Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual dysfunction. Gut microbiota plays an important role in various diseases. To investigate the effects and mechanisms of intestinal flora dysregulation induced by high-fat diet (HFD) on erectile function. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into the normal diet (ND) and HFD groups. After 24 weeks, a measurement of erectile function was performed. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples. Then, we established fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) rat models by transplanting fecal microbiota from rats of ND group and HFD group to two new groups of rats respectively. After 24 weeks, erectile function of the rats was evaluated and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed, and serum samples were collected for the untargeted metabolomics detection. Results: The erectile function of rats and the species diversity of intestinal microbiota in the HFD group was significantly lower, and the characteristics of the intestinal microbiota community structure were also significantly different between the two groups. The erectile function of rats in the HFD-FMT group was significantly lower than that of rats in the ND-FMT group. The characteristics of the intestinal microbiota community structure were significantly different. In the HFD-FMT group, 27 metabolites were significantly different and they were mainly involved in the several inflammation-related pathways. Conclusions Intestinal microbiota disorders induced by HFD can damage the intestinal barrier of rats, change the serum metabolic profile, induce low-grade inflammation and apoptosis in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, and lead to ED.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual dysfunction. Gut microbiota plays an important role in various diseases. To investigate the effects and mechanisms of intestinal flora dysregulation induced by high-fat diet (HFD) on erectile function. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into the normal diet (ND) and HFD groups. After 24 weeks, a measurement of erectile function was performed. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples. Then, we established fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) rat models by transplanting fecal microbiota from rats of ND group and HFD group to two new groups of rats respectively. After 24 weeks, erectile function of the rats was evaluated and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed, and serum samples were collected for the untargeted metabolomics detection. Results: The erectile function of rats and the species diversity of intestinal microbiota in the HFD group was significantly lower, and the characteristics of the intestinal microbiota community structure were also significantly different between the two groups. The erectile function of rats in the HFD-FMT group was significantly lower than that of rats in the ND-FMT group. The characteristics of the intestinal microbiota community structure were significantly different. In the HFD-FMT group, 27 metabolites were significantly different and they were mainly involved in the several inflammation-related pathways. Conclusions Intestinal microbiota disorders induced by HFD can damage the intestinal barrier of rats, change the serum metabolic profile, induce low-grade inflammation and apoptosis in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, and lead to ED.

Objective To explore the application effect of carbon dioxide ablative fractional la-ser(CO2-AFL)in photodynamic therapy(PDT)for condylomata acuminata(CA).Methods A to-tal of 80 patients with CA from January 2022 to December 2023 were randomly divided into two groups,with 40 cases in each group.Control group was treated with PDT mediated by 5-aminolevulin-ic acid(5-ALA)as a photosensitizer(5-ALA-PDT),while study group was treated with CO2-AFL combined with 5-ALA-PDT.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.Clinical efficacy,recurrence,and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups;additionally,serum inflammatory factors,immune function related indicators,local human papillomavirus(HPV)load,and the Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI)scores before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment were compared be-tween the two groups.Results The total effective rate was 97.50％ in the study group,which was significantly higher than the 80.00％ in the control group(P＜0.05).Four weeks after treatment,the levels of interleukin-2(IL-2)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)decreased significantly in both groups when compared with before treatment,while the levels of interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-10(IL-10),and the ratio of T helper 1 to T helper 2 cells(Th1/Th2)increased significantly when compared with before treatment(P＜0.05);moreover,the levels of IL-2 and TNF-α in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group,while the levels of IFN-γ,IL-4,IL-10,and Th1/Th2 in the study group were significantly higher than thosein the control group(P＜0.05).Four weeks after treatment,CD8+level significantly decreased in both groups when compared with before treatment,while CD3+,CD4+,and CD4+/CD8+levels increased sig-nificantly when compared with before treatment(P＜0.05);additionally,the levels of CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while CD8+level was significantly lower in the study group(P＜0.05).Four weeks after treat-ment,the local HPV load and DLQI score significantly decreased in both groups when compared with those before treatment,and these indexes in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was 10.00％ in the study group,which showed no significant difference when compared to 5.00％ in the control group(P＞0.05).The recurrence rate within 6 months was 5.00％ in the study group,which was significantly lower than the 22.50％ in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Application of CO2-AFL in 5-ALA-PDT for CA is effective,which helps to eliminate latent HPV viruses,improve serum levels of inflammatory factors,promote the recovery of immune function,and improve the quality of life of CA patients,with a low recurrence rate.

