Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome is a common geriatric disease that underlies chronic conditions such as diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis. As age progresses, the kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome showcases increasingly pronounced manifestations, emerging as a key factor in the comorbidities experienced by elderly patients and affecting their quality of life and overall health status. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been extensively utilized in the treatment of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, with Epimedii Folium, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Lycii Fructus widely used in clinical settings. Despite the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in treating kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, the potential therapeutic value of TCM remains compelling. Delving into the mechanisms of TCM treatment of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome by regulating the neuro-endocrine-immune system can provide a scientific basis for targeted treatments of this syndrome and lay a foundation for the modernization of TCM. The pathophysiology of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome involves multiple systems, including the interaction of the neuro-endocrine-immune system, the decline in renal function, the intensification of oxidative stress responses, and energy metabolism disorders. Understanding these mechanisms and their interrelationships can help untangle the etiology of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, aiding clinicians in making more precise diagnoses and treatments. Furthermore, the research on the specific applications of TCM in research on these pathological mechanisms can enhance the international recognition and status of TCM, enabling it to exert a greater global influence.
Humans ; Yang Deficiency/physiopathology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Kidney Diseases/physiopathology* ; Neurosecretory Systems/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Endocrine System/physiopathology* ; Immune System/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed. CONCLUSION STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Angina, Stable/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; Placebos ; Tablets

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sensitive to ferroptosis, a new form of programmed cell death that occurs in most tumor types. However, the mechanism through which ferroptosis modulates HCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the oncogenic role and prognostic value of FANCD2 and provide novel insights into the prognostic assessment and prediction of immunotherapy. METHODS: Using clinicopathological parameters and bioinformatic techniques, we comprehensively examined the expression of FANCD2 macroscopically and microcosmically. We conducted univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify the prognostic value of FANCD2 in HCC and elucidated the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of FANCD2 in oncogenesis by promoting iron-related death. RESULTS: FANCD2 was significantly upregulated in digestive system cancers with abundant immune infiltration. As an independent risk factor for HCC, a high FANCD2 expression level was associated with poor clinical outcomes and response to immune checkpoint blockade. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that FANCD2 was mainly involved in the cell cycle and CYP450 metabolism. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively elucidate the oncogenic role of FANCD2. FANCD2 has a tumor-promoting aspect in the digestive system and acts as an independent risk factor in HCC; hence, it has recognized value for predicting tumor aggressiveness and prognosis and may be a potential biomarker for poor responsiveness to immunotherapy.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis* ; Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Immunotherapy ; Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group D2 Protein/metabolism* ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism*

Objective To observe the regulatory mechanism of drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription based on qi and blood replenishing method on the expression of growth and differentiation factor 9(GDF9)and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in rats with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(COH).Methods Serum of COH rats(blank serum)and serum of COH rats gavaged by the Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription were prepared.A COH rat model was established and ovarian granulosa cells were collected.The experiment was divided into 5 groups:blank serum group,drug-containing serum group,drug-containing serum+SB203580[p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38MAPK)inhibitor]group,drug-containing serum + PDTC[nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)inhibitor]group,drug-containing serum + SB203580 + PDTC group.The mRNA expression levels of p38MAPK,casein kinase 2(CK2),nuclear transcription factor κB inhibitor α(IκBα),NF-κB and GDF9 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and GDF9 protein expression level was detected by Western Blot,and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL).Results The drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription decreased the mRNA expressions of p38MAPK and NF-κB,elevated the mRNA expressions of CK2 and IκBα,increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of GDF9,and decreased the apoptosis rate of ovarian granulosa cells in COH rats.The addition of p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 alone and the addition of NF-κB inhibitor PDTC alone both promoted the mRNA and protein expressions of GDF9 and reduced the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells.Conclusion The drug-containing serum of Jinghou Zengzhi Prescription based on qi and blood replenishing method can promote the expression of GDF9 and inhibit the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in rats with COH,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of genes of the dual signaling pathways of p38MAPK and NF-κB.

