This paper systematically reviews the current status of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori （Hp） infection， as well as recent progress in clinical and basic research both in China and internationally. It summarizes the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in Hp infection management， including improving Hp eradication rates， enhancing antibiotic sensitivity， reducing antimicrobial resistance， decreasing drug-related adverse effects， and ameliorating gastric mucosal lesions. These advantages are particularly evident in patients who are intolerant to bismuth-containing regimens， those with refractory Hp infection， and individuals with precancerous gastric lesions. An integrated， whole-process management approach and individualized， staged comprehensive treatment strategies combining TCM and western medicine are proposed for Hp infection. Future prevention and control of Hp infection should adopt an integrative Chinese-western medical strategy， emphasizing prevention， strengthening primary care， implementing proactive long-term monitoring， optimizing screening strategies， and advancing the development of novel technologies and mechanistic studies of Chinese herbal interventions. These efforts aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical pathways for the establishment and improvement of Hp infection prevention and control systems.

The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is a class of transcription factors widely present in plants, playing a crucial role in regulating flowering, flower development, flower opening, and flower senescence. Based on transcriptome data from flower, leaf, and stem samples of two Lonicera macranthoides varieties, 117 L. macranthoides AP2/ERF family members were identified, including 14 AP2 subfamily members, 61 ERF subfamily members, 40 DREB subfamily members, and 2 RAV subfamily members. Bioinformatics and differential gene expression analyses were performed using NCBI, ExPASy, SOMPA, and other platforms, and the expression patterns of L. macranthoides AP2/ERF transcription factors were validated via qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the 117 LmAP2/ERF members exhibited both similarities and variations in protein physicochemical properties, AP2 domains, family evolution, and protein functions. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that AP2/ERF transcription factors were primarily differentially expressed in the flowers of the two L. macranthoides varieties, with the differentially expressed genes mainly belonging to the ERF and DREB subfamilies. Further analysis identified three AP2 subfamily genes and two ERF subfamily genes as potential regulators of flower development, two ERF subfamily genes involved in flower opening, and two ERF subfamily genes along with one DREB subfamily gene involved in flower senescence. Based on family evolution and expression analyses, it is speculated that AP2/ERF transcription factors can regulate flower development, opening, and senescence in L. macranthoides, with ERF subfamily genes potentially serving as key regulators of flowering duration. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the specific functions of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family in L. macranthoides and offer important theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying floral phenotypic differences among its varieties.
Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcription Factors/chemistry* ; Lonicera/classification* ; Flowers/metabolism* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Multigene Family

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting multiple systems, characterized by the development of harmful autoantibodies and immune complexes that lead to damage in organs and tissues. Chinese medicine (CM) plays a role in mitigating complications, enhancing treatment effectiveness, and reducing toxicity of concurrent medications, and ensuring a safe pregnancy. However, CM mainly solves the disease comprehensively through multi-target and multi-channel regulation process, therefore, its treatment mechanism is often complicated, involving many molecular links. This review introduces the research progress of pathogenesis of SLE from the aspects of genetics, epigenetics, innate immunity and acquired immunity, and then discusses the molecular mechanism and target of single Chinese herbal medicine and prescription that are commonly used and effective in clinic to treat SLE.
