ObjectiveTo investigate the epigenetic mechanism of Diwu Yanggan Capsule in improving liver regeneration microenvironment in a rat model of liver cancer by regulating DNA methylation， and to provide a basis for scientific clinical medication. MethodsA total of 48 specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into normal group， model group， and Diwu Yanggan Capsule group using a random number table， with 16 rats in each group. The Solt-Farber two-step method was used to establish a rat model of liver cancer. The rats in the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group were given Diwu Yanggan Capsule at a dose of 750 mg/kg/d by gavage， and those in the normal group and the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. Liver tissue samples were collected from each group of rats after 16 weeks of continuous intervention； DNA methylation chips were used to analyze the change in DNA methylation in liver tissue， and gene ontology （GO） and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） analyses were used for data analysis. In addition， the MeDIP-PCR technique was used to detect the changes in candidate differentially methylated genes such as YWHAB， ADCK2， ERLIN2， SEMA3B， and TPH2 in the liver tissue of rats， and Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to verify the expression of key methylated genes. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups， while the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsThe DNA methylation chip analysis showed that compared with the normal group， the model group had significant methylation changes in the promoter region of 2 422 genes in liver tissue of rats. The GO functional enrichment analysis and the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these differentially methylated genes were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis and drug metabolism-cytochrome P450. Compared with the model group， the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group had significant reversal of promoter methylation in 1 650 genes， and the KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly involved in the pathways closely associated with cell proliferation， apoptosis， and microenvironment regulation， such as the calcium ion signaling pathway， the cAMP signaling pathway， and the extracellular factor signaling pathway. Compared with the model group， the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group had a significant increase in the promoter methylation level of the ADCK2 gene （P<0.05） and significant reductions in the promoter methylation levels of the ERLIN2 and TPH2 genes （all P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the Diwu Yanggan Capsule group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels and the protein expression levels of the ADCK2 （all P<0.05）. ConclusionAbnormal DNA methylation in liver tissue participates in the development and progression of liver cancer. The effect of Diwu Yanggan Capsule on DNA methylation level is an important epigenetic mechanism for its effect in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.

Objective To analyze the relationship between changes of CD80, CD86 and Th1/Th2 cytokines and the severity of coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). Methods Among the 380 children with CVA6 HFMD in the 971th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Navy and the 94th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force were selected from January 2021 to January 2024. According to the disease severity, the children were divided into common group and severe group. The levels of CD80, CD86 and Th1/Th2 cytokines (interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4)) were compared between the two groups. The ROC curve was used to analyze the evaluation efficiency of CD80, CD86, IFN gamma, and IL-4 levels on the severity of CVA6 HFMD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of the severity of CVA6 HFMD. Results The levels of CD80, CD86, IFN-γ and IL-4 in the severe group were higher than those in the common group (P<0.05). The AUCs of CD80, CD86, IFN-γ, IL-4 and their combined detection in evaluating severity of CVA6 HFMD were 0.769, 0.717, 0.756, 0.864, and 0.917, respectively. The AUC value and specificity of combined detection were higher than those of single detection of each index (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age ≤ 3 years old was a risk factors (P<0.05), while time from onset to diagnosis ≤ 3d, duration of fever ≤ 3d, WB ≤ 12×109/L, low expression of CD80, low expression of IFN-γ, and low expression of IL-4 were protective factors (P<0.05). Conclusion CD80, CD86 and Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4) are related to the severity of CVA6 HFMD. Early monitoring of CD80, CD86, IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in children is conducive to understanding their disease progression and guiding physician treatment.