A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like motifs (ADAMTS) represent a diverse family of secreted metalloproteinases, comprising 19 distinct members categorized into five groups based on their substrate specificity: proteoglycanases, procollagen N-peptidases, von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, cartilage oligomeric matrix proteases and other proteases. Among these, ADAMTS proteoglycanases predominantly target hyalectans, pivotal components in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and inflammation. Dysfunction of ADAMTS proteoglycanases disrupts the structure and function of hyalectans, thereby perturbing ECM homeostasis, resulting in reproduction disorders, including abnormal follicular development, ovulation dysfunction, impaired implantation, placentation and preterm labor. Hence, investigation of the role of ADAMTS proteoglycanases offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological or pathological processes within the female reproductive system, thereby paving the way for innovative strategies in predicting, preventing and treating reproductive system diseases. This review summarizes the recent research advances in the structure and regulation of ADAMTS proteoglycanases and their role in female reproductive system.
Humans ; Female ; ADAMTS Proteins/physiology* ; ADAM Proteins/physiology* ; Pregnancy ; Animals ; Genitalia, Female/enzymology* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of zedoarondiol on neovascularization of atherosclerotic (AS) plaque by exosomes experiment. METHODS: ApoE^-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS model and treated with high- and low-dose (10, 5 mg/kg daily) of zedoarondiol, respectively. After 14 weeks, the expressions of anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1) and its receptor CD36 in plaques, as well as platelet activation rate and exosome-derived miR-let-7a were detected. Then, zedoarondiol was used to intervene in platelets in vitro, and miR-let-7a was detected in platelet-derived exosomes (Pexo). Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with miR-let-7a mimics and treated with Pexo to observe the effect of miR-let-7a in Pexo on tube formation. RESULTS: Animal experiments showed that after treating with zedoarondiol, the neovascularization density in plaques of AS mice was significantly reduced, THBS-1 and CD36 increased, the platelet activation rate was markedly reduced, and the miR-let-7a level in Pexo was reduced (P<0.01). In vitro experiments, the platelet activation rate and miR-let-7a levels in Pexo were significantly reduced after zedoarondiol's intervention. Cell experiments showed that after Pexo's intervention, the tube length increased, and the transfection of miR-let-7a minics further increased the tube length of cells, while reducing the expressions of THBS-1 and CD36. CONCLUSION Zedoarondiol has the effect of inhibiting neovascularization within plaque in AS mice, and its mechanism may be potentially related to inhibiting platelet activation and reducing the Pexo-derived miRNA-let-7a level.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Exosomes/drug effects* ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Humans ; Blood Platelets/drug effects* ; Apolipoproteins E/deficiency* ; Thrombospondin 1/metabolism* ; CD36 Antigens/metabolism* ; Platelet Activation/drug effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective To establish a simple model for arteriosclerosis(AS)screening to provide a viable tool for the timely identification of AS risk among residents aged 40～65 years.Methods Data were obtained from the Sleep and Chronic Diseases Program in Fuquan City.The original dataset was divided into a training subset and a validation subset(80%:20%).LASSO and logistic regression models were used to screen variables,perform multivariate regression analyses.Internal validation was performed using the Bootstrap method.Nomogram Plot was constructed,and risk score thresholds were determined based on ROC curves to classify high-risk populations.Results RS Model was established to include age,gender,napping,sleep efficiency,sleep disorders,hyperten-sion and diabetes,with AUC=74.80%and a model risk score threshold=84.20.PHC Model was established to include age,gender,napping,sleep efficiency,systolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,and pulse variables,with AUC=82.80%and a risk score threshold of 78.00.Decision curves showed that both models performed well in terms of calibration and actual benefits for health management.Conclusion The two AS screening models exhibit acceptable accuracy and differentiation.Therefore,it can be applied in residents'self-health management and in primary care organizations'screening work in a large scale.

