The chemical constituents were systematically separated from the roots of Berberis polyantha by various chromatographic methods, including silica gel column chromatography, HP20 column chromatography, polyamide column chromatography, reversed-phase C_(18) column chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic techniques(1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, MS, and CD). Four phenylpropanoids were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of B. polyantha, and they were identified as(2R)-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1), methyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate(2),(+)-syringaresinol(3), and syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4). Compound 1 was a new compound, and other compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was evaluated based on the release of nitric oxide(NO) in the culture of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. At a concentration of 10 μmol·L~(-1), all the four compounds inhibited the LPS-induced release of NO in RAW264.7 cells, demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Animals ; Mice ; Berberis/chemistry* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Nitric Oxide/metabolism* ; Molecular Structure ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with glioma experience a high symptom burden and have diverse palliative care needs. However, the assessment scales used in palliative care remain non-standardized and highly heterogeneous. To evaluate the application patterns of the current scales used in palliative care for glioma, we aim to identify gaps and assess the need for disease-specific scales in glioma palliative care. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of five databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL for quantitative studies that reported scale-based assessments in glioma palliative care. We extracted data on scale characteristics, domains, frequency, and psychometric properties. Quality assessments were performed using the Cochrane ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. RESULTS: Of the 3,405 records initially identified, 72 studies were included. These studies contained 75 distinct scales that were used 193 times. Mood (21.7%), quality of life (24.4%), and supportive care needs (5.2%) assessments were the most frequently assessed items, exceeding half of all scale applications. Among the various assessment dimensions, the Distress Thermometer (DT) was the most frequently used tool for assessing mood, while the Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was the most frequently used tool for assessing quality of life. The Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was the most common tool for cognitive assessment. Performance status (5.2%) and social support (6.8%) were underrepresented. Only three brain tumor-specific scales were identified. Caregiver-focused scales were limited and predominantly burden-oriented. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant heterogeneity, domain imbalances, and validation gaps in the current use of assessment scales for patients with glioma receiving palliative care. The scale selected for use should be comprehensive and user-friendly.
Humans ; Glioma/psychology* ; Palliative Care/methods* ; Quality of Life ; Psychometrics ; Brain Neoplasms/psychology*

ObjectiveTo identify the active constituents of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription （KXJD） and investigate its effective components and therapeutic targets in the treatment of common psoriasis. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF MS） was used to identify and analyze the chemical components of KXJD and its blood-entering chemical components. The chemical components of the single decoction were further identified to clarify the source of the chemical components in KXJD. Then， all identified blood-entering compounds were screened for effective active ingredients through the Swiss ADME database. The active ingredient targets of KXJD were searched on the Swiss Target Prediction platform. The targets of common psoriasis were searched in OMIM， GEO， GeneCards， and DISGNET databases to obtain drug-disease intersection targets. The protein-protein interaction network of intersection targets was constructed using STRING， and then the core blood-entering component-intersection target network of KXJD was constructed. The core target proteins in the network were selected for molecular docking with the core components of KXJD. Small molecules and proteins were pretreated， and appropriate docking sites were selected. AutoDock Vina software was used for continuous local search and repeated iterations to find molecular docking conformations. PyMOL software and LigPlot+ software were used for analysis and visualization. Subsequently， the verification was carried out through animal experiments. SPF-grade male C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a positive drug methotrexate group， and a KXJD group. In the model group， the methotrexate group， and the KXJD group， imiquimod was applied to the backs of the mice for modeling. The blank group and the model group were administered normal saline by gavage， while the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were respectively administered 1 mg·kg^-1 suspension and 30.42 g·kg^-1 decoction of traditional Chinese medicine by gavage. Five days after administration， the mice were sacrificed， and samples were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the skin tissue samples of mice， and the effect of KXJD on the pathological manifestations of psoriasis mice was analyzed. The expression areas of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， cyclooxygenase 2 （PTGS2）， interleukin （IL）-1β， and IL-6 in the skin tissue of mice were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and PTGS2 in the skin tissue of mice were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsIn this study， 208 compounds in KXJD were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF MS， and 44 compounds were detected in serum， including 28 prototype components and 16 metabolites. 