Objective To investigate the distribution and carriage of Bartonella in rodents and plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in Xining City, Hai Prefecture, and Menyuan County in Qinghai Province, providing basic data for the prevention and control of Bartonella infections and scientific evidence for the control natural zoonotic diseases in the local area. Methods In 2023, rodents were captured using rodent traps across Xining City, Hai Prefecture, and Menyuan County in Qinghai Province. Bartonella DNA was extracted and amplified from collected liver, spleen, and kidney tissue samples of plateau pikas. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 software, with the chi-square test and Fisher's exact probability method employed to analyze Bartonella positivity rates across different rodent species and ecological environments. Sequence analysis was also conducted on the Bartonella-positive strains from Menyuan County. Results A total of 489 rodents and plateau pikas were captured across the three regions: 206 in Xining City, 200 in Haixi Prefecture, and 83 in Menyuan County. The Bartonella positivity rates were 40.29% (83/206), 2.00% (4/200), and 12.05% (10/83) respectively. A statistically significant difference in Bartonella positivity was observed between Menyuan County and Haixi Prefecture (χ2=10.55, P<0.01). In Menyuan County, 74 Mus musculus linnaeus were captured, 9 Ochotona were captured, 10 Mus musculus linnaeus were Bartonella positive, Ochotona was not detected, the difference was statistically significant by Fisher's exact probability test (P<0.05). There were 14 and 69 rodents captured on grassland and stone land, respectively. 10 rodents captured on stone land were positive for Bartonella, but no rodents were detected on grassland, and the difference was statistically significant by Fisher's exact probability test (P<0.05). Genomic sequence analysis showed that the 10 Bartonella strains from Menyuan County clustered into three genotypes:Bartonella sp.AR 15-3, Bartonella grahamii as4aup, and Bartonella grahamii subsp. shimonis.Conclusion Natural Bartonella infections exist in rodents and plateau pikas across Xining City, Haixi Prefecture, and Menyuan County in Qinghai Province. Furthermore, gene types related to human pathogenicity pose a risk of human infection. Therefore, the monitoring of rodent-borne pathogens in these areas should be strengthened.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual dysfunction. Gut microbiota plays an important role in various diseases. To investigate the effects and mechanisms of intestinal flora dysregulation induced by high-fat diet (HFD) on erectile function. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into the normal diet (ND) and HFD groups. After 24 weeks, a measurement of erectile function was performed. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples. Then, we established fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) rat models by transplanting fecal microbiota from rats of ND group and HFD group to two new groups of rats respectively. After 24 weeks, erectile function of the rats was evaluated and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed, and serum samples were collected for the untargeted metabolomics detection. Results: The erectile function of rats and the species diversity of intestinal microbiota in the HFD group was significantly lower, and the characteristics of the intestinal microbiota community structure were also significantly different between the two groups. The erectile function of rats in the HFD-FMT group was significantly lower than that of rats in the ND-FMT group. The characteristics of the intestinal microbiota community structure were significantly different. In the HFD-FMT group, 27 metabolites were significantly different and they were mainly involved in the several inflammation-related pathways. Conclusions Intestinal microbiota disorders induced by HFD can damage the intestinal barrier of rats, change the serum metabolic profile, induce low-grade inflammation and apoptosis in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, and lead to ED.

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions (TCMPs) is critical to clinical efficacy; however, evaluating their consistency and identifying sources of variability remain challenging. This study proposes an integrated strategy to assess the quality of 100 widely sold TCMPs. A "one-for-all" chromatographic method was employed to analyze 645 sample batches. This large-scale data collection enabled statistical evaluations, such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and similarity heatmap, to identify quality inconsistencies. The introduction of a TCM-specific mass spectrometry (MS) database allowed for rapid, automated annotation of chemicals across 100 prescriptions and facilitated the tracing of raw material sources. Results indicate that 19% of prescriptions exhibited chemical inconsistencies, which are associated with high market value, low pricing, and substantial price disparities. The MS database allowed rapid annotation of 761 and 673 compounds in positive and negative modes, respectively, in 100 TCMPs, with 73 prescriptions reported for the first time. The tracing efforts succeeded in identifying >40% of the raw material sources for 51 prescriptions. P93 (Yinianjin (YNJ)) is a case in which the chromatographic profiles from three manufacturers displayed inconsistencies. Analysis using the database traced divergent peaks to Rhei Radix et R hizoma (RRER). Verification with self-prepared samples confirmed that manufacturers utilized three distinct botanical sources. This integrated strategy provides a scalable framework for quality control in TCMPs.

Objective To investigate the protective mechanism of ergothioneine against oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in vascular dementia(VaD)neurons through activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1(Nrf2/HO-1)signaling pathway.Methods A total of 15 VaD patients(VaD group)admitted in our hospital from December 2023 to April 2024 were prospectively recruited,and another 15 healthy individuals taking physical examination during same period were subjected and served as health group.Then,plasma ergothioneine levels in the two groups were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).In in vitro experiments,hippocampal neurons were isolated from neonatal rats,and then divided into control,oxygen-glucose deprivation model,ergothioneine,and ergothioneine+ML385 groups.The expression levels of key molecules of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,oxidative stress markers,inflammatory cytokines,and apoptosis-related proteins were detected with RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Results The VaD patients exhibited significantly reduced plasma ergothioneine level(694.71±106.87 vs 1268.84±152.87)and down-regulated mRNA levels of Nrf2(0.49±0.14 vs 1.00±0.17),HO-1(0.35±0.23 vs 1.00±0.14)and NQO1(0.39±0.16 vs 1.00±0.12)than the health group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the control group,the model group showed significant increases in inflammatory factor levels.Ergothioneine treatment resulted in significant decreases in malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species contents,and neuronal apoptosis rate.The ergothioneine+ML385 group showed a significant increase in hippocampal neuronal apoptotic rate,when compared with the ergothionein group.Conclusion Ergothioneine protects VaD neurons against oxidative stress and inflammatory damage by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

AIM:To investigate the effect of cryptotanshinone(CPT)on myocardial hypertrophy induced by isoprenaline(ISO)in rats and explore its potential mechanism.METHODS:The experimental design consisted of two parts.The first aimed to investigate the effects of CPT on cardiac function,pathological manifestations,and the Janus ki-nase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway in rats with myocardial hyper-trophy.The rats were divided into six groups,namely the control,CPT control,and model groups and low-(15 mg·kg-1·d-1),medium-(30 mg·kg-1·d-1),and high-dose(60 mg·kg-1·d-1)CPT treatment groups,with six rats per group.The sec-ond part aimed to validate the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the CPT-mediated myocardial hypertrophy treatment.Rats were divided into four groups,namely the control,model,high-dose CPT treatment,and coumermycin A1(CA1,a JAK2/STAT3 agonist)intervention(rats received ISO injection followed by 60 mg·kg-1·d-1 of high-dose CPT and 1 mg·kg-1·d-1 of CA1 for 15 d)groups,with five rats per group.Myocardial hypertrophy was induced in rats via intra-peritoneal injection of ISO(5 mg/kg),and CPT intervention lasted for 15 days.Cardiac function-related parameters were assessed using echocardiography,and pathological changes were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin,Masson,and wheat germ agglutinin staining.Protein expression levels of atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),β-myosin heavy chain(β-MHC),and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot analysis.RESULTS:Compared with the model group,CPT administration improved cardiac dysfunction-related ul-trasound markers and significantly reduced ISO-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in rats with hy-pertrophy in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).Additionally,CPT decreased the levels of ANP,BNP,and β-MHC in-duced by ISO modeling(P<0.05),and inhibiting the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3(P<0.05).Furthermore,a partial reversal of the therapeutic effect on myocardial hypertrophy induced by ISO modeling was observed when CA1 was administered(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The CPT exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent for cardiac hypertrophy by effectively attenuating ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats through JAK2/STAT3 signaling inhibition.

Background::B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy yield remarkable responses in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM). Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) reportedly exhibits distinct advantages in addressing the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity in the distribution and genetic variations in R/RMM.Methods::Herein, the ctDNA of 108 peripheral blood plasma samples from patients with R/RMM at the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University was thoroughly investigated before administration of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy to establish its predictive potential. Flow cytometry is used primarily to detect subgroups of T cells or CAR-T cells.Results::In this study, several tumor and T cell effector-mediated factors were considered to be related to treatment failure by an integrat analysis, including higher percentages of multiple myeloma (MM) cells in the bone marrow ( P = 0.0125), lower percentages of CAR-T cells in the peripheral blood at peak ( P = 0.0375), and higher percentages of CD8 + T cells ( P = 0.0340). Furthermore, there is a substantial correlation between high ctDNA level (>143 ng/mL) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) ( P = 0.007). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high levels of ctDNA (>143 ng/mL), MM-driven high-risk mutations (including IGLL5 [ P = 0.004], IRF4 [ P = 0.024], and CREBBP [ P = 0.041]), number of multisite mutations, and resistance-related mutation ( ERBB4, P = 0.040) were independent risk factors for PFS. Conclusion::Finally, a ctDNA-based risk model was built based on the above independent risk factors, which serves as an adjunct non-invasive measure of substantial tumor burden and a prognostic genetic feature that can assist in predicting the response to anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on exercise-induced fatigue and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomized into blank， model， low-， medium-， high-dose （4.1， 8.2， 16.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Buzhong Yiqitang， and vitamin C （0.04 g·kg^-1） groups. The blank and model groups were administrated with normal saline. Each group was administrated with corresponding agents by gavage at a dose of 0.2 mL once a day. Except the blank group， other groups underwent a 6-weeks exhaustive swimming test under negative gravity. At the end of the experiment， blood was collected， and the thymus， spleen， liver， and kidney weights were measured. Serum levels of lactic acid （LD）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， creatine kinase （CK）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） were assessed by kits to evaluate fatigue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes in the skeletal muscle. Electron microscopy was used to examine the skeletal muscle cell ultrastructure， with a focus on mitochondrial morphological changes. The adenosine triphosphate （ATP） content and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ， Ⅱ， and Ⅴ in skeletal muscle were determined by kits. The expression levels of key genes and proteins in the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 （PINK1）-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis pathways in the skeletal muscle were evaluated via Real-time PCR and Western blot， respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed reductions in weight gain rate （P<0.01） and thymus index （P<0.01）， rises in serum levels of LD， BUN， MDA， and CK （P<0.01）， disarrangement of skeletal muscle， broken muscle fibers， inflammatory cell infiltration in muscle fiber gaps， abnormal morphological changes （increased vacuolated mitochondria and disappearance of cristae） of mitochondria in skeletal muscle cells， and decreased mitochondria. In addition， the skeletal muscle in the model group showed reduced content of ATP， weakened activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ， Ⅱ， and Ⅴ （P<0.05）， up-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1， E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase （Parkin）， hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1 （HEY1）， dynamin-related protein 1 （Drp1）， sequestosome 1 （p62）， and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha （HIF-1α） （P<0.05）， and down-regulated protein level of microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3B （LC3B） （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Buzhong Yiqitang prolonged the swimming exhaustion time （P<0.01）， increased the weight gain rate （P<0.01） and thymus index （P<0.01）， lowered the serum levels of LD， BUN， MDA， and CK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showed neat arrangement， reduced inflammatory cells， intact mitochondria with dense cristae， and increased mitochondria. In addition， the skeletal muscle in the Buzhong Yiqitang groups showcased increased ATP content， enhanced activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ， Ⅱ， and Ⅴ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of PINK1， Parkin， HEY1， LC3B， and Drp1 and mRNA level of HIF-1α （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated expression level of p62 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can prevent and treat exercise-induced fatigue by regulating the mitochondrial homeostasis of skeletal muscle via the HIF-1α/PINK1/Parkin and HIF-1α/HEY1/PINK1 signaling pathways.