Objective:To investigate the association between the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in human follicular fluid (hFF) and age, ovarian function, in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory outcome. Methods:A non-intervention observational study was designed. hFF and medical case history without personal identity of patients who received IVF simply because of male factor infertility in Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during January 2021 and February 2022 were collected. The renin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, angiotensin (Ang)Ⅱ and Ang 1-7 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The correlation between age and RAS in hFF was analyzed by simple linear regression, and multivariate linear regression was used to further analyze the correlation between the RAS and IVF laboratory outcome.Results:1) A total of 139 samples of analysable hFF were obtained. 2) There was a linear negative correlation between age and renin (Pearson's r=-0.313 3, P<0.001), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE; Pearson's r=-0.183 6, P=0.031), angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ; Pearson's r=-0.218 6, P=0.010), ACE/ACE2 (Pearson's r=-0.319 2, P<0.001), AngⅡ/Ang1-7 (Pearson's r=-0.224 3, P=0.008), while the linear relationship with ACE2 and Ang1-7 was not significant (all P>0.05). 3) Basal follicle-stimulating hormone was positively correlated with age ( β=0.636, P<0.001), ACE2 ( β=0.267, P=0.026) and AngⅡ ( β=0.268, P=0.001), while negatively correlated with ACE ( β=-0.320, P<0.001) and Ang1-7 ( β=-0.217, P=0.014). Basal luteinizing hormone was positively correlated with AngⅡ ( β=0.330, P=0.003), while negative correlated with Ang1-7 ( β=-0.395, P=0.002). Antral follicle count was positively correlated with Ang1-7 ( β=0.153, P=0.049), while negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.869, P<0.001) and ACE2 ( β=-0.082, P=0.004). Basal anti-Müllerian hormone was only negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.349, P<0.001). There was no correlation between RAS and basal estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone (all P>0.05). 4) Oocyte retrieval count was positively correlated with renin ( β=0.146, P=0.014), AngⅡ ( β=0.113, P=0.034) and Ang1-7 ( β=0.185, P=0.002), while negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.717, P<0.001); MⅡ oocyte maturation rate was positively correlated with AngⅡ ( β=0.207, P=0.019) and Ang1-7 ( β=0.217, P=0.026), while negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.518, P<0.001). There was no correlation between RAS and the rates of two pronuclei embryos, transplantable embryos, high-quality embryos (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The local RAS in ovarian follicles is affected by age and correlated with ovarian function and IVF laboratory outcome.

The rapid development of reproductive medicine has made outstanding contribution to the solution of population problem, but it still cannot satisfy all couples to become "complete parents" at the genetic level. As research progressed of regenerative medicine, it is found that the stem cells have the characteristics of promoting endogenous repair, improving oxidative stress level, regulating immune microenvironment, and so on. Therefore, the transplantation of stem cells is considered to be a new and effective therapy to restore the damaged reproductive function. The mesenchymal stem cells are considered as an ideal source for transplantation therapy because of the characteristics of wide source, easy acquisition and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, it has been proven effective in a large number of scientific and clinical researches in the reproductive field. This paper reviews the basic research progress on all kinds of mesenchymal stem cells in the field of reproductive medicine at home and abroad.

Objective:To investigate the association between the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in human follicular fluid (hFF) and age, ovarian function, in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory outcome. Methods:A non-intervention observational study was designed. hFF and medical case history without personal identity of patients who received IVF simply because of male factor infertility in Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University during January 2021 and February 2022 were collected. The renin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, angiotensin (Ang)Ⅱ and Ang 1-7 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The correlation between age and RAS in hFF was analyzed by simple linear regression, and multivariate linear regression was used to further analyze the correlation between the RAS and IVF laboratory outcome.Results:1) A total of 139 samples of analysable hFF were obtained. 2) There was a linear negative correlation between age and renin (Pearson's r=-0.313 3, P<0.001), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE; Pearson's r=-0.183 6, P=0.031), angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ; Pearson's r=-0.218 6, P=0.010), ACE/ACE2 (Pearson's r=-0.319 2, P<0.001), AngⅡ/Ang1-7 (Pearson's r=-0.224 3, P=0.008), while the linear relationship with ACE2 and Ang1-7 was not significant (all P>0.05). 3) Basal follicle-stimulating hormone was positively correlated with age ( β=0.636, P<0.001), ACE2 ( β=0.267, P=0.026) and AngⅡ ( β=0.268, P=0.001), while negatively correlated with ACE ( β=-0.320, P<0.001) and Ang1-7 ( β=-0.217, P=0.014). Basal luteinizing hormone was positively correlated with AngⅡ ( β=0.330, P=0.003), while negative correlated with Ang1-7 ( β=-0.395, P=0.002). Antral follicle count was positively correlated with Ang1-7 ( β=0.153, P=0.049), while negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.869, P<0.001) and ACE2 ( β=-0.082, P=0.004). Basal anti-Müllerian hormone was only negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.349, P<0.001). There was no correlation between RAS and basal estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone (all P>0.05). 4) Oocyte retrieval count was positively correlated with renin ( β=0.146, P=0.014), AngⅡ ( β=0.113, P=0.034) and Ang1-7 ( β=0.185, P=0.002), while negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.717, P<0.001); MⅡ oocyte maturation rate was positively correlated with AngⅡ ( β=0.207, P=0.019) and Ang1-7 ( β=0.217, P=0.026), while negatively correlated with age ( β=-0.518, P<0.001). There was no correlation between RAS and the rates of two pronuclei embryos, transplantable embryos, high-quality embryos (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The local RAS in ovarian follicles is affected by age and correlated with ovarian function and IVF laboratory outcome.

The rapid development of reproductive medicine has made outstanding contribution to the solution of population problem, but it still cannot satisfy all couples to become "complete parents" at the genetic level. As research progressed of regenerative medicine, it is found that the stem cells have the characteristics of promoting endogenous repair, improving oxidative stress level, regulating immune microenvironment, and so on. Therefore, the transplantation of stem cells is considered to be a new and effective therapy to restore the damaged reproductive function. The mesenchymal stem cells are considered as an ideal source for transplantation therapy because of the characteristics of wide source, easy acquisition and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, it has been proven effective in a large number of scientific and clinical researches in the reproductive field. This paper reviews the basic research progress on all kinds of mesenchymal stem cells in the field of reproductive medicine at home and abroad.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors related to renal impairment in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspective of integrated Chinese and Western medicine. METHODS: Totally 492 patients with DKD in 8 Chinese hospitals from October 2017 to July 2019 were included. According to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) staging guidelines, patients were divided into a chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1-3 group and a CKD 4-5 group. Clinical data were collected, and logistic regression was used to analyze the factors related to different CKD stages in DKD patients. RESULTS: Demographically, male was a factor related to increased CKD staging in patients with DKD (OR=3.100, P=0.002). In clinical characteristics, course of diabetes >60 months (OR=3.562, P=0.010), anemia (OR=4.176, P<0.001), hyperuricemia (OR=3.352, P<0.001), massive albuminuria (OR=4.058, P=0.002), atherosclerosis (OR=2.153, P=0.007) and blood deficiency syndrome (OR=1.945, P=0.020) were factors related to increased CKD staging in patients with DKD. CONCLUSIONS Male, course of diabetes >60 months, anemia, hyperuricemia, massive proteinuria, atherosclerosis, and blood deficiency syndrome might indicate more severe degree of renal function damage in patients with DKD. (Registration No. NCT03865914).
Humans ; Male ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; Hyperuricemia ; Kidney ; Proteinuria ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications*

Femoral neck fracture (FNF) in the elderly patients is currently a major health challenge worldwide, with excessive consumption of medical resources, high incidence of complications as well as suboptimal outcome and prognosis. Hip joint arthroplasty (HJA) has been the mainstream treatment for FNF in the elderly, but the conventional surgical approaches and techniques are still confronted with a series of bottlenecks such as dislocation, limp and limb length discrepancy. In recent years, direct anterior approach (DAA) for HJA (DAA-HJA) has been a major new choice in the field of joint replacement, which achieves improved clinical effectiveness of HJA in the treatment of elderly FNF, due to the fact that DAA approach involves the neuromuscular interface and accords with the idea of soft tissue retention and enhanced recovery after surgery. However, there is still a lack of unified understanding of standard technique and procedure of DAA-HJA in the treatment of elderly FNF. Therefore, relevant experts from the Hip Joint Group of Chinese Orthopedics Association of Chinese Medical Association, Youth Arthrology Group of Orthopedic Committee of PLA, Orthopedic Committee of Chongqing Medical Association, Branch of Orthopedic Surgeons of Chongqing Medical Doctor Association and Sport Medicine Committee of Chongqing Medical Association were organized to formulate the " Chinese expert consensus on the technical standard of direct anterior hip arthroplasty for elderly femoral neck fracture ( version 2023)" based on evidence-based medicine. This consensus mainly proposed 13 recommendations covering indications, surgical plans, prosthesis selections, surgical techniques and processes, and postoperative management of DAA-HJA in elderly patients with FNF, aiming to promote standardized, systematic and patient-specific diagnosis and treatment to improve the functional prognosis of the patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous research has shown maternal betaine supplementation alleviates fetal-derived hepatic steatosis. Therefore, this study examined the anti-inflammatory effect of maternal betaine intake in offspring mice and its mechanism.MATERIALS/METHODS: Female C57BL/6J mice and their offspring were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the treatment received during gestation and lactation: control diet (CD), fatty liver disease (FLD), and fatty liver disease + 1% betaine (FLD-BET). The FLD group was given a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (HFD + STZ), and the FLD-BET group was treated with HFD + STZ + 1% betaine. After weaning, the offspring mice were given a normal diet for 5 weeks and then dissected to measure the relevant indexes. RESULTS: Compared to the CD group, the offspring mice in the FLD group revealed obvious hepatic steatosis and increased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; maternal betaine supplementation reversed these changes. The hepatic mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-18, and Caspase-1 were significantly higher in the FLD group than in the CD group. Maternal betaine supplementation reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC). Maternal betaine supplementation also reversed the increasing protein expressions of nitric oxide dioxygenase-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in offspring mice exposed to HFD + STZ. Maternal betaine supplementation decreased the homocysteine (Hcy) and s-adenosine homocysteine (SAH) levels significantly in the livers. Furthermore, the hepatic Hcy concentrations showed significant inverse relationships with the mRNA expression of TNF-α, NLRP3, ASC, and IL-18. The hepatic SAH concentration was inversely associated with the IL-1β mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS The lipotropic and anti-inflammatory effect of maternal betaine supplementation may be associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome in the livers of the offspring mice.

OBJECTIVE: Larotaxel is a new chemical structure drug, which has not been marketed worldwide. Accordingly, the standard identification and quantification methods for larotaxel remain unclear. The spectrometric analyses were performed for verifying weight molecular formula, molecular weight and chemical structure of larotaxel. Besides, a quantification method was developed for measuring larotaxel in the liposomes. METHODS: The molecular formula, molecular weight and chemical structure of larotaxel were studied by using mass spectrometry (MS), infra-red (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrometric techniques. The absorption wavelength of larotaxel was investigated by UV-vis spectrophotometry full-wavelength scanning. Besides, a quantification method was developed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and then validated by measuring the encapsulation efficacy of larotaxel liposomes. RESULTS: The four spectral characteristics of larotaxel were revealed and the corresponding standard spectra were defined. It was confirmed that larotaxel had the structure of tricyclic diterpenoids, with the molecular formula of C45H53NO14, the molecular weight of 831.900 1, and the maximum absorption wavelength of 230 nm. The quantitative method of larotaxel was established by using HPLC with a reversed phase C18 column (5 μm, 250 mm×4.6 mm), a mobile phase of acetonitrile-water (75:25, volume/volume), and a detection wavelength of 230 nm. The validation study exhibited that the established HPLC method was stable, and had a high recovery and precision in the quantitative measurement of larotaxel in liposomes. In addition, a new kind of larotaxel liposomes was also successfully prepared. The particle size of the liposomes was about 105 nm, with an even size distribution. And the encapsulation efficiency of larotaxel in the liposomes was above 80%. CONCLUSION The present study offers reference standard spectra of larotaxel, including MS, IR, NMR, and UV-vis, and confirms the molecular formula, molecular weight and chemical structure of larotaxel. Besides, the study develops a rapid HPLC method for quality control of larotaxel liposomes.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Liposomes ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Taxoids

Adult ; Aged ; Baths ; Child ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psoriasis ; pathology ; therapy ; Tacrolimus ; therapeutic use