Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.

Aim To explore the protective effect of icariin on the damage of tight junctional function of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice and the related mechanism.Methods 15-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into three groups:aging model group,low-dose and high-dose icariin treatment group(5 and 20 mg·kg-1).Another 1-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were considered as adult control group(n=10).The mice in adult control group and aging model group were given the vehicle(0.5％sodi-um carboxymethyl cellulose solution)by intragastric administration,while the mice in icariin-treated groups were given different concentrations of icariin,respec-tively.After continuous administration of icariin for three months,the testes and epididymis were immedi-ately removed,weighed,and the organ index was calcu-lated.Sperm viability and sperm concentration in epi-didymis were measured.The morphological changes of testes were observed by HE staining.The ultrastructur-al changes of tight junctions of Sertoli cells were ob-served by transmission electron microscopy.The ex-pression levels of tight junction-related proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin11 of testicular Sertoli cells were detected by Western blot.The expression and localiza-tion of ZO-1,Occludin,Raptor,Rictor,p-70S6K,and p-rps6 were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the aging model group,icariin signifi-cantly increased testicular weight and its index,and ep-ididymal index,improved sperm viability and increased sperm concentration in naturally aging mice.In addi-tion,icariin improved the degeneration of testicular morphology and the damage of ultrastructure of Sertoli cell tight junction with aging.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that icariin up-regulated the expres-sion of ZO-1 and Occludin,but had no significant effect on the expression of Claudin 11.Immunofluorescence assay showed that icariin up-regulated the expression of Rictor,and down-regulated the expression of p-70S6K,p-rps6 and Raptor.Conclusions Icariin improves the tight junction damage of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice,and its mechanism may be related to restoring the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2.

Objective:To investigate the expression of LINC01088 in breast cancer and its effects on cell prolifera-tion,migration,and invasion.Methods:GEPIA and bc-GenExMiner were used to analyze the correlation between LINC01088 expression levels and clinical characteristics as well as prognosis.The expression of LINC01088 in MCF10A and MDA-MB-231,BT-549,MCF7 were detected by Real-time PCR.The effect of LINC01088 on the biological func-tion of breast cancer cells was examined by overexpressing LINC01088 in breast cancer cells.Cell proliferation was as-sessed using the Incucyte assay,while cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays.Western blot-ting was employed to detect the expression of proteins associated with cell proliferation and metastasis.Results:LINC01088 expression was significantly lower in breast cancer tissues compared to normal breast tissues(P<0.05).Data from the bc-GenExMiner database revealed higher LINC01088 expression in HER2 positive patients(P<0.0001),corre-lating with longer overall survival(P=0.0006)and disease-free survival(P=0.0002).The mRNA expression level of LINC01088 in normal breast epithelial cell line was higher than that in breast cancer cell lines(P<0.05).Overexpression of LINC01088 significantly reduced proliferation,migration,and invasion in three breast cancer cell lines(P<0.01).Addi-tionally,LINC01088 upregulated p21 and p27(P<0.01),while downregulating Snail,Slug,PI3K,and phosphorylated Akt(P<0.05).Conclusion:LINC01088 expression was significantly reduced in human breast cancer.In vitro,LINC01088 in-hibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of breast cancer cells.This effect may be attributed to its role in sup-pressing the PI3K-AKT pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Objective:To investigate the expression of LINC01088 in breast cancer and its effects on cell prolifera-tion,migration,and invasion.Methods:GEPIA and bc-GenExMiner were used to analyze the correlation between LINC01088 expression levels and clinical characteristics as well as prognosis.The expression of LINC01088 in MCF10A and MDA-MB-231,BT-549,MCF7 were detected by Real-time PCR.The effect of LINC01088 on the biological func-tion of breast cancer cells was examined by overexpressing LINC01088 in breast cancer cells.Cell proliferation was as-sessed using the Incucyte assay,while cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell assays.Western blot-ting was employed to detect the expression of proteins associated with cell proliferation and metastasis.Results:LINC01088 expression was significantly lower in breast cancer tissues compared to normal breast tissues(P<0.05).Data from the bc-GenExMiner database revealed higher LINC01088 expression in HER2 positive patients(P<0.0001),corre-lating with longer overall survival(P=0.0006)and disease-free survival(P=0.0002).The mRNA expression level of LINC01088 in normal breast epithelial cell line was higher than that in breast cancer cell lines(P<0.05).Overexpression of LINC01088 significantly reduced proliferation,migration,and invasion in three breast cancer cell lines(P<0.01).Addi-tionally,LINC01088 upregulated p21 and p27(P<0.01),while downregulating Snail,Slug,PI3K,and phosphorylated Akt(P<0.05).Conclusion:LINC01088 expression was significantly reduced in human breast cancer.In vitro,LINC01088 in-hibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of breast cancer cells.This effect may be attributed to its role in sup-pressing the PI3K-AKT pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Aim To explore the protective effect of icariin on the damage of tight junctional function of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice and the related mechanism.Methods 15-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into three groups:aging model group,low-dose and high-dose icariin treatment group(5 and 20 mg·kg-1).Another 1-month-old C57BL/6J male mice were considered as adult control group(n=10).The mice in adult control group and aging model group were given the vehicle(0.5％sodi-um carboxymethyl cellulose solution)by intragastric administration,while the mice in icariin-treated groups were given different concentrations of icariin,respec-tively.After continuous administration of icariin for three months,the testes and epididymis were immedi-ately removed,weighed,and the organ index was calcu-lated.Sperm viability and sperm concentration in epi-didymis were measured.The morphological changes of testes were observed by HE staining.The ultrastructur-al changes of tight junctions of Sertoli cells were ob-served by transmission electron microscopy.The ex-pression levels of tight junction-related proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudin11 of testicular Sertoli cells were detected by Western blot.The expression and localiza-tion of ZO-1,Occludin,Raptor,Rictor,p-70S6K,and p-rps6 were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the aging model group,icariin signifi-cantly increased testicular weight and its index,and ep-ididymal index,improved sperm viability and increased sperm concentration in naturally aging mice.In addi-tion,icariin improved the degeneration of testicular morphology and the damage of ultrastructure of Sertoli cell tight junction with aging.Furthermore,Western blot results showed that icariin up-regulated the expres-sion of ZO-1 and Occludin,but had no significant effect on the expression of Claudin 11.Immunofluorescence assay showed that icariin up-regulated the expression of Rictor,and down-regulated the expression of p-70S6K,p-rps6 and Raptor.Conclusions Icariin improves the tight junction damage of Sertoli cells in naturally aging mice,and its mechanism may be related to restoring the balance between mTORC1 and mTORC2.

Intestinal organoids are constructed by crypts or stem cells from the intestine under the 3D support of the culture matrix. They contain all mature cells of the intestine, and have become a new and efficient platform for studying the mechanism of intestinal diseases. Compared with 2D cell culture, organoids can not only more effectively simulate the physiological structure and function of the intestine, but also better restore the true ecology of the intestine in different external environments. Therefore, it is more widely used in the study of pathogenesis of different intestinal diseases. This article reviewed the new progress of intestinal organoids culture, and the application and progress of intestinal organoids in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer and celiac disease in recent years, and also discussed the application of intestinal organoids in drug research and development and screening.

PURPOSE: The study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of a new minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique with those of conventional open surgery for transverse patellar fractures. METHODS: It was a retrospective study. Adult patients with closed transverse patellar fracture were included, and with open comminuted patellar fracture were excluded. These patients were divided into minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique (MIOT) group and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group. Surgical time, frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy, visual analogue scale score, flexion, extension, Lysholm knee score, infection, malreduction, implant migration and implant irritation in two groups were recorded and compared. Statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS software package (version 19). A p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with transverse patellar fractures enrolled in this study, the minimally invasive technique was performed in 27 cases, and open reduction was performed in 28 cases. The surgical time in the ORIF group was shorter than that in the MIOT group (p = 0.033). The visual analogue scale scores in the MIOT group were significantly lower than those in the ORIF group only in the first month after surgery (p = 0.015). Flexion was restored faster in the MIOT group than that in the ORIF group at one month (p = 0.001) and three months (p = 0.015). Extension was recovered faster in the MIOT group than that in the ORIF group at one month (p = 0.031) and three months (p = 0.023). The recorded Lysholm knee scores in the MIOT group were always greater than those in the ORIF group. Complications, such as infection, malreduction, implant migration, and implant irritation, occurred more frequently in the ORIF group. CONCLUSION Compared with the ORIF group, the MIOT group reduced postoperative pain and had less complications and better exercise rehabilitation. Although it requires a long operation time, MIOT may be a wise choice for transverse patellar fractures.
Adult ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Open Fracture Reduction ; Treatment Outcome

14 workers in the 1, 8-diaminonaphthalene workshop of a chemical company in Nantong City had symptoms or signs of varying degrees of pruritus and pigmentation of the face, neck and waist. Pathological examination of skin biopsies showed hyperkeratosis, the basal cells were liquefied and denatured. Seven workers were eventually diagnosed with occupational melanosis. To explore the causes of occupational melanosis caused by exposure to 1, 8-dinitronaphthalene and 1, 8-diaminonaphthalene, and to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of occupational melanosis in the future, this paper reported 14 cases of melanosis in the skin of workers in chemical industry.
Humans ; Melanosis/pathology* ; Pigmentation ; Skin/pathology*

Abstract: Objective　To investigate the clinical characteristics and diagnosis key points of brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica, and provide a clinical basis for diagnosing and treating intracranial infection caused by Nocardia. Methods　A case of pulmonary Nocardia asiatica complicated with brain abscess diagnosed at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University was selected to analyze the clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid characteristics, pulmonary and cranial imaging features, and treatment plan, and to summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience. Results　The patient was an elderly woman with a history of diabetes, dry cough was the first symptom without fever or headache. At the beginning of the course, it was diagnosed as pulmonary infection and tuberculosis in the local hospital, and received conventional antimicrobial and anti-tuberculosis therapies, but showed no improvement. The patient developed progressive limb weakness, followed by consciousness disorders, and coma. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adenosine deaminase and lactate dehydrogenase were not abnormal, CSF pressure, protein and white blood cells were high, mainly with multiple nuclear cells. CSF glucose and chloride were normal in the early stage of the disease, but decreased significantly in the later stage. Metagenomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid indicated Nocardia asiatica with a specific sequence number of 537. Lung CT showed exudation, abscess, and cavity in the right lung. Skull MRI scan + enhancement suggested multiple scattered abscesses in both cerebral hemispheres. The abscesses were of different sizes and showed ring enhancement, with extensive surrounding edema, and ventricular compression. After treatment with meropenem, linezolid, and compound sulfamethoxazole tablets, the cerebrospinal fluid recovered, and the lesions in the lungs and intracranial structures improved. Conclusions　Brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica is similar to the tuberculous brain in clinical symptoms, cerebrospinal fluid examination, craniocerebral imaging, so we should be alert to the possibility of Nocardia infection in patients with diabetes. At the same time, metagenomic testing of the cerebrospinal fluid can help confirm the diagnosis. The mortality and disability rates of brain abscess caused by Nocardia are high. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: To study the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in detecting intracranial Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in children with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) with central nervous system involvement. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the cerebrospinal fluid mNGS results of 30 HPS children with central nervous system involvement, which were compared with the results of cerebrospinal fluid EBV-DNA detection and serum EBV antibody profile. The change in serum EBV-DNA copy number after treatment was used to evaluate the efficacy of targeted therapy. RESULTS: The positive rate of EBV in cerebrospinal fluid determined by mNGS was significantly higher than that of EBV-DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (100% vs 10%, P<0.001) and had no significant difference from the positive rate of serum EBV antibody profile (100% vs 93%, P>0.05). The median number of sequences determined by mNGS was 2 400, and serum EBV-DNA copy number before treatment was moderately positively correlated with the number of EBV sequences (r_s=0.693, P<0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of sequences determined by mNGS in cerebrospinal fluid increased with the increase in serum EBV-DNA copy number before treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EBV-associated HPS often results in EBV-infected viral encephalitis, and mNGS can significantly increase the detection rate of EBV in cerebrospinal fluid, which may help with clinical diagnosis.
Child ; Humans ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/genetics* ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications* ; Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Central Nervous System