ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Sini San （SNS） inhibits ferroptosis， alleviates inflammation and myocardial injury， and improves myocardial infarction （MI）. MethodsThe active ingredients of SNS were obtained by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform （TCMSP） database， its target sites were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction Database， and the core components were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in. The targets of MI and ferroptosis were obtained by using GeneCards， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM） database， DrugBank， Therapeutic Target Database （TTD）， FerrDb database and literature review， respectively. The intersection of these targets of SNS-MI-ferroptosis was plotted as a Venn diagram. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed using the STRING database， and the visualization graph was prepared using Cytoscape. The core targets were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in， and the biological functions were clustered by the MCODE plug-in. Gene Ontology （GO） functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the David database. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock and visualized with PyMOL2.5.2. The Kunming mice were randomly divided into the control group， the model group， the SNS group， and the trimetazidine （TMZ） group. The mice were subcutaneously injected with isoprenaline （ISO， 5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） to establish an MI model. The drug was continuously intervened for 7 days. The ST-segment changes were recorded by electrocardiogram （ECG）， and the tissue morphology changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cardiomyocyte ferroptosis was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Serum creatine kinase （CK）， creatine kinase isoenzyme （CK-MB）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， reduced glutathione （GSH）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） levels were detected by biochemical assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum levels of interleukin （IL）-6 and 4-hydroxynonenal （4-HNE）. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to detect IL-6 and phosphorylated signal transducer and transcription activator 3 （p-STAT3） in cardiac tissues. Western blot was used to detect STAT3 and p-STAT3 in cardiac tissues. Real-time PCR was used to detect the levels of IL-6， IL-18， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase （ALOX15）， and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPx4） in cardiac tissues. ResultsA total of 121 active ingredients of SNS were obtained， and 58 potential targets of SNS in the treatment of MI by regulating ferroptosis were screened. The three protein modules with a score5 were mainly related to the inflammatory response. The GO function was mainly related to inflammation， and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that SNS mainly regulated ferroptosis- and inflammation- related signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that the core component had a higher binding force to the target site. Animal experiments confirmed that SNS reduced the level of p-STAT3 （P0.01）， down-regulated the expression of ALOX15 mRNA （P0.01）， up-regulated the level of serum GSH， and the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPx4 mRNA， reduced MDA and 4-HNE levels （P0.05， P0.01）. Additionally， SNS improved the mitochondrial injury induced by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis， reduced the area of MI， alleviated inflammation and myocardial injury， lowered the levels of serum CK， CK-MB， LDH， IL-6， and the mRNA expression levels of IL-16 and IL-18 （P0.05）， and improved ST segment elevation. ConclusionSNS can reduce ISO-induced STAT3 phosphorylation levels， inhibit ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes， alleviate inflammation and myocardial injury， thereby improving MI.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Sini San （SNS） inhibits ferroptosis， alleviates inflammation and myocardial injury， and improves myocardial infarction （MI）. MethodsThe active ingredients of SNS were obtained by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform （TCMSP） database， its target sites were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction Database， and the core components were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in. The targets of MI and ferroptosis were obtained by using GeneCards， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM） database， DrugBank， Therapeutic Target Database （TTD）， FerrDb database and literature review， respectively. The intersection of these targets of SNS-MI-ferroptosis was plotted as a Venn diagram. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed using the STRING database， and the visualization graph was prepared using Cytoscape. The core targets were screened out using the CytoNCA plug-in， and the biological functions were clustered by the MCODE plug-in. Gene Ontology （GO） functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the David database. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock and visualized with PyMOL2.5.2. The Kunming mice were randomly divided into the control group， the model group， the SNS group， and the trimetazidine （TMZ） group. The mice were subcutaneously injected with isoprenaline （ISO， 5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） to establish an MI model. The drug was continuously intervened for 7 days. The ST-segment changes were recorded by electrocardiogram （ECG）， and the tissue morphology changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cardiomyocyte ferroptosis was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Serum creatine kinase （CK）， creatine kinase isoenzyme （CK-MB）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， reduced glutathione （GSH）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） levels were detected by biochemical assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum levels of interleukin （IL）-6 and 4-hydroxynonenal （4-HNE）. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to detect IL-6 and phosphorylated signal transducer and transcription activator 3 （p-STAT3） in cardiac tissues. Western blot was used to detect STAT3 and p-STAT3 in cardiac tissues. Real-time PCR was used to detect the levels of IL-6， IL-18， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase （ALOX15）， and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPx4） in cardiac tissues. ResultsA total of 121 active ingredients of SNS were obtained， and 58 potential targets of SNS in the treatment of MI by regulating ferroptosis were screened. The three protein modules with a score5 were mainly related to the inflammatory response. The GO function was mainly related to inflammation， and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that SNS mainly regulated ferroptosis- and inflammation- related signaling pathways. Molecular docking indicated that the core component had a higher binding force to the target site. Animal experiments confirmed that SNS reduced the level of p-STAT3 （P0.01）， down-regulated the expression of ALOX15 mRNA （P0.01）， up-regulated the level of serum GSH， and the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPx4 mRNA， reduced MDA and 4-HNE levels （P0.05， P0.01）. Additionally， SNS improved the mitochondrial injury induced by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis， reduced the area of MI， alleviated inflammation and myocardial injury， lowered the levels of serum CK， CK-MB， LDH， IL-6， and the mRNA expression levels of IL-16 and IL-18 （P0.05）， and improved ST segment elevation. ConclusionSNS can reduce ISO-induced STAT3 phosphorylation levels， inhibit ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes， alleviate inflammation and myocardial injury， thereby improving MI.

