ObjectiveTo make clear exercise combined with Shenghui Tang interferes in acetylcholine receptor （M1AChR） to improve mitochondrial autophagy and enhance cognition of Alzheimer's disease （AD） model rats through the adenylate activated protein kinase （AMPK）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a Shenghui Tang group （9.3 g·kg^-1）， an exercise group， an exercise + Shenghui Tang group （9.3 g·kg^-1）， and a rapamycin group （1.5 mg·kg^-1）. Except for the blank group， the rat model of AD was constructed by injecting amyloid beta （Aβ_1-42） into hippocampus stereotaxically. The exercise group received treadmill exercise for 4 weeks， while the Shenghui Tang group received intragastric administration for 4 weeks， and the exercise + Shenghui Tang group received treadmill exercise and intragastric administration of Shenghui Tang for 4 weeks simultaneously. After the intervention， the Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability. Spontaneous behavior was observed in the open field test. The pathological structure of hippocampal neurons was observed by NISSl staining. The expression level of M1AChR in hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The autophagy ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The apoptosis rate was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL）. The expression of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3β （LC3β） was detected by immunofluorescence （IF）. The protein expression of M1AChR， AMPK， p-AMPK， mTOR， Beclin1， LC3β， and chelate 1 （SQSTM1/p62） in hippocampus was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group exhibited significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day （P<0.01） and significantly decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform （P<0.01）. The total movement distance in the open field， the time of movement in the central area， and the average speed obviously decreased （P<0.05）. The arrangement of nerve cells in hippocampus CA1 region was dispersed， and the numbers of Nissl bodies and M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The typical autophagic lysosomal structure decreased. The protein expression of M1AChR， p-AMPK/AMPK， p-mTOR/mTOR， Beclin1， LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the exercise + Shenghui Tang group exhibited obviously improved space exploration and positioning navigation ability （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The total movement distance in the open field， the time of movement in the central area， and the average speed of movement significantly increased （P<0.01）. The number of Nissl bodies significantly increased （P<0.01）. The number of M1AChR positive cells in hippocampus was significantly increased （P<0.01）. The expression of TUNEL positive cells was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The protein expression of M1AChR， p-AMPK/AMPK， p-mTOR/mTOR， Beclin1， LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in hippocampus was significantly increased （P<0.01）， while the protein expression of p62 was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the exercise + Shenghui Tang group， the Shenghui Tang group and the exercise group showed significantly increased platform escape latency on the fifth day （P<0.01） and obviously decreased activity distance in the target quadrant and times of crossing the platform （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The total movement distance in the open field， the time of movement in the central area， and the average speed of movement significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The number of Nissl bodies and the number of M1AChR positive cells significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expression of TUNEL positive cells was obviously increased （P<0.05）. Ultrastructure of the hippocampal region showed decreased autophagy level. The protein expression of M1AChR， p-AMPK/AMPK， p-mTOR/mTOR， LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus was obviously decreased in the Shenghui Tang group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the protein expression of p62 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. In the exercise group， the protein expression of M1AChR， p-AMPK/AMPK， Beclin1， and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was obviously decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the protein expression of p-mTOR/mTOR and p62 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. ConclusionExercise combined with traditional Chinese medicine can enhance the expression of M1AChR in the hippocampus of AD model rats， induce autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway， and improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats.

The disease-syndrome combination animal model in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） andrology serves as an important bridge linking TCM theory with modern medical research， providing a key experimental platform for elucidating the 'syndrome-disease' correlation mechanism in male-specific diseases and for screening effective prescriptions. This article reviews recent progress in animal model research on common TCM andrological diseases， including prostatic diseases， sexual dysfunction， and male infertility， with a focus on analyzing the application， advantages， and disadvantages of various modeling strategies， such as immune induction， hormonal intervention， and multi-factor combination across different syndrome types. However， despite breakthroughs in model construction techniques， current research still faces several challenges， including insufficient standardization of syndrome differentiation and difficulties in quantifying TCM-specific indicators. Future studies need to optimize model evaluation systems by integrating modern technologies， in order to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM andrology research.

