ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the intervention effect of Renqing Mangjue on the malignant transformation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG） and to explore its molecular mechanism in preventing precancerous lesions of gastric cancer based on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）/protein kinase G （PKG）/mitogen-activated protein kinase （MEK）/extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） signaling pathway. MethodsHuman gastric mucosal epithelial cells （GES-1） were initially induced by MNNG to establish a precancerous cell model （MC cells）. The effective concentration of MNNG for inducing malignant transformation in GES-1 cells was screened using the cell proliferation activity decection （CCK-8） assay， and the effective concentration of Renqing Mangjue for inhibiting the proliferation of transformed GES-1 cells was also determined. GES-1 cells were divided into a blank control group， a model group， and treatment groups with Renqing Mangjue at concentrations of 1， 3， 10， and 30 mg·L^-1. Furthermore， the effects of Renqing Mangjue on the migratory ability and epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） characteristics of GES-1 malignant transformed cells were evaluated using Transwell migration assays， wound healing assays， and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Additionally， candidate chemical components and target sites of Renqing Mangjue were obtained from the TCMIP v2.0 database， and disease targets at various stages of gastric cancer precursors were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO） database. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the Metascape database to predict the potential mechanisms of action of Renqing Mangjue. Finally， the protective mechanism of Renqing Mangjue against gastric cancer precursors was validated through Western blot analysis. ResultsAt a concentration of 20 μmol·L^-1， MNNG exhibited an inhibition rate of approximately 50% on GES-1 cells （P<0.01）， and at this concentration， the GES-1 cells displayed biological characteristics indicative of malignant transformation. In contrast， Renqing Mangjue had no significant effect on the proliferation of normal GES-1 cells， but significantly inhibited the proliferation of MC cells （P<0.01） and markedly reduced their migratory capacity （P<0.01）. Moreover， it also increased the mRNA expression level of E-cadherin during the EMT process （P<0.05）， while inhibiting the expression of both N-cadherin and the transcription factor Snail mRNA （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Network predictions suggested that Renqing Mangjue may prevent gastric cancer precursors through modulating the cGMP/PKG and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Furthermore， Western blot results indicated that Renqing Mangjue upregulated the expression of PKG and NPRB （B-type natriuretic peptide receptor） proteins in the cGMP/PKG pathway （P<0.01）， while downregulating the expression of the downstream proteins MEK and ERK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionIn summary， Renqing Mangjue can prevent gastric cancer precursors by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of malignant transformed GES-1 cells， thereby delaying the EMT process. The underlying mechanisms may be related to the activation of the cGMP/PKG pathway and the inhibition of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo clarify the associations between plasma fibrinogen （Fbg） and volumetric bone mineral density （vBMD） as well as osteoporosis measured by quantitative computed tomography （QCT）， and to explore the role of plasma Fbg in early screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis. MethodsPatients with hypertension who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to June 2022 and underwent QCT examinations were included for cross-sectional analysis. The study analyzed the correlation between plasma Fbg and osteoporosis in patients. The diagnostic efficacy of plasma Fbg for osteoporosis was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve （AUC）. ResultsTotally 441 subjects were included in the analysis， with an average age of 46.0±14.5 years and a prevalence of osteoporosis of 6.4% （28/441）. As the level of plasma fibrinogen increased， the incidence of osteoporosis significantly increased （P<0.000 1）while the average bone mineral density of L1 and L2 were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the first quartile of plasma Fbg（1.99g/L -2.37g/L）， the risk of osteoporosis in the fourth quartile of plasma Fbg （3.67g/L-4.46g/L） increased by 8.85 times after adjusting for related confounding factors. ConclusionThis study found a negative correlation between plasma fibrinogen levels and bone density in patients with hypertension. Plasma fibrinogen levels may serve as a potential screening indicator for osteoporosis， aiding in early diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. This discovery offers a new perspective for the study of bone metabolic diseases and warrants further investigation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and functional impairment. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological progression of RA with dysfunction of endothelial cells to promote synovial inflammation, sustain pannus formation, subsequently leading to joint damage. Colquhounia Root Tablets (CRT), a Chinese patent drug, has shown a satisfying clinical efficacy in treating RA, while the underlying mechanism by which CRT inhibits RA-associated angiogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we applied a research approach combining transcriptomic data analysis, bio-network mapping, and in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the molecular mechanisms of CRT in suppressing angiogenesis in RA. Animal welfare and experimental procedures follow the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (ratification number: IBTCMCACMS21-2307-06). Network analysis identified that key genes such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2), SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) significantly enriched in pathways related to NOD-like receptor signaling and VEGF signaling, indicating that CRT may inhibit angiogenesis by regulating vascular endothelial cell function with modulating angiogenesis-related pathways. In vivo data showed that CRT significantly reduced the positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in the ankle joint of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats. In vitro data further confirmed that CRT effectively inhibited VEGF-induced migration, invasion, and tube formation in HUVECs, while significantly reduced the expression of angiogenesis-related factors VEGF/CD31/Ang-1, as well as the positive expression of VEGF and CD31 in HUVECs. Furthermore, CRT markedly decreased the protein expression of NOD2, VEGFA, and SMAD3. In conclusion, these findings indicate that CRT may inhibit the RA-related angiogenesis by targeting the NOD2/SMAD3/VEGF signaling axis to improve endothelial cell function, enriching the scientific connotation of CRT in inhibiting pathological angiogenesis in RA and also offer new insights for clinical prevention and treatment of RA.

Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.

ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription （JPHGP） in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head （SONFH） by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal， model， low-， medium-， and high-dose （2.5， 5， 10 g·kg^-1， respectively） JPHGP， and Jiangushengwan （1.53 g·kg^-1） groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg^-1 on days 1 and 2， and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg^-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection， and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head， and the number of adipocytes， the rate of empty bone lacunae， and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low-density lipoprotein （LDL）， high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， apolipoprotein A1 （ApoA1）， and apolipoprotein B （ApoB）. At the same time， the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed， and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking， immunohistochemistry， and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head， trabecular fracture， karyopyknosis， subchondral cystic degeneration， increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae （P<0.01）， a reduction in the trabecular area （P<0.01）， decreases in BMD， Tb.Th， Tb.N， and BV/TV， and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae， an increase in the trabecular area （P<0.05， P<0.01）， rises in BMD， Tb.Th， Tb.N， and BV/TV， and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG， TC， LDL， and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG， TC， LDL， and ApoB （P<0.05， P<0.01） and a risen serum level of ApoA1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased （P<0.01）. A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head， and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation， lipids， apoptosis， and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking， immunohistochemistry， and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group， the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase （5-LO） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ） in the femoral head （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.

ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription （JPHGP） in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head （SONFH） by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal， model， low-， medium-， and high-dose （2.5， 5， 10 g·kg^-1， respectively） JPHGP， and Jiangushengwan （1.53 g·kg^-1） groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg^-1 on days 1 and 2， and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg^-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection， and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head， and the number of adipocytes， the rate of empty bone lacunae， and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low-density lipoprotein （LDL）， high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， apolipoprotein A1 （ApoA1）， and apolipoprotein B （ApoB）. At the same time， the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed， and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking， immunohistochemistry， and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head， trabecular fracture， karyopyknosis， subchondral cystic degeneration， increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae （P<0.01）， a reduction in the trabecular area （P<0.01）， decreases in BMD， Tb.Th， Tb.N， and BV/TV， and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae， an increase in the trabecular area （P<0.05， P<0.01）， rises in BMD， Tb.Th， Tb.N， and BV/TV， and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG， TC， LDL， and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG， TC， LDL， and ApoB （P<0.05， P<0.01） and a risen serum level of ApoA1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased （P<0.01）. A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head， and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation， lipids， apoptosis， and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking， immunohistochemistry， and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group， the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase （5-LO） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ） in the femoral head （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the core acupoint selection rules and syndrome-based compatibility patterns of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using data mining techniques. METHODS: Relevant literature of acupuncture for ASD was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a prescription database was established based on the extracted effective data. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the frequency, meridian tropism, anatomical distribution, and specific point. High-frequency acupoints were visualized using Origin software. The Apriori algorithm in IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used for association rule analysis of acupoint combinations. Cluster analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. The relationships between high-frequency syndromes and acupoints were visualized using Cytoscape 3.10.0. RESULTS: A total of 223 studies and 452 prescriptions were included, among which 223 were based on syndrome differentiation. A total of 205 acupoints were included with a cumulative frequency of 4 067. The top five most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV20), Sishenzhen, Zhisanzhen, Niesanzhen, and Neiguan (PC6). Acupoints were primarily from Jin's three-needle therapy, the governor vessel, scalp acupuncture, and the foot-taiyang bladder meridian, with a high proportion of acupoints located on the head and neck and the limbs. Among specific point, five-shu points, yuan-source points, and back-shu points were most frequently used. Association rule analysis revealed that the core acupoint group was Sishenzhen-Dingshenzhen-Zhisanzhen-Niesanzhen. Cluster analysis divided the top 20 high-frequency acupoints into four categories: governor vessel activation and brain awakening group, spleen strengthening and heart nourishing group, Jin's three-needle spirit-regulating group, and kidney-reinforcing and marrow-filling group. Clinically, the main syndrome patterns were kidney essence deficiency, hyperactivity of heart and liver fire, phlegm obstructing the heart orifices, dual deficiency of heart and spleen, and liver qi stagnation. CONCLUSION The core acupoint prescriptions of acupuncture for ASD are Sishenzhen, Dingshenzhen, Zhisanzhen, and Niesanzhen. The treatment emphasizes spirit regulation and mental tranquility, guided by the principles of harmonizing multiple zang-fu organs, regulating qi and blood, unblocking qi movement, and balancing yin and yang. Syndrome-based acupoint compatibility is recommended in clinical practice.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy* ; Data Mining ; Meridians

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.