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of Xuanshen Yishen Decoction (XYD) in the treatment of hypertension. METHODS: Hospital electronic medical records from 2019-2023 were utilized to emulate a randomized pragmatic clinical trial. Hypertensive participants were eligible if they were aged ⩾40 years with baseline systolic blood pressure (BP) ⩾140 mm Hg. Patients treated with XYD plus antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the treatment group, whereas those who followed only antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the control group. The primary outcome assessed was the attainment rate of intensive BP control at discharge, with the secondary outcome focusing on the 6-month all-cause readmission rate. RESULTS: The study included 3,302 patients, comprising 2,943 individuals in the control group and 359 in the treatment group. Compared with the control group, a higher proportion in the treatment group achieved the target BP for intensive BP control [8.09% vs. 17.5%; odds ratio (OR)=2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.68 to 3.13; P<0.001], particularly in individuals with high homocysteine levels (OR=3.13; 95% CI=1.72 to 5.71; P<0.001; P for interaction=0.041). Furthermore, the 6-month all-cause readmission rate in the treatment group was lower than in the control group (hazard ratio=0.58; 95% CI=0.36 to 0.91; P=0.019), and the robustness of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analyse. CONCLUSIONS XYD could be a complementary therapy for intensive BP control. Our study offers real-world evidence and guides the choice of complementary and alternative therapies. (Registration No. ChiCTR2400086589).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology* ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Hypertension/physiopathology* ; Patient Readmission ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To explore the antitumor effects of metformin on ovarian cancer cells in vitro, particularly on tumor cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and possible mechanism. Methods Ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, CAOV3, and SKOV3) were treated with different concentrations of metformin. Their proliferation was explored using the MTT and clone formation assays, cell migration was examined using the scratch and Transwell assays, and cell cycle and apoptosis were examined using flow cytometry. In addition, metformin’s effects on the phosphorylation of AMPK and mTOR and the expression of CXCR4 and Wnt/β-catenin protein was measured by Western blot. Results The survival rates of ovarian cancer cells decreased significantly with increasing metformin concentration and metformin treatment time. The IC₅₀ values of metformin at 48 h for A2780, CAOV3, and SKOV3 cells were 16.36, 36.65, and 43.44 mmol/L, respectively. Compared with the control group, the clone formation ability and cell migration ability of ovarian cancer cells were significantly inhibited by metformin treatment and cell cycle arrested at the G₀/G₁ phase, and the apoptosis rate increased. As metformin concentration increased, the expression of phosphorylated AMPK protein gradually increased, and the expression levels of phosphorylated mTOR, CXCR4, Dvl3, β-catenin, cyclin D1, and CDK1 decreased. Conclusion Metformin exerts an antitumor effect on ovarian cancer cells, which is related to the activation of AMPK to inhibit CXCR4-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Humans ; Vascular Stiffness ; Coal Mining ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Coal ; Miners

The compound (E)-1-(4-(3-(5-chloro-6-oxo-3,6-dihydropyridin-1(2H)-yl)-3-oxo-propyl-1-ene-1-yl) phenyl)-3-(4-fluorophenyl) urea (C12), a novel derivative of piperlongumine previously synthesized by our research group, was investigated in this study to examine its effects on human non-small cell lung cancer cell line H1299 in vitro and elucidate its potential mechanism of action. The impact of C12 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of H1299 cells were assessed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, wound healing assay, cloning formation assay, and Transwell assay. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the influence of C12 on cell cycle progression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptosis induction in H1299 cells. Western blot analysis was conducted to investigate the expression levels of p21, Cyclin B1, CDK1, Bax, Bcl-2, JNK, p-JNK, Erk1/2, p-Erk1/2, p38 and p-p38 proteins for exploring the anti-tumor mechanism underlying C12's actions. The results demonstrated that C12 exerted inhibitory effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of H1299 cells in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, C12 induced G2/M phase arrest in the cell cycle, reduced MMP levels, elevated ROS production, and triggered apoptotic processes. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that C12 downregulated Cyclin B1 and CDK1 protein expressions, resulting in G2/M phase arrest. C12 also upregulated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, C12 activated MAPK signaling pathway by enhancing phosphorylation levels of JNK, Erk1/2, and p38 proteins. In conclusion, C12 significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities while inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in H1299 cells. These effects may be attributed to activation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Objective To establish a high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)characteristic chromatogram and multi-component content determination method for the substance benchmark of Fuzi Decoction.Methods The characteristic chromatogram method of Fuzi Decoction substance benchmark was established,and the Similarity Evaluation System