Objective:To analyze the association between body health score and the risk of hypertension among health examination population aged 40-65 years.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study, and 1 104 people aged 40-65 years who underwent physical examination at the Physical Examination Centre of the First People′s Hospital of Fuquan City from March to November 2022 were selected. Clinical data, such as general information, physical examination, body composition and history of hypertension diseases, were collected. The body health score was reported by the Xiaomi Body Fat Scale′s accompanying exercise health software, and was calculated by combining body fat, water and other body composition data. The association between body health score and the risk of hypertension was analyzed using restricted cubic spline regression models, while a sensitivity analysis and sex-stratified analyses were performed. Multivariate logistic regression combined with stratified analysis was used to explore the association between dimensions of body composition and the risk of hypertension.Results:The body health score was significantly lower in hypertensive patients than in non-hypertensive patients among the 1 104 health examination population [52.0(30.0) vs 69.0(35.8) points] ( Z=-8.547, P<0.001). The lower the body health score, the higher the risk of hypertension ( χ2=18.48, PNonlinear<0.001). In the total population, high body mass index was associated with an increased risk of hypertension ( OR=1.744, 95% CI: 1.104-2.765), high protein content was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension ( OR=0.587, 95% CI: 0.344-0.982) (both P<0.05). Gender-stratified analyses showed that high protein content was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension only in men ( OR=0.233, 95% CI: 0.080-0.592) ( P=0.004). High body mass index was positively associated with the risk of hypertension when the body health score was ≥60 points ( OR=2.378, 95% CI: 1.255-4.542) ( P=0.008). High visceral adiposity index (VAI) was positively associated with the risk of hypertension when the body health score was <60 points ( OR=4.395, 95% CI: 1.466-13.620), and high protein content was negatively associated with the risk of hypertension ( OR=0.255, 95% CI: 0.091-0.638) (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Health examination population aged 40-65 years with lower scores of physical health are more likely to have a risk of hypertension. Men should pay attention to the impact of body protein in hypertension risk prevention and control. The effect of body mass index should be noted when body health scores are ≥60 points, and the effect of VAI and body protein should be considered when body health scores are <60 points.

AIM To investigate the effects of Xinyue Capsules on the expression of glycerophospholipid metabolizing enzymes in isoproterenol(ISO)-induced rat heart tissue and primary myocardial cells of neonatal rats.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the Xinyue Capsules intervention group and Xinyue Capsules control group,with 8 rats in each group.The rat model of cardiac hypertrophy was established by 14 days consecutive intraperitoneal injection of ISO(30 mg/kg).Prior to the modeling,once daily administration of 0.393 g/kg Xinyue Capsules was given by gavage from 3 days in advance to the end of the experiment.After the last administration,the procurement of blood from abdominal aorta,the left and right ventricles were processed.And the rats had their indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle measured;their pathomorphological changes of myocardial tissue observed using HE staining;their expressions of cardiac hypertrophy-related myocardial embryonic genes ANP,β-MHC and α-SKA mRNA detected using RT-qPCR method;and their serum TC,TG,LDL-C and HDL-C levels detected by biochemical method.In in vitro experiment,the neonatal rat model of myocardial hypertrophy was induced by exposure to ISO 1 μmol/L for 24 h.The investigation of the effect of Xinyue Capsules 12.5 μg/mL on ISO-induced myocardial hypertrophy was conducted by detection of myocardial cell area,embryo genes related to cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial cells protein cuntent.The further anti-cardiac hypertrophy mechanism of Xinyue Capsules research was conducted using RT-qPCR and Western blot to detect the gene and protein expressions of phospholipase A2(PLA2G6),phospholipase A1 member A(PLA1A)and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase(LCAT)in left ventricle tissue and myocardial cells of each group.RESULTS The in vivo experimental result showed that compared with the normal group,the model group displayed increased indices levels of the heart,the left ventricle and the right ventricle and cross-sectional area of left ventricular myocytes(P＜0.05);and up-regulated expressions of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA and PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT mRNA and proteins in the left ventricle(P＜0.05);and increased levels of serum TC,TG and LDL-C(P＜0.05);and decreased HDL-C level(P＜0.05).However,the intervention of Xinyue Capsules inhibited the changes of the aforementioned indices(P＜0.05).The in vitro experimental result revealed that Xinyue Capsules inhibited the ISO-induced increases of myocardial cell surface area and myocardial cell protein level,the up-regulation of ANP,β-MHC,α-SKA mRNA expressions and the PLA2G6,PLA1A,LCAT mRNA and protein expressions as well(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Xinyue Capsules can improve the ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats,and its mechanism may be associated with its regulation upon the expressions of glycerophospholipid metabolism-related enzymes PLA2G6,PLA1A and LCAT.

