ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shixiaosan can improve neurological function and inhibit ferroptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury （CIRI） by regulating the nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）/glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） pathway. MethodsA rat model of CIRI was established using the intraluminal filament method. Briefly， cervical blood vessels were separated， branches of the external carotid artery were ligated， and the common carotid artery and internal carotid artery were clamped. A nylon filament was inserted through the opening of the external carotid artery to the origin of the middle cerebral artery to block blood flow and induce cerebral ischemia. After 60-120 min of ischemia， the filament was withdrawn to restore blood flow， and the external carotid artery incision was ligated. The rats were divided into a CIRI group， a Shixiaosan low-dose （-L） group （intragastric administration of 1.26 g·kg^-1 Shixiaosan）， a Shixiaosan high-dose （-H） group （intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg^-1 Shixiaosan）， a donepezil hydrochloride tablet （DON） group （intragastric administration of 0.45 mg·kg^-1 DON）， and a Shixiaosan -H + Nrf2 inhibitor （ML385） group （intragastric administration of 2.52 g·kg^-1 Shixiaosan combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg·kg^-1 ML385）. An additional 12 rats underwent cervical artery separation followed by incision suturing and served as the control group. Equal volumes of double-distilled water were administered to the CIRI and control groups. Neurological function impairment was assessed using the modified Garcia JH score. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the cerebral infarct volume ratio. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Prussian blue staining were performed to observe neuronal injury and iron accumulation in the ischemic penumbra， respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of neuronal mitochondria in the ischemic penumbra. Commercial kits were used to measure ferrous iron （Fe²⁺）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， reduced glutathione （GSH） content， and reactive oxygen species （ROS） activity in the ischemic penumbra. The BODIPY （581/591） C11 fluorescent probe was used to detect intracellular lipid peroxidation levels. Western blot was performed to detect protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， GPX4， transferrin receptor 1 （TFRC）， ferritin heavy chain （FHC）， and ferritin light chain （FLC） in the ischemic penumbra. ResultsCompared with the control group， the CIRI group exhibited neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra， characterized by reduced neuron numbers， nucleolar shrinkage， and interstitial edema. Marked iron accumulation was observed in the tissue. Neuronal mitochondria showed atrophy and rupture， with reduced mitochondrial cristae and increased membrane density. The cerebral infarct volume ratio， Fe²⁺ content， MDA content， ROS activity， and lipid peroxidation levels were increased， whereas the modified Garcia JH score， GSH content， and protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， GPX4， FHC， and FLC were decreased， and TFRC protein expression was increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the CIRI group， the Shixiaosan -L group， Shixiaosan -H group， and DON group showed attenuated neuronal injury in the ischemic penumbra， reduced iron accumulation， alleviated mitochondrial damage， decreased cerebral infarct volume ratio， Fe²⁺ and MDA contents， ROS activity， and lipid peroxidation levels， as well as increased modified Garcia JH scores， GSH content， and protein expression levels of Nrf2， SLC7A11， GPX4， FHC， and FLC， while TFRC protein expression was decreased （P<0.05）. The magnitude of changes in all indicators was greater in the Shixiaosan -H group than in the Shixiaosan -L group （P<0.05）. Compared with the Shixiaosan -H group， all measured indicators in the Shixiaosan -H + ML385 group showed opposite trends （P<0.05）. ConclusionShixiaosan may inhibit ferroptosis and restore neurological function in rats with CIRI by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.

Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) is a negative-sense RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family and is the etiological agent of a highly contagious acute respiratory disease that can lead to acute lung injury. Objective: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IAV infection, an integrative research approach combining gene expression profiling, multinetwork analysis, and in vivo experimental validations was employed. Methods: First, a series of network-based analyses were performed, including protein-protein interaction network construction, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, to identify the major underlying mechanisms of IAV infection. Following gene expression analysis, core targets, both direct and indirect regulators, were screened. An IAV (H1N1) strain A/PR/8/34-induced acute lung injury mouse model was constructed for in vivo validations. Batch one included two groups to evaluate findings from the multi-network analysis: Mock (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females) and IAV (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females). Batch two included three groups to assess the role of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in IAV infection: Mock (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), IAV (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), and TLR3 inhibitor (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females). Body weight was measured on days 0, 3, and 5 after infection. On day 5, lung tissues were collected to assess viral load and histopathological changes. Key targets were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining, both in sera and lung tissues. Results: IAV infection was significantly associated with dysregulation of the immune-inflammation system, such as the LTR, nucle-otide-binding oligomerization domain-(NOD) like receptor, retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor, and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways. Gene set enrichment analysis further indicated that the TLR and necroptosis signaling pathways played crucial roles in the progression of IAV infection (TLR signaling pathway normalized enrichment score = 2.3941, P = 1.00 × 10 ⁻¹⁰; necroptosis normalized enrichment score = 1.9421, P = 6.21 × 10 ⁻⁷). Among the core targets, TLR3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) may regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level (all P < 0.05). In vivo validation using an IAV (PR8) infected acute lung injury mouse model demonstrated increased viral load and lung index, alveolar structural damage, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunofluorescence staining exhibited large gaps in Lamin B1 staining and breaches in Emerin signals following IAV-PR8 infection. Expression levels of TLR3, p-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/RIPK3, and p-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)/MLKL proteins in lung tissues, as well as proinflammatory factors and mediators in sera, were significantly elevated after IAV infection. Moreover, enhanced neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase) and citrullinated histone H3 (a neutrophil extracellular trap-specific marker), both established indicators of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, were observed. Notably, treatment with a TLR3 inhibitor significantly ameliorated IAV-induced acute lung injury by regulating necroptosis-related targets. Conclusion: Our study provides network-based in vivo evidence that TLR3-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis may underlie IAV-induced acute lung injury and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in severe influenza cases.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Shanxi Province from 2012 to 2024, and predict the incidence trend for 2025, and to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of prevention and control strategies. Methods Based on the surveillance data of HFMD in Shanxi Province from 2012 to 2024, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and time trends of the disease were analyzed. The ARIMA model was constructed and used to predict the incidence trend in 2025. Results From 2012 to 2024, a total of 254 028 HFMD cases were reported in Shanxi Province, with an average annual incidence rate of 54.17 per 100 000 population, a severe case rate of 0.56%, and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 12.60 per 100 000 population. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that the incidence rate, severe case rate, mortality rate, and case fatality rate all presented a downward trend. The epidemic exhibited obvious seasonal distribution characteristics, with the peak period from April to November, and two incidence peaks in June-July and October-November. The male-to-female incidence ratio was 1.41:1. Children aged 1-5 years accounted for 89.24% of the total cases, among which scattered children (58.48%) and nursery children (33.54%) were the high-risk groups. Linfen City (96.06 /100 000) and Taiyuan City (88.54 /100 000) had relatively high incidence rates. After 2017, the proportion of enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) decreased, while coxsackievirus A16 (Cox-A16) and other enteroviruses became the main epidemic strains. The ARIMA(1,0,1)(0,1,1)₁₂ model predicted that the incidence of HFMD in 2025 would remain at the level of 2023-2024, and the dual-peak characteristic would continue. Conclusion From 2012 to 2024, the overall HFMD epidemic in Shanxi Province generally shows a significant downward trend. The high-risk population includes scattered children and nursery children under 5 years old, with high-incidence areas concentrated in the central and southern regions, requiring focused attention. The seasonal ARIMA model can effectively fit the evolutionary trend of HFMD incidence in Shanxi Province and possesses short-term predictive capability.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） is one of the most prevalent forms of liver diseases globally. Its progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease， and there is currently a lack of effective pharmacological treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， as a regulatory hub for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis， can coordinate key cellular processes such as adipogenesis， glucose metabolism， and mitochondrial functions. Its activation exerts metabolic regulatory effects through pathways including inhibiting lipogenesis， enhancing mitochondrial β-oxidation， regulating inflammation and oxidative stress， and promoting autophagy. Accordingly， AMPK emerges as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM）， with low toxicity， high accessibility， and multi-component， multi-target synergistic effects， has demonstrated unique value in NAFLD treatment， particularly showing notable advantages in regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. Sichuan is known as the treasure house of TCM， and the active components of its authentic medicinal materials such as Coptidis Rhizoma not only reflect regional characteristics in AMPK signaling regulation but also form a multi-level metabolic regulatory network through crosstalk with pathways such as sirtuin 1 （SIRT1） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α （PPARα）. They can achieve specific regulation by directly activating AMPK and modulating upstream and downstream targets， exerting prominent effects in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. This study systematically reviews the research findings on TCM for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD over the past five years， elaborating the mechanisms by which TCM treats NAFLD through regulating the AMPK signaling pathway. It aims to provide new perspectives and references for clinical diagnosis and treatment， basic research， and drug development.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） is a chronic liver condition closely associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism， with the central pathological event of mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter （MCU） complex is a key molecular apparatus regulating mitochondrial calcium （mtCa²⁺） homeostasis， and mtCa²⁺ overload due to its dysfunction plays a critical role in the progression of MAFLD. This article systematically elaborates on the pathogenesis of MAFLD， with a particular focus on how the central signaling axis of “MCU complex dysfunction-mtCa²⁺ overload” drives the disease progression of MAFLD by disrupting energy metabolism， activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway， triggering the NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome， and inducing cell death. It also points out that traditional Chinese medicine can exert an interventional effect on multiple downstream pathways through various targets and has shown unique advantages and a significant potential in alleviating MAFLD by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and targeting the MCU complex， and therefore， it is expected to provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.

