This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the effective-compounds of Jinshui Huanxian formula (ECC-JHF) in improving pulmonary fibrosis. Animal experiments were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Animal Experiment Center of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: IACUC-202306012). The mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced using bleomycin (BLM). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect the histopathological changes of lung tissues. Masson staining was used to assess the degree of fibrosis in lung tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed to measure the expression of collagen type I (COL I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lung tissues. Flow cytometry (FCM) was employed to detect the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice. IF and qPCR were also used to detect the expression of lipase family member N (LIPN) in lung tissues. Free fatty acid assay kit was used to detect the level of free fatty acids in lung tissue. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were treated with interleukin-4 (IL-4) to induce M2 polarization. FCM was used to measure the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages. IF was utilized to detect LIPN expression and lipid droplet decomposition. The results showed that in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice, ECC-JHF significantly attenuated BLM-induced alveolar inflammation and collagen deposition, inhibited fibroblast activation in lung tissues, and decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages in BALF. It also significantly suppressed LIPN expression and free fatty acid level in lung tissues. In the IL-4 induced BMDMs M2 polarization model, ECC-JHF significantly inhibited the proportion of CD206⁺ M2 macrophages, down-regulated the expression of LIPN, and blocked lipid droplet catabolism. These results suggest that ECC-JHF may alleviate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting lipid droplet decomposition and M2 macrophage polarization.

Objective To investigate prevalence and immunological properties of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection among chronic gastritis population in Wuhan. Methods A total of 1 866 patients with chronic gastritis in Wuhan were selected from May 2021 to December 2023, and Hp antibody and typing in serum were detected by immunoblotting to analyse the infection rate and typing of patients of different genders and age groups, as well as the correlation between Hp infection and the severity of chronic gastritis. Western blotting technique was utilized to detect the Hp antibodies and typing. The infection rates and subtypes were recorded in patients of different genders and ages. Then the correlation between Hp infection and the severity of chronic gastritis were discussed. Results The overall detection rate of Hp infection was 65.38% (1 220/1 866) in 1866 patients, and the prevalence rate of type I infection was higher than that of type II infection [61.31% (748/1 220) vs 38.69% (472/1 220), P<0.05]. No statistical difference was reported in overall infection rate in terms of gender (P>0.05). In terms of gender, the rate of type I infection was higher than that of type II infection [70.08% (431/615) vs 29.92% (184/615), P<0.05], whereas the prevalence of the two types of infections demonstrated no statistical difference in female patients (P>0.05). In terms of age, the prevalence of Hp infection in patients increased with age (2=64.687, P=0.000). The infection rate of type I was higher than type II in the age groups of below 18, 31-40, 41-50 and 51-60 years old (P<0.05), and infection rates of type I and type II yielded no statistical difference in the age groups of 18-30 and ≥60 years old (P>0.05). With the aggravation of chronic gastritis, the infection rate and percentage of type I infections increased, and the percentage of type I infections was higher than that of type II infections (P<0.05). Conclusion Patients with chronic gastritis in Wuhan suffer a high prevalence rate of Hp infection, and the rate of Hp infection increases with the age of the patients, is positively correlated with the severity of the disease, and presents certain typological features.

Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery. Results: Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively). Conclusion The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.

Dendritic cells (DCs) serve as the primary antigen-presenting cells in autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and exhibit distinct signaling profiles due to antigenic diversity. Type II collagen (CII) has been recognized as an RA-specific antigen; however, little is known about CII-stimulated DCs, limiting the development of RA-specific therapeutic interventions. In this study, we show that CII-stimulated DCs display a preferential gene expression profile associated with migration, offering a new perspective for targeting DC migration in RA treatment. Then, saikosaponin D (SSD) was identified as a compound capable of blocking CII-induced DC migration and effectively ameliorating arthritis. Optineurin (OPTN) is further revealed as a potential SSD target, with Optn deletion impairing CII-pulsed DC migration without affecting maturation. Function analyses uncover that OPTN prevents the proteasomal transport and ubiquitin-dependent degradation of C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), a pivotal chemokine receptor in DC migration. Optn-deficient DCs exhibit reduced CCR7 expression, leading to slower migration in CII-surrounded environment, thus alleviating arthritis progression. Our findings underscore the significance of antigen-specific DC activation in RA and suggest OPTN is a crucial regulator of CII-specific DC migration. OPTN emerges as a promising drug target for RA, potentially offering significant value for the therapeutic management of RA.

