Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods: Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue. Results: Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated. Conclusion Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:Precision therapy based on multifunctional nanomaterials is a novel therapeutic model for malignancies that can integrate multiple imaging and therapeutic models into one nanoscale platform to achieve visual combination treatment. OBJECTIVE:To prepare novel nanoparticles loaded with Cu2(OH)PO4 nanoparticles(CuNPs)and nuciferine(NF)(h-PCuNF),and to explore their ability to mediate combined photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemodynamic therapy/chemotherapy for malignancy. METHODS:The h-PCuNF nanoparticles were synthesized through a double-emulsion procedure,through which the CuNPs and NF were loaded into the shell of hollow poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid nanocarriers.The morphology,structure,particle size,and zeta potential of the h-PCuNF nanoparticles were characterized.In deionized water,the magnetic resonance imaging and photothermal conversion performances of the h-PCuNF nanoparticles,as well as their capability to implement reactive oxygen species production by mediating photocatalysis and Fenton-like reactions,were evaluated.In liver malignant tumor cell line HepG2 cells,the effectiveness of the photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemodynamic therapy/chemotherapy combination therapy mediated by the nanoparticles was detected by employing fluorescence imaging and MTT assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The h-PCuNF nanoparticles possessed a hollow spherical structure in which the CuNPs(drug loading rate and encapsulation rate were 26.3%and 63.2%,respectively)and NF(drug loading rate and encapsulation rate were 11.0%and 52.6%,respectively)were loaded into the shell.The average particle size of the h-PCuNF nanoparticles was(309.2±10.0)nm,while the zeta potential was determined to be(-12.5±0.9)mV.In physiological environments,the nanoparticles possess favorable suspension stability.(2)In deionized water,the h-PCuNF nanoparticles could markedly enhance T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging images.The h-PCuNF nanoparticles showed remarkable photothermal conversion and photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation capabilities under near infrared laser irradiation.In addition,the h-PCuNF nanoparticles could consume glutathione and mediate Fenton-like reactions to produce·OH.(3)The h-PCuNF nanoparticles could be taken up by HepG2 tumor cells and were mainly distributed in the cytoplasm.The synergistic therapeutic effect was demonstrated after the nanoparticles were activated by near infrared laser irradiation,because CuNPs mediated photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy/chemodynamic therapy and NF mediated chemotherapy could synergistically eliminate the tumor cells.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Zexie tang （ZXT） on reducing lipid accumulation through network pharmacology， and compare the difference of traditional decoction versus formula granules. METHODS The active components and targets of ZXT were identified using TCMSP and SwissTargetPrediction databases. GeneCards， OMIM， DisGeNET and TTD databases were used to analyze the related targets of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）； protein-protein interaction network model was constructed by String database；“ ZXT-NAFLD target-pathway” network diagram was constructed by using CytoScape software； target enrichment analysis was performed by using Metascape platform. Fat accumulation model of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells was established to observe the effects of traditional decoction and formula granules of ZXT on lipid accumulation of cells. RESULTS Alisol B， alisol C， 1-monolinolein and alisol B monoacetate were the key active components of ZXT in the treatment of NAFLD. The core targets included MDM2， MAPK1， PIK3CB， PRKCQ and MAPK14， etc. The core signaling pathways included endocrine resistance， insulin resistance and Th17 cell differentiation. Compared with model group， except for the Zexie formula granules group and Baizhu formula granules group， the absorbance values in all other administration groups were significantly decreased （P＜0.01）； the absorbance value of Baizhu traditional decoction group was significantly higher than that of ZXT traditional decoction group （P＜0.01）； the absorbance values of Zexie formula granule group and Baizhu formula granule group were significantly higher than that of ZXT formula granule group （P＜0.01）； the absorbance value of Zexie formula granule group was significantly higher than that of Zexie traditional decoction group （P＜0.01）； the absorbance value of Baizhu formula granule group was significantly higher than that of Baizhu traditional decoction group （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ZXT reduces lipid accumulation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells through multiple components， multiple target and multiple pathways， and its traditional decoction and formula granules exhibit slightly different lipid-lowering effects.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a globally life-threatening disease. Presently, few therapeutic medicines are available for treating IS, and rt-PA is the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. In fact, many agents showing excellent neuroprotection but no blood flow-improving activity in animals have not achieved ideal clinical efficacy, while thrombolytic drugs only improving blood flow without neuroprotection have limited their wider application. To address these challenges and meet the huge unmet clinical need, we have designed and identified a novel compound AAPB with dual effects of neuroprotection and cerebral blood flow improvement. AAPB significantly reduced cerebral infarction and neural function deficit in tMCAO rats, pMCAO rats, and IS rhesus monkeys, as well as displayed exceptional safety profiles and excellent pharmacokinetic properties in rats and dogs. AAPB has now entered phase I of clinical trials fighting IS in China.

