ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription on chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） in rats based on the Hedgehog signaling pathway. MethodsThe CAG rat model was established by sodium salicylate， N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroguanidine （MNNG）， and irregular feeding. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group （180 mg·L^-1）， a moradan group （1.4 g·kg^-1）， and Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription groups with high， medium， and low doses （36， 9， 18 g·kg^-1）， followed by drug intervention. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe morphological changes in the gastric mucosa. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of gastric mucosa cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of Sonic Hedgehog （Shh）， Patched 1 （Ptch1）， and Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 （Gli1）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Shh， Ptch1， and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the protein expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the CAG model group showed a reduction in gastric mucosal intrinsic glands and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells showed nuclear pyknosis， fewer mitochondria， and abnormal mitochondrial structure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh， Ptch1， and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and E-cadherin protein expression was decreased. Compared with the model group， the intervention groups showed varying degrees of improvement in histopathological morphology and cellular ultrastructure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh， Ptch1， Gli1， and E-cadherin increased to varying degrees. Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription upregulated the expression of key Hedgehog pathway factors and E-cadherin at both the mRNA and protein levels （P<0.05）. ConclusionXianglian Huazhuo prescription has a therapeutic effect on CAG in rats， and its mechanism may be related to activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT）.

The central amygdala (CeA) is a crucial modulator of emotional, behavioral, and autonomic functions, including cardiovascular responses. Despite its importance, the specific circuit by which the CeA modulates blood pressure remains insufficiently explored. Our investigations demonstrate that photostimulation of GABAergic neurons in the centromedial amygdala (CeM^GABA), as opposed to those in the centrolateral amygdala (CeL), produces a depressor response in both anesthetized and freely-moving mice. In addition, activation of CeM^GABA axonal terminals projecting to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) significantly reduces blood pressure. These CeM^GABA neurons form synaptic connections with NTS neurons, allowing for the modulation of cardiovascular responses by influencing the caudal or rostral ventrolateral medulla. Furthermore, CeM^GABA neurons targeting the NTS receive dense inputs from the CeL. Consequently, stimulation of CeM^GABA neurons elicits hypotension through the CeM-NTS circuit, offering deeper insights into the cardiovascular responses associated with emotions and behaviors.
Animals ; GABAergic Neurons/physiology* ; Male ; Central Amygdaloid Nucleus/physiopathology* ; Hypotension/physiopathology* ; Mice ; Blood Pressure/physiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Solitary Nucleus/physiology* ; Photic Stimulation ; Neural Pathways/physiology*

Objective:To summarize the clinical and imaging presentations of the pontine tegmental cap dysplasia (PTCD).Methods:The clinical, high resolution CT(HRCT) and MRI materials of 4 patients with PTCD between August 2007 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, there were 2 males and 2 females, their ages ranged from 10 months to 16 years.Results:Of 4 PTCD patients, severe or profound severe hearing loss ( n=8 ears), developmental delay, hypotonia and severe facioplegia ( n=3 cases) were found. On HRCT, all of 4 cases were associated with temporal anomalies [including a narrow bony cochlear nerve canal ( n=8 ears), duplicated (each n=4 ears) or narrow ( n=1 ear) internal auditory canal, enlarged vestibular aqueduct ( n=2 ears), enlarged vestibules and dysplastic lateral semicircular canals ( n=3 ears), ossicular deformation( n=2 ears). The stenosis of the labyrinthine segments of the facial nerve canal ( n=3 ears) and facial nerve canal ectopia(n=6 ears)], atrial or ventricular septal defect (each n=1 case), thoracic or lumbar vertebral anomalies and ribs fusion ( n=3 cases). On the brain MRI, the variable flattening of the ventral pons and dysmorphism of the dorsal upper pons cap-like bulging and protruding in the fourth ventricle were shown in all cases, the vermian and cerebellar peduncles hypoplasia gave rise to a molar tooth appearance. The dysplastic ( n=3 ears), aplastic( n=5 ears) cochlear nerves and dysplastic facial nerves ( n=3 ears) were found. Conclusion:The PTCD patients usually present severe hearing loss, developmental delay, hypotonia, and facioplegia. The flattening of the ventral pons and the dorsal upper pons cap-like bulging usually with duplicated internal auditory canal and severe facial and auditory nerves dysplasia are its imaging features.

