ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （STZ） at 40 mg·kg^-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet （HFD）. Fasting blood glucose （FBG） ≥ 11.1 mmol·L^-1， increased urine volume， and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows： Blank， model， low- and high-dose （0.98 and 1.96 g·kg^-1， respectively） Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules， and losartan potassium （30 mg·kg^-1）， with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage， urine and kidney specimens were collected， and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio （UACR） in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining， and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein （SCAP）， sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c （SREBP-1c）， and NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR （P<0.05）， glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion， collagen fiber deposition， mesangial proliferation， and inflammatory cell infiltration， elevated levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α （P<0.05）， reduced positive expression of nephrin （P<0.05）， increased lipid deposition （P<0.05）， and up-regulated expression of SCAP， SREBP-1c， and NLRP3 （P<0.05） in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group， the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR （P<0.05）， and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein （P<0.05）. Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated， with reduced inflammatory infiltration， collagen fiber deposition， and mesangial proliferation， and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue （P<0.05）. In addition， all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets （P<0.05）， lowered levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α （P<0.05）， and down-regulated expression of SCAP， SREBP-1c， and NLRP3 （P<0.05） in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway， which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules on the kidneys in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were selected as experimental objects. The model of diabetic kidney disease was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （STZ） at 40 mg·kg^-1 for 5 days combined with a high-fat diet （HFD）. Fasting blood glucose （FBG） ≥ 11.1 mmol·L^-1， increased urine volume， and continuous appearance of proteinuria indicated successful modeling. Mice were grouped as follows： Blank， model， low- and high-dose （0.98 and 1.96 g·kg^-1， respectively） Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules， and losartan potassium （30 mg·kg^-1）， with six mice in each group. After 12 weeks of continuous gavage， urine and kidney specimens were collected， and the 24-h urinary protein and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio （UACR） in mice were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining， and Masson staining were performed for observation of histopathological changes in kidneys. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the positive expression of the podocyte marker protein nephrin. Oil red O staining was used to detect renal lipid deposition. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the renal tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein （SCAP）， sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c （SREBP-1c）， and NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increases in 24-h urinary protein and UACR （P<0.05）， glomeruli exhibiting capsule adhesion， collagen fiber deposition， mesangial proliferation， and inflammatory cell infiltration， elevated levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α （P<0.05）， reduced positive expression of nephrin （P<0.05）， increased lipid deposition （P<0.05）， and up-regulated expression of SCAP， SREBP-1c， and NLRP3 （P<0.05） in the renal tissue. Compared with the model group， the treatment with losartan potassium or high-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks decreased 24-h urinary protein and UACR （P<0.05）， and the treatment with low-dose Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules for 12 weeks reduced the 24-h urinary protein （P<0.05）. Pathological staining results revealed that kidney damage in mice from all treatment groups was alleviated， with reduced inflammatory infiltration， collagen fiber deposition， and mesangial proliferation， and increased positive expression of nephrin in the renal tissue （P<0.05）. In addition， all the treatment groups showed reduced lipid droplets （P<0.05）， lowered levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α （P<0.05）， and down-regulated expression of SCAP， SREBP-1c， and NLRP3 （P<0.05） in the renal tissue. ConclusionZhenzhu Tiaozhi capsules can ameliorate kidney damage in the mouse model of diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the activation of the SCAP-SREBP-1c/NLRP3 signaling pathway， which reduces renal lipid deposition and inflammation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet-C (UVC) irradiation in inactivating porcine parvovirus (PPV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), pseudorabies virus (PRV) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) within von Willebrand factor (vWF) preparations. Methods: An ultraviolet inactivator (254 nm primary wavelength) was employed to optimize UV exposure dosages for the samples, and the initial test groups were set at five irradiation gradients: 100, 200, 400, 1 000, and 1 500 J/m gradients. Based on the results of the preliminary experiments, subsequent formal experiments implemented refined dosage parameters at 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m . Virucidal efficacy against various pathogenic strains was evaluated via cytopathic effect (CPE) observation methodology, while simultaneously quantifying von Willebrand factor antigen levels (vWF∶Ag) and collagen-binding activity (vWF∶CBA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and automated coagulation analysis systems before and after UVC treatment. Results: The results showed that > 100 J/m UVC irradiation achieved a≥4.0 log reduction factor in vWF. For vWF antigen, retention rates were observed to be 93.67%, 91.72%, 93.54%, 79.05%, and 85.50% at UVC doses of 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 J/m , respectively. Similarly, the retention rates of vWF collagen-binding activity were 81.11%, 87.81%, 86.15%, 73.73%, and 73.72% under the same dose conditions. Conclusion: Considering both inactivation efficacy and functional preservation while ensuring safety and effectiveness, 100-150 J/m represents the optimal inactivation dose.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and the live birth rate (LBR) using different propensity score methods. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, eligible women who underwent a COH were divided into acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups. The primary outcome was LBR, as determined by propensity score matching (PSM). LBR was defined as the delivery of one or more living infants that reached a gestational age over 28 weeks after embryo transfer. The propensity score model encompassed 16 confounding variables. To validate the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted using three additional propensity score methods: propensity score adjustment, inverse probability weighting (IPW), and IPW with a "doubly robust" estimator. RESULTS: The primary cohort encompassed 9751 patients (1830 [18.76%] in the acupuncture group and 7921 [81.23%] in the non-acupuncture group). Following 1:1 PSM, a higher LBR was found in the acupuncture cohort (41.4% [755/1824] vs 36.4% [664/1824], with an odds ratio of 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.41]). Three additional propensity score methods produced essentially similar results. The risk of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION This retrospective study revealed an association between acupuncture and an increased LBR among patients undergoing COH, and that acupuncture is a safe and valuable treatment option. Please cite this article as: Zheng XY, Jiang ZY, Li YT, Li CL, Zhu H, Yu Z, Yu SY, Yang LL, Tang SY, Lü XY, Liang FR, Yang J. Association between acupuncture and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfer: A cohort study based on different propensity score methods. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):528-536.
Humans ; Female ; Propensity Score ; Embryo Transfer ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy ; Live Birth ; Birth Rate ; Cohort Studies

