Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.

Objective:To investigate the incidence and high-risk pathogenic factors of cardiovascular disease（CVD）in patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases，and to construct and validate a predictive model for the risk of CVD occurrence in these patients.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 239 patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases who underwent treatment and echocardiography at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University between June 2020 and June 2023. General patient data，laboratory test results，and echocardiographic findings were collected. Follow-up was performed via electronic medical records or telephone surveys until December 2024 to determine the incidence of CVD，starting from the date of the first echocardiographic examination. Predictive factors were screened using univariate analysis and Lasso regression，and a Logistic regression model was constructed. Internal validation was performed using the Bootstrap method. The model's accuracy and clinical utility were assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test，calibration curve，and decision curve analysis.Results:Among the 239 patients，111 developed CVD. Logistic regression analysis identified age，diastolic blood pressure，use of immunosuppressants，lymphocyte count（LYM），α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase（α-HBDH）level，serum cystatin C（CysC），and right ventricular fractional area change（RVFAC）as independent predictive factors for CVD in these patients（all P<0.05）. The area under the ROC curve（AUC）for the prediction model was 0.895（95% CI = 0.856 - 0.935），and after Bootstrap validation，it was 0.894（95% CI = 0.861-0.925）. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test，calibration curve，and decision curve analysis all indicated that the model had good accuracy and clinical utility. Conclusions:Age，diastolic blood pressure，use of immunosuppressants，LYM，α-HBDH，CysC，and RVFAC may serve as independent risk factors for CVD in patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. The prediction model based on echocardiography combined with laboratory indicators can，to some extent，predict the risk of CVD occurrence in these patients.

Objective:To investigate and evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a modified anterior approach for transpupillary silicone oil removal combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.Methods:A retrospective case-control study. A total of 148 patients (148 eyes) who underwent silicone oil removal combined with cataract surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between January 2020 and November 2024 were included in the study. All affected eyes underwent preoperative examinations including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, corneal topography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Based on the method of silicone oil removal, the eyes were divided into two groups: group A (modified anterior approach transpupillary silicone oil removal combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation, 99 eyes) and group B (standard pars plana vitrectomy for silicone oil removal combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation, 49 eyes). The surgical duration, changes in BCVA and intraocular pressure at 1 day, 7 days, and 1 month postoperatively, as well as the incidence of complications such as corneal edema and its resolution, conjunctival congestion, iris prolapse, posterior capsule rupture, nucleus drop, IOL position, residual silicone oil in the vitreous cavity or anterior chamber, vitreous hemorrhage, recurrent retinal detachment (RD), and choroidal detachment or hemorrhage, were compared between the two groups. The independent sample t-test was used for the comparison of measurement data between the two groups, and the χ2 test was used for the comparison of count data. Results:The operation time of group A and group B was (17.01±1.28) min and (31.62±2.32) min, respectively. The operation time of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=?41.002, P<0.001). The comparison of BCVA ( t =?0.561, ?0.833, ?1.386) and IOP ( t=?0.055, 1.375, ?0.507) between the two groups of affected eyes before surgery and at 1 day and 7 days after surgery showed no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). There was no silicone oil residual in group A, while 3 eyes in group B were observed with silicone oil residual (6.1%, 3/49). Neovascular glaucoma was observed in one eye. Compared to group A, group B exhibited a statistically significant increase in the incidence of postoperative conjunctival congestion, silicone oil retention, and posterior capsular opacification ( χ2=10.600, 6.187, 92.617; P<0.05). In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the incidence of corneal edema or recurrent retinal detachment (RD) ( χ2=0.272, 1.557; P>0.05). No intraoperative complications, such as iris prolapse, posterior capsular rupture, nucleus drop, zonular dehiscence, choroidal detachment, or hemorrhage, occurred in any of the operated eyes. Furthermore, no postoperative complications, including corneal endothelial decompensation, IOL displacement, or endophthalmitis, were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion:Compared to the conventional pars plana approach for silicone oil removal combined with cataract surgery, the modified anterior perfusion transpupillary approach demonstrated significantly shorter surgical duration and a reduced incidence of postoperative complications.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To screen broadly neutralizing antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus-1（HIV-1）chronically infected individuals and characterize their molecular features and to provide new strategies for rational vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutics.Methods:A total of 34 treatment-na?ve individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection were enrolled. Plasma antibody binding levels were measured against two HIV-1 envelope proteins. Single antigen-specific memory B cells were sorted from high-binding samples，and antibody variable region genes were amplified by PCR for paired expression. The monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for neutralizing activity using pseudovirus assays，and their structural features were analyzed by integrating AlphaFold 3 prediction with Discovery Studio molecular docking.Results:Plasma samples showed strong binding to DU422-GP140 and BG505-GP140. Eight monoclonal antibodies were isolated from two donors. Among them，antibodies 0919-A4，0919-A9 and 0808-A2 could cross-react with GP140 from HIV-1 subtypes AE，BC and B. The monoclonal antibody 0919-A9 demonstrated potent neutralizing activity against SF162（Tier 1）and CH181（Tier 2）pseudoviruses，with somatic hypermutation rates of 13.27%（heavy chain）and 15.58%（light chain）. Structural modeling revealed its specific targeting of the V1V2 region on GP120.Conclusion:The isolated antibody 0919-A9 effectively neutralizes Tier 2 pseudoviruses. Its high somatic mutation frequency and V1V2-targeting property underlie its neutralizing activity，providing both a promising candidate and mechanistic insights for HIV vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutic strategies.

