ObjectiveThis study aims to elucidate the potential mechanism of Zuojinwan in improving liver fibrosis through hepatic tissue metabolomics analysis. MethodsTwenty-four mice were randomly allocated into normal group， model group ， positive drug group （silymarin， 100 mg·kg^-1）， and Zuojinwan group （Zuojinwan solution， 2.5 g·kg^-1）， with per group six mice. Liver fibrosis model was induced via intraperitoneal injection of olive oil solution with 10% carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄） （0.5 μL·g^-1， three times weekly for 8 weeks） in all groups except the normal group. During the final 4 weeks， the silymarin group received silymarin （100 mg·kg^-1） by gavage thrice weekly， while the Zuojinwan group was administered Zuojinwan solution （2.5 g·kg^-1） under the same regimen. After the last administration， the levels of liver fibrosis indicators and liver injury markers in serum were detected. The pathological morphological changes of the liver tissues were observed. The levels of liver fibrosis markers α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and Collagen Ⅰ（ColⅠ） were detected. Metabolomics was analyzed on mice's liver tissues. The mice's serum was collected for metabolomics analysis. ResultsCompared with the model group， Zuojinwan significantly improved indicators related to liver fibrosis and liver injury. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed significantly elevated levels of fibrosis markers such as laminin （LN）， hyaluronic acid （HA）， procollagen typeⅢ （PC-Ⅲ）， and type Ⅳ Collagen （Ⅳ-C）， while liver injury indicators such as alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， and total bilirubin （TBIL）， exhibited a marked upward trend （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the silymarin group showed a significant decrease in the aforementioned indicators （P<0.05）. Notably， compared with the model group， the Zuojinwan group exhibited a significant reduction in all these indicators （P<0.05）， with efficacy comparable to that of the silymarin group. Zuojinwan reduced mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA and ColⅠ in the liver tissue. Metabolomics results revealed that compared with the model group， Zuojiinwan significantly reduced levels of glucose metabolism-related metabolites such as D-fructose 1，6-bisphosphate （FBP）， nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH）， sodium beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate （F6P）， dihydroxyacetone phosphate （DHAP）， fumaric acid， and D-glucose 6-phosphate （G6P） （P<0.05）. Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect glucose metabolism indicators and further validate the regulatory effect of Zuojinwan on glucose metabolism. ConclusionThese results suggest that Zuojinwan may improve liver fibrosis by regulating the dysregulated levels of glucose metabolism during the progression of liver fibrosis.

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a widely used biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk, can provide a window for the evaluation of drug-induced myocardial injury. Label-free biosensors are promising candidates for detecting cell secretomes, since they do not require labor-intensive processes. In this work, a label-free electrochemical aptasensor is developed for in situ monitoring of cardiac cell secretomes in cell culture media based on target-induced strand displacement. The aptasensing system contains an aptamer-functionalized signal nanoprobe facing trimetallic metal-organic framework nanosheets and a gold nanoparticle-based detection working electrode modified with DNA nanotetrahedron-based complementary DNA for indirect target detection. The signal nanoprobes (termed CAHA) consisted of copper-based metal-organic frameworks, AuPt nanoparticles, horseradish peroxidase, and an aptamer. When the aptasensor is exposed to cardiac cell secretomes, cTnI competitively binds to the aptamer, resulting in the release of signal nanoprobes from the biorecognition interface and electrochemical signal changes. The aptasensor exhibited rapid response times, a low detection limit of 0.31 pg/mL, and a wide linear range of 0.001-100 ng/mL. We successfully used this aptasensor to measure cTnI concentrations among secreted cardiac markers during antitumor drug treatment. In general, aptasensors can be used to monitor a variety of cardiac biomarkers in the evaluation of cardiotoxicity.