[Objective] To establish a method for detecting the potency of recombinant human coagulation factor Ⅶa for injection. [Methods] By adding the sample and factor Ⅶ deficient plasma to the sample cup and activating the reaction with prothrombin time assay reagent (PT reagent), the coagulation time of the sample was determined by the change in magnetic bead swing amplitude in the sample cup. The logarithm of coagulation time was inversely proportional to the logarithm of human factor Ⅶa potency. [Results] Under the experimental conditions, the specificity of the methodology was evaluated through spiked recovery, and the recovery rates ranged from 90.0% to 110.0%. Within the range from 0.125 to 1.000 IU/mL, there was a good linear response between the potency and coagulation time of the standard and sample, with correlation coefficients r>0.99. As for the accuracy and repeatability, the recovery rates of various concentrations detected in the stock solution were 101.0%, 100.0% and 112.0%, respectively, with RSD values of 2.6%, 4.0% and 0.0%, respectively. The recovery rates of various concentrations in finished product testing were 104.0%, 94.7% and 112.0%, respectively, with RSD values of 1.9%, 2.4% and 0.0%, respectively. As for the intermediate precision, the RSD were 4.5% and 3.7%, respectively. After treated with sample diluent, the sample was tested at room temperature for 6 hours and still exhibited relatively stable biological activity. [Conclusion] This detection method is accurate, stable, easy to operate and highly automated, and is suitable for detecting the potency of recombinant human coagulation factor Ⅶa for Injection.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis （UC） by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards， and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal， model， high-， medium-， and low-dose （50， 25， 12.5 g·kg^-1， respectively） Huazhuo Jiedu prescription， and mesalazine （0.52 g·kg^-1·d^-1） groups， with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method， the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining， and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 （PINK1） and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 （PHB2）， ubiquitin-specific protease 15 （USP15）， ubiquitin-specific protease 30 （USP30） in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence （IF）. ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group， the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin （P<0.05）， enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 （P<0.05）， and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin （P<0.05）， decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 （P<0.05）， and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 （P<0.05）. The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin （P<0.05）， weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 （P<0.05）， and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 （P<0.05）. ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis （UC） by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards， and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal， model， high-， medium-， and low-dose （50， 25， 12.5 g·kg^-1， respectively） Huazhuo Jiedu prescription， and mesalazine （0.52 g·kg^-1·d^-1） groups， with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method， the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining， and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 （PINK1） and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 （PHB2）， ubiquitin-specific protease 15 （USP15）， ubiquitin-specific protease 30 （USP30） in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence （IF）. ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group， the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin （P<0.05）， enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 （P<0.05）， and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin （P<0.05）， decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 （P<0.05）， and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 （P<0.05）. The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin （P<0.05）， weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 （P<0.05）， and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 （P<0.05）. ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.

Objective:To summarize the clinical and imaging presentations of the pontine tegmental cap dysplasia (PTCD).Methods:The clinical, high resolution CT(HRCT) and MRI materials of 4 patients with PTCD between August 2007 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, there were 2 males and 2 females, their ages ranged from 10 months to 16 years.Results:Of 4 PTCD patients, severe or profound severe hearing loss ( n=8 ears), developmental delay, hypotonia and severe facioplegia ( n=3 cases) were found. On HRCT, all of 4 cases were associated with temporal anomalies [including a narrow bony cochlear nerve canal ( n=8 ears), duplicated (each n=4 ears) or narrow ( n=1 ear) internal auditory canal, enlarged vestibular aqueduct ( n=2 ears), enlarged vestibules and dysplastic lateral semicircular canals ( n=3 ears), ossicular deformation( n=2 ears). The stenosis of the labyrinthine segments of the facial nerve canal ( n=3 ears) and facial nerve canal ectopia(n=6 ears)], atrial or ventricular septal defect (each n=1 case), thoracic or lumbar vertebral anomalies and ribs fusion ( n=3 cases). On the brain MRI, the variable flattening of the ventral pons and dysmorphism of the dorsal upper pons cap-like bulging and protruding in the fourth ventricle were shown in all cases, the vermian and cerebellar peduncles hypoplasia gave rise to a molar tooth appearance. The dysplastic ( n=3 ears), aplastic( n=5 ears) cochlear nerves and dysplastic facial nerves ( n=3 ears) were found. Conclusion:The PTCD patients usually present severe hearing loss, developmental delay, hypotonia, and facioplegia. The flattening of the ventral pons and the dorsal upper pons cap-like bulging usually with duplicated internal auditory canal and severe facial and auditory nerves dysplasia are its imaging features.

Adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC)is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the adrenal gland and is characterized by a poor pro-gnosis in its advanced stages.Surgical resection of the tumors is typically limited to patients diagnosed in the clinical stages Ⅰ and Ⅱ,lead-ing to a high postoperative recurrence rate.The combination of mitotane(M)with etoposide(E),doxorubicin(D),and cisplatin(P)(EDP-M)is currently the only approved first-line treatment regimen for advanced ACC.However,the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in ACC remains limited.If the EDP-M regimen proves ineffective,there are no standardized or universally accepted second-line systemic treat-ment alternatives.Research advancements in the molecular mechanisms of ACC in recent years has led to increasing investigations on tyr-osine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)targeting EGFR,VEGFR,and mTOR,as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs).Moreover,previous studies have identified mutations in CTNBB1,TP53,KDM5A,CENP-H,and other genes that may serve as therapeutic targets or biomarkers,thereby expanding the treatment options available for ACC.ICIs are effective against diverse cancer types,including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),liver cancer,renal cell cancer,and urothelial cancer.Ongoing exploration into targeted therapies and immunotherapy,especially combination treatments,holds the promise of extending the survival of patients and enhancing their quality of life.

Objective To investigate the effect of Jisuikang formula-medicated serum for promoting spinal cord injury (SCI) repair in rats and explore the possible mechanism. Methods Thirty adult SD rats were randomized into sham-operated group, SCI (induced using a modified Allen method) model group, and Jisuikang formula-medicated serum treatment group. After the operations, the rats were treated with normal saline or Jisuikang by gavage on a daily basis for 14 days, and the changes in hindlimb motor function of the rats was assessed with Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores and inclined-plate test. The injured spinal cord tissues were sampled from the SCI rat models for single-cell RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify the target genes of Jisuikang, spinal cord injury and glycolysis. In the cell experiment, cultured astrocytes from neonatal SD rat cortex were treated with SOX2 alone or in combination with Jisuikang-medicated serum for 21 days, and the protein expressions of PKM2, p-PKM2 and YAP and colocalization of PKM2 and YAP in the cells were analyzed with Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Results The SCI rats with Jisuikang treatment showed significantly improved BBB scores and performance in inclined-plate test. At the injury site, high PKM2 expression was detected in various cell types. Bioinformatic analysis identified the HIPPO-YAP signaling pathway as the target pathway of Jisuikang. In cultured astrocytes, SOX2 combined with the mediated serum, as compared with SOX2 alone, significantly increased PKM2, p-PKM2 and YAP expressions and entry of phosphorylated PKM2 into the nucleus, and promoted PKM2 and YAP co-localization in the cells. Conclusion Jisuikang formula accelerates SCI repair in rats possibly by promoting aerobic glycolysis of the astrocytes via activating the PKM2/YAP axis to induce reprogramming of the astrocytes into neurons.

Objective To investigate the role of sphingosine kinase-1(SPHK1)in regulating migration and invasion of gastric cancer(GC)cells.Methods TIMER2.0,GEPIA and HPA databases were used to investigate SPHK1 expression in GC,and its association with prognosis of the patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier Plotter database.In 40 clinical GC and adjacent tissue samples,SPHK1 and MKI67 expressions were detected with immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and RT-qPCR.Gene enrichment pathway analysis was conducted to explore the biological functions of SPHK1.In HGC-27 and MGC-803 cells,the effects of lentivirus-mediated SPHK1 knockdown or overexpression on cell migration and invasion and expressions of key proteins in the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling were evaluated using cell scratch test,Transwell assays and Western blotting.The changes in tumorigenic capacity of the transfected GC cells were evaluated in nude mice.Results SPHK1 was highly expressed in GC tissues in negative correlation with overall survival,overall survival after progression,and relapse-free survival of the patients(all P<0.001).In clinical GC samples,SPHK1 and MKI67 expressions showed a positive correlation(P=0.00049)and were both significantly up-regulated(P<0.001).Gene enrichment pathway analysis suggested the involvement of SPHK1 in cell adhesion,migration,angiogenesis and the NF-κB pathway(P<0.05).In the cell experiment,SPHK1 knockdown significantly decreased while SPHK1 overexpression enhanced migration and invasion abilities of the GC cells.SPHK1 positively regulated the expressions of phosphorylated P65(P-P65),VEGFA and IL-17,and blocking the NF-κB pathway by PDTC significantly lowered migration and invasion ability of the cells.In nude mice,the GC cells with SPHK1 knockdown resulted in significantly reduced tumor size and mass,while the SPHK1-overexpressing cells showed enhanced tumorigenicity.Conclusion SPHK1 regulates migration and invasion of GC cells via the NF-κB signaling pathway and may serve as a potential diagnostic marker for GC progression.