OBJECTIVES: To observe the evolution of intrahepatic macrophage polarization in mice with liver fibrosis induced by iron overload. METHODS: Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks) were randomized into control group (n=8) and liver fibrosis model group (n=24) induced by aidly intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran. At the 3rd, 5th, and 7th weeks of modeling, 8 mice in the model group were sacrificed for observing liver fibrosis using Masson, Sirius Red and immunohistochemical staining and detecting serum levels of ALT, AST and the levels of serum iron, ferritin, liver total Fe and ferrous Fe. iNOS⁺/F4/80⁺ cells and CD206⁺/F4/80⁺ cells were detected by double immunofluorescence assay to observe the proportion and distribution of M1 and M2 macrophages. The hepatic expressions of Arg-1, iNOS, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF‑α proteins were detected using Western blotting or ELISA, and the expression of CD206 mRNA was detected using RT-PCR. RESULTS: The mice in the model group showed gradual increase of fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the portal area over time, structural destruction of the hepatic lobules and formation of pseudolobules. With the passage of time during modeling, the rat models showed significantly increased hepatic expressions of α-SMA and COL-1, elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, Fe, ferritin, and increased liver total Fe and ferrous Fe levels. The expressions of M1 polarization markers IL-6, TNF‑α, and iNOS all increased with time and reached their peak levels at the 3rd week; The expressions of M2 polarization markers (IL-10 and Arg-1 proteins and CD206 mRNA) significantly increased in the 3rd week and but decreased in the 5th and 7th weeks. CONCLUSIONS Iron overload promotes M1 polarization of macrophages in mice. Liver fibrosis in the early stage promotes M2 polarization of macrophages but negatively regulate M2 polarization at later stages.
Animals ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Iron Overload/pathology* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Male ; Liver Cirrhosis/etiology* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism* ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Liver/pathology* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Mannose Receptor ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Mannose-Binding Lectins/metabolism* ; Arginase

[Objective]To summarize Professor GAO Xiangfu's experience in treating chronic kidney disease with drug pairs and triangular drugs.[Methods]By following the Professor during clinical consultations,organizing medical cases and reviewing literature,this paper summarized Professor GAO's understanding of the pathogenesis and the characteristics of diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease,and the composition,compatibility principles,clinical applications,common doses,and compatibility significance of Professor GAO's commonly using drug pairs and triangular drugs in treatment chronic kidney disease and a medical case was attached for evidence.[Results]Professor GAO believes that the pathological condition of chronic kidney disease is deficient in origin and excess in superficiality.The core pathogenesis of disease progression is characterized by"vital Qi is deficient and toxins are hiding,essence and blood are leaking,vital Qi is attenuating and toxins are enhancing".The deficiency of vital Qi is mainly manifested as deficiency of the spleen and kidney,while the hidden toxins are mainly turbid toxins,blood stasis toxins and heat toxins.In treatment,the priorities should be put on the origin and the superficiality of the pathogenesis,and a case being acute or chronic should be distinguished first,following the principle of treatment that"treating acute cases as the emerging diseases and treating the chronic cases as the primary disease".For acute progressive cases of this disease,drug pairs for eliminating hidden toxins are commonly combined with classic prescriptions.For chronic protracted cases,drug pairs are often used to formulate prescriptions directly.Particularly,Professor GAO commonly uses"Astragalus membranaceus-Angelica sinensis""Astragalus membranaceus-Atractylodes macrocephala"and"Astragalus membranaceus-Cimicifuga foetida-Bupleurum chinense"are used to tonify spleen Qi and invigorate middle-Jiao;he uses"Radix rehmanniae-Dioscorea opposita-Poria cocos""Herba epimedii-Cistanche deserticola"to nourish kidney Yin and tonify kidney Yang,uses"Herba plantaginis-Rheum officinale""Salvia miltiorrhiza-Centella asiatica"to eliminate turbid and blood stasis,and clear stagnated heat,and uses"Rhizoma imperatae-Agrimonia pilosa""Rosa laevigata-Semen euryales"to calm the blood collaterals and control essence.In the attached medical case,a patient with chronic kidney disease was treated with a main formula consisting of five drug pairs including"Astragalus membranaceus-Angelica sinensis""Radix rehmanniae-Dioscorea opposita-Poria cocos""Herba plantaginis-Rheum officinale""Salvia miltiorrhiza-Centella asiatica"and"Rhizoma imperatae-Agrimonia pilosa",which was adjusted according to the symptoms,and ultimately achieved good results.[Conclusion]Professor GAO's approach to treating chronic kidney disease with drug pairs and triangular drugs is characterized by mild medication,hierarchical compatibility and remarkable efficacy,which is worth summarizing and promoting.

Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that pose potential health risks to humans. Infants and young children have higher requirements for food safety due to the underdeveloped detoxification and immune systems. Therefore, developing a comprehensive method for determination of PFASs and their novel alternatives in infant complementary food is of great significance. Objective To develop an analytical method using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry technology for determination of 55 PFASs in plant- and animal-derived infant complementary fruit purees. Methods Oasis WAX (200 mg, 6 CC) solid-phase extraction columns were used for sample enrichment and purification. The pH of the acetonitrile extract was adjusted using 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% formic acid aqueous solutions to evaluate its impact on the recovery rate of target compounds. Additionally, the impact of a 2 mL methanol wash during the purification process on the recovery of target compounds was assessed to determine the optimal pretreatment conditions. Three types of chromatographic columns—Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C₁₈, Thermo InfinityLab Poroshell 120 Aq-C₁₈, Acquity Waters BEH-C₁₈, and changes in mobile phase, were compared for their effects on retention time, peak shape, and response of target compounds. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linear range, detection limit, and precision. The established method was applied to 49 commercial samples of infant complementary fruit purees. Results Adjusting the sample pH using 1.5% formic acid water and incorporating a 2 mL methanol wash during purification achieved satisfactory recovery rates. The target compounds were chromatographically separated using an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C₁₈ column with a gradient elution system. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (methanol/water: 2/98, v/v) containing 5 mmol·L⁻¹ ammonium formate as mobile phase A, and methanol as mobile phase B. Good separation was achieved within 15 min, resulting in optimal chromatographic peak shapes. The 55 target compounds exhibited good linearity across the standard curve range, with correlation coefficients (R²) greater than 0.99. The method detection limits ranged from 0.02 to 0.05 µg·L⁻¹. In the plant- and animal-based fruit puree samples, the spiked recovery rates ranged from 60% to 112% and 57% to 119%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSD) ≤ 30%. A total of 9 traditional PFASs and 5 novel PFASs were positive in 49 samples of infant complementary fruit purees. Conclusion This method enables comprehensive detection of 55 traditional and emerging PFASs, offering wide coverage, high accuracy, and excellent sensitivity. It provides technical support for characterizing contamination by traditional and emerging PFASs in food matrices.

Objective To analyze the impact of sarcopenia on the efficacy and adverse reactions of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer.Methods Patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer confirmed by pathology who were not eligible for radical surgery were selected as study subjects.A body composition analyzer was used to measure the appendicular muscle mass of the patients and calculate the skeletal muscle mass index(SMI).Based on the SMI,the patients were divided into sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenia group.On the basis of nutritional intervention and comprehensive exercise therapy,the patients were administered immu-notherapy combined with chemotherapy.The efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated.The primary endpoint was progression-free survival(PFS),and the secondary endpoints were the objec-tive response rate(ORR)and treatment-related adverse reactions.Results A total of 52 gastric cancer patients were included,with 23 in the sarcopenia group and 29 in the non-sarcopenia group.The median PFS in the non-sarcopenia group was 9.8 months(95％CI,8.9 to 12.4),and was 5.4 months in the sarcopenia group(95％CI,4.9 to 8.1).The median PFS in the non-sarcopenia group was longer than that in the sarcopenia group,and the difference was statistically significant[HR(95％CI)=0.41(0.23 to 0.73),P=0.003].The results of the multivariate Cox propor-tional hazards regression model showed that comorbidities,treatment cycles,and sarcopenia were all independent prognostic factors affecting the PFS of gastric cancer patients(P＜0.05).The ORR in the non-sarcopenia group was 48.28％(14/29),and was 17.39％(4/23)in the sarcopenia group(x2=5.276,P＜0.05).Treatment-related adverse reactions with grading ≥3 in both groups were mainly hematological toxicities.In the non-sarcopenia group,the incidence of grading ≥ 3 treat-ment-related adverse reactions was 27.59％(8/29),and the incidence of grading＜3 treatment-re-lated adverse reactions(including those with no adverse reactions)was 72.41％(21/29).In the sarcopenia group,the incidence of grading ≥3 treatment-related adverse reactions was 56.52％(13/23),and the incidence of grading＜3 treatment-related adverse reactions(including those without adverse reactions)was 43.48％(10/23).The incidence of grading ≥3 treatment-related adverse reactions in the non-sarcopenia group was lower than that in the sarcopenia group(P=0.035).Conclusion For patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer complicated with sarcopenia,the median PFS of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy is shorter,the ORR is lower,and the incidence of treatment-related adverse reactions is increased.Therefore,ear-ly intervention for sarcopenia should be implemented to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced gastric cancer.

AIM:To investigate the function of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in modulating macrophage polarization in liver fibrosis resulting from iron overload.METHODS:Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into four groups:control group,model group(iron dextran,50 mg/kg),MitoTEMPO(3 mg/kg)group,and MCC950(10 mg/kg)group,comprising eight mice per group.All mice,with the exception of the control group,were administered daily in-traperitoneal injections of iron dextran for a duration of seven consecutive weeks,whereas the control group received equiv-alent volumes of normal saline.Starting in week four,the MitoTEMPO and MCC950 cohorts received their designated treatments through intraperitoneal injection three times weekly.Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate ami-notransferase(AST)concentrations were assessed through biochemical analysis.Liver tissues were analyzed utilizing HE,Masson,Sirius red and immunohistochemical staining.The concentrations of mtROS were evaluated utilizing the MitoSOX Red probe.Cytokines and polarization markers,such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-10,and arginase-1(Arg-1),were quantified via ELISA.Western blot analysis was performed to quantify the protein expression levels of Arg-1,iNOS,NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),and caspase-1.The mRNA expression of NLRP3,ASC,and caspase-1 was assessed using RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence double labeling was employed to identify M1 and M2 macrophages.RESULTS:(1)In comparison to the control group,the model group demonstrated notable inflammatory cell infiltration,pronounced fibrous tissue hyperplasia,significant disruption of hepatic lobular architecture,and the develop-ment of pseudo-lobules in certain areas.Serum ALT and AST levels were markedly elevated(P<0.01),as were the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,and mtROS(P<0.01).Iron overload resulted in markedly ele-vated serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron concentrations(P<0.01).Markers indicative of M1 macrophage polarization,including IL-6,TNF-α,and iNOS,exhibited upregulation(P<0.01),whereas M2 markers such as IL-10,Arg-1,and CD206 were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).(2)Compared with model group,inhibiting mtROS or NL-RP3 substantially reduced inflammation and fibrous tissue hyperplasia.ALT and AST levels were markedly diminished(P<0.01),as were the areas of positive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type Ⅰ(P<0.01).Markers of iron over-load,such as serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron,were significantly ameliorated(P<0.01).M1 polariza-tion markers were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The mtROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway facili-tates liver fibrosis caused by iron overload by enhancing macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of ursolic acid (UA) in inhibiting the growth and metastasis of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 (“231”) cells by downregulating ANXA6.Methods:This study conducted relevant in vitro cytology and molecular biology experiments in the Department of Clinical Laboratory and Central Laboratory of Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to August 2024. Human breast cancer 231 cells were cultured in vitro, and the effects of different concentrations of UA on the proliferation and invasion and metastasis of 231 cells were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Western Blot was used to detect the effect of UA on the expression of ANXA6 and invasion and metastasis-related proteins MMP9, β-catenin and N-cadherin in 231 cells. The 231 cells that interfered with and overexpressed ANXA6 were constructed by lentivirus transfection to generate stable ANXA6 interfering and overexpressing 231 cells, which were divided into 231/KD-ANXA6 group, 231/KD-NC group, 231/OE-ANXA6 group, and 231/OE-NC group. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the proliferation activity, invasion and metastasis ability of 231 cells after interference and overexpression of ANXA6 and the effect of UA on the proliferation ability of 231 cells after interference and overexpression of ANXA6. Western Blot and RT-PCR assays were used to detect the expression of invasion and migration biomarkers such as MMP9, β-catenin, and N-cadherin in 231 cells after interference and overexpression of ANXA6. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression level of ANXA6 in breast cancer tissues, and the relationship between ANXA6 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of breast cancer was analyzed.Results:The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with the control group (0 μmol/L UA, 100.00%±7.37%), the proliferative activity of 231 cells at UA concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μmol/L (90.23%±1.76%, t=2.24, P<0.05; 85.19%±4.23%, t=3.02, P<0.05; 65.45%±0.35%, t=8.11, P<0.01; 37.79%±0.98%, t=14.50, P<0.001; 18.18%±0.15%, t=19.23, P<0.001) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, UA (10, 15, 20 μmol/L) inhibited the invasion and metastasis ability of 231 cells; Western Blot assay showed that compared with the control group (0 μmol/L UA), the protein expressions of MMP9 (1.07±0.03 vs 0.99±0.11, t=1.27, P>0.05), β-catenin (1.21±0.01 vs 0.99±0.07, t=5.47, P<0.05), N-cadherin (1.05±0.09 vs 0.90±0.03, t=2.65, P>0.05) at UA of 10 μmol/L; MMP9 (1.07±0.03 vs 0.79±0.09, t=5.26, P<0.001), β-catenin (1.21±0.01 vs 0.89±0.05, t=10.55, P<0.001), and N-cadherin (1.04±0.09 vs 0.68±0.10, t=4.59, P<0.05) at UA of 15 μmol/L; MMP9 (1.07±0.03 vs 0.52±0.07, t=12.50, P<0.001), β-catenin (1.21±0.01 vs 0.83±0.02, t=24.01, P<0.000 1) and N-cadherin (1.04±0.09 vs 0.49±0.11, t=6.70, P<0.01) at UA of 20 μmol/L. Interfering with ANXA6 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of 231 cells, and overexpression of ANXA6 promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of 231 cells. Western Blot assay showed that compared with the control group (KD-NC group), the protein expressions of MMP9 (1.07±0.01 vs 0.62±0.16, t=4.86, P<0.01), β-catenin (1.02±0.14 vs 0.64±0.15, t=3.20, P<0.05), N-cadherin (0.98±0.14 vs 0.67±0.12, t=2.85, P<0.05) were decreased expression; Compared with the control group (OE-NC group), the protein expressions of MMP9 (0.54±0.22 vs 1.06±0.08, t=3.90, P<0.05), β-catenin (0.92±0.07 vs 1.06±0.04, t=3.06, P<0.05) and N-cadherin (0.90±0.07 vs 1.06±0.01, t=3.75, P<0.05) were significantly increased. Interference with ANXA6 promoted the inhibitory effect of UA on the proliferation ability of 231 cells ( P<0.05). Overexpression of ANXA6 weakened the inhibitory effect of UA on the proliferation of 231 cells ( P<0.05).The results of immunohistochemistry assay showed that the expression level of ANXA6 in breast cancer tissue was significantly increased, and the expression of ANXA6 was related to tumor size ( P<0.05), but not to age, T stage, N stage, pathological grade, AJCC stage, ER, PR and E-cad. Conclusion:The expression level of ANXA6 in breast cancer tissues is increased, and UA can inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of 231 cells by down-regulating the expression of ANXA6.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of ursolic acid (UA) in inhibiting the growth and metastasis of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 (“231”) cells by downregulating ANXA6.Methods:This study conducted relevant in vitro cytology and molecular biology experiments in the Department of Clinical Laboratory and Central Laboratory of Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to August 2024. Human breast cancer 231 cells were cultured in vitro, and the effects of different concentrations of UA on the proliferation and invasion and metastasis of 231 cells were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Western Blot was used to detect the effect of UA on the expression of ANXA6 and invasion and metastasis-related proteins MMP9, β-catenin and N-cadherin in 231 cells. The 231 cells that interfered with and overexpressed ANXA6 were constructed by lentivirus transfection to generate stable ANXA6 interfering and overexpressing 231 cells, which were divided into 231/KD-ANXA6 group, 231/KD-NC group, 231/OE-ANXA6 group, and 231/OE-NC group. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the proliferation activity, invasion and metastasis ability of 231 cells after interference and overexpression of ANXA6 and the effect of UA on the proliferation ability of 231 cells after interference and overexpression of ANXA6. Western Blot and RT-PCR assays were used to detect the expression of invasion and migration biomarkers such as MMP9, β-catenin, and N-cadherin in 231 cells after interference and overexpression of ANXA6. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression level of ANXA6 in breast cancer tissues, and the relationship between ANXA6 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis of breast cancer was analyzed.Results:The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with the control group (0 μmol/L UA, 100.00%±7.37%), the proliferative activity of 231 cells at UA concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μmol/L (90.23%±1.76%, t=2.24, P<0.05; 85.19%±4.23%, t=3.02, P<0.05; 65.45%±0.35%, t=8.11, P<0.01; 37.79%±0.98%, t=14.50, P<0.001; 18.18%±0.15%, t=19.23, P<0.001) were significantly decreased. Furthermore, UA (10, 15, 20 μmol/L) inhibited the invasion and metastasis ability of 231 cells; Western Blot assay showed that compared with the control group (0 μmol/L UA), the protein expressions of MMP9 (1.07±0.03 vs 0.99±0.11, t=1.27, P>0.05), β-catenin (1.21±0.01 vs 0.99±0.07, t=5.47, P<0.05), N-cadherin (1.05±0.09 vs 0.90±0.03, t=2.65, P>0.05) at UA of 10 μmol/L; MMP9 (1.07±0.03 vs 0.79±0.09, t=5.26, P<0.001), β-catenin (1.21±0.01 vs 0.89±0.05, t=10.55, P<0.001), and N-cadherin (1.04±0.09 vs 0.68±0.10, t=4.59, P<0.05) at UA of 15 μmol/L; MMP9 (1.07±0.03 vs 0.52±0.07, t=12.50, P<0.001), β-catenin (1.21±0.01 vs 0.83±0.02, t=24.01, P<0.000 1) and N-cadherin (1.04±0.09 vs 0.49±0.11, t=6.70, P<0.01) at UA of 20 μmol/L. Interfering with ANXA6 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of 231 cells, and overexpression of ANXA6 promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of 231 cells. Western Blot assay showed that compared with the control group (KD-NC group), the protein expressions of MMP9 (1.07±0.01 vs 0.62±0.16, t=4.86, P<0.01), β-catenin (1.02±0.14 vs 0.64±0.15, t=3.20, P<0.05), N-cadherin (0.98±0.14 vs 0.67±0.12, t=2.85, P<0.05) were decreased expression; Compared with the control group (OE-NC group), the protein expressions of MMP9 (0.54±0.22 vs 1.06±0.08, t=3.90, P<0.05), β-catenin (0.92±0.07 vs 1.06±0.04, t=3.06, P<0.05) and N-cadherin (0.90±0.07 vs 1.06±0.01, t=3.75, P<0.05) were significantly increased. Interference with ANXA6 promoted the inhibitory effect of UA on the proliferation ability of 231 cells ( P<0.05). Overexpression of ANXA6 weakened the inhibitory effect of UA on the proliferation of 231 cells ( P<0.05).The results of immunohistochemistry assay showed that the expression level of ANXA6 in breast cancer tissue was significantly increased, and the expression of ANXA6 was related to tumor size ( P<0.05), but not to age, T stage, N stage, pathological grade, AJCC stage, ER, PR and E-cad. Conclusion:The expression level of ANXA6 in breast cancer tissues is increased, and UA can inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of 231 cells by down-regulating the expression of ANXA6.

AIM:To investigate the function of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in modulating macrophage polarization in liver fibrosis resulting from iron overload.METHODS:Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into four groups:control group,model group(iron dextran,50 mg/kg),MitoTEMPO(3 mg/kg)group,and MCC950(10 mg/kg)group,comprising eight mice per group.All mice,with the exception of the control group,were administered daily in-traperitoneal injections of iron dextran for a duration of seven consecutive weeks,whereas the control group received equiv-alent volumes of normal saline.Starting in week four,the MitoTEMPO and MCC950 cohorts received their designated treatments through intraperitoneal injection three times weekly.Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate ami-notransferase(AST)concentrations were assessed through biochemical analysis.Liver tissues were analyzed utilizing HE,Masson,Sirius red and immunohistochemical staining.The concentrations of mtROS were evaluated utilizing the MitoSOX Red probe.Cytokines and polarization markers,such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-10,and arginase-1(Arg-1),were quantified via ELISA.Western blot analysis was performed to quantify the protein expression levels of Arg-1,iNOS,NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),and caspase-1.The mRNA expression of NLRP3,ASC,and caspase-1 was assessed using RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence double labeling was employed to identify M1 and M2 macrophages.RESULTS:(1)In comparison to the control group,the model group demonstrated notable inflammatory cell infiltration,pronounced fibrous tissue hyperplasia,significant disruption of hepatic lobular architecture,and the develop-ment of pseudo-lobules in certain areas.Serum ALT and AST levels were markedly elevated(P<0.01),as were the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,and mtROS(P<0.01).Iron overload resulted in markedly ele-vated serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron concentrations(P<0.01).Markers indicative of M1 macrophage polarization,including IL-6,TNF-α,and iNOS,exhibited upregulation(P<0.01),whereas M2 markers such as IL-10,Arg-1,and CD206 were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).(2)Compared with model group,inhibiting mtROS or NL-RP3 substantially reduced inflammation and fibrous tissue hyperplasia.ALT and AST levels were markedly diminished(P<0.01),as were the areas of positive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type Ⅰ(P<0.01).Markers of iron over-load,such as serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron,were significantly ameliorated(P<0.01).M1 polariza-tion markers were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The mtROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway facili-tates liver fibrosis caused by iron overload by enhancing macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype.