Glioma, the most prevalent primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), is also the most lethal primary malignant tumor. Currently, there are limited chemotherapeutics available for glioma treatment, necessitating further research to identify and develop new chemotherapeutic agents. A significant approach to discovering anti-glioma drugs involves isolating antitumor active ingredients from natural products (NPs) and optimizing their structures. Additionally, targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) are employed to enhance drug solubility and stability and overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB). TDDSs can penetrate deep into the brain, increase drug concentration and retention time in the CNS, and improve the targeting efficiency of NPs, thereby reducing adverse effects and enhancing anti-glioma efficacy. This paper reviews the research progress of anti-glioma activities of NPs, including alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, quinones, and their synthetic derivatives over the past decade. The review also summarizes anti-glioma mechanisms, such as suppression of related protein expression, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, control of apoptosis signaling pathways, reduction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression, blocking of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and reversal of immunosuppression. Furthermore, the functions and advantages of NP-based TDDSs in anti-glioma therapy are examined. The key information presented in this review will be valuable for the research and development of NP-based anti-glioma drugs and related TDDSs.
Humans ; Glioma/metabolism* ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Brain Neoplasms/genetics* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

ObjectiveTo determine the association between solid fuel exposure and cancer risk among middle-aged and elderly adults in China, to investigate the underlying biological pathways through selected serological markers, and to examine whether adequate physical activity can mitigate this risk by modulating these pathways. MethodsBased on baseline characteristics, health status indicators and hematological data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011‒2018), multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between solid fuel use and cancer risk, with stratified analyses conducted by physical activity levels. In addition, mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the role of serological markers including hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit in the association between solid fuel use and cancer incidence. ResultsSolid fuel use was significantly associated with an increased cancer risk (OR=1.344, 95%CI: 1.113‒1.615). This association remained significant among individuals with low levels of physical activity ( OR=1.344, 95%CI: 1.067‒1.673 ), but not statistically significant among those with adequate physical activity. Hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit showed a negative mediating effect between solid fuel use and cancer incidence, and this effect was stronger among those with low levels of physical activity. ConclusionIndoor solid fuel use represents an important environmental risk factor for cancer incidence in China’s middle-aged and elderly population, while regular physical activity may reduce carcinogenic risk through modulation of inflammatory levels and hematological indicators such as hemoglobin and hematocrit. Public health strategies should integrate clean energy promotion with exercise interventions to mitigate the cancer burden associated with solid fuel pollution.

Objective: To elucidate the differences in manual acupuncture effectiveness at sensitized points by investigating the mechanisms of local skin action at different sensitization points in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: Forty Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into control, model (1 mg of monoiodoacetate into the right knee joint cavity), sham operation, manual acupuncture at right Tianjing acupoint (MAR-SJ 10), and left SJ 10 groups. Safranine-O and fast green staining were used to assess the modeling. The morphological and functional changes in mast cells (MCs) were assessed during acupoint sensitization using toluidine blue and immunofluorescence staining. The levels of serotonin, histamine, substance P (SP), and tryptase at skin acupoints and serum levels of IL-β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected using ELISA. Results: After 14 days of treatment, the number of MCs and their degranulation rates were statistically higher in the model group than in the control group (both P < .001). After applying acupuncture, the levels of 5-HT, HA, and SP at skin acupoints were lower than those in the model group (all P < .05), and tryptase level was higher (both P < .05). Tryptase level was higher on the skin at the MAL-SJ 10 acupoint than that on the MAR-SJ 10 acupoint (P = .004). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the MAR-SJ 10 and MAL-SJ 10 groups were lower (all P < .05). Conclusion Acupuncture at KOA-sensitized acupoints mitigates joint injury in KOA rats and may bidirectionally regulate local MCs of these acupoints. This finding not only enhances the reference value of sensitizing points in clinical diagnosis and treatment, but also contributes to the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying acupuncture intervention at sensitizing points.

