Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease with synovitis as the main manifestation， which often causes joint swelling and pain or even deformity. It is considered to be an incurable lifelong disease. Although the current Western medicine treatment can alleviate the progression of the disease， it has the clinical limitations of liver injury， cardiovascular complications， and other adverse reactions， along with easy recurrence. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has a long history and has the advantages of individualized treatment and fewer adverse reactions. It can effectively relieve the symptoms of joint swelling and pain in RA patients and slow down the progression of bone destruction， which has attracted wide concern in the medical community. Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT） signaling pathway is an important intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation， differentiation， apoptosis， immune regulation， and other biological behaviors， and plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of RA. In recent years， many studies have confirmed that TCM monomers and compounds can inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway， induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes （FLS）， regulate immune response， and thus exert an effect in the treatment of RA. However， there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic induction and overview. Therefore， by searching the relevant literature in China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI） and PubMed databases from 2009 to 2024， this study described the mechanism of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of RA and summarized the research progress of TCM monomers and compounds in regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in RA intervention. The study aims to provide new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of RA with TCM and the research and development of new drugs.

Parkinson's disease （PD） is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments， with its pathological mechanisms involving multiple processes such as the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein. Current Western medical treatments face challenges including diminished long-term efficacy and motor complications. In recent years， Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） has demonstrated advantages in the prevention and treatment of PD through its systematic regulatory capabilities， featuring multi-component， multi-target， and multi-pathway approaches.This article systematically reviews the roles of seven key signaling pathways-NF-κB， AMPK/mTOR， PI3K/Akt， MAPKs， Nrf2/ARE， Wnt/β-catenin， and BDNF/TrkB-in the pathological process of PD and the regulatory mechanisms of TCM. Research indicates that active ingredients of Chinese herbs and compound formulations can synergistically modulate these pathways， exerting comprehensive effects in inhibiting neuroinflammation， alleviating oxidative stress， promoting autophagy to clear abnormal proteins， and enhancing neurotrophic support. These signaling pathways form a complex regulatory network through crosstalk among key nodal molecules， constituting an intricate regulatory system in PD pathology. The multi-target intervention characteristics of TCM align well with this network-based regulatory requirement， achieving integrated anti-inflammatory， antioxidant， autophagy-regulating， and neurorestorative effects through synergistic multi-pathway modulation. This article systematically outlines the mechanisms of TCM in the coordinated regulation of multiple pathways， providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the pathological process of PD and the intervention mechanisms of TCM， while also offering new perspectives and directions for modern research on TCM in the prevention and treatment of PD.

With the rising incidence of colon cancer, several studies have indicated that aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression is associated with the development of colon cancer. This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms between them. Methods: We screened data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and retrospectively examined AQP1 protein expression in 127 colon cancer patients to analyze the relationship between AQP1 expression and pathological stages, prognosis. We created stable colon cancer cell lines with differential AQP1 expression, the effect of AQP1 expression on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and explored potential molecular mechanisms through Western blotting. Results: High AQP1 expression was associated with poorer survival (overall survival [OS], p = .028) in colon cancer patients from the TCGA database. Similarly, retrospective clinical data indicated that high AQP1 expression was associated with reduced disease-free survival and OS (p = .036 and p = .017, respectively). The low-expressing AQP1 colon cancer cells exhibited a decrease in proliferation and migration ability of colon cancer cells compared to the overexpressing AQP1 group (p < .05) in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting experiments validated heightened expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin- 1 in the tumor tissues of the overexpressing AQP1 group. Conversely, reduced AQP1 expression resulted in decreased expression of claudin- 1. Conclusions: AQP1 correlates with unfavorable prognosis in colon cancer and potentially enhances the proliferation and migration of colon cancer by up-regulating claudin-1 expression.

