Diabetic nephropathy（DN） is a common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes. In recent years， the classical herbal formula Shenqi dihuang decoction has demonstrated unique advantages in the clinical treatment of DN. This article conducts a systematic review of the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of Shenqi dihuang decoction in the treatment of DN. It reveals that the mechanism by which this formula improves DN involves multi-target synergistic regulation. For instance, Shenqi dihuang decoction exerts multiple pharmacological effects by regulating signaling pathways including phosphatidy linostiol 3-kinase/protein kinase B， AMP-activated protein kinase/silent information regulator 1/forkhead box O1， and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathways.These effects include regulating glucose and lipid metabolism， inhibiting oxidative stress， reducing inflammation， improving insulin resistance， modulating cell death （apoptosis/autophagy/ferroptosis/pyroptosis）， and preventing renal fibrosis. Existing clinical studies indicate that Shenqi dihuang decoction and its modified formulas， alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods， can significantly improve glucose and lipid metabolism， reduce proteinuria， and delay renal function decline in patients with DN. These effects are superior to those of Western medicines such as irbesartan， valsartan， and empagliflozin， and the treatment demonstrates good safety. Future research should leverage systems biology and artificial intelligence technologies to further elucidate the integrated mechanisms in the treatment of DN by Shenqi dihuang decoction， thereby advancing the precision and standardization of its clinical application.

ObjectiveTo investigate the antiviral efficacy of pegylated interferon α-2b （PEG-IFN-α-2b） in patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis， to assess the safety and tolerability of this regimen， and to provide evidence-based medical evidence for optimizing the treatment strategies for patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis. MethodsA prospective study was conducted among 115 patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis and 114 patients with CHB who attended Third People’s Hospital of Taiyuan from January 2023 to March 2024. Treatment-naïve patients received PEG-IFN-α-2b monotherapy， while the patients once treated with nucleos（t）ide analogues （NAs） received PEG-IFN-α-2b add-on therapy. The patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis were followed up at baseline and at 12， 24， 36， and 48 weeks of treatment. Samples were collected from CHB patients at baseline and at the end of follow-up to assess virological indicators， routine blood test results， and liver function. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups； the independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used for comparison among different time ponts within the same group，and the Bonferroni was applied for post-hoc pairwise comparisons； the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Friedman test was used for comparison across different time points within the same group， and the Nemenyi test was utilized for subsequent pairwise comparisons. The multivariate stepwise Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for clinical cure. ResultsCompared with the CHB group， the HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis group had a significantly higher mean age （43.50±9.97 years vs 40.90±8.16 years， t=2.160， P=0.032）， a significantly higher proportion of patients with hepatitis B e antigen at baseline （28.70% vs 15.79%， χ²=4.788， P=0.029）， and a significantly lower platelet level ［（178.67±55.07）×10⁹/L vs （194.93±55.79）×10⁹/L， t=2.217， P=0.028］. Compared with the CHB group at the end of follow-up， the HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis group had significantly lower HBV surface antigen （HBsAg） clearance rate （10.38% vs 33.04%， χ²=14.988， P<0.001） and HBV surface antibody positive rate （0.00% vs 19.64%， χ²=21.041， P<0.001）. Compared with the CHB group at the end of follow-up，the HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis group had significantly lower aminotransferase levels ［ALT： 31.00（19.00～47.50） U/L vs 40.00（27.00～57.00） U/L， Z=2.433， P<0.05； AST： 31.00（23.00～45.50） U/L vs 37.00（25.00～52.00） U/L， Z=1.963， P<0.05］， but significantly higher level of white blood cells （WBC） ［（4.02±1.56）×10⁹/L vs （3.59±1.24）×10⁹/L， t=2.272， P<0.05］， neutrophils ［（2.39±1.17）×10⁹/L vs （1.87±0.94）×10⁹/L， t=3.284， P<0.05］， and platelets ［（143.93±68.10）×10⁹/L vs （121.88±49.72）×10⁹/L， t=2.588， P<0.05］. A lower level of HBsAg （OR=0.997， 95%CI： 0.996　—　0.999， P<0.001） and previous treatment with NAs （OR=5.889， 95%CI： 2.195　—　17.330， P<0.001） were positive predictive factors for clinical cure， while liver cirrhosis （OR=0.177， 95%CI： 0.063　—　0.470， P<0.001） was a negative predictive factor for clinical cure. During follow-up， no patients experienced acute decompensation or progression to hepatocellular