Recent studies have shown that an imbalance in iron metabolism can affect the composition and microstructural changes of bone, disrupting bone homeostasis and leading to osteoporosis(OP). The imbalance in iron metabolism, along with its induced local abnormal microenvironment and cellular iron death, has become a new focal point in OP research, drawing increasing attention from the academic community regarding the regulation of iron metabolism to prevent and manage OP. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), iron metabolism imbalance has potential connections to TCM theories regarding internal organs, as well as treatments aimed at tonifying the kidney, strengthening the spleen, and activating blood circulation. Evidence is continually emerging that TCMs and effective components that tonify the kidney, strengthen the spleen, and activate blood circulation can prevent and manage OP by regulating iron metabolism. This article analyzes the relationship between iron and bone, as well as the effects of TCM formulations on improving iron metabolism and influencing bone metabolism, from the perspectives of iron metabolism mechanisms and TCM interventions, aiming to broaden existing clinical strategies for prevention and treatment and inject new momentum into the field of OP as it moves into a new era.
Osteoporosis/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Iron/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Bone and Bones/drug effects*

This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of 4'-O-methylbavachalcone(MeBavaC), an active compound from Psoraleae Fructus, in regulating white matter neuroinflammation to improve vascular cognitive impairment. Male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, model group, high-dose MeBavaC group(14 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose MeBavaC group(7 mg·kg~(-1)). The rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion(CCH) was established using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the rats. Luxol fast blue staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to observe the morphology and ultrastructure of the white matter myelin sheaths, axon integrity, the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons, and the loss and activation of glial cells in the white matter. Transcriptome analysis was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of white matter injury induced by CCH. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) assays were conducted to measure the expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), absent in melanoma 2(AIM2), gasdermin D(GSDMD), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), interleukin-18(IL-18), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), erythropoietin(EPO), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the white matter of rats. The results showed that compared with the model group, MeBavaC significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of rats with CCH, improved the damage of white matter myelin sheath, maintained axonal integrity, reduced the loss of hippocampal neurons and oligodendrocytes in the white matter, inhibited the activation of microglia and the proliferation of astrocytes in the white matter, and suppressed the NLRP3/AIM2/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly reduced, while EPO expression and the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway were notably elevated. In conclusion, MeBavaC can alleviate cognitive impairment in rats with CCH and suppress neuroinflammation in cerebral white matter. The mechanism of action may involve activation of EPO activity, promotion of endogenous antioxidant pathways, and inhibition of neuroinflammation in the white matter. This study suggests that MeBavaC exhibits antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, showing potential application in improving cognitive dysfunction.
Animals ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; Rats ; Chalcones/administration & dosage* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/drug therapy* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism* ; Humans ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mediating role of sleep duration in the relationship between depression symptoms and myopia among middle school students. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional research conducted using a stratified cluster random sampling method. A total of 1 728 middle school students were selected from two junior high schools and two senior high schools in certain urban areas and farms of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Questionnaire surveys and vision tests were conducted among the students. Spearman analysis was used to analyze the correlation between depression symptoms, sleep duration, and myopia. The Bootstrap method was employed to investigate the mediating effect of sleep duration between depression symptoms and myopia. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia in the overall population was 74.02% (1 279/1 728), with an average sleep duration of (7.6±1.0) hours. The rate of insufficient sleep was 83.62% (1 445/1 728), and the proportion of students exhibiting depression symptoms was 25.29% (437/1 728). Correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between visual acuity in both eyes and sleep duration with depressive emotions as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (with correlation coefficients of -0.064, -0.084, and -0.199 respectively; P<0.01), as well as with somatic symptoms and activities (with correlation coefficients of -0.104, -0.124, and -0.233 respectively; P<0.01) and interpersonal relationships (with correlation coefficients of -0.052, -0.059, and -0.071 respectively; P<0.05). The correlation coefficients for left and right eye visual acuity and sleep duration were 0.206 and 0.211 respectively (P<0.001). Sleep duration exhibited a mediating effect between depression symptoms and myopia (indirect effect=0.056, 95%CI: 0.029-0.088), with the mediating effect value for females (indirect effect=0.066, 95%CI: 0.024-0.119) being higher than that for males (indirect effect=0.042, 95%CI: 0.011-0.081). CONCLUSIONS Sleep duration serves as a partial mediator between depression symptoms and myopia in middle school students.
Humans ; Myopia/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Depression/physiopathology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Sleep ; Adolescent ; Students ; Child ; Time Factors ; Sleep Duration