Objective To track and evaluate the implementation and application of the occupational health standard Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy room—Part 4: Radiotherapy room of ²⁵²Cf neutron afterloading (GBZ/T 201.4-2015) by radiation health technical service agencies, medical institutions, health supervision agencies, and radiotherapy facility design units, and to provide a scientific basis for the further revision and implementation of this standard. Methods Following the Guideline for health standards tracking evaluation (WS/T 536-2017) and the project implementation plan, relevant practitioners were randomly selected for a questionnaire survey. The survey primarily focused on their awareness, standard training, application, and revision suggestions of GBZ/T 201.4-2015. The results were summarized and analyzed. Results A total of 168 evaluation questionnaires were collected from relevant practitioners in 28 provinces. Only 31.6% of the respondents reported being “well familiar” or “ familiar” with the standard, 27.4% of the respondents believed that the standard was widely used, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard could meet the needs of their work. Only 14.9% of the respondents had received relevant training on the standard, more than half of the respondents had not applied the standard within the past 10 years, and 45.2% of the respondents believed that the standard "needs to be revised". Conclusion Due to the small number of californium-252 neutron afterloading radiotherapy devices in operation on the market, the overall awareness of the standard is low, suggesting that relevant authorities need to strengthen training and publicity of the standard, and that certain sections of the standard need to be revised or merged.

Objective:To prepare a nano-barium titanate@gold Schottky junction (nano-BaTiO 3@Au) coating and investigate its effects on the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), aiming to explore a titanium surface modification strategy with superior osteogenic activity. Methods:Pure titanium specimens served as the control group (Ti group). Titanium dioxide coatings were prepared on their surfaces via anodic oxidation. Nano-barium titanate (nBTO group) was further synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Gold nanoparticles were grown in situ on the nano-BaTiO 3 via high-temperature reduction of chloroauric acid using sodium citrate, yielding the nano-barium titanate@gold Schottky junction coating (nBTO@Au group). Surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental composition was analyzed using X-ray energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Crystal structure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Hydrophilicity was assessed via water contact angle measurement. Specimens were co-cultured with BMSCs to evaluate biocompatibility and osteogenic properties. Cell proliferation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cytotoxicity towards BMSCs was assessed using live/dead cell staining. Cell morphology and adhesion were observed using cytoskeleton staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression in BMSCs after 7 days was quantified using an ALP activity assay and ALP staining. Extracellular matrix mineralization after 7 days was evaluated using alizarin red staining and quantification assay. Each experiment was performed using three specimens per group. Results:Scanning electron microscopy revealed that gold nanoparticles with the diameter of(14.838±0.718) nm, uniform in size and homogeneously distributed, were successfully grown in situ on the surface of the nBTO coating. EDS and XPS confirmed the presence of Ba, Ti, O, and Au elements in the nBTO@Au composite coating. XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that the nanostructured barium titanate (nBTO) coating was synthesized via a hydrothermal method.Water contact angle measurements showed that the contact angle was 66.8°± 0.45° for the control group, 22.55°±0.42° for the nBTO group, and 26.78°±1.15° for the nBTO@Au group, indicating good hydrophilicity of both nBTO and nBTO@Au coatings. On day 1 and day 3 of culture, the cell proliferation in the nBTO group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the nBTO@Au group and either the control group or the nBTO group (all P>0.05). By day 5, the cell proliferation of nBTO@Au groups was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05), and the cell proliferation of nBTO group was significantly lower than that of the control group and that of the nBTO@Au group ( P<0.05). By day 7, there were no statistically significant differences in cell proliferation among all experimental groups ( F=1.62, P>0.05).Live/dead cell staining demonstrated that the cell survival rate exceeded 90% in all groups, with normal morphology and few dead cells, indicating good biocompatibility of the nBTO@Au coating. Compared to the control group, both nBTO and nBTO@Au groups promoted cell adhesion and spreading, although no significant difference in cell morphology was noted between the two modified groups. ALP staining revealed a larger stained area and deeper coloration in the nBTO@Au group. Quantitative results showed that ALP activity in the nBTO@Au group was significantly higher than that in both the nBTO and control groups ( P<0.05), and the nBTO group also exhibited significantly higher activity than the control group( P<0.05). Alizarin red staining indicated the deepest coloration in the nBTO@Au group, followed by the nBTO group, and the lightest in the control group. Quantitative analysis further confirmed that the amount of calcium nodule deposition in the nBTO@Au group was significantly greater than that in the other two groups ( P<0.05), and the nBTO group also showed significantly more deposition than the control group( P<0.05). Conclusions:This study successfully prepared an nBTO@Au coating possessing good biocompatibility and enhanced osteogenic properties.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential effects and mechanisms of Liang-Ge-San (LGS) for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through network pharmacology analysis and to verify LGS activity through biological experiments. METHODS: The key ingredients of LGS and related targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. ARDS-related targets were selected from GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape Database. Molecular docking analysis was used to confirm the binding affinity of the core compounds with key therapeutic targets. Finally, the effects of LGS on key signaling pathways and biological processes were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS: A total of LGS-related targets and 496 ARDS-related targets were obtained from the databases. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that LGS could treat ARDS based on the following information: LGS ingredients luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein may be potential candidate agents. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), recombinant V-Rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) may be potential therapeutic targets. Reactive oxygen species metabolic process and the apoptotic signaling pathway were the main biological processes. The p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway might be the key signaling pathway activated by LGS against ARDS. Moreover, molecular docking demonstrated that luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein had a good binding affinity with MAPK14, RELA, and TNF α. In vitro experiments, LGS inhibited the expression and entry of p38 and p65 into the nucleation in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) cells induced by LPS, inhibited the inflammatory response and oxidative stress response, and inhibited HBE cell apoptosis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vivo experiments, LGS improved lung injury caused by ligation and puncture, reduced inflammatory responses, and inhibited the activation of p38MAPK and p65 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION LGS could reduce reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway, thus reducing apoptosis and attenuating ARDS.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology* ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Humans ; Male ; Network Pharmacology ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mice

