ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yinchenhao Tang intervenes in α-naphthylisothiocyanate （ANIT）-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5（TGR5）/NOD-like receptor protein 3（NLRP3）/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 （Caspase-1） pyroptosis signaling pathway. MethodsForty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank， model， ursodeoxycholic acid， and Yinchenhao Tang groups. Except the blank group， other groups were treated with ANIT dissolved in olive oil for the modeling of cholestatic liver injury. Ursodeoxycholic acid （0.1 g·kg^-1） and Yinchenhao Tang （9.23 g·kg^-1） were administered by gavage. The blank group and the model group were administrated with the same amount of pure water， once a day for 3 days. The blood and liver tissue samples were collected， and the serum levels of liver function indicators were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of the liver. The levels of interleukin （IL）-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue were determined by ELISA. The mRNA levels of IL-1β， IL-18， TGR5， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in the liver tissue were assessed by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of TGR5， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated levels of alanine amino-transferase （ALT）， aspartate transferase （AST）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP）， total bile acid （TBA）， and total bilirubin （TBil） in the serum （P<0.01）， inflammatory cell infiltration， hepatocyte swelling， and bile duct epithelial cell proliferation in the liver， raised levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue （P<0.01）， down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 （P<0.01）， up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-18 （P<0.01）， ASC （P<0.01）， Caspase-1 （P<0.01）， GSDMD （P<0.01）， IL-1β （P<0.05）， and NLRP3 （P<0.05）， and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3 （P<0.01）， ASC （P<0.01）， Caspase-1 （P<0.01）， and GSDMD （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the ursodeoxycholic acid group showed declined levels of AST （P<0.01）， TBA （P<0.01）， TBil （P<0.01）， and ALT （P<0.05） in the serum， lowered levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue （P<0.01）， down-regulated mRNA levels of NLRP3 （P<0.01）， Caspase-1 （P<0.01）， GSDMD （P<0.01）， IL-1β （P<0.05）， IL-18 （P<0.05）， and ASC （P<0.05）， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 （P<0.05）， and down-regulated protein levels of NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， and GSDMD （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the Yinchenhao Tang group showed lowered levels of ALT， AST， ALP， TBA， and TBil in the serum （P<0.01）， declined levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissue （P<0.01）， down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-1β （P<0.01）， NLRP3 （P<0.01）， ASC （P<0.01）， Caspase-1 （P<0.01）， GSDMD （P<0.01）， and IL-18 （P<0.05）， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TGR5 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein levels of Caspase-1 and GSDMD （P<0.05）. The liver tissue of the administration groups showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells， reduced swelling of hepatocytes， and alleviated proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang can ameliorate ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury by regulating the hepatocyte pyroptosis mediated by the TGR5/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang （YCHT） in regulating macrophage polarization to alleviate cholestatic liver injury，focusing on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway as the entry point. MethodsCholestasis was induced in Wistar rats through a single gavage of 100 mg·kg^-1 α-naphthyl isothiocyanate （ANIT） dissolved in olive oil. The animals were randomly divided into four groups：Model group，YCHT group，ursodeoxycholic acid （UDCA） group （n=10），and a blank group （n=10） that received only 5 mL·kg^-1 olive oil. The YCHT group received 9.23 g·kg^-1·day^-1 of YCHT by gavage，and the UDCA group was treated with 0.1 g·kg^-1·day^-1 of UDCA suspension. Both the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline，all for three consecutive days. Serum liver function was assessed using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe liver tissue morphology. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α），interleukin-1β （IL-1β），transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β），and interleukin-10 （IL-10） were quantified in liver homogenate supernatants via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Western blot analysis measured the relative protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4），nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB），CD206，inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， CD86，and arginase-1 （Arg-1）. The relative mRNA expression of TLR4/NF-κB，CD206，iNOS，CD86，and Arg-1 in liver tissue was evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group，the model group exhibited significantly elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase （ALP），total bile acid （TBA），total bilirubin （TBil），aspartate aminotransferase （AST），and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） （P<0.01）. There was a portal area expansion and pronounced inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly upregulated （P<0.01），and macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 showed positive expression. Protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expressions of the related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the liver function indicators in the YCHT group showed significant decreases （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The bile duct hyperplasia was significantly alleviated， and the tissue structure became more orderly. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， while the expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression of CD86 significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the expression of CD206 significantly increased （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of iNOS and CD86 significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and those of Arg-1 significantly increased （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of CD206 significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the mRNA and protein expressions of related pathway molecules TLR4 and NF-κB significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionYCHT ameliorates cholestatic liver injury in rats by improving bile metabolism，reducing bile duct dilatation，and mitigating inflammation. These effects are achieved through the inhibition of M1 macrophage activation and the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization，likely via modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Cholestatic liver injury refers to the bile production， secretion， and excretion disorder caused by various reasons. It induces liver injury， metabolic disorders， and dysfunction of the hepatobiliary system， which can further develop into liver fibrosis， cirrhosis， liver failure， and even death. At present， the preferred drug for clinical treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid， which， however， induces adverse reactions and is intolerant in some patients. Yinchenhao Tang is a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of jaundice due to Yang jaundice. It has the effects of clearing heat， eliminating dampness， and removing jaundice and has shown good therapeutic effect in long-term clinical application. Modern pharmacological studies have found that this prescription has anti-inflammatory， anti-oxidation， bile acid balance-regulating， hepatocyte apoptosis-inhibiting and other liver-protecting effects. This paper reviews the relevant clinical and animal experimental studies on Yinchenhao Tang in the treatment of cholestatic liver injury in recent years. Yinchenhao Tang can intervene in the progression of cholestatic liver injury by regulating bile acid metabolism and excretion， reducing inflammatory response， inhibiting oxidative stress， alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress， inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis， and protecting intestinal mucosal barrier. This paper systematically expounds the molecular mechanisms by which Yinchenhao Tang regulates cholestatic liver injury that are confirmed by current research， aiming to provide reference for the clinical application and in-depth study of Yinchenhao Tang.

ObjectiveStarting from the etiology， pathogenesis， and treatment strategies of endometriosis and adenomyosis， to integrate and sort out the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned experts and schools in the field of traditional Chinese medicine gynecology. MethodsAccording to the systematic review of text and opinion （SrTO） process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute （JBI） in Australia， this paper determined literature screening criteria by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， VIP， Wanfang， and China Biomedical Literature Database. Information was extracted after literature screening， and quality evaluation was conducted using the JBI Narrative， Text， and Opinion Systematic Review Strict Evaluation Checklist. The JBI Narrative， Opinion， Text Evaluation， and Review Tool Summary Table was used for information synthesis， and data analysis and display were conducted in the form of text and charts. ResultsThe 146 articles related to 39 renowned experts and 19 articles related to 10 schools of thought were included. Research has found that contemporary experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology consider blood stasis as the core pathogenesis in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of two diseases and related infertility. Their viewpoints varied from multiple aspects such as clinical symptom characteristics， meridian circulation location， pathological product evolution， disease duration， emotional psychology， lifestyle habits， preference for food and drink， innate endowment， and acquired injury. In terms of treatment， it was advocated to divide the stage， treat according to different types， adapt to the times， integrate nature and humans， and combine multiple methods to treat comprehensively when necessary. It was also recommended to skillfully use insects， make good use of classic formulas and small prescriptions， pay attention to protecting the spleen and stomach and regulating emotions， and make good use of self-formulated empirical formulas for internal or external use. Besides， individualized long-term management of patients was also advocated. ConclusionThis study applies the SrTO process to systematically summarize the academic ideas of contemporary renowned experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology regarding the causes， mechanisms， diagnosis， and treatments of endometriosis， providing a scientific and standardized reference for future theoretical exploration.

Reactive astrocytes, which exhibit a correlation with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, are present in a considerable number during the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying factors shaping astrocyte reactivity and neuroinflammation in PD remain inadequately elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7)/FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) autocrine signaling intensifies astrocyte reactivity and inflammation. Genetic deletion of Arrb2, β-Arrestin2 encoding gene, led to escalated astrocyte reactivity in MPTP-treated mice, which was further substantiated in astrocyte-specific Arrb2 knockdown mice. RNA sequencing profiling of Arrb2 knockout astrocytes identified Fgf7 as a critical effector of astrocyte reactivity. Subsequently, conditional knockdown of Fgf7 and its receptor Fgfr2 in astrocytes elicited advantageous effects for MPTP-treated mice by restraining the inflammatory phenotypic transition of reactive astrocytes. Furthermore, deletion of astrocytic Fgf7 mitigated MPTP-induced pathology in Arrb2 knockout mice. Mechanistically, STAT1 was distinguished as the transcription factor suppressing Fgf7 expression, while β-Arrestin2 counteracted the proteasomal degradation of STAT1 by binding to RNF220, an E3 ubiquitin ligase for STAT1. More importantly, selectively engaging dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2)/β-Arrestin2-biased signaling using the agonist UNC9995 exhibited therapeutic potential in MPTP-treated mice via moderation of astrocytic FGF7 production, thereby restoring balance in astrocyte reactivity. Collectively, our study bridges a crucial knowledge gap by elucidating the novel functions of FGF family members within the central nervous system, particularly within the context of PD. The autocrine signaling of FGF7/FGFR2 represents a novel mechanism and a potential druggable target for modulating astrocyte-derived inflammation.

OBJECTIVES: To study the therapeutic mechanism of Tuihuang Mixture against cholestasis. METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomized equally into blank group, model group, ursodeoxycholic acid group and Tuihuang Mixture group. Except for those in the blank group, all the rats were given α‑naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) to establish rat models of cholestasis, followed by treatments with indicated drugs or distilled water. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL of the rats were determined, and hepatic expressions IL-1β, IL-18, FXR, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD were detected using q-PCR, ELISA or Western blotting. Histopathological changes of the liver tissues were observed using HE staining. RESULTS: The rat models of cholestasis had significantly increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL with increased mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18, decreased protein and mRNA expressions of FXR, and increased protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 and mRNA expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD in the liver tissue, showing also irregular arrangement of liver cells, proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells and inflammatory cells infiltration. Treatment of the rat models with Tuihuang Mixture significantly decreased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TBA and TBIL, lowered IL-1β and IL-18 and increased FXR protein and mRNA expressions, and reduced NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and GSDMD proteins and NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA expressions in the liver tissue. Tuihuang Mixture also significantly alleviated hepatocyte injury, bile duct epithelial cell proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of the rat models. CONCLUSIONS Tuihuang Mixture can effectively improve cholestasis in rats possibly by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammatosome-mediated pyroptosis via regulating FXR.
Animals ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Rats ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism* ; Cholestasis/drug therapy* ; Rats, Wistar ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; 1-Naphthylisothiocyanate ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Interleukin-18/metabolism* ; Caspase 1/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Liver/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the changes in blood levels of calcium and bone metabolism biochemical markers in patients with primary osteoporosis receiving treatment with denosumab. METHODS: Seventy-three patients with primary osteoporosis treated in our Department between December, 2021 and December 2023 were enrolled. All the patients were treated with calcium supplements, vitamin D and calcitriol in addition to regular denosumab treatment every 6 months. Blood calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), type I procollagen amino-terminal propeptide (PINP), and type I collagen carboxy-terminal telopeptide β special sequence (β‑CTX) data before and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the first treatment were collected from each patient. RESULTS: Three months after the first denosumab treatment, the bone turnover markers (BTMs) OC, PINP, and β-CTX were significantly decreased compared to their baseline levels by 39.5% (P<0.001), 56.2% (P<0.001), and 81.8% (P<0.001), respectively. At 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment, OC, PINP, and β-CTX remained significantly lower than their baseline levels (P<0.001). Blood calcium level was decreased (P<0.05) and PTH level increased (P<0.05) significantly in these patients at months of denosumab treatment, but their levels were comparable to the baseline levels at 6, 9, and 12 months of the treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Denosumab can suppress BTMs and has a good therapeutic effect in patients with primary osteoporosis, but reduction of blood calcium and elevation of PTH levels can occur during the first 3 months in spite of calcium supplementation. Blood calcium and PTH levels can recover the baseline levels as the treatment extended, suggesting the importance of monitoring blood calcium and PTH levels during denosumab treatment.
Humans ; Denosumab/therapeutic use* ; Calcium/blood* ; Parathyroid Hormone/blood* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Osteoporosis/blood* ; Osteocalcin/blood* ; Procollagen/blood* ; Female ; Collagen Type I/blood* ; Peptide Fragments/blood* ; Bone Density Conservation Agents/therapeutic use* ; Bone and Bones/metabolism* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vitamin D ; Peptides/blood* ; Aged

Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) impairs the therapeutic efficacy of various chemotherapeutics. Novel approaches, particularly the development of MDR reversal agents, are critically needed to address this challenge. This study demonstrates that tenacissoside I (TI), a compound isolated from Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn, traditionally used in clinical practice as an ethnic medicine for cancer treatment, exhibits significant MDR reversal effects in ABCB1-mediated MDR cancer cells. TI reversed the resistance of SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PAC) by downregulating ABCB1 expression and reducing ABCB1 drug transport function. Mechanistically, protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), whose expression correlates with poor prognosis and shows positive association with both ABCB1 and EGFR expressions in tumor tissues, was differentially expressed in TI-treated SW620/AD300 cells. SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells exhibited elevated levels of EGFR asymmetric dimethylarginine (aDMA) and enhanced PRMT1-EGFR interaction compared to their parental cells. Moreover, TI-induced PRMT1 downregulation impaired PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, PRMT1-EGFR interaction, and EGFR downstream signaling in SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells. These effects were significantly reversed by PRMT1 overexpression. Additionally, TI demonstrated resistance reversal to PAC in xenograft models without detectable toxicities. This study establishes TI's MDR reversal effect in ABCB1-mediated MDR human cancer cells through inhibition of PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, suggesting TI's potential as an MDR modulator for improving chemotherapy outcomes.
Humans ; Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; ErbB Receptors/genetics* ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects* ; Methylation/drug effects* ; Saponins/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics* ; Doxorubicin/pharmacology* ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology* ; Female ; Repressor Proteins

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical application of the digital-assisted reconstruction of the mandible and tumors with free fibula transplantation and immediate implantation via the intraoral approach. METHODS: Twelve patients with benign mandibular tumors were collected. Three-dimensional mandibular reconstruction was performed digitally before surgery to simulate mandibular tumor resection, fibula resection and reconstruction, and implant implantation. The intraoperative resection of the mandibular tumor was conducted through the intraoral approach under the guidance of a guide plate, and fibula resection, molding, reconstruction, and oral fixation were immediately performed. Implant implantation was performed during the second phase of implant surgery and denture restoration was performed 1-2 months after surgery. RESULTS: The types of mandibular defects were BrownⅠ (one case), Ⅰc (four cases), Ⅱ (one case), Ⅱc(three cases), and Ⅲ (three cases). The length of the fibular bone was 12-22 cm. The number of fibular molding amputations was as follows: two cases in two segments, six cases in three segments, three cases in four segments, and one case in five segments. All of these cases underwent folding fibular reconstruction of mandibular and alveolar bone defects. A total of 44 implants were implanted, and none failed after operation. CONCLUSIONS The intraoral approach is a reliable method for the resection of mandibular benign tumors, with few postoperative complications and the ability to position and fix accurately the reconstructed folded fibula under digital design. The immediate implantation of the transplanted fibula does not affect the blood supply and has a high success rate. It is an effective and reliable method for the resection and reconstruction of mandibular benign tumors.
Humans ; Fibula/transplantation* ; Mandibular Neoplasms/surgery* ; Mandibular Reconstruction/methods* ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Mandible/surgery* ; Adult ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted

As a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA， microRNA （miRNA） can regulate gene expression and thereby intervene against the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases， neurodegenerative diseases， metabolic diseases， and autoimmune diseases. The pathogenesis of cholestasis is complex and is mainly associated with the metabolism and transport of bile acids， oxidative stress， inflammatory response， and intestinal flora. Currently， ursodeoxycholic acid is the preferred drug for the clinical treatment of cholestasis， but it may cause adverse reactions and exhibit poor efficacy in some patients. Studies have shown that miRNA can intervene in the disease process of cholestasis through multiple mechanisms such as regulating bile acid metabolism and transport， alleviating oxidative stress， inhibiting inflammatory response， improving cholangiocyte proliferation， and regulating intestinal flora. It can be used as a new biomarker and action target for cholestasis， with high research potential and value. Therefore， this article summarizes the role and mechanisms of miRNA in regulating cholestasis in recent years， in order to provide a reference for further research on the prevention and treatment of cholestasis by targeting miRNA.