthesis and metabolism of BAs. The interaction between BAs and gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of cholestasis. This review elucidates the bidirectional regulatory mechanisms between BAs and gut microbiota and their roles in the pathogenesis and treatment of cholestasis, aiming to provide insights and references for basic research and clinical practice related to cholestasis-associated diseases.

Objective To study the protective effect of Irisin in doxorubicin(Dox)induced-Cardiomyopathy and its possible mechanism.Methods AC 16 cells were used to construct Dox injury model and divided into control group(AC 16 cells were cultured with complete medium),Irisin group(AC16 cells were treated with 10 ng·L-1 Irisin for 24 h),Dox group(AC 16 cells were treated with 4 μmol·L-1 Dox for 24 h),Dox+Irisin group(AC 16 cells were pretreated with 10 ng·L-1 Irisin for 2 h,and then treated with 4 pmol·L-1 Dox for 24 h).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were used to detect the proliferation,apoptosis and mortality of AC 16 cells.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway and apoptotic factors B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and caspase-9 protein.Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos probe was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential.Results In the contrl group,Irisin group,Dox group,Dox+Irisin group,the rate of apoptosis were(0.97±0.09)％,0,(42.80±6.70)％,(11.74±1.79)％;the expression of Bax protein were 0.85±0.01,0.36±0.02,1.15±0.07,0.37±0.11;the expression of caspase-9 protein were 0.52±0.02,0.59±0.03,1.11±0.02,0.67±0.08;the expression of Bcl-2 protein were 1.01±0.04,1.05±0.25,0.43±0.02 and 0.99±0.30;the probability of mitochondrial damage were(0.02±0.01)％,(0.5±0.15)％,(38.6±2.39)％,(1.58±0.54)％.The difference of the above indexes between the contrl group and the Dox group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the difference between Dox group and Dox+Irisin group were statisically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Irisin could reduce the expression level of Bax,caspase-9,p-NF-κB,and p-mTOR caused by Dox,increase the expression level of Bcl-2,ameliorate the myocardial damage caused by Dox,and reduce cardiotoxicity.