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Neibu Huangqi Decoction combined with Kangfuxin Liquid on wound healing after hemorrhoid fistula.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 90 patients with hemorrhoid fistula surgery in Tangshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to June 2021 were selected as the observation objects and divided into 2 groups by random number table method, with 45 cases in each group. The control group was treated with Kangfuxin Liquid after surgery, and the observation group was treated with Neibu Huangqi Decoction. Both groups were treated continuously for 14 days. Wound symptom score was performed before and after treatment. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 were determined by ELISA. The wound healing time was observed and the wound healing rate was calculated. Adverse reactions were recorded and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 93.33% (42/45) in the observation group and 66.67% (30/45) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=9.89, P=0.002). After treatment, the scores of pain [(0.63±0.14) vs. (0.97±0.27), t=7.50], exudation [(0.67±0.12) vs. (1.09±0.31), t=8.48], edema [(0.78±0.17) vs.(1.25±0.36), t=7.92], pruritus [(0.78±0.20) vs. (1.32±0.33), t=9.39] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01); serum TNF-α [(33.46±2.86) μg/L vs. (45.78±3.92) μg/L, t=25.39], IL-6 [(41.86±5.84) μg/L vs. (56.12±6.75) μg/L, t=15.98], IL-8 [(27.40±3.58) ng/L vs. (36.16±3.84) ng/L, t=16.69] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). The wound healing time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group ( t=8.60, P<0.01), and the wound healing rate was higher than that of the control group ( t=24.65, P<0.01). During treatment, the incidence of adverse reactions was 11.11% (5/45) in the observation group and 6.67% (3/45) in the control group, without statistical significance ( χ2=0.14, P=0.711). Conclusion:Neibu Huangqi Decoction combined with Kangfuxin Liquid can promote wound healing, reduce inflammatory cytokines, relieve pain and exudation, improve clinical efficacy, and have few adverse reactions.

Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic features, and treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH).Methods:In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 25 pediatric patients with XLH who were admitted to Department of Endocrinology Genetics and Metabolism,Beijing Children′s Hospital from January 2010 to January 2020. The clinical characteristics, PHEX gene variants, as well as clinical outcome of the patients were summarized. To analyze the correlation between genotype and phenotype, the patients were divided into different subgroups according to the location of the variants, including N-terminal-located vs. C-terminal-located variant, and Zn-binding domain exon 17 or 19 variant vs. non-exon 17 or 19 variant. The age at onset, height standard deviation score (HtSDS), intercondylar or intermalleolar distance, fasting serum phosphorus, and HtSDS and intercondylar or intermalleolar distance at the final follow-up were compared by rank sum test or t text. Results:Among the 25 children with XLH, 8 were boys and 17 were girls. The median age of onset was 1.2 (1.0, 1.8) years, and the median age of diagnosis was 2.5 (1.5, 4.3) years. The main clinical manifestations were abnormal gait and lower limb deformity. The HtSDS was -2.0(-3.2, -0.8), and the intercondylar or intermalleolar distance was 4.5 (3.0, 6.0) cm. The fasting serum phosphorus level was 0.8 (0.7, 0.9) mmol/L, while the serum alkaline phosphatase level was (721±41) U/L and the serum calcium level was (2.5±0.1) mmol/L. Three patients (12%) had parathyroid hormone levels above the upper limit of the normal range. Twenty-five patients (100%) showed radiographic changes of active rickets. Nephrocalcinosis was found in 2 cases (9%). Twenty-four different PHEX variations were detected in 25 patients, among whom 11 (44%) had not been reported previously. No hot spot variation was found. No statistical differences (all P>0.05) were identified in clinical features and outcomes either in comparing patients with N-terminal (21 cases) and C-terminal (4 cases) variants, or in comparing patients with variant located in exon 17 or 19 (4 cases) or not (21 cases). Twenty-four cases (96%) were treated regularly with phosphate supplements and active vitamin D. After 2.7 (1.6, 5.0) years of follow-up, clinical symptoms were relieved in 96% (24/25) of the patients. The HtSDS after treatment had no significant difference compared to that before treatment (-2.0(-3.2, -0.8) vs.