Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia have emerged as global chronic metabolic disorders posing significant public health challenges. Edible medicinal plants demonstrate multitarget regulatory effects and favorable safety profiles in the management of chronic metabolic diseases, owing to their bioactive compounds and nutritional synergy. Radix Astragali (RA), a traditional Chinese medicine with medicine–food homology, has a long history of application in China. Based on a review of relevant literature, this article discusses the historical background, modern research, therapeutic functions, and mechanisms of RA in the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases. Modern studies have shown that RA contains a variety of bioactive components and demonstrates efficacy in managing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Its mechanisms of action involve modulation of the insulin signaling pathway, regulation of lipid metabolism-related enzyme activity, promotion of uric acid excretion, and other processes. Notably, RA exhibits certain common therapeutic effects across hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Through modulation of the gut microbiota and inhibition of inflammatory pathways, RA exerts synergistic, multitarget effects that improve metabolic disorders associated with chronic metabolic diseases.

BACKGROUND:Ca2+expression in astrocytes has been found to be closely related to cognitive function,and the Ca2+signaling pathway regulated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP3R2)and ryanodine receptor(RYR)2 receptors has become a hot spot in the study of cognitive disorder-related diseases. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the expression of Ca2+signals mediated by IP3R2 and RYR2 in hippocampal astrocytes in animal models of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning,and to explore the possible pathogenesis of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. METHODS:C57BL mice with qualified cognitive function were selected by Morris water maze experiment and randomly divided into control group and experimental group.An animal model of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning was established by static carbon monoxide inhalation in the experimental group,and the same amount of air was inhaled in the control group.Behavioral and neuronal changes,astrocyte specific marker glial fibrillary acidic protein,IP3R2,RYR2 receptor and Ca2+concentration in astrocytes of the two groups were detected using Morris water maze,hematoxylin-eosin staining,western blot,immunofluorescence double labeling and Ca2+fluorescence probe at 21 days after modeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the Morris water maze,the escape latency of the experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that in the experimental group,the number of hippocampal pyramidal cells decreased,the cell structure was disordered,and the nucleus was broken and dissolved.Immunofluorescence results showed that IP3R2 and RYR2 were co-expressed with glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus,and the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein were up-regulated in the hippocampus of the experimental group(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of IP3R2,RYR2,and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of the experimental group were increased(P<0.05).Ca2+concentration in hippocampal astrocytes increased significantly in the experimental group(P<0.05).To conclude,astrocytes may affect Ca2+signals by mediating IP3R2 and RYR2 receptors,then impair the cognitive function of mice with carbon monoxide poisoning,and eventually lead to delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

Objective:To explore the role of P2Y1Receptor(P2Y1R)-activated astrocytes in delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning(DEACMP).Methods:SD rats were randomly divided into Control,DEACMP,DEACMP+DMSO,and DEACMP+MRS2179 groups.The latter three groups were exposed to static CO inhalation to establish the DEACMP model,while the Control group inhaled air.The rats in DEACMP+MRS2179 group were injec-ted with 3 μl of P2Y1R antagonist MRS2179 with concentration of 1 mmol/L via lateral ventricle,while the DEACMP+DMSO group an equal volume of DMSO.At 14 and 21 day after DEACMP model establishment,the spatial learning and memory ability of rats were observed by Morris water maze,the injury of pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippo-campus was observed by HE staining.The protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and P2Y1receptor(P2Y1R)in the hippocampal tissues of rats were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The expressions of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the hippocampal tissues of rats were detected by ELISA.Results:In comparison with the Control group,the escape latency was found to be signifi-cantly prolonged in the DEACMP group and the DEACMP+DMSO group.Furthermore,the expression levels of GFAP,P2Y1R,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly increased in the pyramidal cells of the CA1 region of the hippocam-pal tissue(P<0.05).In contrast,the escape latency was significantly reduced and the expression levels of GFAP,P2Y1R,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the DEACMP+MRS2179 group when compared with the DEACMP+DMSO group(P<0.05).Conclusion:P2Y1R activates astrocytes to release inflammatory factors lead-ing to the onset of cognitive impairment in DEACMP,and inhibition of P2Y1R reduces the expression of inflammatory factors and thus improves cognitive function in DEACMP.

