Polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） is one of the most prevalent gynecological diseases， and its incidence is increasing year by year， seriously affecting the physical and mental health of female patients. The pathogenesis of this disease is complex and has not been fully clarified. At present， PCOS is mainly treated by Western medicine， which， however， has poor efficacy and induces various adverse reactions. Therefore， developing safe and effective therapies has become a difficult problem that needs to be solved. Studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） can regulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt）， mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase （MAPK/ERK）， Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB （TLR4/NF-κB）， transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）/Smads， secreted glycoprotein/β-catenin （Wnt/β-catenin）， adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， and advanced glycation endproduct/receptor for advanced glycation endproducts （AGE/RAGE） signaling pathways to ameliorate insulin resistance， inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress， regulate endocrine hormone disorders， and intervene in apoptosis and autophagy， thus alleviating the symptoms， slowing down the disease progression， and improving the ovarian function. The treatment of PCOS with TCM has demonstrated definite effects and high safety. Therefore， exploring this disease from cellular and molecular perspectives can provide a theoretical basis for its clinical treatment and new drug development. However， there is a lack of systematic reviews on the modulation of relevant signaling pathways by TCM in the treatment of PCOS. This article reviews the research progress in the treatment of PCOS with the active ingredients and compound prescriptions of TCM by regulating relevant signaling pathways in recent years， with the aim of providing evidence to support the promotion of TCM for treating PCOS in the future.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI. METHODS: In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro  studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent. CONCLUSION Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals ; Arsenic Trioxide ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology* ; Arsenicals/therapeutic use* ; Oxides/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective To prepare glucose transporter 1(Glut1)-targeted doxorubicin(DOX)-loaded liposomes(doxorubicin/polyphyllin H-liposomes,DOX/ppH-LPs)using polyphyllin H(ppH)instead of cholesterol as the liposomal membrane material,and to investigate their in vitro synergistic anti-tumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods DOX/ppH-LPs were prepared using thin-film hydration,and the formulation was optimized by single-factor investigation.The optimized DOX/ppH-LPs were characterized for morphology,particle size,polydispersity index(PDI),and zeta potential with transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and dynamic light scattering(DLS).Drug loading DL%was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The storage stability was evaluated by observing in PBS at 4℃for 7 d,and the serum stability was observed in DMEM containing 10%fetal bovine serum(FBS)at 37℃for 48 h.In vitro drug release was studied in PBS at pH 7.4 and pH 5.0 values,respectively.Human NSCLC A549 cells were subjected as the model,MTT assay was performed to detect the proliferation inhibition by DOX/ppH-LPs at different concentrations(0.5,5.0,15.0 μg/mL)and the control group(ppH+DOX/LPs,a physical mixture of free ppH and DOX-loaded liposomes).Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cellular uptake of DOX/ppH-LPs and DOX/LPs(containing 5 μg/mL DOX)at 15 min and 2 h.Live/dead cell staining was applied to assess apoptosis/necrosis induced by formulations(15 μg/mL DOX)after 48 h incubation.Transwell assay was conducted to evaluate inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion,and the targeting property and in vitro synergistic anti-NSCLC activity of DOX/ppH-LPs were then comprehensively evaluated.Results The optimal formulation of DOX/ppH-LPs was determined as hydration temperature at 50℃,6 mg DOX,2 mg ppH,and 24 mg lecithin.The prepared DOX/ppH-LPs were in spherical shape,uniform distribution,and at an average particle size of 145.13±22.14 nm,a PDI of 0.15±0.05,a zeta potential of-23.92±1.73 mV,and a DL of 10.13±0.71%for DOX and(1.22±0.21)%for ppH.DOX/ppH-LPs maintained stable particle size,PDI,and exhibited significantly unchanged zeta potential after storage in PBS at 4℃for 7 d or incubation in DMEM containing 10%FBS at 37℃for 48 h,demonstrating excellent physical and serum stability.Both liposomes showed slow release at pH 7.4 value,while drug release was significantly accelerated at pH 5.0 value(P<0.05),indicating pH-sensitive release characteristics.MTT assay revealed that DOX/ppH-LPs exerted significantly stronger cytotoxicity against A549 cells than the ppH+DOX/LPs control group(P<0.05).Compared with ppH+DOX/LPs,DOX/ppH-LPs showed remarkably enhanced cellular uptake in A549 cells(P<0.05),with more DOX localized in the nucleus.Live/dead cell staining showed that at the same DOX concentration(15 μg/mL),the proportion of apoptotic/necrotic cells induced by DOX/ppH-LPs was significantly higher than that of the DOX/LPs control group.Transwell assay demonstrated that there were significantly less cells migrating and invading through the membrane in the DOX/ppH-LPs group than the ppH+DOX/LPs group.Conclusion Glut1-targeted doxorubicin-loaded liposomes(DOX/ppH-LPs)constructed by substituting cholesterol with ppH can target NSCLC cells,significantly enhance the in vitro synergistic anti-NSCLC activity of DOX and ppH.

