Pulmonary fibrosis（PF） is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options， highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge， the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation（FIRST）， a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. The strategy integrates three key dimensions， including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds， structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways， and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM， the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics， as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class， formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures， clarified mechanisms， and proven safety， offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.

Pulmonary fibrosis（PF） is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options， highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge， the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation（FIRST）， a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. The strategy integrates three key dimensions， including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds， structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways， and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM， the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics， as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class， formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures， clarified mechanisms， and proven safety， offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.

OBJECTIVE: Baicalein has been reported to have wide therapeutic effects that act through its anti-inflammatory activity. This study examines the effect and mechanism of baicalein on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC). METHODS: A thorough screening of a small library of natural products, comprising 100 diverse compounds, was conducted to identify the most effective drug against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes. The core target proteins and their associated signaling pathways involved in baicalein's efficacy against LPS-induced myocardial injury were predicted by network pharmacology. RESULTS: Baicalein was identified as the most potent protective agent in LPS-exposed H9C2 cardiomyocytes. It exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell injury and inflammation. In the LPS-induced septic mouse model, baicalein demonstrated a significant capacity to mitigate LPS-triggered myocardial deficits, inflammatory responses, and ferroptosis. Network pharmacological analysis and experimental confirmation suggested that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit α (HIF1-α) is likely to be the crucial factor in mediating the impact of baicalein against LPS-induced myocardial ferroptosis and injury. By combining microRNA (miRNA) screening in LPS-treated myocardium with miRNA prediction targeting HIF1-α, we found that miR-299b-5p may serve as a regulator of HIF1-α. The reduction in miR-299b-5p levels in LPS-treated myocardium, compared to the control group, was reversed by baicalein treatment. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and dual-luciferase reporter gene analyses together identified HIF1-α as the target of miR-299b-5p in cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION Baicalein mitigates SIC at the miRNA level, suggesting the therapeutic potential of it in treating SIC through the regulation of miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α/ferroptosis pathway. Please cite this article as: Zhou WY, Du JK, Liu HH, Deng L, Ma K, Xiao J, Zhang S, Wang CN. Baicalein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):560-575.
Flavanones/pharmacology* ; Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics* ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Mice ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cardiomyopathies/etiology* ; Cell Line ; Sepsis/complications*

This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.

Objectives:To analyze the cardiac involvement of patients with Fabry disease(FD)in Anhui region.Methods:This retrospective analysis included 48 previously and currently diagnosed FD patients(25 males)in Anhui region,overall patient and gender specific cardiac involvement was analyzed.Results:The median age of FD patients is 28.0(19.0,46.0)years.The cardiac manifestations of patients with FD were most commonly characterized by palpitations/arrhythmias(13/42 cases)and exertional dyspnea(11/42 cases),electrocardiographic changes were most commonly characterized by T-wave inversion(22/42 cases),ST-segment depression(16/42 cases),and left ventricular hypervoltage(18/42 cases),cardiac structural and functional changes were most common in papillary muscle hypertrophy(29/36 cases),bilateral sign(22/37 cases)and left ventricular hypertrophy(21/46 cases),as well as reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain(26/39 cases).Neuropathic pain(28/43 cases)was the most common extracardiac manifestation of FD patients.FD patients of different gender differed in age at diagnosis(P=0.018),alpha galactosidase A activity(P<0.001),globotriaosylsphingosine(lyso-GL3)levels(P<0.001),enzyme replacement therapy rate(P=0.043),dyshidrosis(P<0.01),and the incidence of angiokeratoma(P=0.004).Correlation analysis showed that genotype was not correlated with enzyme activity or Lyso-GL-3 levels,whereas the Sokolow-Lyon index was positively correlated with Lyso-GL-3 levels(ρ=0.423,P=0.008),and the Sokolow-Lyon indices(septal thickness:ρ=0.562,P<0.001;left ventricle posterior wall thickness:ρ=0.569,P<0.001)and QRS duration(septal thickness:ρ=0.543,P<0.001;left ventricle posterior wall thickness:ρ=0.557,P<0.001)were positively correlated with left ventricular wall thickness.Conclusions:Cardiac involvement in patients with FD in the Anhui region is characterised by palpitations or arrhythmias,accompanied by nonspecific electrocardiographic changes.Echocardiography frequently reveals papillary muscle hypertrophy.The manifestation of cardiac involvement in patients of different genders is similar.

This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.

Objectives:To analyze the cardiac involvement of patients with Fabry disease(FD)in Anhui region.Methods:This retrospective analysis included 48 previously and currently diagnosed FD patients(25 males)in Anhui region,overall patient and gender specific cardiac involvement was analyzed.Results:The median age of FD patients is 28.0(19.0,46.0)years.The cardiac manifestations of patients with FD were most commonly characterized by palpitations/arrhythmias(13/42 cases)and exertional dyspnea(11/42 cases),electrocardiographic changes were most commonly characterized by T-wave inversion(22/42 cases),ST-segment depression(16/42 cases),and left ventricular hypervoltage(18/42 cases),cardiac structural and functional changes were most common in papillary muscle hypertrophy(29/36 cases),bilateral sign(22/37 cases)and left ventricular hypertrophy(21/46 cases),as well as reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain(26/39 cases).Neuropathic pain(28/43 cases)was the most common extracardiac manifestation of FD patients.FD patients of different gender differed in age at diagnosis(P=0.018),alpha galactosidase A activity(P<0.001),globotriaosylsphingosine(lyso-GL3)levels(P<0.001),enzyme replacement therapy rate(P=0.043),dyshidrosis(P<0.01),and the incidence of angiokeratoma(P=0.004).Correlation analysis showed that genotype was not correlated with enzyme activity or Lyso-GL-3 levels,whereas the Sokolow-Lyon index was positively correlated with Lyso-GL-3 levels(ρ=0.423,P=0.008),and the Sokolow-Lyon indices(septal thickness:ρ=0.562,P<0.001;left ventricle posterior wall thickness:ρ=0.569,P<0.001)and QRS duration(septal thickness:ρ=0.543,P<0.001;left ventricle posterior wall thickness:ρ=0.557,P<0.001)were positively correlated with left ventricular wall thickness.Conclusions:Cardiac involvement in patients with FD in the Anhui region is characterised by palpitations or arrhythmias,accompanied by nonspecific electrocardiographic changes.Echocardiography frequently reveals papillary muscle hypertrophy.The manifestation of cardiac involvement in patients of different genders is similar.

Conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) by ten-eleven translocation (TET) family proteins leads to the accumulation of 5hmC in the central nervous system; however, the role of 5hmC in the postnatal brain and how its levels and target genes are regulated by TETs remain elusive. We have generated mice that lack all three Tet genes specifically in postnatal excitatory neurons. These mice exhibit significantly reduced 5hmC levels, altered dendritic spine morphology within brain regions crucial for cognition, and substantially impaired spatial and associative memories. Transcriptome profiling combined with epigenetic mapping reveals that a subset of genes, which display changes in both 5hmC/5mC levels and expression patterns, are involved in synapse-related functions. Our findings provide insight into the role of postnatally accumulated 5hmC in the mouse brain and underscore the impact of 5hmC modification on the expression of genes essential for synapse development and function.
Animals ; Brain/growth & development* ; 5-Methylcytosine/metabolism* ; Mice ; Synapses/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Dioxygenases/metabolism* ; Cognition/physiology* ; Gene Expression ; Mixed Function Oxygenases/metabolism* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Mice, Knockout ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Purpose::Cerebral edema (CE) is the main secondary injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs). It is challenging to be predicted timely. In this study, we aimed to develop a prediction model for CE by identifying its risk factors and comparing the timing of edema occurrence in TBI patients with varying levels of injuries.Methods::This case-control study included 218 patients with TBI caused by RTAs. The cohort was divided into CE and non-CE groups, according to CT results within 7 days. Demographic data, imaging data, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Quantitative variables that follow normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation, those that do not follow normal distribution were presented as median (Q 1, Q 3). Categorical variables were expressed as percentages. The Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for CE. Logistic curve fitting was performed to predict the time to secondary CE in TBI patients with different levels of injuries. The efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic curve. Results::According to the study, almost half (47.3%) of the patients were found to have CE. The risk factors associated with CE were bilateral frontal lobe contusion, unilateral frontal lobe contusion, cerebral contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and abbreviated injury scale (AIS). The odds ratio values for these factors were 7.27 (95% confidence interval ( CI): 2.08 -25.42, p = 0.002), 2.85 (95% CI: 1.11 -7.31, p = 0.030), 2.62 (95% CI: 1.12 -6.13, p = 0.027), 2.44 (95% CI: 1.25 -4.76, p = 0.009), and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.10 -2.04, p = 0.009), respectively. We also observed that patients with mild/moderate TBI (AIS ≤ 3) had a 50% probability of developing CE 19.7 h after injury (χ 2= 13.82, adjusted R2 = 0.51), while patients with severe TBI (AIS > 3) developed CE after 12.5 h (χ 2= 18.48, adjusted R2 = 0.54). Finally, we conducted a receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of CE time, which showed an area under the curve of 0.744 and 0.672 for severe and mild/moderate TBI, respectively. Conclusion::Our study found that the onset of CE in individuals with TBI resulting from RTAs was correlated with the severity of the injury. Specifically, those with more severe injuries experienced an earlier onset of CE. These findings suggest that there is a critical time window for clinical intervention in cases of CE secondary to TBI.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between urinary electrolyte level and detrusor overactivity (DO) in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE).Methods:In this case control study, a retrospective analysis was performed on 60 PMNE children aged 5-12 years who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2015 to January 2020.According to the results of ambulatory urodynamic monitoring (AUM), there were 36 patients in the nocturnal DO group [(19 males and 17 females, mean age(9.4±2.1) years, mean body mass index (BMI)(18.90±2.66) kg/m 2], and 24 patients in the non-nocturnal DO group [16 males and 8 females, mean age(9.0±1.9) years, mean BMI(18.85±2.50) kg/m 2].Daytime and nighttime urine volume and average urine electrolyte levels were measured. t-test, Chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparison between groups.Spearman rating coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between average electrolyte level and maximum detrusor pressure during nighttime bladder storage. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender ratio, and BMI between the two groups (all P>0.05).The nocturnal urine volume [0.291(0.194, 0.408) L] and the frequency of nocturnal polyuria (33.0%) in the nocturnal DO group were significantly lower than those [0.420 (0.298, 0.673) L and 62.5%](all P<0.05) in the non-nocturnal DO group.The levels of nocturnal urine sodium [(181.13±102.39) mmol/L], calcium [(3.68±2.44) mmol/L], and chloride [(147.89±57.21) mmol/L] in the nocturnal DO group were significantly higher than those [levels of nocturnal urine sodium [(132.15±67.42) mmol/L], calcium [(1.98±2.07) mmol/L], and chloride [(110.95±54.27) mmol/L] in the non-nocturnal DO group (all P<0.05).However, there was no statistically significant difference in the level of nocturnal urine potassium between the two groups ( P>0.05).The levels of diurnal urine sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05).The levels of nocturnal urine sodium [(181.13±102.39) mmol/L] and calcium [(3.68±2.44) mmol/L] in the nocturnal DO group were significantly higher than the levels of diurnal urine sodium [(132.48±79.84) mmol/L] and calcium [(1.48±1.20) mmol/L](all P<0.05); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of nocturnal urine potassium and chloride compared to diurnal levels (all P>0.05).In the non-nocturnal DO group, there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of diurnal and nocturnal urine sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride (all P>0.05).Additionally, the level of nocturnal urine calcium in the nocturnal DO group was positively correlated with the maximum detrusor pressure during the bladder storage period ( r=0.501, P<0.05). Conclusions:The increased nocturnal urine sodium, calcium, and chloride levels in children with PMNE may be one of the important reasons for the occurrence of nocturnal bladder dysfunction.