Objective To analyze the efficacy of compound pholcodine combined with cefaclor in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in children and its influence on inflammatory indicators.Methods The children with acute respiratory tract infection were randomly divided into control group and treatment group.The control group was given cefaclor treatment(20 mg·kg-1·d-1,q8 h,with water,for 7 days),and the treatment group was also given compound pholcodine on the basis of the control group(6 months-2 years old,2.5 mL·time-1,tid;2-6 years old,5 mL·time-1,tid;＞6 years old,10 mL·time-1,tid,for 7 days).The clinical efficacy,clinical symptom disappearance time,inflammatory indicators[white blood cell count(WBC),C-reactive protein(CRP),serum amyloid A(SAA),procalcitonin(PCT)]and occurrence of adverse drug reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.Results 30 cases were dropped out during treatment,and 50 cases were finally included in treatment group and control group respectively.After treatment,the total effective rates in treatment group and control group were 96.00％(48 cases/50 cases)and 82.00％(41 cases/50 cases)respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The fever disappearance times were(1.49±0.23)and(2.55±0.57)d;the disappearance times of sore throat were(3.03±0.52)and(4.28±0.71)d;the disappearance times of runny nose and nasal obstruction were(2.46±0.50)and(3.76±0.84)d;the disappearance times of cough were(3.51±0.38)and(4.59±0.46)d;WBC levels were(7.25±1.41)and(8.49±1.60)x 109·L-1;CRP levels were(2.55±0.63)and(4.09±0.78)mg·L1;SAA levels were(29.42±4.88)and(37.15±6.24)mg·L-1;PCT levels were(0.81±0.15)and(0.93±0.18)ng·mL-1,respectively(all P＜0.05).The main adverse drug reactions in treatment group were dizziness(1 case),vomiting(1 case)and mild drowsiness(1 case),and the main adverse drug reactions in control group were diarrhea(1 case)and vomiting(1 case).The total incidence rates of adverse drug reactions in treatment group and control group were 6.00％(3 cases/50 cases)and 4.00％(2 cases/50 cases)(P＞0.05).Conclusion Compound pholcodine combined with cefaclor has a significant efficacy in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in children,and it can reduce the levels of inflammatory indicators.

Objective To explore characteristics of clinical parameters and cytokines in patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)caused by different drugs and their correlation with clinical indicators. Method The study was conducted on patients who were up to Review of Uncertainties in Confidence Assessment for Medical Tests(RUCAM)scoring criteria and clinically diagnosed with DILI.Based on Chinese herbal medicine,cardiovascular drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),anti-infective drugs,and other drugs,patients were divided into five groups.Cytokines were measured by Luminex technology.Baseline characteristics of clinical biochemical indicators and cytokines in DILI patients and their correlation were analyzed. Results 73 patients were enrolled.Age among five groups was statistically different(P=0.032).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P=0.033)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(P=0.007)in NSAIDs group were higher than those in chinese herbal medicine group.Interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in patients with Chinese herbal medicine(IL-6:P<0.001;TNF-α:P<0.001)and cardiovascular medicine(IL-6:P=0.020;TNF-α:P=0.001)were lower than those in NSAIDs group.There was a positive correlation between ALT(r=0.697,P=0.025),AST(r=0.721,P=0.019),and IL-6 in NSAIDs group. Conclusion Older age may be more prone to DILI.Patients with NSAIDs have more severe liver damage in early stages of DILI,TNF-α and IL-6 may partake the inflammatory process of DILI.

Hip fracture in the elderly is characterized by high incidence, high disability rate, and high mortality and has been recognized as a public health issue threatening their health. Surgery is the preferred choice for the treatment of elderly patients with hip fracture. However, lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has an extremely high incidence rate during the perioperative period, and may significantly increase the risk of patients′ death once it progresses to pulmonary embolism. In response to this issue, the clinical guidelines and expert consensuses all emphasize active application of comprehensive preventive measures, including basic prevention, physical prevention, and pharmacological prevention. In this prevention system, basic prevention is the basis of physical and pharmacological prevention. However,there is a lack of unified and definite recommendations for basic preventive measures in clinical practice. To this end, the Orthopedic Nursing Professional Committee of the Chinese Nursing Association and Nursing Department of the Orthopedic Branch of the China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care organized relevant nursing experts to formulate Expert consensus on perioperative basic prevention for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in elderly patients with hip fracture ( version 2024) . A total of 10 recommendations were proposed, aiming to standardize the basic preventive measures for lower extremity DVT in elderly patients with hip fractures during the perioperative period and promote their subsequent rehabilitation.

