OBJECTIVE To explore the effects and potential mechanism of Huangqi jianzhong decoction on intestinal inflammation in the rats of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea （IBS-D） based on the mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK）/ nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS Male SD rats were selected. Ten rats were randomly chosen as the control group， and the remaining rats （50 rats） were used to prepare the IBS-D model by acetic acid enema+restraint stress. The rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into the IBS-D group， the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） group （Huangqi jianzhong decoction 15 g/kg）， the positive control drug group （Rifaximin tablets 150 mg/kg）， the activator group （anisomycin 125 μg/kg， the activator of p38 MAPK）， and the TCM+activator group （Huangqi jianzhong decoction 15 g/kg+ anisomycin 125 μg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group. Rats in each group were given a gavage or tail vein injection of the corresponding medicine liquid or the same volume of normal saline， once a day for two consecutive weeks. After the last administration， feces within 24 hours were collected for the calculation of fecal water content and fecal trait score， and the minimum volume threshold was detected. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and IL-6 in serum were detected； the pathological changes of colonic tissue were observed； the expressions of tight junction protein ZO-1， occludin mRNAs and proteins related to the MAPK/NF- κB signaling pathway in colonic tissue were determined. RESULTS Compared with the control group， obvious edema and inflammatory cell infiltration could be observed in the colonic tissue of rats in the IBS-D group. The fecal water content and trait score， serum levels of inflammatory factors， as well as the protein phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65 in the colonic tissue were significantly increased， while the minimum volume threshold and the mRNA expressions of ZO-1 and occludin were significantly decreased or down-regulated （P＜0.05）. Compared with the IBS-D group， the pathological changes of colonic tissue in the TCM group and positive control drug group were alleviated， and the above indicators improved significantly （P＜0.05）， while the above indicators in the activator group deteriorated further （P＜0.05）. Compared with the TCM group， the above indicators in the TCM+activator group were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Huangqi jianzhong decoction can alleviate colonic inflammation in IBS-D rats， relieve visceral hypersensitivity， and has a certain protective effect on their intestinal barrier function. The above-mentioned effects may be related to the inhibition of the MAPK/NF- κB signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo multidimensionally analyze the clinical effects of Qianyang Yuyin granules on elderly hypertensive patients through an "energy-inflammation-aging" network. MethodsRelevant datasets were retrieved from the GEO database. Gene set enrichment analysis （GSEA） was performed on the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood cells from patients with essential hypertension in dataset GSE24752. The GSEA referenced "GO gene sets" and "KEGG gene sets" to identify significantly enriched gene sets. A clinical trial was conducted using a randomized controlled study design. A total of 40 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The control group received standard antihypertensive treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers （ARBs） or combined calcium channel blockers （CCBs）. In contrast，the treatment group received Qianyang Yuyin Granules in addition to the standard treatment for 12 weeks. Blood pressure levels and clinical efficacy were observed，and changes in energy metabolism indicators，DNA damage markers，and senescence-associated secretory phenotype （SASP） in blood were measured using ELISA before and after treatment. ResultsGSEA results indicated significant energy metabolism dysregulation in hypertensive patients. Clinical findings showed that both groups achieved blood pressure control without significant intergroup differences. In terms of clinical efficacy，the treatment group had a significantly higher effective rate compared to the control group （95% vs 65%，P0.05）. After treatment，the treatment group showed a significant increase in NAD⁺ levels （P0.01），with higher levels compared to the control group （P0.05）. The treatment group also exhibited a greater reduction in DNA damage marker 8-OHdG （P0.01） and cell adhesion factors ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 （P0.01） compared to the control group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the treatment group （P0.01），with greater reductions compared to the control group （P0.05，P0.01）. Anti-inflammatory cytokines IFN-α，IL-4，and IL-10 were significantly elevated in the treatment group （P0.01），with higher levels compared to the control group （P0.01）. No significant adverse reactions were reported in either group. ConclusionThe "energy- inflammation- aging" network plays an important role in the pathological mechanism of hypertension patients. Qianyang Yuyin granules may delay the aging process by increasing patients' energy metabolism levels，reducing DNA oxidative damage，and maintaining the balance of inflammatory factors.