-2.0(-2.8, -1.1), Z =-0.156, P>0.05), while the intercondylar or intermalleolar distance after treatment was significantly reduced compared to that before treatment (4.5(3.0, 6.0) vs. 1.5(0, 3.3) cm, Z =-3.043, P<0.05). Bone X-rays were reexamined in 17 cases after treatment, and radiographic signs of rickets were improved. Eighteen cases had secondary hyperparathyroidism and 7 cases had nephrocalcinosis. Conclusions:The main clinical manifestations of XLH are abnormal gait, lower limb deformity and short stature. A high proportion of novel variations of PHEX gene but no hot spot variation neither genotype-phenotype correlation are found. Regular treatment with phosphate supplements and active vitamin D can significantly improve the symptoms except for the height. However, the rate of adverse events including secondary hyperparathyroidism and nephrocalcinosis seems to be high.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of rapamycin in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) associated renal disease. Methods: A prospective self-control study was conducted. The clinical data of 92 children diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex associated kidney disease at the People′s Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to January 2019 were collected. The long-term rapamycin treatment for all patients initiated at 1 mg/(m²·d), which was gradually adjusted to reach a blood concentration of 5-10 μg/L. The changes of the maximum diameter of renal lesions in children after rapamycin treatment were observed and analyzed with Wilcoxon test. Results: Ninety-two children, including 52 males and 40 females, who met the criteria were analyzed. Sixty patients had only renal angiomyolipoma(RAML), while 24 patients had only multiple renal cysts(MRC), and 8 patients had both lesions. The age of TSC diagnosis was 16.0 (7.0, 42.0) months, and the age of initial treatment with rapamycin was 63.5 (21.0, 103.0) months. The follow-up lasted for 12.0 (4.0, 23.0) months. Sequencing of TSC1 and TSC2 genes was performed in 54 children with TSC, including 3 patients (6%) with mutations in TSC1 gene and 51 patients (94%) with mutations in TSC2 gene. The maximum RAML diameter before treatment was 7.0 (4.0, 9.0) mm. The best effect reached at 3 months of treatment, with the diameter of 4.0 (0,7.0) mm. The maximum diameters at 6 months, 1 year and 1-2 years were 5.0 (0,9.8) mm, 5.0 (1.5, 8.5) mm, 5.5 (3.0, 9.0) mm, respectively, and were significantly different from the baseline (Z=-2.404,-2.350,-2.750,P=0.016,0.019,0.006, respectively). The maximum diameter after 2-3 years, and ≥3 years were 5.0 (3.9,7.0) mm and 6.0 (1.0, 11.0) mm, without significant difference from the baseline (Z=-0.856,-0.102,P=0.393,0.919, respectively).The maximum diameters of MRC after 3 months, 6 months, 1 year,1-2 years, 2-3 years, and ≥3 years were 11.0 (5.0, 14.0) mm,3.0 (0.0,11.0) mm,5.0 (0,21.0) mm,0 (0,14.0) mm,0 (0,10.0) mm, and 0 (0,18.3) mm, respectively, but were not significantly different rom the baseline (7.0 (5.0, 15.7) mm)(Z=-0.944,-1.214,-1.035,-1.896,-1.603,-1.214,P=0.345,0.225,0.301,0.058,0.109,0.225, respectively).Twenty-nine patients (32%) had oral ulcers during the entire treatment period, and no serious adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions Rapamycin could decrease the diameter of TSC-related RAML, but could not inhibit the growth of cysts. It is well tolerated in the treatment of renal diseases associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of rapamycin in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) associated renal disease. Methods A prospective self?control study was conducted. The clinical data of 92 children diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex associated kidney disease at the People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to January 2019 were collected. The long?term rapamycin treatment for all patients initiated at 1 mg/(m2·d), which was gradually adjusted to reach a blood concentration of 5-10 μg/L. The changes of the maximum diameter of renal lesions in children after rapamycin treatment were observed and analyzed with Wilcoxon test. Results Ninety?two children, including 52 males and 40 females, who met the criteria were analyzed. Sixty patients had only renal angiomyolipoma(RAML), while 24 patients had only multiple renal cysts(MRC), and 8 patients had both lesions. The age of TSC diagnosis was 16.0 (7.0, 42.0) months, and the age of initial treatment with rapamycin was 63.5 (21.0, 103.0) months. The follow?up lasted for 12.0 (4.0, 23.0) months. Sequencing of TSC1 and TSC2 genes was performed in 54 children with TSC, including 3 patients (6%) with mutations in TSC1 gene and 51 patients (94%) with mutations in TSC2 gene. The maximum RAML diameter before treatment was 7.0 (4.0, 9.0) mm. The best effect reached at 3 months of treatment, with the diameter of 4.0 (0, 7.0) mm. The maximum diameters at 6 months, 1 year and 1-2 years were 5.0 (0,9.8) mm, 5.0 (1.5, 8.5) mm, 5.5 (3.0, 9.0) mm, respectively, and were significantly different from the baseline (Z=-2.404,-2.350,-2.750, P=0.016,0.019,0.006, respectively). The maximum diameter after 2-3 years, and≥3 years were 5.0 (3.9,7.0) mm and 6.0 (1.0, 11.0) mm, without significant difference from the baseline (Z=-0.856,-0.102, P=0.393, 0.919, respectively).The maximum diameters of MRC after 3 months, 6 months, 1 year,1-2 years, 2-3 years, and≥3 years were 11.0 (5.0, 14.0) mm,3.0 (0.0,11.0) mm,5.0 (0,21.0) mm,0 (0,14.0) mm,0 (0,10.0) mm, and 0 (0, 18.3) mm, respectively, but were not significantly different rom the baseline (7.0 (5.0, 15.7) mm) (Z=-0.944,-1.214,-1.035,-1.896,-1.603,-1.214, P=0.345, 0.225, 0.301, 0.058, 0.109, 0.225, respectively). Twenty?nine patients (32%) had oral ulcers during the entire treatment period, and no serious adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions Rapamycin could decrease the diameter of TSC?related RAML, but could not inhibit the growth of cysts. It is well tolerated in the treatment of renal diseases associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Objective To analyze the relationship between the morphological characteristics and rotator cuff tear (RCT) by MR.Methods The data of clinic and shoulder MRI of 37 patients with RCT (patients group) were analyzed retrospectively,and 19 healthy volunteers were collected in control group.The acromial shapes were classified into type Ⅰ (flat),type Ⅱ (curved),type Ⅲ (hooked) and type Ⅳ (convex).Additional measurements about pathogenesis of RCT including acromio-humeral distance (AHD),acromial index (AI),lateral acromial angle (LAA) and acromial thickness were performed for further assessment.Results Type Ⅱ was the most commonly encountered acromial shape in patients group (16/37,43.24 ％) and control group (11/19,57.89 ％).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of each acromial shape between two groups (P＞0.05).However,the AHD,AI,LAA and acromial thickness showed statistically significant difference between the patients group and control group (all P＜0.05).The type Ⅲ acromion was signifi candy different from the other types in patients group (P＜0.05).Conclusion MRI can clearly display RCT.The AHD and LAA are smaller,the AI and acromial thickness are bigger in RCT patients.Type Ⅲ acromion may increase risks for RCT.

Objective To investigate clinical efficacy and safety of the memantine and donepezil in the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease,in order to provide the basis for clinical treatment.Methods One hundred and twelve cases of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease patients were given memantine plus donepezil(observation group) ,and single use of memantine treatment(control group), and the treatment for 24 weeks.Respectively before and after treatment, Mini Mental State Scale (MMSE), Alzheimer' s disease assessment scale (ADAS-cog), Alzheimer' s disease collaborative learning, daily life ability questionnaire (ADCS-ADL) ,and neuropsychological questionnaire (NPI) score, and adverse reactions were observed in the process of two kinds of therapy, the efficacy and safety of two kinds of treatment methods were evaluated.Results After treatment, the patients in observation group with MMSE, ADAS-cog, ADL and NPI evaluation results were (12.1 ± 2.1), (32.9 ± 8.3), (33.4 ± 5.0), (6.1 ± 3.1) scores, significantly improved compared with scoring (9.9±2.8), (46.2±7.6), (42.1±6.0), (10.5±2.9) scores before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant (t =2.138,-2.411,2.398, 2.107 respectively, P ＜ 0.05).The control group after treatment in patients with MMSE, ADAS-cog, ADL and NPI evaluation results were (12.3±2.6), (33.1 ±7.2), (35.1 ±6.6), (6.7 ± 2.9) scores, significantly improved compared with scoring 11.0 ± 2.5,44.9 ± 6.9,42.2 ±6.6,10.9 ± 3.5 before treatment, and the difference had statistical significanc (t =2.101,-2.033,2.105, 2.400 respectively, P＜0.05).After treatment, the difference of patients in the two groups of MMSE, NPI score had statistical significance(t =2.553,2.176, P＜0.05).The adverse reactions in two group respectively were 32.14％ (18/56) and 26.79％ (15/56), less difference was no statistical significance (P＞0.05).Vital signs checks,regular laboratory examination and ECG examination showed no obvious abnormalities.Conclusion Memantine combined with donepezil in the treatment of moderate and severe AD patients is superior to the singleeffect of memantine, and long-term use will not increase the risk of adverse reactions, which is safe and effective in the combined application.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of cervical dilatation balloon and Dinoprostone for promoting cervical ripening and induction of labor.Methods 80 maternal who were taken induction of labor were randomly divided into two groups,40 patients in each group,according to the order of admission,the study group and the control group used COOK balloon and Dinoprostone for promoting cervical ripening and induction of labor respec-tively,Bishop score before and after treatment,cervical ripening rate of maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups of maternal.Results The study group′s Bishop score was (8.96 ±0.15)points,which was significantly higher than (6.02 ±0.34)points of the control group after treatment,the difference was statistically sig-nificant(t =3.75,P <0.05);The total effective rate of the study group for maternal cervical ripening and induction of labor was 97.5%,which was significantly higher than 67.5% of the control group,the difference was statistically sig-nificant(χ2 =5.31,P <0.05);The study group′s induction to the regularity of contractions time was (6.2 ±1.4)h, which was significantly lower than (11.5 ±2.1)h of the control group(t =13.28,P <0.05),and the study group′s vaginal delivery rate and cesarean section rate were 85.0% and 15.0% respectively,the difference was statistically significant,which compared with 62.5% and 37.5% of the control group (χ2 =3.88,6.49,all P <0.05);The two groups′maternal and neonatal outcomes showed no significant difference(t =0.17,0.43,0.31,0.82,all P >0.05).Conclusion The cervical dilatation balloon has a higher success rate for promoting cervical ripening and induction of labor which is safe and reliable that should be widely applied.

BACKGROUNDAtherosclerosis is a kind of disease with multiple risk factors, of which hyperlipidemia is a major classical risk factor resulting in its pathogenesis and development. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of short-term intensive atorvastatin (IA) therapy on vascular endothelial function and explore the possible mechanisms that may help to explain the clinical benefits from short-term intensive statin therapy.

METHODSAfter exposure to high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, the animals were, respectively, treated with IA or low-dose atorvastatin (LA) for 5 days. Blood lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation function were, respectively, measured. mRNA and protein expression of CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) were also evaluated in pericarotid adipose tissue (PCAT) and cultured adipocytes.

RESULTSHFD increased serum inflammatory factor levels; induced significant hyperlipidemia and endothelial dysfunction, including imbalance between NO and ET-1; enhanced inflammatory factors and 5-LO expression; and promoted macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. Five-day IA therapy could significantly decrease serum inflammatory factor levels and their expression in PCAT; restore the balance between NO and ET-1; and improve endothelial function and macrophage infiltration without significant changes in blood lipids. However, all of the above were not observed in LA therapy. In vitro experiment found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced the expression of inflammatory factors and 5-LO in cultured adipocytes, which could be attenuated by short-time (6 hours) treatment of high-dose (5 µmol/L) but not low-dose (0.5 µmol/L) atorvastatin. In addition, inhibiting 5-LO by Cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-α-cyanocinnamate (CDC, a potent and direct 5-LO inhibitor) could significantly downregulate the above-mentioned gene expression in LPS-treated adipocytes.

CONCLUSIONShort-term IA therapy could significantly ameliorate endothelial dysfunction induced by HFD, which may be partly due to attenuating inflammation of PCAT through inhibiting 5-LO pathway.

Adipose Tissue ; drug effects ; immunology ; Animals ; Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase ; metabolism ; Atorvastatin Calcium ; Heptanoic Acids ; therapeutic use ; Hyperlipidemias ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Lipid Metabolism ; drug effects ; Male ; Pyrroles ; therapeutic use ; Rabbits