Objective To investigate the factors affecting survival of dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)after treatment with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF).Methods A total of 158 DCM patients with decreased LVEF treated in Huzhou First People's Hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected and divided into death group(n=40)and survival group(n=1 18)according to their survival status.The clinical data of two groups were analyzed by Cox proportional risk regression model to analyze the factors affecting the survival of DCM with decreased LVEF after treatment.Results The age of patients in death group was significantly higher than that in survival group,and the combination of hypertension,New York Heart Association(NYHA)cardiac function grade Ⅳ,ventricular arrhythmia and left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD),and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)were significantly higher than those in survival group,global longitudinal strain(GLS),standard deviation of RR interval(SDNN),standard deviation of the average RR interval(SDANN),the average standard deviation of RR interval(SDNNindex),root mean square of RR interval difference(rMSSD),the percentage of total number of adjacent RR intervals＞50ms to total heart rate(pNN50),end diastolic interventricular septal thickness(IVSd),left ventricular posterior wall diastolic thickness(LVPWD),stroke volume(SV),and cardiac output(CO)were significantly lower than those in survival group(P＜0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that age,combined hypertension,NYHA cardiac function grade,ventricular arrhythmia,GLS,SDNN,SDANN,SDNNindex,rMSSD,pNN50,LVEDD,LVESD and BNP were risk factors affecting the survival rate of DCM patients with decreased LVEF after treatment,IVSd and LVPWD were protective factors(P＜0.05).Conclusion DCM patients with decreased LVEF had a higher mortality rate,which was affected by multiple factors such as age,hypertension,NYHA cardiac function grade,ventricular arrhythmia,GLS,heart rate variability,LVEDD,LVESD,BNP,IVSd,LVPWD,etc.Targeted intervention should be given early to improve the survival rate of patients after treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of total saponins from Panax notognseng (PNS) combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice bearing hepatocellular carcinoma H₂₂ cell xenograft. METHODS: We examined the effects of treatment with different concentrations of PNS on H₂₂ cell proliferation for 24 to 72 h in vitro using CCK8 colorimetric assay. Annexin V/PI double fluorescence staining was used to detect the effect of PNS on apoptosis of H₂₂ cells. Mouse models bearing H₂₂ cell xenograft were established and treated with CTX (25 mg/kg), PNS (120, 240 or 480 mg/kg), alone or in combinations. After treatments for consecutive 10 days, the mice were euthanized for examinations of carbon clearance ability of the monocytes and macrophages, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), serum hemolysin antibody level, blood indicators, and the tumor inhibition rate. RESULTS: Treatment with PNS concentration-dependently inhibited the proliferation and significantly promoted apoptosis of cultured H₂₂ cells (P < 0.01). In the tumor-bearing mouse models, PNS alone and its combination with CTX both resulted in obvious enhancement of phagocytosis of the monocyte-macrophages, stimulated the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, promoted the release of TNF-α and IL-2 and the production of serum hemolysin antibody, and increased the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Treatment with 480 mg/kg PNS combined with CTX resulted in a tumor inhibition rate of 83.28% (P < 0.01) and a life prolonging rate of 131.25% in the mouse models (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION PNS alone or in combination with CTX can improve the immunity and tumor inhibition rate and prolong the survival time of H₂₂ tumor-bearing mice.
Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology* ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use* ; Hemolysin Proteins ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Interleukin-2 ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Mice ; Panax notoginseng ; Saponins/therapeutic use* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Aim To use microdialysis technology combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technology to study the effect of Achyranthes bidentata saponins (ABS) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its mechanisms. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into adjuvant arthritis (AA) model group, blank control group and ABS administration group. AA rat model was induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to collect joint cavity microdialysis fluid sample information of each group of rats. Results On 6th day after administration of ABS, an inhibitory effect on the paw swelling, improved the arthritis score (P < 0. 05), and better the pathological morphology of the synovial tissues were found in AA rats. Nineteen potential biomarkers were discovered and identified. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that they mainly involved purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. Conclusions Microdialysis combined with metabolomics can reveal the metabolic mechanism of ABS intervention on RA, laying a foundation for further study of the mechanism of ABS.

Objective: To evaluate the auditory efficacy and subjective satisfaction of adhesive bone conduction hearing aid in children with unilateral congenital aural atresia (UCAA). Methods: Ten subjects (5 males and 5 females) diagnosed with UCAA with an average age of 8.3 years old (ranged from 5 to 15) were included in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January to August 2019. The free sound field hearing threshold, word recognition score in quiet, speech reception threshold in noise and sound localization ability (results were measured by RMS error) tests were performed in unaided and aided situation, respectively. Subjective satisfaction questionnaires were also distributed to subjects. Paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used as statistical analysis methods. Results: The average hearing threshold in aided condition was improved by (21.9±4.4) dB (t=15.8，P<0.05). Speech recognition abilities were generally improved both under quiet and noise (P<0.05);however, when the binaural summation, squelch and head shadow effects were analyzed respectively, the binaural squelch effect was not statistically improved (P>0.05), while the other effects were improved in aided condition (P<0.05). In sound localization test, there was no significant difference of the RMS error value between the unaided and aided situation (P>0.05). The subjects got high satisfaction rates in three subjective questionnaires. Conclusion: The adhesive bone conduction hearing aid can provide significant audiological benefit for children with UCAA as well as raising the quality of their life.
Adhesives ; Adolescent ; Bone Conduction ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hearing Aids ; Hearing Loss, Conductive ; Humans ; Male ; Speech Perception ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: Our objective was to investigate the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens and characterize the bacterial community structures in the water system of a pulmonary hospital. Methods: The water samples were collected from automatic and manual faucets in the consulting room, treatment room, dressing room, respiratory ward, and other non-medical rooms in three buildings of the hospital. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the load of several waterborne opportunistic pathogens and related microorganisms, including spp., spp., and . Illumina sequencing targeting 16S rRNA genes was performed to profile bacterial communities. Results: The occurrence rates of spp., spp., and were 100%, 100%, and 76%, respectively in all samples. Higher occurrence rates of were observed in the outpatient service building (building 1, 91.7%) and respiration department and wards (building 2, 80%) than in the office building (building 3), where no was found. were more abundant in automatic faucets (average 2.21 × 10 gene copies/L) than in manual faucets (average 1.03 × 10 gene copies/mL) ( < 0.01). , , , , , and were the dominant bacterial phyla. Disinfectant residuals, nitrate, and temperature were found to be the key environmental factors driving microbial community structure shifts in water systems. Conclusion This study revealed a high level of colonization of water faucets by opportunistic pathogens and provided insight into the characteristics of microbial communities in a hospital water system and approaches to reduce risks of microbial contamination.
China ; Drinking Water ; microbiology ; Genes, Bacterial ; Hospitals ; Legionella ; isolation & purification ; Microbiota ; Mycobacterium ; isolation & purification ; Mycobacterium avium ; isolation & purification ; RNA, Bacterial ; analysis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; analysis ; Water Quality ; Water Supply