ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Zuogui Wan （ZGW） in improving ovarian inflammatory microenvironment and stemness of ovarian germline stem cells （OSCs） for treating ovarian aging via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/adenosine monophosphate synthase （cGAS）/stimulator of interferon genes （STING） signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a low-dose ZGW group （2.7 g·kg^-1）， a high-dose ZGW group （5.4 g·kg^-1）， and an estradiol valerate group （0.15 mg·kg^-1）， with 8 mice in each group. Except the blank group， all other groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at 120 mg·kg^-1 to establish an ovarian aging mouse model. After successful modeling， each group was continuously administered for 4 weeks， once daily. The physiological status of the mice was observed， and the ovarian index was calculated. The estrus cycle of the mice was monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe pathological changes in ovarian tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum sex hormone levels. Serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and mouse interleukin-6 （IL-6） levels were detected using kits. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cGAS， STING， p-STING， TANK-binding kinase 1 （TBK1）， p-TBK1， interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 （Fragilis）， and Vasa homolog protein （MVH）. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed to locate OSCs in ovarian tissues， and fluorescence intensities of OSCs markers MVH and octamer binding transcription factor 4 （Oct4） were calculated. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed reduced body weight， ovarian wet weight， and ovarian index （P<0.01） and a disordered estrus cycle （P<0.01）. In addition， the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β were increased （P<0.01）， while anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH） and estradiol （E₂） levels were decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expression of cGAS， p-STING/STING， and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue was increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while that of OSCs stemness factors MVH and Fragilis was reduced （P<0.01）. Immunofluorescence indicated a reduction in MVH and Oct4 expression in OSCs （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β in ovarian tissue was increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups exhibited improved body weight， ovarian wet weight， and ovarian index （P<0.05） and a reduced rate of estrus cycle disorder （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of serum FSH， TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while AMH and E₂ levels were increased （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of cGAS， p-STING/STING， and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue were decreased （P<0.05）， while the protein expression of MVH and Fragilis was increased （P<0.05）， and the fluorescence intensities of MVH and Oct4 were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue was decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionZGW alleviate ovarian inflammatory response， regulate ovarian microenvironment homeostasis， and maintain stemness of OSCs in ovarian aging mice probably by modulating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway， thereby improving ovarian function and delaying ovarian aging.

Objective:To explore the potent effects of denatonium benzoate(DB)on Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-B2(MrgprB2)-mediated rat mast cell degranulation.Methods:RBL-2H3 cells were treated with DB overnight,before challenged with MrgprB2 ligands substance P(SP).The release of β-hex from MrgprB2-activated RBL-2H3 was detected by substrate method.Detec-tion of LTC4,IL-6,TNF-α and cPLA2 activity were performed by ELISA.The Ca2+influx and the expression of RBL-2H3 MrgprB2 re-ceptors were measured by fluorescence assay.Results:The results showed 10 μmol/L,50 μmol/L,80 μmol/L,100 μmol/L DB treat-ments promoted β-hex and LTC4 releases from activated RBL-2H3,accompanied by increased Ca2+mobilization and cPLA2 activa-tion.DB treatments did not affect IL-6 and TNF-α LTC4 releases in MrgprB2-activated RBL-2H3,as well as the levels of MrgprB2 ex-pression in mast cells.Conclusion:Taken together,DB enhanced the MrgprB2-mediated RBL-2H3 degranulation in vitro,probably by up-regulating Ca2+mobilization in activated cells.