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic external tension band fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of greater tubercle fracture of the humerus.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 55 patients with greater tubercle fracture of the humerus admitted to Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province from September 2019 to June 2022, including 24 males and 31 females, aged 26-80 years [(61.7±10.5)years]. Out of them, 35 patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (open reduction group), and 20 patients were treated with external anchor tension band under arthroscopy (arthroscopy group). The operation time, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score and shoulder active range of motion (anterior flexion, abduction and posterior extension) before operation, at 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups. Bone healing was observed in both groups at the last follow-up. Postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-29 months [(16.9±4.0)months]. There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the VAS score, ASES score, Constant-Murley score and shoulder active range of motion between the two groups before operation ( P>0.05). The VAS score of the arthroscopy group was 3(2, 3)points at 1 month after operation, which was significantly lower than that of the open reduction group [4(3, 4) points] ( P<0.01). No significant difference was found in the VAS score at the last follow-up between the two groups ( P>0.05).The ASES scores of the arthroscopy group were (70.6±4.2)points and (90.2±3.7)points at 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the open reduction group [(64.7±6.4)points and (87.5±4.9)points respectively] ( P<0.05 or 0.01). There was no significant difference in the Constant-Murley score between the arthroscopy group [(71.8±4.3)points] and the open reduction group [(70.9±5.3)points] at 1 month after operation ( P>0.05), while the Constant-Murley score of the arthroscopy group was (94.1±3.1)points at the last follow-up, which was significantly higher than that of the open reduction group [(89.2±4.7)points] ( P<0.01). At 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up, ranges of motion of the anterior flexion, abduction and posterior extension were (52.7±12.3)° and (140.0±16.9)°, (57.4±8.6)° and (125.0±14.3)°, and 16(15, 19)° and 25(20, 30)° in the arthroscopy group respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the open reduction group [(42.2±5.2)° and (110.9±14.0)°, (52.8±6.0)° and (103.7±11.7)°, and 10(10, 20)° and 16(15, 25)° respectively] ( P<0.05 or 0.01). At the last follow-up, it was found that bony union was achieved in both groups. There were no obvious complications such as incision infection or joint stiffnessin both groups. In the open reduction group, 2 patients had internal fixation failure within 1-3 months after operation but was treated with revision operation; 6 patients developed shoulder stiffness at 3-6 months after operation but had outpatient rehabilitation. The incidence rate of postoperative complications in the arthroscopy group [0%(0/20)] was significantly lower than that in the open reduction group [23%(8/35)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws, arthroscopic external anchor tension band fixation in the treatment of greater tuberosity fracture of the humerus has the advantages of earlier pain relief, better shoulder functional improvement, better recovery of shoulder mobility, and fewer complications.