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.

Abstract CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ) is a transcription factor that plays a vital role in diverse biological processes,including cell proliferation,cell apoptosis,inflammation,and immune regulation.It is expressed in female reproductive organs such as the ovary and uterus,and it serves as a critical regulator of both physiological functions and pathological conditions.This review comprehensively summarizes the significant contributions of C/EBPβ to physiological processes such as follicular development and decidualization,as well as its involvements and mechanisms in reproductive disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome,endometriosis,and ovarian tumors,aiming to provide a potential research target in the field of reproduction.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

Lentiviral vectors(LVs)are key gene delivery tools for integrating target genes into the host genome,but they may also pose risks of insertional mutagenesis.The vector copy number(VCN)in cells is critical for determining the safety of gene modification.However,the reliability and accuracy of its quantification process are influenced by multiple factors.Developing cell reference materials with specific vector copy numbers represents a viable approach to enhance the reliability and consistency of measurement results,enabling quality control of the quantification process and traceability of outcomes.However,the preparation of such reference materials faces challenges in cell sample design,preparation protocols,and advanced quantification techniques.In this study,T lymphocyte cell line Jurkat-based reference materials with LV gene copy numbers of 1 and 2 copy/cell were developed.A high-precision duplex digital polymerase chain reaction(dPCR)method was established to quantify the LV gene and endogenous genes simultaneously.Additionally,the results of dPCR were cross-validated through next-generation sequencing and flow cytometric analysis.Ultimately,confocal microscopy characterization results showed that the developed cell reference materials had intact morphology.The quantification result of VCN-1 was(1.07±0.11)copy/cell,and that of VCN-2 was(2.09±0.21)copy/cell.These cell reference materials demonstrated compliance with stability and homogeneity requirements,and could be applied for quality control throughout the VCN measurement workflow and metrological traceability,improving the accuracy,comparability,and validity of copy number measurements.