[Objective]To summarize Professor GAO Xiangfu's experience in treating chronic kidney disease with drug pairs and triangular drugs.[Methods]By following the Professor during clinical consultations,organizing medical cases and reviewing literature,this paper summarized Professor GAO's understanding of the pathogenesis and the characteristics of diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease,and the composition,compatibility principles,clinical applications,common doses,and compatibility significance of Professor GAO's commonly using drug pairs and triangular drugs in treatment chronic kidney disease and a medical case was attached for evidence.[Results]Professor GAO believes that the pathological condition of chronic kidney disease is deficient in origin and excess in superficiality.The core pathogenesis of disease progression is characterized by"vital Qi is deficient and toxins are hiding,essence and blood are leaking,vital Qi is attenuating and toxins are enhancing".The deficiency of vital Qi is mainly manifested as deficiency of the spleen and kidney,while the hidden toxins are mainly turbid toxins,blood stasis toxins and heat toxins.In treatment,the priorities should be put on the origin and the superficiality of the pathogenesis,and a case being acute or chronic should be distinguished first,following the principle of treatment that"treating acute cases as the emerging diseases and treating the chronic cases as the primary disease".For acute progressive cases of this disease,drug pairs for eliminating hidden toxins are commonly combined with classic prescriptions.For chronic protracted cases,drug pairs are often used to formulate prescriptions directly.Particularly,Professor GAO commonly uses"Astragalus membranaceus-Angelica sinensis""Astragalus membranaceus-Atractylodes macrocephala"and"Astragalus membranaceus-Cimicifuga foetida-Bupleurum chinense"are used to tonify spleen Qi and invigorate middle-Jiao;he uses"Radix rehmanniae-Dioscorea opposita-Poria cocos""Herba epimedii-Cistanche deserticola"to nourish kidney Yin and tonify kidney Yang,uses"Herba plantaginis-Rheum officinale""Salvia miltiorrhiza-Centella asiatica"to eliminate turbid and blood stasis,and clear stagnated heat,and uses"Rhizoma imperatae-Agrimonia pilosa""Rosa laevigata-Semen euryales"to calm the blood collaterals and control essence.In the attached medical case,a patient with chronic kidney disease was treated with a main formula consisting of five drug pairs including"Astragalus membranaceus-Angelica sinensis""Radix rehmanniae-Dioscorea opposita-Poria cocos""Herba plantaginis-Rheum officinale""Salvia miltiorrhiza-Centella asiatica"and"Rhizoma imperatae-Agrimonia pilosa",which was adjusted according to the symptoms,and ultimately achieved good results.[Conclusion]Professor GAO's approach to treating chronic kidney disease with drug pairs and triangular drugs is characterized by mild medication,hierarchical compatibility and remarkable efficacy,which is worth summarizing and promoting.

Allergic rhinitis is a common allergic disease in children.Its pathogenesis is complex and it is difficult to achieve radi-cal cure or effective and stable long-term treatment goals.Chinese medicine has obvious advantages in preventing and treating allergic rhinitis in children due to its wide range of targets,long-lasting effects and few adverse reactions.This paper proposes that the onset of allergic rhinitis is mostly caused by the dysfunction of the lung,spleen and kidney,the external wind triggering the latent wind,and the combination of the two winds.A staged prevention and treatment strategy of Chinese medicine should be adopted,which includes dispersing external wind,suppressing latent wind,and promoting lung-qi and clearing nasal orifice during the attack period to treat its symptoms,and preventing external wind,calming down latent wind,and regulating and tonifying the lung,spleen,and kidney during the remission period to treat its root cause;meanwhile,attention should be paid to avoiding the adverse effects of congenital endowment factors and the induction of acquired environmental factors,strengthening the body's health to protect against the evil wind,preventing the transformation of existing diseases and the recurrence of allergic rhinitis in children at all stages.