Objective:To investigate the annual growth rate of obesity prevalence of residents aged 18 and above in China and prevention keypoints for target populations from 2013 to 2018.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects from China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance project in 2013 and 2018 were included. The prevalence of obesity and growth rate in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China were collected through survey questionnaires and on-site measurements. Other demographic data such as the proportion of obesity control measures, diet, exercise and drug use was also analyzed. Obesity among adults was defined as body mass index≥28.0 kg/m2.Results:A total of 174 736 residents, aged (51.5±14.2) years, which included 74 704 (42.8%) males were recruited in 2013, and 179 125 residents, aged (55.1±13.8) years, which included 79 337 (44.3%) males were included in 2018. The average annual increase rate of adult obesity prevalence in China from 2013 to 2018 was 3.2% (uncertainty interval ( UI) 2.7%-3.6%), and the average increase rate of obesity prevalence among men (5.2% ( UI 4.6%-5.9%)) was higher than that of women (0.9% ( UI 0.5%-1.3%)). For subgroups analysis, the average increase rate of obesity prevalence among residents aged 18 to 29 (7.4% ( UI 6.9%-7.9%)), education level beyond college degree (6.3% ( UI 5.5%-7.1%)), and unmarried population (11.2% ( UI 10.2%-12.1%)) were higher than that of other subgroups between 2013 and 2018. The residents in Hainan province showed the highest average annual growth rate of obesity. With the exception of Shanxi, Hunan, Gansu and Ningxia province, the annual growth rate of obesity prevalence among adults increased in all other provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) from 2013 to 2018. For the obese population, the proportion of people who took weight control measures increased from 22.6% in 2013 to 32.7% in 2018. Conclusions:The prevalence of obesity growth characteristics in subpopulations and regions in China are obviously different. Accordingly the focus points of obesity prevention and control in different regions should have their own emphasis.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the deproteinization process of Isatidis Radix polysaccharides and further explore its immu-nomodulatory activity,and to provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of it.METHODS The optimum conditions of enzymatic deproteinization were optimized by a single factor combined with the Box-Behnken response surface method.The chemical composition and structural characteristics of deproteinized Isatidis Radix polysaccharides were analyzed by UV-visible spectrum,Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy,high-performance gel permeation chromatography,high-performance liquid chromatography and scan-ning electron microscopy.The effects of deproteinized Isatidis Radix Polysaccharide on neutrophils,macrophages,IL-1β and IL-6 in zebrafish were investigated by using a zebrafish immunocompromised model.RESULTS The optimal enzymatic deproteinization process was as follows:trypsin 500 U·mL-1,pH 8.0,enzymatic hydrolysis time 5 h,enzymatic hydrolysis temperature 37℃.The deproteinization rate was(86.39±0.07)%,and the comprehensive score was(91.15±0.37)%.Ultraviolet,infrared spectroscopy scanning and scanning electron microscopy showed that the protein contained in the crude polysaccharide could be removed by enzymat-ic method.The relative molecular weight of the polysaccharides were between 5.82 and 60.26 kDa.The monosaccharide mole compo-sition was mannose ∶ rhamnose ∶ galacturonic acid ∶ glucose ∶ galactose ∶ arabinose=2.17 ∶ 0.96 ∶ 2.90 ∶ 83.25 ∶ 4.88 ∶ 5.84.The results of immune activity evaluation showed that when the concentration of deproteinized Radix Isatidis polysaccharides was 50～300 μg·mL-1,it could significantly increase the density of zebrafish immune cells,increase the number of macrophages,and reduce the content of IL-1β and IL-6 in immunocompromised zebrafish,thus exerting immunomodulatory effects.CONCLUAION The enzy-matic method can effectively remove the proteins contained in the crude polysaccharides of Isatidis Radix,and the deproteinized Isatidis Radix polysaccharides have certain immunomodulatory effects.

ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Tongfengning （痛风宁， TFN） in treating hyperuricemia （HUA） of spleen deficiency with exuberance of dampness syndrome. MethodsTen of 60 mice were randomly selected， and were fed with regular diet as the control group， while the remaining 50 mice were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with excessive exercise and potassium oxonate-allopurinol suspension to establish an HUA animal model of syndrome of spleen deficiency with exuberance of dampness. After the successful modeling， in order to better observe the effects of TFN on the intestinal microbiota of the model mice， a mixed antibiotic suspension was administered by gavage to induce further dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota in the model mice. Fifty sucessfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group， TFN group， allopurinol group， probiotics group， and an allopurinol + probiotics group， 10 in each group. The TFN group was administered TFN liquid at a dosage of 19.11 g/（kg·d） by gavage. The allopurinol group was administered allopurinol suspension at a dosage of 78 mg/（kg·d） by gavage. The probiotics group was administered live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets suspension at a dosage of 3 g/（kg·d） by gavage. The allopurinol + probiotics group was administered allopurinol at a dosage of 78 mg/（kg·d） and live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets suspension at a dosage of 3 g/（kg·d） by gavage. The control group and model group were administered normal saline at a dosage of 19.11 ml/（kg·d） by gavage. The interventions were continued for 21 days. In order to maintain a stable high blood uric acid state， all groups but the control group continued modeling while receiving drug intervention. The changes in spleen deficiency syndrome scores， blood uric acid levels， microbial community structure， acetic acid and butyric acid content in intestinal lavage fluid， adenosine deaminase （ADA） and xanthine oxidase （XOD） content in small intestine tissue， as well as ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 （ABCG2）， glucose transporter 9 （GLUT9） protein and mRNA expression in the small intestine tissue were compared among the groups of mice. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group showed increased spleen deficiency syndrome scores， blood uric acid levels， relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes， Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio， abundance of Bacteroides genus， Klebsiella genus， and Enterococcus genus， acetic acid content in intestinal lavage fluid， ADA and XOD content in small intestine tissue， as well as GLUT9 protein and mRNA expression （P<0.05）. The number of operational taxonomic units （OTUs） of intestinal microbiota， relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum， abundance of Lactobacillus genus and uncultured Bacteroides genus， butyric acid content in intestinal lavage fluid， and ABCG2 protein and mRNA expression in small intestine tissue were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， in the group treated with TFN， probiotics， and allopurinol + probiotics， the spleen deficiency syndrome score， blood uric acid level， relative abundance of Firmicutes， acetic acid content in intestinal lavage fluid， ADA and XOD content in small intestine tissue， GLUT9 protein and mRNA expression significantly decreased. The number of gut microbiota OTUs， relative abundance of proteobacteria， butyric acid content in intestinal lavage fluid， ABCG2 protein and mRNA expression in small intestine tissue significantly increased （P＜0.05）. In the probiotics group， the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes decreased. In the TFN group， the abundance of Lactobacillus and uncultured Bacteroidetes significantly increased， while the abundance of Parabacteroides， Klebsiella， and Enterococcus significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the TFN group， allopurinol group and the probiotics group showed elevated blood uric acid levels， abundance of Bacteroidetes， ADA and XOD levels in intestinal tissue， and GLUT9 mRNA expression. The relative abundance of Firmicutes， abundance of lactobacilli， and ABCG2 mRNA expression significantly decreased. The probiotics group showed elevated GLUT9 protein expression in intestinal tissue. The probiotics group and the allopurinol plus probiotics group showed significantly higher scores for spleen deficiency syndrome in mice， and lower levels of butyric acid in mouse intestinal lavage fluid. The allopurinol group showed decreased numbers of OTUs in mouse intestinal flora， decreased abundance of proteobacteria， and butyric acid levels in intestinal lavage fluid. The allopurinol group also showed decreased ABCG2 protein expression in intestinal tissue， increased acetic acid levels in intestinal lavage fluid， increased abundance of Klebsiella， and significantly elevated GLUT9 protein expression （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsThe treatment of HUA with TFN may be associated with the regulation of intestinal probiotics （such as lactobacilli） and pathogenic bacteria （such as Klebsiella）， as well as the production of bacterial metabolites such as acetic acid and butyric acid. It may also involve reducing the expression of ADA and XOD in the intestines， decreasing intestinal uric acid production， upregulating the expression of intestinal epithelial urate transporter ABCG2， downregulating GLUT9 expression， and promoting intestinal uric acid excretion. These factors are related to the syndrome of spleen deficiency with exuberance of dampness.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic characteristics of a fetus with a high risk by maternal serum screening during the second trimester. METHODS: Genetic counseling was provided to the pregnant woman on March 22, 2020 at Henan Provincial People's Hospital. G-banded chromosomal karyotyping and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) were carried out on the amniotic fluid sample and peripheral blood samples from the couple. RESULTS: The fetus and the pregnant woman were respectively found to have a 46,XX,der(6)t(6;14)(q27;q31.2) and 46,XX,t(6;14)(q27;q31.2) karyotype, whilst the husband was found to have a normal karyotype. aCGH analysis has identified a 6.64 Mb deletion at 6q26q27 and a 19.98 Mb duplication at 14q31.3q32.33 in the fetus, both of which were predicted to be pathogenic copy number variations. No copy number variation was found in the couple. CONCLUSION The unbalanced chromosome abnormalities in the fetus have probably derived from the balanced translocation carried by the pregnant woman. aCGH can help to determine the types of fetal chromosome abnormalities and site of chromosomal breakage, which may facilitate the prediction of fetal outcome and choice for subsequent pregnancies.
Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Translocation, Genetic ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Fetus ; Prenatal Diagnosis

Fibroblast activation protein(FAP)can overexpress in activated fibroblasts.In recent years,radiolabeled FAP inhibitor(FAPI)had become important new positron imaging agents in nuclear medicine following 18F-FDG,and increasingly used for non-malignant diseases.The research progresses of FAPI PET imaging for diagnosis of non-malignant diseases were reviewed in this article.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of 68Ga-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET for hepatobiliary malignancies. Methods:From July 2020 to February 2023, 33 patients (23 males, 10 females; age (55.4±13.5) years) with suspected or confirmed liver or biliary tract malignancies who underwent 68Ga-FAPI PET in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were retrospectively analyzed. PET images were evaluated by 3 experienced nuclear medicine physicians, and the results of biopsy or postoperative pathology, clinical and imaging follow-up were used as the gold standard. One-way analysis of variance and least significant difference t test were used to compare the differences among groups. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. Results:Of 33 patients, 14 performed PET for initial diagnosis and staging, and 19 for restaging. There were 14 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 13 patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and 6 patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). The primary tumor of HCC, CCA and GBC all showed significant 68Ga-FAPI uptake, with no statistically significant difference in SUV max among groups ( F=1.58, P=0.250). The sensitivities of 68Ga-FAPI PET for initial diagnosis and restaging of hepatobiliary malignancies were 14/14 and 15/15, respectively. Compared with conventional imaging, 68Ga-FAPI PET changed the diagnosis and staging in 29.2%(7/24) patients. The treatment strategy was changed in 30.3%(10/33) patients with malignant tumors due to 68Ga-FAPI PET findings. Follow-up showed 22 cases survived and 11 cases died, with the overall survival of 355.56(80.00, 516.97) d, and 1- and 2-year survival rates were 68.2% and 57.9%, respectively. Semi-quantitative 68Ga-FAPI PET parameters such as SUV max, target-liver ratio (TLR), and target-blood ratio (TBR) had no significant prognostic value, but the prognosis of the group without distant metastases diagnosed by 68Ga-FAPI PET was significantly better than that of the group with distant metastasis ( P=0.032). Conclusion:68Ga-FAPI PET has high sensitivity for the diagnosis of hepatobiliary malignancies, which can help guide treatment decisions and prognosis evaluation.

Objective:To analyze the comorbidity status and influencing factors of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults and to provide support for the "co-management of three diseases".Methods:Using the relevant information collected from the National Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in China in 2018, 134 950 permanent residents aged ≥45 years were selected as the research objects. After being weighed, the prevalence and comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in residents with different groups were compared; a multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the influencing factors of comorbidity of the "three diseases".Results:The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults were 46.0% (95% CI:45.1%-47.0%), 19.5% (95% CI:18.7%-20.2%), 43.3% (95% CI:42.3%-44.4%), respectively. The comorbidity rates of hypertension and diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and diabetes and dyslipidemia were 12.3% (95% CI:11.7%-12.8%), 22.8% (95% CI:22.1%-23.4%),11.6% (95% CI:11.1%-12.0%), respectively; the comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia was 7.6% (95% CI: 7.2%-8.0%). These comorbidity rates increased with age and BMI, which was more significant in the urban areas than rural areas and more outstanding in North and Northeast China ( P<0.05). The comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and higher cholesterol was 1.9% (95% CI:1.7%-2.1%). The comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and higher low-density lipoprotein was 1.6% (95% CI:1.4%-1.7%), which was higher in women than in men ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that male, age, city, overweight/obesity, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, daily sedentary behavior time ≥5 hours, and sleep duration <7 hours were risk factors for the comorbidity of the "three diseases". Conclusions:The comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, is common among middle-aged and elderly adults in China; comprehensive prevention and control of risk factors and "co-management of three diseases" are critical measures for health promotion in middle-aged and elderly populations.

Objective:To examine the association between hemoglobin level and increased heart rate among the Chinese elderly.Methods:The study subjects were those 60 years or above and participated in the 2018 of China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance. According to the hemoglobin level used to define anemia severity and corresponding tertiles among non-anemia, men and women were separately categorized into five groups. Multivariable logistic regression of increased heart rate on hemoglobin groups was performed, with confounders and intracluster correlation taken into account. Additionally, a restricted cubic spline was employed to interrogate their dose-response relationship.Results:A total of 71 409 elderly were finally included in the analysis. The weighted mean of hemoglobin concentration and heart rate was (142.6±17.7) g/L and (78.5±12.2) times/minute, respectively. In comparison to men with hemoglobin concentration between 130 and 147 g/L or women between 120 and 133 g/L, the odds ratio ( OR) of increased heart rate were 1.39 (95% CI: 1.17-1.64), 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99-1.21), 1.16 (95% CI: 1.09-1.23), and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.33-1.51) for men with a hemoglobin concentration of <110, 110-129, 148-158, and ≥159 g/L, respectively, and was 1.17 (95% CI: 1.02-1.33), 1.02 (95% CI: 0.93-1.12), 1.13 (95% CI: 1.07-1.19), and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.32-1.48) for women with a hemoglobin concentration of <110, 110-119, 134-142, and ≥143 g/L, respectively. Higher odds of increased heart rate associated with a hemoglobin concentration of <110 g/L were only observed among men aged 60-74 years ( OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.15-1.73) and non-obese women ( OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.40) but not their counterparts. The results from restricted cubic spline suggested that hemoglobin concentration, as a continuous variable, showed a U-shaped association with odds of increased heart rate. Conclusions:Lower and higher hemoglobin levels were positively associated with the risk of increased heart rate among the Chinese elderly. Maintaining hemoglobin levels within a specific range may be helpful for the management of heart rate, which in turn reduces the burden of cardiovascular diseases among older adults.