This study investigated the effect of Wuling San on transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2) and its mechanism of antioxidant stress injury. HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into a control group, a TGF-β1 model group, and three treatment groups receiving Wuling San-containing serum at low(2.5%), medium(5.0%), and high(10.0%) doses. TGF-β1 was used to establish the model in all groups except the control group. CCK-8 was used to analyze the effect of different concentrations of Wuling San on the activity of HK-2 cells with or without TGF-β1 stimulation. The expression of key fibrosis molecules, including actin alpha 2(Acta2), collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain(Col1α1), collagen type Ⅲ alpha 1 chain(Col3α1), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1(Timp1), and fibronectin 1(Fn1), was detected using qPCR. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), and interleukin-4(IL-4), were measured using ELISA kits. Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), malondialdehyde(MDA), catalase(CAT), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) biochemical kits were used to analyze the effect of Wuling San on TGF-β1-induced oxidative stress injury in HK-2 cells, and the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) was analyzed by qPCR and immunofluorescence. The CCK-8 results indicated that the optimal administration concentrations of Wuling San were 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%. Compared with the control group, the TGF-β1 model group showed significantly increased levels of key fibrosis molecules(Acta2, Col1α1, Col3α1, Timp1, and Fn1) and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-4). In contrast, the Wuling San administration groups were able to dose-dependently inhibit the expression levels of key fibrosis molecules and inflammatory cytokines compared with the TGF-β1 model group. Wuling San significantly increased the activities of GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD enzymes in TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cells and significantly inhibited the level of MDA. Furthermore, compared with the control group, the TGF-β1 model group exhibited a significant reduction in the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 genes and proteins. After Wuling San intervention, the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 genes and proteins was significantly increased. Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant stress enzymes(GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD) and Nrf2 signaling were significantly negatively correlated with key fibrosis molecules and inflammatory cytokines in the TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cell model. In conclusion, Wuling San can inhibit TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in HK-2 cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, improving oxidative stress injury, and reducing inflammation.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Fibrosis/genetics* ; Cell Line ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Epithelial Cells/immunology* ; Inflammation/metabolism*

This article investigated the effect and mechanism of salidroside(SAL) on the expression of adhesion molecules in oxidized low-density lipoprotein(oxLDL)-induced mouse aortic endothelial cell(MAEC). The oxLDL-induced endothelial cell injury model was constructed, and the safe concentration and action time of SAL were screened. The cells were divided into control group, oxLDL group, low and high concentration groups of SAL, and ferrostatin-1(Fer-1) group. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay; lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) leakage was measured by colorimetry; the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1) and recombinant vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(VCAM-1) were detected by immunofluorescence; Fe~(2+),glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),and 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE) levels were detected by kit method; reactive oxygen species(ROS) was detected by DCFH-DA probe; the levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1(SIRT1), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) were determined by using Western blot. The inhibitors of Nrf2 and SIRT1 were used, and endothelial cell were divided into control group, oxLDL group, SAL group, ML385 group(Nrf2 inhibitor), and EX527 group(SIRT1 inhibitor). The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed by electron microscope; mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP) was detected by flowcytometry; the expressions of SIRT1,Nrf2,solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11),GPX4,ferroportin 1(FPN1),ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1),ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were detected by Western blot. The results showed that similar to Fer-1,low and high concentrations of SAL could improve cell viability, inhibit LDH release and the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in oxLDL-induced endothelial cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01). It was related to increase in GSH level, decrease in Fe~(2+),ROS,MDA, and 4-HNE level, and up-regulation of SIRT1,Nrf2, and GPX4 expression to inhibit ferroptosis(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The intervention effect of high concentration SAL was the most significant. ML385 and EX527 could partially offset the protection of SAL on mitochondrial structure and MMP and reverse the ability of SAL to up-regulate the expression of SIRT1,Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1, and FTH1 and down-regulate the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1(P<0.05 or P<0.01).To sum up, SAL could reduce the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in oxLDL-induced endothelial cell, which may relate to activation of SLC7A11/GPX4 antioxidant signaling pathway mediated by SITR1/Nrf2, up-regulation of FPN1 and FTH1 expression, and inhibition of ferroptosis.