Objective To investigate the number, distribution, and types of radiation of non-medical radiation institutions in Hebei Province, China, and to explore the current radiation protection in the employing units and occupational health management of radiation workers in 2022. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted in the non-medical institutions engaged in nuclear technology application in Hebei Province, and different types of employing units were selected to monitor the radioactivity level in the workplace. Results A total of 681 non-medical institutions engaged in radiation technology application completed the survey, covering all cities with subordinate districts in the province, including 1605 radioactive devices, 2960 active devices, 45 non-uranium metal mines, and 14 non-sealed workplaces. A total of 8617 radiation workers were surveyed, with a personal dose monitoring rate of 70.9%, a radiation protection training rate of 61.1%, and an occupational health examination rate for radiation workers of 59.3%. A total of 614 radiation protection monitoring instruments were provided, with a personal protective equipment allocation rate of 51.1% and a personal dose alarm device allocation rate of 51.8%. The radiation occupational hazardous factor testing was completed for 54 workplaces, and the results were all qualified. Conclusion There are still significant deficiencies in personal dose monitoring in the radiation work units in non-medical institutions and occupational health examination in the radiation work units in our province. The health administrative departments should strengthen health supervision and law enforcement, enhance radiation protection and skill training for employers, and more effectively control the impact of radiation hazards on personnel health.

Objective To investigate the application value of single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)linkage analysis based on next-generation sequencing(NGS)technology in preimplantation genetic testing(PGT)of families with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease(ARPKD).Methods A family with ARPKD was selected,where the female member had a pregnancy ultrasound revealing polycystic kidney in the fetus.Genetic testing showed compound heterozygous mutations of the polycystic kidney/polycystic liver disease 1 gene(PKHD1),c.10444C>T(paternal)and c.4303del(maternal),with the c.4303del mutation being reported for the first time.Targeting the coding region of the PKHD1 gene,335 high-density tightly linked SNP sites were selected in the upstream and downstream 2M regions using multiplex polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and NGS.The couple′s SNP risk haplotypes carrying gene mutations were constructed.After in vitro fertilization,blastocyst culture was performed.Trophoblastic cells obtained from the biopsy were subjected to whole-genome amplification,and NGS was used for linkage analysis and low-depth chromosomal aneuploidy screening of the embryos.Sanger sequencing was used to verify the results of embryo linkage analysis.Results Among the 6 biopsied embryos,4 were mutation-free and euploid,1 exhibited heterozygous for the mutation and mosaic while another unstable sequencing data,making it impossible to judge.One of the mutation-free and developmentally healthy euploid embryos was implanted into the maternal uterus,resulting in the full-term delivery of a healthy baby.Conclusion Application of NGS-based SNP linkage analysis in PGT can effectively blocking the vertical transmission of ARPKD within families,while avoiding abortion issues caused by aneuploid embryos.This study is also the first PGT report target-ing the PKHD1 gene c.4303del mutation.

Objective:To investigate the effects of gelatin methacrylate anhydride (GelMA) hydrogel loaded with small extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs-sEVs) in the treatment of full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice.Methods:This study was an experimental study. hUCMSCs-sEVs were extracted by ultracentrifugation, their morphology was observed through transmission electron microscope, and the expression of CD9, CD63, tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), and calnexin was detected by Western blotting. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the 3 rd and 4 th passages of human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were all divided into blank control group (routinely cultured) and hUCMSC-sEV group (cultured with the cell supernatant containing hUCMSCs-sEVs). The cell scratch test was performed and the cell migration rates at 6, 12, and 24 h after scratching were calculated, the cell Transwell assay was performed and the number of migration cells at 12 h after culture was calculated, and the proportion of proliferating cells was detected by 5-acetylidene-2'-deoxyuridine and Hoechst staining at 24 h after culture, with sample numbers being all 3. The simple GelMA hydrogel and the GelMA hydrogel loaded with hUCMSCs-sEVs (hereinafter referred to as hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel) were prepared. Then the micromorphology of 2 kinds of hydrogels was observed under scanning electron microscope, the distribution of hUCMSCs-sEVs was observed by laser scanning confocal microscope, and the cumulative release rates of hUCMSCs-sEVs at 0 (immediately), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 d after soaking hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were measured and calculated by protein colorimetric quantification ( n=3). Twenty-four 6-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into PBS group, hUCMSC-sEV alone group, GelMA hydrogel alone group, and hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel group according to the random number table, with 6 mice in each group, and after the full-thickness skin defect wounds on the back of mice in each group were produced, the wounds were performed with PBS injection, hUCMSC-sEV suspenson injection, simple GelMA coverage, and hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel coverage, respectively. Wound healing was observed on post injury day (PID) 0 (immediately), 4, 8, and 12, and the wound healing rates on PID 4, 8, and 12 were calculated, and the wound tissue was collected on PID 12 for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the structure of new tissue, with sample numbers being both 6. Results:The extracted hUCMSCs-sEVs showed a cup-shaped structure and expressed CD9, CD63, and TSG101, but barely expressed calnexin. At 6, 12, and 24 h after scratching, the migration rates of HEKs (with t values of 25.94, 20.98, and 20.04, respectively), HDFs (with t values of 3.18, 5.68, and 4.28, respectively), and HUVECs (with t values of 4.32, 19.33, and 4.00, respectively) in hUCMSC-sEV group were significantly higher than those in blank control group ( P<0.05). At 12 h after culture, the numbers of migrated HEKs, HDFs, and HUVECs in hUCMSC-sEV group were 550 ±23, 235 ±9, and 856 ±35, respectively, which were significantly higher than 188 ±14, 97 ±6, and 370 ±32 in blank control group (with t values of 22.95, 23.13, and 17.84, respectively , P<0.05). At 24 h after culture, the proportions of proliferating cells of HEKs, HDFs, and HUVECs in hUCMSC-sEV group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (with t values of 22.00, 13.82, and 32.32, respectively, P<0.05). The inside of simple GelMA hydrogel showed a loose and porous sponge-like structure, and hUCMSCs-sEVs was not observed in it. The hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel had the same sponge-like structure, and hUCMSCs-sEVs were uniformly distributed in clumps. The cumulative release rate curve of hUCMSCs-sEVs from hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel tended to plateau at 2 d after soaking, and the cumulative release rate of hUCMSCs-sEVs was (59.2±1.8)% at 12 d after soaking. From PID 0 to 12, the wound areas of mice in the 4 groups gradually decreased. On PID 4, 8, and 12, the wound healing rates of mice in hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel group were significantly higher than those in the other 3 groups ( P<0.05); the wound healing rates of mice in GelMA hydrogel alone group and hUCMSC-sEV alone group were significantly higher than those in PBS group ( P<0.05). On PID 8 and 12, the wound healing rates of mice in hUCMSC-sEV alone group were significantly higher than those in GelMA hydrogel alone group ( P<0.05). On PID 12, the wounds of mice in hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel group showed the best wound epithelization, loose and orderly arrangement of dermal collagen, and the least number of inflammatory cells, while the dense arrangement of dermal collagen and varying degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the wounds of mice in the other 3 groups. Conclusions:hUCMSCs-sEVs can promote the migration and proliferation of HEKs, HDFs, and HUVECs which are related to skin wound healing, and slowly release in GelMA hydrogel. The hUCMSC-sEV/GelMA hydrogel as a wound dressing can significantly improve the healing speed of full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice.

Aortic stenosis(AS)is a structural change in aortic valve caused by congenital or acquired factors,and its incidence increases with age.Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)is a safe and feasible minimally invasive treatment for severe AS.Since it was first approved by FDA in 2011 for severe AS which cannot be treated surgically,its indications have been extended to AS patients with low to moderate surgical risk.The placed prosthetic valves could compress the atrioventricular conduction system at the aortic root,leading to the development of postoperative cardiac conduction abnormalities,for which permanent pacemaker implantation(PPMI)is a treatment option.And post-TAVR PPMI is closely related to the prognosis of AS patients.Therefore,this article reviews predictors of conduction dysfunction and PPMI after TAVR.