ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang （HLJD） and its major active constituents （geniposide， baicalin， and berberine） can inhibit the inflammatory response of BV2 cells under lipopolysaccharide （LPS） stimulation via the high-mobility group protein B1 （HMGB1）/Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway， and to explore differences in therapeutic efficacy among the three monomers， their combined formula， and HLJD under equal content ratios. MethodsBV2 microglial cells were used as the primary experimental model. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method to examine the effects of different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO， 0.8%， 0.4%， 0.2%， 0.1%， and 0.05%） on cell viability. IncuCyte was employed to monitor the growth of cells under different concentrations of HLJD （200， 100， 50， 25， 12.5， 6.25 mg·L^-1）. Nitric oxide （NO） assay was used to screen the optimal HLJD concentration. High-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） determined the content of geniposide， baicalin， and berberine in HLJD， and experimental groups were subsequently established according to the relative proportions of these constituents. CCK-8 assay evaluated cell viability under different treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） measured levels of inflammatory factors （TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-10） in the supernatant. Flow cytometry assessed the effects of treatments on M1-type polarization of BV2 cells. Western blot determined the expression levels of HMGB1， TLR4， and NF-κB-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group， DMSO at concentrations ≤0.2% did not affect cell viability within 48 h. BV2 cell growth plateaued at 24 h after treatment with 200 mg·L^-1 HLJD. Under stimulation with 2 mg·L^-1 LPS， this concentration of HLJD effectively reduced NO release， and 6 h pre-treatment had a stronger inhibitory effect on NO than direct administration. HPLC results showed that 1 mg of HLJD freeze-dried powder contained approximately 24 μg of geniposide， 15 μg of baicalin， and 30 μg of berberine. Based on these ratios， experimental groups were blank， LPS （2 mg·L^-1）， HLJD （200 mg·L^-1）， monomer combination， geniposide （4.8 mg·L^-1）， baicalin （3 mg·L^-1）， and berberine （6 mg·L^-1）. The monomer combination group consisted of all three active constituents dissolved together. LPS and HLJD or its active constituents did not affect cell viability compared with the blank group. LPS significantly increased TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and IL-10 in the supernatant （P<0.01）. HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 （P<0.05， P<0.01） while upregulating anti-inflammatory IL-10 （P<0.01）， with the monomer combination showing the strongest effect （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， LPS significantly increased the proportion of CD80⁺CD86⁺ （M1-type） BV2 cells （P<0.01）. HLJD and its constituents partially inhibited M1 polarization （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with the monomer combination exhibiting the most pronounced effect （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， LPS upregulated HMGB1， TLR4， and NF-κB-related proteins （P<0.01）， whereas HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced their expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with the monomer combination having the strongest regulatory effect （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHLJD and its major active constituents （geniposide， baicalin， berberine） can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The combination of the three active constituents demonstrates the most potent anti-inflammatory effect， significantly attenuating M1-type polarization of BV2 cells via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by severe infection or trauma, and is one of the common causes of acute lung injury(ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Sepsis-acute lung injury(SALI) is a critical clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood, and there is currently a lack of targeted and effective treatment options. Pyroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, plays a key role in the pathological process of SALI by activating inflammasomes and releasing inflammatory factors, making it a potential therapeutic target. In recent years, the role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in regulating signaling pathways related to pyroptosis through multi-components and multi-targets has attracted increasing attention. TCM may intervene in pyroptosis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and regulating the expression of Caspase family proteins, thus alleviating inflammatory damage in lung tissues. This paper systematically reviews the molecular regulatory network of pyroptosis in SALI and explores the potential mechanisms and research progress on TCM intervention in cellular pyroptosis. The aim is to provide new ideas and theoretical support for basic research and clinical treatment strategies of TCM in SALI.
Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Sepsis/genetics* ; Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of 4 novel inflammatory markers related to routine blood tests,namely neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),red blood cell distribution width(RDW),hemoglobin-to-RDW ratio(HRR)and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),in elderly patients with chronic cardiovascular disease(CVD)complicated with frailty.Methods Retrospectively analyze 110 patients with chronic stable CVD who were hospitalized in the cadre ward of cardiovascular medicine at the Air Force Characteristic Medical Center from January 2022 to June 2023.According to the assessment results of the Fried scale,they were divided into three groups:non-frailty group(Fried score=0,n=30),the pre-frailty group(Fried score 1 or 2,n=40)and frailty group(Fried score≥3,n=40).The differences in general information,the impairment rate of daily living activities,miniature nutritional assessment-short form(MNA-SF)scores,mini-mental state examination(MMSE)scores,and the indicators such as NLR,RDW,HRR,and SII among the three groups were compared.Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between NLR,RDW,HRR,SII and frailty scores as well as each frailty indicator.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the clinical diagnostic value of NLR and HRR in elderly patients with chronic CVD complicated with frailty.Results Compared with non-frailty group and pre-frailty group,patients in frailty group were older,with higher impaired rates of daily living activities,NLR,RDW,and SII,and lower MNA-SF scores,MMSE scores,and HRR,and differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that the frailty score was positively correlated with NLR(rs=0.354,P<0.001),and RDW(rs=0.448,P<0.001),negatively correlated with HRR(rs=-0.232,P=0.024),and had no significant correlation with SII(rs=0.144,P=0.167).Further analysis of the correlation between the above novel inflammatory markers and the 5 components of frailty showed that NLR was positively correlated with fatigue(rs=0.228,P=0.017),slowed walking speed(rs=0.299,P<0.001),and low physical function(rs=0.319,P<0.001);RDW was positively correlated with decreased grip strength(rs=0.321,P<0.001),slowed walking speed(rs=0.422,P<0.001),and low physical function(rs=0.246,P=0.001);and HRR was negatively correlated with slowed walking speed(rs=-0.230,P=0.025),and low physical function(rs=-0.299,P=0.003).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MNA-SF score(OR=0.577,95%CI 0.342-0.973)was an independent protective factor for pre-frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD(P<0.05);NLR(OR=7.866,95%CI 1.101-56.185)was an independent risk factor for frailty,while HRR(OR=0.344,95%CI 0.120-0.983)and MNA-SF score(OR=0.292,95%CI 0.146-0.580)were independent protective factors for frailty in elderly CVD patients(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve of NLR and HRR for diagnosing frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD were 0.778 and 0.749,respectively.Conclusion NLR and HRR have high clinical diagnostic value for frailty in elderly patients with chronic CVD,and are expected to become effective inflammatory markers for screening elderly patients with chronic CVD complicated with frailty.

ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.

To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response triggered by infection and often leads to acute kidney injury(AKI).The pathogenesis of sepsis-associated AKI is complex,involving multiple factors such as renal ischemia,inflammation and oxidative stress.In recent years,pyroptosis,a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death,has gradually attracted the attention of researchers.Pyroptosis is activated by inflammasomes(e.g.,the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-related protein 3 inflammasome,NLRP3 inflammasome),accompanied by Gas-dermin D(GSDMD)-mediated formation of cell membrane pores and release of cellular contents,which leads to exacerbation of local and systemic inflammatory responses.The mechanism of pyroptosis in sepsis-associated AKI has not been fully elucidated,but AKI is directly involved in the process of renal functional impairment by indu-cing the death of renal tubular epithelial cells and exacerbating the local inflammatory response.Blockade of key molecules in the pyroptosis pathway,such as GSDMD or NLRP3 inflammasome,can significantly alleviate renal injury,suggesting that the pyroptosis pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis-associated AKI.This review summarizes the recent research progress on pyroptosis in sepsis-associated AKI,and discuss its cen-tral role in the pathogenesis,particularly focusing on the inflammasome and GSDMD pathways.Additionally,this paper analyzes the potential of focal death inhibition as a therapeutic strategy and proposes future research direc-tions with the expectation of providing references for the treatment of sepsis-related AKI.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response triggered by infection and often leads to acute kidney injury(AKI).The pathogenesis of sepsis-associated AKI is complex,involving multiple factors such as renal ischemia,inflammation and oxidative stress.In recent years,pyroptosis,a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death,has gradually attracted the attention of researchers.Pyroptosis is activated by inflammasomes(e.g.,the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-related protein 3 inflammasome,NLRP3 inflammasome),accompanied by Gas-dermin D(GSDMD)-mediated formation of cell membrane pores and release of cellular contents,which leads to exacerbation of local and systemic inflammatory responses.The mechanism of pyroptosis in sepsis-associated AKI has not been fully elucidated,but AKI is directly involved in the process of renal functional impairment by indu-cing the death of renal tubular epithelial cells and exacerbating the local inflammatory response.Blockade of key molecules in the pyroptosis pathway,such as GSDMD or NLRP3 inflammasome,can significantly alleviate renal injury,suggesting that the pyroptosis pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis-associated AKI.This review summarizes the recent research progress on pyroptosis in sepsis-associated AKI,and discuss its cen-tral role in the pathogenesis,particularly focusing on the inflammasome and GSDMD pathways.Additionally,this paper analyzes the potential of focal death inhibition as a therapeutic strategy and proposes future research direc-tions with the expectation of providing references for the treatment of sepsis-related AKI.