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily investigate the effects and mechanism of action of Yishen Yangsui Formula (, YSYSF)on the recovery of neurological function in rats with degenerative cervical myelopathy. METHODS: Fifty adult SD female rats were randomly divided into control group, sham group, model group, YSYSF group and positive drug group by using randomized numerical table method. In the model group, YSYSF group and positive drug group, polyvinyl alcohol acrylamide interpenetrating network hydrogel(water-absorbent swelling material) was used to construct a rat spinal cord chronic compression model. The sham group was implanted with the water-absorbent swelling material and then removed without causing spinal cord compression. The control group, the sham group and the model group were given equal amounts of saline by gavage, the group of YSYSF was given Chinese herbal medicine soup by gavage 9.1 g·kg^-1 once a day, and the positive drug group was given tetrahexylsalicylglucoside sodium monosialate ganglioside by intraperitoneal injection 4.2 mg·kg^-1 once a day. The motor function of the rats was assessed by the BBB method after 1, 3, 7, and 14 d of drug administration. The spinal cord tissues were taken from rats executed 14 d after drug administration, and the morphological changes of the spinal cord compression site were observed by HE staining, and the expression levels of Caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β, and IL-18 were detected in the area of spinal cord injury by Western blot method. RESULTS: The BBB scores of the control group and the sham group were normal at all time points after modeling, which were higher than the BBB scores of the model group, the YSYSF, and the positive drug group (P<0.05). From the 3rd day after gavage, at all time points, the BBB scores of rats in the YSYSF group and the positive drug group were higher than those of rats in the model group (P<0.05). The staining pattern of HE spinal cord tissue was normal in the control group and the sham group, and the HE spinal cord in the model group was severely damaged with a large number of neuron deaths, whereas the damage to the spinal cord and neuron cells was reduced in the YSYSF group and the positive drug group. The expression levels of caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β and IL-18 in the spinal cord of the model group were significantly higher than those of the sham group (P<0.0001), and the expression levels of caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the YSYSF group and the drug group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION YSYSF can improve the motor function of rats with degenerative cervical spinal cord disease, alleviate the pathological changes, and promote the recovery of spinal cord neurological function. The specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of inflammatory vesicles NLRP3 and PYCARD, the reduction of the release of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, the reduction of the expression of caspase-1 and GSDMD, the reduction of cellular death, and the inhibition of inflammatory response.
Animals ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Spinal Cord/pathology* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Spinal Cord Diseases/drug therapy* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gene carrier rate and genotype distribution characteristics of thalassemia in the population of Kunming, and compare the differences of red blood cell (RBC) parameters between β⁺ heterozygous carriers, β⁰ heterozygous carriers and healthy population, as well as between different sexes of adults aged 18-45 years. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 3 195 cases of thalassemia gene screened in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 was performed to detect 21 mutations of β-globin genes which was common in Chinese people using fluorescence PCR melting curve method. Patients with single heterozygous carrying β-thalassemia gene were divided into β⁺ heterozygote group and β⁰ heterozygote group, while the control group consisted of 219 healthy individuals. Four indices, including RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were collected from all β heterozygous carriers and 219 healthy people, and compared between β⁺ heterozygote group, β⁰ heterozygote group and control group, as well as between β⁺ heterozygous carriers, β⁰ heterozygous carriers and healthy population of different sexes aged 18-45 years. RESULTS: There were 688 cases confirmed thalassemia gene carriers, accounting for 21.53%. Among them, 322 cases were found to have β-globin gene mutations, including 145 cases of β⁺ heterozygote, 151 cases of β⁰ heterozygote, and 14 cases of β⁺ homozygotes as well as β⁺ and β⁰ dual heterozygotes. Additionally, 12 cases were found to have simultaneous mutation or deletion of β-globin and α-globin. The carrier rate of CD26 G>A mutation in β⁺ thalassemia was the highest, accounting for 57.9%, while in β⁰ thalassemia CD17 A>T was the highest, accounting for 46.4%. The erythrocyte parameters of 296 β heterozygous mutation carriers were compared with the normal reference interval, and it was found that 218 cases with RBC value greater than the highest value of reference interval, while 105, 281, and 269 cases with Hb, MCV, and MCH value less than the lowest value of reference interval, respectively. There were significant differences in the 4 erythrocyte parameters between β⁺ heterozygotes, β⁰ heterozygotes and healthy individuals (all P < 0.001), and further comparison between different sexes also showed significant differences (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The carrier rates of thalassemia gene and β-thalassemia heterozygote are both at high level in Kunming, and there are significant differences in the erythrocyte parameters between β⁺ heterozygous carriers, β⁰ heterozygous carriers and healthy individuals. When genetic counseling, it is necessary to inform and strengthen screening among adults of marriageable age to prevent birth of children with severe thalassemia.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/blood* ; Adult ; Heterozygote ; Male ; Female ; beta-Globins/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Adolescent ; Genotype ; Erythrocytes ; Erythrocyte Indices ; Young Adult ; China ; Genetic Testing ; Asian People/genetics*

As the first defense of respiratory system,airway epi-thelial cells(AECs)play an important role in separating the re-spiratory internal and external environment.They are essential for the natural immune function.Small airway lesions are an im-portant early pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),when AECs are exposed to harmful particles or gases for a long time,the epithelial barrier is damaged,and the signa-ling pathways which involved in differentiation,repair,and in-flammatory are disordered,resulting in epithelial cell cycle stag-nation and accelerated aging.A number of studies have sugges-ted that AECs of COPD patients express high levels of aging markers,suggesting that senescence of AECs is closely related to COPD.This review discusses the potential mechanisms of AECs senescence in COPD,the impact of AECs senescence on the de-velopment and severity of the disease,and highlights potential targets for modulating cellular senescence in airway epithelium as a therapeutic approach in COPD.