BACKGROUND:With social progress,the incidence rate of knee osteoarthritis is getting higher and higher in the face of the rapidly developing aging problem in the social population,and the number of total knee replacement operations is gradually increasing. OBJECTIVE:To study the relationship between prosthesis size and stress shielding by improving the tibial prosthesis base. METHODS:A female patient with severe knee osteoarthritis was selected.Based on Mimics,through extracting the bone structure of the knee joint and simulating the total knee replacement surgery,osteotomy,positioning,and implantation operations were carried out to establish the geometric modeling of the total knee replacement prosthesis(including the femoral prosthesis,tibial bracket,and tibial pad),and improve the design of the tibial prosthesis base,analyze the effect of different tibial prosthesis bases on stress shielding of surrounding bone tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with single-stem tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis,the design of four-post tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis created a certain degree of stress shielding around the short stem.However,compared with a thicker single long stem,this stress shielding effect was significantly reduced,and the load was evenly distributed among the four short stems,so there was no stress concentration at the bottom of the pile.(2)The design with a rectangular hole in the middle not only provided relatively good stability,but also helped to reduce stress shielding of cancellous bone to a certain extent,with a reduction rate of 77.5%.(3)Compared with a single-stem tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis,both the four-post tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis and the four-post tibial intramedullary stem prosthesis with a hole in the middle have good stability,which can reduce stress shielding to a certain extent without causing stress concentration,providing theoretical guidance for the design of the tibial intramedullary stem.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women.With the development of genomics technology and medical frontier technology,the systemic treatment of breast cancer has gradually entered the era of personalized medicine.However,the decision-making of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer still mainly relies on traditional clinicopathological factors,and there is a lack of scientific and reliable tools to guide precise radiotherapy in different populations.Hormone receptor(HR)positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)negative breast cancer is the most common molecular subtype of breast cancer.The 21-Gene recurrence score(RS)test(Oncotype Dx?,Genomic Health,Redwood City,CA)is a commercially available genomic test for breast cancer.In this article,we reviewed the current research evidence on the use of 21-Gene RS test for radiotherapy decision-making in HR-positive HER2-negative early breast cancer.Current clinical studies support the predictive value of 21-Gene RS test for adjuvant radiotherapy,and several large-scale prospective clinical studies in this area are underway.

Objective:To investigate the application value of antegrade splenic superior region dissection first in laparoscopic total gastrectomy of obesity gastric cancer.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 21 obesity patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy in Renji Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from July 2018 to October 2023 were collected. There were 16 males and 5 females, aged (58±13)years. All 21 patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrec-tomy with antegrade splenic superior region dissection first. Observation indicators: operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, laparotomy conversion, intraoperative splenic hemorrhage or gastric hemorrhage, lymph node dissection, time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative initial liquid food intake, duration of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complication. Measure-ment data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and count data were expressed as absolute numbers. Results:All 21 patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy success-fully, with the operation time of (283±47)minutes, time for splenogastric ligament and vascular manage-ment of (34±12)minutes, volume of intraoperative blood loss of (143±86)mL, and no laparotomy conversion. There was no intraoperative splenic hemorrhage or gastric haemorrhage. The total number of lymph node dissected in 21 patients was 375, with the number of lymph node dissected as (21±9)per case. Time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative initial liquid food intake and duration of postoperative hospital stay in 21 patients were (3.1±0.7)days, (4.0±0.8)days and (10.1±3.0)days, respectively. There were 2 patients with postoperative complications, including 1 case of incision infection and 1 case of lung infection. The 2 patients with postoperative com-plications were recovered and discharged after conservative treatment. There was no death during the postoperative 30 days.Conclusion:The application of antegrade splenic superior region dissec-tion first in laparoscopic total gastrectomy is safe and feasible, which can reduce surgical difficulty.