Oocyte maturation disorders and fertilization failures are caused by a variety of factors, including complex factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and poor oocyte quality. With the widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technology, more and more genetic mutations have been found to be associated with oocyte maturation and fertilization process in infertile patients. This paper summarizes and discusses 11 key genes ( TRIP13, TBPL2, LHX8, PATL2, TUBB8, CDC20, WEE2, ZP, ASTL, JUNO and CD9) related to oocyte maturation and fertilization-related disorders in females, providing a basis for research on the prevention of diseases associated with oocyte maturation blockage and fertilization failure and the development of targeted therapies.

Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH), an autosomal recessive disorder, stems from genetic mutations affecting the enzymes and cofactors integral to adrenal steroidogenesis. These mutations may result in diminished activity or a complete loss of function for critical enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The impairment of these enzymatic processes has profound implications for reproductive health in females, mediated through both genetic and endocrine pathways. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis of various enzyme defects in different types of NCCAH, their clinical features, and their impact on female fertility. It is hoped that this will help refine the diagnostic strategies for infertility associated with NCCAH, thereby enhancing fertility of patients and providing new directions and opportunities for further research in this field.

Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH), an autosomal recessive disorder, stems from genetic mutations affecting the enzymes and cofactors integral to adrenal steroidogenesis. These mutations may result in diminished activity or a complete loss of function for critical enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The impairment of these enzymatic processes has profound implications for reproductive health in females, mediated through both genetic and endocrine pathways. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis of various enzyme defects in different types of NCCAH, their clinical features, and their impact on female fertility. It is hoped that this will help refine the diagnostic strategies for infertility associated with NCCAH, thereby enhancing fertility of patients and providing new directions and opportunities for further research in this field.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events such as abuse and neglect experienced before the age of 18 years, which have negative impacts on an individual's physical and mental health. Studies have shown that ACEs not only increase the risk of health-harming behaviors such as smoking and alcohol abuse, but are also risk factors for depression and anxiety. The influence of ACEs on depression and anxiety exhibits type-specificity, cumulative effects, and temporal dynamics. The impact of ACE types on depression and anxiety varies across populations and genders, a dose-response relationship exists between the number of ACEs and depression/anxiety, and the phase, trajectory, and frequency of ACEs also significantly influence depression and anxiety. This article collected literature on ACEs and depression/anxiety from January 1995 to June 2024 by searching the CNKI and PubMed databases. It provides a comprehensive review of the associations between different ACEs types, quantities, categories, timing, trajectories, frequencies, and the risks of depression and anxiety, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms of these associations. The findings aim to offer references for the prevention and intervention of ACEs and the improvement of mental health.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the disease burden and inequalities of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LEPAD) among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. The age-standardized prevalence rates, mortality rates, and the annual rate of years lived with disability (YLDs) of LEPAD were analyzed. Trends were measured using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and the slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index were used to quantify the absolute and relative inequalities. RESULTS: In 2021, the age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates of LEPAD were 3168.26/10⁵ and 3.09/10⁵, increasing by 4.30% and 19.31% compared to 1990, while YLDs rates decreased by 4.00%. Females had higher age-standardized prevalence and YLDs rates, while males had higher mortality rates. The EAPC for prevalence rates was slightly higher in males (0.22%) than in females (0.17%); while the EAPC of age-standardized mortality rate was 2.02% for females, compared to 1.45% for males. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized YLDs rates decreased from 16.23/10⁵ to 15.58/10⁵, with a faster decline in females (－0.12%) than in males (－0.06%). LEPAD prevalence varied across countries, with higher burden in Europe and faster growth in Gulf states. Higher socio-demographic index countries had higher prevalence. Inequity improved, with the SII at 52.90/10⁵ and concentration index at 0.038 in 2021. Gender disparities persisted, with concentration index increased to 0.058 in females and reduced to －0.026 in males. CONCLUSIONS LEPAD prevalence and mortality among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries increased, while YLDs rates decreased from 1990 to 2021. Significant differences among people exist depending on gender and country, highlighting the need for enhanced screening, health education, and shared public health strategies across the Belt and Road partner countries.
Humans ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Prevalence ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Cost of Illness

