ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory， Qijia Rougan prescription， combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted， and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis （CHB-HF） who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group （Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir） and a control group （entecavir）. The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement （LSM）， fibrosis-4 index （FIB-4）， portal vein diameter， hepatitis B serology， biochemical indicators， hepatic fibrosis markers in serum ［hyaluronic acid （HA）， laminin （LN）， procollagen Ⅲ peptide （PⅢP）， and type Ⅳ collagen （Ⅳ-C）］， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis， with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment， the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 （P<0.01）， as well as notable improvements in LN， Ⅳ-C， and various TCM syndrome scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）. When compared to the control group after treatment， the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM， FIB-4， and various TCM syndrome score indicators （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment， the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 （P<0.05）. When compared to the control group after treatment， the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 （P<0.05）. No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone， the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3， which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:During bone remodeling,bone formation and bone resorption are spatially and temporally coordinated,involving intricate interactions between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.Isoginkgetin,a flavonoid found in Ginkgo biloba,has a wide range of anticancer activity and anti-reactive oxygen species activity;however,the effect of isoginkgetin on osteoclast differentiation is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To study the effect and mechanism of action of isoginkgetin on osteoclastogenesis.METHODS:In vitro studies were performed on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages,and cell counting kit-8 cytotoxicity assay was used to detect the effect of isoginkgetin on cell viability of bone marrow-derived macrophages.Macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were used to induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.Network pharmacology and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the processes and targets of the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation of osteoclasts.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the expression of genes and proteins related to osteoclast differentiation,reactive oxygen species,and PI3K/AKT pathways.Fluorescent probes were used to detect cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels.Flow cytometry technology was used to detect reactive oxygen species levels in cells.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacology results showed that isoginkgetin affected osteoporosis mainly through the PI3K-AKT pathway and cellular response to drugs and hypoxia,and GSK3β,ESR1,MCL1 and CCNA2 were the key targets.(2)Cell counting kit-8 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results showed that isoginkgetin at 8 μmol/L had the most significant inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in vitro,and F-actin results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited osteoclast cytoskeletal actin ring formation in a concentration-dependent manner.(3)Molecular dynamics simulations showed that isoginkgetin bound well to osteoclastogenesis marker proteins(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).Western blot and RT-PCR results indicated that isoginkgetin inhibited the expression of osteoclastogenesis marker proteins and genes(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).(4)Western blot results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and suppressed osteoclastogenesis by activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway.(5)The results of reactive oxygen species assay showed that isoginkgetin significantly reduced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production,and inhibited the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.

BACKGROUND:During bone remodeling,bone formation and bone resorption are spatially and temporally coordinated,involving intricate interactions between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.Isoginkgetin,a flavonoid found in Ginkgo biloba,has a wide range of anticancer activity and anti-reactive oxygen species activity;however,the effect of isoginkgetin on osteoclast differentiation is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To study the effect and mechanism of action of isoginkgetin on osteoclastogenesis.METHODS:In vitro studies were performed on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages,and cell counting kit-8 cytotoxicity assay was used to detect the effect of isoginkgetin on cell viability of bone marrow-derived macrophages.Macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were used to induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.Network pharmacology and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the processes and targets of the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation of osteoclasts.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the expression of genes and proteins related to osteoclast differentiation,reactive oxygen species,and PI3K/AKT pathways.Fluorescent probes were used to detect cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels.Flow cytometry technology was used to detect reactive oxygen species levels in cells.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacology results showed that isoginkgetin affected osteoporosis mainly through the PI3K-AKT pathway and cellular response to drugs and hypoxia,and GSK3β,ESR1,MCL1 and CCNA2 were the key targets.(2)Cell counting kit-8 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results showed that isoginkgetin at 8 μmol/L had the most significant inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in vitro,and F-actin results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited osteoclast cytoskeletal actin ring formation in a concentration-dependent manner.(3)Molecular dynamics simulations showed that isoginkgetin bound well to osteoclastogenesis marker proteins(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).Western blot and RT-PCR results indicated that isoginkgetin inhibited the expression of osteoclastogenesis marker proteins and genes(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).(4)Western blot results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and suppressed osteoclastogenesis by activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway.(5)The results of reactive oxygen species assay showed that isoginkgetin significantly reduced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production,and inhibited the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.

ObjectiveBased on the regulation of macrophage M2 polarization， this study aims to explore the molecular mechanism and action targets of the Qijia Rougan prescription and its key effector ingredients in anti-fibrosis， thereby providing a basis and reference for the development of new drugs for hepatic fibrosis. MethodsA rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of 40%CCl₄， followed by oral administration of Qijia Rougan granules. The volume of collagen fibers was detected using Masson staining， the fibrosis markers Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected using immunohistochemistry， the proportion of M2 macrophages was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of M2 macrophage phenotype markers CD163 and CD206 were detected using immunofluorescence double staining. Western blot was used to detect the levels of the transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）， platelet derived growth factor subunit B （PDGFB）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 （p-JAK1）， and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 （p-STAT6）. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of JAK1， STAT6， Arginase 1（Arg1）， and Fizz1. Based on the theory of serum pharmacology， liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and WENN analysis were used to obtain the active ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to analyze the effector ingredients and their targets. The identified effector ingredients were interfered with IL-4-induced M2 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophage in vitro to validate the targets. ResultsQijia Rougan prescription significantly reduced the content of fibrosis markers α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ， as well as collagen fiber content （P<0.05）. It decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages and the levels of related cytokines IL-10， TGF-β and PDGFB， and up-regulated the levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 （P<0.05）. A total of 1 214 compounds were identified from Qijia Rougan prescription， medicated serum and blank serum， and 29 ingredients were finalized by Venn analysis， including 15 blood-entry prototypes and 14 drug metabolites. Molecular docking showed that enoxolone and berberine bound more strongly to JAK1， with binding free energies of -9.6 kcal·mol^-1（1 cal≈4.184 J） and -9.1 kcal·mol^-1， respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that JAK1-enoxolone and JAK1-berberine exhibited stable simulation trajectories within 100 ns， with essentially identical conformations and high protein overlap before and after simulation. Their binding free energies were -25.18 5.0.81 kcal·mol^-1 and -27.39 7.0.85 kcal·mol^-1， respectively. The number of hydrogen bonds formed between JAK1 and enoxolone ranges from 0 to 5， and most of the time can be maintained at 2-3. In vitro intervention with enoxolone or berberine significantly reduced p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 levels （P<0.05）. ConclusionQijia Rougan prescription inhibits M2 macrophage polarization in hepatic fibrosis. Enoxolone and berberine are the key effector ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization through targeting JAK1 and modulating the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway， thereby ameliorating hepatic fibrosis. This study provides a basis for prescription optimization， clinical application and new drug development， as well as a reference for monolithic anti-hepatic fibrosis research.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and cognitive impairment in older adults with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. METHODS: The present study used a prospective cohort study design and included 3244 participants aged ≥ 65 years in Beijing, China. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess cognitive function. Serum HbA1c was detected at admission. All patients were divided into high HbA1c group (≥ 6.5 mmol/L) and low HbA1c group (< 6.5 mmol/L) based on their HbA1c levels. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between HbA1c and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: In this study of 3244 participants, 1201 (37.0%) patients were in high HbA1c group and 2045 (63.0%) patients were in a state of cognitive impairment. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that HbA1c was an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment regardless of whether the HbA1c was a continuous or categorical variable (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15-1.40, P < 0.001; OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.41-2.26, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The restricted cubic spline curve exhibited that the relationship between the HbA1c and cognitive impairment was linear (p for non-linear = 0.323, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Elevated levels of HbA1c were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in older patients with CHD. These insights could be used to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of cognitive screening in these patient populations.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Qingda Granule (QDG) in ameliorating hypertension-induced cardiac damage and investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: Twenty spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were used to develope a hypertension-induced cardiac damage model. Another 10 Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used as normotension group. Rats were administrated intragastrically QDG [0.9 g/(kg•d)] or an equivalent volume of pure water for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, histopathological changes, cardiac function, levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers were measured. Furthermore, to gain insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of QDG against hypertension-induced cardiac injury, a network pharmacology study was conducted. Predicted results were validated by Western blot, radioimmunoassay immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: The administration of QDG resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure levels in SHRs (P<0.01). Histological examinations, including hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining revealed that QDG effectively attenuated hypertension-induced cardiac damage. Furthermore, echocardiography demonstrated that QDG improved hypertension-associated cardiac dysfunction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method indicated that QDG significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response levels in both myocardial tissue and serum (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Both network pharmacology and experimental investigations confirmed that QDG exerted its beneficial effects in decreasing hypertension-induced cardiac damage by regulating the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II receptor type 1 axis and ACE/Ang II/Ang II receptor type 2 axis.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Hypertension/pathology* ; Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects* ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Myocardium/pathology* ; Rats ; Inflammation/pathology*

Objective:This study aims to investigate the perception of Mandarin aspirated and unaspirated consonants by children with cochlear implants （CIs） under quiet and noisy conditions. It also examines factors that may affect their acquisition, such as auditory conditions, place of articulation, manner of articulation, chronological age, age at implantation, and non-verbal intelligence. Methods:Twenty-eight CI children aged 3 to 5 years who received implantation from 2018 to 2023 were recruited. Additionally, 88 peers with normal hearing （NH） were recruited as controls. Both groups participated in a perception test for aspirated/unaspirated consonants under quiet and noisy conditions, along with tests for speech recognition, speech production, and non-verbal intelligence. The study analyzed the effects of group （CI vs. NH）, auditory condition, and consonant characteristics on children's perception of aspirated/unaspirated consonants in Mandarin, as well as the factors contributing to CI children's acquisition of these consonants. Results:①CI children's ability to perceive aspirated/unaspirated consonants was significantly poorer than that of their NH peers （χ²= 14.16, P<0.01）, and their perception accuracy was influenced by the acoustic features of consonants （P<0.01）; ②CI children's consonant perception abilities were adversely affected by noise （P<0.01）, with accuracy in noisy conditions particularly influenced by the manner of articulation （P<0.05）; ③The age at implantation significantly affected CI children's ability to perceive aspirated/unaspirated consonants （β= -0.223, P=0.012）, with earlier implantation associated with better performance. Conclusion:It takes time for CI children to acquire Mandarin aspirated/unaspirated consonants, and early implantation shows many advantages, especially for the perception ability of fine speech features.
Humans ; Cochlear Implants ; Child, Preschool ; Speech Perception ; Cochlear Implantation ; Male ; Female ; Language

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a widely utilized therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the clinical implementation is constrained by the stringent preparation conditions of radioembolization agents. Herein, we incorporated the superstable homogeneous iodinated formulation technology (SHIFT), simultaneously utilizing an enhanced solvent form in a carbon dioxide supercritical fluid environment, to encapsulate radionuclides (such as ¹³¹I,¹⁷⁷Lu, or ¹⁸F) with lipiodol for the preparation of radiolipiodol. The resulting radiolipiodol exhibited exceptional stability and ultra-high labeling efficiency (≥99%) and displayed notable intratumoral radionuclide retention and in vivo stability more than 2 weeks following locoregional injection in subcutaneous tumors in mice and orthotopic liver tumors in rats and rabbits. Given these encouraging findings, ¹⁸F was authorized as a radiotracer in radiolipiodol for clinical trials in HCC patients, and showed a favorable tumor accumulation, with a tumor-to-liver uptake ratio of ≥50 and minimal radionuclide leakage, confirming the feasibility of SHIFT for TARE applications. In the context of transforming from preclinical to clinical screening, the preparation of radiolipiodol by SHIFT represents an innovative physical strategy for radionuclide encapsulation. Hence, this work offers a reliable and efficient approach for TARE in HCC, showing considerable promise for clinical application (ChiCTR2400087731).