Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix are the dried roots of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria thomsonii of the Leguminosae family， respectively. Since their separate inclusion in the 2005 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China， the two herbs have been individually recorded. Although they share the same functions and indications， the required content of puerarin differs by a factor of up to eightfold between them. The current quality standard relies solely on a single indicator， puerarin， which fails to reflect the correlation between chemical constituents and core therapeutic effects. This has resulted in prominent issues of mixed use in clinical practice and production， thereby constraining the high-quality development of the industry. Modern research has demonstrated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix contains a comprehensive range and higher content of isoflavonoid constituents， while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix is rich in starch and polysaccharides. Puerariae Lobatae Radix exhibits stronger effects in antipyresis， cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection， and central analgesia， while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix demonstrates greater advantages in anti-inflammation， hypoglycemia， and peripheral analgesia. Based on this， the chemical material bases of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix at both the macromolecule and micromolecule levels were systematically reviewed and compared. The pharmacodynamic material bases and mechanisms of action underlying their three core therapeutic effects， namely "relieving exterior syndrome and clearing heat"， "promoting fluid production to quench thirst"， and "dredging channels and activating collaterals"， were summarized. The most highly correlated common metabolic pathway shared by both herbs for these three therapeutic effects is the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway， and their common core target is prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 （PTGS2）. This review provided clinical application recommendations based on the therapeutic differences between the two herbs， elucidated the scientific connotation of their "same origin but different effects"， and， grounded in the quality marker （Q-Marker）， proposed the concept of efficacy-related Q-Marker based on "substance-efficacy-syndrome" association， as well as a novel strategy for efficacy-oriented quality evaluation. Preliminary screening of quality markers associated with different therapeutic effects was also conducted. This study aims to provide critical scientific evidence for the precise clinical application of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix， the improvement of quality standards， and the high-quality development of the industry.

Background Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal. Chronic low-dose cadmium exposure can lead to renal tubular dysfunction. However, the precise mechanisms by which cadmium induces renal tubular injury through disruption of intracellular metabolic networks remain incompletely understood. Objective To investigate the toxic effects of cadmium exposure on human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and to elucidate the associated metabolic regulatory network from the perspective of metabolic reprogramming. Methods An in vitro HK-2 cell injury model was established using 5 μmol·L⁻¹ cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). The expression of the renal injury marker kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) was determined by Western blot (WB). Glycolytic capacity was evaluated by metabolic flux analysis. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed with a fluorescent probe. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was evaluated after JC-1 staining. Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured using an ATP assay kit. In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis was conducted to characterize alterations in the intracellular metabolic fingerprint profile and to explore the metabolic pathway changes underlying cadmium-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury. Results Cadmium exposure induced injury in HK-2 cells, as indicated by mitochondrial membrane depolarization, increased mitochondrial ROS levels, and decreased intracellular ATP levels. Metabolic flux analysis further revealed significant metabolic reprogramming, characterized by compensatory increases in basal glycolytic rate and maximal glycolytic capacity. Untargeted metabolomics showed depletion of the long-chain acylcarnitine pool and deficiency of key metabolic cofactors, suggesting impaired fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Correlation analysis showed that acylcarnitines were negatively correlated with nucleic acid metabolism-related metabolites, whereas ATP was positively correlated with lysophosphatidylcholine, suggesting that cadmium exposure-induced mitochondrial dysfunction may be accompanied by abnormal DNA metabolism and lipid peroxidation. Conclusion Cadmium exposure could induce impaired mitochondrial function, and promote glycolytic metabolic reprogramming in renal tubular epithelial cells. These findings provide new insights into the metabolic mechanisms underlying cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity and may help identify potential metabolic targets for intervention.