Sirtuin 1/genetics* ; Animals ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics* ; Mice ; Endothelial Cells/cytology* ; Glucosides/pharmacology* ; Phenols/pharmacology* ; Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics* ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/genetics* ; Cell Survival/drug effects*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the genomic characteristics and prognostic factors of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) with RAS mutations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of JMML children with RAS mutations treated at the Hematology Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from January 2008 to November 2022. RESULTS: A total of 34 children were included, with 17 cases (50%) having isolated NRAS mutations, 9 cases (27%) having isolated KRAS mutations, and 8 cases (24%) having compound mutations. Compared to children with isolated NRAS mutations, those with NRAS compound mutations showed statistically significant differences in age at onset, platelet count, and fetal hemoglobin proportion (P<0.05). Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis revealed that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and hepatomegaly (≥2 cm below the costal margin) were factors affecting the survival rate of JMML children with RAS mutations (P<0.05); hepatomegaly was a factor affecting survival in the non-HSCT group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Children with NRAS compound mutations have a later onset age compared to those with isolated NRAS mutations. At initial diagnosis, children with NRAS compound mutations have poorer peripheral platelet and fetal hemoglobin levels than those with isolated NRAS mutations. Liver size at initial diagnosis is related to the prognosis of JMML children with RAS mutations. HSCT can improve the prognosis of JMML children with RAS mutations.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Juvenile/therapy* ; Mutation ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Child ; Infant ; GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Prognosis

Instrument separation is a critical complication during root canal therapy, impacting treatment success and long-term tooth preservation. The etiology of instrument separation is multifactorial, involving the intricate anatomy of the root canal system, instrument-related factors, and instrumentation techniques. Instrument separation can hinder thorough cleaning, shaping, and obturation of the root canal, posing challenges to successful treatment outcomes. Although retrieval of separated instrument is often feasible, it carries risks including perforation, excessive removal of tooth structure and root fractures. Effective management of separated instruments requires a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors, meticulous preoperative assessment, and precise evaluation of the retrieval difficulty. The application of appropriate retrieval techniques is essential to minimize complications and optimize clinical outcomes. The current manuscript provides a framework for understanding the causes, risk factors, and clinical management principles of instrument separation. By integrating effective strategies, endodontists can enhance decision-making, improve endodontic treatment success and ensure the preservation of natural dentition.
Humans ; Root Canal Therapy/adverse effects* ; Consensus ; Root Canal Preparation/adverse effects*

Objective:To investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS)using transcriptomic technology and to screen key signaling pathways and potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)candidates for intervention.Methods:A TS rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile(IDPN).RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain tissues of TS rats.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to construct interaction networks,and network pharmacology was further employed to screen potential TCM compounds.Results:After 7 days of IDPN modeling,the model group exhibited motor and stereotypical behavioral changes,with behavioral scores greater than 3 points.Hema toxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed irregular neuronal nuclear morphology,uneven chromatin distribution,nuclear pyknosis,and increased glial cell density.KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways:calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,p53 signaling pathway,ECM-receptor interaction,and TGF-β signaling pathway.miR-125a-3p,miR-106-3p,and miR-760-3p were identified as pivotal miRNAs.Potential TCM candidates included Ajuga decumbens,Acanthopanax bark,Codonopsis pilosula,Stephania japonica,Os Draconis,Notopterygium root,Siraitia grosvenorii,Zanthoxylum nitidum root,Morinda officinalis,and Corydalis yanhusuo.Conclusion:The miRNAs miR-106-3p,miR-125a-3p,and miR-760-3p may mediate TS pathogenesis by altering critical signaling networks,including the calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and ECM-receptor interaction pathways,leading to neuroimmune inflammation and dopaminergic system dysregulation.TCM compounds such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Ajuga decumbens may exert therapeutic effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of these miRNAs and downstream pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible associations between physical function assessment scales, such as Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), with all-cause mortality in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. METHODS: A total of 108 ADHF patients were analyzed from October 2020 to October 2022, and followed up to May 2023. The association between baseline clinical characteristics and all-cause mortality was analyzed by univariate Cox regression analysis, while for SPPB and BBS, univariate Cox regression analysis was followed by receiver operating characteristic curves, in which the area under the curve represented their predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality. Incremental predictive values for both physical function assessments were measured by calculating net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement scores. Optimal cut-off value for BBS was then identified using restricted cubic spline plots, and survival differences below and above that cut-off were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. The clinical utility of BBS was measured using decision curve analysis. RESULTS: For baseline characteristics, age, female, blood urea nitrogen, as well as statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, were predictive for all-cause mortality for ADHF patients. With respect to SPPB and BBS, higher scores were associated with lower all-cause mortality rates for both assessments; similar area under the curves were measured for both (0.774 for SPPB and 0.776 for BBS). Furthermore, BBS ≤ 36.5 was associated with significantly higher mortality, which was still applicable even adjusting for confounding factors; BBS was also found to have great clinical utility under decision curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS BBS or SPPB could be used as tools to assess physical function in ageing ADHF patients, as well as prognosticate on all-cause mortality. Moreover, prioritizing the improvement of balance capabilities of ADHF patients in cardiac rehabilitation regimens could aid in lowering mortality risk.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the underlying molecular mechanism of Modified Hu-Lu-Ba-Wan (MHW) in alleviating renal lesions in mice with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). METHODS: The db/db mice were divided into model group and MHW group according to a random number table, while db/m mice were settled as the control group (n=8 per group). The control and model groups were gavaged daily with distilled water [10 mL/(kg·d)], and the MHW group was treated with MHW [17.8 g/(kg·d)] for 6 weeks. After MHW administration for 6 weeks, indicators associated with glucolipid metabolism and urinary albumin were tested. Podocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Kidney transcriptomics was performed after confirming therapeutic effects of MHW on DKD mice. The relevant target of MHW' effect in DKD was further determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, MHW improved glucose and lipid metabolism (P<0.05), and reduced lipid deposition in the kidney. Meanwhile, MHW reduced the excretion of urinary albumin (P<0.05) and ameliorated renal damage. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the inflammation response, particularly the interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, may be responsible for the effect of MHW on DKD. Furtherly, our results found that MHW inhibited IL-17A and alleviated early fibrosis in the diabetic kidney. CONCLUSION MHW ameliorated renal damage in DKD via inhibiting IL-17A, suggesting a potential strategy for DKD therapy.