Objective:To explore the role of P2Y1Receptor(P2Y1R)-activated astrocytes in delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning(DEACMP).Methods:SD rats were randomly divided into Control,DEACMP,DEACMP+DMSO,and DEACMP+MRS2179 groups.The latter three groups were exposed to static CO inhalation to establish the DEACMP model,while the Control group inhaled air.The rats in DEACMP+MRS2179 group were injec-ted with 3 μl of P2Y1R antagonist MRS2179 with concentration of 1 mmol/L via lateral ventricle,while the DEACMP+DMSO group an equal volume of DMSO.At 14 and 21 day after DEACMP model establishment,the spatial learning and memory ability of rats were observed by Morris water maze,the injury of pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippo-campus was observed by HE staining.The protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and P2Y1receptor(P2Y1R)in the hippocampal tissues of rats were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The expressions of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the hippocampal tissues of rats were detected by ELISA.Results:In comparison with the Control group,the escape latency was found to be signifi-cantly prolonged in the DEACMP group and the DEACMP+DMSO group.Furthermore,the expression levels of GFAP,P2Y1R,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly increased in the pyramidal cells of the CA1 region of the hippocam-pal tissue(P<0.05).In contrast,the escape latency was significantly reduced and the expression levels of GFAP,P2Y1R,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the DEACMP+MRS2179 group when compared with the DEACMP+DMSO group(P<0.05).Conclusion:P2Y1R activates astrocytes to release inflammatory factors lead-ing to the onset of cognitive impairment in DEACMP,and inhibition of P2Y1R reduces the expression of inflammatory factors and thus improves cognitive function in DEACMP.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of rituximab combined with immunosuppressive pulse therapy for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)and analyze its influence on clinical activity score(CAS)and prognosis.Meth-ods A total of 136 patients(272 eyes)with TAO who were admitted to Huanggang Central Hospital from March 2020 to October 2022 were selected and divided into an observation group(68 patients)and a control group(68 patients)using a random number table method.Patients in the control group were given immunosuppressive pulse therapy,while patients in the observation group were given rituximab plus immunosuppressive pulse therapy.Both groups were treated for 4 courses(7 days per course).The clinical efficacy,eye signs,CAS score,thyroid conditions[thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAb),thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroid volume],T lymphocyte subsets,and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.After a follow-up period of six months,the prognosis of patients in the two groups was compared.Results After 4 courses of treatment,the total effective rate of patients in the observation group was 94.12％(64/68),which was higher than that in the control group(82.35％,56/68)(P＜0.05).After 2 and 4 courses of treat-ment,the degree of exophthalmos,intraocular pressure,average palpebral fissure width,retrobulbar soft tissue volume,distance from the bulbus oculi,CAS score,TPOAb,TRAb,and thyroid volume of patients in the observation group were smaller than those in the control group,and all decreased compared to before treatment(all P＜0.05);the thickness of the tear film lipid layer was greater than that in the control group,and both increased compared to before treatment(all P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the said indicators between the two groups before treatment(all P＞0.05).The CD3+,CD4+,and CD8+T lymphocyte levels of patients showed no significant difference between the two groups before treatment(all P＞0.05).After 2 and 4 courses of treatment,the levels of CD3+and CD4+T lymphocyte in both groups were higher than those before treatment.Except that the CD4+T lymphocyte level in the observation group was lower than that in the control group after 2 courses of treatment,the levels of CD3+and CD4+T lymphocyte in the obser-vation group were higher than those in the control group at other time points(all P＜0.05).After 2 and 4 courses of treat-ment,the level of CD8+T lymphocyte in both groups decreased compared to before treatment,and it was lower in the ob-servation group than the control group(all P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reac-tions such as low fever,nausea,and hypokalemia between the two groups(all P＜0.05).After the 6-month follow-up,the improvement rate of patients in the observation group was 95.59％(65/68),which was higher than that in the control group(79.41％,54/68)(P＜0.05).Conclusion Rituximab combined with immunosuppressive pulse therapy is effec-tive for TAO.It can alleviate eye signs and thyroid conditions,reduce clinical activity,and promote prognosis.