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) via respiratory and digestive tract exposure on multiple organs in mice.Methods:A short-term repeated exposure model of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tris(1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) in mice was established through intratracheal instillation and oral gavage administration. The exposure doses were 0.7, 1 and 2 mg·kg -1·day -1, respectively, with continuous administration for 14 days. The organs of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder and testis were collected and weighed to calculate the organ coefficients. The pathological and histological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining to quantitatively assess the effects of the three Cl-OPFRs on the various organs by using the pathology score. Results:Analysis of organ coefficients in tracheal drip-treated mice showed that the organ coefficients in the testes of the TCEP, TCIPP and TDCIPP groups were lower than those in the control group ( PTCEP-testis=0.045, PTCIPP-testis=0.012 and PTDCIPP-testis<0.001). The organ coefficients were lower in the lungs and small intestines of the TCEP group ( PTCEP-lung=0.006, PTCEP-small intestine=0.042). The organ coefficients for the stomach and large intestine were higher in the TDCIPP group ( PTDCIPP-stomach=0.014, PTDCIPP-large intestine=0.049). Analyses of gavage-contaminated mice showed that the organ coefficients for liver, stomach and small intestine in the TCEP and TDCIPP groups were higher than those in the control group ( PTCEP-liver=0.007, PTCEP-stomach=0.003, PTCEP-small intestine<0.001, PTDCIPP-liver=0.001, PTDCIPP-stomach=0.004, and PTDCIPP-small intestine<0.001). Histopathological analyses of the organs of tracheal drip dyed mice showed significant pathological damage in the lung tissue of the TCIPP group, mainly in the form of thickening of the interstitium, infiltration of inflammatory cells and alveolar collapse. The results of the analysis of gavage poisoned mice showed that TCIPP exposure could lead to blurring of the red and white medullary boundaries of spleen tissues, destruction of white medullary structures, etc., and induce small intestinal cryptitis. TDCIPP induced significant pathological damage to the liver tissues of mice, which mainly included cytoplasmic washout, infiltration of inflammatory cells, acute inflammation, and other injurious effects. Significant pathological damage to the intestinal tissues of mice was also observed. Conclusions:This study demonstrates that the toxic effects of Cl-OPFRs are significantly associated with exposure routes and compound specificity. Respiratory exposure predominantly induces TCIPP-mediated pulmonary injury, while digestive exposure causes TDCIPP-driven hepatointestinal toxicity. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the toxicity screening of Cl-OPFRs.

Opium is obtained by air-drying the milky latex extracted from the unripe capsules of the opium poppy(Papaver somniferum).This latex is rich in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids(BIA),with major active compounds in-cluding morphine,codeine,thebaine,papaverine,and noscapine.Compound licorice oral solution and compound licorice tablets are derivative drugs containing opium.Initially classified as over-the-counter(OTC)medications,both formulations were later reclassified as prescription drugs by the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA),restricting their purchase without proper authorization.Although the national pharmacopeia standards specify the morphine content in the opium raw materials used for compound licorice oral solution and tablets,they lack mandatory requirements for the detection and quantification of the other four major alkaloids.Given the unique nature of opium raw materials and the stringent regulatory requirements for such drugs,it is imperative to enhance and refine simultaneous detection and control methods for all alkaloid components in these products.Furthermore,the establishment of scientific and reasonable detection and control standards for preservatives in compound licorice formulations is crucial to improving overall product quality management and ensuring drug safety and efficacy.This study analyzes and discusses the quality standards,detection methods,and research progress for opium and com-pound licorice preparations,aiming to explore the potential for technological innovation and ensure the safe use of these medications.

