This study investigated the mechanism of Croci Stigma in treating immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)-associated myocarditis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the active ingredients and molecular targets of Croci Stigma in treating ICI-associated myocarditis. The "drug-ingredient-target-disease" network and protein-protein interaction network were constructed to screen the key ingredients and core targets. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis showed that the mechanism was related to the regulation of inflammation and apoptosis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the treatment was related to the advanced glycation end product-receptor for advanced glycation end products(AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway. Molecular docking result showed that crocins had close associations with RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase 1(AKT1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Crocins were then selected as the therapeutic drug. The mouse model of ICI-associated myocarditis was established by subcutaneous injection of porcine cardiac myosin combined with intraperitoneal injection of pembrolizumab. The results suggested that Croci Stigma reduced the spleen index but had no effect on the heart index. The electrocardiogram showed that Croci Stigma increased the heart rate and shortened PR and QRS intervals. Echocardiographic data indicated that Croci Stigma increased the left ventricular stroke volume, cardiac output, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining results showed that Croci Stigma decreased the number of inflammatory cells infiltrating in the myocardium and alleviated myocardial fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that Croci Stigma decreased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-12, and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted and lowered the levels of creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB. Biochemical data suggested that Croci Stigma inhibited the activities of superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase. Western blot result showed that Croci Stigma regulated the expression of myocardial AKT. The findings demonstrate that Croci Stigma may regulate AKT expression to effectively protect the cardiac tissue from ICI-associated myocarditis through antagonizing immune responses and inflammation, inhibiting oxidative stress, alleviating cardiac fibrosis, relieving cardiac block, and improving the cardiac function.
Animals ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Myocarditis/metabolism* ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects* ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Humans ; Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*

Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Implants ; Mouth Mucosa/surgery* ; Keratins

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal deposition of lipid in hepatocytes. If not intervened in time, NAFLD may develop into liver fibrosis or liver cancer, and ultimately threatening life. NAFLD has complicated etiology and pathogenesis, and there are no effective therapeutic means and specific drugs. Currently, insulin sensitizers, lipid-lowering agents and hepatoprotective agents are often used for clinical intervention, but these drugs have obvious side effects, and their effectiveness and safety need to be further confirmed. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a central role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Activated AMPK can enhance lipid degradation, alleviate insulin resistance (IR), suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and regulate autophagy, thereby alleviating NAFLD. Natural herbal medicines have received extensive attention recently because of their regulatory effects on AMPK and low side effects. In this article, we reviewed the biologically active natural herbal medicines (such as natural herbal medicine formulas, extracts, polysaccharides, and monomers) that reported in recent years to treat NAFLD via regulating AMPK, which can serve as a foundation for subsequent development of candidate drugs for NAFLD.

ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.

Eucommiae Cortex, the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides( Eucommiaceae), has both medicinal and edible values.Modern research has shown that Eucommiae Cortex contains various components such as flavonoids, lignans, iridoids, phenolic acids,terpenoids, and steroids, which have anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood glucose-lowering, and gastrointestinal tract-protecting effects. Eucommiae Cortex has applications in multiple fields such as healthcare, industry, and animal husbandry,demonstrating broad development prospects. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex. Furthermore, according to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this article predicts the Q-markers of Eucommiae Cortex from traditional medicinal properties, traditional medicinal effects, new medicinal effects, measurability of chemical components, compatibility, harvesting periods, and geographical origins. The components such as pinoresinol diglucoside,chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, olivil, coniferyl ferulate, and kaempferol can be used as Q-markers for Eucommiae Cortex, which provide reference for establishing a systematic quality control system for Eucommiae Cortex.
Eucommiaceae/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Quality Control ; Humans ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical application value and progress of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of foot and ankle trauma. METHODS: The related literature of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of foot and ankle trauma was extensively reviewed, and the fundamental principles of Ilizarov technique and its clinical application in the treatment of complex foot and ankle trauma such as Pilon fractures, lateral malleolus defects, calcaneal fractures, and talus fractures were reviewed, and its efficacy and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The Ilizarov technique demonstrates significant advantages in treating open fractures, bone defects, and cases with poor soft tissue conditions, achieving high rates of bone defect repair, effective infection control, and improved functional scores. However, complications such as pin tract infections remain notable. CONCLUSION The Ilizarov technique is an effective approach for managing complex foot and ankle trauma, particularly in high-risk cases. Its dynamic fixation mechanism combines mechanical stability with biological repair. Future advancements should focus on integrating three-dimensional printing and smart sensor technologies to enhance precision.
Humans ; Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation* ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Foot Injuries/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Ankle Fractures/surgery*

Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male ; Epimedium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Genitalia, Male/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use* ; Animals

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology. To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility, specifically focusing on sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage, a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between 1 st January 2024 and 1 st March 2024. The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma, alongside markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) was also explored. Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia. Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm. The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage, underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
Humans ; Male ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; DNA Damage ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Semen Analysis ; Semen/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of interferon-λ1 (IFN-λ1) on glucocorticoid (GC) resistance in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) stimulated by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). METHODS: HBECs were divided into five groups: control, dexamethasone, IFN-λ1, RSV, and RSV+IFN-λ1. CCK-8 assay was used to measure the effect of different concentrations of IFN-λ1 on the viability of HBECs, and the sensitivity of HBECs to dexamethasone was measured in each group. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression level of GR in cell nucleus and cytoplasm, and the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of GR was calculated. RESULTS: At 24 and 72 hours, the proliferation activity of HBECs increased with the increase in IFN-λ1 concentration in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P˂0.05). Compared with the RSV group, the RSV+IFN-λ1 group had significant reductions in the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of dexamethasone and the mRNA expression level of p38 MAPK (P<0.05), as well as significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of GR and MKP-1, the level of GR in cell nucleus and cytoplasm, and the nuclear/cytoplasmic GR ratio (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS IFN-λ1 can inhibit the p38 MAPK pathway by upregulating MKP-1, promote the nuclear translocation of GR, and thus ameliorate GC resistance in HBECs.
Humans ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Glucocorticoids/pharmacology* ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid/analysis* ; Dual Specificity Phosphatase 1/physiology* ; Dexamethasone/pharmacology* ; Drug Resistance/drug effects* ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses ; Interferons/pharmacology* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Epithelial Cells/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cells, Cultured