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of MK2 inhibitor MMI-0100 on inflammatory response after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and related mechanisms. METHODS: An allo-HSCT mouse model was established. Recipient rats were randomly divided into BMT+NaCl group and BMT+MMI-0100 group, and were injected with NaCl and MMI-0100 every day after transplantation, respectively. Samples of the two groups were collected on d 7 and 14, femur paraffin sections were stained with HE, and pathological changes in the bone marrow cavity were observed under the light microscope. The gene and protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Macrophage typing was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Inflammatory cell infiltration in the bone marrow cavity was significantly reduced in the BMT+MMI-0100 group. Western blot results showed that the protein expression levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the BMT+MMI-0100 group were decreased compared to the BMT+NaCl group on day 7 and day 14 (all P <0.01). The qPCR results showed that compared to the BMT+NaCl group, the IL-18 gene expression levels in the BMT+MMI-0100 group were significantly reduced on day 7 and day 14 (both P <0.01). In the BMT+MMI-0100 group, the expression level of IL-1β gene decreased on day 7 (P <0.05), but increased and was higher than that in the BMT+NaCl group on day 14 (P <0.05). Flow cytometry results showed that the expression of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 ratio decreased in the BMT+MMI-0100 group compared to BMT+NaCl group (all P <0.05). Western blot results showed that the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the BMT+MMI-0100 group were lower than those in the BMT+NaCl group (all P <0.05). CONCLUSION MMI-0100 can ameliorate bone marrow inflammatory injury after allo-HSCT and may act by reducing NLRP3 expression to promote M2 polarization.
Animals ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Rats ; Interleukin-18/metabolism* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Mice ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Inflammation ; Bone Marrow/pathology* ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Caspase 1/metabolism* ; Macrophages ; Transplantation, Homologous

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of cell subsets in rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).Methods:The clinical data of 344 patients with RA admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from June 2022 to November 2023 were analyzed. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the diagnostic criteria of ILD: 120 cases in the RA associated with ILD group (RA-ILD group) were included and 224 cases in the RA without ILD group (RA group), the clinical characteristics were compared between the RA-ILD group and the RA group. The influence factors of RA-ILD were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results:Compared with RA patients, RA-ILD patients were more common in males, with older age, longer course of disease, and higher smoking rate ( P<0.05). The high titer anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody, white blood cells, neutrophil, neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio, aspartate aminotr-ansferase(AST), creatinine (Cr) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in RA-ILD patients were higher than those in RA patients. The triglyceride level was lower than that of RA patients ( P<0.05). The percentage of total T cells in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in RA-ILD patients [68.65%(62.22%, 76.78%)] was lower than that in RA patients [71.88%(65.83%, 78.39%)] ( Z=-2.26, P=0.024). The percentage of CD4 +T cells [40.2% (32.10%, 45.23%)] was lower than that of RA patients [46.5% (39.74%, 53.19%)] ( Z=-6.29, P<0.001). CD4 +T cell count [486.50 (324.25, 636.75)cells/μl] was lower than that of RA patients [564.50 (438.25, 752.00)cells/μl] ( Z=-4.50, P<0.001). CD4 +/CD8 + levels [1.86 (1.26, 2.18)] were lower than those of RA patients [2.03 (1.40, 2.94)] ( Z=-2.79, P=0.005). B cell count [127.00 (78.00, 207.25)cells/μl] was lower than that of RA patients [163.50 (91.25, 231.50)cells/μl] ( Z=-2.11, P=0.035), The percentage of NK cells in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in RA-ILD patients [19.72%(13.14%, 25.83%)] was higher than that in RA patients [12.55% (8.23%, 17.80%)] ( Z=6.13, P<0.001). NK cell count [182.50 (109.00, 293.75)cells/μl] was higher than that of RA patients [156.00 (89.00, 194.75)cells/μl] ( Z=3.17, P=0.002). The percentage of CD8 +T cells [25.10 %(18.74%, 29.86%)] was higher than that of RA patients [22.27% (17.32%, 29.21%)] ( Z=2.00, P=0.046). Imaging types of RA-ILD patients showed that usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was more common, followed by non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). CD8 + T cell count and percentage expression level in UIP were higher than NSIP, and CD4 +/CD8 + expression level was lower than NSIP ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of indicators with statistical differences were male gender [ OR(95% CI)=2.888 (1.556, 5.360), P=0.001], age [ OR(95% CI)=1.065 (1.033, 1.098), P<0.001], disease duration [ OR(95% CI)=1.004 (1.001, 1.007), P=0.013], high titer anti-CCP antibody [ OR(95% CI)=2.764 (1.214, 6.292), P=0.015], LDH [ OR(95% CI)=1.006 (1.002, 1.009), P=0.001], CD4 +T cell percentage [ OR(95% CI)=0.964 (0.929, 1.000), P=0.049], CD4 +T cell count [ OR(95% CI)=0.998 (0.996, 1.000), P=0.011] and NK cell count [ OR(95% CI)=1.004 (1.001, 1.007), P=0.003]. These indicators were correlated factors for RA-ILD. Conclusion:Male patients with older age, history of smoking and a long disease course are more likely to develop ILD. Male gender with older, long disease course, high titer anti-CCP antibody, increased LDH and NK cell count, CD4 +T cell percentage and decreased CD4 +T cell count are correlation factors for RA-ILD, which may help RA patients to recognize ILD early.