AIM:To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of sesamin(SES)on fatty liver disease in rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,and to explore the potential mecha-nisms based on mRNA-seq.METHODS:Spontane-ously hypertensive rats(SHRs)were fed a high-fat,high-cholesterol diet to establish a rat model of hy-pertension combined with dyslipidemia,and then treated with SES for 16 weeks continuously.The ex-periment was divided into four groups:WKY,SHR,Model,and Model+SES(160 mg·kg-1·d-1).Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method.Body weight was monitored,and body mass index was calculated.Liver morphology was detected by ultrasound,and liver thickness was measured.Liver wet weight was weighed,and liver index was calcu-lated.Liver volume was detected by the water dis-placement method.Serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate amino-transferase(AST),and total bile acids(TBA)were de-tected by ELISA.Liver sequencing analysis was per-formed using mRNA-seq.Liver histomorphological changes were observed by HE staining.The degree of hepatic steatosis was observed by Oil Red O stain-ing,and the degree of hepatic fibrosis was observed by MASSON staining.The mRNA expression of Al-dh1a7,Nnmt,Irs2,Pltp,and Scd was detected by q-PCR.The protein expression of Scd,Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS:After 16 weeks of continuous SES administration to rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,blood pressure was significantly reduced(P＜0.01),and body weight was decreased.Serum TG,TC,and LDL-C levels were decreased,while HDL-C levels were increased.Serum ALT and AST levels were decreased.Liver weight,organ in-dex,liver thickness,and liver volume were de-creased.The degree of hepatic steatosis and hepat-ic fibrosis was improved.A total of 545 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in the livers of rats in each group,of which 278 were upregulated and 267 were downregulated.Among the 27 com-monly differentially expressed mRNAs,five mRNAs related to lipid metabolism were screened,namely Aldh1a7,Nnmt,Irs2,Pltp,and Scd.KEGG enrich-ment analysis showed that the enriched pathways were AMPK and PPAR.Further validation revealed that in the SES-treated group,the mRNA expression of Scd in the liver was decreased,while the mRNA expression of Nnmt was increased.The protein ex-pression of Scd was decreased,while the protein ex-pression of Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ was increased.CONCLUSION:SES has preven-tive and therapeutic effects on fatty liver disease in rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,and its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of Scd expression levels in the liver and the increase in the expression of Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) via respiratory and digestive tract exposure on multiple organs in mice.Methods:A short-term repeated exposure model of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tris(1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) in mice was established through intratracheal instillation and oral gavage administration. The exposure doses were 0.7, 1 and 2 mg·kg -1·day -1, respectively, with continuous administration for 14 days. The organs of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder and testis were collected and weighed to calculate the organ coefficients. The pathological and histological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining to quantitatively assess the effects of the three Cl-OPFRs on the various organs by using the pathology score. Results:Analysis of organ coefficients in tracheal drip-treated mice showed that the organ coefficients in the testes of the TCEP, TCIPP and TDCIPP groups were lower than those in the control group ( PTCEP-testis=0.045, PTCIPP-testis=0.012 and PTDCIPP-testis<0.001). The organ coefficients were lower in the lungs and small intestines of the TCEP group ( PTCEP-lung=0.006, PTCEP-small intestine=0.042). The organ coefficients for the stomach and large intestine were higher in the TDCIPP group ( PTDCIPP-stomach=0.014, PTDCIPP-large intestine=0.049). Analyses of gavage-contaminated mice showed that the organ coefficients for liver, stomach and small intestine in the TCEP and TDCIPP groups were higher than those in the control group ( PTCEP-liver=0.007, PTCEP-stomach=0.003, PTCEP-small intestine<0.001, PTDCIPP-liver=0.001, PTDCIPP-stomach=0.004, and PTDCIPP-small intestine<0.001). Histopathological analyses of the organs of tracheal drip dyed mice showed significant pathological damage in the lung tissue of the TCIPP group, mainly in the form of thickening of the interstitium, infiltration of inflammatory cells and alveolar collapse. The results of the analysis of gavage poisoned mice showed that TCIPP exposure could lead to blurring of the red and white medullary boundaries of spleen tissues, destruction of white medullary structures, etc., and induce small intestinal cryptitis. TDCIPP induced significant pathological damage to the liver tissues of mice, which mainly included cytoplasmic washout, infiltration of inflammatory cells, acute inflammation, and other injurious effects. Significant pathological damage to the intestinal tissues of mice was also observed. Conclusions:This study demonstrates that the toxic effects of Cl-OPFRs are significantly associated with exposure routes and compound specificity. Respiratory exposure predominantly induces TCIPP-mediated pulmonary injury, while digestive exposure causes TDCIPP-driven hepatointestinal toxicity. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the toxicity screening of Cl-OPFRs.