of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2012 Edition)was used to analyze the characteristic chromatograms of 15 batches of Fuzi Decoction substance benchmark samples.The HPLC content determination methods of 1 1 components in the Fuzi Decoction substance benchmark samples were established respectively,and the dry extract rate of 15 batches of Fuzi Decoction substance benchmark samples was determined.Results The similarity of characteristic chromatograms of 15 batches of Fuzi Decoction substance benchmark samples was greater than 0.9,and 12 common peaks were selected and eight of them were identified.The results showed that the contents of benzoylmesaconine,benzoylhypaconine,atractylenolide Ⅲ,ginsenoside Rg1,ginsenoside Re,ginsenoside Rb1,gallic acid,albiflorin,paeoniflorin,1,2,3,4,6-penta-galloyl glucose and benzoyl paeoniflorin were 0.050 3-0.191 1,0.026 7-0.047 0,0.043 0-0.127 6,0.554 6-1.006 8,0.568 7-0.979 5,0.929 9-1.726 1,1.058 9-2.118 4,1.430 3-4.965 5,6.882 9-9.511 1,0.056 1-0.262 5,0.160 6-0.369 0 mg/g,respectively.The average dry extract rate of the 15 batches of Fuzi Decoction substance benchmark samples was 29.54％.Conclusion The established characteristic chromatogram and multi-index content determination method are accurate and stable,which provides a basis for the quality control of the substance benchmark and related preparations of Fuzi Decoction.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of CT radiomics features in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis(PAP).Methods The general data and clinical characteristics of 24 patients with PAP in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from November 2008 to August 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Another 53 patients with other diffuse lung diseases except for PAP during the same period served as control group.The differences in the 10 conventional CT signs(semantic features)and 107 radiomics features between the two groups were compared.All patients were randomly divided into the training group(n=53)and the validation group(n=24)at a ratio of 7:3.CT semantic feature model,radiomics model and combined model to diagnose PAP were constructed in training group,and the diagnostic efficacy of models was compared using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve in validation group.Decision curve analysis(DCA)was used to assess the value of models for practical clinical application.Radscore was calculated for the model with the highest diagnostic efficacy.Results A total of 24 patients with pathologically confirmed PAP were enrolled,with a male to female ratio of 3:1 and an average age of(44.6±15.2)years.The main clinical symptoms of patients with PAP included shortness of breath,cough,sputum and chest tightness.Compared with control group,the incidence of pleural effusion in PAP group was significantly lower(P＜0.05),while no significant differences were observed in other CT features(P＞0.05).The areas under the curve(AUC)of the semantic feature model for diagnosing PAP in training and validation group were 0.590 and 0.594,respectively,and in validation group,the accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity for diagnosis of PAP were 0.188,1.000,and 0.188,respectively.The AUCs of the radiomics model in training group and validation group were 0.845 and 0.867,respectively,and in validation group,the accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity were 0.641,0.938,and 0.703,respectively.The AUCs of the combined model in training group and validation group were 0.850 and 0.883,respectively,and in validation group,the accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity were 0.688,0.750,and 0.938,respectively.The AUCs of the radiomics model and the combined model were significantly greater than that of the semantic feature model,but there was no significant difference in the AUCs between the first two models.The decision curve analysis showed that both the radiomics model and the combined model had high application value for predicting PAP.Conclusion CT radiomics shows higher clinical value in the diagnosis of PAP compared with conventional CT features.

AIM To establish a two reference substances for determination of multiple components(TRSDMC)method for the simultaneous content determination of neochlorogenic acid,chlorogenic acid,cryptochlorogenic acid,luteolin-7-O-glucuronide,isochlorogenic acid B,isochlorogenic acid A,isochlorogenic acid C,deoxyelephantopin,isodeoxyelephantopin,isoscabertopin and scabertopin in Elephantopus scabre L..METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35℃thermostatic Waters Symmetry C18,Phenomenex C18,Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 columns(4.6 mm×250 mm,5.0 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile and 0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 220,326 nm.Chlorogenic acid was used as an internal standard to calculate the relative correction factors of neochlorogenic acid,cryptochlorogenic acid,luteolin-7-O-glucuronide,isochlorogenic acid B,isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C,while isodeoxyelephantopin was used as an internal standard to calculate the relative correction factors of deoxyelephantopin,scabertopin and isoscabertopin,after which the content determination was made.Subsequently,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were conducted.RESULTS Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 95.3%-103.4%with the RSDs of 0.32%-3.45%.The result obtained by TRSDMC approximated those obtained by external standard method.Isochlorogenic acid A,isochlorogenic acid C,isochlorogenic acid B,chlorogenic acid,luteolin-7-O-glucuronide and cryptochlorogenic acid were taken as quality differential constituents.CONCLUSION This reliable and stable method can be used for the quality control of E.scabre.