OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity of total alkaloids from Gelsemium elegans Benth. (TAG) in vivo and in vitro and to elucidate their potential mechanisms of action through transcriptomic analysis. METHODS: TAG extraction was conducted, and the primary components were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of TAG (100, 150, and 200 µg/mL) on various tumor cells, including SMMC-7721, HepG2, H22, CAL27, MCF7, HT29, and HCT116, were assessed. Effects of TAG on HCC proliferation and apoptosis were detected by colony formation assays and cell stainings. Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax protein levels were detected by Western blotting. In vivo, a tumor xenograft model was developed using H22 cells. Totally 40 Kunming mice were randomly assigned to model, cyclophosphamide (20 mg/kg), TAG low-dose (TAG-L, 0.5 mg/kg), and TAG high-dose (TAG-H, 1 mg/kg) groups, with 10 mice in each group. Tumor volume, body weight, and tumor weight were recorded and compared during 14-day treatment. Immune organ index were calculated. Tissue changes were oberseved by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, as well as quatitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), were performed to detect mRNA and metabolite expressions. RESULTS: HPLC successfully identified the components of TAG extraction. Live cell imaging and analysis, along with cell viability assays, demonstrated that TAG inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721, HepG2, H22, CAL27, MCF7, HT29, and HCT116 cells. Colony formation assays, Hoechst 33258 staining, Rhodamine 123 staining, and Western blotting revealed that TAG not only inhibited HCC proliferation but also promoted apoptosis (P<0.05). In vivo experiments showed that TAG inhibited the growth of solid tumors in HCC in mice (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis and RT-qPCR indicated that the inhibition of HCC by TAG was associated with the regulation of the key gene CXCL13. CONCLUSION TAG inhibits HCC both in vivo and in vitro, with its inhibitory effect linked to the regulation of the key gene CXCL13.
Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Liver Neoplasms/genetics* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics* ; Humans ; Alkaloids/therapeutic use* ; Gelsemium/chemistry* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Mice ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Objective:To investigate the effect and safety of pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) in treating the chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients with main pancreatic duct (MPD) stones and to analyze the influencing factors of success of lithotripsy.Methods:Clinical data of 132 patients with CP complicated with MPD stones treated with P-ESWL in the Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 103 males and 29 females, aged (50.3±16.9) years. The times of P-ESWL, the success rate of stone fragmentation, the necessity of combining endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograhy (ERCP), clearance rate of MPD stones, and incidence of post-P-ESWL complications (acute pancreatitis, abdominal hematoma, infection, steinstrasse, perforation, etc.) were evaluated. The factors influencing the success rate of lithotripsy were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results:All patients underwent P-ESWL treatment, with (2.23±0.82) times of P-ESWL per person. The success rate of stone fragmentation was 87.1%(115/132). Of 107 CP patients (81.1%, 107/132) were treated with their first P-ESWL. Of 12 patients (9.1%, 12/132) underwent single P-ESWL, and 120 (90.9%, 120/132) underwent P-ESWL combined with ERCP. There were 95 cases (72.0%, 95/132) with effective removal of stones, and 62 (47.0%, 62/132) with complete removal of stones. Post-P-ESWL complications included eight cases (6.1%, 8/132) of acute pancreatitis, two (7.6%, 2/132) of steinstrasse complicated with acute pancreatitis and one (0.8%, 1/132) of abdominal hematoma. No infection or perforation occurred. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the higher CT value of stones ( OR=1.239, 95% CI: 1.040-1.477, P=0.017) was associated with the lower success rate of stone fragmentation. Conclusion:P-ESWL is safe and effective in treating patients with CP complicated with MPD stones. The CT value of stones is a risk factor for the success rate of P-ESWL.

Objective To design a new type of elastic gloves for burn scar rehabilitation to solve the problems of conventional elastic gloves in pressure distribution,elasticity maintenance and absorption of sweat stains.Methods The new elastic gloves was made of non-woven fabric by spandex material,which was composed of external and internal parts.The main body of the external part was used as the primary structure of the gloves,which was provided with a sealing strip,a storage bag,a drawstring,etc.The internal part consisted of a bonding sheet,an elastic band,a fiber sheet,an absorbent sponge,some breathable holes,etc.Results The new elastic gloves designed could be used for the pressure therapy for the scars on the opisthenar,palm side,finger web and purlicue with scar proliferation inhibitted effectively,and the breathable hole and absorbent sponge contributed to the absorption of the sweat of the patient.Conclusion The new type of elastic gloves gains advantages in elasticity,wearing comfort and effectiveness of the pressure therapy for purlicue and finger web,and can be used for the pressure therapy to inhibit proliferative scarring after burns.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):118-120]

Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia(RIT)faces a perplexing challenge in the clinical treatment of cancer patients,and current therapeutic approaches are inadequate in the clinical settings.In this research,oxy-matrine,a new molecule capable of healing RIT was screened out,and the underlying regulatory mecha-nism associated with magakaryocyte(MK)differentiation and thrombopoiesis was demonstrated.The capacity of oxymatrine to induce MK differentiation was verified in K-562 and Meg-01 cells in vitro.The ability to induce thrombopoiesis was subsequently demonstrated in Tg(cd41:enhanced green fluorescent protein(eGFP))zebrafish and RIT model mice.In addition,we carried out network pharmacological pre-diction,drug affinity responsive target stability assay(DARTS)and cellular thermal shift assay(CETSA)analyses to explore the potential targets of oxymatrine.Moreover,the pathway underlying the effects of oxymatrine was determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses,Western blot(WB),and immunofluorescence.Oxymatrine markedly promoted MK differentiation and maturation in vitro.Moreover,oxymatrine induced thrombopoiesis in Tg(cd41:eGFP)zebrafish and accelerated thrombopoiesis and platelet function recovery in RIT model mice.Mechanistically,oxymatrine directly binds to toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)and further regulates the downstream pathway stimulator of interferon genes(STING)/nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB),which can be blocked by C29 and C-176,which are specific inhibitors of TLR2 and STING,respectively.Taken together,we demonstrated that oxymatrine,a novel TLR2 agonist,plays a critical role in accelerating MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis via the STING/NF-κB axis,suggesting that oxymatrine is a promising candidate for RIT therapy.

Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia (RIT) faces a perplexing challenge in the clinical treatment of cancer patients, and current therapeutic approaches are inadequate in the clinical settings. In this research, oxymatrine, a new molecule capable of healing RIT was screened out, and the underlying regulatory mechanism associated with magakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and thrombopoiesis was demonstrated. The capacity of oxymatrine to induce MK differentiation was verified in K-562 and Meg-01 cells in vitro. The ability to induce thrombopoiesis was subsequently demonstrated in Tg (cd41:enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)) zebrafish and RIT model mice. In addition, we carried out network pharmacological prediction, drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS) and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) analyses to explore the potential targets of oxymatrine. Moreover, the pathway underlying the effects of oxymatrine was determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence. Oxymatrine markedly promoted MK differentiation and maturation in vitro. Moreover, oxymatrine induced thrombopoiesis in Tg (cd41:eGFP) zebrafish and accelerated thrombopoiesis and platelet function recovery in RIT model mice. Mechanistically, oxymatrine directly binds to toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and further regulates the downstream pathway stimulator of interferon genes (STING)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), which can be blocked by C29 and C-176, which are specific inhibitors of TLR2 and STING, respectively. Taken together, we demonstrated that oxymatrine, a novel TLR2 agonist, plays a critical role in accelerating MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis via the STING/NF-κB axis, suggesting that oxymatrine is a promising candidate for RIT therapy.

Aim To investigate the effect and mechanism of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)on ferroptosis in white adi-pocytes.Methods The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into white adipocytes by inducer stimulation.The experiment was divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor)group and Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α(p53 inhibitor)group.Ang Ⅱ was used to treat cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.JC-1 kit was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)level.Iron ion kit was used to detect intracellular iron content.Glutathione(GSH)kit was used to detect GSH content.Fer-1 and Ang Ⅱ were added to treat cells to detect the the changes of ferroptosis level.The expression of p53 and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1(SAT1)protein was detected.Subsequently,PFT-α and Ang Ⅱ were added to co-treat cells to detect the changes of p53 and SAT1 protein expression,and to observe the effect of inhibiting p53 expression on the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.Results 3T3-L1 cells were successfully differentiated into white adipocytes by stimulator-induced differentiation.Ang Ⅱ induced ferroptosis in white adipocytes.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the mRNA expression of anti-ferroptosis factor glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and iron regulatory protein 1(IRP-1)was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the mRNA expression of pro-ferroptosis factor acyl-CoA synthetase of long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)was up-regulated.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated.Ang Ⅱ treatment increased the content of intracellular iron ions and decreased the levels of GSH and MMP.Compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the mRNA expression of IRP-1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1 group.Ang Ⅱ induced changes in the expression profile of adipokines in white adipocytes.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein ex-pression of pro-inflammatory adipokine leptin(LEP),resistin(RETN),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin(AD-PN)and omentin 1(ITLN1)was down-regulated.In addition,Ang Ⅱ increased the protein expression of p53 and SAT1.Inhibition of p53 expression can improve the level of ferroptosis and adipokine expression in white adipocytes trea-ted with Ang Ⅱ.Western blot results showed that compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the protein expression of p53 and SAT1 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was up-regulated,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was down-regulated.The protein expression of ADPN was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-αgroup,and the protein expression of TNF-α,LEP and RETN was down-regulated.Conclusion Ang Ⅱ induces fer-roptosis in white adipocytes through activating the p53/SAT1 signaling pathway.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To design a new type of elastic gloves for burn scar rehabilitation to solve the problems of conventional elastic gloves in pressure distribution,elasticity maintenance and absorption of sweat stains.Methods The new elastic gloves was made of non-woven fabric by spandex material,which was composed of external and internal parts.The main body of the external part was used as the primary structure of the gloves,which was provided with a sealing strip,a storage bag,a drawstring,etc.The internal part consisted of a bonding sheet,an elastic band,a fiber sheet,an absorbent sponge,some breathable holes,etc.Results The new elastic gloves designed could be used for the pressure therapy for the scars on the opisthenar,palm side,finger web and purlicue with scar proliferation inhibitted effectively,and the breathable hole and absorbent sponge contributed to the absorption of the sweat of the patient.Conclusion The new type of elastic gloves gains advantages in elasticity,wearing comfort and effectiveness of the pressure therapy for purlicue and finger web,and can be used for the pressure therapy to inhibit proliferative scarring after burns.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):118-120]