To elucidate the mechanism by which steaming affects the quality of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers, methods such as LSCM, RVA, dual-wavelength spectrophotometry, LF-NMR, and LC-MS were employed to qualitatively and quantitatively detect changes in starch gelatinization characteristics, water distribution, and material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers under different steaming durations. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the correlation between differences in gelatinization parameters, water distribution, and terpenoid material composition was investigated. The results indicate that steaming affects both starch gelatinization and water distribution in C. kwangsiensis. During the steaming process, transformations occur between amylose and amylopectin, as well as between semi-bound water and free water. After 60 min of steaming, starch gelatinization and water distribution reached an equilibrium state. The content of amylopectin, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, and parameters such as gelatinization temperature, viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value were significantly correlated(P≤0.05). Additionally, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio was significantly correlated with total free water and total water content(P≤0.05). Steaming induced differences in the material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers. Clustering of primary metabolites in the OPLS-DA model was distinct, while secondary metabolites were classified into 9 clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm. Differential terpenoid metabolites such as(-)-α-curcumene were significantly correlated with zerumbone, retinal, and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Curcumenol was significantly correlated with isoalantolactone and ursolic acid(P<0.05), while all-trans-retinoic acid was significantly correlated with both zerumbone and retinal(P<0.05). Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a significant correlation with retinal and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Amylose was extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and α-tocotrienol(P<0.05). Amylopectin was significantly correlated with zerumbone(P<0.05) and extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and 9-cis-retinoic acid(P<0.01). The results provide scientific evidence for elucidating the mechanism of quality formation of steamed C. kwangsiensis root tubers as a medicinal material.
Curcuma/chemistry* ; Starch/chemistry* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Water/chemistry* ; Terpenes/analysis* ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Plant Tubers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effects of two traditional mineral medicines (TMMs), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, GF) and Terra Flava Usta (Zaoxintu, TFU), on gut-beneficial bacteria in mice, and preliminarily explore their mechanisms of action. METHODS: Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 per group): the control group (standard diet), the GF group (diet supplemented with 2% GF), and the TFU group (diet supplemented with 2% TFU). After 4-week intervention, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the changes in the gut microbiota (GM). Scanning electron microscopy, in combination with coumarin A tetramethyl rhodamine conjugate and Hoechst stainings, was used to observe the bacteria and biofilm formation. RESULTS: Principal coordinate analysis revealed that GF and TFU significantly altered the GM composition in mice. Further analysis revealed that GF and TFU affected different types of gut bacteria, suggesting that different TMMs may selectively modulate specific bacterial populations. For certain bacteria, such as Faecalibaculum and Ileibacterium, both GF and TFU exhibited growth-promoting effects, implying that they may be sensitive to TMMs and that different TMMs can increase their abundance through their respective mechanisms. Notably, Lactobacillus reuteri, a widely recognized and used probiotic, was significantly enriched in the GF group. Random forest analysis identified Ileibacterium valens as a potential indicator bacterium for TMMs' impact on GM. Further mechanistic studies showed that gut bacteria formed biofilm structures on the TFU surface. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the interaction between TMMs and GM. As safe and effective natural clays, GF and TFU hold promise as potential candidates for prebiotic development.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Bacteria/growth & development* ; Mice ; Biofilms/drug effects* ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*

Neuropathic pain, a debilitating condition caused by dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system, remains difficult to treat due to limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms. Bioinformatics analysis identified cerebellin 2 (CBLN2) as highly enriched in human and murine proprioceptive and nociceptive neurons. We found that CBLN2 expression is persistently upregulated in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in mice. In addition, transcription factor SOX11 binds to 12 cis-regulatory elements within the Cbln2 promoter to enhance its transcription. SNL also induced SOX11 upregulation, with SOX11 and CBLN2 co-localized in nociceptive neurons. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of Sox11 or Cbln2 attenuated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. High-throughput sequencing of DRG following intrathecal injection of CBLN2 revealed widespread gene expression changes, including upregulation of numerous NF-κB downstream targets. Consistently, CBLN2 activated NF-κB signaling, and inhibition with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate reduced CBLN2-induced pain hypersensitivity, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines production, and neuronal hyperexcitability. Together, these findings identified the SOX11/CBLN2/NF-κB axis as a critical mediator of neuropathic pain and a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
Animals ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism* ; Up-Regulation ; Mice ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; SOXC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Male ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Hyperalgesia/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Spinal Nerves

OBJECTIVE: To explore and quantify the association of hot night exposure during the sperm development period (0-90 lag days) with semen quality. METHODS: A total of 6,640 male sperm donors from 6 human sperm banks in China during 2014-2020 were recruited in this multicenter study. Two indices (i.e., hot night excess [HNE] and hot night duration [HND]) were used to estimate the heat intensity and duration during nighttime. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between hot nights and semen quality parameters. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationship revealed that HNE and HND during 0-90 days before semen collection had a significantly inverse association with sperm motility. Specifically, a 1 °C increase in HNE was associated with decreased sperm progressive motility of 0.0090 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.0147, -0.0033) and decreased total motility of 0.0094 (95% CI: -0.0160, -0.0029). HND was significantly associated with reduced sperm progressive motility and total motility of 0.0021 (95% CI: -0.0040, -0.0003) and 0.0023 (95% CI: -0.0043, -0.0002), respectively. Consistent results were observed at different temperature thresholds on hot nights. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need to mitigate nocturnal heat exposure during spermatogenesis to maintain optimal semen quality.
Humans ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Adult ; Sperm Motility ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects* ; China ; Middle Aged ; Spermatozoa/physiology* ; Young Adult