carcinoma， and the main adverse events included fever， fatigue， reductions in WBC and platelets， weight loss， alopecia， and thyroid dysfunction. In the subgroup analysis of HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis， in both the treatment-naïve patients and the patients previously treated with NAs， there was a significant reduction in HBsAg level from baseline to week 36 of treatment ［treatment-naïve： 99.25 （5.87　—　1 212.35） IU/mL vs 403.47 （36.94　—　2 569.02） IU/mL， P<0.05； previously treated with NAs： 205.94 （14.00　—　737.80） IU/mL vs 427.03 （65.64　—　1 552.65） IU/mL， P<0.05］ and week 48 of treatment ［treatment-naïve： 85.45 （0.58　—　827.56） IU/mL vs 403.47 （36.94　—　2 569.02） IU/mL， P<0.05； previously treated with NAs： 45.28 （0.16　—　267.27） IU/mL vs 427.03 （65.64　—　1 552.65） IU/mL， P<0.05］. There were significant increases in the levels of aminotransferases during treatment， as well as significant reductions in the levels of WBC， neutrophils， platelets， and hemoglobin （all P<0.05）. ConclusionAlthough a finite course of PEG-IFN-α-2b therapy has achieved a relatively low rate of clinical cure in the treatment of HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis， it can still significantly reduce the level of HBsAg， and this treatment regimen has good safety and tolerability， without accelerating disease progression.

The chemical constituents from the n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were isolated and purified using chromatographic process including MCI Gel CHP-20, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC method, and one alkyne and two phenylpropanoid derivants were obtained. Their structures were identified as (5R,E)-tetradecane-12-ene-8,10-diyne-1,5,14-triol (1), (E)-8-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl n-butyl cinnamate (2), and (7S,8S)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzene)-7-butyl-8,9-diol (3) by modern spectroscopy methods (1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, IR and MS). 1-3 are all new compounds. Compounds 1-3 were screened for their anti-renal fibrosis activities in vitro, and none of them showed obvious effect.

ObjectiveObesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise can ameliorate learning and memory deficits by reversing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of treadmill exercise could alleviate hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and investigate the potential mechanisms involved. MethodsA total of sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-30 g, were randomly assigned to 3 distinct groups, each consisting of 20 mice. The groups were designated as follows: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with exercise (HFD-Ex). Prior to the initiation of the treadmill exercise protocol, the HFD and HFD-Ex groups were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) for 20 weeks. The mice in the HFD-Ex group underwent treadmill exercise at a speed of 8 m/min for the first 10 min, followed by 12 m/min for the subsequent 50 min, totally 60 min of exercise at a 0° slope, 5 d per week, for 8 weeks. We employed Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to assess hippocampus-dependent memory and utilized immunofluorescence, Western blot, Golgi staining, and ELISA to analyze axon length, dendritic complexity, number of spines, the expression of c-fos, doublecortin (DCX), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin (Syn), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) positive cells. ResultsMice with HFD-induced obesity exhibit hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, and treadmill exercise can prevent memory decline in these mice. The expression of DCX was significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group (P<0.001). Treadmill exercise increased the expression of c-fos (P<0.001) and DCX (P=0.001) in the hippocampus of the HFD-induced obese mice. The axon length (P<0.001), dendritic complexity (P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P<0.001) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise increased the axon length (P=0.002), dendritic complexity(P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P=0.001) of the hippocampus in the HFD-induced obese mice. Our study found a significant increase in MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise was found to reduce the number of MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of obese mice induced by a HFD. ConclusionTreadmill exercise led to enhanced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by increasing the axon length, dendritic complexity, dendritic spine numbers, and the expression of PSD95 and DCX, decreasing the number of MHC-II positive cells and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, we speculate that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic method that protects against HFD-induced hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction by enhancing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of obese mice.

