ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula （LPYJWF） in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori （Hp）-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control， model， high-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-H， 27.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， medium-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-M， 13.65 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， low-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-L， 6.83 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group， other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole （6.06 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + amoxicillin （303 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + clarithromycin （151.67 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + colloidal pectin capsules （30.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa， and Warthin-Starry （W-S） silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue， and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM） and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 （TOMM20）. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA）， respectively， in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 （PINK1）， Parkin， p62， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18）. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， p62， and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage， colonization of a large number of Hp， severe mitochondrial damage， vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy， reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue， and reduced SOD and increased MDA （P<0.01）. In addition， the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 （P<0.01， as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa， reduced Hp colonization， mitigated mitochondrial damage， and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group （P<0.01）， and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin， and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 （P<0.01）. The LPYJWF-M， LPYJWF-H， and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated protein level of p62 （P<0.01）. The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice， which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy， thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of modified Lianpoyin formula （LPYJWF） in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori （Hp）-associated gastric mucosal damage based on mitochondrial autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 60 eight-week-old Balb/c male mice were assigned via the random number table method into control， model， high-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-H， 27.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， medium-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-M， 13.65 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， low-dose LPYJWF （LPYJWF-L， 6.83 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and quadruple therapy groups. Except the control group， other groups were modeled for Hp infection. Mice were administrated with LPYJWF at corresponding doses by gavage. Quadruple therapy group was given omeprazole （6.06 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + amoxicillin （303 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + clarithromycin （151.67 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） + colloidal pectin capsules （30.3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） by gavage. The control group was given an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl for 14 days. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gastric mucosa， and Warthin-Starry （W-S） silver staining was used to detect Hp colonization. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the mitochondrial ultrastructure of the gastric tissue， and immunofluorescence co-localization assay was adopted to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A （TFAM） and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane member 20 （TOMM20）. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt method and thiobarbituric acid method were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and malondialdehyde （MDA）， respectively， in the gastric tissue. Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of PTEN-induced kinase 1 （PINK1）， Parkin， p62， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18）. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， p62， and LC3. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group presented obvious gastric mucosal damage， colonization of a large number of Hp， severe mitochondrial damage， vacuolated structures due to excessive autophagy， reduced TOMM20 and TFAM co-expression in the gastric mucosal tissue， and reduced SOD and increased MDA （P<0.01）. In addition， the gastric tissue in the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of p62 （P<0.01， as well as increased expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed alleviated pathological damage of gastric mucosa， reduced Hp colonization， mitigated mitochondrial damage， and increased co-expression of TOMM20 and TFAM. The SOD level was elevated in the LPYJWF-L group （P<0.01）， and the MDA levels became lowered in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of PINK1， Parkin， and LC3 and protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin， and up-regulated mRNA level of p62 （P<0.01）. The LPYJWF-M， LPYJWF-H， and quadruple therapy groups showcased down-regulated LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ level （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated protein level of p62 （P<0.01）. The expression of inflammasome-associated proteins NLRP3， ASC， IL-1β， and IL-18 were reduced in the LPYJWF and quadruple therapy groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionLPYJWF ameliorates gastric mucosal damage and exerts mucosa-protective effects in Hp-infected mice， which may be related to the inhibition of excessive mitochondrial autophagy， thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

Objective To compare the mid- and long-term clinical results of mitral valve plasty (MVP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Methods Patients with FMR who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from 2012 to 2021 were collected. The patients who underwent MVP were divided into a MVP group, and those who underwent MVR into a MVR group. The clinical data and mid-term follow-up efficacy of two groups were compared. Results Finally 236 patients were included. There were 100 patients in the MVP group, including 53 males and 47 females, with an average age of (61.80±8.03) years. There were 136 patients in the MVR group, including 72 males and 64 females, with an average age of (61.29±8.97) years. There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups (P＞0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the extracorporeal circulation time, aortic occlusion time, postoperative hospital and ICU stay, intraoperative blood loss, or hospitalization death (P＞0.05), but the time of mechanical ventilation in the MVP group was significantly shorter than that in the MVR group (P=0.022). The total follow-up rate was 100.0%, the longest follow-up was 10 years, and the average follow-up time was (3.60±2.55) years. There were statistical differences in the left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and cardiac function between the two groups compared with those before surgery (P<0.05). The postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction in the MVP group was statistically higher than that before surgery (P=0.002), but there was no statistical difference in the MVR group before and after surgery (P=0.658). The left atrial diameter in the MVP group was reduced compared with the MVR group (P=0.026). The recurrence rate of mitral regurgitation in the MVP group was higher than that in the MVR group, and the difference was statistically significant (10.0% vs. 1.5%, P=0.003). There were 14 deaths in the MVP group and 19 in the MVR group. The cumulative survival rate (P=0.605) and cardiovascular events-free survival rate (P=0.875) were not statistically significant between the two groups by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusion The safety, and mid- and long-term clinical efficacy of MVP in the treatment of FMR patients are better than MVR, and the left atrial and left ventricular diameters are statistically reduced, and cardiac function is statistically improved. However, the surgeon needs to be well aware of the indications for the MVP procedure to reduce the rate of mitral regurgitation recurrence.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Lingguizhugan Decoction (LGZG) demonstrates significant efficacy in treating various cardiovascular diseases clinically, yet its precise mechanism of action remains elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms and effects of LGZG on isoproterenol (ISO) continuous stimulation-induced chronic heart failure (CHF) in mice, providing direct experimental evidence for further clinical applications. In vivo, continuous ISO infusion was administered to mice, and ventricular myocytes were utilized to explore LGZG?s potential mechanism of action on the ?1-adrenergic receptor (?1-AR)/Gs/G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs)/?-arrestin signaling deflection system in the heart. The findings reveal that LGZG significantly reduced the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of hypertrophy-related biomarkers [atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)] and improved cardiac remodeling and left ventricular diastolic function in mice with ISO-induced CHF. Furthermore, LGZG inhibited the overactivation of Gs/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling and downregulated the downstream transcriptional activity of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and the expression of the coactivator CBP/P300. Notably, LGZG downregulated the expression of ?-arrestin1 and GRK 2/3/5 while upregulating the expression of ?1-AR and ?-arrestin2. These results suggest that LGZG inhibits Gs/cAMP/PKA signaling and ?-arrestin/GRK-mediated desensitization and internalization of ?1-AR, potentially exerting cardioprotective effects through the synergistic regulation of the ?1-AR/Gs/GRKs/?-arrestin signaling deflection system via multiple pathways.
Animals ; Heart Failure/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Male ; G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Isoproterenol ; Arrestins/genetics* ; Chronic Disease

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for rectal cancer with intestinal stenosis caused by tumors. Methods Forty-nine patients with rectal cancer underwent transrectal CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery.Intraoperative tumor localization and postoperative pathological results were taken as the gold standard for diagnosis.The differences in T stage,localization,and tumor length of rectal cancer were compared between the two methods. Results The total accuracy rates of transrectal CEUS and MRI in diagnosing T stage were 75.5% (36/49) and 67.3% (33/49),which had no significant difference (χ²=0.8,P=0.371).The total accuracy rates of transrectal CEUS and MRI in judging tumor localization were 79.5% (39/49) and 77.5% (38/49),which had no significant difference (χ²=0.061,P=0.806).The measurement results of tumor length in pathological examination had no significant difference from the transrectal CEUS results (t=1.42,P=0.162) but a significant difference from the MRI results (t=3.38,P=0.001).Furthermore,transrectal CEUS detected 8 (16.3%) cases of colonic polyps among the 49 patients,while MRI did not detect colon lesions. Conclusions Transrectal CEUS has good consistency with MRI in T staging and localization judgement of rectal cancer with intestinal stenosis,and this method can more accurately evaluate the tumor length and simultaneously evaluate whether there is a lesion in the entire colon at the proximal end of stenosis.It can be used as a supplementary examination before rectal cancer treatment in clinical practice.
Humans ; Rectal Neoplasms/complications* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Aged ; Contrast Media ; Ultrasonography ; Adult ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Constriction, Pathologic/diagnostic imaging* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Intestinal Obstruction/etiology*