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

Extensive studies have identified potential adverse effects on semen quality of obesity, based on body mass index, but the association between body fat distribution, a more relevant indicator for obesity, and semen quality remains less clear. We conducted a longitudinal study of 4304 sperm donors from the Guangdong Provincial Human Sperm Bank (Guangzhou, China) during 2017-2021. A body composition analyzer was used to measure total and local body fat percentage for each participant. Generalized estimating equations were employed to assess the association between body fat percentage and sperm count, motility, and morphology. We estimated that each 10% increase in total body fat percentage (estimated change [95% confidence interval, 95% CI]) was significantly associated with a 0.18 × 10 6 (0.09 × 10 6 -0.27 × 10 6 ) ml and 12.21 × 10 6 (4.52 × 10 6 -19.91 × 10 6 ) reduction in semen volume and total sperm count, respectively. Categorical analyses and exposure-response curves showed that the association of body fat distribution with semen volume and total sperm count was stronger at higher body fat percentages. In addition, the association still held among normal weight and overweight participants. We observed similar associations for upper limb, trunk, and lower limb body fact distributions. In conclusion, we found that a higher body fat distribution was significantly associated with lower semen quality (especially semen volume) even in men with a normal weight. These findings provide useful clues in exploring body fat as a risk factor for semen quality decline and add to evidence for improving semen quality for those who are expected to conceive.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Semen Analysis ; China ; Body Fat Distribution ; Longitudinal Studies ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Body Mass Index ; Tissue Donors ; Obesity/complications* ; Spermatozoa ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; East Asian People

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease that has been prevalent since December 2019. Chinese medicine (CM) has demonstrated its unique advantages in the fight against COVID-19 in the areas of disease prevention, improvement of clinical symptoms, and control of disease progression. This review summarized the relevant material components of CM in the treatment of COVID-19 by searching the relevant literature and reports on CM in the treatment of COVID-19 and combining with the physiological and pathological characteristics of the novel coronavirus. On the basis of sorting out experimental methods in vivo and in vitro, the mechanism of herb action was further clarified in terms of inhibiting virus invasion and replication and improving related complications. The aim of the article is to explore the strengths and characteristics of CM in the treatment of COVID-19, and to provide a basis for the research and scientific, standardized treatment of COVID-19 with CM.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects* ; COVID-19/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology* ; Animals

Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.

Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.