ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of Xingpi capsules on functional dyspepsia（FD） and the potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD neonatal rats（7 days old） were randomly divided into the normal group（n=12） and the modeling group（n=48）， and the FD model was prepared by iodoacetamide gavage in the modeling group. After the model was successfully prepared， the rats in the modeling group were randomly divided into the model group， the low-dose and high-dose groups of Xingpi capsules（0.135， 0.54 g·kg^-1） and the domperidone group（3 mg·kg^-1）， with 12 rats in each group. Rats in the normal and model groups were gavaged with distilled water， and rats in the rest of the groups were gavaged with the corresponding medicinal solution， once a day for 7 d. The general survival condition of the rats was observed， and the water intake and food intake of the rats were measured， the gastric emptying rate and the small intestinal propulsion rate were measured at the end of the treatment， the pathological damage of the rat duodenum was examined by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining， and the expressions of colonic tight junction protein（Occludin） and zonula occludens protein-1（ZO-1） were detected by immunofluorescence. The differentially expressed genes in the duodenal tissues of the model group and the normal group， and the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules and the model group were detected by transcriptome sequencing after the final administration， and Gene Ontology（GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） enrichment analyses were carried out. The transcriptomic results were validated by Western blot， immunofluorescence， and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR）， and the active ingredients of Xingpi capsules were screened for molecular docking with the key targets. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the general survival condition of rats in the model group was poorer， and the water intake， food intake， gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly reduced（P<0.05）， inflammatory infiltration was seen in duodenal pathology， and the fluorescence intensities of Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon were significantly reduced（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the general survival condition of rats in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules improved significantly， and the water intake， food intake， gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly increased（P<0.05）， the duodenal pathology showed a decrease in inflammatory infiltration， and the fluorescence intensities of colonic Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Transcriptomic results showed that Xingpi capsules might exert therapeutic effects by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt） through the key genes such as Slc5a1， Abhd6. The validation results showed that compared with the normal group， the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt proteins， the protein expression level of interleukin（IL）-1β， and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly increased in the model group（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1， Abhd6， Mgam， Atp1a1， Slc7a8， Cdr2， Chrm3， Slc5a9 and other key genes were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt， the protein expression level of IL-1β and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules were significantly reduced（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1， Abhd6， Mgam， Atp1a1， Slc7a8， Cdr2， Chrm3 and Slc5a9 were significantly reduced（P<0.05）. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and molecular docking results showed that E-nerolidol and Z-nerolidol in Xingpi capsules were well bound to ABDH6 protein， and linarionoside A， valerosidatum and senkirkine were well bound to Slc5a1 protein. ConclusionXingpi capsules can effectively improve the general survival and gastrointestinal motility of FD rats， its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to alleviate the low-grade inflammation of duodenum， and E-nerolidol， Z-nerolidol， linarionoside A， valerosidatum and senkirkine may be its key active ingredients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of Xingpi capsules on functional dyspepsia（FD） and the potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male SD neonatal rats（7 days old） were randomly divided into the normal group（n=12） and the modeling group（n=48）， and the FD model was prepared by iodoacetamide gavage in the modeling group. After the model was successfully prepared， the rats in the modeling group were randomly divided into the model group， the low-dose and high-dose groups of Xingpi capsules（0.135， 0.54 g·kg^-1） and the domperidone group（3 mg·kg^-1）， with 12 rats in each group. Rats in the normal and model groups were gavaged with distilled water， and rats in the rest of the groups were gavaged with the corresponding medicinal solution， once a day for 7 d. The general survival condition of the rats was observed， and the water intake and food intake of the rats were measured， the gastric emptying rate and the small intestinal propulsion rate were measured at the end of the treatment， the pathological damage of the rat duodenum was examined by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining， and the expressions of colonic tight junction protein（Occludin） and zonula occludens protein-1（ZO-1） were detected by immunofluorescence. The differentially expressed genes in the duodenal tissues of the model group and the normal group， and the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules and the model group were detected by transcriptome sequencing after the final administration， and Gene Ontology（GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG） enrichment analyses were carried out. The transcriptomic results were validated by Western blot， immunofluorescence， and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR）， and the active ingredients of Xingpi capsules were screened for molecular docking with the key targets. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the general survival condition of rats in the model group was poorer， and the water intake， food intake， gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly reduced（P<0.05）， inflammatory infiltration was seen in duodenal pathology， and the fluorescence intensities of Occludin and ZO-1 in the colon were significantly reduced（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the general survival condition of rats in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules improved significantly， and the water intake， food intake， gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were all significantly increased（P<0.05）， the duodenal pathology showed a decrease in inflammatory infiltration， and the fluorescence intensities of colonic Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Transcriptomic results showed that Xingpi capsules might exert therapeutic effects by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt） through the key genes such as Slc5a1， Abhd6. The validation results showed that compared with the normal group， the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt proteins， the protein expression level of interleukin（IL）-1β， and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly increased in the model group（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1， Abhd6， Mgam， Atp1a1， Slc7a8， Cdr2， Chrm3， Slc5a9 and other key genes were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt， the protein expression level of IL-1β and the fluorescence intensities of IL-6 and IL-1β in the high-dose group of Xingpi capsules were significantly reduced（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the mRNA levels of Slc5a1， Abhd6， Mgam， Atp1a1， Slc7a8， Cdr2， Chrm3 and Slc5a9 were significantly reduced（P<0.05）. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and molecular docking results showed that E-nerolidol and Z-nerolidol in Xingpi capsules were well bound to ABDH6 protein， and linarionoside A， valerosidatum and senkirkine were well bound to Slc5a1 protein. ConclusionXingpi capsules can effectively improve the general survival and gastrointestinal motility of FD rats， its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to alleviate the low-grade inflammation of duodenum， and E-nerolidol， Z-nerolidol， linarionoside A， valerosidatum and senkirkine may be its key active ingredients.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogeneic intrastromal lenticule implantation combined with corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL)in patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus.METHODS: A retrospective case series analysis was conducted. A total of 19 patients(20 eyes)with moderate to advanced keratoconus who underwent combined allogeneic intrastromal lenticule implantation and CXL at the Jinan Mingshui Eye Hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were included. The uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCVA), thinnest corneal thickness, central corneal epithelial thickness, anterior corneal flat keratometry(Kf), steep keratometry(Ks), and mean keratometry(Km), as well as the first applanation time(A1T), the first applanation length(A1L), the velocity during the first applanation moment(VIN), the second applanation time(A2T), the second applanation length(A2L), the velocity during the second applanation moment(VOUT), highest concavity time(HCT), highest concavity radius(HCR), peak distance(PD), deformation amplitude(DA), stiffness parameter at first applanation(SP-A1), integrated radius(IR), central corneal thickness(CCT), intraocular pressure(IOP), corneal thickness-corrected IOP, biomechanically intraocular pressure IOP(bIOP), and corneal thickness variation rate(ARTH)were compared between the two groups before surgery and at 1 wk, 1, 3 and 6 mo after surgery.RESULTS: All patients successfully completed the surgery without any intraoperative complications. No significant differences were observed between pre-operative and post-operative measurements for UCVA or the corneal biomechanical parameters, including A1L, A2L, PD, A1T, A2T, VIN, VOUT, DA, IOP, and bIOP(all P>0.05). Significant differences were found between pre-operative and post-operative values for corneal thinnest point thickness, central corneal epithelial thickness, Kf, Ks, Km, and the corneal biomechanical parameters, including HCT, HCR, SP-A1, ARTH, IR, and CCT(all P<0.05). The anterior corneal curvature demonstrated an initial increase followed by a decrease post-operatively. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between pre-operative and post-operative values for HCT, HCR, SP-A1, ARTH, IR, and CCT(all P<0.005).CONCLUSION: Allogenic intrastromal lenticule implantation combined with corneal collagen cross-linking demonstrates favorable safety and stability in treating moderate-to-advanced keratoconus. This combined procedure effectively increases corneal thickness and rigidity, resulting in corneas that are more resistant to deformation postoperatively.

Increasing evidence shows that the early lesions of Parkinson's disease (PD) originate from gut, and correction of microbiota dysbiosis is a promising therapy for PD. FLZ is a neuroprotective agent on PD, which has been validated capable of alleviating microbiota dysbiosis in PD mice. However, the detailed mechanisms still need elucidated. Through metabolomics and 16S rRNA analysis, we identified glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) was the most affected differential microbial metabolite by FLZ treatment, which was specially and negatively regulated by Clostridium innocuum, a differential microbiota with the strongest correlation to GUDCA production, through inhibiting bile salt hydrolase (BSH) enzyme. The protection of GUDCA on colon and brain were also clarified in PD models, showing that it could activate Nrf2 pathway, further validating that FLZ protected dopaminergic neurons through promoting GUDCA production. Our study uncovered that FLZ improved PD through microbiota-gut-brain axis, and also gave insights into modulation of microbial metabolites may serve as an important strategy for treating PD.

Although enteric glial cell (EGC) abnormal activation is reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), and inhibition of EGC gliosis alleviated gut and dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction was verified in our previous study, the potential role of gut microbiota on EGC function in PD still need to be addressed. In the present study, fecal microbiota transplantation revealed that EGC function was regulated by gut microbiota. By employing 16S rRNA and metabolomic analysis, we identified that 3-indolepropionic acid (IPA) was the most affected differential microbial metabolite that regulated EGC gliosis. The protective effects of IPA on PD were validated in rotenone-stimulated EGCs and rotenone (30 mg/kg i.g. for 4 weeks)-induced PD mice, as indicated by decreased inflammation, improved intestinal and brain barrier as well as dopaminergic neuronal function. Mechanistic study showed that IPA targeted pregnane X receptor (PXR) in EGCs, and inhibition of IL-13Rα1 involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, leading to inactivation of downstream JAK1-STAT6 pathway. Our data not only provided evidence that EGC gliosis was critical in spreading intestinal damage to brain, but also highlighted the potential role of microbial metabolite IPA in alleviating PD pathological damages through gut-brain axis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2025.02.029.].

Objective This study aimed to observe the effect of Jiang Tang San Hao Formula(JTSHF)on systemic and intestinal inflammation,as well as on the NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 diabetic mice(T2DM),and to elucidate its anti-diabetic molecular mechanisms.Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6 N mice were used to establish the T2DM model using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection.The diabetic mice were randomly divided into the model,metformin,and JTSHF groups.A control group was also set to provide baseline comparisons.Each group of mice was orally administered with the corresponding medication daily.The metformin group was orally administered with 0.20 g/kg metformin,the JTSHF group was orally administered with 4.26 g/kg JTSHF,and the control group and model group were orally administered with an equal amount of sterile water continuously for 8 weeks.After an 8-week drug intervention via gavage,the lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),and interleukin 6(IL-6)serum and colon levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The pathological morphology of the colon was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),occludin,and G-protein coupled receptor 43(GPR43)protein expression in the colon were assessed using immunohistochemistry.The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,ZO-1,Occludin,and GPR43 in the colon were detected using Real-time PCR.Results The ELISA data revealed significant differences in inflammatory markers among the groups.Compared with the model group,the JTSHF group exhibited notably reduced LPS,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the model group,JTSHF treatment upregulated ZO-1,occludin,and GPR43 protein and mRNA expression in the colon and downregulated NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression(P<0.05).Conclusion The inflammatory reaction of T2DM mice is apparent.JTSHF effectively alleviates the systemic and intestinal inflammatory response of T2DM mice by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier,highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms of the anti-diabetes effects of JTSHF.

