ObjectiveTaking the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway as the entry point， this study investigated the effect and mechanism of Liangyi Paste on hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice fed with a high-fat diet. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding， 80 ten-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used. Thirty of them were randomly divided into three groups （10 mice per group）： The 12-month-old control group （12MCON）， the 15-month-old control group （15MCON）， and the 15-month-old group with a high-fat diet （15MHFD）. The 12MCON and 15MCON groups were continuously fed a standard diet， while the 15MHFD group started receiving a high-fat diet at 12 months of age. Tissue samples were collected at the corresponding time points for each group. The remaining 50 mice were randomly divided into five groups （10 mice per group）： the 20-month-old control group （20MCON）， the model group， and the low-， medium-， and high-dose Liangyi Paste groups （2.91 ， 5.82 ， 11.64 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively）. The 20MCON group was continuously fed a standard diet， while the other groups started receiving a high-fat diet at 15 months of age. At 18 months of age， the Liangyi Paste groups were administered the corresponding doses of Liangyi Paste by gavage， while the 20MCON and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous gavage （when the mice reached 20 months of age）， tissue samples were collected. Hepatic TG levels were measured using assay kits； liver histology and lipid deposition were observed via hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and oil red O staining； reactive oxygen species （ROS） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）； Cu²⁺， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） levels were measured by colorimetry； mRNA and protein expression of genes related to cuproptosis and oxidative stress pathways were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and Wes automated protein expression system. ResultsCompared with 12MCON， the 15MCON group showed significantly increased hepatic TG， Cu²⁺， ROS， and MDA levels （P<0.01）， decreased SOD （P<0.01）， hepatocyte swelling， and disordered arrangement. The mRNA and protein levels of ferredoxin 1 （FDX1）， dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase （DLAT）， heat shock protein 70 （HSP70）， dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase （DLD）， pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit-β （PDHB）， nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ） were significantly elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with 15MCON group， the 15MHFD and 20MCON groups exhibited further increases in TG， Cu²⁺， ROS， and MDA （P<0.01）， reduced SOD （P<0.01）， and aggravated hepatocyte swelling and disorder. There were increased lipid droplets with mild vacuolization in the 15MHFD group， and no significant lipid deposition was observed in the 20MCON group. FDX1， DLAT， HSP70， DLD， PDHB， Nrf2， and PPARγ mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with 20MCON group， the model group demonstrated markedly elevated TG， Cu²⁺， ROS， and MDA （P<0.01）， reduced SOD （P<0.01）， severe hepatic steatosis， and upregulated expression of FDX1， DLAT， HSP70， DLD， PDHB， Nrf2， and PPARγ mRNA and proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）. All abnormalities were significantly reversed after Liangyi Paste treatment. ConclusionLiangyi paste can ameliorate hepatic lipid deposition in naturally aged mice with a high-fat diet by modulating the cuproptosis/oxidative stress pathway.

Colorectal cancer has an insidious onset， and some patients have already developed local invasion or metastasis at the time of diagnosis， which affects treatment strategy selection and survival prognosis. The tumor microenvironment is not only the basic condition for tumor cell survival but also the core regulatory factor driving their local invasion and distant metastasis. This article reviewed the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine regulates the tumor microenvironment to inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis. It was found that traditional Chinese medicine active ingredients such as astragalus polysaccharides， leonurine， kaempferol， etc.， as well as traditional Chinese medicine formulas such as Jianpi jiedu formula， can inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis by regulating key links of the tumor microenvironment， including immunosuppression， inflammatory response， intestinal microecological disorder， abnormal angiogenesis， and extracellular matrix homeostasis imbalance. However， current related research was still mainly based on cell and animal experiments， with limited clinical evidence-based data， and mechanistic studies mostly focued on single signaling pathways. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies and systems biology methods to systematically elucidate the key targets and action networks through which traditional Chinese medicine regulates the colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment to combat metastasis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of artemitin against ozone (O₃)-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, an artemitin-only control group, an O₃-induced model group, and an artemitin-treated group, with 8 mice in each group. In the artemitin-treated group, animals were injected intraperitoneally with artemitin (20 mg/kg) daily, followed by a 1 h exposure to 0.000 25% O₃. The artemitin-only control group received the same artemitin injection but was exposed to clean air. The O₃-induced model group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of normal saline daily, followed by a 1-h exposure to 0.000 25% O₃. The blank control group received the saline injection and was exposed to clean air. All treatments were administered for 7 consecutive days. Pulmonary function indices of the mice in each group were measured using a whole-body plethysmography system. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the lung tissue, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed for untargeted metabolomic analysis to examine the changes in overall metabolic pathways in plasma. ResultsCompared with the O₃-induced model group, artemitin treatment significantly improved O₃-induced lung function impairments (P<0.05), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF (P<0.05) and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and structural damage in lung tissues. Metabolomics results indicated that artemitin treatment compensatorily enhanced energy supply and oxidized lipid signaling, while inhibiting purine metabolism and tryptophan-derived pathways. ConclusionArtemitin exhibits a significant protective effect against O₃-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. It corrects upstream metabolic disorders by synergistically modulating tryptophan metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid inflammatory mediators, thereby inhibiting downstream inflammatory responses and airway hyperresponsiveness. This study not only reveals the pleiotropic mechanism of artemitin in treating airway inflammation but also provides potential metabolic biomarkers and a theoretical basis for its clinical translation.

Objective To investigate the effect of splenectomy on the repair of full-thickness skin tissue defects,as well as the impact of different recovery times after splenectomy on the healing of skin tissue defects.Methods According to a random number table,39 8-week-old female C57 mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham surgery group(sham group,n=13),splenectomy group with 3 days of recovery(Spx3d group,n=13),and splenectomy group with 3 weeks of recovery(Spx3w group,n=13).Full-thickness skin defects were created on the backs of the mice in each group.The wound healing conditions at different times after skin defects were observed,and the wound healing rates after the injury were calculated.Peripheral blood cell analysis was performed on day 14 after the defect,and tissue samples from the wound area were taken for hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining to observe the granulation tissue thickness at the defect site and the re-epithelialization rate.Masson's trichrome staining was used to observe the proportion of collagen fibers.Results After splenectomy and sham surgery,the mice recovered well without significant discomfort.From 1 to 14 days after the skin defect modeling,the wound areas of the mice in all three groups gradually decreased.Compared with sham group,the wound areas were smaller in Spx3d and Spx3w groups at 3,5 and 7 days after the injury,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The wound healing rates were also significantly higher(P<0.05).Moreover,at 3 days and 5 days after the injury,the wound healing rates of Spx3d group were significantly higher than those of Spx3w group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The peripheral blood white blood cell(WBC)count in Spx3w group was significantly higher than that in sham group and Spx3d group(P<0.01).The platelet counts in both sham group and Spx3w group were significantly higher than that in Spx3d group(P<0.05).Additionally,the lymphocyte and neutrophil counts in Spx3w group were markedly higher than those in sham group(P<0.05).No statistically significant differences in red blood cell(RBC)counts were observed among the three groups(P>0.05).HE staining results showed that compared with sham group,the wound healing of the mice in Spx3d and Spx3w groups were better,and the thickness of the granulation tissue in Spx3d group were better than that in Spx3w group.At 7 days,the thickness of the granulation tissue in Spx3d and Spx3w groups was significantly higher than that in sham group(P<0.01,P<0.05)and the re-epithelialization rate in Spx3d group was significantly higher than that in sham group and Spx3w group(P<0.05).At 14 days,the re-epithelialization rates of Spx3d and Spx3w groups were significantly higher than those of sham group(P<0.05).The results of Masson's staining showed that the collagen fiber proportion in the wounds of Spx3d group at 7 and 14 days and that of Spx3w group at 14 days were significantly higher than that in sham group(P<0.05).Conclusion The healing of skin defects in mice is accelerated after splenectomy,and the recovery time after splenectomy has a certain effect on the healing of skin defects.

Objective To explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field of cancer treatment in the past decade. Methods The CNKI and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched for Chinese and English articles related to cancer treatment published over the last 10 years. Bibliometric research methods were employed, including keyword cluster analysis of published literature. Results A total of 45 455 Chinese articles and 866 958 English articles were retrieved. Combining the visualization analysis results and the current research dilemma of tumor treatment revealed that the current research hotspots of tumor treatment domestically and internationally can primarily focus on four key areas. In the realm of targeted therapy, efforts are directed towards the discovery of new drug targets, overcoming resistance to targeted therapy, and the development of monoclonal antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates. In the field of immunotherapy, the emphasis lies in enhancing the response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors, determining the mechanisms behind resistance to immunotherapy, and improving the safety of treatment. The research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) covers evidence-based evaluation studies on TCM treatment, the identification of populations that can gain the most benefit from TCM, and strategies for improving the quality of life. In the area of novel drug development, cutting-edge technologies, such as organoid-based screening for anticancer drugs, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, are under investigation. Conclusion New targeted drugs, immune efficacy improvement, multidisciplinary integration, nano-delivery, and TCM innovation are the key research directions in the field of tumor therapy in the future.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of macrophage-mediated inflammation and tissue injury in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). METHODS: Skin tissue samples were collected from patients with DFU and with non-DFU. A total of 79 272 high-quality cell transcriptomes were obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing. An unbiased clustering approach was employed to identify cell subpopulations. Seurat functions were used to identify differentially expressed genes between DFU and non-DFU groups, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was used to reveal gene function. Furthermore, cell-cell communication network construction and ligand-receptor interaction analysis were performed to reveal the mechanisms underlying cellular interactions and signaling regulation in the DFU microenvironment from multiple perspectives. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant expansion of myeloid cells in DFU tissues, alongside a marked reduction in structural cells such as endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. Major cell types underwent functional reprogramming, characterized by immune activation and impaired tissue remodeling. Specifically, macrophages in DFU skin tissues exhibited a shift toward a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, with upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Cell communication analysis further demonstrated that M1 macrophages served as both primary signal receivers and influencers in the COMPLEMENT pathway mediated communication network, and as key signal senders and mediators in the secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) pathway mediated communication network, actively shaping the inflammatory microenvironment. Key ligand-receptor interactions driving macrophage signaling were identified, including C3-(ITGAM+ITGB2) and SPP1-CD44. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes a comprehensive single-cell atlas of DFU, revealing the role of macrophage-driven cellular networks in chronic inflammation and impaired healing. These findings may offer potential novel therapeutic targets for DFU treatment.
Humans ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Diabetic Foot/pathology* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Inflammation ; Skin ; Cell Communication ; Signal Transduction ; Cellular Reprogramming

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, remains poorly understood regarding how its polygenic risk score (PRS) impacts functional networks and symptomology. This study capitalized on data from 11,430 children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study to explore the interplay between PRS_ADHD, brain function, and behavioral problems, along with their interactive effects. The results showed that children with a higher PRS_ADHD exhibited more severe attention deficits and rule-breaking problems, and experienced sleep disturbances, particularly in initiating and maintaining sleep. We also identified the central executive network, default mode network, and sensory-motor network as the functional networks most associated with PRS and symptoms in ADHD cases, with potential mediating roles. Particularly, the impact of PRS_ADHD was enhanced in children experiencing heightened sleep disturbances, emphasizing the need for early intervention in sleep issues to potentially mitigate subsequent ADHD symptoms.
Humans ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Sleep Wake Disorders/physiopathology* ; Adolescent ; Child ; Brain/diagnostic imaging* ; Multifactorial Inheritance ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease

AIM:This study aims to investigate the effects of baicalin on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)/solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)axis and the ferroptosis induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)in RAW264.7 macrophage-derived foam cells.METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were categorized into five groups:control,ox-LDL,baicalin+ox-LDL,ferrostatin-1(Fer-1;ferroptosis inhibitor)+ox-LDL,and baicalin+Fer-1+ox-LDL.To induce foam cell formation,RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to 100 μg/mL ox-LDL for 24 h.Oil red O staining was employed to visualize lipid droplet formation in each group.The ultrastructure of the mitochondria was examined using transmission electron microscopy.Fluorescence microscopy was utilized to assess the fluorescence intensity of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),lipid peroxides,and Fe2+.A colorimetric assay facilitated the measurement of malondialdehyde(MDA)and glutathione(GSH)levels.Additionally,Western blot analy-sis was conducted to quantify protein levels of HIF-1α,SLC7A11,and GPX4.RESULTS:The model group exhibited foam cell formation,abundant lipid droplets,significant swelling of mitochondrial structures,and observable shortening or disappearance of cristae.There was a marked increase in intracellular fluorescence intensity of ROS,lipid peroxides,and Fe2+,alongside elevated MDA levels and decreased GSH levels.HIF-1α protein expression was significantly increased,while SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expressions were notably decreased(P<0.05).In comparison to the model group,both the baicalin+ox-LDL and Fer-1+ox-LDL groups demonstrated a significant reduction in lipid droplets,improved mitochon-drial structures,decreased fluorescence intensity of ROS,lipid peroxides,and Fe2+,as well as lower MDA levels and higher GSH levels.Additionally,HIF-1α expression significantly decreased,while SLC7A11 and GPX4 expressions sig-nificantly increased(P<0.05).Furthermore,the baicalin+Fer-1+ox-LDL group showed a more pronounced reduction in lipid droplets,near-normal mitochondrial structures,lower fluorescence intensity of ROS,lipid peroxides,and Fe2+,de-creased MDA levels,and increased GSH levels compared to the baicalin+ox-LDL group;HIF-1α,SLC7A11,and GPX4 protein expressions were also significantly reduced(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Baicalin modulates the HIF-1α/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis,thereby inhibiting ox-LDL-induced ferroptosis in macrophage-derived foam cells.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between systemic inflammation makers and bone mineral density(BMD)in male patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM).Methods A total of 261 male patients with T2DM were selected and divided into three groups based on diagnostic criteria:the normal bone mass group(96 cases),the reduced bone mass group(111 cases)and the osteoporosis group(54 cases).Differences in systemic inflammation markers and bone metabolic markers were compared between the three groups.Multivariate ordered Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors influencing the progression from normal bone mass to osteoporosis in male patients with T2DM.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory markers for osteoporosis in male patients with T2DM.Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation between inflammatory markers and BMD and bone turnover markers(BTM)in male patients with T2DM.Results Platelet count(PLT),platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic inflammatory index(SII)and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were significantly higher in the osteoporosis group than those in the normal bone mass group(P＜0.05).Multivariate ordered Logistic regression analysis showed that PLR and SII were risk factors for the progression from normal bone mass to osteoporosis in male patients with T2DM(P＜0.05).The area under the ROC curve of PLR was 0.590,and the cut-off value was 96.67.The area under the curve of SII was 0.613,with a cut-off value of 307.9,and the area under the combined curve of the above two indicators was 0.612.In patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia,SII,PLR and PLT were negatively correlated with L1-4 BMD and left hip BMD(P＜0.05).SII was also negatively correlated with left femoral neck BMD(P＜0.05).Conclusion Inflammatory markers PLR and SII have predictive values for the progression from normal bone mass to bone loss and osteoporosis in male patients with T2DM.

Objective:To explore the effects of medication interval on the quality of split-dose bowel preparation and analyze the independent risk factors affecting the quality of bowel preparation.Methods:This pilot study involved two centers. Adult outpatients who underwent screening, surveillance, and diagnostic colonoscopy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University ( n=46) and the Fifth Hospital of Zhangjiakou ( n=20) between April and June 2023 were enrolled. Bowel preparation was conducted based on the guideline. Patients were divided into the short-interval group (4-<10 hours, n=45) and the long-interval group (10-16 hours, n=21) based on the time between the two administrations of polyethylene glycol during bowel preparation. Differences in terms of patient-reported outcome measurements (patient-reported willingness to repeat the bowel preparation regimen, satisfaction with bowel preparation, satisfaction with sleep), defecation frequency, Boston bowel preparation scale scores, bowel preparation bubble scores, bowel preparation qualified rates, polyp detection rates and incidence of adverse events were compared. Relevant factors influencing bowel preparation quality were analyzed by univariate logistic regression. Results:There were no significant differences in patient-reported willingness to repeat the bowel preparation regimen [88.9% (40/45) VS 85.7% (18/21), χ2<0.001, P>0.999], the satisfaction with bowel preparation [65.9% (29/45) VS 57.1% (12/21), χ2=0.469, P=0.493], or the satisfaction with sleep quality [35.6% (16/45) VS 28.6% (6/21), χ2=0.314, P=0.575] between the short-interval and long-interval groups. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the groups in defecation frequency (11.3±4.8 VS 10.2±4.4, t=0.861, P=0.395), Boston bowel preparation scale scores (8.2±1.4 scores VS 7.9±1.2 scores, t=1.024, P=0.311), bowel preparation bubble scores (8.6±1.0 scores VS 8.4±1.5 scores, t=0.672, P=0.506), bowel preparation qualified rates [88.9% (40/45) VS 90.5% (19/21), χ2<0.001, P>0.999], polyp detection rates [33.3% (15/45) VS 47.6% (10/21), χ2=1.242, P=0.265], or incidence of adverse events [24.4% (11/45) VS 14.3% (3/21), χ2=0.381, P=0.537]. Univariate logistic analysis suggested that a low-fiber diet ( OR=8.100, 95% CI:1.400-46.849, P=0.019) was an influencing factor for qualified bowel preparation. Conclusion:Medication interval of the two doses of polyethylene glycol in a split-dose bowel preparation regimen for colonoscopy has no significant impact on bowel preparation quality. Notably, preoperative low-fiber diet emerges as an independent protective factor for qualified bowel preparation.