Nitrogen narcosis is a neurological syndrome that manifests when humans or animals encounter hyperbaric nitrogen, resulting in a range of motor, emotional, and cognitive abnormalities. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is known for its significant involvement in regulating motivation, cognition, and action. However, its specific contribution to nitrogen narcosis-induced hyperlocomotion and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we report that exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen notably increased the locomotor activity of mice in a pressure-dependent manner. Concurrently, this exposure induced heightened activation among neurons in both the ACC and dorsal medial striatum (DMS). Notably, chemogenetic inhibition of ACC neurons effectively suppressed hyperlocomotion. Conversely, chemogenetic excitation lowered the hyperbaric pressure threshold required to induce hyperlocomotion. Moreover, both chemogenetic inhibition and genetic ablation of activity-dependent neurons within the ACC reduced the hyperlocomotion. Further investigation revealed that ACC neurons project to the DMS, and chemogenetic inhibition of ACC-DMS projections resulted in a reduction in hyperlocomotion. Finally, nitrogen narcosis led to an increase in local field potentials in the theta frequency band and a decrease in the alpha frequency band in both the ACC and DMS. These results collectively suggest that excitatory neurons within the ACC, along with their projections to the DMS, play a pivotal role in regulating the hyperlocomotion induced by exposure to hyperbaric nitrogen.
Animals ; Gyrus Cinguli/drug effects* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Locomotion/drug effects* ; Neurons/drug effects* ; Mice ; Nitrogen/toxicity* ; Inert Gas Narcosis/physiopathology* ; Corpus Striatum/physiopathology*

Direct electrical stimulation of the human cortex can produce subjective visual sensations, yet these sensations are unstable. The underlying mechanisms may stem from differences in electrophysiological activity within the distributed network outside the stimulated site. To address this problem, we recruited 69 patients who experienced visual sensations during invasive electrical stimulation while intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data were recorded. We found significantly flattened power spectral slopes in distributed regions involving different brain networks and decreased integrated information during elicited visual sensations compared with the non-sensation condition. Further analysis based on minimum information partitions revealed that the reconfigured network interactions primarily involved the inferior frontal cortex, posterior superior temporal sulcus, and temporoparietal junction. The flattened power spectral slope in the inferior frontal gyrus was also correlated with integrated information. Taken together, this study indicates that the altered electrophysiological signatures provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying subjective visual sensations.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Visual Perception/physiology* ; Electric Stimulation ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Electrocorticography ; Electroencephalography ; Brain Mapping

The transcription factor HOXB13 plays crucial roles in cancer development. HOXB13 is abnormally expressed in most cancers, which makes it a valuable therapeutic target for cancer therapy. The level of HOXB13 differs significantly between healthy and cancer tissues, which indicates that the level of HOXB13 is closely related to carcinogenesis. The regulatory network mediated by HOXB13 in cancer proliferation, metastasis, and invasion has been systematically investigated. Moreover, HOXB13 variants play distinct roles in different cancers and populations. By understanding the molecular mechanisms and mutation features of HOXB13, we provide a comprehensive overview of carcinogenesis networks dependent on HOXB13. Finally, we discuss advancements in anticancer therapy targeting HOXB13 and the roles of HOXB13 in drug resistance to molecular-targeted therapies, which serves as a foundation for developing HOXB13-targeted drugs for clinical diagnosis and cancer therapies.
Humans ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism* ; Carcinogenesis/genetics* ; Mutation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of foam macrophages (FMs) on the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and identify the molecular mechanisms influencing MTB survival. METHODS: An in vitro FM model was established using oleic acid induction. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify the key molecular pathways involved in FM-mediated MTB survival. RESULTS: Induced FMs effectively restricted MTB survival. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling revealed distinct changes in gene and metabolite expression in FMs during MTB infection compared with normal macrophages. Integrated analyses identified significant alterations in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, indicating that its activation contributes to the FM-mediated restriction of MTB survival. CONCLUSIONS FMs inhibit MTB survival. The cAMP signaling pathway is a key contributor. These findings enhance the understanding of the role of FMs in tuberculosis progression, suggest potential targets for host-directed therapies, and offer new directions for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/physiology* ; Transcriptome ; Metabolomics ; Foam Cells/microbiology* ; Humans ; Metabolome ; Tuberculosis/microbiology* ; Gene Expression Profiling

