BACKGROUND:Macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)is a pleiotropic cytokine,which is secreted in different types of stem cells and can regulate the proliferation,differentiation and migration of various types of stem cells.Our previous research has confirmed that human embryonic stem cells secrete MIF and that its concentration in the culture medium is relatively stable.However,whether MIF is involved in the survival,proliferation and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of MIF on survival,proliferation,and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. METHODS:(1)Human embryonic stem cells H9 were cultured.The growth curve of cells was detected and plotted by CCK-8 assay.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the level of MIF in the medium.(2)To determine the effects of exogenous MIF on the survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,different groups were established:the control group,which was cultured in stem cell medium without any modifications;the exogenous MIF group,which was treated with different concentrations(30,100,300 ng/mL)of MIF in the stem cell medium;the MIF inhibitor ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations(2,7,21 μmol/L)of ISO-1 in the stem cell medium;and the MIF+ISO-1 group,which was treated with different concentrations of ISO-1 along with 100 ng/mL of MIF.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.(3)To further elucidate the effect of MIF gene on survival and proliferation of human embryonic stem cell,the MIF knockout H9 cell line was constructed by CRISPR-Cas 9 technology to observe the lineage establishment.(4)To determine the effect of high concentrations of MIF on human embryonic stem cell differentiation,100 ng/mL MIF and 100 ng/mL of CXCR4 neutralizing antibody were separately added to the normal stem cell culture medium.The expression levels of self-renewal factors(KLF4,c-MYC,NANOG,OCT4,and SOX2)and differentiation transcription factors(FOXA2,OTX2)were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunofluorescence staining,and western blot analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The logarithmic growth phase of H9 cells was between 3-6 days.Under normal growth conditions,human embryonic stem cells secreted MIF at a concentration of approximately 20 ng/mL,independent of cell quantity.(2)Compared to the control group,the addition of different concentrations of MIF had no effect on the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells(P>0.05).ISO-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells,with a stronger inhibition observed at higher concentrations of ISO-1(P<0.05).The addition of MIF in the presence of ISO-1 reduced the inhibitory effect of ISO-1(P<0.05).(3)Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that knocking out 50%of the MIF gene resulted in a significant decrease in the growth vitality of human embryonic stem cells and failure to establish cell lines.(4)Adding 100 ng/mL exogenous MIF to the culture medium resulted in a decrease in the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the self-renewal transcription factor KLF4,while the mRNA,protein,and fluorescence expression levels of the differentiation factor FOXA2 increased.(5)When 100 ng/mL CXCR4 neutralizing antibody was added to the culture medium,the mRNA and protein expression levels of KLF4 increased,while the mRNA and protein expression levels of FOXA2 decreased,contrary to the expression trend observed in the MIF group.In conclusion,the endogenous secretion of MIF by human embryonic stem cells is essential for their survival.The addition of MIF to the culture medium does not promote the proliferation of human embryonic stem cells.However,it can lead to a decrease in the expression of the self-renewal factor KLF4 and an increase in the expression of the transcription factor FOXA2.This provides a clue for further investigation into the effects and mechanisms of MIF on the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.The MIF-CXCR4 axis plays a regulatory role in this process.

This study aims to explore whether Naoxintong Capsules improve multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury via promoting angiogenesis, thereby exerting a simultaneous treatment effect on both the brain and heart. Male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham-operated group, model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of Naoxintong Capsules(440, 220, and 110 mg·kg~(-1)), and nimodipine group(10.8 mg·kg~(-1)). Rat models of multiple cerebral infarctions were established by injecting autologous thrombus, and samples were collected and tested seven days after modeling. Evaluations included multiple cerebral infarction model assessments, neurological function scores, grip strength tests, and rotarod tests, so as to evaluate neuromotor functions. Morphological structures of brain and heart tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, Nissl staining, and Masson staining. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the mechanisms of Naoxintong Capsules in improving multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury. Neuronal and myocardial cell ultrastructures were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Apoptosis rate in brain neuronal cells was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining, and reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels in myocardial cells were measured. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31), antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki67(Ki67), hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen CD34(CD34), and hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) in brain and myocardial tissue. Western blot, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2), sarcoma(Src), basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF), angiopoietin-1(Ang-1), and TEK receptor tyrosine kinase(Tie-2). Compared with the model group, the medium-dose group of Naoxintong Capsules showed significantly lower neurological function scores, increased grip strength, and prolonged time on the rotarod. Pathological damage in brain and heart tissue was reduced, with increased and more orderly arranged mitochondria in neurons and cardiomyocytes. Apoptosis in brain neuronal cells was decreased, and ROS levels in cardiomyocytes were reduced. The microvascular density and endothelial cells of new blood vessels in brain and heart tissue increased, with increased overlapping regions of CD31 and Ki67 expression. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, Src, Ang-1, Tie-2, and bFGF were elevated in brain tissue and myocardial tissue. Naoxintong Capsules may improve multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury by mediating HIF-1α/VEGF expression to promote angiogenesis.
Animals ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Cerebral Infarction/genetics* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics* ; Capsules ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Humans ; Brain/metabolism* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

Qing court records show that Arecae Semen was extensively applied. The royal medical records of the Qing Dynasty document nine types of Arecae Semen, with the Palace Museum preserving seven kinds, totaling twelve cultural relics. Historical documents and physical artifacts corroborate each other, providing evidence for the study of the supply channels and court processing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court. According to relevant Qing court archival records, the sources of Arecae Semen used in the imperial court were diverse, including tributes from foreign countries such as Vietnam and Gurkha, annual tributes from local governments in Guangdong, gifts from close aides, and commodities purchased by the Imperial Household Department from civilian shops. The imperial physicians of the Qing court placed great emphasis on the specifications of Arecae Semen slices and were extremely meticulous about their processing. The variety of Arecae Semen slices used in the Qing palace exceeded those recorded in the botanical texts of the era. Compared with the commonly used processing methods for Arecae Semen in the Qing Dynasty, the imperial physicians adjusted the properties and efficacy of the herbs through different processing techniques, based on the patient's condition, constitution, and other factors, in order to meet the clinical treatment needs of the court. The slicing of Arecae Semen in the Qing court required strict control of thickness, with an average thickness of 0.44 mm, which is significantly thinner than the Arecae Semen slices found in today's markets. The texture was softer, making them easier to chew and absorb. Both the Qing court Arecae Semen slices and the Muxiang Binglang Pills focused on the use of authentic medicinal materials, ensuring the quality of the medicine and enhancing the efficacy of Arecae Semen through meticulous selection and preparation.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history* ; History, 19th Century ; History, Ancient ; History, 17th Century ; History, 18th Century

OBJECTIVE: To explore the construction method of a resistant multiple myeloma (MM) patient-derived xenotransplantation (PDX) model. METHODS: 1.0×10⁷ MM patient-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs), 2.0×10⁶ MM.1S cells and 2.0×10⁶ NCI-H929 cells were respectively subcutaneously inoculated into NOD.CB17-Prkdc^scid Il2rg^tm1/Bcgen (B-NDG) mice with a volume of 100 μl per mouse to establish mouse model. The morphologic, phenotypic, proliferative and genetic characteristics of PDX tumor were studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), cell cycle analysis, flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The sensitivity of PDX tumor to bortezomib and anlotinib monotherapy or in combination was investigated through cell proliferation, apoptosis and in vitro and in vivo experiments. The effects of anlotinib therapy on tumor blood vessel and cell apoptosis were analyzed by IHC, TUNEL staining and confocal fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: MM PDX model was successfully established by subcutaneously inoculating primary MNCs. The morphologic features of tumor cells from MM PDX model were similar to those of mature plasma cells. MM PDX tumor cells positively expressed CD138 and CD38, which presented 1q21 amplification, deletion of Rb1 and IgH rearrangement, and had a lower proliferative activity than MM cell lines. in vitro, PDX, MM.1S and NCI-H929 cells were treated by bortezomib and anlotinib for 24 hours, respectively. Cell viability assay showed that the IC₅₀ value of bortezomib were 5 716.486, 1.025 and 2.775 nmol/L, and IC₅₀ value of anlotinib were 5 5107.337, 0.706 and 5.13 μmol/L, respectively. Anlotinib treatment increased the apoptosis of MM.1S cells (P < 0.01), but did not affect PDX tumor cells (P >0.05). in vivo, there was no significant difference in PDX tumor growth between bortezomib monotherapy group and control group (P >0.05), while both anlotinib monotherapy and anlotinib combined with bortezomib effectively inhibited PDX tumor growth (both P < 0.05). The vascular perfusion and vascular density of PDX tumor were decreased in anlotinib treatment group (both P < 0.01). The apoptotic cells in anlotinib treatment group were increased compared with those in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Bortezomib-resistant MM PDX model can be successfully established by subcutaneous inoculation of MNCs from MM patients in B-NDG mice. This PDX model, which retains the basic biological characteristics of MM cells, can be used to study the novel therapies.
Animals ; Bortezomib ; Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/pathology* ; Mice ; Apoptosis ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cell Proliferation ; Transplantation, Heterologous

OBJECTIVE: Acupuncture therapies are known for their effectiveness in treating a variety of gastric diseases, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. This study tested the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints Zhongwan (RN12) and Weishu (BL21) for managing gastric motility disorder (GMD) and investigated the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: A GMD model was used to evaluate the impact of EA on various aspects of gastric function including the amplitude of gastric motility, electrogastrogram, food intake, and the rate of gastric emptying. Immunofluorescence techniques were used to explore the activation of spinal neurons by EA, specifically examining the presence of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-positive neurons and fibers emanating from acupoints RN12 and BL21. The stimulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, the inhibition of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, and their collective effects on the activity of sympathetic nerves were examined. RESULTS: EA at RN12 and BL21 significantly improved gastric motility compromised by GMD. Notably, EA activated spinal neurons, with CTB-positive neurons and fibers from RN12 and BL21 being detectable in both the dorsal root ganglia and the spinal dorsal horn. Further analysis revealed that EA at these acupoints not only stimulated GABAergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn but also suppressed sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, effectively reducing excessive activity of sympathetic nerves triggered by GMD. CONCLUSION EA treatment at RN12 and BL21 effectively enhances gastric motility in a GMD model. The therapeutic efficacy of this approach is attributed to the activation of spinal neurons and the modulation of the spinal GABAergic-sympathetic pathway, providing a neurobiological foundation for the role of acupuncture in treating gastric disorders. Please cite this article as: Zhang MT, Liang YF, Dai Q, Gao HR, Wang H, Chen L, Huang S, Wang XY, Shen GM. A spinal neural circuit for electroacupuncture that regulates gastric functional disorders. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 56-65.
Electroacupuncture ; Animals ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Stomach Diseases/physiopathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; Rats ; Gastric Emptying ; Neurons ; Spinal Cord ; Stomach/physiopathology*

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) poses a significant risk of neural damage during pregnancy. As the most prevalent intrauterine infectious agent in low- and middle-income countries, HCMV disrupts the development of neural stem cells, leading to fetal malformations and abnormal structural and physiological functions in the fetal brain. This review summarizes the current understanding of how HCMV infection dysregulates the Wnt signaling pathway to induce fetal malformations and discusses current management strategies.
Humans ; Cytomegalovirus Infections/virology* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Cytomegalovirus/physiology* ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; Congenital Abnormalities/virology* ; Animals

Objective To assess the blood pressure control and its influencing factors among hypertensive patients in communities in different time periods by 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(24 h ABPM)and provide reference for optimizing the health management services for hypertension in communities. Methods A total of 765 hypertensive patients registered in the hypertension management project of national essential public health services in Sanxiang Town,Zhongshan City from October 2022 to September 2023 were identified as target subjects.The 24 h ABPM devices were distributed for blood pressure monitoring and a questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the influencing factors of blood pressure control. Results Of all the participants,16.5% did not monitor blood pressure regularly,and 59.2% monitored blood pressure 1-2 times per week.The patients who were not on night shifts/staying up late had higher mean rates of achieving the target blood pressure and the circadian rhythm of blood pressure during 24 h,nighttime,and early morning than those who were on night shifts/staying up late(all P<0.05).The patients who never drank alcohol had higher rate of achieving the target blood pressure in early morning than those who drank alcohol(P=0.012).The average blood pressure during daytime,nighttime,and 24 h were different by sex(all P<0.05).The average blood pressure during nighttime was different by age and job types(all P<0.05).The average blood pressure during daytime,nighttime,and 24 h were different in patients with different body weight types(all P<0.05).The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that uncontrolled blood pressure during daytime was more likely to occur in male patients(OR=1.394,95%CI=1.045-1.858,P=0.024),and that during nighttime was more likely to be associated with male patients(OR=1.573,95%CI=1.088-2.275,P=0.016)and night shifts(OR=2.467,95%CI=1.198-5.077,P=0.014).It was difficult to achieve blood pressure control in early morning for the patients who drank alcohol for more than three times per week(OR=4.567,95%CI=1.629-12.807,P=0.004),woke up at night(OR=1.800,95%CI=1.125-2.878,P=0.014),and had night shifts(OR=1.579,95%CI=1.102-2.465,P=0.044).The patients on night shifts were more likely to have abnormal circadian rhythm of blood pressure(OR=1.753,95%CI:1.018-3.018,P=0.043). Conclusions The personal characteristics and lifestyle of hypertensive patients significantly affect the blood pressure control in different time periods(daytime,nighttime,and early morning)and the circadian rhythm of blood pressure.The family doctor team of community healthcare institutions can implement targeted and precise intervention measures for hypertensive patients according to the influencing factors of blood pressure control in different time periods,so as to achieve better management effects.
Humans ; Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory ; Hypertension/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Circadian Rhythm ; Blood Pressure ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Adult ; Aged ; Time Factors

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, prognosis and gene mutation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Keshan disease area of Sichuan Province, and to explore the risk factors for all-cause death in DCM patients.Methods:In June 2016, 55 DCM patients diagnosed at the local disease prevention and control center through clinical manifestations, electrocardiogram examination, and echocardiography were selected as the survey subjects in Mianning County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, and Renhe District, Panzhihua City, Keshan disease areas of Sichuan Province. Baseline clinical data were analyzed and long-term follow-up was conducted. The follow-up period ended June 15, 2021, with the endpoint of all-cause death. Univariate Cox regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of all-cause death in patients, and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curve was used to analyze the survival time of patients. At the same time, peripheral venous blood was collected from 27 DCM patients. After separating white blood cells, DNA was extracted, and whole exome sequencing was performed to screen potential pathogenic genes.Results:Among the 55 DCM patients, 40 were males and 15 were females. The age was (54.09 ± 12.38) years old. The heart function classification of New York Heart Association (NYHA) was mainly grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ, accounting for 94.55% (52/55). The follow-up time for 55 DCM patients was (7.02 ± 2.96) years, and 17 patients experienced all-cause death, accounting for 30.91% (17/55), including 15 males and 2 females. Compared with the survival group, the death group had a lower incidence of syncope (χ 2 = 6.57, P = 0.010), but higher rates of bilateral lower limb edema (χ 2 = 6.43, P = 0.017), pulmonary congestion (χ 2 = 7.61, P = 0.006), intraventricular conduction block (χ 2 = 6.41, P = 0.011), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) use (χ 2 = 6.57, P = 0.010), as well as increased left ventricular diameter ( t = 2.36, P = 0.022). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that bilateral lower limb edema [hazard ratio ( HR) = 4.61, P = 0.042] and intraventricular conduction block ( HR = 3.20, P = 0.019) were risk factors for all-cause death of DCM patients. The results of K-M survival curve analysis showed that patients with bilateral lower limb edema and intraventricular conduction block had higher all-cause death rates (log-rank χ 2 = 5.02, 6.24, P = 0.025, 0.012). Whole exome sequencing results showed that 4 patients were detected to carry pathogenic or suspected pathogenic gene mutations, with a positive rate of 14.81% (4/27), involving three genes: β-myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7), calreticulin 3 (CALR3), and gelsolin (GSN). Conclusions:The all-cause death rate of DCM patients in the Keshan disease area of Sichuan Province is relatively high. Dead patients are prone to bilateral lower limb edema, pulmonary congestion, and intraventricular conduction block, as well as increased left ventricular diameter. Bilateral lower limb edema and intraventricular conduction block are independent predictive risk factors for all-cause death in DCM patients. MYH7, CALR3 and GSN are involved in the pathogenesis of DCM.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with monkeypox.Methods Data of 17 patients with monkeypox hospitalized in a hospital in Nanning City from July to October 2023 were collected retrospectively.The epidemiological history,clinical manifestations,laboratory examinations,treat-ment and prognosis were analyzed and summarized.Results All 17 patients were male,with a median age of 28 years old.Fifteen(88.2％)patients were men who had sex with men(MSM)within 21 days prior to onset.Major clinical manifestations were rash and fever.Rashes distributed mainly in the anus,perineum and genitals(82.4％),followed by the trunk and limbs(52.9％),head and face(35.3％),while soles and palms were rare.Some patients had swollen inguinal lymph nodes.All patients were discharged from hospital after improvement,with an average hospital stay of 7 days.Conclusion The monkeypox epidemic in Nanning area of Guangxi occurs mainly in MSM population,with fever and rashes as the major symptoms.All patients have mild disease and good prognosis.

ObjectiveHuman Ku70 protein mainly involves the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSB) through its DNA-binding properties, and it is recently reported having an RNA-binding ability. This paper is to explore whether Ku70 has RNA helicase activity and affects miRNA maturation. MethodsRNAs bound to Ku protein were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) and bioinfomatic anaylsis. The expression relationship between Ku protein and miRNAs was verified by Western blot (WB) and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. Binding ability of Ku protein to the RNAs was tested by biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay. RNA helicase activity of Ku protein was identified with EMSA assay. The effect of Ku70 regulated miR-124 on neuronal differentiation was performed by morphology analysis, WB and immunofluorescence assays with or without Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. ResultsWe revealed that the Ku70 protein had RNA helicase activity and affected miRNA maturation. Deficiency of Ku70 led to the up-regulation of a large number of mature miRNAs, especially neuronal specific miRNAs like miR-124. The knockdown of Ku70 promoted neuronal differentiation in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and SH-SY5Y cells by boosting miR-124 maturation. Importantly, ZIKV infection reduced the expression of Ku70 whereas increased expression of miR-124 in hNPCs, and led to morphologically neuronal differentiation. ConclusionOur study revealed a novel function of Ku70 as an RNA helicase and regulating miRNA maturation. The reduced expression of Ku70 with ZIKV infection increased the expression of miR-124 and led to the premature differentiation of embryonic neural progenitor cells, which might be one of the causes of microcephaly.