ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 （MAP-2）， alpha-tubulin （α-tubulin）， and synaptophysin （SYP） are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein （α-Syn） and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease （PD）， analyzed their correlation， and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group （30 cases） and a control group （30 cases）. Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine， and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score， TCM syndrome score， and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment， the TCM syndrome score， UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% （19/30）， and that of the treatment group was 86.7% （26/30）. The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group （Z=-2.03， P<0.05）. The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （χ²=5.136， P<0.05）. After treatment， the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group， were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 （P<0.05）. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Without timely and effective rehabilitation, hearing loss may profoundly affect human life quality. China has a large population of hearing-impaired individuals, which imposes a heavy health burden on society. Moreover, this population is projected to increase rapidly owing to China's aging society. METHODS: We used data from a population-representative epidemiological investigation of hearing loss and ear diseases in four Chinese provinces. We estimated the national prevalence using multiple linear regression of the age-group proportions and prevalence in 31 provinces with clustering analysis. We used years lived with disability (YLDs) to analyze the disease burden and forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss by 2060 in China. RESULTS: An estimated 115 million people had moderate-to-complete hearing loss in 2015 across the 31 provinces of China (8.4% of 1.37 billion people). Of these, 85.7% were older than age 50 years (99 million people) and 2.4% were younger than 20 years old (2.8 million people). Of all YLDs attributable to hearing loss, 68.9% were attributable to moderate-to-complete cases. By 2060, a projected 242 million people in China will have moderate-to-complete hearing loss, a 110.0% increase from 2015. CONCLUSIONS The hearing loss prevalence in China is high. Population aging and socioeconomic factors substantially affect the prevalence and severity of hearing loss and the disease burden. The prevalence and severity of hearing loss are unevenly distributed across different provinces. Future public health policies should take these trends and regional variations into account.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Hearing Loss/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cost of Illness

Objective To observe the changes of myelin sheath in corpus callosum on non-ischemic side after ischemic stroke in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)model,and to investigate the effect of vagus nerve stimulation(VNS)on secondary demyelination in I/R model.Methods Forty-two rats were randomly assigned to sham,I/R,or I/R+VNS groups,with 14 rats in each group.Except for the sham group,the rats in other groups were used to construct I/R model by a middle cerebral artery occlusion thread method.In addition,the rats in the I/R+VNS group were given repetitive electrical stimulation of the left vagus nerve for 60 min at 30 min after ischemia occlusion.The cerebral infarction volume was observed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.The expression levels of myelin basic protein(MBP)and myelin-associated glycoprotein(MAG)in the corpus callosum on the non-ischemic side were detected by Western blotting.The integrity and thickness of myelin sheaths in the corpus callosum on the non-ischemic side were observed by Luxol fast blue staining and transmission electron microscopy,respectively.Results Compared with the sham group,the volume of cerebral infarction in the I/R group was increased(P＜0.01).On the 3rd day after I/R,compared with the sham group,the expression levels of MBP and MAG were significantly decreased(both P＜0.01),the intensity of Luxol fast blue staining was significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the thickness of the myelin sheath was significantly thinner(g-ratio was increased,P＜0.01)in the corpus callosum on the non-ischemic side.Compared with the I/R group,the expression levels of MBP and MAG in the I/R+VNS group were significantly increased(both P＜0.05),the intensity of Luxol fast blue staining was significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the thickness of myelin sheath was significantly increased(g-ratio was decreased,P＜0.01)in the corpus callosum on the non-ischemic side.Conclusion Secondary demyelination occurs on the non-ischemic side of the rat corpus callosum after ischemic stroke,and VNS can ameliorate the demyelination.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xiaoxuming Decoction combined with conventional Western medicine therapy in the treatment of patients with ischemic stroke in the recovery period.Methods:A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted. A total of the 118 patients with wind phlegm obstructing collaterlas syndrome during the recovery period of ischemic stroke in our hospital from September 2023 to July 2024 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 59 patients in each group. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine therapy, while the TCM group was treated with modified Xiaoxuming Decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 2 months and followed up for 1 month. TCM syndrome scoring was performed before and after treatment, Barthel Index was used to evaluate daily living ability, and carotid artery ultrasound detector was used to evaluate the stability of carotid vascular plaques. Inter group comparisons were performed using t test, χ2 test, or repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). Results:RM-ANOVA showed that the time effect and inter group effect of TCM syndrome integration in the TCM group were significantly different from those in the control group ( Ftime=55.56, Ptime<0.001); Fbetween=18.94, Pbetween<0.001); there was no statistical significance in the interaction effect compared to the control group ( Finteraction=0.24, Pinteraction=0.866); the time effect, inter group effect, and interaction effect of Barthel Index in the TCM group were significantly different from those in the control group ( Ftime=44.57, Ptime<0.001); Fbetween=18.94, Pbetween<0.001; Finteraction=7.45, Pinteraction<0.001). The number of patients with unstable plaques in the TCM group after 3 months of treatment was lower than that in the control group ( χ2=4.52, P=0.033). Conclusion:The combination of modified Xiaoxuming Decoction and conventional Western medicine therapy can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and daily living ability of patients in the recovery period of ischemic stroke, improve the stability of cervical vascular plaques, and the clinical efficacy becomes more significant over time.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of catalpol affecting the differentiation of helper T cell 17 （Th17） by interfering the expressions of pyruvate kinase M2 （PKM2） and lactate dehydrogenase A （LDHA）. METHODS The naive CD4+ T cells were selected from the spleen of C57BL/6 mice， and were differentiated into Th17 cells by adding directional differentiation stimulants for 72 hours. At the same time， the cells were treated with 0 （directed control）， 20， 40 and 80 μg/mL catalpol. The flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th17 cell differentiation in cells； the colorimetric method was adopted to detect the levels of pyruvate and lactate in cell culture supernatant； mRNA expressions of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma t （RORγt）， PKM2 and LDHA were detected by qRT-PCR method； Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of PKM2， LDHA， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， and phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3） proteins in cells. RESULTS Compared with the directed control group， after 72 hours of treatment with 20， 40， 80 μg/mL catalpol， the differentiation ratio of Th17 cells were decreased by 6.74%， 8.41%， 9.24%， and the levels of pyruvate and lactate in the cell culture supernatant， the mRNA expressions of PKM2， LDHA and RORγt as well as the protein expressions of PKM2 and LDHA and the phosphorylation of STAT3 were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Catalpol can reduce the glycolysis level by down-regulating the expressions of PKM2 and LDHA， thereby inhibiting the differentiation of Th17 cells.

Regulated cell death (RCD) is a critical physiological process essential in maintaining skin homeostasis. Among the various forms of RCD, ferroptosis stands out due to its distinct features of iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and involvement of various inhibitory antioxidant systems. In recent years, an expanding body of research has solidly linked ferroptosis to the emergence of skin disorders. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in skin diseases is crucial for advancing therapy and prevention strategies. This review commences with a succinct elucidation of the mechanisms that underpin ferroptosis, embarks on a thorough exploration of ferroptosis’s role across a spectrum of skin conditions, encompassing melanoma, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vitiligo, and dermatological ailments precipitated by ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and scrutinizes the potential therapeutic benefits of pharmacological interventions aimed at modulating ferroptosis for the amelioration of skin diseases.

Objective To explore the potential mechanism of Benzo(K)fluoranthene(BkF)on male reproductive injury in mice by proteomics and metabolomics.Methods Twenty healthy and clean male Kunming mice(6 weeks old,18±2 g)were randomly divided into control group(corn oil group),low-,medium-and high-dose BkF groups(7.5,15.0 and 30.0 mg/kg),with 5 mice in each group.The corresponding agents were gavaged at a dose of 10 mL/kg,5 d per week,for 35 consecutive days.After modeling,the rats were fasted for 10 h,and then sperm samples and testicular tissues were harvested.Computer assisted sperm analysis(CASA)was used to detect and analyze semen parameters.HE staining was employed to observe the histopathological structure of the testicular tissue.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to analyze the differential protein pathways.Volcano plot were conducted to analyze the top 10 differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)in the control and high-dose BkF group.Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)untargeted metabolomics techniques were utilized to screen out differential metabolites.KEGG signaling pathway and KEGG annotation analyses and GO enrichment analysis were used to analyze the differential metabolites.Results Compared with the control group,the sperm number and motility of BkF-treated mice showed a decreased trend,with statistical differences(P＜0.05).Pathological observation showed that BkF treatment resulted in dilated seminal tubules and badly-arranged spermatogenic cells when compared with the control group.Proteomics analysis found that the protein levels of Spata46 and Rab5b were decreased,while those of Zscan21 and Aifm2 were increased(P＜0.01).Proteomic KEGG enrichment analysis showed that it was mainly involved in phagosome,protein export,ribosome and other pathways.GO enrichment analysis indicated that it was mainly involved in male meiosis I,histone acetylation,regulation of p53 signaling pathway,positive regulation of cell cycle,positive regulation of cell death and other signaling pathways.Metabonomics KEGG displayed that amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism were most closely related to other metabolic pathways.Conclusion Proteomics and metabolomics analyses show that BkF exposure is associated with spermatogenesis,apoptosis and cell cycle,DNA damage,amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism.

Objective To investigate the changes in G protein-coupled receptor 124 (Gpr124) expression in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC)under high-glucose condition and the regulatory effect of Gpr124 interference on HRMEC.Methods Immunofluorescence assay was used to observe the expression of Gpr124 in HRMEC.The cells were divided into a blank group and a high glucose group.CCK-8 assay and EdU cell proliferation assay were used to detect cell viability and proliferation,respectively.The Gpr124 expression was knocked down by transducting lentiviral virus carrying shRNA targeting Gpr124.Thus,the cells were divided into a blank control group,a high glucose control group,a high glucose+shRNA group,and a high glucose+Gpr124 shRNA group.Cell scratch test was performed to evaluate cell migration,and Matrigel plug assay was employed to assess the cell tubule formation.Western blotting was applied to detect the protein levels of Gpr124,VEGFA,MMP9,and β-catenin.Results The HRMEC from the high glucose group showed enhanced cell viability and increased number of proliferating cells compared to the cells of the blank group (P<0.01).High glucose treatment also induced increased expression levels of Gpr124,VEGFA and MMP9 (P<0.01),and larger migratory area and in vitro angiogenic area as well as longer tube diameter at all time points when compared with the conditions in the blank control group (P<0.01).However,knockdown of Gpr124 resulted in a significant decrease in HRMEC migration and in vitro angiogenic capacity,accompanied by decreases in protein expression of VEGFA,MMP9 and β-catenin (P<0.01).Conclusion Gpr124 can regulate the proliferation,migration,and tube formation ability of HRMEC under high-glucose condition,and also inhibit the overexpression of VEGFA and MMP9,which may be through regulating the classical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Peritoneal adhesions are one of the most common postoperative complications.The formation of peritoneal adhesions is a complex process with multiple factors and stages.Various inflammatory cells and their secreted cytokines promote the chronicity of inflammatory response,the initiation of coagulation cascade reaction and excessive deposition of fibrin,ultimately leading to the formation of pathological peritoneal adhesions.Research in recent years has also highlighted the important role of non-coding RNA in peritoneal adhesions.

Objective:To explore the trajectory of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) in women of advanced maternal age and its influencing factors.Methods:From September 2021 to March 2023, convenience sampling was used to select women of advanced maternal age in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province as participants. Parturients were surveyed at one week, one month, six months, and 12 months after delivering using General Information Questionnaire, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Check-list-civilian Version, Social Capital Scale, and 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The latent growth mixture model was used to analyze the trajectory of PP-PTSD.Results:A total of 467 questionnaires were distributed, and 456 valid questionnaires were collected, with a valid rate of 97.64%. There were four types of PP-PTSD trajectories in women of advanced maternal age, namely non PP-PTSD type (71.27%, 325/456), early onset-gradual recovery type (12.06%, 55/456), early onset-prolonged type (9.21%, 42/456), and late onset-risk type (7.46%, 34/456). Univariate analysis showed that delivery mode, pregnancy complications, social capital, and psychological resilience were potential categories of influencing factors for the trajectory of PP-PTSD in women of advanced maternal age ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:There is population heterogeneity in the trajectory of PP-PTSD among women of advanced maternal age. It is recommended that medical and nursing staff dynamically monitor the PP-PTSD of women of advanced maternal age, identify their trajectory types early, and develop precise intervention measures based on classification.