AIM To investigate the effects of Xuesaitong Capsules(Panax notoginseng saponins)on ischemia/reperfusion injury in a mouse model of skin frostbite.METHODS The mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the dexamethasone group(1 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Xuesaitong Capsules groups(0.036,0.072,and 0.144 g/kg),with eight mice in each group.A frostbite model was established using a dry ice-cooled ceramic(ferrite)magnet.On the 2nd day after modeling,each group started its corresponding dosing by gavage for 14 consecutive days.The wound healing,histopathological changes,and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),thromboxane B2(TXB2),6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-K-PGF1α),nitric oxide(NO)and endothelin(ET)were assessed using ELISA.The superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in skin tissues were measured biochemically.The protein expressions of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,Toll-like receptor(TLR)4 and phosphorylated nuclear factor-KB p65(p-NF-κB p65)in skin tissues were determined by Western blot.Additionally,LncRNA H19 mRNA expression in skin tissues was evaluated using RT-qPCR.RESULTS After the final administration,compared with the control group,the model group exhibited partial scab detachment,wound healing,and larger wound areas;hyperkeratosis with incomplete keratinization,detachment of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue,partial loss of appendages,subcutaneous edema,and dilated,congested,and hemorrhagic stromal vessels with extensive lymphocyte infiltration revealed by the histopathological examination;elevated serum levels of hs-CRP,TXB2,and ET(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased 6-K-PGF1α and NO levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced SOD activity in skin tissues(P＜0.01);increased MDA levels(P＜0.01);and upregulated protein expressions of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65,as well as LncRNA H19 mRNA expression(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the group intervened with high-dose Xuesaitong Capsules displayed reduced wound areas(P＜0.01);decreased serum levels of hs-CRP,TXB2 and ET(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased 6-K-PGF1α and NO levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);enhanced SOD activity(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced MDA level in skin tissues(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and down-regulated TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,TLR4 and p-NF-κB p65 protein expressions and suppressed LncRNA H19 mRNA expression in skin tissues as well(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Xuesaitong Capsules alleviate ischemia/reperfusion injury in frostbite-injured mice by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti oxidative stress effects and restoring vascular endothelial function mediated by the downregulation of LncRNA H19 expression and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Aim To investigate the effect and mechanism of angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)on ferroptosis in white adi-pocytes.Methods The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into white adipocytes by inducer stimulation.The experiment was divided into control group,Ang Ⅱ group,Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1(ferroptosis inhibitor)group and Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α(p53 inhibitor)group.Ang Ⅱ was used to treat cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.JC-1 kit was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)level.Iron ion kit was used to detect intracellular iron content.Glutathione(GSH)kit was used to detect GSH content.Fer-1 and Ang Ⅱ were added to treat cells to detect the the changes of ferroptosis level.The expression of p53 and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1(SAT1)protein was detected.Subsequently,PFT-α and Ang Ⅱ were added to co-treat cells to detect the changes of p53 and SAT1 protein expression,and to observe the effect of inhibiting p53 expression on the expression levels of ferroptosis factors and adipokines.Results 3T3-L1 cells were successfully differentiated into white adipocytes by stimulator-induced differentiation.Ang Ⅱ induced ferroptosis in white adipocytes.RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the mRNA expression of anti-ferroptosis factor glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and iron regulatory protein 1(IRP-1)was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the mRNA expression of pro-ferroptosis factor acyl-CoA synthetase of long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)was up-regulated.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated.Ang Ⅱ treatment increased the content of intracellular iron ions and decreased the levels of GSH and MMP.Compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the mRNA expression of IRP-1 and SLC7A11 was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+Fer-1 group.Ang Ⅱ induced changes in the expression profile of adipokines in white adipocytes.Western blot results showed that compared with control group,the protein ex-pression of pro-inflammatory adipokine leptin(LEP),resistin(RETN),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ group,and the protein expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin(AD-PN)and omentin 1(ITLN1)was down-regulated.In addition,Ang Ⅱ increased the protein expression of p53 and SAT1.Inhibition of p53 expression can improve the level of ferroptosis and adipokine expression in white adipocytes trea-ted with Ang Ⅱ.Western blot results showed that compared with Ang Ⅱ group,the protein expression of p53 and SAT1 was down-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-α group,the protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was up-regulated,and the protein expression of ACSL4 was down-regulated.The protein expression of ADPN was up-regulated in Ang Ⅱ+PFT-αgroup,and the protein expression of TNF-α,LEP and RETN was down-regulated.Conclusion Ang Ⅱ induces fer-roptosis in white adipocytes through activating the p53/SAT1 signaling pathway.