ObjectiveTo construct a multifunctional liposomal delivery system by replacing cholesterol（Chol） in conventional liposomes with saikosaponin D（SSD） and modifying with poloxamer 407（P407） for co-delivery of curcumin（Cur）. The system was evaluated for in vivo tumor targeting and inhibitory effects on mouse subcutaneous solid tumors. MethodsSingle-factor and orthogonal tests combined with information entropy weighting were used to optimize the formulation process of the liposome with encapsulation efficiency and absolute Zeta potential as indexes， and validation studies and liposomal characterization were performed. A subcutaneous solid tumor model was established by injecting H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right forelimb of mice. DiR-loaded traditional Chol liposomes（P407-DiR-Chol-LPs， PDCL） and novel SSD-based liposomes（P407-DiR-SSD-LPs， PDSL） were prepared by the optimized formulation process， and tail vein injection was performed to investigate the impact of SSD on liposome tumor targeting with small animal in vivo imaging. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups， including blank group， model group， free doxorubicin（DOX） group（2 mg·kg^-1）， free Cur group（8 mg·kg^-1）， free SSD group（10 mg·kg^-1）， P407-Cur-Chol-LPs（PCCL） group， P407-SSD-LPs（PSL） group， and P407-Cur-SSD-Lps（PCSL） group. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally every other day for seven doses. Antitumor efficacy and biocompatibility were evaluated by monitoring body weight change， organ indices， tumor volume and mass， relative tumor proliferation rate（T/C）， and tumor growth inhibition rate（TGI）. Histopathological analysis of liver， kidney， and tumor tissues was performed using hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase（AST）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， blood urea nitrogen（BUN）， and creatinine（Crea）in mice were quantified by fully automated biochemical analyzer. ResultsOrthogonal test yielded optimal ratios of Cur， SSD， and P407 to soybean phosphatidylcholine（SPC） as 1∶25， 1∶20， and 1∶4. The optimized PCSL exhibited spherical morphology with a particle size of 179.15 nm， a Zeta potential of -47.25 mV， and an encapsulation efficiency of 96.40%. Its in vitro release profile conformed to first-order kinetics， demonstrating excellent storage stability and hemocompatibility. In vivo imaging revealed that the fluorescence signal in tumor tissues and the fluorescence intensity ratio between tumors and organs were significantly higher in the PDSL group than in the PDCL group（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Among the treatment groups， PCSL group showed superior efficacy over free Cur group， free SSD group， PCCL group， and PSL group， with TGI>40% and T/C<60%， indicating pronounced anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Histopathology and serum biochemistry indicated minimal hepatorenal toxicity and improved hepatic and renal function in PCSL-treated mice. ConclusionReplacing Chol with SSD in preparing multifunctional drug delivery systems not only stabilizes liposomes but also yields superior anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy， achieving the effect of drug-excipient integration. Co-delivery of Cur via this system can be used for treating subcutaneous solid tumors in hepatocellular carcinoma， providing new insights and technical approaches for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma research and the meridian-guiding and messenger-directing theory in traditional Chinese medicine.

Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.

Objective:To explore the influencing factors for skin pruritus and to construct a nomogram prediction model in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.Methods:It was a retrospective cross-sectional investigation study. The PD patients who were regularly followed up between July, 2023 and April, 2024 in PD center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled in this study. The pruritus status was evaluated by the 14-Item UP-Dial Scale. The general demographic data and clinical data were collected. The patients were divided into pruritus group and non-pruritus group according to the presence or absence of skin itching. The differences of clinical data and laboratory results were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associated factors for pruritus in PD patients. The nomogram model was constructed by R software. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the performance of the model, and its clinical effectiveness was evaluated using the calibration curve.Results:A total of 315 PD patients were enrolled in this study, with age of (48.0±12.9) years, including 134 females (42.5%). Among them, 161 patients (51.1%) experienced skin pruritus. Of whom, 111 patients (68.9%) had mild pruritus, 34 patients (21.1%) had moderate pruritus, 16 patients (9.9%) had severe pruritus. The age ( t=-2.266, P=0.024), proportion of diabetes mellitus ( χ2=3.910, P=0.048), Charson comorbidity index ( Z=-2.458, P=0.014), blood eosinophil percentage ( Z=-2.385, P=0.017), C-reactive protein ( Z=-2.590, P=0.010), serum phosphorus ( Z=-3.233, P=0.001) and β2 microglobulin ( Z=-2.756, P=0.006) level in the pruritus group were higher than those in the non-pruritus group, and the measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) level ( Z=-3.708, P<0.001) of patients in the pruritus group was lower than that in the non-pruritus group. There were 262 patients in the training set and 53 patients in the validation set. The multivariate logistic regression analysis in the training set revealed that advanced age ( OR=1.032, 95% CI 1.010-1.054, P=0.004), lower mGFR ( OR=0.758, 95% CI 0.648-0.886, P<0.001), higher serum phosphorus ( OR=2.761, 95% CI 1.282-6.024, P=0.010), and elevated blood eosinophil percentage ( OR=1.098, 95% CI 1.012-1.191, P=0.025) were independent factors associated with pruritus in PD patients. The nomogram model constructed based on these indicators demonstrated good discrimination and calibration. In the training set, the area under the ROC curve ( AUC) was 0.757 (95% CI 0.699-0.816), with Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2=4.979, P=0.760. In the validation set, the AUC was 0.779 (95% CI 0.651-0.907), and Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2=12.938, P=0.114. Conclusions:The prevalence of skin pruritus is 51.1% in PD patient. Advanced age, lower mGFR, higher serum phosphorus and higher blood eosinophil percentage are the independent influencing factors for pruritus in PD patients. The nomogram model constructed based on these indicators shows excellent predictive performance for skin pruritus in PD patients.

Objective:To analyze the relationship between social function and family support in young and middle-aged patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the patients undergoing maintenance PD therapy for more than 3 months at the Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, from May to October 2023 were recruited retrospectively. The social dysfunction screening scale and family support self-rating scale were used to evaluate the social dysfunction and family support of PD patients, respectively. The social demographic and clinical data of the patients were collected. Logistic regression analysis model was used to identify associated factors of social dysfunction in PD patients.Results:A total of 359 PD patients were recruited with age of (42.6±9.5) years old. Among them, 197 patients (54.9%) were males, and 33 patients (9.2%) were complicated with diabetes. The dialysis age was 28.8 (13.5, 56.3) months. The score of social function was 2 (1, 4), and the score of family support was (10.5±2.2). There were 199 patients (55.4%) having social dysfunction. There were 224 patients (62.4%) employed after PD. Compared with the normal social function group, the social dysfunction group had significantly lower score in family support ( Z=-2.613, P=0.009), serum potassium ( t=-2.725, P=0.007), urea clearance index ( Z=-2.346, P=0.019) and proportions of married status ( χ2=6.847, P=0.009), pre-dialysis employment ( χ2=3.996, P=0.046) and post-dialysis employment ( χ2=8.331, P=0.004), and higher serum creatinine ( Z=2.175, P=0.030), and proportions of annual household income < 100 000 yuan ( χ2=6.270, P=0.012) and diabetes mellitus ( χ2=4.400, P=0.036). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that family support ( OR=0.828, 95% CI 0.733-0.935, P=0.002), diabetes mellitus ( OR=3.551, 95% CI 1.456-8.658, P=0.005) and serum potassium ( OR=0.559, 95% CI 0.374-0.835, P=0.005) were independent correlated factors of social dysfunction in young and middle-aged PD patients. Conclusions:The prevalence of social dysfunction is 55.4%, and the employment rate is 62.4% in young and middle-aged PD patients. Poor family support, diabetes mellitus and decreased serum potassium level are independently associated with social dysfunction in young and middle-aged PD patients.

Researchers commonly use cyclization recombination enzyme/locus of X-over P1 (Cre/loxP) technology-based conditional gene knockouts of model mice to investigate the functional roles of genes of interest in Sertoli and Leydig cells within the testis. However, the shortcomings of these genetic tools include high costs, lengthy experimental periods, and limited accessibility for researchers. Therefore, exploring alternative gene silencing techniques is of great practical value. In this study, we employed adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for gene silencing in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Our findings demonstrated that AAV serotypes 1, 8, and 9 exhibited high infection efficiency in both types of testis cells. Importantly, we discovered that all three AAV serotypes exhibited exquisite specificity in targeting Sertoli cells via tubular injection while demonstrating remarkable selectivity in targeting Leydig cells via interstitial injection. We achieved cell-specific knockouts of the steroidogenic acute regulatory ( Star ) and luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr) genes in Leydig cells, but not in Sertoli cells, using AAV9-single guide RNA (sgRNA)-mediated gene editing in Rosa26-LSL-Cas9 mice. Knockdown of androgen receptor ( Ar ) gene expression in Sertoli cells of wild-type mice was achieved via tubular injection of AAV9-short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated targeting. Our findings offer technical approaches for investigating gene function in Sertoli and Leydig cells through AAV9-mediated gene silencing.
Animals ; Male ; Leydig Cells/metabolism* ; Mice ; Dependovirus/genetics* ; Sertoli Cells/metabolism* ; Gene Silencing ; Genetic Vectors ; Testis/cytology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of Juan Bi Pill (JBP) in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: From February 2017 to May 2018, 115 participants from 4 centers were randomly divided into JBP group (57 cases) and placebo group (58 cases) in a 1:1 ratio using a random number table method. Participants received a dose of JBP (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with methotrexate (MTX, 10 mg per week) or placebo (4 g, twice a day, orally) combined with MTX for 12 weeks. Participants were required with follow-up visits at 24 and 48 weeks, attending 7 assessment visits. Participants were undergo disease activity assessment 7 times (at baseline and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks) and safety assessments 6 times (at baseline and 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks). The primary endpoint was 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP). The secondary endpoints included American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for 20% and 50% improvement (ACR20/50), Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), visual analog scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, Medial Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale score, serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tender joint count, swollen joint count, and morning stiffness. The adverse reactions were observed during the treatment. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP scores in both groups were lower than before treatment (both P<0.01), while the remission rate of DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP and low disease activity of JBP group were higher than those in the placebo group (both P<0.01). JBP demonstrated better efficacy on ACR20 and ACR50 compliance rate at 12 and 48 weeks comparing to placebo (all P<0.05). The CDAI and HAQ-DI score, pain VAS and global VAS change of RA patients and physicians, the serum ESR and CRP levels, and the number of tenderness and swelling joints were lower than before treatment at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks in both groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the reduction of above indices in the JBP group was more obvious than those in the placebo group at 12 weeks (ESR and CRP, both P<0.05) or at 12 and 48 weeks (all P<0.01). There was no difference in adverse reactions between the 2 groups during treatment (P=0.75). CONCLUSION JBP combined with MTX could effectively reduce disease activity in patients with RA in active stage, reduce the symptoms of arthritis, and improve the quality of life, while ensuring safety, reliability, and fewer adverse effects. (Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02885597).
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Methotrexate/adverse effects* ; Female ; Double-Blind Method ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Adult ; Antirheumatic Agents/adverse effects* ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between physical activity and genetic risk and their combined effects on the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 318,085 biobank participants from the UK. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The participants were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-genetic-risk groups based on their polygenic risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression models and multiplicative interaction analyses were used. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 13 years, 9,209 participants were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For low genetic risk, compared to low physical activity, the hazard ratios ( HRs) for moderate and high physical activity were 0.853 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.748-0.972) and 0.831 (95% CI: 0.727-0.950), respectively. For intermediate genetic risk, the HRs were 0.829 (95% CI: 0.758-0.905) and 0.835 (95% CI: 0.764-0.914), respectively. For participants with high genetic risk, the HRs were 0.809 (95% CI: 0.746-0.877) and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.754-0.888), respectively. A significant interaction was observed between genetic risk and physical activity. CONCLUSION Moderate or high levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease across all genetic risk groups, highlighting the need to tailor activity interventions for genetically susceptible individuals.
Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology* ; Exercise ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Aged ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Risk Factors ; United Kingdom/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Adult

The amino-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proCNP)is a diagnostic inflam-matory marker clinically used for diagnosing bacterial infections.This study aims to establish a phage display library of single-chain variable fragment(scFv)antibodies against canine NT-proC-NP and to screen for scFvs with high binding affinity to NT-proCNP.Initially,NT-proCNP was prepared using prokaryotic expression system and was used to immunize New Zealand White rab-bits.Upon achieving the desired serum titer,total RNA was extracted from the splenocytes of rab-bits and reverse transcribed into cDNA.Using this cDNA as a template,degenerate primers were employed to amplify the genes of the rabbit antibody light chain variable region(VL)and heavy chain variable region(VH).The VL and VH regions were spliced together to form a complete scFv fragment via overlap extension PCR.The scFv was then ligated into the phagemid pComb3XSS and electroporated into competent E.coli TG1 cells to construct a rabbit-derived anti-NT-proCNP scFv immunological library.This library underwent four rounds of enrichment and screening to isolate specific single-chain antibodies.The selected antibody was subsequently ex-pressed in a soluble form within a prokaryotic system,and its immunological activity was evalua-ted.Using phage display technology,this study successfully identified a single-chain antibody scFv-1-CNP with strong antigen-binding activity and genetic sequence characteristics of scFvs,providing a research direction for further exploration of scFv applications in the detection of NT-proCNP.

Medical therapy and surgical intervention are the two primary approaches for treating myocardial bridge.However,there remains controversy regarding the use of coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and myocardial bridge unroofing.Here,we report a case of myocardial infarction following CABG in a patient with a myocardial bridge.The patient was admitted to Lanzhou First Peopie's Hospital with persistent chest pain,chest tightness,and shortness of breath lasting 2 hours.Physical examination revealed no significant abnormalities.Electrocardiography(ECG)indicated extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction.Laboratory findings showed myoglobin levels of 140.1 ng/ml and troponin Ⅰ levels of 2.59 ng/ml,with no other significant abnormalities.The initial diagnosis was acute extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction.Emergency coronary angiography revealed a myocardial bridge in the mid-segment of the left anterior descending artery(LAD).Emergency CABG using the left internal mammary artery to the LAD was performed,leading to symptomatic improvement,and the patient was discharged in stable condition.However,the patient experienced a recurrent myocardial infarction seven years post-surgery and received secondary preventive medical therapy.The patient is currently under ongoing follow-up care.CABG is an effective treatment for myocardial bridge.However,based on the case reported in this study,we recommend careful evaluation of whether a patient may benefit from CABG.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of valve-in-valve transcatheter mitral valve replacement(ViV-TMVR)in patients with bioprosthetic valve degeneration who are at high surgical risk.Methods This study is a multi-center,retrospective cohort analysis of 20 consecutive patients who underwent transseptal ViV-TMVR using the Edwards SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve(THV).The primary endpoints include technical success and procedural success,both defined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium(MVARC)criteria,as well as mortality and functional change assessed based on New York Heart Association(NYHA)classification at 30-days and six months post-procedure.Clinical follow-up assessments are conducted at 30-days and six months.Results From February 2021 to October 2022,a total of 20 patients with symptoms of bioprosthetic valve degeneration were enrolled across nine sites in China.The patients had a mean age of(73.5±5.5)years,with 85.0％being females and 70.0％classified as NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ.The study achieved a 100.0％technical success rate and a 90.0％procedural success rate finally.All patients remained alive during the 30-day follow-up period.However,six months post-intervention,two patients(10.0％)were re-hospitalized due to heart failure,and sadly,one of them(5.0％)died.None of the patients reported any adverse events related to ViV-TMVR during the follow-up period.Notably,there was a significant improvement in NYHA class compared to baseline(P=0.0004)at six-month follow-ups.Conclusions The transseptal ViV-TMVR technique proved to be highly successful and was associated with significant improvement in NYHA class function.These findings strongly suggest that it serves as a safe and efficient treatment alternative for high-risk patients suffering from bioprosthetic valve degeneration.