Objective: To investigate the protective effects of Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus, GQZ)-Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, DS) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative injury in 661W retinal photoreceptor cells and to explore whether these effects involve angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4). Methods: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the major components of GQZ-DS aqueous extract. An H2O2-induced oxidative injury model was established in 661W cells. Working concentrations of H2O2 and GQZ-DS were determined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cells were subjected to GQZ-DS, ANGPTL4 knockdown, or ANGPTL4 overexpression as indicated. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution, apoptotic rate, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Colorimetric determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity using the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method was performed. The protein expression level of ANGPTL4 was assessed by immunofluorescence. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to quantify the mRNA level of ANGPTL4. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of ANGPTL4 and cleaved caspase-3. Results: LC-MS identified five major constituents in the GQZ-DS aqueous extract: 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, rutin, D-galactose, salvianolic acid A, and tanshinone IIA. The CCK-8 method selected 300 μmol/L H2O2 as the oxidative stress condition for experiments, and 0.05 and 0.1 g/mL were selected as the low and high doses of GQZ-DS, respectively, for subsequent experiments. The intervention with H2O2 resulted in reduced cell viability, elevated ROS and MDA levels, decreased SOD activity, increased apoptotic rate, upregulated cleaved caspase-3 expression, and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest of 661W cells. Both low and high doses of GQZ-DS alleviated these alterations, with high dose exhibiting stronger protective effects (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). GQZ-DS also downregulated ANGPTL4 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Following plasmid transfection of cells, the study further revealed that ANGPTL4 knockdown mitigated oxidative stress and apoptosis-related injury, whereas ANGPTL4 overexpression exacerbated these pathological changes. Moreover, GQZ-DS partially reversed the degree of cellular oxidative damage induced by ANGPTL4 overexpression. Conclusion GQZ-DS can alleviate the H2O2-induced oxidative injury of 661W retinal photoreceptor cells, and the effects are related to the down-regulation of ANGPTL4 expression.

Large language models (LLMs) offer a modern approach to help inherit traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This article discussed the progress of LLM applications in TCM and proposed future development directions by reviewing the existing research. We have found that LLMs and related technologies have excellent applications and performance in the management of TCM knowledge and data. They are often applied in information extraction, knowledge graph construction, and data standardization processing. However, data quality and security issues need to be given more attention. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, LLMs can imitate the thinking of TCM by disassembling and reconstructing its diagnostic process and can achieve functions such as prescription recommendation and question and answer (Q&A). However, this approach involves LLMs making inferences and predictions based on existing corpora and thus may not flexibly handle complex environments and tasks. Moreover, the current evaluation criteria for TCM LLMs can be summarized into 3 categories: general evaluation metrics, technical framework evaluation, and evaluation criteria for the characteristics of TCM (such as consistency rates of prescriptions and diagnostic suggestions). However, the lack of a unified and standardized evaluation system hinders the clinical application of TCM LLMs. The future progress of TCM LLMs should focus on the 3 aforementioned critical aspects to achieve technological breakthroughs. In addition, we are promoting the research on vertical TCM LLMs and application terminals. We believe this will bring new ideas to the research on TCM LLMs.

The " liver disease affecting to the spleen" theory first appeared in Nanjing and was further elaborated in Jingui Yaolue. This theory encapsulates the traditional Chinese medicine principles of the " unity of the five viscera" and the " preventive treatment of disease" . The theory emphasizes that the spleen is the pivotal point where depression may progress from a functional disorder to an organic disease. The liver governs the emotions and qi flow, whereas the spleen is responsible for qi, blood, and body. In the early stages of the disease, emotional disorders and qi flow disorders primarily affect the liver, manifesting as depression or low mood. As the condition progresses, the liver (Wood) overacts on the spleen (Earth), disrupting liver and spleen functions and causing qi and blood disharmony. This stage is marked by fatigue and psychomotor retardation. Prolonged illness depletes qi and blood, eventually involving all five viscera, disrupting the harmony of the five spirits, and affecting both body and spirit. At this advanced phase, intense emotional distress or agitation often arises, accompanied by a heightened risk of suicide. The disease progression follows a dynamic " qi-blood-spirit" pattern, in which depression begins in the liver, characterized by qi stagnation, then affects the spleen, involving blood disharmony. In later stages, the disease eventually affects all viscera, with profound effects on both physical and mental health. Treatment strategies should align with the disease stage. Early intervention should focus on regulating the flow of qi, treating the liver, and strengthening the spleen. In the middle stages, qi and blood should be harmonized while promoting the harmonized functions of the liver and spleen. In the later stages, treatment should harmonize the five viscera to restore balance between body and spirit. Guided by this theory, integrating modern medical understanding of the progression of depression from emotional to somatic symptoms and adopting a stage-based approach to treatment in clinical practice can yield effective therapeutic outcomes for managing depression and related disorders.