Objective To investigate the role of P2Y1 receptors and astrocytes in delayed encephalopathy after acute CO poisoning (DEACMP) and the possible pathogenesis of DEACMP.Methods Male SD rats with acceptable cognitive function were screened by water maze test and randomly divided into two groups:the control group and the CO poisoning group.The poisoning group was subjected to DEACMP model.The behavioral changes,neuronal changes and the expressions of P2Y1 receptor and astrocytes in hippocampus of the two groups were compared at 7,14,21 and 28 d after modeling,respectively.Results Compared with the control group,the escape latencies of rats in the poisoning group were significantly prolonged on the 21st and 28th days after modeling (P<0.05).HE staining showed that the hippocampal pyramidal cells and neurons in the model group exhibited obvious necrosis on days 14,21,and 28 after modeling.The water maze indicated that DEACMP occurred on day 21.Compared with the control group,Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of P2Y1 and GFAP proteins in the hippocampus of the poisoning group were increased at each time point (P<0.05),which increased first and then decreased.Immunofluorescence showed co-expression of P2Y1 and GFAP in hippocampus.Compared with the control group,the expressions of P2Y1 and GFAP in hippocampal CA1 region were up-regulated at each time point after poisoning (P<0.05). Conclusion The activation of astrocytes by P2Y1 receptor may be one of the pathogenesis of DEACMP,and astrocytes may impair learning and memory ability of co-poisoned rats by mediating immune inflammation,leading to DEACMP.

Objective:To explore the clinical and CT imaging features of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated pneumonia (CIP) and to improve the early diagnostic ability of CIP.Methods:From June 1, 2020 to October 31, 2021, the clinical data and chest CT images of 2 067 patients with advanced malignant tumor treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with CIP were enrolled according to the guidelines for CIP diagnosis, and the incidence, time from the start of medication to the onset of CIP, medication cycle, imaging features, imaging patterns, CT grade and outcomes were analyzed. χ 2 test was used to compare the incidence of CIP in patients with or without basic lung disease. Results:Among 2 067 patients with malignant tumors treated with ICI, 67 patients developed CIP, the incidence of CIP was 3.2%. The incidence of CIP was significantly different between 386 patients with basic lung disease (7.00%, 27/386) and 1 681 patients without basic lung disease (2.4%, 40/1 681) (χ 2=21.32, P<0.001). The time from the start of medication to the onset of CIP was 7-367 d (median 52 days), and the duration of medication was 1-12 cycles (median 2 cycles). The imaging features of CIP presented as ground glass opacities in 54 cases (80.6%), solid nodules in 26 cases (38.8%), consolidations in 25 cases (37.3%) and irregular reticular opacities in 24 cases (35.8%). The main radiologic pattern was organizing pneumonia (OP, 34 cases, 50.7%), and followed by diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) pattern (14 cases, 20.9%). According to CT grading, there were 26 cases in low risk grade, 17 cases in moderate risk grade and 24 cases in high risk grade. Of 43 low-and medium-risk grade cases, 25 were OP pattern, accounting for 58.1%, and among 24 high-risk grade patients, 13 were DAD pattern, accounting for 54.2%. Forty-three of the 52 patients were initially untreated, of which 23 patients progressed, 17 had lesion shrinkage, and 3 had resolution, and relapsed in 8 cases after resolution or drug withdrawal. Conclusions:The imaging manifestations of CIP are mainly ground glass opacities, nodules, consolidations, and irregular reticular opacities. The radiologic patterns are mainly OP and DAD. OP is the most common pattern in low-moderate risk grade CIP and DAD is the most common pattern in high risk grade CIP. Patients with basic lung disease are more likely to get CIP.

Objective To investigate the effect of high frequency (10 Hz),low frequency (1 Hz) and theta burst stimulation (TBS) mode of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the recovery of motor function in hemiplegic patients following acute ischemic stroke.Methods Seventy-two patients with hemiplegia after acute ischemic stroke were randomly grouped with the random number table.They were treated with low frequency (n=18),high frequency (n=18),and TBS (n=18) rTMS or sham stimulation (control group,n=18),once a day,for 2 weeks.Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were used to evaluate neurological function in all patients before rTMS treatment (on the day before the first treatment) and after treatment (on the day after the last treatment).Results After treatment,the FMA and NIHSS scores in the 4 groups were significantly improved compared with before treatment (all P<0.05).After rTMS treatment,the FMA and NIHSS scores were improved significantly in the high frequency group,low frequency group and TBS group compare with the control group (all P<0.05).There were no significant differences among all the treatment groups.Conclusion sHigh frequency,low frequency and TBS rTMS can improve the recovery of motor function in hemiplegic patients following acute ischemic stroke.There were no significant differences among all the treatment modes.

Objective To develop a model that could copy the pathological development of psoriasis, the triple-transgenic mice that harboring Plasminogen activator, urokinase ( PLAU) ,PLAU receptor ( PLAUR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 ( STAT3 ) were generated.They are the important genes involved in the pathological development of psoriasis.Methods The transgenic plasmid was constructed by insertion of the PLAU, PLAUR and STAT3 into the downstream bovine keratin 5 promoter respectively.The transgenic mouse was produced by microinjection and the genotyping was detected by PCR.The expression level of the transgenic gene was determined by Western blotting.The pathological changes were observed by HE staining.Results One mouse line was selected with over expression of the PLAU, PLAUR and STAT3 in the tissue of skin.The transgenic mice showed decreased dermal layer, a hyperkeratinized cuticular layer and increased stratum spinosum.The number of hair follicle was reduced and developed abnormally in the transgenic mice.The Munro abscess in the dermal layer and the increased inflammatory cell infiltrates in dermal layer were also observed in the transgenic mice.Conclusions A transgenic mouse line was produced and passage stably, which expressed the PLAU, PLAUR and STAT3 in the tissue of skin and developed the psoriasis progressively.All of our results suggested that the transgenic mice were a useful animal model for psoriasis.

Objective To established cardiac-specific transgenic mice of the cTnC D145E and cTnCG159D and compare the HCM and the DCM.Methods The cTnCD145E and cTnCG159D were generated by site-directed mutagenesis and the transgenic plasmids were constructed by insertion of the mutant genes under the control of α-MHC, which is a myocardium specific promoter.The transgenic mice were generated by microinjection and were all maintained on a C57BL/6J genetic backgroud .The cardiac structure and function of the transgenic mice were compared and analysized by echocardiographic and pathological observation at different ages .Results The cTnCD145E and cTnCG159D transgenic mice were established and developed to HCM and DCM, respectively, with aging.The left ventricular end-systolic volume (ESV) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume ( EDV) decreased and ejection fraction ( EF) and left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (ESPWT) increased in the cTnCD145E transgenic mice, while EDV and ESV increased and EF and ESPWT decreased in the cTnCG159D transgenic mice at 12 months of age.Conclusions Cardiac-specific human cTnCD145E transgenic mice showed HCM phenotypes , and cardiac-specific human cTnC G159D transgenic mice showed DCM phenotypes , which can be used as different models for comparative study of the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy .