Background The quality of occupational health technical services is directly linked to the protection of workers' health rights and the efficacy of occupational disease prevention and control. However, the industry still faces critical challenges: sporadic instances of institutional non-compliance and persistent irregularities in professional practice continue to undermine overall service performance. Objective To assess the current quality status of occupational health technical services in Zhejiang Province and propose countermeasures for quality improvement, providing a scientific basis for policy optimization and service delivery quality enhancement. Methods A total of 69 occupational health technical service institutions in Zhejiang Province that obtained formal accreditation as of April 30, 2024, were sampled, including 3 public institutions and 66 private institutions (comprising 3 formerly Class-A, 28 formerly Class-B, 11 formerly Class-C, and 24 newly certified institutions). Following the Technical Protocol for Quality Monitoring of Occupational Health Technical Service in Zhejiang Province and the Technical Protocol for Proficiency Testing of Occupational Health Detection in Zhejiang Province, a quality assessment task force comprising national and provincial experts was established. Evaluation was conducted across four dimensions: qualification maintenance and compliance, standardization of technical services, authenticity of technical services, and proficiency testing, utilizing a combination of document review, on-site inspections, and technical skill assessments. Results The occupational health technical service institutions in Zhejiang Province were predominantly private entities (82.5%), with significant disparities in overall service quality. The pass rates for qualification maintenance and compliance, technical service standardization, technical service authenticity, and the excellence rate for laboratory proficiency testing were 81.5%, 80.7%, 97.3%, and 90.4%, respectively. Regarding qualification maintenance, the pass rates for "environmental conditions" (49.8%, 56.7%) and "instrumentation and equipment" (58.2%、65.6%) were significantly lower for formerly Class-C and newly certified institutions compared to other categories. In terms of technical standardization, "standardized on-site inspections" recorded the lowest pass rate (67.4%), with newly certified institutions at only 48.0%. Regarding technical service authenticity, formerly Class-C institutions exhibited issues such as missing raw chromatograms for blank samples (85.7% pass rate). In laboratory proficiency testing, public and formerly Class-A institutions achieved 100% excellence rates, but the performance of formerly Class-C and newly certified institutions was comparatively weak; specifically, the failure rate for organic analysis in formerly Class-C institutions reached 20%; the failure rate for dust testing items in newly certified institutions was 10.3%. Conclusion The overall quality of occupational health technical services in Zhejiang Province still requires significant improvement, particularly in basic institutional conditions, the standardization of on-site inspections, and laboratory proficiency in organic and dust analysis. Formerly Class-C and newly certified institutions should be the primary focus of quality management efforts. Differentiated regulatory strategies are recommended, alongside strengthening interim and ex-post supervision to gradually enhance the quality of occupational health technical services across all institutions.

Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe²⁺-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.

Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe²⁺-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among newly detained populations in eastern China, to identify high-risk groups, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating tuberculosis prevention and control strategies in the prison system. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among the newly admitted detainees in two prisons in eastern China in 2022. Data on demographic characteristics, behavioral risk factors and previous disease history of the research subjects were collected through a structured questionnaire survey. The LTBI status of the detainees was determined using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) method. Lasso regression was used to screen variables, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the influencing factors of LTBI. ResultsA total of 305 detainees were included in the study. The median age of detainees was 35 (31, 43) years. The study population was predominantly male (67.21%), of Han ethnicity (95.41%), had a junior or senior high school education (59.34%), and was unemployed (31.80%). A history of smoking was reported by 52.79% of participants, while 57.70% reported no alcohol consumption. The majority had no history of hypertension (85.90%), diabetes mellitus (93.77%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (97.38%), familial genetic diseases (95.08%), surgery or trauma (73.77%), drug use (92.79%), or hepatitis (93.77%). The LTBI rate was 14.75%. After comparing the demographic characteristics of LTBI and non-infected groups, it was found that smoking history (χ²=7.40, P=0.025), drug use history (χ²=5.49, P=0.019), and HIV infection (χ²=8.12, P=0.004) were statistically correlated with LTBI infection. The results of multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.08, 95%CI: 1.60‒10.42, P=0.003], HIV infection (aOR=11.57, 95%CI: 2.50‒53.51, P=0.002) and drug use (aOR=3.04, 95%CI: 1.02‒9.09, P=0.046) were risk factors for LTBI. ConclusionThe LTBI rate among newly detainees in two prisons in eastern China is slightly lower than that among long-term detainees. Early screening and intervention should be implemented for newly detainees, with particular attention focused on high-risk groups such as those with a history of smoking, HIV infection, or drug use.

Objective To explore the pharmacokinetic(PK)characteristics of desloratadine tablets and reference drugs in healthy subjects,and evaluate their bioequivalence and safety.Methods The random,open,two-period,cross-over pharmacokinetic study method was adopted,each subject received a single oral dose of desloratadine tablets test drug(T)or reference drug(R)for 5 mg.The concentrations of desloratadine and 3-hydroxy desloratadine in plasma were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS);and the PK parameters were calculated by WinNonlin 8.1 software to evaluate the bioequivalence.Results The main PK parameters of T and R of desloratadine were as follows:the fasting condition Cmax were respectively(3 809.82±1 016.54)and(3 642.36±777.07)pg·mL-1;AUC0-120h were respectively(5.75 ×104±5.03 ×104)and(5.51 × 104±4.00 × 104)pg·h·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were respectively(6.85× 104±1.03× 104)and(6.37 × 104±7.92 × 104)pg·h·mL-1.The fed condition Cmax were respectively(4 398.98±1 191.22)and(4 744.4±1 511.97)pg·mL-1;AUC0-120h were respectively(5.25 × 104±1.82 × 104)and(5.55 × 104±1.98 × 104)pg·h·mL-1;AUC0-∞ were respectively(5.37 × 104±1.86 × 104)and(5.68 × 104±2.04 × 104)pg·h·mL-1.The 90％confidence interval of Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of desloratadine were all within 80.00％～125.00％.Conclusion There was no significant difference in the main PK parameters between T tablets and R under fasting or high-fat postprandial conditions,and desloratadine tablets were bioequivalent,safe and well tolerated.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum cholinesterase(CHE)and soluble growth stimula-tion gene 2 protein(sST2)for short-term death in patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure.Methods:A total of 100 patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure admitted in Nanjing Benq Hospital between March 2021 and March 2023 were screened.After 6-month follow-up,patients were grouped according to pres-ence of death.Multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze the factors associated with death during 6-month follow-up in patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure.The predictive value of CHE,sST2 and their combined detection for short-term death in patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare short-term sur-vival rate between myocardial infarction and heart failure patients with different CHE and sST2 levels.Results:During 6-month follow-up,46 cases died.Compared to those in survival group,patients in death group had sig-nificant higher heart rate(HR)[(82.20±8.09)beats/min vs.(71.54±6.97)beats/min],mean arterial pressure(MAP)[(126.58±5.38)mmHg vs.(104.79±4.94)mmHg]and sST2[(76.48±4.82)ng/ml vs.(40.62±4.96)ng/ml],and significant lower CHE[(3.47±0.26)IU/L vs.(5.07±0.80)IU/L](P＜0.001 all).Multivariate Cox regression showed that HR(HR 1.046,95％CI 1.002～1.092,P=0.040),MAP(HR 1.988,95％CI 1.298～2.455,P＜0.001),and sST2(HR 1.068,95％CI 1.014～1.125,P=0.013)were independent risk factors for short-term death in patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure,while CHE was its independent protec-tive factor(HR=0.252,95％CI 0.145～0.561,P=0.023).ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)of CHE,sST2 and their combination for diagnosing short-term death in patients with myocardial in-farction and heart failure was 0.609(95％0.504～0.707),0.630(95％0.525～0.726)and 0.939(95％0.871～0.977)respectively,and the diagnostic efficacy of combined detection was significantly higher than CHE and sST2 alone(Z=5.814,5.524,P＜0.001 all).Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the survival rate of patients with low CHE level was significantly lower than that of patients with high CHE level,and the survival rate of pa-tients with high sST2 level was significantly lower than that of patients with low sST2 level(Log-rank x2=2.415,2.354,P＜0.001 all).Conclusion:CHE and sST2 were independent influencing factors for death during 6-month follow-up in patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure;their combined detection had good predictive value for short-term death in these patients.

