The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of lung zinc ions to pathogenesis of lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, lung I/R group (I/R group), lung I/R + low-dose zinc chloride group (LZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + high-dose ZnCl₂ group (HZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + medium-dose ZnCl₂ group (MZnCl₂+I/R group) and TPEN+MZnCl₂+I/R group (n = 8 in each group). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the concentration of zinc ions in lung tissue. The degree of lung tissue injury was analyzed by observing HE staining, alveolar damage index, lung wet/dry weight ratio and lung tissue gross changes. TUNEL staining was used to detect cellular apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to determine the protein expression levels of caspase-3 and ZIP8, as well as the mRNA expression levels of zinc transporters (ZIP, ZNT) in lung tissue. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of lung tissue was detected by JC-1 MMP detection kit. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the lung tissue damage, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index were significantly increased in the I/R group. And in the lung tissue, the concentration of Zn²⁺ was markedly decreased, while the cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio and apoptotic levels were significantly increased. The expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein were down-regulated significantly, while the mRNA expression of other zinc transporters remained unchanged. There was also a significant decrease in MMP. Compared with the I/R group, both MZnCl₂+I/R group and HZnCl₂+I/R group exhibited significantly reduced lung tissue injury, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index, increased Zn²⁺ concentration, decreased ratio of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 and apoptosis, and up-regulated expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein. In addition, the MMP was significantly increased in the lung tissue. Zn²⁺ chelating agent TPEN reversed the above-mentioned protective effects of medium-dose ZnCl₂ on the lung tissue in the I/R group. The aforementioned results suggest that exogenous administration of ZnCl₂ can improve lung I/R injury in rats.
Animals ; Reperfusion Injury/pathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Chlorides/administration & dosage* ; Lung/pathology* ; Zinc Compounds/administration & dosage* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cation Transport Proteins/metabolism*

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

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Zhiwei Fuwei Pills on mitochondrial apoptosis in the rat model of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC) based on the microRNA-21(miRNA-21)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) signaling pathway. Eighty-five 5-week-old male SPF-grade SD rats were selected, of which 75 were fed with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG) for multifactorial modeling, and the PLGC model was established after 26 weeks. The rats were randomly grouped as follows: model, folic acid(0.002 g·kg~(-1)), low-dose(0.42 g·kg~(-1)) Zhiwei Fuwei Pills, medium-dose(0.84 g·kg~(-1)) Zhiwei Fuwei Pills, and high-dose(1.67 g·kg~(-1)) Zhiwei Fuwei Pills, with 15 rats in each group. Additionally, 10 rats were assigned to a blank group and administrated with an equivalent volume of normal saline by gavage. After four weeks of continuous drug administration, the gastric mucosal tissue was collected. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to reveal the pathological changes in the gastric mucosa. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) was employed to detect apoptosis in gastric mucosal epithelial cells. RT-PCR was adopted to determine the mRNA levels of miRNA-21, phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN), Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3(caspase-3). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of PTEN, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to detect the positive expression of PTEN, Bcl-2, and Bax in the gastric mucosal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) was employed to observe the morphological and structural changes in mitochondria. The results showed that compared with model group, the drug administration groups showed alleviated pathological changes, with increased apoptotic cells, down-regulated mRNA levels of miRNA-21 and Bcl-2, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of PTEN, Bax, and caspase-3, and down-regulated protein level of Bcl-2. In addition, the drug administration groups exhibited mitochondrial swelling and rupture and reduction of cristae, which indicated mitochondrial apoptosis. These findings suggest that Zhiwei Fuwei Pills can effectively improve mitochondrial apoptosis in PLGC cells by regulating the miRNA-21/Bcl-2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Male ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Stomach Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mitochondria/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Precancerous Conditions/drug therapy* ; Humans ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

OBJECTIVES: To characterize fine particulate matter (PM _2.5)-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted from different cooking fumes and their exposure routes and assess their health-associated impact to provide a reference for health risk prevention from PAH exposure across different age and sex groups. METHODS: Sixteen PM _2.5-bound PAHs emitted from 11 cooking styles were analyzed using GC-MS/MS. The health hazards of these PAHs in the Handan City population (stratified by age and sex) were predicted using the incremental lifetime cancer risk ( ILCR) model. The respiratory deposition doses ( RDDs) of the PAHs in children and adults were calculated using the PM _2.5 deposition rates in the upper airway, tracheobronchial, and alveolar regions. RESULTS: The total concentrations of PM _2.5-bound PAHs ranged from 61.10 to 403.80 ng/m ³. Regardless of cooking styles, the ILCR _total values for adults (1.23 × 10 ^-6 to 3.70 × 10 ^-6) and older adults (1.28 × 10 ^-6 to 3.88 × 10 ^-6) exceeded the acceptable limit of 1.00 × 10 ^-6. With increasing age, the ILCR _total value first declined and then increased, varying substantially among the population groups. Cancer risk exhibited particularly high sensitivity to short exposure to barbecue-derived PAHs under equivalent body weights. Furthermore, barbecue, Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and Chinese fast food were associated with higher RDDs for both adults and children. CONCLUSION ILCR _total values exceeded the acceptable limit for both females and males of adults, with all cooking styles showing a potentially high cancer risk. Our findings serve as an important reference for refining regulatory strategies related to catering emissions and mitigating health risks associated with cooking styles.
Humans ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis* ; Cooking/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Adult ; Child ; Middle Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Adolescent ; Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis* ; Young Adult ; Child, Preschool ; Aged ; China ; Inhalation Exposure ; Age Factors ; Sex Factors ; Cities ; Infant

Facing of mounting resource constraints and rising demands for personalization in medical education,regional anatomy teaching urgently requires transformation.In this paper,we focus on the regional anatomy of the thoracic wall,in order to explore a novel AI-driven teaching paradigm.Anchored in the core principle of"virtual-real integration with cadaveric dissection as the cornerstone,"the paradigm redefines educational objective and constructs an intelligent,closed-loop teaching model integrating students,computers,and instructors.Leveraging the robust support of digital intelligence(e.g.,DeepSeek),this paradigm incorporates interactive method including group collaboration,branching instruction,and gamified assessments.It achieves a comprehensive intelligent transformation of the entire teaching process-from goal setting and plan customization to activity implementation,task completion,outcome exchange,multidimensional evaluation,and reflective iteration.This new paradigm centers on medical students and leverages digital intelligence to activate deep personalized learning potential.It seamlessly integrates fundamental anatomical knowledge with clinical scenarios(e.g.,key anatomy in breast cancer surgery,flap design in breast reconstruction),and significantly enhances clinical decision-making abilities,scientific research and innovative thinking,as well as medical humanistic literacy,paving a new path for intelligent medical education.

Objective To evaluate the effects of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors,trastuzumab,and chemotherapy on the left and right ventricular function in patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2).Methods 25 patients with advanced HER2-positive gastric adenocarcinoma who received HER2-ASTRUM therapy(sruili monoclonal antibody combined with trastuzumab and DOS regimen)underwent echocardiographic examinations at baseline(T1),after completion of 4 cycles(T2),and 6 cycles(T3)of chemotherapy.Left ventricular strain,left ventricular myocardial work,right ventricular strain,and ejection fraction were further analyzed.Results Compared with T1,both T2 and T3 showed a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),(T1,T2,and T3 were[67.3±2.7]％,[63.0±2.9]％and[61.3±3.2]％,P＜0.05).T3 showed a decrease in right ventricular ejection fraction(RVEF),([59.3±7.8]％vs[43.7±6.6]％,P＜0.05),while T2 showed no significant change in RVEF.Both right ventricular global longitudinal strain(RVGLS),(T1,T2,and T3 were[-25.7±5.7]％,[-22.4±5.3]％and[-19.1±3.6]％,respectively;P＜0.05)and right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain(RVFWLS),(T1,T2,and T3 were[-20.9±4.7]％,[-18.9±4.1]％and[-16.1±3.9]％,P＜0.05)decreased in all three time points.The global work index(GWI)was lower in T2 and T3 than in T1(P＜0.05),while the global constructive work(GCW),global wasted work(GWW),and global work efficiency(GWE)did not show significant changes.Conclusions Combination of trastuzumab,immune checkpoint inhibitors,and chemotherapy has an impact on left ventricular strain,LVEF,and right ventricular strain,as well as GWI,in HER2-positive patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.Left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS),RVFWLS,and RVGLS can more sensitively monitor cardiac function and detect cardiac dysfunction related to cancer treatment in a timely manner.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of therapy of clearing heat,percolating dampness and lowering turbidity combined with Silibin Meglumine Tablets in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)patients with abnormal alanine aminotransferase(ALT)level of damp-heat accumulation type.Methods A retrospective study was conducted.According to the medication,80 patients with NASH with abnormal ALT level of damp-heat accumulation type were divided into control group and observation group,with 40 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Silibin Meglumine Tablets,and the observation group was treated with therapy of clearing heat,percolating dampness and lowering turbidity on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment covered 12 weeks.The changes of liver function indicators of ALT,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT),blood lipid indicators of total cholesterol(CHOL)and triglyceride(TRIG),and the degree of hepatic steatosis in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 95.00%(38/40),and that of the control group was 77.50%(31/40).The curative effect of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the levels of ALT,AST and GGT in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of ALT,AST and GGT in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the levels of CHOL and TRIG in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of CHOL and TRIG in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the degree of hepatic steatosis in the two groups was significantly lower than that before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of the degree of hepatic steatosis in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(5)During the treatment,no obvious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups,indicating high safety.Conclusion The therapy of clearing heat,percolating dampness and lowering turbidity combined with Silibin Meglumine Tablets exerts certain effect in the treatment of NASH patients with abnormal ALT level of damp-heat accumulation type,and the therapy can significantly enhance the clinical efficacy of Silibin Meglumine Tablets alone for NASH.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of focal external application of Xiaoyu Ointment(mainly composed of wine-processed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,Taraxaci Herba,Lonicerae Japonicae Flos,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,Curcumae Longae Rhizoma,vinegar-processed Cyperi Rhizoma,Gardeniae Fructus,Angelicae Dahuricae Radix,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Menthae Haplocalycis Herba,and Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix)combined with manipulations for relieving swelling on hydro-acupoints of Yinlingquan(SP9),Chize(LU5),Quchi(LI11)and Ashi points around the injury site for the treatment of acute soft tissue injury.Methods A total of 136 patients with acute soft tissue injury were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,with 68 cases in each group.The control group was treated with topical application of Loxoprofen Sodium Gel,and the treatment group was treated with topical application of Xiaoyu Ointment combined with manipulations for relieving swelling on hydro-acupoints.Five days constituted a course of treatment,and the treatment lasted for 2 courses.The changes of visual analogue scale(VAS)score of pain degree,scores of primary symptoms of degree of swelling,degree of activity limitation and pain duration,and the overall scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 2 courses of treatment,the total effective rate of the treatment group was 94.12%(64/68)and that of the control group was 91.18%(62/68).There was no significant difference of the total effective rate(by chi-square test)between the two groups(P＞0.05),but the overall efficacy of the treatment group(tested by rank sum test)was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the VAS scores of pain degree in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the decrease in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being significant(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the scores of degree of swelling,degree of activity limitation and pain duration in the two groups were significantly decreased when compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the decrease in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group,the differences being significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the overall scores of TCM syndromes in the two groups were significantly decreased when compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),but there was no significant difference between the two groups after treatment(P＞0.05).(5)During the treatment period,there was no obvious adverse reaction occurring in the treatment group.In the control group,2 patients had skin flushing and itching in the medicated region,which disappeared after drug withdrawal.Conclusion Topical application of Xiaoyu Ointment combined with manipulations for relieving swelling on hydro-acupoints is effective on alleviating swelling,relieving pain and improving joint motion of range during the treatment of acute soft tissue injury.

Objective To explore the effect of opioid-free anesthesia(OFA)combined with quad-ratus lumborum block(QLB)in laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer resection.Methods Sventy patients were selected for undergoing laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer resection from March to December 2023,49 males and 21 females,aged 18-75 years,BM1 18.5-28.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.The patients were divided into two groups using random number table method:the OFA group(group OFA)and the conventional opioid anesthesia group(group OA),35 patients in each group.Group OFA underwent bi-lateral posterior QLB under ultrasound guidance before anesthesia induction(0.25％ropivacaine 30 ml on each side),and anesthesia induction and maintenance were performed using opioid-free anesthesia regimen.And group OA cannot undergo QLB,and anesthesia induction and maintenance were carried out using opioid containing regimen.The patient's HR and MAP were recorded before anesthesia induction(T0),1 minute after endotracheal intubation(T1),before pneumoperitoneum establishment(T2),1 minute after pneumo-peritoneum establishment(T3),1 hour after surgery(T4),the end of surgery(T5),and leaving the oper-ating room(T6).The time from the patient's anesthetic discontinuation to extubation,the length of stay in the PACU,and the Steward and VAS pain scores when the patient leaves the operating room,which were recorded.NRS scores at rest and in the motor state 6,12,24,and 48 hours after surgery,time to first ex-haust,time to first ambulation,and length of postoperative hospital stay,effective PCIA pressing times and use of additional analgesic drugs within 48 hours after the operation,and postoperative adverse reactions(nausea,vomiting,hallucinations)were also recorded.Results Compared with T0,the MAP of the two groups decreased significantly at T1,T2,T4,and T5(P＜0.05),the HR in group OFA increased signifi-cantly at T1 and slowed down at T4 and T5(P＜0.05),and the HR in group OA decreased significantly at T1-T5(P＜0.05).Compared with group OA,the HR in group OFA increased significantly at T1-T3,and the MAP increased significantly at T1(P＜0.05).Compared with group OA,the extubation time and PACU residence time were significantly delayed(P＜0.05),and the Steward score when leaving the oper-ating room was significantly lower in group OFA(P＜0.05).Compared with group OA,NRS score was sig-nificantly deceased 6,12,24,and 48 hours after the surgery(P＜0.05),time to first exhaust,time to first ambulation,and length of postoperative hospital stay were significantly shartened(P＜0.05),and ef-fective PCIA pressing times and additional analgesia times were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),inci-dence of intraoperative hypotensionand postoperative nausea and vomiting(P＜0.05).Conclusion OFA combined with QLB can safely and effectively complete laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery.Pa-tients with such anesthetic methods are hemodynamically more stable during anesthesia induction and intrao-peratively.These patients have better postoperative analgesia and less need for additional analgesics,and less incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.This approach is more beneficial for the recovery of the patient's gastrointestinal function.