ObjectiveTo screen for and validate key differentially expressed proteins in serum of patients with metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD）， and to provide a basis for identifying diagnostic biomarkers and developing intervention strategies for this disease. MethodsA total of 20 patients who were diagnosed with MAFLD in the third affiliated hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2024 to January 2025 were enrolled as MAFLD group， and 20 healthy controls were enrolled as HC group. Demographic data and serum biochemical parameters were collected from both groups. Data-independent acquisition （DIA） quantitative proteomics was used to measure the relative expression levels of serum proteins， and related methods were used to obtain significantly differentially expressed proteins， including the gene ontology functional enrichment analysis， the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis， protein-protein interaction （PPI） network， Hub node interaction， and weighted gene co-expression network analysis （WGCNA）. Rats were given a high-fat diet to establish a model of MAFLD， and randomly assigned to the control group and model group. Serum biochemical parameters and inflammatory factors were measured， liver histopathological changes were observed， and the protein expression levels of MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase （MERTK） and matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） in liver tissue were verified. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups， while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data or data with heterogeneity of variance between groups； the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsCompared with the HC group， the MAFLD group had significant increases in the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase （t=-7.348， P<0.05）， alanine aminotransferase （Z=5.088， P<0.05）， alkaline phosphatase （t=-3.943， P<0.05）， triglyceride （Z=2.070， P<0.05）， and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （t=3.867， P<0.05）. A total of 3 559 proteins were identified by DIA serum proteomics， among which 160 differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in pathways including metabolic disorders， immune inflammatory response， and extracellular matrix remodeling. The PPI network and the Hub node analysis showed that serpin family E member 1， MMP-9， and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 were core regulatory proteins. WGCNA showed that the MEyellow module was significantly positively correlated with MAFLD phenotype （cor=0.55， P<0.001）， which was functionally enriched in the efferocytosis pathway. MERTK （P<0.001） and MMP-9 （P<0.001） showed the most significant differential expression in this module. A rat model of MAFLD was successfully established using a high-fat diet， and compared with the control group， the model group had enlarged， yellowish， and greasy liver and disordered structure of hepatic lobules， hepatocyte fatty degeneration， and inflammatory cell infiltration based on HE staining， as well as massive lipid droplet deposition based on oil red O staining， while no obvious fibrous cords were observed in Masson staining. Compared with the control group， the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase （t=-5.148， P<0.05）， alanine aminotransferase （t=-5.663， P<0.05）， total bilirubin （t=-13.061， P<0.05）， triglyceride （Z=-2.722， P<0.05）， total cholesterol （t=3.588， P<0.05）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （t=-16.741， P<0.05）， as well as significant increases in the protein expression levels of MERTK （t=-11.448， P<0.001） and MMP-9 （t=-10.875， P<0.001） in liver tissue. ConclusionMMP-9 and MERTK are abnormally expressed in MAFLD and may be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for this disease.

Objective: To investigate the factors affecting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide a basis for improving PrEP uptake among MSM and optimizing HIV prevention and control strategies. Methods: The MSM were recruited at a HIV testing site of the "Danlan Public Welfare" organization in Beijing Municipality using the convenient sampling method from March to May 2024. Sociodemographic information, awareness of basic AIDS knowledge, sexual orientation and behaviors, the use of PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the past six months were collected using the questionnaire survey. Multivariable logistic regression model and decision tree model were used to analyze the influencing factors for PrEP use among MSM. Results: A total of 414 participants were surveyed, with a mean age of (33.52±8.50) years. Among them, 345 individuals (83.33%) had a college degree and above. The predominant sexual orientation was homosexual, with 265 individuals, accounting for 64.01%. The majority reported having 1 to 2 same-sex partners in the past six months, with 182 individuals (43.96%). A total of 39 individuals (9.42%) had used PEP in the past six months. A total of 68 individuals (16.43%) had used PrEP during the same period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that educational attainment (college degree and above, OR=28.200, 95%CI: 3.162-251.519), the number of same-sex partners in the past six months (3-5 partners, OR=3.963, 95%CI: 1.065-14.755; ≥6 partners, OR=7.518, 95%CI: 1.829-30.910), and the use of PEP in the past six months (OR=18.606, 95%CI: 7.587-45.631) were significant factors associated with PrEP use among MSM. The decision tree model identified educational level, sexual orientation, and the number of same-sex partners in the past six months as factors affecting PrEP use among MSM. Among these, the number of same-sex partners in the past six months emerged as the primary influencing factor. The use of PrEP was 38.46% among MSM who had ≥3 same-sex partners in the past six months and identified as homosexual or heterosexual. Conclusion The use of PrEP among MSM is primarily associated with educational level, the number of same-sex partners in the past six months, use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the past six months, and sexual orientation.

BACKGROUND:Remyelination in the central nervous system is a basic repair process triggered by demyelinating events,mainly through the proliferation,migration,and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes.The process of remyelination is affected by many factors such as astrocytes,myelin debris,microglia,macrophages,endothelial cells,pericytes,T cells,and age.OBJECTIVE:Astrocytes play an important role in regulating synaptic activity,nutritional support,and tissue repair in the central nervous system.This review aims to provide potential therapeutic targets for demyelinating diseases of central nervous system by reviewing the role of astrocytes in remyelination.METHODS:A search was conducted on relevant literature collected from CNKI,PubMed,and Web of Science from 2014 tO 2024.The search terms were"astrocytes,oligodendrocyte precursor cells,remyelination"in both Chinese and English.Finally,66 articles were included after screening and summarized.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The treatment of demyelinating diseases,such as multiple sclerosis,is limited to disease-modifying therapies,and there is no available method to overcome the failure of remyelination.Therefore,it is necessary to explore targets related to remyelination to promote myelin repair.(2)Remyelination is a process in which oligodendrocyte precursor cells proliferate,migrate,differentiate,and mature into oligodendrocytes,and the latter produce myelin to wrap axons to form myelin sheath.(3)Astrocytes regulate remyelination by phagocytosis of myelin debris,participating in inflammatory response,transforming into oligodendrocyte lineage cells,providing energy supply for oligodendrocyte lineage cells,releasing neurotrophic factors,and secreting extracellular matrix components.(4)The drugs screened in this paper use astrocytes and their derived factors as intervention targets to regulate the remyelination.Some drugs have satisfactory effects,but their effectiveness and safety still need more basic research and clinical trials to verify.(5)The mechanism of action of astrocytes in remyelination has not been fully elucidated,and the related molecular targets and signaling pathways can be further studied.

Objective:To investigate the effect of ginkgolide B(GB)on astrocyte(AST)phagocytosis of myelin debris,and to investigate the mechanism of this functional therapy to demyelination by targeting AST.Methods:In vitro culture of AST,and divided AST into three groups:Control group,Myelin debris(Debris)group and Debris+GB group,incubed them in a constant temperature CO2 cell culture incubator for 24 hours,and then detected relevant indicators to observe the effect of GB on AST on phagocytic myelin debris.Results:Compared to the phagocytosis of myelin debris by primary AST,GB could effectively promote the phagocytosis by AST and show enhanced ABCA-1 expression(both P<0.05).Phagocytosis of myelin debris had no effect on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by in vitro cultured AST.Debris+GB increased the expressions of neurotrophic CNTF and B-FGF compared to Debris(both P<0.05).Furthermore,Debris+GB decreased Bax and Caspase-3,while increased Bcl-2 expression(all P<0.05).Conclusion:GB can promote the phagocytosis of myelin debris by AST,which may be related to the upregulation of ABCA-1.Meanwhile,phagocytosis of myelin debris by AST increases the expression of the neurotrophic factors and the inhibits the apoptosis of AST themselves.

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of chronic progressive diseases characterized by inflammation,degenera-tion and apoptosis.Chronic neuroinflammation is gradually becoming a potential pathogenic and predisposing factor.As a widely expressed non-histone nucleoprotein,HMGB1 participates in inflammatory process of human body through receptors of advanced glycation end products and Toll-like receptors while maintaining chromosome homeostasis.As a key factor of neuroinflammation,HMGB1 is widely involved in development of neurodegenerative diseases and may become a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of neurodegenerative diseases.This article reviews the role of HMGB1 in neurodegenerative diseases and tries to provide ground-work for basic research and clinical application for targeting HMGB1 in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.