This article introduces Professor LIU Xing's clinical experience in treatment of peripheral facial paralysis at the recovery and sequelae stages with the combination of acupotomy, cupping and herbal medication. Based on the analysis of etiology and pathogenesis of peripheral facial paralysis, Professor LIU believes that "invasion of pathogenic wind to collaterals and obstruction of qi and blood" is crucial. Therefore, the treatment focuses on "dispelling wind and harmonizing blood". The compound therapeutic mode is proposed, with acupotomy, cupping and herbal decoction involved, in which, "three-step sequential method of acupotomy" is predominated. Firstly, in the prone position, five "feng" (wind) points are stimulated in patient, Fengfu (GV16), Fengchi (GB20), Yifeng (TE17), Bingfeng (SI12) and Fengmen (BL12). Secondly, in the lateral position, three-facial points are stimulated (FaceⅠneedle: Yangbai [GB14]-Yuyao [EX-HN4]; Face Ⅱ needle: Sibai [ST2]-Quanliao [SI18]; Face Ⅲ needle: Jiache [ST6]-Dicang [ST4]) to restore the deviated facial muscles. Finally, in the supine, two Dantian points are stimulated on the forehead and chest, respectively (upper Dantian: Yintang [GV24⁺], middle Dantian: Danzhong [CV17]), to regulate qi and blood. As the adjunctive therapies, cupping is used to remove stasis, and herbal decoction is to harmonize the body interior. In view of holistic regulation, the treatment is administered in accordance with the affected meridians, so as to expel wind, remove obstruction in collaterals and regulate qi and blood.
Humans ; Facial Paralysis/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Cupping Therapy ; Aged ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is extensively used in the treatment of various tumors. However, its clinical application is limited due to dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Currently, few effective strategies exist to mitigate or eliminate DOX-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC). Although ferroptosis is implicated in DIC and its inhibition partially alleviates the condition, the direct targets of DOX in the progression of cardiotoxicity remain unclear. This study aimed to discover the direct targets of DOX in ferroptosis-mediated DIC. METHODS: A DOX pulldown assay was performed to identify proteins specifically binding to DOX in murine hearts, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify candidate proteins. A cardiac injury mouse model was established by DOX treatment. Based on this, multiple ferroptosis biomarkers were detected by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunochemistry, etc. Besides, specific activator and inhibitor of signaling pathways were applied to illuminate molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) was identified as a DOX target. GSTP1 activity was inhibited in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes, while its overexpression significantly alleviated DIC. Moreover, GSTP1 overexpression inhibited acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4)-dependent ferroptosis. Mechanistically, GSTP1 overexpression suppressed c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, thereby reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibiting ferroptosis in DIC. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies the DOX/GSTP1/JNK axis as a critical pathway mediating ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis in DIC. GSTP1 is highlighted as a potential key mediator of ferroptosis and a promising therapeutic target for DIC.

Objectives:This study aims to explore the relationship between the pericoronary fat attenuation index(FAI)and triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index and atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods:This retrospective study enrolled consecutive AF patients who underwent their first successful RFCA at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from 2019 to 2023.Pericoronary FAI was quantitatively measured,and the TyG index was calculated.Patients were divided into three groups according to the TyG index quartile:T1 group(TyG index<8.45,n=114);T2 group(8.45≤TyG index≤8.93,n=114);T3 group(TyG index>8.93,n=120).Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between the TyG index and proximal FAI of three coronary arteries.Logistic regression was employed to explore the correlation between pericoronary FAI,TyG index,and AF recurrence post-RFCA,restrictive cubic splines(RCS)were plotted.Additive interaction and mediation analyses were used to explore the role of pericoronary FAI in the relationship between the TyG index and post-RFCA AF recurrence.Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the predictive value of the TyG index for postoperative recurrence in different patient subgroups.Results:A total of 348 patients were included.After adjusting for confounding factors using linear regression analysis,each unit increase in the TyG index was associated with a 5.389 HU increase in left circumfleex artery(LCX-FAI)(95%CI:3.874-6.904,P<0.001).During one-year follow-up,90 cases(25.86%)experienced AF recurrence.RCS analysis indicated that there was no significant nonlinear relationship between LCX-FAI,TyG index,and AF recurrence after RFCA(Pnon-linear=0.378,Pnon-linear=0.469).The recurrence rate of AF in patients with TyG index>9.08 and LCX-FAI>-83.65 HU was about 57.737 times higher than those with TyG index≤9.08 and LCX-FAI≤-83.65 HU(OR=57.737,95%CI:23.755-155.656,P<0.001).There was an additive interaction between the TyG index and LCX-FAI:relative excess risk due to interaction(RERI)was 50.901(95%CI:0.215-101.587),attributable proportion due to interaction(AP)was 0.882(95%CI:0.769-0.994),and the synergy index(S)was 9.713(95%CI:3.380-27.910).Mediation analysis indicated that LCX-FAI mediated 22%of the relationship between the TyG index and AF recurrence.Subgroup analysis revealed no multiplicative interaction between the type of atrial fibrillation and the TyG index in terms of AF recurrence risk(Pinteraction=0.562).Conclusions:In patients with atrial fibrillation,the TyG index is positively correlated with LCX-FAI,patients with TyG index>9.08 and LCX-FAI>-83.65 HU have significantly increased risk of AF recurrence after RFCA.LCX-FAI partially mediates the relationship between the TyG index and post-RFCA recurrence.Furthermore,the TyG index can effectively predict AF recurrence in both persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients.

Objectives:This study aims to explore the relationship between the pericoronary fat attenuation index(FAI)and triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index and atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods:This retrospective study enrolled consecutive AF patients who underwent their first successful RFCA at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from 2019 to 2023.Pericoronary FAI was quantitatively measured,and the TyG index was calculated.Patients were divided into three groups according to the TyG index quartile:T1 group(TyG index<8.45,n=114);T2 group(8.45≤TyG index≤8.93,n=114);T3 group(TyG index>8.93,n=120).Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between the TyG index and proximal FAI of three coronary arteries.Logistic regression was employed to explore the correlation between pericoronary FAI,TyG index,and AF recurrence post-RFCA,restrictive cubic splines(RCS)were plotted.Additive interaction and mediation analyses were used to explore the role of pericoronary FAI in the relationship between the TyG index and post-RFCA AF recurrence.Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the predictive value of the TyG index for postoperative recurrence in different patient subgroups.Results:A total of 348 patients were included.After adjusting for confounding factors using linear regression analysis,each unit increase in the TyG index was associated with a 5.389 HU increase in left circumfleex artery(LCX-FAI)(95%CI:3.874-6.904,P<0.001).During one-year follow-up,90 cases(25.86%)experienced AF recurrence.RCS analysis indicated that there was no significant nonlinear relationship between LCX-FAI,TyG index,and AF recurrence after RFCA(Pnon-linear=0.378,Pnon-linear=0.469).The recurrence rate of AF in patients with TyG index>9.08 and LCX-FAI>-83.65 HU was about 57.737 times higher than those with TyG index≤9.08 and LCX-FAI≤-83.65 HU(OR=57.737,95%CI:23.755-155.656,P<0.001).There was an additive interaction between the TyG index and LCX-FAI:relative excess risk due to interaction(RERI)was 50.901(95%CI:0.215-101.587),attributable proportion due to interaction(AP)was 0.882(95%CI:0.769-0.994),and the synergy index(S)was 9.713(95%CI:3.380-27.910).Mediation analysis indicated that LCX-FAI mediated 22%of the relationship between the TyG index and AF recurrence.Subgroup analysis revealed no multiplicative interaction between the type of atrial fibrillation and the TyG index in terms of AF recurrence risk(Pinteraction=0.562).Conclusions:In patients with atrial fibrillation,the TyG index is positively correlated with LCX-FAI,patients with TyG index>9.08 and LCX-FAI>-83.65 HU have significantly increased risk of AF recurrence after RFCA.LCX-FAI partially mediates the relationship between the TyG index and post-RFCA recurrence.Furthermore,the TyG index can effectively predict AF recurrence in both persistent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients.

Objective To explore the impact of ten-eleven translocation 2(TET2)mutations on imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriatic skin inflammation using a TET2-knockout(TET2-/-)mouse model.Methods Mice were divided randomly into a wild-type(WT)vaseline group,WT imiquimod group,TET2-/-vaseline group,and TET2-/-imiquimod group.IMQ was used to establish a psoriasis-like dermatitis model,and the degree of skin lesions and pathological changes in mice in the WT imiquimod and TET2-/-imiquimod groups were observed and compared daily during the modeling period.The mice were sacrificed when the phenotype had reached the peak and the spleen index was recorded in each group.Gene expression levels of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-17A,and IL-23 in mouse back lesions were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Skin histopathology was compared in hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections.IL-17,interferon(INF)-γ,and TNF-α protein expression levels in the back skin of mice in the four groups were detected by immunohistochemistry.The ultrastructure of the dermis and epidermis was observed using transmission electron microscopy.Results TET2 expression was down-regulated in skin lesions in WT imiquimod group.Dermatitis lesions were more severe and progressed faster in TET2-/-imiquimod group compared with WT imiquimod group,and the psoriasis area and severity index score and spleen index were both higher.mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-17A,and IL-23 in skin lesions were higher and epidermal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration were increased,and protein expression levels of IL-17,INF-γ,and TNF-α were significantly higher in skin lesions in TET2-/-imiquimod group compared with WT imiquimod group.In addition,cell junctions were absent in skin lesions in TET2-/-imiquimod group and mitochondrial ridges were broken and dissolved,mitochondrial vacuoles were present,and the texture of the mitochondrial membrane was darker.Conclusions Loss of TET2 promotes the inflammatory response and exacerbates IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis injury in mice.

Objective To explore the impact of ten-eleven translocation 2(TET2)mutations on imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriatic skin inflammation using a TET2-knockout(TET2-/-)mouse model.Methods Mice were divided randomly into a wild-type(WT)vaseline group,WT imiquimod group,TET2-/-vaseline group,and TET2-/-imiquimod group.IMQ was used to establish a psoriasis-like dermatitis model,and the degree of skin lesions and pathological changes in mice in the WT imiquimod and TET2-/-imiquimod groups were observed and compared daily during the modeling period.The mice were sacrificed when the phenotype had reached the peak and the spleen index was recorded in each group.Gene expression levels of the inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-17A,and IL-23 in mouse back lesions were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.Skin histopathology was compared in hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections.IL-17,interferon(INF)-γ,and TNF-α protein expression levels in the back skin of mice in the four groups were detected by immunohistochemistry.The ultrastructure of the dermis and epidermis was observed using transmission electron microscopy.Results TET2 expression was down-regulated in skin lesions in WT imiquimod group.Dermatitis lesions were more severe and progressed faster in TET2-/-imiquimod group compared with WT imiquimod group,and the psoriasis area and severity index score and spleen index were both higher.mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-17A,and IL-23 in skin lesions were higher and epidermal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration were increased,and protein expression levels of IL-17,INF-γ,and TNF-α were significantly higher in skin lesions in TET2-/-imiquimod group compared with WT imiquimod group.In addition,cell junctions were absent in skin lesions in TET2-/-imiquimod group and mitochondrial ridges were broken and dissolved,mitochondrial vacuoles were present,and the texture of the mitochondrial membrane was darker.Conclusions Loss of TET2 promotes the inflammatory response and exacerbates IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis injury in mice.

Objective: This study examined the gut bacterial communities of dogs from different breeds, all kept under identical domestication conditions. Methods: Noninvasive sampling and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing were used to compare the composition and function of the gut microbiota of three dog breeds: the Chinese Kunming dog (CKD), German Shepherd dog (GSD), and Belgian Malinois dog (BMD). Results: The gut microbiota of the three dog breeds consisted of 257 species across 146 genera, 60 families, 35 orders, 15 classes, and 10 phyla. The dominant bacterial phyla across the three breeds were Firmicutes (57.44%), Fusobacteriota (28.86%), and Bacteroidota (7.63%), while the dominant bacterial genera across the three breeds were Peptostreptococcus (21.08%), Fusobacterium (18.50%), Lactobacillus (12.37%), and Cetobacter (10.29%). Further analysis revealed significant differences in the intestinal flora of the three breeds at the phylum and genus levels. The intestinal flora of BMD was significantly richer than that of CKD and GSD. The functional prediction and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the primary functions of the gut microbiota in these breeds were similar, with significant enrichment in various metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and microbial metabolism in different environments. The intestinal flora of these breeds also played a crucial role in genetic information processing, including transcription, translation, replication, and material transport. Conclusions and Relevance: These results provide novel insights into the intestinal flora of intervention dogs and suggest novel methods to improve their health status, which help increase microbial diversity and normalize metabolite production in diseased dogs.