Objective: To investigate the objective characteristics of tongue manifestation in different stages of damp-heat syndrome in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 134 patients with DKD G3-5 stages who met the diagnostic criteria for damp-heat syndrome in DKD. The patients were treated at Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from May 2023 to January 2024. The patients were divided into three groups: DKD G3, DKD G4, and DKD G5 stage, with 53, 33, and 48 patients in each group, respectively. Clinical general data (gender, age, and body mass index) and damp-heat syndrome scores were collected from the patients. The YZAI-02 traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AI Tongue Image Acquisition Device was used to capture tongue images from these patients. The accompanying AI Open Platform for TCM Tongue Diagnosis of the device was used to analyze and extract tongue manifestation features, including objective data on tongue color, tongue quality, coating color, and coating texture. Clinical data and objective tongue manifestation characteristics were compared among patients with DKD G3-5 based on their DKD damp-heat syndrome status. Results: No statistically significant difference in gender or body mass index was observed among the three patient groups. The DKD G3 stage group had the highest age (P<0.05). The DKD G3 stage group had a lower score for symptoms of poor appetite and anorexia(P<0.05) than the DKD G5 group. No statistically significant difference was observed in damp-heat syndrome scores among the three groups. Compared with the DKD G5 stage group, the DKD G3 stage group showed a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue (P<0.05). The DKD G4 stage group exhibited an increased proportion of crimson at the root of the tongue, a decreased proportion of thick white tongue coating at the root, a decreased proportion of pale color at the tip and edges of the tongue, an increased hue value (indicating color tone) of the tongue color in the middle, an increased brightness value (indicating color lightness) of the tongue coating color in the middle, and an increased thickness of the tongue coating (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in other tongue color proportions, color chroma values, body characteristics, coating color proportions, coating color chroma values, and coating texture characteristics among the three groups. Conclusion Tongue features differ in different stages of DKD damp-heat syndrome in multiple dimensions, enabling the inference that during the DKD G5 stage, the degree of qi and blood deficiency in the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach is prominent. Dampness is more likely to accumulate in the lower jiao, particularly in the kidneys, whereas heat evil in the spleen and stomach is the most severe. These insights provide novel ideas for the clinical treatment of DKD.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of zedoarondiol on neovascularization of atherosclerotic (AS) plaque by exosomes experiment. METHODS: ApoE^-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS model and treated with high- and low-dose (10, 5 mg/kg daily) of zedoarondiol, respectively. After 14 weeks, the expressions of anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1) and its receptor CD36 in plaques, as well as platelet activation rate and exosome-derived miR-let-7a were detected. Then, zedoarondiol was used to intervene in platelets in vitro, and miR-let-7a was detected in platelet-derived exosomes (Pexo). Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with miR-let-7a mimics and treated with Pexo to observe the effect of miR-let-7a in Pexo on tube formation. RESULTS: Animal experiments showed that after treating with zedoarondiol, the neovascularization density in plaques of AS mice was significantly reduced, THBS-1 and CD36 increased, the platelet activation rate was markedly reduced, and the miR-let-7a level in Pexo was reduced (P<0.01). In vitro experiments, the platelet activation rate and miR-let-7a levels in Pexo were significantly reduced after zedoarondiol's intervention. Cell experiments showed that after Pexo's intervention, the tube length increased, and the transfection of miR-let-7a minics further increased the tube length of cells, while reducing the expressions of THBS-1 and CD36. CONCLUSION Zedoarondiol has the effect of inhibiting neovascularization within plaque in AS mice, and its mechanism may be potentially related to inhibiting platelet activation and reducing the Pexo-derived miRNA-let-7a level.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Exosomes/drug effects* ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Humans ; Blood Platelets/drug effects* ; Apolipoproteins E/deficiency* ; Thrombospondin 1/metabolism* ; CD36 Antigens/metabolism* ; Platelet Activation/drug effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

