ObjectiveTo investigate the potential machanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture （消肿止痛合剂， XZM） in the treatment of diabetes foot ulcer （DFU）. MethodsFifty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， XZM group， inhibitor group， XZM plus inhibitor group （combination group）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group， rats were fed with high-sugar， high-fat， high-cholesterol diet， intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin， and subjected to skin defect to establish DFU model. After successful modeling， the XZM group and the combination group were given 1 ml/（100 g·d）of XZM by gavage， while the blank group， model group， and inhibitor group were all given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection by gavage. Thirty minutes later， the inhibitor group and the combination group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/（kg·d） of Notch1 inhibitor DAPT. All groups were treated once a day. After 14 days of administration， the skin tissue from the dorsal foot of the blank group rats and wound tissue from the other groups were collected. The pathological changes of granulation tissue in the wound were detected using hematoxylin eosin （HE） staining. The microvascular density （MVD） in wounds was detected through immunohistochemical staining. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 homolog （Notch1）， Delta-like ligand 4 （Dll4）， Delta-like ligand 4 （VEGF）， and angiopoietin 2 （Ang-2）， respectively. ResultsHistological results showed that the epidermal structure in the dorsal foot skin tissue of the rats in the blank group was intact. In the wound tissue of the model group， the epidermis exhibited excessive keratinization， vacuolar cytoplasm， and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the tissue， while in the XZM group， a large amount of scab formation was observed in the epidermis， with no significant inflammatory cell infiltration and a noticeable increase in fibroblasts. In the combination group and the inhibitor group， partial epidermal scab formation was observed in the wound tissue with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to those in the blank group， the MVD in the wound tissue increased in the model group， as well as the mRNA expression and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4， while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the MVD in the wound tissue of all medication groups significantly increased， and the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4 decreased， while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to the XZM group， the inhibitor group and the combination group showed decreased MVD in wound tissue， increased Notch1 and Dll4 mRNA and protein levels， and decreased expression of VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA and proteins （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionXZM can effectively promote wound healing in DFU rats， and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Dll4/Notch1 signaling pathway in the wound tissue， therey promoting angiogenesis.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a disorder characterized by fibrous plaque formation in the penile tissue that leads to curvature and complications in advanced stages. In this study, we aimed to compare four injectable induction agents for the establishment of a robust rat model of PD: transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), fibrin, sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) combined with TGF-β1, and polidocanol (POL) combined with TGF-β1. The results showed that injection of TGF-β1 or fibrin into the tunica albuginea induced pathological endpoints without causing penile curvature. The STS + TGF-β1 combination resulted in both histological and morphological alterations, but with a high incidence of localized necrosis that led to animal death. The POL + TGF-β1 combination produced pathological changes and curvature comparable to STS + TGF-β1 and led to fewer complications. In conclusion, fibrin, STS + TGF-β1, and POL + TGF-β1 all induced PD with a certain degree of penile curvature and histological fibrosis in rats. The POL + TGF-β1 combination offered comparatively greater safety and clinical relevance and may have the greatest potential for PD research using model rats.
Animals ; Male ; Penile Induration/drug therapy* ; Rats ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fibrin ; Penis/drug effects* ; Polidocanol/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Polyethylene Glycols/administration & dosage* ; Injections

This study investigated the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on prostate volume (PV) in the general Chinese population. In total, 43 455 participants in The First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital (Beijing, China) from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2022, undergoing health examinations were included in the study. Participants were categorized into four groups according to PV quartiles: Q1 (PV ≤24.94 ml), Q2 (PV >24.94 ml and ≤28.78 ml), Q3 (PV >28.78 ml and ≤34.07 ml), and Q4 (PV >34.07 ml), with Q1 serving as the reference group. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MetS and PV, with subgroup analyses conducted by age. Among the participants, 18 787 (43.2%) were diagnosed with MetS. In the multivariate analysis model, a significant correlation between MetS and PV was observed, with odds ratios (ORs) increasing as PV increased (Q2, OR = 1.203, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.139-1.271; Q3, OR = 1.300, 95% CI: 1.230-1.373; and Q4, OR = 1.556, 95% CI: 1.469-1.648). Analysis of MetS components revealed that all components were positively associated with PV, with abdominal obesity showing the most significant effect. The number of MetS components was identified as a dose-dependent risk factor for elevated PV. The impact of MetS, its components, and component count on PV exhibited a decreasing trend with advancing age. Overall, the influence of MetS, its components, and component count on PV was predominantly observed in the age groups of 40-49 years and 50-59 years. Early intervention targeting MetS can significantly alleviate the increase in PV, particularly benefiting individuals aged 40-59 years who have abdominal obesity.
Humans ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome/complications* ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Aged ; Prostate/diagnostic imaging* ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Organ Size ; China/epidemiology* ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Risk Factors

Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C₀), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug‍-‍drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage* ; Drug Monitoring/methods* ; Humans ; Organ Transplantation ; Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage* ; Delphi Technique

The innate immune sensor NLRP3 inflammasome overactivation is involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis. PGAM5 is a mitochondrial phosphatase involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. However, the role of PGAM5 in ulcerative colitis and the mechanisms underlying PGAM5 regulating NLRP3 activity remain unknown. Here, we show that PGAM5 deficiency ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. By combining APEX2-based proximity labeling focused on PGAM5 with quantitative proteomics, we identify NEK7 as the new binding partner of PGAM5 to promote NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation in a PGAM5 phosphatase activity-independent manner upon inflammasome induction. Interfering with PGAM5-NEK7 interaction by punicalagin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice. Altogether, our data demonstrate the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction in macrophages for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and further provide a promising therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis by blocking the PGAM5-NEK7 interaction.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a refractory subtype of breast cancer due to its resistance to various therapeutic strategies. In this study, we introduce a "brake-release and accelerator-pressing" approach to engineer a microneedle patch embedded with copper-doped Prussian blue nanoparticles (Cu-PB) and the ferroptosis inducer sorafenib (SRF) for raised chemodynamic (CDT)/photothermal (PTT) combination therapy against TNBC. Upon transdermal insertion, the dissolving microneedles swiftly disintegrate and facilitate the release of SRF. Under gentle external light exposure, copper ions (Cu²⁺) and iron ions (Fe³⁺) were liberated from Cu-PB. The direct chelation of Cu²⁺ and the indirect suppression by SRF, collectively attenuate glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) enzymatic function, destabilizing the cellular redox equilibrium (referred to as the "brake-release" strategy). The release of Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions instigates a Fenton/Fenton-like reaction within tumor cells, further yielding hydroxyl radicals and elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations (referred to as the "accelerator-pressing" strategy). This overwhelming ROS accumulation, coupled with the impaired clearance of resultant lipid peroxides (LPO), ultimately triggers a robust ferroptosis cell death response. In summary, this study presents an innovative combinatorial therapeutic strategy based on dual-ferroptosis induction for TNBC, implying a promising therapeutic platform for developing ferroptosis-centered treatments for this aggressive breast cancer subtype.

Objective To study the inhibitory effect of Huidu Yinhua powder from the Orthodox Manual of External Medicine on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),virulence factor α-hemolysin(Hla)activity,and biofilm formation,and to explore the optimal ratios of Huidu Yinhua powder and provide experimental support for its use.Methods The inhibitory effects of Huidu Yinhua powder and the herbs in the formula on USA300 were analyzed by the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC),minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC),and disk diffusion assay(K-B method).Hemolysis,neutralization,oligomerization,and Western blot assays were used to verify in which form the drug inhibits the activity of virulence factor α-hemolysin(Hla).A biofilm assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Huidu Yinhua powder on biofilm.Orthogonal experiments were performed to explore the optimal ratio of Huidu Yinhua powder.Results Huidu Yinhua powder inhibited the MRSA strain with a MIC90 of 64 mg/mL and an MBC of 256 mg/mL with antibacterial circle diameter of(7.50±0.50)mm.Huidu Yinhua powder inhibited Hla activity by inhibiting Hla secretion.The minimum effective concentration(MEC)was 16 mg/mL,and the MEC of biofilm was 8 mg/mL.In Huidu Yinhua powder,honeysuckle and astragalus only affected the hemolytic activity of MRSA and biofilm formation without inhibiting bacterial growth.The hemolytic activity and biofilm of MEC were both 32 mg/mL.Glycyrrhiza had a strong bacterial inhibitory capacity with a MIC90 of 8 mg/mL and biofilm MEC of 1 mg/mL without showing inhibitory hemolytic activity at subinhibitory concentrations.The orthogonal experiment showed that,at a ratio of honeysuckle,astragalus,and glycyrrhiza in Huidu Yinhua powder of 1∶2∶4,the MIC90 was 16 mg/mL,MEC of hemolytic activity was 8 mg/mL and that of biofilm was 4 mg/mL,both of which were the lowest among the nine groups.Conclusions Huidu Yinhua powder affects the hemolytic activity and biofilm formation of MRSA at subinhibitory concentrations with the optimal ratio of honeysuckle,astragalus,and glycyrrhiza being 1∶2∶4.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation in the treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 25 patients with stable vitiligo-associated leukotrichia in the Department of Dermatologic Surgery, Hangzhou Third People′s Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021. All the patients received electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation. Outpatient follow-up visits were conducted in the first week, as well as the first, third and sixth months after surgery. The texture and growth status of transplanted hair were observed, and the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles and the proportion of newborn white hair in white hair in the original lesions were recorded.Results:Among the 25 patients with stable vitiligo, there were 14 males and 11 females, and their disease duration ranged from 2 to 15 years, with the average duration being 5.8 years. A total of 30 white patches accompanied by leukotrichia were included, including 9 on the scalp, 7 on the eyebrows and 14 on the eyelashes. One week after surgery, the transplanted hair survived well in all patients, without obvious shedding or local infection. Six months after surgery, repigmentation was observed in most hair in the original lesion area, and only a small amount of white hair grew out, without obvious scarring; the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles was 76.5% ± 10.0%, and the proportion of newborn white hair in white hair in the original lesions was 16.7% ± 7.8%.Conclusion:Electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation was effective in the treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia, with a simple treatment process and few postoperative complications, which provided a reliable choice for the clinical treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia.

Metabolic syndrome （MS） is a complex group of clinical syndromes with obesity， abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism and hypertension as the main clinical features. Swertia mussotii is a commonly used medicine among the Tibetan people in China. Its efficacy is consistent with the pathogenesis of MS， which has the potential for symptomatic treatment of MS. It is found that effective ingredients such as gentiopicroside， sweroside， swertiamarin， mangiferin， and oleanolic acid can improve MS by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism， improving obesity， regulating the cardiovascular system， inhibiting chronic inflammation， oxidative stress， endoplasmic reticulum and autophagy， and improving intestinal microflora disorder.