Objective:To analysis the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic total hysterectomy in patients with obliterated rectouterine pouch.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 197 patients who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy at Peking University First Hospital, from July 2022 to July 2024. According to intraoperative observations, 197 patients were categorized into two groups: 58 cases with completely obliterated rectouterine pouch (obliterated group) and 139 cases with non-obliterated pouch (control group). General clinical characteristics, perioperative outcomes and 3-month follow-up after surgery were compared between two groups.Results:(1) Baseline characteristics: the age of the obliterated group was (45.7±3.7) years, and the control group was (48.0±3.8) years ( P<0.001). Primary complaint: dysmenorrhea prevalence was 53.4% (31/58) in the obliterated group, and was 35.3% (49/139; P<0.05) in the control group. Surgical indications: the proportion of adenomyosis and ovarian endometrioma was 77.6% (45/58) in the obliterated group, and was 51.1% (71/139; P<0.001) in the control group. No significant differences in body mass index, pelvic surgical history, or preoperative medication between the two groups (all P>0.05). (2) Intraoperative outcomes: the obliterated group demonstrated significantly higher rates of surgical interventions compared to the control group. Superficial endometriosis resection was performed in 91.4% (53/58) of the obliterated group versus 33.8% (47/139) in the control group ( P<0.001). Deep infiltrating endometriosis excision was required in 82.8% (48/58) of the obliterated group, contrasting sharply with 10.1% (14/139) in the control group ( P<0.001). Ureterolysis procedures were similarly elevated in the obliterated group (77.6%, 45/58) compared to the control group (7.9%, 11/139; P<0.001). Operative metrics revealed substantial intergroup disparities: the obliterated group exhibited a median surgical duration of 149.0 minutes (interquartile range: 114.0, 180.0 minutes), significantly prolonged relative to the control group′s 91.0 minutes (77.0, 107.0 minutes; P<0.001). Estimated blood loss followed a parallel pattern, with median volumes of 50.0 ml (20.0, 100.0 ml) in the obliterated group versus 20.0 ml (10.0, 20.0 ml) in the control group ( P<0.001). (3) Postoperative outcomes: the uterine weight of the obliterated group was 200.0 g (132.5, 260.0 g), and the control group was 240.0 g (180.0, 336.0 g; P<0.05). Hospital stay was prolonged in the obliterated group compared with the control group [7.0 days (6.0, 8.3 days) vs 6.0 days (5.0, 7.0 days); P<0.001]. The incidences of postoperative fever in the obliterated group and the control group were 20.7% (12/58) vs 12.2% (17/139; P>0.05). The incidences of minor complications in the obliterated group and the control group were 3.4% (2/58) vs 0 (0/139; P>0.05). No major complications (intraoperative hemorrhage, transfusion, visceral injury, conversion to laparotomy, or thromboembolism) occurred. (4) Follow up at 3 months after surgery: three months postoperatively, all patients underwent outpatient follow-up visits, during which symptoms such as pain were alleviated. Gynecological ultrasound and pelvic examinations were performed, and the vaginal stump exhibited good healing. Conclusion:Laparoscopic total hysterectomy performed by experienced minimally invasive gynecological specialists is safe and feasible for patients with obliterated rectouterine pouch.

Objective:To discuss the prevalence of contraindications to progestogens in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis.Methods:Women of childbearing age aged 15-49 years, except for menopausal and malignant tumors, were enrolled in Peking University First Hospital from April to August 2024 for laparoscopic or open surgery, regardless of whether they had used or would be using progestogen drugs. The patients were divided into two groups: the case group was patients with pathologically confirmed endometriosis and adenomyosis, and the control group was patients with other benign gynecological diseases. The patient′s medical history and clinical data were collected.Results:A total of 745 patients were enrolled, including 362 cases (48.6%, 362/745) in the case group, 383 cases (51.4%, 383/745) in the control group; 61 patients with contraindications to progestogens, including 32 cases (8.8%, 32/362) in the case group, and 29 cases (7.6%, 29/383) in the control group ( χ2=0.398, P>0.05). Among them, there were 33 cases of liver disease, all of which were liver tumor (hepatic hemangioma only), including 18 cases (5.0%, 18/362) in the case group and 15 cases (3.9%, 15/383) in the control group. There were 11 cases of sex hormone-dependent or related tumors (breast cancer only), including 4 cases (1.1%, 4/362) in the case group and 7 cases (1.8%, 7/383) in the control group. There were 10 cases of vascular disease, including 4 cases of diabetic vascular disease, including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 2 cases (0.5%, 2/383) in the control group. There were 3 cases of venous thrombosis, including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 1 case (0.3%, 1/383) in the control group. There were 3 cases of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including 1 case in the case group (0.3%, 1/362) and 2 cases (0.5%, 2/383) in the control group. There were 7 cases of renal insufficiency, including 3 cases of chronic nephritis complicated with renal insufficiency [including 2 cases (0.6%, 2/362) in the case group and 1 case (0.3%, 1/383) in the control group]; two cases of membranous nephropathy complicated with renal insufficiency were in the case group (0.6%, 2/362); one case of diabetic nephropathy complicated with renal insufficiency was in the control group (0.3%, 1/383); one case of uremia was in the case group (0.3%, 1/362). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:There is no difference in the contraindications of progestogens in patients with endometriosis and adenomyosis compared with patients with other gynecological benign diseases. Liver tumors are more common in both two groups.