Objective This study aimed to observe the effect of Jiang Tang San Hao Formula(JTSHF)on systemic and intestinal inflammation,as well as on the NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 diabetic mice(T2DM),and to elucidate its anti-diabetic molecular mechanisms.Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6 N mice were used to establish the T2DM model using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection.The diabetic mice were randomly divided into the model,metformin,and JTSHF groups.A control group was also set to provide baseline comparisons.Each group of mice was orally administered with the corresponding medication daily.The metformin group was orally administered with 0.20 g/kg metformin,the JTSHF group was orally administered with 4.26 g/kg JTSHF,and the control group and model group were orally administered with an equal amount of sterile water continuously for 8 weeks.After an 8-week drug intervention via gavage,the lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),and interleukin 6(IL-6)serum and colon levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The pathological morphology of the colon was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),occludin,and G-protein coupled receptor 43(GPR43)protein expression in the colon were assessed using immunohistochemistry.The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,ZO-1,Occludin,and GPR43 in the colon were detected using Real-time PCR.Results The ELISA data revealed significant differences in inflammatory markers among the groups.Compared with the model group,the JTSHF group exhibited notably reduced LPS,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the model group,JTSHF treatment upregulated ZO-1,occludin,and GPR43 protein and mRNA expression in the colon and downregulated NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression(P<0.05).Conclusion The inflammatory reaction of T2DM mice is apparent.JTSHF effectively alleviates the systemic and intestinal inflammatory response of T2DM mice by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier,highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms of the anti-diabetes effects of JTSHF.

Objective This study aimed to observe the effect of Jiang Tang San Hao Formula(JTSHF)on systemic and intestinal inflammation,as well as on the NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 diabetic mice(T2DM),and to elucidate its anti-diabetic molecular mechanisms.Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6 N mice were used to establish the T2DM model using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection.The diabetic mice were randomly divided into the model,metformin,and JTSHF groups.A control group was also set to provide baseline comparisons.Each group of mice was orally administered with the corresponding medication daily.The metformin group was orally administered with 0.20 g/kg metformin,the JTSHF group was orally administered with 4.26 g/kg JTSHF,and the control group and model group were orally administered with an equal amount of sterile water continuously for 8 weeks.After an 8-week drug intervention via gavage,the lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),and interleukin 6(IL-6)serum and colon levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The pathological morphology of the colon was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),occludin,and G-protein coupled receptor 43(GPR43)protein expression in the colon were assessed using immunohistochemistry.The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,ZO-1,Occludin,and GPR43 in the colon were detected using Real-time PCR.Results The ELISA data revealed significant differences in inflammatory markers among the groups.Compared with the model group,the JTSHF group exhibited notably reduced LPS,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the model group,JTSHF treatment upregulated ZO-1,occludin,and GPR43 protein and mRNA expression in the colon and downregulated NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression(P<0.05).Conclusion The inflammatory reaction of T2DM mice is apparent.JTSHF effectively alleviates the systemic and intestinal inflammatory response of T2DM mice by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier,highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms of the anti-diabetes effects of JTSHF.

Objective This study aimed to observe the effect of Jiang Tang San Hao Formula(JTSHF)on systemic and intestinal inflammation,as well as on the NLRP3 inflammasome in type 2 diabetic mice(T2DM),and to elucidate its anti-diabetic molecular mechanisms.Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6 N mice were used to establish the T2DM model using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection.The diabetic mice were randomly divided into the model,metformin,and JTSHF groups.A control group was also set to provide baseline comparisons.Each group of mice was orally administered with the corresponding medication daily.The metformin group was orally administered with 0.20 g/kg metformin,the JTSHF group was orally administered with 4.26 g/kg JTSHF,and the control group and model group were orally administered with an equal amount of sterile water continuously for 8 weeks.After an 8-week drug intervention via gavage,the lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),and interleukin 6(IL-6)serum and colon levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The pathological morphology of the colon was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),caspase-1,zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),occludin,and G-protein coupled receptor 43(GPR43)protein expression in the colon were assessed using immunohistochemistry.The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,ZO-1,Occludin,and GPR43 in the colon were detected using Real-time PCR.Results The ELISA data revealed significant differences in inflammatory markers among the groups.Compared with the model group,the JTSHF group exhibited notably reduced LPS,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 levels(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the model group,JTSHF treatment upregulated ZO-1,occludin,and GPR43 protein and mRNA expression in the colon and downregulated NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression(P<0.05).Conclusion The inflammatory reaction of T2DM mice is apparent.JTSHF effectively alleviates the systemic and intestinal inflammatory response of T2DM mice by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier,highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms of the anti-diabetes effects of JTSHF.