Objective To observe the value of T2 mapping for quantitatively evaluating the changes of junctional zone and outer myometrium caused by endometrial fibrosis.Methods A total of 73 infertility patients with endometrial fibrosis confirmed by hysteroscopy(disease group)and 33 healthy women of childbearing age(control group)were prospectively enrolled,and MR examinations were performed at the late proliferative phase of endometrium.The thickness and T2 value of junctional zone,T2 value of outer myometrium on anterior,posterior and fundus wall of midsagittal corpus uteri were measured,and the mean value of the above measurements on the three walls were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed,the areas under the curves(AUC)were calculated to explore the efficacy of those with significant difference among the mean thickness and the mean T2 value of junctional zone,the mean T2 value of outer myometrium and their combination for evaluating endometrial fibrosis.Results The thickness and T2 value of anterior wall,posterior wall,fundus wall and the mean junctional zone in disease group were all significantly higher than those in control group(all P＜0.001).No significant difference of T2 value of anterior wall,posterior wall,fundus wall nor the mean outer myometrium was found between groups(all P＞0.05).The mean thickness and the mean T2 value of junctional zone and their combination could be used to effectively evaluate endometrial fibrosis,with AUC of 0.839,0.822 and 0.922,respectively,and their combination had the best performance(both P＜0.01).Conclusion T2 mapping could be used to quantitatively evaluate the injury of junctional zone caused by endometrial fibrosis.

AIM:To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of sesamin(SES)on fatty liver disease in rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,and to explore the potential mecha-nisms based on mRNA-seq.METHODS:Spontane-ously hypertensive rats(SHRs)were fed a high-fat,high-cholesterol diet to establish a rat model of hy-pertension combined with dyslipidemia,and then treated with SES for 16 weeks continuously.The ex-periment was divided into four groups:WKY,SHR,Model,and Model+SES(160 mg·kg-1·d-1).Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method.Body weight was monitored,and body mass index was calculated.Liver morphology was detected by ultrasound,and liver thickness was measured.Liver wet weight was weighed,and liver index was calcu-lated.Liver volume was detected by the water dis-placement method.Serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate amino-transferase(AST),and total bile acids(TBA)were de-tected by ELISA.Liver sequencing analysis was per-formed using mRNA-seq.Liver histomorphological changes were observed by HE staining.The degree of hepatic steatosis was observed by Oil Red O stain-ing,and the degree of hepatic fibrosis was observed by MASSON staining.The mRNA expression of Al-dh1a7,Nnmt,Irs2,Pltp,and Scd was detected by q-PCR.The protein expression of Scd,Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS:After 16 weeks of continuous SES administration to rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,blood pressure was significantly reduced(P＜0.01),and body weight was decreased.Serum TG,TC,and LDL-C levels were decreased,while HDL-C levels were increased.Serum ALT and AST levels were decreased.Liver weight,organ in-dex,liver thickness,and liver volume were de-creased.The degree of hepatic steatosis and hepat-ic fibrosis was improved.A total of 545 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in the livers of rats in each group,of which 278 were upregulated and 267 were downregulated.Among the 27 com-monly differentially expressed mRNAs,five mRNAs related to lipid metabolism were screened,namely Aldh1a7,Nnmt,Irs2,Pltp,and Scd.KEGG enrich-ment analysis showed that the enriched pathways were AMPK and PPAR.Further validation revealed that in the SES-treated group,the mRNA expression of Scd in the liver was decreased,while the mRNA expression of Nnmt was increased.The protein ex-pression of Scd was decreased,while the protein ex-pression of Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ was increased.CONCLUSION:SES has preven-tive and therapeutic effects on fatty liver disease in rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,and its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of Scd expression levels in the liver and the increase in the expression of Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ.