AIM To observe the protective effects and mechanism of Shuli Jiangzhuo Formula on cardiac function in a rat model of uremic cardiomyopathy(UCM).METHODS The successful UCM models established by 5/6 nephrectomy were randomly allocated into the model group,the valsartan group(8.33 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Shuli Jiangzhuo Formula groups(7.19,14.38,28.76 g/kg),in contrast to those of the sham operation group,followed by 8 weeks respective drug administration.Upon the completion of the pharmacological intervention,the rats had the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),ejection fraction(EF)and fractional shortening(FS)measured by echocardiography;the whole heart mass index(HMI)and left ventricular mass index(LVMI)detected;the renal function(serum creatinine,blood urea nitrogen)and the hemoglobin concentration detected;the mitochondrial morphology analyzed by observation of cardiomyocyte ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy;the DNA damage in cardiomyocytes detected by TUNEL staining;the serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and BNP detected by ELISA;and the myocardial mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1β detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the sham operated controls,the model group demonstrated significant elevation of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen(P＜0.01);decreased hemoglobin concentration(P＜0.01);disorganized myocardial collagen fiber architecture,and pronounced mitochondrial swelling with ultrastructural damage;decreased EF and FS(P＜0.05);increased LVEDD and LVESD(P＜0.01);increased HMI and LVMI(P＜0.01);increased levels of serum IL-1β,IL-18 and BNP(P＜0.01);increased cardiomyocyte pyroptosis(P＜0.01);and enhanced mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1 β(P＜0.01).Compared to model group controls,the high-dose Shuli Jiantuo Formula intervention exhibited decreased levels of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen(P＜0.01);increased hemoglobin concentration(P＜0.01);reduced DNA fragmentation,alleviated mitochondrial swelling and mitigated ultrastructural damage;reduced LVEDD and LVESD(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased HMI and LVMI(P＜0.01);downregulated levels of serum IL-1β,IL-18 and BNP(P＜0.01);decreased cardiomyocyte pyroptosis(P＜0.01);and inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1 and IL-1β(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Shuli Jiangzhuo Formula demonstrates dual cardiorenal protective effects in UCM rats through suppression of the left ventricular hypertrophy progression and inhibition of the adverse ventricular remodeling processess.The therapeutic efficacy primarily stems from targeted suppression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway activation and substantial attenuation of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis cascade.

AIM To optimize the extraction process for total polyphenols from Conioselinum vaginatu(Spreng.)Thell.,make component analysis,and evaluate their anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.METHODS The effects of ultrasound,enzymatic hydrolysis,acid hydrolysis,alcohol extraction and hydrolysis processes on the extraction quantity of total polyphenols were investigated,respectively.With extraction temperature,extraction time,ethanol concetration and liquid-solid ratio as influencing factors,extraction quantity of total polyphenols as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by response surface method.HPLC was adopted in the identification of polyphenolic composition and determination of their contents.Subsequently,total polyphenols' scavenging capacities on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals,total reducing power and inhibitory capacity on α-glucosidase were determined.RESULTS The highest extraction quantity of total polyphenols was observable when extraction process was employed.The optimal conditions were determined to be 62 ℃ for extraction temperature,54 min for extraction time,69％for ethanol concentration,and 50∶1 for liquid-solid ratio,the extraction quantity of total polyphenols was(9.51±0.2)mg GAE/g.Seven constituents existed in C.vaginatu,among which ferulic acid demonstrated the highest content,followed by that of myricetin,while D-tryptophan content was the lowest.At the concentration of 7.61 mg/L,total polyphenols displayed the scavenging rates on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals of 80.70％,85.97％,28.60％,total reducing power of 0.22,and inhibition rate on α-glucosidase of 77.23％,respectively.CONCLUSION This stable and reliable method can be used for the extraction of total polyphenols from C.vaginatum with strong anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.