ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the protective effects of the Tanyu Tongzhi Youhua prescription（TYTZP） against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats via regulation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase （cGAS）/stimulator of interferon genes （STING） signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-six 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into sham group， model group， ticagrelor group （32.4 mg·kg^-1）， RU320521 （RU.521cGAS inhibitors） group （5 mL·kg^-1）， groups of TYTZP with low dose （3.6 g·kg^-1）， medium dose （7.2 g·kg^-1）， and high dose （14.4 g·kg^-1）， with eight rats per group. The ticagrelor group and groups of TYTZP with different doses received pre-treatment for seven days according to their respective protocols. The RU.521 group received an intraperitoneal injection one hour before modeling. A rat model of the no-reflow phenomenon in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in situ. Myocardial no-reflow area was determined by thioflavin staining. Histopathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed via hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography. Myocardial microcirculation function change was observed by using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography. The myocardial enzyme levels in the serum were measured by serum biochemical analysis. The double-stranded DNA （dsDNA） levels were detected by using PicoGreen. The protein expression of cGAS， STING， and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） p65 in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blot. The levels of cardiac troponin Ⅰ （cTNⅠ）， cardiac troponin T （cTNT）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the peripheral blood were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultsCompared with the sham group， the model group showed a significantly increased myocardial no-reflow area （P<0.01）. Myocardial fiber rupture and disarray and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed by HE staining. The ultrasound results indicated that left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and left ventricular fractional shortening （LVFS） （P<0.01） were significantly decreased. Real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography showed that the peak time of myocardial blood perfusion was significantly prolonged （P<0.01）， and the levels of creatine kinase （CK）， creatine kinase isoenzyme （CK-MB）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， cTNⅠ， cTNT， and dsDNA were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Western blot results showed that the myocardial protein expressions of cGAS， STING， and NF-κB p65 were upregulated （P<0.01）. ELISA results showed that the inflammatory factors in the serum such as IL-6， IL-1β， and TNF-α were increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the group of the TYTZP significantly reduced the levels of myocardial enzyme， troponins， and dsDNA （P<0.01， P<0.05）， improved cardiac function and myocardial microcirculation， alleviated histopathological morphology and inflammatory infiltration， inhibited activation of the cGAS/STING pathway， reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 （P<0.01， P<0.05）， and inhibited inflammatory response. ConclusionThe TYTZP mitigates the no-reflow phenomenon in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury， and its mechanism is associated with inhibiting the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway and attenuating inflammatory responses.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the protective effects of the Tanyu Tongzhi Youhua prescription（TYTZP） against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats via regulation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase （cGAS）/stimulator of interferon genes （STING） signaling pathway. MethodsFifty-six 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into sham group， model group， ticagrelor group （32.4 mg·kg^-1）， RU320521 （RU.521cGAS inhibitors） group （5 mL·kg^-1）， groups of TYTZP with low dose （3.6 g·kg^-1）， medium dose （7.2 g·kg^-1）， and high dose （14.4 g·kg^-1）， with eight rats per group. The ticagrelor group and groups of TYTZP with different doses received pre-treatment for seven days according to their respective protocols. The RU.521 group received an intraperitoneal injection one hour before modeling. A rat model of the no-reflow phenomenon in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in situ. Myocardial no-reflow area was determined by thioflavin staining. Histopathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed via hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography. Myocardial microcirculation function change was observed by using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography. The myocardial enzyme levels in the serum were measured by serum biochemical analysis. The double-stranded DNA （dsDNA） levels were detected by using PicoGreen. The protein expression of cGAS， STING， and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） p65 in myocardial tissue was detected by Western blot. The levels of cardiac troponin Ⅰ （cTNⅠ）， cardiac troponin T （cTNT）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the peripheral blood were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultsCompared with the sham group， the model group showed a significantly increased myocardial no-reflow area （P<0.01）. Myocardial fiber rupture and disarray and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed by HE staining. The ultrasound results indicated that left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and left ventricular fractional shortening （LVFS） （P<0.01） were significantly decreased. Real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography showed that the peak time of myocardial blood perfusion was significantly prolonged （P<0.01）， and the levels of creatine kinase （CK）， creatine kinase isoenzyme （CK-MB）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， cTNⅠ， cTNT， and dsDNA were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Western blot results showed that the myocardial protein expressions of cGAS， STING， and NF-κB p65 were upregulated （P<0.01）. ELISA results showed that the inflammatory factors in the serum such as IL-6， IL-1β， and TNF-α were increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the group of the TYTZP significantly reduced the levels of myocardial enzyme， troponins， and dsDNA （P<0.01， P<0.05）， improved cardiac function and myocardial microcirculation， alleviated histopathological morphology and inflammatory infiltration， inhibited activation of the cGAS/STING pathway， reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 （P<0.01， P<0.05）， and inhibited inflammatory response. ConclusionThe TYTZP mitigates the no-reflow phenomenon in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury， and its mechanism is associated with inhibiting the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway and attenuating inflammatory responses.

Background/Aims: Liver cirrhosis involves chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis.Among various immune cells, CD8+ T cells are considered a major contributor to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the exact molecular pathways governing CD8+ T-cell-mediated effects in cirrhosis remain unclear. Methods: This study analyzed transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data to elucidate CD8+ T-cell heterogeneity and implications in cirrhosis. Results: Weighted gene co-expression analysis of bulk RNA-seq data revealed an association between cirrhosis severity and activated T-cell markers like HLA and chemokine genes. Furthermore, single-cell profiling uncovered eight CD8+ T-cell subtypes, notably, effector memory (Tem) and exhausted (Tex) T cells. Tex cells, defined by PDCD1, LAG3, and CXCL13 expression, were increased in cirrhosis, while Tem cells were decreased. Lineage tracing and differential analysis highlighted CXCL13+ Tex cells as a terminal, exhausted subtype of cells with roles in PD-1 signaling, glycolysis, and T-cell regulation. CXCL13+ Tex cells displayed T-cell exhaustion markers like PDCD1, HAVCR2, TIGIT, and TNFRSF9. Functional analysis implicated potential roles of these cells in immunosuppression. Finally, a CXCL13+ Tex-cell gene signature was found that correlated with cirrhosis severity and poorer prognosis of liver cancer. Conclusions In summary, this comprehensive study defines specialized CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in cirrhosis, with CXCL13+ Tex cells displaying an exhausted phenotype associated with immune dysregulation and advanced disease. Key genes and pathways regulating these cells present potential therapeutic targets.

Background/Aims: Liver cirrhosis involves chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis.Among various immune cells, CD8+ T cells are considered a major contributor to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the exact molecular pathways governing CD8+ T-cell-mediated effects in cirrhosis remain unclear. Methods: This study analyzed transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data to elucidate CD8+ T-cell heterogeneity and implications in cirrhosis. Results: Weighted gene co-expression analysis of bulk RNA-seq data revealed an association between cirrhosis severity and activated T-cell markers like HLA and chemokine genes. Furthermore, single-cell profiling uncovered eight CD8+ T-cell subtypes, notably, effector memory (Tem) and exhausted (Tex) T cells. Tex cells, defined by PDCD1, LAG3, and CXCL13 expression, were increased in cirrhosis, while Tem cells were decreased. Lineage tracing and differential analysis highlighted CXCL13+ Tex cells as a terminal, exhausted subtype of cells with roles in PD-1 signaling, glycolysis, and T-cell regulation. CXCL13+ Tex cells displayed T-cell exhaustion markers like PDCD1, HAVCR2, TIGIT, and TNFRSF9. Functional analysis implicated potential roles of these cells in immunosuppression. Finally, a CXCL13+ Tex-cell gene signature was found that correlated with cirrhosis severity and poorer prognosis of liver cancer. Conclusions In summary, this comprehensive study defines specialized CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in cirrhosis, with CXCL13+ Tex cells displaying an exhausted phenotype associated with immune dysregulation and advanced disease. Key genes and pathways regulating these cells present potential therapeutic targets.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of in vitro cultured calculus bovis (ICCB) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) and its mechanism. METHODS: A CIRI rat model and a cell model were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Sprague Dawley rats and oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in BV2 cells, respectively. The CIRI rat model was evaluated using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), brain water content, and cerebral infarction volume after 1.5 h of ischemia followed by 72 h of reperfusion. Histopathological changes in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Microglial polarization and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein (NLRP) 3 inflammasome expression in the cortex were examined by immunofluorescence. BV2 cell viability was measured via MTT assay after treatment with ICCB and Nigericin. The expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 proteins and inflammatory cytokines were detected with Western blotting in OGD/R treated BV2 cells (0.5 h OGD+24 h reperfusion) and in cells pretreated with Nigericin for 24 h. RESULTS: ICCB treatment significantly improved neurological function, reduced cerebral infarct volume and brain water content, and mitigated pathological damage in the cortical and hippocampal CA1 regions of rats subjected to CIRI (all P<0.05). ICCB promoted the transition of cortical microglia from M1 to M2 phenotypes and suppressed NLRP3 activation in microglial cells (all P<0.01). ICCB significantly down-regulated the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 proteins, and reduced the secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β in BV2 cells of OGD/R model (all P<0.01). In addition, Nigericin significantly reversed the salvage effect of ICCB on model cells (both P<0.01) and the modulation of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS ICCB exerts a protective effect against CIRI by mitigating neuroinflammation, through the reduction of M1 microglial polarization, promotion of M2 conversion, and suppression of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Rats ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Brain Ischemia/metabolism* ; Male

Background/Aims: Liver cirrhosis involves chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis.Among various immune cells, CD8+ T cells are considered a major contributor to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the exact molecular pathways governing CD8+ T-cell-mediated effects in cirrhosis remain unclear. Methods: This study analyzed transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data to elucidate CD8+ T-cell heterogeneity and implications in cirrhosis. Results: Weighted gene co-expression analysis of bulk RNA-seq data revealed an association between cirrhosis severity and activated T-cell markers like HLA and chemokine genes. Furthermore, single-cell profiling uncovered eight CD8+ T-cell subtypes, notably, effector memory (Tem) and exhausted (Tex) T cells. Tex cells, defined by PDCD1, LAG3, and CXCL13 expression, were increased in cirrhosis, while Tem cells were decreased. Lineage tracing and differential analysis highlighted CXCL13+ Tex cells as a terminal, exhausted subtype of cells with roles in PD-1 signaling, glycolysis, and T-cell regulation. CXCL13+ Tex cells displayed T-cell exhaustion markers like PDCD1, HAVCR2, TIGIT, and TNFRSF9. Functional analysis implicated potential roles of these cells in immunosuppression. Finally, a CXCL13+ Tex-cell gene signature was found that correlated with cirrhosis severity and poorer prognosis of liver cancer. Conclusions In summary, this comprehensive study defines specialized CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in cirrhosis, with CXCL13+ Tex cells displaying an exhausted phenotype associated with immune dysregulation and advanced disease. Key genes and pathways regulating these cells present potential therapeutic targets.

Background/Aims: Liver cirrhosis involves chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis.Among various immune cells, CD8+ T cells are considered a major contributor to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the exact molecular pathways governing CD8+ T-cell-mediated effects in cirrhosis remain unclear. Methods: This study analyzed transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data to elucidate CD8+ T-cell heterogeneity and implications in cirrhosis. Results: Weighted gene co-expression analysis of bulk RNA-seq data revealed an association between cirrhosis severity and activated T-cell markers like HLA and chemokine genes. Furthermore, single-cell profiling uncovered eight CD8+ T-cell subtypes, notably, effector memory (Tem) and exhausted (Tex) T cells. Tex cells, defined by PDCD1, LAG3, and CXCL13 expression, were increased in cirrhosis, while Tem cells were decreased. Lineage tracing and differential analysis highlighted CXCL13+ Tex cells as a terminal, exhausted subtype of cells with roles in PD-1 signaling, glycolysis, and T-cell regulation. CXCL13+ Tex cells displayed T-cell exhaustion markers like PDCD1, HAVCR2, TIGIT, and TNFRSF9. Functional analysis implicated potential roles of these cells in immunosuppression. Finally, a CXCL13+ Tex-cell gene signature was found that correlated with cirrhosis severity and poorer prognosis of liver cancer. Conclusions In summary, this comprehensive study defines specialized CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in cirrhosis, with CXCL13+ Tex cells displaying an exhausted phenotype associated with immune dysregulation and advanced disease. Key genes and pathways regulating these cells present potential therapeutic targets.

Objective To explore the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Tanyu Tongzhi Optimized Prescription in the treatment of atherosclerosis(AS)using network pharmacology and animal experiments.Methods UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS was used to identify the blood-entering components of Tanyu Tongzhi Optimized Prescription and conduct network pharmacological analysis.Important components and their core targets for the treatment of AS were screened,and molecular docking was conducted.The AS model mice were constructed and treated with Tanyu Tongzhi Optimized Prescription.HE staining and oil red O staining were used to observe aortic tissue morphology.The blood lipid status was detected by an automatic blood biochemical analyzer.The contents of serum inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA,and the mRNA expressions of aortic core targets were detected by RT-qPCR.Results It was identified and predicted that 30 blood-entering components of Tanyu Tongzhi Optimized Prescription might exert therapeutic effects on AS by regulating core targets such as IL6,TNF,IL1B,AKT1 and NFKB1,and regulating the TNF signaling pathway,Toll-like receptor signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,etc.Animal experiments showed that Tanyu Tongzhi Optimized Prescription could reduce aortic plaque area and inflammatory cell infiltration,alleviate lipid deposition and vascular stenosis,improve blood lipid levels,and significantly reduce the serum contents of TNF-α,IL-1β,and mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,AKT1 and NF-κB in aortic tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The effect of Tanyu Tongzhi Optimized Prescription may regulate TNF,Toll-like receptor and other signaling pathways by acting on core targets such as IL6,TNF,IL1B,and inhibit inflammatory response,so as to treat AS.

Objective:To investigate alterations in brain function among elderly patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)during the resting state.Methods:We prospectively recruited seven elderly patients with IC/BPS admitted to the Urology Department of Beijing Hospital from December 2023 to May 2024 as the experimental group, and concurrently selected twelve elderly healthy individuals as the control group.After enrollment, all participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)scans.General clinical data, including age and gender, as well as standardized assessment scores from the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index(ICSI), Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index(ICPI), Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS), were collected.The data were processed using Matlab.This study employed a paired sample t-test to analyze the differences in gray matter volume between the two groups.The functional activities of the subjects' brains were analyzed using regional homogeneity(ReHo)and low-frequency amplitude(ALFF)algorithms.Based on the identified abnormal brain regions, further functional connectivity(FC)analysis was conducted to explore the connectivity patterns among the functional brain regions.Results:No significant differences were observed in age( t=-0.68, P=0.536)or gender( χ2=0.019, P=0.891)between the experimental group and the control group.The scores of SAS and SDS in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group( P<0.001).No significant difference was observed in cerebral gray matter volume between the two subject groups.In contrast to the control group, the ALFF value of the left superior parietal lobe(MNI: x, y, z=-21, -66, 60; t=12.530 5)was elevated in elderly patients with IC/BPS, and the ReHo value of the left precuneus(MNI: x, y, z=-9, -54, 63; t=9.410 3)was also increased.Through FC analysis, it was revealed that elderly IC/BPS patients exhibited significantly lower FC values between the left superior parietal lobule and the central sulcus(MNI: x, y, z=21, 15, 3; t=-27.835 6), as well as between the left anterior cingulate and the left posterior cingulate gyrus(MNI: x, y, z=-12, 0, 42; t=-8.738 9)in comparison with the control group. Conclusions:In contrast to normal individuals, elderly IC/BPS patients demonstrate functional aberrations in the left superior parietal lobule and the left precuneus.Moreover, a decrease in functional connectivity is observed between the left superior parietal lobule and the central sulcus, as well as between the left precuneus and the left posterior cingulate gyrus.These abnormal functional alterations in the brain may be implicated in the maintenance and development of symptoms in IC/BPS patients.This study conducted research from the perspective of central nervous system regulation, presenting possible directions for further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms of IC/BPS.

This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.