Objective To observe the changes of expression of lysyl oxidase family(LOXs)on the retina in acute ocular hypertension(AOH)rats.Methods The SD adult male rats were randomly divided into the control group(CON group)and the AOH group.The rats in the CON group were fed normally without any treatment,and the rats in the AOH group were established AOH model by anterior chamber perfusion.All rats were sacrificed after 2 weeks and retinal tissues were collected.The expression of LOXs[including lysyl oxidase(LOX)and lysyl oxidase-like proteins of LOXL1,LOXL2,LOXL3,LOXL4],and the expression of extracellular matrix(ECM)proteins of Collagen 1/3/4 a1(Col1/3/4 a1),Elastin(Eln),and Fibulin1/4(Fbn 1/4)in the retinal tissues were detected by qRT-PCR.The localiza-tion of LOXs in rat retina was detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of LOX in retina was detected by Western blot.Results LOXs were expressed to varying degrees in all layers of the rat retina,LOX was mainly expressed in the retinal ganglion cell layer,nerve fiber layer,inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer;LOXL1 was mainly expressed in the inner plexiform layer,outer plexiform layer and vascular wall;LOXL2 was mainly expressed in retinal ganglion cell layer,inner plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer;LOXL4 was mainly expressed in the inner plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer;while LOXL3 was only expressed in the vascular wall.Compared with the CON group,the expression of LOX,Col1a1 and Eln in the retina of rats in the AOH group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and there was no significantly significant difference in the expression of LOXL1,LOXL2,LOXL3,LOXL4,Col3a1,Col4a1,Fbn1,Fbn4 mRNAs in the retina of rats between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion LOX is highly expressed in the retina of AOH rats,which may be involved in the pathological process of retinal injury caused by high intraocular pressure through ECM remodeling.

Objective: To analyze the short-term effect of individual atmospheric PM_2.5 exposure on the diversity, enterotype, and community structure of gut microbiome in healthy elderly people in Jinan, Shandong province. Methods: The present panel study recruited 76 healthy elderly people aged 60-69 years old in Dianliu Street, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong Province, and followed them up five times from September 2018 to January 2019. The relevant information was collected by questionnaire, physical examination, precise monitoring of individual PM_2.5 exposure, fecal sample collection and gut microbiome 16S rDNA sequencing. The Dirichlet multinomial mixtures (DMM) model was used to analyze the enterotype. Linear mixed effect model and generalized linear mixed effect model were used to analyze the effect of PM_2.5 exposure on gut microbiome α diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and ACE indices), enterotype and abundance of core species. Results: Each of the 76 subjects participated in at least two follow-up visits, resulting in a total of 352 person-visits. The age of 76 subjects was (65.0±2.8) years old with BMI (25.0±2.4) kg/m². There were 38 males accounting for 50% of the subjects. People with an educational level of primary school or below accounted for 10.5% of the 76 subjects, and those with secondary school and junior college or above accounting for 71.1% and 18.4%. The individual PM_2.5 exposure concentration of 76 subjects during the study period was (58.7±53.7) μg/m³. DMM model showed that the subjects could be divided into four enterotypes, which were mainly driven by Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. Linear mixed effects model showed that different lag periods of PM_2.5 exposure were significantly associated with a lower gut α diversity index (FDR<0.05 after correction). Further analysis showed that PM_2.5 exposure was significantly associated with changes in the abundances of Firmicutes (Megamonas, Blautia, Streptococcus, etc.) and Bacteroidetes (Alistipes) (FDR<0.05 after correction). Conclusion: Short-term PM_2.5 exposure is significantly associated with a decrease in gut microbiome diversity and changes in the abundance of several species of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the elderly. It is necessary to further explore the underlying mechanisms between PM_2.5 exposure and the gut microbiome, so as to provide a scientific basis for promoting the intestinal health of the elderly.
Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Feces/microbiology* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Particulate Matter ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics* ; Female

Objective: To describe the distribution characteristics of hypertension among adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) and to provide clues for exploring the role of genetic and environmental factors on hypertension. Methods: A total of 69 220 (34 610 pairs) of twins aged 18 and above with hypertension information were selected from CNTR registered from 2010 to 2018. Random effect models were used to describe the population and regional distribution of hypertension in twins. To estimate the heritability, the concordance rates of hypertension were calculated and compared between monozygotic twins (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ). Results: The age of all participants was (34.1±12.4) years. The overall self-reported prevalence of hypertension was 3.8%(2 610/69 220). Twin pairs who were older, living in urban areas, married, overweight or obese, current smokers or ex-smokers, and current drinkers or abstainers had a higher self-reported prevalence of hypertension (P<0.05). Analysis within the same-sex twin pairs found that the concordance rate of hypertension was 43.2% in MZ and 27.0% in DZ, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The heritability of hypertension was 22.1% (95%CI: 16.3%- 28.0%). Stratified by gender, age, and region, the concordance rate of hypertension in MZ was still higher than that in DZ. The heritability of hypertension was higher in female participants. Conclusions: There were differences in the distribution of hypertension among twins with different demographic and regional characteristics. It is indicated that genetic factors play a crucial role in hypertension in different genders, ages, and regions, while the magnitude of genetic effects may vary.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Alcohol Drinking ; Diseases in Twins/genetics* ; Hypertension/genetics* ; Twins, Dizygotic/genetics* ; Twins, Monozygotic/genetics*