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl₄ and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.

Food-derived bioactive peptides (FBPs), particularly those with ten or fewer amino acid residues and a molecular weight below 1300 Da, have gained increasing attention for their safe, diverse structures and specific biological activities. The development of FBP-based functional foods and potential medications depends on understanding their structure‒activity relationships (SARs), stability, and bioavailability properties. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the roles of FBPs in treating various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases, based on the literature from July 2017 to Mar. 2023. Subsequently, attention is directed toward elucidating the associations between the bioactivities and structural characteristics (e.g., molecular weight and the presence of specific amino acids within sequences and compositions) of FBPs. We also discuss in silico approaches for FBP screening and their limitations. Finally, we summarize recent advancements in formulation techniques to improve the bioavailability of FBPs in the food industry, thereby contributing to healthcare applications.
Humans ; Peptides/therapeutic use* ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Functional Food ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Biological Availability ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy* ; Hypertension/drug therapy* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Bioactive Peptides, Dietary

Alzheimer disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid β-protein(Aβ).Inflammation plays a significant role in promoting this abnormal deposition.Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)is recognized as a"primary regulator"of the inflammatory response,facilitating the activation of microglia and interacting with various pathways,including nuclear factor-κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like recep-tor protein 3.This interaction can lead to an inflammatory cascade that accelerates the progression of AD.Numerous pro-spective studies have demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine can modulate the TLR4 signaling pathway,effective-ly addressing both the onset and progression of AD.However,a comprehensive review of how Chinese medicine regulates this pathway in the treatment of AD is currently lacking.Therefore,this paper aims to detail the latest findings related to TLR4 in the prevention and treatment of AD,drawing from recent literature.It will explore the mediation of traditional Chinese medicine,preserving its essence,and provide references and a basis for clinical practices aimed at preventing and treating AD.