12 blood-entering active components were screened， and 1 153 active component targets and 1 076 psoriasis-related targets were identified. Eighty-five targets in the intersection set were drug-disease common targets. PPI network analysis showed that TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， PTGS2， and ALB were the key target proteins. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding ability of （+）-hexylphenylglycolic acid to key target proteins such as PTGS2 was stable， and PTGS2 showed high stability with a variety of core compounds. Compared with those in the blank group， the stratum corneum and epidermis in the model group mice were significantly thickened， and the pathological Baker score of the mice's skin in the model group was significantly higher than that of the blank group （P<0.01）. The expression areas of PTGS2， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 proteins in the skin tissue of the model group mice were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the expression levels of PTGS2， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 mRNA in the skin tissue of the model group mice were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the pathological Baker scores of the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were both decreased （P<0.01）， and the expression areas in the skin tissue of the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression levels of PTGS2， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 mRNA in the skin tissue of the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionKXJD can effectively improve the skin lesions of psoriasis model mice and reduce the expression of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and PTGS2 in the skin tissue of psoriasis model mice. PTGS2 has a stable binding ability with a variety of compounds in the decoction， which may be a key target for the treatment of psoriasis. The compound （+）-hexylphenylglycolic acid may play a key role.

ObjectiveTo identify the active constituents of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription （KXJD） and investigate its effective components and therapeutic targets in the treatment of common psoriasis. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF MS） was used to identify and analyze the chemical components of KXJD and its blood-entering chemical components. The chemical components of the single decoction were further identified to clarify the source of the chemical components in KXJD. Then， all identified blood-entering compounds were screened for effective active ingredients through the Swiss ADME database. The active ingredient targets of KXJD were searched on the Swiss Target Prediction platform. The targets of common psoriasis were searched in OMIM， GEO， GeneCards， and DISGNET databases to obtain drug-disease intersection targets. The protein-protein interaction network of intersection targets was constructed using STRING， and then the core blood-entering component-intersection target network of KXJD was constructed. The core target proteins in the network were selected for molecular docking with the core components of KXJD. Small molecules and proteins were pretreated， and appropriate docking sites were selected. AutoDock Vina software was used for continuous local search and repeated iterations to find molecular docking conformations. PyMOL software and LigPlot+ software were used for analysis and visualization. Subsequently， the verification was carried out through animal experiments. SPF-grade male C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a positive drug methotrexate group， and a KXJD group. In the model group， the methotrexate group， and the KXJD group， imiquimod was applied to the backs of the mice for modeling. The blank group and the model group were administered normal saline by gavage， while the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were respectively administered 1 mg·kg^-1 suspension and 30.42 g·kg^-1 decoction of traditional Chinese medicine by gavage. Five days after administration， the mice were sacrificed， and samples were collected. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the skin tissue samples of mice， and the effect of KXJD on the pathological manifestations of psoriasis mice was analyzed. The expression areas of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， cyclooxygenase 2 （PTGS2）， interleukin （IL）-1β， and IL-6 in the skin tissue of mice were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and PTGS2 in the skin tissue of mice were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsIn this study， 208 compounds in KXJD were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF MS， and 44 compounds were detected in serum， including 28 prototype components and 16 metabolites. 12 blood-entering active components were screened， and 1 153 active component targets and 1 076 psoriasis-related targets were identified. Eighty-five targets in the intersection set were drug-disease common targets. PPI network analysis showed that TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， PTGS2， and ALB were the key target proteins. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding ability of （+）-hexylphenylglycolic acid to key target proteins such as PTGS2 was stable， and PTGS2 showed high stability with a variety of core compounds. Compared with those in the blank group， the stratum corneum and epidermis in the model group mice were significantly thickened， and the pathological Baker score of the mice's skin in the model group was significantly higher than that of the blank group （P<0.01）. The expression areas of PTGS2， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 proteins in the skin tissue of the model group mice were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the expression levels of PTGS2， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 mRNA in the skin tissue of the model group mice were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the pathological Baker scores of the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were both decreased （P<0.01）， and the expression areas in the skin tissue of the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression levels of PTGS2， TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 mRNA in the skin tissue of the methotrexate group and the KXJD group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionKXJD can effectively improve the skin lesions of psoriasis model mice and reduce the expression of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and PTGS2 in the skin tissue of psoriasis model mice. PTGS2 has a stable binding ability with a variety of compounds in the decoction， which may be a key target for the treatment of psoriasis. The compound （+）-hexylphenylglycolic acid may play a key role.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent among men, but its relationship with dietary habits is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess whether dietary patterns enhance erectile function by reviewing the literature published before August 1, 2022, via PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. The data compiled included author details; publication dates, countries, treatments, patient numbers, ages, follow-ups, and clinical trial outcomes, such as ED cases, odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores with means and standard deviations. An analysis of 14 studies with 27 389 participants revealed that plant-based diets (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.75; P < 0.00001), low-fat diets (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.53; P = 0.0002), and alternative diets such as intermittent fasting and organic diets (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80; P = 0.002) significantly reduced ED risk. High-protein low-fat diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64; P < 0.00001) and high-carb low-fat diets (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.55-1.04; P < 0.00001) improved IIEF-5 scores. Combined diet and exercise interventions decreased the likelihood of ED (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85; P = 0.01) and increased the IIEF-5 score (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.69-5.11; P < 0.0001). Diets abundant in fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; P < 0.00001) and nuts (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37-0.80; P = 0.002) were also correlated with lower ED risk. Our meta-analysis underscores a strong dietary-ED association, suggesting that low-fat/Mediterranean diets rich in produce and nuts could benefit ED management.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology* ; Diet ; Diet, Fat-Restricted ; Feeding Behavior ; Penile Erection/physiology* ; Diet, Vegetarian

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and efficacy of high-dose etoposide (VP-16) combined with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) as salvage mobilization for peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. METHODS: From April 2021 to May 2023, eight NDMM patients who had failed to yield sufficient PBSC during initial mobilization with high-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) combined with rhG-CSF underwent salvage mobilization with 1.2 g/m2 etoposide combined with rhG-CSF 10 μg/(kg·d). The effects and adverse reactions of initial mobilization and salvage mobilization were analyzed. RESULTS: For salvage mobilization and initial mobilization, the numbers of PBSC collections were 16 and 18, respectively. The mean value of total collected CD34⁺ cells were (11.90±5.75)×10⁶/kg and (1.67±0.75)×10⁶/kg (P =0.0010) in salvage mobilization group and initial mobilization group, respectively. The proportion of patients with a total collection of CD34⁺ cell count≥2×10⁶/kg were 100% and 37.5% (P =0.0625), and the proportion of patients with a total collection of CD34⁺ cell count≥5×10⁶/kg were 87.5% and 0% (P =0.0156) in salvage mobilization group and initial mobilization group, respectively. For five patients who underwent high-dose CTX initial mobilization but had a total CD34⁺ cell count < 2×10⁶/kg, successful collection was achieved through salvage mobilization with high-dose VP-16. Salvage mobilization with high-dose VP-16 was scheduled 2-3 weeks after failure of CTX mobilization. Adverse reactions of high-dose VP-16 mobilization did not increase compared to the initial mobilization with high-dose CTX. CONCLUSION As a salvage mobilization regimen, VP-16 1.2 g/m² combined with rhG-CSF is safe and highly effective in NDMM patients who failed to initial mobilization with high-dose CTX combined with rhG-CSF.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/therapy* ; Etoposide/therapeutic use* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization/methods* ; Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use* ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Salvage Therapy ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cells ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Neuropathic pain, a debilitating condition caused by dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system, remains difficult to treat due to limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms. Bioinformatics analysis identified cerebellin 2 (CBLN2) as highly enriched in human and murine proprioceptive and nociceptive neurons. We found that CBLN2 expression is persistently upregulated in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in mice. In addition, transcription factor SOX11 binds to 12 cis-regulatory elements within the Cbln2 promoter to enhance its transcription. SNL also induced SOX11 upregulation, with SOX11 and CBLN2 co-localized in nociceptive neurons. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of Sox11 or Cbln2 attenuated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. High-throughput sequencing of DRG following intrathecal injection of CBLN2 revealed widespread gene expression changes, including upregulation of numerous NF-κB downstream targets. Consistently, CBLN2 activated NF-κB signaling, and inhibition with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate reduced CBLN2-induced pain hypersensitivity, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines production, and neuronal hyperexcitability. Together, these findings identified the SOX11/CBLN2/NF-κB axis as a critical mediator of neuropathic pain and a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
Animals ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism* ; Up-Regulation ; Mice ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; SOXC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Male ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Hyperalgesia/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Spinal Nerves

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and topical efficacy of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) and investigate the molecular mechanisms of its therapeutic effects in atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS: The effects of POG on human keratinocyte cell viability and its anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the impact of POG on the differentiation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4⁺ T cell subsets, including T-helper type (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg), was examined through in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate POG's therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of topically applied POG was further evaluated in a calcipotriol-induced mouse model of AD. The protein and transcript levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) mRNA, and LCK phosphorylation (p-LCK), were quantified using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: POG was able to suppress cell proliferation and downregulate the transcription of interleukin 4 (Il4) and Il13 mRNA. In vitro experiments indicated that POG significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells, whereas it exerted negligible influence on the differentiation of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells. Network pharmacology identified LCK as a key therapeutic target of POG. Moreover, the topical application of POG effectively alleviated skin lesions in the calcipotriol-induced AD mouse models without causing pathological changes in the liver, kidney or spleen tissues. POG significantly reduced the levels of Il4, Il5, Il13, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (Tslp) mRNA in the AD mice. Concurrently, POG enhanced the expression of p-LCK protein and Lck mRNA. CONCLUSION Our research revealed that POG inhibits Th2 cell differentiation by promoting p-LCK protein expression and hence effectively alleviates AD-related skin inflammation. Please cite this article as: Zhao H, Ma X, Wang H, Ding XJ, Kuai L, Song JK, Zhang Z, Yang D, Gao CJ, Li B, Zhou M. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 309-319.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Humans ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Phosphorylation/drug effects* ; Mice ; Th2 Cells/drug effects* ; Keratinocytes/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Calcitriol/analogs & derivatives*

Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.

In this study,a sensitive lateral flow immunoassay(LFIA)platform based on carbon dots-mesoporous silica nanocomposite(CD-MSNs)fluorescent probes was constructed for high-performance detection of inflammatory marker interleukin-6(IL-6).Green fluorescent carbon dots(CDs)were prepared by hydrothermal method with 3,9-perylenic acid and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(APTES)as raw materials,and highly fluorescent CD-MSNs composites were then constructed by encapsulating the prepared CDs in mesoporous silica nanoparticles(MSNs).Fluorescent probes were prepared by covalent coupling of CD-MSNs with IL-6 antibody.Fluorescent immunochromatographic test strips were constructed by spraying IL-6 capture antibody and goat anti-mouse IgG on nitrocellulose membrane as detection line(T-line)and quality control line(C-line),respectively.The fluorescence immunoassay analyzer was used to quantitatively detect the fluorescence intensity of T-line,and the experimental results showed that the LFIA platform based on this probe had a good linear relationship in IL-6 concentration range of 102-106 pg/mL,and the detection limit was 64 pg/mL,which was two orders of magnitude more sensitive than that of the traditional colloidal gold test strips.This method effectively solved the issue of insufficient sensitivity of traditional LFIA technique,and provided a rapid and highly sensitive detection method for early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases.