OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively evaluate the effect of icariin in alleviating reproductive function damage (RFD) in male mice via in vitro and in vivo experiments. METHODS: We isolated Leydig cells from 60 KM male mice in vitro, and examined the toxic effect of icariin on the Leydig cells using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). We equally randomized the mice into six groups: normal control, RFD model control (made by intraperitoneal injection of busulfan at 10 mg/kg combined with cyclophosphamide (CP) at 120 mg/kg), positive control, and low-, medium- and high-dose icariin. After modeling, we treated the mice in the positive control group with Wuziyanzong Pills and those in the low-, medium- and high-dose icariin groups by intragastrical administration of icariin at 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg-1, respectively, for 30 successive days. Then we obtained the weight and visceral coefficients of the reproductive organs, calculated the sperm count, observed the pathological changes in the testis tissue by HE staining, measured the serum testosterone (T) level by ELISA, determined the indexes of testicular oxidative stress and nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway by colorimetric assay, and detected the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic genes Fas and Bax by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: CCK-8 assay confirmed that icariin had no toxic effect on the isolated Leydig cells of the mice, and could effectively reduce busulfan- and CP-induced cytotoxicity and promote the secretion of serum T. Icariin at 80 mg/kg significantly increased the visceral coefficient of the testis and promoted spermatogenesis (P<0.05), but had little effect on the visceral coefficient of the epididymis in the RFD model mice. Testicular histomorphometric observation revealed significantly improved testis structure, intact boundary membrane of seminiferous tubules and increased numbers of various types of spermatogenic cells of the model mice after treated with icariin. Compared with the mice in the model control group, those treated with high-dose icariin showed a significantly reduced content of malondialdehyde (MDA) (by 35.3%, P<0.01), elevated total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (P<0.05), and decreased NO content and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the testis tissue (P<0.01). In addition, icariin exhibited an evident inhibitory effect on the expressions of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Fas. CONCLUSION Icariin can ameliorate oxidative stress-induced damage to the testicular function and protect spermatogenesis of male mice by elevating TAOC, decreasing NOS activity, inhibiting the NO level in the testis, and suppressing busulfan- and CP-induced apoptosis of testicular cells.
Animals ; Male ; Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects* ; Mice ; Busulfan/adverse effects* ; Flavonoids/pharmacology* ; Leydig Cells/drug effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Testis/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Testosterone/blood*

AIM To optimize the extraction process for Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction,and to investigate its effects on improving lipid deposition in HepG2 cells.METHODS With extraction time,extraction frequency and solvent consumption as influencing factors,comprehensive score for tanshensu,lotine,catechin contents and extract yield as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method on the basis of single factor test.Palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells were adopted in the establishment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model,after which the effect of drug-containing serum on TC and TG levels was investigated.RESULTS The optimal conditions were determined to be 90 min for extraction time,three times for extraction frequency,and 11 times for solvent consumption.Compared with the control group,the model group demonstrated increased TG,TC levels(P＜0.01);compared with the model group,the Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction high-dose group displayed decreased TG,TC levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),especially for those after optimization(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction can alleviate lipid deposition in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid,whose efficacy after extraction process optimization is better than that reported in literature.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a multifactorial condi-tion characterized by the accumulation of toxic proteins and asso-ciated neurodegeneration.AD is distinguished by the pathologi-cal aggregation of amyloid beta(Aβ)and Tau proteins.The in-teraction between Aβ and Tau can further induce neuroinflamma-tion,mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction,and endoplasmic retic-ulum stress,exacerbating synaptic damage and neuronal death.Neuronal cells are particularly susceptible to protein misfolding due to an imbalance between protein production and degrada-tion.The ubiquitin/26S proteasome system(UPS),a major pathway for protein degradation in eukaryotic cells,plays a cruci-al role in recognizing misfolded or damaged proteins within the nervous system.In UPS,the levels of ubiquitin are tightly regu-lated by both ubiquitin ligases(E3s)and deubiquitylases(DUBs).This article reviews the involvement and mechanisms of E3s and DUBs in the pathogenesis of AD,aiming to provide novel research strategies for its treatment.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and CT features of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor(MOGCT)in children.Methods The CT image features and clinical characteristics of 27 cases of MOGCT confirmed by postoperative pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Results There were 6 cases of dysgerminoma(DG)(22.2%).The CT features were solid soft tissue masses with mild to moderate enhancement,"separate-like"enhancement within the mass,and thickened blood vessels around it.There were 8 cases of immature teratoma(IT)(29.7%).The CT features were mixed-density masses with soft tissue,fat,and calcifi-cation inside,and the solid part was significantly enhanced.There were 7 cases of yolk sac tumor(YST)(25.9%).The CT features were significantly enhanced,tortuous small blood vessels inside the mass,presenting a"bright spot sign".There were 3 cases of non-gestational choriocarcinoma(11.1%).The CT features were a low-density mass with large central necrosis,obvious enhance-ment after contrast,and thickened ovarian arteries and veins around it.There were 3 cases of mixed germ cell tumor(MGCT)(11.1%).The CT features were related to the tumor components.Conclusion MOGCT in children have their own CT characteristics.Combi-ning with the clinical manifestations of the children and serum tumor markers,qualitative diagnosis of the lesions can be made,which provides reliable help for the formulation of clinical diagnosis and treatment plans.