Objective:To explore the effects and mechanisms of Shen-su-yin (SSY) on acute lung injury (ALI) in rats based on untargeted Metabolomics, network pharmacology, and experimental verification.Methods:Untargeted Metabolomics was performed to detect the ingredients of SSY by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrum, and the active ingredients were screened from the detected ingredients. Common targets of the active ingredient targets and ALI targets were utilized to screen hub targets to perform gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Then, key hub targets were selected from the hub targets, and the active ingredients-hub targets network was built to screen core ingredients. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed between the key hub targets and the core ingredients. 48 rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups by using a random number table: normal control group, lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI group, ALI+SSY group, and ALI+dexamethasone group. 24 hours after lipopolysaccharide induction, the levels of respiratory rate, blood lactate, lung wet/dry weight ratio, ALI score, inflammatory factors of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and oxidative stress mediators of lung tissue in each group were evaluated, and the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway was also detected by using Western blot. Finally, one-way analysis of variance, Welch test, or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare data differences among groups. Results:A total of 415 ingredients were detected from the SSY. 66 of the detected ingredients were identified as active ingredients, and 10 of them were selected as core ingredients. The number of common targets, hub targets, and key hub targets was 337, 50, and 10, respectively. Total of 285 biological processes, 32 cellular components, and 51 molecular functions were enriched though GO analysis, and 148 cell signaling pathways such as pathways in cancer and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were enriched though KEGG analysis. Molecular docking studies revealed that all binding energies between the 10 key hub targets and the 10 core ingredients were less than -5 kcal/mol. Compared with the ALI group, the levels of the respiratory rate, blood lactate, and lung wet/dry weight ratio in ALI+SSY group were significantly decreased (all P<0.01), and the level of ALI score showed a downward trend, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). In addition, the levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine in lung tissue of rats in ALI+SSY group were significantly decreased in comparison with those in ALI group (all P<0.01). Moreover, compared with the ALI group, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K p85α, AKT1, and GSK3β and the expression level of Nrf2 in lung tissue of ALI+SSY group were significantly up-regulated (PI3K p85α phosphorylation and AKT1 phosphorylation, P<0.01; GSK3β phosphorylation and Nrf2, P<0.05), while the phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 was significantly down-regulated ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Active ingredients detected from SSY via untargeted Metabolomics can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation in ALI rats by regulating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating lung lesions.

The triterpenoid saponins of Centella asiatica, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, are pivotal bioactive compounds of the plant. These constituents exhibit a spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and antidepressant effects, promotion of wound healing, and enhancement of microcirculation. Owing to these therapeutic properties, C. asiatica is widely employed in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, the escalating global demand for its extracts has led to potential supply shortages, prompting researchers to use multiple strategies such as multi-omics, molecular biology, and synthetic biology to conduct extensive studies. These studies encompass the elucidation of the biosynthetic pathways of triterpenoid saponins in C. asiatica, metabolic regulation, the hormonal induction of secondary metabolite synthesis, and the application of biotechnological strategies for natural product production to increase the yield of secondary metabolites in C. asiatica, or to produce active components via microbial chassis, thus satisfying market demands and promoting the sustainable exploitation of wild C. asiatica resources. This article first introduced the triterpenoid saponins of C. asiatica and their biological activities, then summarized the latest research advancements in their biosynthetic pathways, metabolic regulation, and heterologous biosynthesis, and provided an outlook on future development directions, with the aim of providing reference for comprehensive resource development and biotechnological synthesis of active components from C. asiatica.
Centella/genetics* ; Triterpenes/chemistry* ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts