Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

Objective:To analyze the association between standardized management of clinical research, initiated by investigators and guided by clinical research management policies in healthcare institutions, and changes in the research behavior of graduate students.Methods:Theses related to cardiovascular health published by graduate students in the Sichuan-Chongqing region of China between January 2019 and June 2024 were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Multilevel models were used to analyze changes in ethical compliance awareness, research methodology standardization, and academic collaboration of graduate students before and after policy implementation. Using Shapiro Wilk test and percentage representation.Results:Among the 712 theses included in this study, the proportion of studies with ethical review reports increased from 44.50% to 55.32% following the implementation of standardized management [odds ratio ( OR)=1.80, P=0.017]. Standardized management significantly improved the quality scores of cross-sectional studies and randomized controlled trials ( P<0.001), as well as significantly increased the frequencies of multi-center collaboration ( OR=2.84, P=0.001) and intra-provincial collaboration ( OR=2.80, P=0.001). Conclusions:Standardized clinical research management shows significant association with positive changes in the research behavior of graduate students. Further optimization of management measures is recommended to comprehensively enhance the clinical research capabilities of graduate students.

Aim To evaluate the toxicity and mecha-nism of Epimedium sagittatum(Sieb.et Zucc.)Maxim aqueous extract(ESMAE)on HepaRG cells based on serum toxicology.Methods MTT assay was used to detect the activity of HepaRG cells after treatment with the serum containing ESMAE from SD rats.Western blot was used to detect the effects of the serum contai-ning drug on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins(PERK,eIF-2α,ATF-4,GRP78,CHOP)and pyroptosis related proteins(NL-RP1,caspase-1,cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD,GSDMD-N).MTT assay was used to detect the activity of Hep-aRG cells after treatment with the liver homogenate containing ESMAE from SD rats.Results Twenty percent serum containing drug significantly decreased the viability of HepaRG cells,with the cells exhibiting swelling,rupture,and vesicle-like pyroptosis.The ex-pression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins PERK,eIF-2α,ATF-4,GRP78,and CHOP significantly increased.The expression levels of pro-teins involved in the NLRP1-mediated classical pyrop-tosis pathway were significantly increased.Finally the liver homogenate containing drug decreased the cell ac-tivity,and cells exhibited swelling,rupture,and vesicle-like pyroptosis.Conclusions After administration of ESMAE,the serum containing drug and the liver ho-mogenate containing drug of rats show toxicity to Hep-aRG cells,and can induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and activate the NLRP1/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway in HepaRG cells.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of median nerve entrapment syndrome(MNES)in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN).Methods A total of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology in our hospital from May 2022 to May 2024 were selected and divided into the simple T2DM group,the DPN group and the combined MNES group,with 50 cases in each group.The general data,biochemical indicators and median nerve ultrasound characteristics of the three groups were compared.Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of MNES in patients with DPN.Results The DM duration,low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),total cholesterol(TC),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),glycated albumin(GA),hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c),the transverse diameter(d1),anteroposterior diameter(d2),cross-sectional area and the proportion of blurred"sieve-like"structure,decreased nerve bundle echo,thickened epineurium,and unclear boundary with adjacent tissues in the T2DM,DPN,and MNES groups increased in turn(P<0.05),and the levels of vitamin D,glutathione(GSH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)decreased in turn(P<0.05).The hip circumference and diastolic blood pressure in DPN and MNES groups were higher than those in T2DM group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the DM duration,LDL-C,TC,FPG,GA,HbA1c,GSH,SOD,d1,d2,cross-sectional area,blurred"sieve-like"structure,decreased echo of nerve tracts,thickening of the outer nerve membrane,and unclear boundaries with adjacent tissues were the influencing factors for the occurrence of MNES in patients with DPN.Conclusions The occurrence of MNES in patients with DPN is affected by multiple factors.Regular monitoring of relevant indicators and ultrasound features of the median nerve can help to identify and intervene early to delay the development of MNES in patients with T2DM.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of median nerve entrapment syndrome(MNES)in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN).Methods A total of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology in our hospital from May 2022 to May 2024 were selected and divided into the simple T2DM group,the DPN group and the combined MNES group,with 50 cases in each group.The general data,biochemical indicators and median nerve ultrasound characteristics of the three groups were compared.Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of MNES in patients with DPN.Results The DM duration,low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),total cholesterol(TC),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),glycated albumin(GA),hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c),the transverse diameter(d1),anteroposterior diameter(d2),cross-sectional area and the proportion of blurred"sieve-like"structure,decreased nerve bundle echo,thickened epineurium,and unclear boundary with adjacent tissues in the T2DM,DPN,and MNES groups increased in turn(P<0.05),and the levels of vitamin D,glutathione(GSH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)decreased in turn(P<0.05).The hip circumference and diastolic blood pressure in DPN and MNES groups were higher than those in T2DM group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the DM duration,LDL-C,TC,FPG,GA,HbA1c,GSH,SOD,d1,d2,cross-sectional area,blurred"sieve-like"structure,decreased echo of nerve tracts,thickening of the outer nerve membrane,and unclear boundaries with adjacent tissues were the influencing factors for the occurrence of MNES in patients with DPN.Conclusions The occurrence of MNES in patients with DPN is affected by multiple factors.Regular monitoring of relevant indicators and ultrasound features of the median nerve can help to identify and intervene early to delay the development of MNES in patients with T2DM.

Aim To evaluate the toxicity and mecha-nism of Epimedium sagittatum(Sieb.et Zucc.)Maxim aqueous extract(ESMAE)on HepaRG cells based on serum toxicology.Methods MTT assay was used to detect the activity of HepaRG cells after treatment with the serum containing ESMAE from SD rats.Western blot was used to detect the effects of the serum contai-ning drug on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins(PERK,eIF-2α,ATF-4,GRP78,CHOP)and pyroptosis related proteins(NL-RP1,caspase-1,cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD,GSDMD-N).MTT assay was used to detect the activity of Hep-aRG cells after treatment with the liver homogenate containing ESMAE from SD rats.Results Twenty percent serum containing drug significantly decreased the viability of HepaRG cells,with the cells exhibiting swelling,rupture,and vesicle-like pyroptosis.The ex-pression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins PERK,eIF-2α,ATF-4,GRP78,and CHOP significantly increased.The expression levels of pro-teins involved in the NLRP1-mediated classical pyrop-tosis pathway were significantly increased.Finally the liver homogenate containing drug decreased the cell ac-tivity,and cells exhibited swelling,rupture,and vesicle-like pyroptosis.Conclusions After administration of ESMAE,the serum containing drug and the liver ho-mogenate containing drug of rats show toxicity to Hep-aRG cells,and can induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and activate the NLRP1/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway in HepaRG cells.

OBJECTIVE: Huachansu injection (HCSI), a promising anti-cancer Chinese medicine injection, has been reported to have the potential for reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy and improving the quality of life for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The objective of this study is to explore the synergistic and detoxifying effects of HCSI when used in combination with irinotecan (CPT-11). METHODS: To investigate the effect of HCSI on anti-CRC efficacy and intestinal toxicity of CPT-11, we measured changes in the biological behavior of LoVo cells in vitro, and anti-tumor effects in LoVo cell xenograft nude mice models in vivo. Meanwhile, the effect of HCSI on intestinal toxicity and the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) expression was investigated in the CPT-11-induced colitis mouse model. Subsequently, we measured the effect of HCSI and its 13 constituent bufadienolides on the expression of UGT1A1 and organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B3 (OATP1B3) in HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The combination index (CI) results showed that the combination of HCSI and CPT-11 exhibited a synergistic effect (CI < 1), which significantly suppressing the LoVo cell migration, enhancing G2/M and S phase arrest, and inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, the damage to intestinal tissues was attenuated by HCSI in CPT-11-induced colitis model, while the increased expression of UGT1A1 in HepG2 cells and in mouse was observed. CONCLUSION The co-therapy with HCSI alleviated the intestinal toxicity induced by CPT-11 and exerted an enhanced anti-CRC effect. The detoxifying mechanism may be related to the increased expression of UGT1A1 and OATP1B3 by HCSI and its bufadienolides components. The findings of this study may serve as a theoretical insights and strategies to improve CRC patient outcomes. Please cite this article as: Jiang B, Meng ZY, Hu YJ, Chen JJ, Zong L, Xu LY, Zhang XQ, Zhang JX, Han YL. Huachansu injection enhances anti-colorectal cancer efficacy of irinotecan and alleviates its induced intestinal toxicity through upregulating UGT1A1-OATP1B3 expression in vitro and in vivo. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):576-590.
Irinotecan/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Glucuronosyltransferase/genetics* ; Humans ; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice, Nude ; Mice ; Up-Regulation/drug effects* ; Male ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Hep G2 Cells ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Intestines/drug effects* ; Amphibian Venoms

ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze an outbreak of rotavirus infectious diarrhea in a prison in Chongqing Municipality, to provide a basis for adult rotavirus surveillance and prevention, and to explore the public health problems in special settings. MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted to collect and analyze data on individual cases with diarrheal disease on-site. The clinical characteristics, as well as the temporal, spatial and geographical distribution patterns of the epidemic were described. Multi-pathogen detection tests were conducted both on diarrhea cases and environmental samples, with viral genotyping performed on positive samples. A case-control analysis was performed to identify the causes of the outbreak, and an SEIR model was adopted to predict the outbreak trend and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. ResultsA total of 65 cases were found among the inmates, with an attack rate of 2.03%. The predominant clinical manifestations included diarrhea (89.23%), watery stool (73.85%), and dehydration (18.46%). The epidemic curve indicated a “human-to-human” transmission pattern, with an average incubation period of 5‒6 days. The attack rates among chefs in the main canteen (80.00%, 8/10) and caterers (28.33%, 17/60) were significantly higher than those of other inmates （P<0.05）. Multi-pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing detected positive for group A rotavirus, with the viral genotyping identified as G9P [8] strain. Factors such as unprotected "bare-handed" food distribution among cases with diarrhea (OR=9.512, 95%CI: 4.261‒21.234) and close contact with diarrhea cases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.719‒7.778) were the possible cause of the outbreak. The SEIR model (r₀=5, α=0.3, β₁=0.08, β₂=0.04) was constructed using prison inmates as susceptible population, aiming at fitting the initial transmission trend of the outbreak, and the epidemic rate declined rapidly after intervention measures were implemented (r_t≈0). ConclusionThis rare rotavirus infection diarrhea outbreak among adults in confined settings suggests that the construction of public health prevention and control systems in prison may be overlooked. Cross infection during meal processing and distribution in the canteens of such settings is likely to be the cause of the outbreak. Given the potential neglect of public heath system construction in special settings, it is imperative to enhance the surveillance and monitoring of rotavirus and other intestinal multi-pathogens among adults, as well as the construction of public health prevention and control systems in these special settings.

Objective To analyze the prognosis of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and its correlation with serum angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2), activated protein C (APC) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels. Methods A total of 508 elderly patients with CAP in the hospital from March 2021 to March 2024 were divided into death group (n=104) and survival group (n=404) according to the survival status at 28 days after admission. Another 110 healthy subjects with physical examination were included in the control group. The levels of serum Ang-2, APC and PTX3 were compared, and their correlation with prognosis was explored by Pearson correlation analysis. Results In this study, 404 cases survived after 28 days and 104 cases died. The levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin-8 and the proportion of severe condition in the survival group were lower than those in the death group (P<0.05). The level of serum APC in the case group and the death group was lower than that in the control group and the survival group (P<0.05), while the levels of Ang-2 and PTX3 were higher than those in the control group and the survival group (P<0.05), respectively. Serum APC level was negatively correlated with community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly CAP (r=-0.476, P<0.05), while Ang-2 and PTX3 were positively correlated with prognosis (r=0.489, 0.502, P<0.05). Conclusion Serum levels of Ang-2 and APC in elderly patients with CAP are decreased and the level of PTX3 is increased. Serum Ang-2 and APC levels are negatively correlated with elderly CAP, and PTX3 is positively correlated with prognosis.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.