Objective To explore the CT features of pediatric pleuropulmonary blastoma(PPB)and its clinical application value.Methods The CT features of 9 patients with PPB confirmed by postoperative pathology were analyzed retrospectively and compared with the postoperative pathological types.Results There was 1 case with type Ⅰ PPB,whose CT manifestations were multilocular septated cystic space-occupying lesions,with mild enhancement of the cyst wall and septum after enhancement,and was misdiagnosed as type Ⅳ congenital pulmonary airway malformation(CPAM)before surgery.There were 2 cases with type Ⅱ PPB,whose CT manifestations were well-defined cystic and solid space-occupying lesions,closely related to the pleura,with uneven mild to moderate progressive enhancement of the solid components,and multiple thickened and tortuous blood vessels were visible in both lesions.The preoperative imaging diagnosis and pathological type prediction of type Ⅱ PPB,lesions were completely consistent with the post-operative pathological diagnosis and type,with a diagnostic accuracy of 100％.There were 6 cases with type Ⅲ PPB,whose CT man-ifestations were solid soft tissue density space-occupying lesions,with uneven enhancement of the solid part after enhancement,and multiple thickened and tortuous blood vessels within the masses.Before surgery,2 cases(33.3％)with type Ⅲ PPB were misdiag-nosed as Askin tumors of the chest wall,and the diagnostic accuracy was 66.7％.Conclusion PPB is a rare tumor in the chest of children,with high malignancy.Type Ⅰ PPB is difficult to be differentiated from benign cystic lesions of the chest before surgery.For suspected type Ⅰ PPB pulmonary cystic lesions,the postoperative pathological sampling should be extensive to search for whether there are primitive mesenchymal cells for a clear diagnosis.The CT features of type Ⅱ and Ⅲ PPB are cystic-solid and solid masses in the chest,with clear boundaries,pseudocapsules,and nodular enhancement.Generally,the consistency rate between preoperative imaging diagnosis and pathological type prediction and postoperative pathological diagnosis and type is relatively high.Combining the CT characteristics of PPB is helpful to improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis and pathological type prediction,and can assist clinicians in selecting reasonable treatment plans.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and CT features of malignant ovarian germ cell tumor(MOGCT)in children.Methods The CT image features and clinical characteristics of 27 cases of MOGCT confirmed by postoperative pathology were retrospectively analyzed.Results There were 6 cases of dysgerminoma(DG)(22.2%).The CT features were solid soft tissue masses with mild to moderate enhancement,"separate-like"enhancement within the mass,and thickened blood vessels around it.There were 8 cases of immature teratoma(IT)(29.7%).The CT features were mixed-density masses with soft tissue,fat,and calcifi-cation inside,and the solid part was significantly enhanced.There were 7 cases of yolk sac tumor(YST)(25.9%).The CT features were significantly enhanced,tortuous small blood vessels inside the mass,presenting a"bright spot sign".There were 3 cases of non-gestational choriocarcinoma(11.1%).The CT features were a low-density mass with large central necrosis,obvious enhance-ment after contrast,and thickened ovarian arteries and veins around it.There were 3 cases of mixed germ cell tumor(MGCT)(11.1%).The CT features were related to the tumor components.Conclusion MOGCT in children have their own CT characteristics.Combi-ning with the clinical manifestations of the children and serum tumor markers,qualitative diagnosis of the lesions can be made,which provides reliable help for the formulation of clinical diagnosis and treatment plans.