Animals ; Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics* ; Interleukin-17/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Kidney/ultrastructure* ; Podocytes/metabolism* ; Mice ; Albuminuria ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy of Wenyang Lishui Formula (WYLSF) in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and explore the suitable range of estradiol (E₂) on the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day in patients with OHSS using WYLSF. METHODS: Part I: eligible patients at high risk for OHSS undergoing ovulation induction between January and December, 2023 were randomized into 2 groups based on the actual treatment. The treatment group received 200 mL WYLSF formula twice daily for 5 days after oocyte retrieval in a combination of lifestyle coaching (LC) intervention including regular diet and exercise, whereas the LC group received LC intervention alone. The incidence of OHSS, OHSS self-assessment scales, changes in E₂ levels on HCG day and 5 days after oocyte retrieval, ovarian morphology changes, and menstrual recovery were compared between the two groups. Part II: patients at high risk for OHSS treated with WYLSF were studied. The optimal E₂ threshold on the HCG day was determined using the maximum selection test, and a multivariate analysis was adopted to compare the relationship between different E₂ levels on HCG day and hospitalization rate, incidence of moderate to severe OHSS, and self-assessment scales, to explore the preventive effect of WYLSF on OHSS in patients with varying E₂ levels. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included in the Part I analysis. The treatment group (60 cases) showed a significant reduction in the incidence, duration, and severity of abdominal distension, as well as the incidence of vomiting compared with the LC group (P<0.05). The post-retrieval E₂ levels in the treatment group decreased significantly more (P=0.032). Among 1,652 patients treated with WYLSF in the Part II, 90 patients with ⩽ 10092 pmol/L, 159 with >31074 pmol/L, and 1,403 in the middle range group were formed based on E₂ levels on HCG day in Part two analysis. Univariate and regression analyses showed that patients with E₂ levels >31073 pmol/L had a significantly higher incidence of moderate to severe OHSS compared to those with E₂ levels ⩽ 10092 pmol/L (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS WYLSF can effectively reduce specific symptoms in high-risk OHSS patients after ovulation induction and significantly lower E₂ levels. It may be more suitable for high-risk OHSS patients with E₂ levels <31073 pmol/L on HCG day. (Registration No. MR-11-23-032493, https://www.medicalresearch.org.cn/login ).
Humans ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome/blood* ; Female ; Adult ; Prospective Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Estradiol/blood* ; Ovulation Induction ; Chorionic Gonadotropin

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Vaccarin(Va)on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3,and the underlying mechanism.Methods Left ureter ligation was used to establish a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO);human kid-ney tubular epithelial(HK2)cells were induced to differentiate by transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in vitro.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of renal tissue;kits were used to detect the levels of BUN,Cr,IL-1β and IL-7 in mouse serum;CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of Va on the viability of HK2 cells;RT-PCR was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in HK2 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression of STAT3,p-STAT3,E-cadherin,and α-SMA proteins in renal tissue and HK2 cells;to further investigate the regulation of Va on STAT3,JAK/STAT3 pathway acti-vator RO8191 was used to treat TGF-β-induced HK2 cells,and functional loss was detected.Results Va improved the pathological damage in UUO mice,inhibi-ted the levels of BUN,Cr and inflammatory factors;Va inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3,upregulated E-cadherin,and downregulated α-SMA protein expres-sion;RO8191 counteracted the inhibitory effect of Va on the phosphorylation of STAT3.Conclusions Va inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the release of inflammatory factors,improves EMT,thus exerting an anti-renal fibrosis effect.