OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) on vascular aging. METHODS: Eighteen male SD rats were randomized into young group, intraperitoneal D-galactose injection-induced aging group, and BYHWD gavage group. The changes in pulse wave velocity (PWV), vascular SA-β-gal activity, and expressions of p16, p21 and SA‑β‑gal of the rats were examined. Serum exosomes were isolated from the rats, and after characterization using NTA and TEM and for surface markers and vascular cell markers, were examined for miR-590-5p expression using qRT-PCR. The M1/M2 macrophage ratio and cytokine levels were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to predict the potential target genes of miR-590-5p and validate its targeting relationship with SLC8A3, whose expressions were detected in the vascular tissues of the rats by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the young rats, the aging rats exhibited significantly increased PWV in the abdominal aorta with elevated vascular expressions of p16, p21 and SA-β-gal, which were all reversed by BYHWD treatment. The isolated serum exosomes were positive for CD63, CD81, CD31 and SM-22, and the exosomes from aging rats showed significantly downregulated expression of miR-590-5p, which was upregulated after BYHWD treatment. The aging rat vessels showed an increased M1/M2 macrophage ratio with elevated M1-specific cytokines and reduced M2-specific cytokines, and BYHWD treatment effectively inhibited M1 polarization of the macrophages. Pearson analysis revealed a negative correlation between exosomal miR-590-5p upregulation and the M1/M2 ratio. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-590-5p targets SLC8A3. Western blotting demonstrated increased SLC8A3 expression in aging rat vessels, which was downregulated after BYHWD treatment. CONCLUSIONS BYHWD attenuates vascular aging in rats by modulating macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing vascular inflammation via exosomal miR-590-5p-mediated downregulation of SLC8A3.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Macrophages/drug effects* ; Rats ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Aging/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction

Objective To analyze the characteristics of the crown-root ratios of the anterior teeth in subjects with different periodontal phenotypes in healthy population.Methods A total of 100 periodontally healthy young volunteers were selected,there were 53 females and 47 males,totaling 594 anterior teeth were included in the study.The periodontal probe method was used to determine the periodontal phenotypes of different tooth positions,with 108 cases of thick gingival type and 90 cases of thin gingival type in mesial incisors;95 teeth of thick gingival type and 103 teeth of thin gingival type in lateral incisors,and 98 teeth of thick gingival type and 100 teeth of thin gingival type in cuspids.Panoramic radiographs were taken,crown length and root length of upper anterior teeth were calculated,and crown-root ratio was calculated,to compare and analyze the differences between the results of the two groups.Results The crown-to-root ratio in thin gingival group of mesial incisors and lateral incisors were higher than those in thick gingival group,and the root length was smaller than thick gingival group.The difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The keratinized gingival width of thin gingival group was less than that of thick gingival group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The relatively high crown-to-root ratio of mesial incisors and lateral incisors in patients with thin gingival phenotypes and the lesser width of keratinized gingiva in thin gingival phenotypes than thick gingival phenotypes.and risk assessment should be taken into account in the restorative system as well as in the orthodontic design of the anterior tooth movement.

Objective To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD)on vascular aging.Methods Eighteen male SD rats were randomized into young group,intraperitoneal D-galactose injection-induced aging group,and BYHWD gavage group.The changes in pulse wave velocity(PWV),vascular SA-β-gal activity,and expressions of p16,p21 and SA-β-gal of the rats were examined.Serum exosomes were isolated from the rats,and after characterization using NTA and TEM and for surface markers and vascular cell markers,were examined for miR-590-5p expression using qRT-PCR.The M1/M2 macrophage ratio and cytokine levels were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR.Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to predict the potential target genes of miR-590-5p and validate its targeting relationship with SLC8A3,whose expressions were detected in the vascular tissues of the rats by Western blotting.Results Compared with the young rats,the aging rats exhibited significantly increased PWV in the abdominal aorta with elevated vascular expressions of p16,p21 and SA-β-gal,which were all reversed by BYHWD treatment.The isolated serum exosomes were positive for CD63,CD81,CD31 and SM-22,and the exosomes from aging rats showed significantly downregulated expression of miR-590-5p,which was upregulated after BYHWD treatment.The aging rat vessels showed an increased M1/M2 macrophage ratio with elevated M1-specific cytokines and reduced M2-specific cytokines,and BYHWD treatment effectively inhibited M1 polarization of the macrophages.Pearson analysis revealed a negative correlation between exosomal miR-590-5p upregulation and the M1/M2 ratio.Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-590-5p targets SLC8A3.Western blotting demonstrated increased SLC8A3 expression in aging rat vessels,which was downregulated after BYHWD treatment.Conclusion BYHWD attenuates vascular aging in rats by modulating macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing vascular inflammation via exosomal miR-590-5p-mediated downregulation of SLC8A3.

Objective To analyze the characteristics of the crown-root ratios of the anterior teeth in subjects with different periodontal phenotypes in healthy population.Methods A total of 100 periodontally healthy young volunteers were selected,there were 53 females and 47 males,totaling 594 anterior teeth were included in the study.The periodontal probe method was used to determine the periodontal phenotypes of different tooth positions,with 108 cases of thick gingival type and 90 cases of thin gingival type in mesial incisors;95 teeth of thick gingival type and 103 teeth of thin gingival type in lateral incisors,and 98 teeth of thick gingival type and 100 teeth of thin gingival type in cuspids.Panoramic radiographs were taken,crown length and root length of upper anterior teeth were calculated,and crown-root ratio was calculated,to compare and analyze the differences between the results of the two groups.Results The crown-to-root ratio in thin gingival group of mesial incisors and lateral incisors were higher than those in thick gingival group,and the root length was smaller than thick gingival group.The difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The keratinized gingival width of thin gingival group was less than that of thick gingival group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The relatively high crown-to-root ratio of mesial incisors and lateral incisors in patients with thin gingival phenotypes and the lesser width of keratinized gingiva in thin gingival phenotypes than thick gingival phenotypes.and risk assessment should be taken into account in the restorative system as well as in the orthodontic design of the anterior tooth movement.

Bile acids can be categorized into primary bile acids，which are synthesized directly in liver cells，and secondary bile acids，which are formed after decomposition by intestinal bacteria. The intestinal flora is diverse and widely used，which is closely related to various functions and diseases in the human body. As one of the main metabolites of intestinal flora，bile acids have a close bidirectional regulation between them.Current research has shown a clear correlation between fecal bile acid levels and changes in gastrointestinal function.This paper will review the relationship between fecal bile acid levels and different defecation frequency in children from the perspective of changes in intestinal bile acids under diarrhea and constipation symptoms，and will provide a research direction for further exploration of the effects of different metabolites based on the composition of bile acids on defecation frequency.

Liver is the central hub regulating energy metabolism during feeding-fasting transition. Evidence suggests that fasting and refeeding induce dynamic changes in liver size, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a key regulator of organ size. This study aims to explore the role of YAP in fasting- and refeeding-induced changes in liver size. Here, fasting significantly reduced liver size, which was recovered to the normal level after refeeding. Moreover, hepatocyte size was decreased and hepatocyte proliferation was inhibited after fasting. Conversely, refeeding promoted hepatocyte enlargement and proliferation compared to fasted state. Mechanistically, fasting or refeeding regulated the expression of YAP and its downstream targets, as well as the proliferation-related protein cyclin D1 (CCND1). Furthermore, fasting significantly reduced the liver size in AAV-control mice, which was mitigated in AAV Yap (5SA) mice. Yap overexpression also prevented the effect of fasting on hepatocyte size and proliferation. Besides, the recovery of liver size after refeeding was delayed in AAV Yap shRNA mice. Yap knockdown attenuated refeeding-induced hepatocyte enlargement and proliferation. In summary, this study demonstrated that YAP plays an important role in dynamic changes of liver size during fasting-refeeding transition, which provides new evidence for YAP in regulating liver size under energy stress.

OBJECTIVES: Radiotherapy is one of the main therapies for colorectal cancer, but radioresistance often leads to radiotherapy failure. To improve the radioresistance, we explore the effect of oligomycin A, the H METHODS: The effects of different concentrations of oligomycin A on the survival rate and glycolysis of HT29 colorectal cancer cells at different time points were investigated via MTT and glycolysis assay. siRNA-PFK1 was synthesized in vitro and transfected into HT29 cells. The effects of oligomycin A on radiosensitivity of HT29 colorectal cancer cells were measured via MTT and colony formation assay. Western blotting was used to detect the effect of oligomycin A on the expression of glycolytic enzyme PFK1. We compared difference between the effects of siRNA-PFK1 group and oligomycin A combined with siRNA-PFK1 group on cell survival and glycolysis. After 4 Gy X-ray irradiation, the effects of cell survival and glycolysis between the siRNA-PFK1 group and the oligomycin A combined with siRNA-PFK1 group were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the 0 μmol/L oligomycin A group, the cell survival rate of HT29 cells treated with 4 μmol/L oligomycin A was significantly increased ( CONCLUSIONS Oligomycin A can promote the radioresistance of HT29 colorectal cancer cells, which may be related to up-regulation of the PFK1 expression and increase of cell glycolysis.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics* ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; Oligomycins/pharmacology* ; Radiation Tolerance

One patient with recurrent attacks of pancreatitis and pancreatic head mass had a long history of recurrent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, and no significant alleviations were observed under non-surgical treatment in many hospitals. After the diagnosis and treatment by the multidisciplinary team of gastroenterology, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, oncology, pathology, radiology and other departments of Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, the patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy to completely remove the painful lesion, without leaving histological basis for canceration caused by chronic inflammation. The safety of the surgery was greatly improved and no obvious complications were observed.

Objective:To evaluate the performance of three antibody kits for novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and to investigate the feasibility and advantages of them in clinical application.Methods:A total of 104 patients who were admitted to Guangzhou Eighth People′s Hospital with COVID-19 from January to February 2020 were selected as research group. Fifty-one healthy subjects were selected during the same period as negative control group. Serum antibodies (IgM/IgG) against SARS-CoV-2 were detected using two kinds of colloidal gold kits (A and B kits) and one chemiluminescence kit (C kit). The positive rates of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in different samples from patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The clinical sensitivity of A kit to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG was 77.88% (81/104) and 65.38% (68/104), respectively, and the clinical specificity was 70.59% (36/51) and 100.00% (51/51). However, the false positive rate in IgM detection was as high as 29.41% (15/51). The sensitivity of B kit to test total antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was 63.46% (66/104), and the clinical specificity was 94.12% (48/51). The clinical sensitivity of C kit to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG were respectively 31.73% (33/104) and 64.42% (67/104), and the clinical specificity were both 98.04% (50/51). There was a moderate correlation between the detection results of two colloidal gold kits and the chemiluminescence kit with the Kappa values of 0.462 and 0.587 ( Z=6.157, P<0.01; Z=7.345, P<0.01). C kit had the highest positive detection rate for IgG, and would be more reliable to be used for IgG detection in COVID-19 patients 14 d after onset. The total positive detection rate of nucleic acid in all types of samples was 63.46% (66/104). The highest positive detection rate was in throat swabs or sputum samples, followed by those in blood samples and anal swabs. No viral nucleic acid was detected in urine samples for the time being. Conclusions:SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies could be detected in the early or late stage of COVID-19. The method of antibody detection has the advantages of shorter detection time, simple operation and high biological safety, indicating that it could be used as a supplementary or auxiliary detection for the diagnosis of suspected COVID-19 cases with negative nucleic acid test results. The chemiluminescence kit has good sensitivity and specificity, and is well recommended for clinical laboratories.

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is an important aquaculture species in Crustacea. Functional analysis, although essential, has been hindered due to the lack of sufficient genomic or transcriptomic resources. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on 59 samples rep-resenting diverse developmental stages (fertilized eggs, zoea, megalopa, three sub-stages of larvae, juvenile crabs, and adult crabs) and different tissues (eyestalk, hepatopancreas, and muscle from juvenile crabs, and eyestalk, hepatopancreas, muscle, heart, stomach, gill, thoracic ganglia, intes-tine, ovary, and testis from adult crabs) of E. sinensis. A comprehensive reference transcriptome was assembled, including 19,023 protein-coding genes. Hierarchical clustering based on 128 differ-entially expressed cuticle-related genes revealed two distinct expression patterns during the early lar-val developmental stages, demonstrating the distinct roles of these genes in 'crab-like"cuticle formation during metamorphosis and cuticle calcification after molting. Phylogenetic analysis of 1406 one-to-one orthologous gene families identified from seven arthropod species andCaenorhabditis elegans strongly supported the hypothesis that Malacostraca and Branchiopoda do not form a monophyletic group. Furthermore, Branchiopoda is more phylogenetically closely related to Hexapoda, and the clade of Hexapoda and Branchiopoda and the clade of Malacostraca belong to the Pancrustacea. This study offers a high-quality transcriptome resource for E. sinensis and demonstrates the evolutionary relationships of major arthropod groups. The differentially expressed genes identified in this study facilitate further investigation of the cuticle-related gene expression networks which are likely associated with'crab-like"cuticle formation during metamor-phosis and cuticle calcification after molting.