OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder （QDP） on bronchial asthma in mice. METHODS The mice were divided into blank group （normal saline）， model group （normal saline）， dexamethasone group （2 mg/kg）， and QDP low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （200， 400， 800 mg/kg）， with 14 mice in each group. Except for the blank group， mice in all other groups were given ovalbumin via intraperitoneal injection followed by aerosol inhalation to induce a bronchial asthma model. During the modeling process， mice in each group were administered corresponding drug solutions or normal saline intragastrically/intraperitoneally. After the last medication， the number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） of the mice was observed and counted； the pathological changes of the bronchus and lung tissue were observed； the levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， nitric oxide （NO）， total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD）， and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） in the lung tissue of the mice were determined， and the level of interleukin-17 （IL-17） in the BALF and serum was determined. Transcriptomics was employed to predict and validate the mechanism of action of QDP against bronchial asthma. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the total cell count， neutrophil count， lymphocyte count， and macrophage counts in the BALF of the QDP high-dose group were all significantly reduced （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of MDA and NO in the lung tissue， and the levels of IL-17 in the BALF and serum were all decreased significantly （ P ＜0.05）； the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）； the arrangement of lung tissue cells tended to normalize， with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased exfoliation of bronchial simple columnar epithelial cells. The transcriptomic results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were B-cell receptor signaling pathway， nuclear factor κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway， ferroptosis signaling pathway， and others. Further validation revealed that， compared with the model group， the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and chemokine ligand 20， as well as the phosphorylation level of NF-κB inhibitor protein α， were significantly decreased in the lung tissues of the mice in all QDP groups （ P ＜0.05）. Conversely， the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） and heme oxygenase 1 （HO-1） were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS QDP can effectively alleviate bronchial asthma by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway， activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway， regulating oxidative stress， and reducing inflammatory responses.

Stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining tissue regenerative capacity and homeostasis. However, mechanisms associated with stem cell senescence require further investigation. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) obtained from individuals of various ages. Our findings showed that the expression of NUP62 was decreased in aged HDPSCs. We discovered that NUP62 alleviated senescence-associated phenotypes and enhanced differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the knocking down of NUP62 expression aggravated the senescence-associated phenotypes and impaired the proliferation and migration capacity of HDPSCs. Through RNA-sequence and decoding the epigenomic landscapes remodeled induced by NUP62 overexpression, we found that NUP62 helps alleviate senescence in HDPSCs by enhancing the nuclear transport of the transcription factor E2F1. This, in turn, stimulates the transcription of the epigenetic enzyme NSD2. Finally, the overexpression of NUP62 influences the H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 modifications of anti-aging genes (HMGA1, HMGA2, and SIRT6). Our results demonstrated that NUP62 regulates the fate of HDPSCs via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Humans ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics* ; Cellular Senescence/genetics* ; Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Differentiation ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Reprogramming ; Cell Movement ; Proteomics

Objective To elucidate the role of programmed cell death factor 4(PDCD4)in mitochondrial dysfunction caused by sepsis-related vascular endothelial damage.Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)and mouse vascular endothelial cells(C166 cells)were transfected with a small interfering RNA targeting PDCD4 followed by treatment with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)alone or in combination with carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone(FCCP).The proteomic changes in the cells after PDCD4 knockdown were analyzed using LC-MS/MS technique.The mRNA expressions of PDCD4 and the genes associated with cell inflammation and apoptosis were detected with RT-PCR,and the expressions of FIS1,DRP1 and OPA1 proteins key to mitochondrial fission and fusion were determined using Western blotting.JC-1 and MitoSOX fluorescent probes were used to observe the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels under by a laser confocal microscope.Results LPS stimulation of the cells significantly increased the mRNA expressions of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP1)and enhanced the cellular expression of PDCD4(P<0.05).Proteomic analysis suggested a correlation between PDCD4 knockdown and changes in mitochondrial dynamics in the cells.LPS treatment significantly increased the expressions of mitochondrial fission proteins FIS1 and DRP1 and lowered the expression of the fusion protein OPA1 in the cells(P<0.05),causing also mitochondrial oxidative stress and reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05).In HUVECs,treatment with FCCP significantly attenuated the protective effect of PDCD4 knockdown,which inhibited LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress and restored the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion.Conclusion PDCD4 knockdown protects vascular endothelial cells against LPS-induced damages by repressing mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress,promoting mitochondrial fusion,and maintaining normal mitochondrial function.

Objective To elucidate the role of programmed cell death factor 4(PDCD4)in mitochondrial dysfunction caused by sepsis-related vascular endothelial damage.Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)and mouse vascular endothelial cells(C166 cells)were transfected with a small interfering RNA targeting PDCD4 followed by treatment with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)alone or in combination with carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone(FCCP).The proteomic changes in the cells after PDCD4 knockdown were analyzed using LC-MS/MS technique.The mRNA expressions of PDCD4 and the genes associated with cell inflammation and apoptosis were detected with RT-PCR,and the expressions of FIS1,DRP1 and OPA1 proteins key to mitochondrial fission and fusion were determined using Western blotting.JC-1 and MitoSOX fluorescent probes were used to observe the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels under by a laser confocal microscope.Results LPS stimulation of the cells significantly increased the mRNA expressions of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP1)and enhanced the cellular expression of PDCD4(P<0.05).Proteomic analysis suggested a correlation between PDCD4 knockdown and changes in mitochondrial dynamics in the cells.LPS treatment significantly increased the expressions of mitochondrial fission proteins FIS1 and DRP1 and lowered the expression of the fusion protein OPA1 in the cells(P<0.05),causing also mitochondrial oxidative stress and reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05).In HUVECs,treatment with FCCP significantly attenuated the protective effect of PDCD4 knockdown,which inhibited LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress and restored the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion.Conclusion PDCD4 knockdown protects vascular endothelial cells against LPS-induced damages by repressing mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress,promoting mitochondrial fusion,and maintaining normal mitochondrial function.

Idiopathic oligoasthenospermia （IO） has been increasingly emphasized in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Oxidative stress damage directly affects sperm quality and spermatogenesis， constituting a major causative factor of IO. Firstly， due to its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids， the sperm plasma membrane is highly sensitive to reactive oxygen species （ROS）， leading to lipid peroxidation accumulation and even inducing ferroptosis. Secondly， deficient downstream key proteins in the base excision repair pathway render sperm unable to repair extensive DNA oxidative damage under oxidative stress. Simultaneously， under oxidative stress， the apoptotic pathway of sperm is cascade-activated， causing rapid loss of motility. ROS further disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis， inhibiting testosterone production and ultimately affecting spermatogenesis. Wuzi Yanzongwan，in line with traditional Chinese medicine theory of treating IO through "nourishing kidney essence and harmonizing Yin and Yang"， clinically demonstrates its ability to improve sperm morphology， count， and motility， thereby enhancing male fertility. The research on the pharmacological constituents of Wuzi Yanzongwan primarily involves establishing a characteristic spectrum of Chinese medicine to achieve quality control and exploring the pharmacology of effective components. Studies have found that its main active ingredients consist of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. Specifically， compounds such as hyperin， acteoside， kaempferol， and schisandrin A are identified as the primary active substances and quality control components. These compounds exhibit strong antioxidant activity and have been partly applied in research related to reproductive endocrine disorders. Tripterygium glycoside is primarily used for modeling of oxidative stress-induced IO. It leads to the accumulation of various lipid peroxides in testicular tissues and concurrently compromises the body's antioxidant capacity. Mechanistic studies have found that Wuzi Yanzongwan can inhibit elevated ROS levels in IO models and enhance the body's antioxidant capacity， thereby ameliorating inflammation， suppressing cell apoptosis， promoting testosterone production， and ultimately alleviating the decline in sperm quality and spermatogenesis caused by oxidative stress.

Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is a condition indicated by biochemical testing for autonomous cortisol secretion, yet it lacks the classical signs of Cushing's Syndrome, such as moon face, buffalo hump, plethoric appearance, and purple striae. It is predominantly observed in middle-aged women and is commonly associated with adrenal incidentalomas. Due to the lack of significant clinical signs, the diagnosis of MACS primarily relies on hormonal testing. Patients with MACS often present with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis. For those with comorbid conditions, surgical treatment is the principal therapeutic approach. This article summarizes recent national and international guidelines and research to elucidate the updates to the diagnostic criteria for MACS, with a particular focus on the interpretation of the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test results. It also details the treatment and follow-up strategies for MACS. Furthermore, the article highlights the urgent need for more extensive prospective studies to refine the existing diagnostic criteria and to develop surgical guidelines for a wider range of patients with MACS.

Objective To investigate the outcome of a new designed extramedullary femoral alignment system and to compare with conventional intramedullary system in clinical results.Methods Twenty consecutive patients (3 males and 17females with an average age of 70.1 (range,52-82 years old) with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were treated with the extramedullary method between January 2015 to August 2015 and 20 consecutive patients (5 males and 15 females with an average age of 65.9 (range,52-87 years old) with OA or RA treated with conventional intramedullary method between April 2015 to September 2015 were studied.In extramedullary group,CT scan was used to evaluate the relation between the hip (femoral head) center and anterior superior iliac spine preoperatively.During the total knee arthroplasty,the hip joint center was defined according to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).Knee joint center was defined as the center of the line connecting medial and lateral epicondyle.The terminal femoral bone cut plane was defined as the line between femoral and knee center.In intramedullary group,the traditional intramedullary method was adopted.The coronal and sagittal alignment,blood loss and drainage at one week postoperatively and the range of motion at one week,6 weeks and 3 months were evaluated.Results There was no significant difference in age,hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle,the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Knee Score,BMI,operation time within the two groups.Blood loss and drainage in extramedullary group (121 ±64 ml and 181±149 ml) was significantly less than that in intramedullary group (177±47 ml and 292±156 ml).There was no significant difference in coronal alignment of the femoral prosthesis within the two groups (89.8°±2.1° v.s.89.8°±2.2°,P＞0.05).However,the two groups had significant difference in sagittal alignment (-0.8°±2.2° v.s.2.5°±2.1 °,P＜0.05).The alignment of extramedullary group had much more tendency in flexion degree.No difference was found in range of motion at 1 week,6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively (103.8°±7.8° v.s.102.5°±7.2°,108.5°±8.0° v.s.108.3°±7.4°,117.0°±7.1° v.s.114.5°±8.1°,P＞0.05).Conclusion The present designed extramedullary system is practical in total knee arthroplasty and has more accuracy in sagittal plane.The patients treated with extramedullary system have less blood loss and drainage and have similar range of motion in early stage after operation when compared with the intramedullary method.

Based on randomized block design of experiment, agronomic traits and yields of 14 F1 generations of Dendrobium officinale were determined. The results showed that the differences in agronomic traits and yields among families were significant, and the hybrid vigor was obvious. Families of 6b x 2a, 9 x 66 and 78 x 69 were selected with the remarkable superiority of yields, agronomic traits and product customization. Correlation analysis between agronomic traits and yields showed that plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, blade length and blade width were all significantly correlated with biological yields and economic yields. Among which, stem diameter, leaf number and blade length were the most significant, and an optimal linear regression model could be established. When the number of shoots was fewer than 4.5, both biological yields and economic yields increased with the increasing number of shoots, but it could not much affect yields when the number of shoots was larger than 4.5. Shoots number, stem diameter and leaf index were basic stability when compared biennial traits to annual, which could be used for early selection.
Biomass ; Dendrobium ; genetics ; growth & development ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Plant Leaves ; genetics ; growth & development ; Plant Stems ; genetics ; growth & development ; Quantitative Trait Loci

Using phenol-sulfuric acid method and hot-dip method of alcohol-soluble extracts, the contents of polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble extracts in 11 F1 generations of Dendrobium officinale were determined. The results showed that the polysaccharides contents in samples collected in May and February were 32.89%-43.07% and 25.77%-35.25%, respectively, while the extracts contents were 2.81%-4.85% and 7.90%-17.40%, respectively. They were significantly different among families. The content of polysaccharides in offspring could be significantly improved by hybridization between parents with low and high polysaccharides contents, and the hybrid vigor was obvious. Cross breeding was an effective way for breeding new varieties with higher polysaccharides contents. Harvest time would significantly affect the contents of polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble extracts. The contents of polysaccharides in families collected in May were higher than those of polysaccharides in families collected in February, but the extracts content had the opposite variation. The extents of quantitative variation of polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble extracts were different among families, and each family had its own rules. It would be significant in giving full play to their role as the excellent varieties and increasing effectiveness by studying on the quantitative accumulation regularity of polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble extracts in superior families (varieties) of D. officinale to determine the best harvesting time.
Breeding ; China ; Dendrobium ; chemistry ; classification ; genetics ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Polysaccharides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

Objective To investigation the condition,expectation and support of quality of life in adult with intellectual disability.MethodsA total of 394 adult with intellectual disability,their parents and friends in Beijing were involved in the study.Their qualities of life were evaluated.ResultsAbout quality of life,the adult with intellectual disability had significant more expectation than they had gained actually;their parents and friends had significant more expectation than themselves and staff of primary rehabilitation did.ConclusionIt is necessary to provide support to improve the quality of life of adult with intellectual disability.