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.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of cell subsets in rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).Methods:The clinical data of 344 patients with RA admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from June 2022 to November 2023 were analyzed. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the diagnostic criteria of ILD: 120 cases in the RA associated with ILD group (RA-ILD group) were included and 224 cases in the RA without ILD group (RA group), the clinical characteristics were compared between the RA-ILD group and the RA group. The influence factors of RA-ILD were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results:Compared with RA patients, RA-ILD patients were more common in males, with older age, longer course of disease, and higher smoking rate ( P<0.05). The high titer anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody, white blood cells, neutrophil, neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio, aspartate aminotr-ansferase(AST), creatinine (Cr) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in RA-ILD patients were higher than those in RA patients. The triglyceride level was lower than that of RA patients ( P<0.05). The percentage of total T cells in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in RA-ILD patients [68.65%(62.22%, 76.78%)] was lower than that in RA patients [71.88%(65.83%, 78.39%)] ( Z=-2.26, P=0.024). The percentage of CD4 +T cells [40.2% (32.10%, 45.23%)] was lower than that of RA patients [46.5% (39.74%, 53.19%)] ( Z=-6.29, P<0.001). CD4 +T cell count [486.50 (324.25, 636.75)cells/μl] was lower than that of RA patients [564.50 (438.25, 752.00)cells/μl] ( Z=-4.50, P<0.001). CD4 +/CD8 + levels [1.86 (1.26, 2.18)] were lower than those of RA patients [2.03 (1.40, 2.94)] ( Z=-2.79, P=0.005). B cell count [127.00 (78.00, 207.25)cells/μl] was lower than that of RA patients [163.50 (91.25, 231.50)cells/μl] ( Z=-2.11, P=0.035), The percentage of NK cells in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in RA-ILD patients [19.72%(13.14%, 25.83%)] was higher than that in RA patients [12.55% (8.23%, 17.80%)] ( Z=6.13, P<0.001). NK cell count [182.50 (109.00, 293.75)cells/μl] was higher than that of RA patients [156.00 (89.00, 194.75)cells/μl] ( Z=3.17, P=0.002). The percentage of CD8 +T cells [25.10 %(18.74%, 29.86%)] was higher than that of RA patients [22.27% (17.32%, 29.21%)] ( Z=2.00, P=0.046). Imaging types of RA-ILD patients showed that usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was more common, followed by non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). CD8 + T cell count and percentage expression level in UIP were higher than NSIP, and CD4 +/CD8 + expression level was lower than NSIP ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of indicators with statistical differences were male gender [ OR(95% CI)=2.888 (1.556, 5.360), P=0.001], age [ OR(95% CI)=1.065 (1.033, 1.098), P<0.001], disease duration [ OR(95% CI)=1.004 (1.001, 1.007), P=0.013], high titer anti-CCP antibody [ OR(95% CI)=2.764 (1.214, 6.292), P=0.015], LDH [ OR(95% CI)=1.006 (1.002, 1.009), P=0.001], CD4 +T cell percentage [ OR(95% CI)=0.964 (0.929, 1.000), P=0.049], CD4 +T cell count [ OR(95% CI)=0.998 (0.996, 1.000), P=0.011] and NK cell count [ OR(95% CI)=1.004 (1.001, 1.007), P=0.003]. These indicators were correlated factors for RA-ILD. Conclusion:Male patients with older age, history of smoking and a long disease course are more likely to develop ILD. Male gender with older, long disease course, high titer anti-CCP antibody, increased LDH and NK cell count, CD4 +T cell percentage and decreased CD4 +T cell count are correlation factors for RA-ILD, which may help RA patients to recognize ILD early.

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.

Background/Aims: Roxadustat, an oral medication for treating renal anemia, is a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor used for regulating iron metabolism and promoting erythropoiesis. To investigate the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) with erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness. Methods: Single-center, retrospective study, 81 PD patients (with erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness) were divided into the roxadustat group (n = 61) and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) group (n = 20). Hemoglobin (Hb), total cholesterol, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), related indicators of cardiac function and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were collected. Additionally, adverse events were also recorded. The follow-up period was 16 weeks. Results: The two groups exhibited similar baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. At baseline, the roxadustat group had a mean Hb level of 89.8 ± 18.9 g/L, while the ESAs group had a mean Hb level of 95.2 ± 16.0 g/L. By week 16, the Hb levels had increased to 118 ± 19.8 g/L (p < 0.05) in the roxadustat group and 101 ± 19.3 g/L (p > 0.05) in the ESAs group. The efficacy of roxadustat in improving anemia was not influenced by baseline levels of hs-CRP and iPTH. Cholesterol was decreased in the roxadustat group without statin use. An increase in left ventricular ejection fraction and stabilization of BNP were observed in the roxadustat group. Conclusions For PD patients with erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness, roxadustat can significantly improve renal anemia. The efficacy of roxadustat in improving renal anemia was not affected by baseline levels of hs-CRP0 and iPTH.