Advanced atherosclerosis is the major global cause of death, as featured by the aggregation of apoptotic cells (ACs) in necrotic cores. The defective efferocytosis and dysfunctional cholesterol efflux of macrophages are the main reasons for forming necrotic cores in advanced atherosclerosis. In this study, we constructed self-assembled procyanidins (PC) NPs for loading pitavastatin (Pita). The designed HA@PC@Pita NPs with hyaluronic acid (HA) modification combined the advantages of efferocytosis restoration of Pita and cholesterol efflux enhancement of PC. In vitro assay indicated that HA@PC@Pita NPs could induce M1/M2 repolarization and upregulate ERK5/Mertk expression to restore efferocytosis of macrophages. Simultaneously, HA@PC@Pita NPs notably promoted cholesterol efflux by promoting macrophage lipophagy, a selective autophagy of lipid droplets. In vivo study showed that HA@PC@Pita NPs cleared necrotic core and enhanced plaque stability in the ApoE ^-/- mice model with advanced atherosclerosis. Taken together, this study demonstrated the potential of HA@PC@Pita NPs for the treatment of advanced atherosclerosis.

Oocyte maturation disorders and fertilization failures are caused by a variety of factors, including complex factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and poor oocyte quality. With the widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technology, more and more genetic mutations have been found to be associated with oocyte maturation and fertilization process in infertile patients. This paper summarizes and discusses 11 key genes ( TRIP13, TBPL2, LHX8, PATL2, TUBB8, CDC20, WEE2, ZP, ASTL, JUNO and CD9) related to oocyte maturation and fertilization-related disorders in females, providing a basis for research on the prevention of diseases associated with oocyte maturation blockage and fertilization failure and the development of targeted therapies.

Objective:To explore the expression levels of adrenomedullin (ADM) in follicular fluid of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its correlation with ovarian function and inflammation.Methods:To conduct a cohort study, the data on infertile couples who received an antagonistic regimen of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to promote ovulation from March to December 2023 at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Shanxi Children's Hospital (Shanxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital) were collected. PCOS patients were selected as the PCOS group, and patients who underwent IVF/ICSI assisted pregnancy solely due to tubal and/or male factors during the same period were selected as control group. The general clinical data of two groups of patients were analyzed, and the expression of ADM, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-18, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in the follicular fluid were compared between the two groups of patients. And taking the concentration of ADM in follicular fluid as the main research indicator, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted with other indicators. Simultaneously the ADM mRNA expression, cell cycle and cell apoptosis of granulosa cells were compared between the two groups. Results:This study included 20 cases in the PCOS group and 20 cases in control group. Compared with control group, the expression of ADM in follicular fluid and granulosa cells of patients with PCOS were significantly lower (both P<0.001), while its testosterone, the ratio of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, antral follicle count (AFC), number of retrieved eggs, ovarian sensitivity index, as well as IL-1β, IL-18 and TGF-β in follicular fluid were higher and negatively correlated with ADM ( r=-0.37, P=0.019; r=-0.32, P=0.047; r=-0.50, P<0.001; r=-0.38, P=0.017; r=-0.38, P=0.016; r=-0.44, P=0.005; r=-0.37, P=0.018; r=-0.54, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression showed that AFC, gonadotropin initiation dose, IL-1β and TGF-β were the independent related factors that affect local ADM levels ( r=-0.37, P=0.008; r=-0.27, P=0.035; r=-0.28, P=0.028; r=-0.45, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the cell cycle of granulocytes between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the apoptosis rate (AR) of granulocytes was higher in the PCOS group than in control group (median AR in the PCOS group was 46.07%, median AR in control group was 28.57%, n=10, P=0.036). Conclusion:The decreased expression of ADM in follicles of PCOS patients is related to ovarian endocrine disorders, multiple vesicles, high ovarian responsiveness and local inflammatory status.