Liraglutide (Lira), a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for diabetes and obesity, has shown significant potential in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, its systematic molecular regulation and mechanisms remain underexplored. In this study, a mouse model of MASLD was developed using a high-fat diet (HFD), followed by Lira administration. Proteomics and glycoproteomics were analyzed using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), while potential molecular target analysis was conducted via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting. Our results revealed that Lira treatment significantly reduced liver weight and serum markers, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and others, with glycosylation changes playing a more significant role than overall protein expression. The glycoproteome identified 255 independent glycosylation sites, emphasizing the impact of Lira on amino acid, carbohydrate metabolism, and ferroptosis. Simultaneously, proteomic analysis highlighted its effects on lipid metabolism and fibrosis pathways. 21 signature molecules, including 7 proteins and 14 N-glycosylation sites (N-glycosites), were identified as potential targets. A Lira hydrogel formulation (Lira@fibrin (Fib) Gel) was developed to extend drug dosing intervals, offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy in managing chronic metabolic diseases. Our study demonstrated the importance of glycosylation regulation in the therapeutic effects of Lira on MASLD, identifying potential molecular targets and advancing its clinical application for MASLD treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Acupuncture therapies are known for their effectiveness in treating a variety of gastric diseases, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. This study tested the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints Zhongwan (RN12) and Weishu (BL21) for managing gastric motility disorder (GMD) and investigated the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: A GMD model was used to evaluate the impact of EA on various aspects of gastric function including the amplitude of gastric motility, electrogastrogram, food intake, and the rate of gastric emptying. Immunofluorescence techniques were used to explore the activation of spinal neurons by EA, specifically examining the presence of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB)-positive neurons and fibers emanating from acupoints RN12 and BL21. The stimulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, the inhibition of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, and their collective effects on the activity of sympathetic nerves were examined. RESULTS: EA at RN12 and BL21 significantly improved gastric motility compromised by GMD. Notably, EA activated spinal neurons, with CTB-positive neurons and fibers from RN12 and BL21 being detectable in both the dorsal root ganglia and the spinal dorsal horn. Further analysis revealed that EA at these acupoints not only stimulated GABAergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn but also suppressed sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal lateral horn, effectively reducing excessive activity of sympathetic nerves triggered by GMD. CONCLUSION EA treatment at RN12 and BL21 effectively enhances gastric motility in a GMD model. The therapeutic efficacy of this approach is attributed to the activation of spinal neurons and the modulation of the spinal GABAergic-sympathetic pathway, providing a neurobiological foundation for the role of acupuncture in treating gastric disorders. Please cite this article as: Zhang MT, Liang YF, Dai Q, Gao HR, Wang H, Chen L, Huang S, Wang XY, Shen GM. A spinal neural circuit for electroacupuncture that regulates gastric functional disorders. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 56-65.
Electroacupuncture ; Animals ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Stomach Diseases/physiopathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; Rats ; Gastric Emptying ; Neurons ; Spinal Cord ; Stomach/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between eight serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and regional fat depots, we analyzed the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 cycles. METHODS: Multiple linear regression models were developed to explore the associations between serum PFAS concentrations and six fat compositions along with a fat distribution score created by summing the concentrations of the six fat compositions. The associations between structurally grouped PFASs and fat distribution were assessed, and a prediction model was developed to estimate the ability of PFAS exposure to predict obesity risk. RESULTS: Among females aged 39-59 years, trunk fat mass was positively associated with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Higher concentrations of PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and n-perfluorooctanoate (n-PFOA) were linked to greater visceral adipose tissue in this group. In men, exposure to total perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs) and long-chain PFSAs was associated with reductions in abdominal fat, while higher abdominal fat in women aged 39-59 years was associated with short-chain PFSAs. The prediction model demonstrated high accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9925 for predicting obesity risk. CONCLUSION PFAS exposure is associated with regional fat distribution, with varying effects based on age, sex, and PFAS structure. The findings highlight the potential role of PFAS exposure in influencing fat depots and obesity risk, with significant implications for public health. The prediction model provides a highly accurate tool for assessing obesity risk related to PFAS exposure.
Humans ; Fluorocarbons/blood* ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Environmental Pollutants/blood* ; Abdominal Fat ; Nutrition Surveys ; Alkanesulfonic Acids/blood* ; Obesity ; Environmental Exposure

Objective To explore the regulatory effects of cytokines interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-ɑ),gamma interferon(IFN-γ),granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF),and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF)on spontaneous pyroptosis in neutrophils.Methods Neutrophils isolated from mouse bone marrow by density-gradient centrifugation were cultured in vitro for 20 h with or without 10,50 or 100 ng/mL IL-1β,IL-6,IFN-γ,G-CSF or GM-CSF,or for 12 h with or without 1,10 or 50 ng/mL TNF-α.After incubation,cells were stained with annexin Ⅴ(AV)/propidium iodide(PI),and the proportions and absolute number of neutrophils undergoing different forms of cell death were determined by fluorescence microscopy combined with manual counting.Pyroptotic neutrophils were identified by cell morphology in conjunction with AV/PI staining.Flow cytometry with counting beads was employed to measure the proportions and number of AV/PI-stained Ly6g⁺neutrophils in different forms of cell death.Western blotting was employed to assess the cleavage and activation levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3(caspase-3)and gasdermin E(GSDME).Results Treatment with IL-1β or IL-6 had no significant effect on the proportion or number of neutrophils undergoing spontaneous pyroptosis.After 12 h of treatment with TNF-α at 1,10,and 50 ng/mL,the proportions of pyroptotic neutrophils were(14.79±0.45)%,(19.99±3.02)%,and(20.66±1.99)%,respectively,higher than that[(10.22±1.12)%]in the untreated control(P=0.024,P<0.001,and P<0.001,respectively).Treatment with 10,50,and 100 ng/mL IFN-γ for 20 h reduced the proportion of pyroptotic neutrophils from(17.43±1.88)%to 12.00%(all P<0.001).G-CSF at 10,50,and 100 ng/mL reduced the proportion of pyroptotic cells to around 6.00%and greatly inhibited the cleavage of both caspase-3 and GSDME.After 20 h of treatment with 10,50,and 100 ng/mL GM-CSF,the proportions of pyroptotic neutrophils decreased to(7.52±0.53)%,(5.27±2.30)%,and(0.64±1.11)%,respectively.Conclusions Neither IL-1β nor IL-6 affects GSDME-mediated spontaneous pyroptosis in neutrophils.TNF-ɑ induces spontaneous pyroptosis in neutrophils,whereas IFN-γ,G-CSF,and GM-CSF demonstrate inhibitory effects.
Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Animals ; Neutrophils/cytology* ; Mice ; Cytokines/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-1beta/pharmacology* ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/pharmacology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor/pharmacology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology* ; Interferon-gamma/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-6/pharmacology*

Abstract In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen rapidly, posing a serious threat to their physical and mental health. To provide scientific, systematic, and standardized weight management guidance for overweight and obese children and adolescents, the study focuses on the core concept of healthy lifestyle intervention, integrates multidisciplinary expert opinions and research findings,and proposes a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention framework covering scientific exercise intervention, precise nutrition and diet, optimized sleep management, and standardized psychological support. It calls for the establishment of a multi agent collaborative management mechanism led by the government, implemented by families, fostered by schools, initiated by individuals, optimized by communities, reinforced by healthcare, and coordinated by multiple stakeholders. Emphasizing a child and adolescent centered approach, the consensus advocates for comprehensive, multi level, and personalized guidance strategies to promote the internalization and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It serves as a reference and provides recommendations for the effective prevention and control of overweight and obesity, and enhancing the health level of children and adolescents.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)is a complex three-dimensional deformity involving coronal,sagittal,and axial planes,with a prevalence that should not be overlooked.With advancements in technology and in-depth research,an increasing number of hospitals and physicians are exploring standardized diagnostic and treatment approaches for AIS.Comprehensive and in-depth understanding is required for AIS,including its etiology,screening and diagnosis,classification,assessment and examination,treatment options,exploration of current focus,and evaluation of quality of life.Such understanding ensures that the diagnostic and treatment are scientific,standardized,and timely.Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine,a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of AIS is reached after multiple discussions among spinal surgery experts,aiming to provide reference and guidance for clinical practice.

Objective To study the oral health status of officers and soldiers in a certain unit,so as to provide a basis for the formulation and implementation of oral health support plans.Methods A total of 437 officers and soldiers in a certain unit were enrolled to assess their oral health status through questionnaire survey and clinical examination.Results The prevalences of dental caries and periodontal diseases were 87.6%(383/437)and 90.4%(395/437),respectively;the detection rates of impacted third molars,recurrent aphthous stomatitis,other mucosal diseases,and temporomandibular joint disorders were 12.6%(55/437),54.2%(237/437),29.5%(129/437),and 19.2%(84/437),respectively.In terms of oral medical needs,23.3%(102/437)patients did not need treatment,66.1%(289/437)required elective treatment,9.2%(40/437)required early treatment,and 1.4%(6/437)required urgent treatment.Conclusion Officers and soldiers in this study have a variety of oral diseases,with periodontal diseases having the highest prevalence.Supportting plans should be formulated based on the characteristics of the prevalence of oral diseases among them,and regular oral diagnosis and treatment should be carried out to prevent the development and progression of oral diseases.