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the Lower Limb Detumescence Formula(derived from Taohong Siwu Decoction)in treating lower limb swelling in patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome after total knee arthroplasty(TKA),and to analyze the changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome types before and after surgery.Methods A total of 60 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and lower limb swelling with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome after TKA,hospitalized in the Department of Artificial Joints and Knee Surgery,The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine between November 2024 and January 2025,were selected.Based on patients' preferences and postoperative medication,the patients were divided into three groups:the Chinese medicine Group(25 cases),the Lishang Group(15 cases),and the Aescuven Forte Group(20 cases).Changes in limb circumference on the affected side were used to describe knee volume changes,and were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1,3,and 30.Results(1)Regarding lower limb swelling,the calf and thigh circumferences of the affected side in all three groups showed a trend of early exacerbation(on postoperative days 1 and 3)followed by later relief(on postoperative day 30).Peak swelling occurred on postoperative day 3,with statistically significant differences compared to preoperative measurements(P＜0.05).Subsequently,swelling gradually alleviated,and the calf and thigh circumferences of the affected side progressively decreased,the circum ferences on postoperative day 30 differed from those on postoperative days 1 and 3(P＜0.05).However,there were no statistically significant differences in improving calf and thigh circumferences among the three groups(P＞0.05).(2)In terms of adverse reactions,the Lishang Group and the Aescuven Forte Group each reported two adverse events,including postoperative wound bleeding,subcutaneous ecchymosis,pulmonary infection,and constipation.The Chinese medicine group reported no gastrointestinal adverse events,and patient treatment compliance was better than that in the Lishang Group and the Aescuven Forte Group.(3)Regarding TCM syndrome differentiation,each patient received four assessments at different time points(preoperatively and on postoperative days 1,3,and 30),resulting in 240 valid data entries.Among these,qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome was the most common(170 cases,70.83％),followed by liver and kidney deficiency syndrome(64 cases,26.67％),and qi and blood deficiency syndrome was the least common(6 cases,2.50％).(4)Comparison of the relationship between different groups and syndrome types revealed no significant association between group distribution and syndrome type(P＞0.05).Further generalized estimating equation analysis showed that grouping had no significant effect on TCM syndrome differentiation(P＞0.05).(5)Comparison of the relationship between different time points and syndrome types revealed that preoperative syndromes predominantly consisted of liver and kidney deficiency(96.67％),while on postoperative days 1 and 3,all cases were classified as qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome(100.00％).On postoperative day 30,qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome remained the most common(80.00％).There was a significant association between time points and syndrome distribution(P＜0.05).Further generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that time points significantly influenced TCM syndrome differentiation(P＜0.001).Conclusion The Lower Limb Detumescence Formula demonstrates efficacy comparable to Lishang Xiaozhong Oral Liquid and Aescuven Forte Tablets in improving lower limb swelling in patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome after TKA.By promoting blood circulation,resolving stasis,strengthening the spleen,and eliminating accumulation,this formula reduces the incidence of adverse reactions such as postoperative wound bleeding,subcutaneous ecchymosis,and constipation.It provides a new pharmacological option for treating lower limb swelling after TKA,and is particularly suitable for patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome accompanied by spleen deficiency.