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Youguiwan on bone metabolism and bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2）/Smad signaling pathway in ovaries-removed rats with osteoporosis and study the mechanism of Youguiwan in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. MethodA postmenopausal rat model of osteoporosis was prepared by bilateral ovariectomy. The 40 female SD rats were randomly divided into five groups， including sham operation group， model group， alendronate sodium group （0.1 mg·kg^-1）， and high-dose and low-dose （5.36 and 2.68 g·kg^-1） groups of Youguiwan. The drug was given seven days after modeling， once a day for 12 weeks. After the treatment， the changes in femur tissue structure were observed by micro-CT， including bone mineral density （BMD）， bone volume/total volume （BV/TV）， trabecular number （Tb.N）， trabecular thickness （Tb.Th）， bone surface/bone volume （BS/BV）， and trabecular separation （Tb.Sp）. Ossification was observed by saffrane-solid green staining， and serum levels of bone metabolism markers， including bone alkaline phosphatase （BALP）， osteocalcin （BGP）， type Ⅰ procollagen amino terminal propeptide （PINP）， and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b （TRACP-5b）， were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Runx2， BMP-2， and Smad1 in rat femur were detected by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， bone trabecula in the model group was sparse. BMD， BV/TV， Tb.N， and Tb.Th were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. BS/BV （P<0.05） and Tb.Sp were increased. The content of BGP， BALP， PINP， and TRACP-5b in serum was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of Runx2， BMP-2， and Smad1 in rat femur were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the number of bone trabeculae in the high-dose and low-dose groups of Youguiwan was increased， and the bone microstructure was improved. BMD， BV/TV， Tb.N， and Tb.Th were increased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and BS/BV and Tb.Sp were increased. The content of bone metabolic markers decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionYouguiwan has certain preventive and therapeutic effects on postmenopausal osteoporosis， and its mechanism may be related to promoting bone formation by regulating the BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE To explore the independent risk factors of voriconazole （VCZ）-related liver injury in elderly patients with hypoproteinemia. METHODS Elderly patients with invasive fungal infection and hypoproteinemia who were hospitalized in the respiratory intensive care unit of our hospital and treated with VCZ from August 2020 to July 2023 were selected. They were divided into group A （liver injury group） and group B （non-liver injury group） based on whether the liver injury occurred after using VCZ. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between minimum concentration （cmin） of VCZ and inflammatory factor[C-reactive protein （CRP）， procalcitonin （PCT）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）]， as well as liver function [alanine transaminase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （GGT）， total bilirubin （TBIL）]； univariate analysis was performed by using χ 2 test； Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of liver injury. RESULTS A total of 320 patients were included in the study， of whom 56 developed liver injury， with an incidence of 17.50%. The VCZ cmin in group A was significantly higher than group B （P＝ 0.021）. CRP， PCT， IL-6， and TBIL were correlated with VCZ cmin （P＜0.05）. CRP， PCT， IL-6， and TBIL had a significant impact on VCZ cmin （P＜0.05）. VCZ cmin， PCT， and TBIL were independent risk factors for liver injury （P＜0.05）. The patients with VCZ cmin≥3.76 mg/L had a significantly increased risk of liver injury. CONCLUSIONS VCZ cmin， PCT， and TBIL are independent risk factors for the occurrence of liver injury in elderly patients with hypoproteinemia. For patients with high PCT and TBIL， VCZ cmin and liver function should be closely monitored during VCZ treatment to reduce the risk of liver injury.

Objective Recombinase-aided polymerase chain reaction(RAP)is a sensitive,single-tube,two-stage nucleic acid amplification method.This study aimed to develop an assay that can be used for the early diagnosis of three types of bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus(SA),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA),and Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)in the bloodstream based on recombinant human mannan-binding lectin protein(M1 protein)-conjugated magnetic bead(M1 bead)enrichment of pathogens combined with RAP. Methods Recombinant plasmids were used to evaluate the assay sensitivity.Common blood influenza bacteria were used for the specific detection.Simulated and clinical plasma samples were enriched with M1 beads and then subjected to multiple recombinase-aided PCR(M-RAP)and quantitative PCR(qPCR)assays.Kappa analysis was used to evaluate the consistency between the two assays. Results The M-RAP method had sensitivity rates of 1,10,and 1 copies/μL for the detection of SA,PA,and AB plasmids,respectively,without cross-reaction to other bacterial species.The M-RAP assay obtained results for<10 CFU/mL pathogens in the blood within 4 h,with higher sensitivity than qPCR.M-RAP and qPCR for SA,PA,and AB yielded Kappa values of 0.839,0.815,and 0.856,respectively(P<0.05). Conclusion An M-RAP assay for SA,PA,and AB in blood samples utilizing M1 bead enrichment has been developed and can be potentially used for the early detection of bacteremia.