To investigate the effects of phosphorus fertilizer on the morphological traits, active ingredients and rhizosphere soil microbial community of Polygala tenuifolia. The phosphorus fertilizer was calculated in terms of P_2O_5. Five treatments were set up: 0(CK), 17(P1), 34(P2), 51(P3), and 68(P4) kg per Mu(1 Mu≈667 m~2). A randomized block design was adopted. Samples of P. tenuifolia and its rhizosphere soil were collected under different superphosphate fertilizer treatments. Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the rhizosphere soil microbial community, 9 morphological traits were measured and the content of 11 active ingredients were determined. The results showed that the whole plant weight, shoot fresh weight, root weight, and root peel thickness were the highest under P1 treatment, increasing by 34.41%, 38.80%, 39.21%, and 3.17% respectively compared to CK. Under P2 treatment, the plant height, stem diameter, root thickness, and core thickness were significantly higher than CK. Phosphorus fertilizer had a significant impact on the content of tenuifolin, sibiricose A5, sibiricose A6, arillanin A, 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, and polygalaxanthone Ⅲ. Correlation analysis results showed that the relative abundance of Arthrobacter, Bacillus, norank＿f＿Vicinamibacteraceae, norank＿o＿Vicinamibacterales, MND1 and other bacteria, as well as the relative abundance of Neocosmospora, Paraphoma and other fungi were positively correlated with root diameter, wood core diameter, the whole plant weight, root weight, shoot fresh weight of P. tenuifolia. Bacillus, Neocosmospora, Subulicystidium were significantly positively correlated with oligosaccharides such as 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, sibiricose A5、sibiricose A6、glomeratose A、arillanin A and tenuifoliside C. Arthrobacter, Humicola, Aspergillus, Paraphoma were positively correlated with tenuifolin and norank＿f＿Vicinamibacteraceae, norank＿o＿Vicinamibacterales, Fusarium were positively correlated with polygalaxanthone Ⅲ. Evidently, appropriate phosphorus application is conducive to the growth and quality improvement of P. tenuifolia, and can increase the abundance of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
Rhizosphere ; Phosphorus/pharmacology* ; Soil Microbiology ; Polygala/anatomy & histology* ; Fertilizers/analysis* ; Bacteria/metabolism* ; Soil/chemistry* ; Microbiota/drug effects* ; Plant Roots/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reexplore minimum iodine excretion and to build a dietary iodine recommendation for Chinese adults using the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis. METHODS: Data from 171 Chinese adults (19-21 years old) were collected and analyzed based on three balance studies in Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Changzhi. The single exponential equation was accordingly used to simulate the trajectory of 24 h urinary iodine excretion as the low iodine experimental diets offered (iodine intake: 11-26 μg/day) and to further deduce the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for iodine, including estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI). RESULTS: The minimum iodine excretion was estimated as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day in three balance studies, respectively. Moreover, it was further suggested as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day for iodine EAR, and 80, 81, and 71 μg/day for iodine RNI or expressed as 1.42, 1.41, and 1.20 μg/(day·kg) of body weight. CONCLUSION The iodine DRIs for Chinese adults were established based on the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis, which provides scientific support for the amendment of nutrient requirements.
Humans ; Iodine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; China ; Young Adult ; Diet ; Adult ; Nutritional Requirements ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of Juan Bi Pill (JBP) in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: From February 2017 to May 2018, 115 participants from 4 centers were randomly divided into JBP group (57 cases) and placebo group (58 cases) in a 1:1 ratio using a random number table method. Participants received a dose of JBP (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with methotrexate (MTX, 10 mg per week) or placebo (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with MTX for 12 weeks. Participants were required with follow-up visits at 24 and 48 weeks, attending 7 assessment visits. Participants were undergo disease activity assessment 7 times (at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks) and safety assessments 6 times (at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks). The primary endpoint was 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP). The secondary endpoints included American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for 20% and 50% improvement (ACR20/50), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, Medial Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale score, serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tender joint count, swollen joint count, and morning stiffness. The adverse reactions were observed during the treatment. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP scores in both groups were lower than before treatment (both P<0.01), while the remission rate of DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP and low disease activity of JBP group were higher than those in the placebo group (both P<0.01). JBP demonstrated better efficacy on ACR20 and ACR50 compliance rate at 12 and 48 weeks comparing to placebo (all P<0.05). The CDAI and HAQ-DI score, pain VAS and global VAS change of RA patients and physicians, the serum ESR and CRP levels, and the number of tenderness and swelling joints were lower than before treatment at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks in both groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the reduction of above indices in the JBP group was more obvious than those in the placebo group at 12 weeks (ESR and CRP, both P<0.05) or at 12 and 48 weeks (all P<0.01). There was no difference in adverse reactions between the 2 groups during treatment (P=0.75). CONCLUSION JBP combined with MTX could effectively reduce disease activity in patients with RA in active stage, reduce the symptoms of arthritis, and improve the quality of life, while ensuring safety, reliability, and fewer adverse effects. (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02885597).