(+)-Strebloside, a significant bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Streblus asper Lour., demonstrates inhibitory effects against multiple malignancies. However, its specific function and underlying mechanistic pathways in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) remain unexplored. This investigation sought to elucidate the role and potential mechanisms of (+)-strebloside-induced NHL cell death. The results demonstrated that (+)-strebloside significantly induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in NHL cells, including those from Raji cell-derived xenograft models. Mechanistic analyses revealed that (+)-strebloside enhanced six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (STEAP3)-induced ferroptosis in NHL, and STEAP3 inhibition reduced the proliferation-inhibitory effects of (+)-strebloside. Furthermore, (+)-strebloside suppressed NHL proliferation through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition diminished the proliferation-inhibitory activity induced by (+)-strebloside. These findings indicate that (+)-strebloside presents promising therapeutic potential for NHL treatment.
Humans ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/physiopathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Male ; Mice, Nude

OBJECTIVE: Observational studies have found associations between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and vascular dementia (VD); however, these findings are inconsistent. It remains unclear whether these associations are causal. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis by systematically searching for observational studies on the association between IBD and dementia. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis based on summary genome-wide association studies (GWASs) was performed. Genetic correlation and Bayesian co-localization analyses were used to provide robust genetic evidence. RESULTS: Ten observational studies involving 80,565,688 participants were included in this meta-analysis. IBD was significantly associated with dementia (risk ratio [ RR] =1.36, 95% CI = 1.04-1.78; I ² = 84.8%) and VD ( RR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.18-5.70; only one study), but not with AD ( RR = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.96-4.13; I ² = 99.8%). MR analyses did not supported significant causal associations of IBD with dementia (dementia: odds ratio [ OR] = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.98-1.03; AD: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95-1.01; VD: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.07). In addition, genetic correlation and co-localization analyses did not reveal any genetic associations between IBD and dementia. CONCLUSION Our study did not provide genetic evidence for a causal association between IBD and dementia risk. The increased risk of dementia observed in observational studies may be attributed to unobserved confounding factors or detection bias.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications* ; Dementia/etiology* ; Observational Studies as Topic ; Genome-Wide Association Study

Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process that requires a tightly controlled epigenetic event in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). The mechanisms underlying the transition from SSCs to sperm are largely unknown. Most studies utilize gene knockout mice to explain the mechanisms. However, the production of genetically engineered mice is costly and time-consuming. In this study, we presented a convenient research strategy using an RNA interference (RNAi) and testicular transplantation approach. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation was dynamically regulated during spermatogenesis. As Jumonji domain-containing protein 1A (JMJD1A) and Jumonji domain-containing protein 2C (JMJD2C) demethylases catalyze histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), we firstly analyzed the expression profile of the two demethylases and then investigated their function. Using the convenient research strategy, we showed that normal spermatogenesis is disrupted due to the downregulated expression of both demethylases. These results suggest that this strategy might be a simple and alternative approach for analyzing spermatogenesis relative to the gene knockout mice strategy.
Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; RNA Interference ; Testis/metabolism* ; Methylation ; Mice, Knockout ; Histone Demethylases

OBJECTIVES: To compare serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and peak growth hormone (GH) levels between girls with isolated premature thelarche (IPT) and central precocious puberty (CPP), to construct a prediction model for progression from IPT to CPP, and to assess its diagnostic value. METHODS: Girls diagnosed with IPT (n=111) between January 2022 and August 2023 at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Hospital were retrospectively included. According to follow-up outcomes, participants were categorized into a CPP group (35 cases) and an IPT group (36 cases). A clinical prediction model for progression to CPP was constructed by multivariable logistic regression, and the contributions of IGF-1 and peak GH were evaluated. Restricted cubic spline analysis was used to assess the dose-response relationships of IGF-1 and peak GH with CPP. Decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate clinical utility. RESULTS: IGF-1 and peak GH were higher in the CPP group than in the IPT group (P<0.05). Compared with model 1 (without IGF-1 and peak GH), model 2 (with IGF-1 and peak GH) showed significantly higher area under the curve, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement (all P<0.05). Model 2 (χ 2=6.054, P=0.889) also demonstrated better goodness-of-fit than model 1 (χ 2=7.717, P=0.634). Nonlinear dose-response relationships were observed for peak GH and IGF-1 with CPP (P for overall trend <0.05; P for nonlinearity <0.05). Decision curve analysis indicated that combined prediction using IGF-1 and peak GH provided greater net benefit than either biomarker alone. CONCLUSIONS Peak GH and IGF-1 are closely associated with progression from IPT to CPP in girls. A clinical prediction model incorporating peak GH and IGF-1 can improve prediction of progression to CPP and yield higher net benefit.
Humans ; Female ; Puberty, Precocious/etiology* ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/analysis* ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Human Growth Hormone/blood* ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Child, Preschool ; Logistic Models

Objective： The aim of this study is to explore the predictive value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L and establish a nomogram. Methods： The imaging data and clinical data of 363 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer, and a nomogram of the clinical prediction model was established. Calibration curves were drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Results： Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed extrocapusular extension (OR=8.08,95%CI=2.62－24.97, P<0.01), enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes (OR=4.45,95%CI=1.16－17.11,P=0.030), and biopsy ISUP grade(OR=1.97,95%CI=1.12－3.46, P=0.018)were independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.834, which indicated that the model had a good prediction ability. The actual value of the model calibration curve and the prediction probability of the model fitted well, indicating that the model had a good accuracy. Further analysis of DCA curve showed that the model had good clinical application value when the risk threshold ranged from 0.05 to 0.70.Conclusion： For prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L, bpMRI has a good predictive value for the pelvic lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer with extrocapusular extension, enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes and ISUP grade≥4.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood* ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Pelvis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostatectomy ; Lymph Node Excision ; Risk Factors ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy of Wenyang Lishui Formula (WYLSF) in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and explore the suitable range of estradiol (E₂) on the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day in patients with OHSS using WYLSF. METHODS: Part I: eligible patients at high risk for OHSS undergoing ovulation induction between January and December, 2023 were randomized into 2 groups based on the actual treatment. The treatment group received 200 mL WYLSF formula twice daily for 5 days after oocyte retrieval in a combination of lifestyle coaching (LC) intervention including regular diet and exercise, whereas the LC group received LC intervention alone. The incidence of OHSS, OHSS self-assessment scales, changes in E₂ levels on HCG day and 5 days after oocyte retrieval, ovarian morphology changes, and menstrual recovery were compared between the two groups. Part II: patients at high risk for OHSS treated with WYLSF were studied. The optimal E₂ threshold on the HCG day was determined using the maximum selection test, and a multivariate analysis was adopted to compare the relationship between different E₂ levels on HCG day and hospitalization rate, incidence of moderate to severe OHSS, and self-assessment scales, to explore the preventive effect of WYLSF on OHSS in patients with varying E₂ levels. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included in the Part I analysis. The treatment group (60 cases) showed a significant reduction in the incidence, duration, and severity of abdominal distension, as well as the incidence of vomiting compared with the LC group (P<0.05). The post-retrieval E₂ levels in the treatment group decreased significantly more (P=0.032). Among 1,652 patients treated with WYLSF in the Part II, 90 patients with ⩽ 10092 pmol/L, 159 with >31074 pmol/L, and 1,403 in the middle range group were formed based on E₂ levels on HCG day in Part two analysis. Univariate and regression analyses showed that patients with E₂ levels >31073 pmol/L had a significantly higher incidence of moderate to severe OHSS compared to those with E₂ levels ⩽ 10092 pmol/L (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS WYLSF can effectively reduce specific symptoms in high-risk OHSS patients after ovulation induction and significantly lower E₂ levels. It may be more suitable for high-risk OHSS patients with E₂ levels <31073 pmol/L on HCG day. (Registration No. MR-11-23-032493, https://www.medicalresearch.org.cn/login ).
Humans ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome/blood* ; Female ; Adult ; Prospective Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Estradiol/blood* ; Ovulation Induction ; Chorionic Gonadotropin