Objective To explore the CT features of pediatric pleuropulmonary blastoma(PPB)and its clinical application value.Methods The CT features of 9 patients with PPB confirmed by postoperative pathology were analyzed retrospectively and compared with the postoperative pathological types.Results There was 1 case with type Ⅰ PPB,whose CT manifestations were multilocular septated cystic space-occupying lesions,with mild enhancement of the cyst wall and septum after enhancement,and was misdiagnosed as type Ⅳ congenital pulmonary airway malformation(CPAM)before surgery.There were 2 cases with type Ⅱ PPB,whose CT manifestations were well-defined cystic and solid space-occupying lesions,closely related to the pleura,with uneven mild to moderate progressive enhancement of the solid components,and multiple thickened and tortuous blood vessels were visible in both lesions.The preoperative imaging diagnosis and pathological type prediction of type Ⅱ PPB,lesions were completely consistent with the post-operative pathological diagnosis and type,with a diagnostic accuracy of 100％.There were 6 cases with type Ⅲ PPB,whose CT man-ifestations were solid soft tissue density space-occupying lesions,with uneven enhancement of the solid part after enhancement,and multiple thickened and tortuous blood vessels within the masses.Before surgery,2 cases(33.3％)with type Ⅲ PPB were misdiag-nosed as Askin tumors of the chest wall,and the diagnostic accuracy was 66.7％.Conclusion PPB is a rare tumor in the chest of children,with high malignancy.Type Ⅰ PPB is difficult to be differentiated from benign cystic lesions of the chest before surgery.For suspected type Ⅰ PPB pulmonary cystic lesions,the postoperative pathological sampling should be extensive to search for whether there are primitive mesenchymal cells for a clear diagnosis.The CT features of type Ⅱ and Ⅲ PPB are cystic-solid and solid masses in the chest,with clear boundaries,pseudocapsules,and nodular enhancement.Generally,the consistency rate between preoperative imaging diagnosis and pathological type prediction and postoperative pathological diagnosis and type is relatively high.Combining the CT characteristics of PPB is helpful to improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis and pathological type prediction,and can assist clinicians in selecting reasonable treatment plans.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a multifactorial condi-tion characterized by the accumulation of toxic proteins and asso-ciated neurodegeneration.AD is distinguished by the pathologi-cal aggregation of amyloid beta(Aβ)and Tau proteins.The in-teraction between Aβ and Tau can further induce neuroinflamma-tion,mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction,and endoplasmic retic-ulum stress,exacerbating synaptic damage and neuronal death.Neuronal cells are particularly susceptible to protein misfolding due to an imbalance between protein production and degrada-tion.The ubiquitin/26S proteasome system(UPS),a major pathway for protein degradation in eukaryotic cells,plays a cruci-al role in recognizing misfolded or damaged proteins within the nervous system.In UPS,the levels of ubiquitin are tightly regu-lated by both ubiquitin ligases(E3s)and deubiquitylases(DUBs).This article reviews the involvement and mechanisms of E3s and DUBs in the pathogenesis of AD,aiming to provide novel research strategies for its treatment.

AIM To optimize the extraction process for Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction,and to investigate its effects on improving lipid deposition in HepG2 cells.METHODS With extraction time,extraction frequency and solvent consumption as influencing factors,comprehensive score for tanshensu,lotine,catechin contents and extract yield as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method on the basis of single factor test.Palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells were adopted in the establishment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model,after which the effect of drug-containing serum on TC and TG levels was investigated.RESULTS The optimal conditions were determined to be 90 min for extraction time,three times for extraction frequency,and 11 times for solvent consumption.Compared with the control group,the model group demonstrated increased TG,TC levels(P＜0.01);compared with the model group,the Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction high-dose group displayed decreased TG,TC levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),especially for those after optimization(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction can alleviate lipid deposition in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid,whose efficacy after extraction process optimization is better than that reported in literature.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.