Various chromatographic methods were comprehensively applied to study the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract from Aucklandiae Radix. The structures of all compounds were identified by analyzing their physicochemical properties and using spectroscopic methods. Two new sesquiterpenoids, named auclappsines A and B(1 and 2) were isolated and identified. Through in vitro high content screening and with the use of a guggulsterone-induced L02 cells, the effects of 1 and 2 on farnesoid X receptor(FXR) protein expression were investigated. The results showed that 1 had a significant FXR activation effect, providing a scientific basis for the development of drugs for the treatment of liver and gallbladder diseases.
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics* ; Humans ; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Cell Line ; Molecular Structure

This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Inflammation/genetics* ; Oxygen/metabolism* ; Pyrazines/pharmacology* ; Microglia/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; NF-kappa B/immunology* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans

Xiaoaiping (XAP) Injection demonstrates the anti-prostate cancer (PCa) effects, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of XAP on PCa and elucidate its mechanism of action. PCa cell proliferation was evaluated using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed through Hoechst staining and Western blotting assays. Proteomics technology was employed to identify key molecules and significant signaling pathways modulated by XAP in PCa cells. To further validate potential key genes and important pathways, a series of assays were conducted, including acridine orange (AO) staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence assays. The molecular mechanism of XAP against PCa in vivo was examined using a PC3 xenograft mouse model. Results demonstrated that XAP significantly inhibited cell proliferation in multiple PCa cell lines. In C4-2 and prostate cancer cell line-3 (PC3) cells, XAP induced cellular apoptosis, evidenced by reduced B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels and elevated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) levels. Proteomic, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) investigations revealed a strong correlation between forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) autophagic degradation and the anti-PCa action of XAP. XAP hindered autophagy by reducing the expression levels of autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5)/autophagy-related protein 12 (Atg12) and enhancing FoxO3a expression and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, XAP exhibited potent anti-PCa action in PC3 xenograft mice and triggered FoxO3a nuclear translocation in tumor tissue. These findings suggest that XAP induces PCa apoptosis via inhibition of FoxO3a autophagic degradation, potentially offering a novel perspective on XAP injection as an effective anticancer therapy for PCa.
Male ; Humans ; Prostatic Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Proteomics ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

Objective: To investigate the current status of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection among blood donors in Jiangxi Province, thereby providing scientific evidence for ensuring blood transfusion safety. Methods: Serum samples from 1 529 blood donors were tested for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive samples were further analyzed by B1 gene PCR testing and Giemsa staining microscopy. Risk factor data were collected via telephone follow-up. Infection rate differences were analyzed using χ tests. Results: The overall T. gondii infection rate among blood donors was 3.92% (60/1 529), with IgG positivity being predominant (3.86%) and IgM positivity at 0.20%. All antibody-positive samples tested negative for T. gondii DNA. Blood group AB donors had the highest infection rate (7.00%), whereas group O donors had the lowest rate (2.47%), with a statistically significant difference (χ =8.27, P<0.05). The infection rate in the 46-55 age group was higher than that in the 18-25 age group, χ =4 237.75, P<0.05. No significant differences were observed across subgroups stratified by sex, occupation, or education level. Multivariate analysis identified cat/dog ownership (χ =28.23, P<0.05), and frequent consumption of cold dishes (χ =4.09, P<0.05) as key risk factors. Conclusion: In Jiangxi province, T. gondii infection among blood donors is predominantly characterized by past infection, with higher infection rates observed in blood type AB donors and those aged 46-55. The main risk factors include contact with cats/dogs as pets and frequent consumption of cold dishes. It is recommended to disseminate health knowledge on toxoplasmosis prevention in communities and schools to reduce the transfusion transmission risk.

Objective : To investigate the role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2(EZH2)-trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3(H3K27me3) axis in the dedifferentiation of thyroid cancer and its clinical value as a potential target for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC). Methods : Immunohistochemical SP method was used to detect the expression of EZH2, H3K27me3, paired box gene 8(PAX8), thyroglobulin(TG) and thyroid transcription factor 1(TTF1) in ATC and papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC) and their adjacent tissues. The relationship between EZH2 and thyroid differentiation markers(PAX8, TTF1, TG) was further analyzed by gene expression omnibus(GEO) database. ATC cell lines 8305C and BHT-101 were culturedin vitro. Real-time reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of thyroid differentiation markers(TTF1, PAX8) mRNA in ATC cell lines treated with EZH2 inhibitor(GSK126), and evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of GSK126in vitro. The effects of GSK126 and BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib on the proliferation of ATC cell lines were observed by cell proliferation assay. Results : The expression of EZH2 in ATC tissues was significantly higher than that in papillary thyroid carcinoma and adjacent tissues(P<0.05). The expression of H3K37me3 in ATC tissues was significantly lower than that in PTC tissues(P<0.05). EZH2 was negatively correlated with PAX8 and TG expression levels, but not with TTF1 expression level.In vitroexperiments, GSK126 could reverse the expression of thyroid differentiation markers PAX8 and TTF1 in ATC cell lines. GSK126 combined with BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib could significantly inhibit the growth of ATC cell lines. Conclusion The EZH2-H3K27me3 axis plays an important role in regulating thyroid specific markers, and the inhibition of EZH2 by small molecular compounds is a promising target for ATC treatment in the future.