Objective:To explore the clinical features, histopathological morphology, and differential diagnosis of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with abnormal expression of follicular dendritic cell markers.Methods:From 2020 to 2021, 4 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with abnormal expression of follicular dendritic cell markers diagnosed in Fujian Cancer Hospital (2 cases) and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University (2 cases) were collected. Different ancillary procedures such as HE, special stains, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization techniques were used to assess the histopathological features and immunophenotypes. The clinical data were collected and literature was reviewed.Results:All 4 cases of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with abnormal expression of follicular dendritic cell markers were male. They were 32, 45, 67 and 39 years old, respectively. The main clinical manifestations were bloody phlegm, abdominal pain, fatigue and anorexia. The clinical stages at diagnosis were stage Ⅳ (3 cases) and stage Ⅱ (1 case). Cases 2 and 3 had two pathological examinations at different sites, with a total of six pathological examinations. The histomorphology showed singly scattered or nests of tumor cells in a background of abundant small lymphocytes. The tumor cells were enlarged and pleomorphic, some appeared polygonal with inconspicuous cell borders, and they were arranged in a syncytial pattern. There were megakaryocytes, multinucleated tumor cells, and a few spindle-shaped cells seen. Atypical mitosis was commonly noted. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were positive for CKpan(5/6), CK8/18(4/4), CAM5.2(2/5), CK-H(0/4), CK-L(3/4), EMA(4/5), CK5/6(3/6), p63(1/6), p40(1/6), E-cadherin (4/6), SSTR2(6/6), PD-L1(5/5), LCA(0/6), vimentin(5/6), CD2 (6/6), CD23(6/6), CD35(5/6), CXCL-13(4/5) and D2-40(1/5). The Ki-67 proliferative index was 60%-95%. In situ hybridization for EBER were all positive (6/6). Special stain for reticulin showed positive staining surrounding nests of tumor cells.Conclusions:The expression of follicular dendritic cell markers in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is very rare, which may be related to EBV infection. Occasionally, it can overlap with follicular dendritic cell sarcoma by morphology and immunophenotype, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Only by combining clinical information, morphological characteristics and immunophenotype can an appropriate diagnosis be made.

Objective To observe the value of T2 mapping for quantitatively evaluating the changes of junctional zone and outer myometrium caused by endometrial fibrosis.Methods A total of 73 infertility patients with endometrial fibrosis confirmed by hysteroscopy(disease group)and 33 healthy women of childbearing age(control group)were prospectively enrolled,and MR examinations were performed at the late proliferative phase of endometrium.The thickness and T2 value of junctional zone,T2 value of outer myometrium on anterior,posterior and fundus wall of midsagittal corpus uteri were measured,and the mean value of the above measurements on the three walls were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed,the areas under the curves(AUC)were calculated to explore the efficacy of those with significant difference among the mean thickness and the mean T2 value of junctional zone,the mean T2 value of outer myometrium and their combination for evaluating endometrial fibrosis.Results The thickness and T2 value of anterior wall,posterior wall,fundus wall and the mean junctional zone in disease group were all significantly higher than those in control group(all P＜0.001).No significant difference of T2 value of anterior wall,posterior wall,fundus wall nor the mean outer myometrium was found between groups(all P＞0.05).The mean thickness and the mean T2 value of junctional zone and their combination could be used to effectively evaluate endometrial fibrosis,with AUC of 0.839,0.822 and 0.922,respectively,and their combination had the best performance(both P＜0.01).Conclusion T2 mapping could be used to quantitatively evaluate the injury of junctional zone caused by endometrial fibrosis.