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Methotrexate/adverse effects* ; Female ; Double-Blind Method ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Adult ; Antirheumatic Agents/adverse effects* ; Aged

Objective By observing the regulatory effect of Strengthening Spleen and Eliminating Cancer Formula on N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase,To explore the effect of Strengthening Spleen and Eliminating Cancer Formula on inhibiting the IRX5 m6A level in colorectal cancer(CRC),the regulatory effect on N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase was observed.Methods Clinically,m6A hypermethylated genes in colorectal cancer was analyzed by m6A sequencing of pathological tissues from five CRC patients after radical surgery,looking for protein detection indexes for validation.23 BALB/c nude mice were selected and injected with HCT116 cells to establish a nude-mouse transplantation model of human colorectal cancer.They were divided into Model group,Western medicine group(5-fluorouracil group),Chinese medicine group(Jianpi Xiaoai Formula low-dose group,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula high-dose group),with 6 rats in each group,5 rats in control group.The tumor volume of all groups was compared.The overall methylation level of m6A was detected by colorimetric method.The protein expression levels of METTL3,METTL14,and WTAP,in tumor were detected by Western blot.The SRAMP website was used to predict the m6A sites of IRX5.HCT116 cells were treated with oe-NC,oe-METTL3,sh-NC,and sh-METTL3.The expression of IRX5 protein was detected by Western blot.HCT116 cell line was treated with Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum,and transfected with oe-METTL3 and oe-IRX5.The group was set as followed:control group,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group+oe-NC,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group+oe-METTL3,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group+oe-IRX5,cell cloning experiment and Transwell experiment were performed to detect cell proliferation,migration and invasion ability of each group.The protein expression levels of METTL3 and IRX5 were detected by Western blot.Results The results of m6A sequencing of genes showed that the m6A methylation level increased in patients with CRC,and the m6A methylation levels of SOX1 and IRX5 were significantly elevated.Compared with the model group,the tumor volume of Jianpi Xiaoyou Formula high-dose group,low-dose group and 5-Fu group decreased significantly(P<0.01),and the tumor inhibition effect was more obvious with the increase of Jianpi Xiaoai Formula concentration(P<0.01).The methylation level of m6A in Jianpi Xiaoai Formula high dose group,low dose group and 5-Fu group decreased significantly(P<0.01).The SRAMP website predicted that IRX5 contained multiple m6A sites.Overexpression of METTL3 promoted the expression of IRX5 protein(P<0.001),while knockdown of METTL3 inhibited the expression of IRX5 protein(P<0.001).The drug-containing serum of Jianpi Xiaoai Formula could inhibit the protein expression of METTL3 and IRX5(P<0.05)and inhibit the proliferation,migration and invasion of HCT116(P<0.01).Overexpression of METTL3 and IRX5 reversed the inhibitory effect of Jianpi Xiaoai Formula on HCT116 evil phenotype(P<0.01).Conclusion Jianpi Xiaoai Formula may inhibit METTL3 expression mediated IRX5 low expression to inhibit the progression of colorectal cancer.

Objective:To investigate the effects of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin combination therapy on lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice.Methods:A total of 40 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into eight groups:normal control group(A),high-fat control group(B),curcumin group(C),berberine group(D),puerarin group(E),low-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(F),high-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(G),and positive control group(H),with 5 mice in each group.The normal control group was fed a standard diet,while the other groups were given a high-fat diet.After establishing the hyperlipidemic model,the mice were administered with physiological saline,curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),puerarin(300 mg/kg),low-dose combination of curcumin(50 mg/kg),berberine(50 mg/kg),and puerarin(100 mg/kg),high-dose combination of curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),and puerarin(300 mg/kg),or simvastatin(6 mg/kg)via gavage for three weeks.After treatment,serum was collected from the mice for biochemical analysis of lipid levels and liver function.Liver tissues were subjected to HE staining,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR.Results:Curcumin,berberine,and puerarin,whether administered individually or in combination,can reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemic mice(P＜0.01).Treatment with curcumin,berberine,and puerarin individually significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice(P＜0.05)and alleviated liver damage caused by hyperlipidemia(P＜0.05).Furthermore,the high-dose combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin exhibited a more pronounced effect on improving lipid levels(P＜0.01)and provided greater protective effects on the liver compared to the positive control group(P＜0.05).Additionally,curcumin,berberine,and puerarin administered individually can each promote the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90％,85％,and 98％,respectively)and reduce the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 42％,45％,and 43％,respectively).The combination of all three compounds enhances the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90％with low-dose combination and 169％with high-dose combination)and reduces the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 38％with low-dose combination and 42％with high-dose combination).Conclusion:The combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin significantly improves lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice and mitigates liver damage associated with hyperlipidemia.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of CGG repeat numbers in the FMR1 gene among reproductive-age women in China, providing data reference for carrier screening and genetic counseling of Fragile X syndrome. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 16 610 reproductive-age women from 12 medical institutions between July 2022 and October 2023. Peripheral venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene was determined using the triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis technology. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence and distribution of CGG repeat expansions. Results:Among 16 610 women of childbearing age, 5 684 (34.220%) women had the same number of CGG repeats in the two alleles of FMR1 gene, and 10 926 (65.780%) women had different numbers of repeats in the two alleles. Among the 33 220 FMR1 alleles in 16 610 women of reproductive age, the most common CGG repeat numbers were 29 [48.645% (16 160/33 220)] and 30 [26.276% (8 729/33 220)], while the most frequent CGG genotype was CGG 29/29 [24.726% (4 107/16 610)]. The CGG repeat numbers of FMR1 gene were normal in 16 498 women (99.326%). Among the 112 women (0.674%) with CGG repeat abnormities, 96 (0.578%) women were classified as intermediate carriers, 15 (0.090%) as premutation carriers, and 1 (0.006%) as a full mutation carrier, whose CGG genotype was (36, >200). Conclusion:In the general reproductive-age female population in China, the normal CGG repeat numbers of the FMR1 gene account for 99.326%, while the intermediate carrier rate is 0.578%, and the combined carrier rate of the premutation and full mutation types is 0.096%.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of CGG repeat numbers in the FMR1 gene among reproductive-age women in China, providing data reference for carrier screening and genetic counseling of Fragile X syndrome. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 16 610 reproductive-age women from 12 medical institutions between July 2022 and October 2023. Peripheral venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene was determined using the triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis technology. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence and distribution of CGG repeat expansions. Results:Among 16 610 women of childbearing age, 5 684 (34.220%) women had the same number of CGG repeats in the two alleles of FMR1 gene, and 10 926 (65.780%) women had different numbers of repeats in the two alleles. Among the 33 220 FMR1 alleles in 16 610 women of reproductive age, the most common CGG repeat numbers were 29 [48.645% (16 160/33 220)] and 30 [26.276% (8 729/33 220)], while the most frequent CGG genotype was CGG 29/29 [24.726% (4 107/16 610)]. The CGG repeat numbers of FMR1 gene were normal in 16 498 women (99.326%). Among the 112 women (0.674%) with CGG repeat abnormities, 96 (0.578%) women were classified as intermediate carriers, 15 (0.090%) as premutation carriers, and 1 (0.006%) as a full mutation carrier, whose CGG genotype was (36, >200). Conclusion:In the general reproductive-age female population in China, the normal CGG repeat numbers of the FMR1 gene account for 99.326%, while the intermediate carrier rate is 0.578%, and the combined carrier rate of the premutation and full mutation types is 0.096%.

Objective By observing the regulatory effect of Strengthening Spleen and Eliminating Cancer Formula on N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase,To explore the effect of Strengthening Spleen and Eliminating Cancer Formula on inhibiting the IRX5 m6A level in colorectal cancer(CRC),the regulatory effect on N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase was observed.Methods Clinically,m6A hypermethylated genes in colorectal cancer was analyzed by m6A sequencing of pathological tissues from five CRC patients after radical surgery,looking for protein detection indexes for validation.23 BALB/c nude mice were selected and injected with HCT116 cells to establish a nude-mouse transplantation model of human colorectal cancer.They were divided into Model group,Western medicine group(5-fluorouracil group),Chinese medicine group(Jianpi Xiaoai Formula low-dose group,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula high-dose group),with 6 rats in each group,5 rats in control group.The tumor volume of all groups was compared.The overall methylation level of m6A was detected by colorimetric method.The protein expression levels of METTL3,METTL14,and WTAP,in tumor were detected by Western blot.The SRAMP website was used to predict the m6A sites of IRX5.HCT116 cells were treated with oe-NC,oe-METTL3,sh-NC,and sh-METTL3.The expression of IRX5 protein was detected by Western blot.HCT116 cell line was treated with Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum,and transfected with oe-METTL3 and oe-IRX5.The group was set as followed:control group,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group+oe-NC,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group+oe-METTL3,Jianpi Xiaoai Formula drug-containing serum group+oe-IRX5,cell cloning experiment and Transwell experiment were performed to detect cell proliferation,migration and invasion ability of each group.The protein expression levels of METTL3 and IRX5 were detected by Western blot.Results The results of m6A sequencing of genes showed that the m6A methylation level increased in patients with CRC,and the m6A methylation levels of SOX1 and IRX5 were significantly elevated.Compared with the model group,the tumor volume of Jianpi Xiaoyou Formula high-dose group,low-dose group and 5-Fu group decreased significantly(P<0.01),and the tumor inhibition effect was more obvious with the increase of Jianpi Xiaoai Formula concentration(P<0.01).The methylation level of m6A in Jianpi Xiaoai Formula high dose group,low dose group and 5-Fu group decreased significantly(P<0.01).The SRAMP website predicted that IRX5 contained multiple m6A sites.Overexpression of METTL3 promoted the expression of IRX5 protein(P<0.001),while knockdown of METTL3 inhibited the expression of IRX5 protein(P<0.001).The drug-containing serum of Jianpi Xiaoai Formula could inhibit the protein expression of METTL3 and IRX5(P<0.05)and inhibit the proliferation,migration and invasion of HCT116(P<0.01).Overexpression of METTL3 and IRX5 reversed the inhibitory effect of Jianpi Xiaoai Formula on HCT116 evil phenotype(P<0.01).Conclusion Jianpi Xiaoai Formula may inhibit METTL3 expression mediated IRX5 low expression to inhibit the progression of colorectal cancer.

Objective:To investigate the effects of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin combination therapy on lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice.Methods:A total of 40 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into eight groups:normal control group(A),high-fat control group(B),curcumin group(C),berberine group(D),puerarin group(E),low-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(F),high-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(G),and positive control group(H),with 5 mice in each group.The normal control group was fed a standard diet,while the other groups were given a high-fat diet.After establishing the hyperlipidemic model,the mice were administered with physiological saline,curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),puerarin(300 mg/kg),low-dose combination of curcumin(50 mg/kg),berberine(50 mg/kg),and puerarin(100 mg/kg),high-dose combination of curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),and puerarin(300 mg/kg),or simvastatin(6 mg/kg)via gavage for three weeks.After treatment,serum was collected from the mice for biochemical analysis of lipid levels and liver function.Liver tissues were subjected to HE staining,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR.Results:Curcumin,berberine,and puerarin,whether administered individually or in combination,can reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemic mice(P＜0.01).Treatment with curcumin,berberine,and puerarin individually significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice(P＜0.05)and alleviated liver damage caused by hyperlipidemia(P＜0.05).Furthermore,the high-dose combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin exhibited a more pronounced effect on improving lipid levels(P＜0.01)and provided greater protective effects on the liver compared to the positive control group(P＜0.05).Additionally,curcumin,berberine,and puerarin administered individually can each promote the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90％,85％,and 98％,respectively)and reduce the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 42％,45％,and 43％,respectively).The combination of all three compounds enhances the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90％with low-dose combination and 169％with high-dose combination)and reduces the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 38％with low-dose combination and 42％with high-dose combination).Conclusion:The combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin significantly improves lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice and mitigates liver damage associated with hyperlipidemia.

This study systematically analyzed the current status of outcomes in randomized controlled trial(RCT) of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of diabetic kidney disease(DKD), aiming to provide a reference for constructing the core outcome set(COS) of TCM treatment of DKD. The clinical RCTs of TCM treatment of DKD that were published from January 2019 to March 2024 were retrieved from seven databases: CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The risk of bias was assessed and outcome indicators were qualitatively analyzed. A total of 323 RCTs were included, reporting 199 outcome indicators with the frequency of 3 744 in seven indicator domains: TCM syndromes(196 times, 5.24%), symptoms and signs(275 times, 7.35%), physical and chemical examinations(2 820 times, 75.32%), safety events(422 times, 11.27%), long-term prognosis(21 times, 0.56%), quality of life(9 times, 0.24%), and economic evaluation(1 time, 0.02%). The three most frequently applied outcome indicators were total clinical response rate(268 times, 82.97%), serum creatinine(251 times, 77.71%), and urea nitrogen(206 times, 63.78%). The outcomes in the studies of TCM treatment of DKD had the limitations of high risk of bias, lack of standardization of TCM syndromes and efficacy evaluation, neglect of endpoint indicators, large differences in endpoint indicators and time points of measurement, unclear primary and secondary outcomes, few application of long-term prognosis, quality of life, and economic indicators, and insufficient reporting of safety events. In the future, efforts should be made to actively promote the construction of COS in the studies about the TCM treatment of DKD and enhance the quality of the clinical studies.
Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Quality of Life