Objective To compare the efficacy and adherence of rivaroxaban versus low-molecular-weight heparin for prophylactic anticoagulation in cancer patients with venous thromboembolism(VTE).Methods A total of 120 intermediate-to-high VTE risk patients with malignant tumors admitted to Depart-ment of Hematology and Oncology,West China Longquan Hospital of Sichuan University between September 2021 and December 2022,were randomly assigned to the rivaroxaban group(n=60)and the low-molecular-weight heparin group(n=60)using the random number table.The rivaroxaban group received oral Rivaroxa-ban,while the low-molecular-weight heparin group received subcutaneous injections of low-molecular-weight heparin sodium for prophylactic anticoagulation.All patients were followed up for 180 days.The primary end-point was medication adherence.The secondary endpoints included the incidence of VTE,bleeding events,and changes in coagulation parameters.Results The rate of good medication adherence was significantly higher in the rivaroxaban group than in the low-molecular-weight heparin group(95.00％vs.88.33％,P＜0.05).However,there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of VTE or overall bleeding events between the two groups(P＜0.05).Following treatment,parameters including fibrinogen,prothrombin time(PT),and D-dimer levels showed significant improvement from baseline in both groups.Compared to the low-molecular-weight heparin group,the Rivaroxaban group demonstrated significantly higher fibrinogen levels,shorter PT,and lower D-dimer levels(P＜0.05).Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified the post-treatment platelet(PLT)count as a significant factor influencing bleeding events during prophylactic antico-agulation(P＜0.05).Khorana score≥3(high risk)was identified as a risk factor for bleeding events(P＜0.05).The incidence of clinically relevant non-major bleeding(CRNMB)was higher in the rivaroxaban group[11.67％(7/60)]compared to the low-molecular-weight heparin group[8.33％(5/60)],although the differ-ence was not statistically significant(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of bleeding-free events between the two groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion Oral ri-varoxaban and subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety for VTE prevention in cancer patients,but rivaroxaban significantly improves patient's adherence.

Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process that requires a tightly controlled epigenetic event in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The mechanisms underlying the transition from SSCs to sperm are largely unknown. Most studies utilize gene knockout mice to explain the mechanisms. However, the production of genetically engineered mice is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we presented a convenient research strategy using an RNA interference (RNAi) and testicular transplantation approach. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis. As Jumonji domain-containing protein 1A (JMJD1A) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 2C (JMJD2C) demethylases catalyze histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), we firstly analyzed the expression profile of the two demethylases and then investigated their function. Using the convenient research strategy, we showed that normal spermatogenesis is disrupted due to the downregulated expression of both demethylases. These results suggest that this strategy might be a simple and alternative approach for analyzing spermatogenesis relative to the gene knockout mice strategy.
Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; RNA Interference ; Testis/metabolism* ; Methylation ; Mice, Knockout ; Histone Demethylases

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of TBL1XR1 mutation on cell biological characteristics of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS: The TBL1XR1 overexpression vector was constructed and DNA sequencing was performed to determine the mutation status. The effect of TBL1XR1 mutation on apoptosis of DLBCL cell line was detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL fluorescence assay; CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of TBL1XR1 mutation on cell proliferation; Transwell assay was used to detect the effect of TBL1XR1 mutation on cell migration and invasion; Western blot was used to detect the effect of TBL1XR1 mutation on the expression level of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins. RESULTS: The TBL1XR1 overexpression plasmid was successfully constructed. The in vitro experimental results showed that TBL1XR1 mutation had no significant effect on apoptosis of DLBCL cells. Compared with the control group, TBL1XR1 mutation enhanced cell proliferation, migration and invasion of DLBCL cells. TBL1XR1 gene mutation significantly increased the expression of N-cadherin protein, while the expression of E-cadherin protein decreased. CONCLUSION TBL1XR1 mutation plays a role in promoting tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion in DLBCL. TBL1XR1 could be considered as a potential target for DLBCL therapy in future research.
Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology* ; Cell Proliferation ; Mutation ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics* ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Cell Movement ; Repressor Proteins/genetics* ; Nuclear Proteins/genetics* ; Cadherins/metabolism*

BACKGROUND: Medical informatics accumulated vast amounts of data for clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, limited access to follow-up data and the difficulty in integrating data across diverse platforms continue to pose significant barriers to clinical research progress. In response, our research team has embarked on the development of a specialized clinical research database for cardiology, thereby establishing a comprehensive digital platform that facilitates both clinical decision-making and research endeavors. METHODS: The database incorporated actual clinical data from patients who received treatment at the Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2012 to 2021. It included comprehensive data on patients' basic information, medical history, non-invasive imaging studies, laboratory test results, as well as peri-procedural information related to interventional surgeries, extracted from the Hospital Information System. Additionally, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered interactive follow-up system had been developed, ensuring that nearly all myocardial infarction patients received at least one post-discharge follow-up, thereby achieving comprehensive data management throughout the entire care continuum for high-risk patients. RESULTS: This database integrates extensive cross-sectional and longitudinal patient data, with a focus on higher-risk acute coronary syndrome patients. It achieves the integration of structured and unstructured clinical data, while innovatively incorporating AI and automatic speech recognition technologies to enhance data integration and workflow efficiency. It creates a comprehensive patient view, thereby improving diagnostic and follow-up quality, and provides high-quality data to support clinical research. Despite limitations in unstructured data standardization and biological sample integrity, the database's development is accompanied by ongoing optimization efforts. CONCLUSION The cardiovascular specialty clinical database is a comprehensive digital archive integrating clinical treatment and research, which facilitates the digital and intelligent transformation of clinical diagnosis and treatment processes. It supports clinical decision-making and offers data support and potential research directions for the specialized management of cardiovascular diseases.