OBJECTIVE To explore the ameliorative effect of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on atherosclerosis and the potential role of long non-coding RNA(Linc RNA)in anti-atherosclerosis.METHODS A model of atherosclerosis was established in SD rats subjec-ted to a high-fat diet.At 4 weeks post-modeling,thoracic aortic tissues from atherosclerotic rats were collected for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to systematically evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture at different doses.Biochemical kits were utilized to assess relevant indices related to blood lipid levels as well as liver and kidney function,thereby evaluating the impact of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on these parameters.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure serum inflam-mation markers influenced by Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture.Additionally,TUNEL staining and Western blot analysis were conducted to ex-amine the apoptotic effects of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on thoracic aorta tissue.Finally,qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of Line-HC,MALAT1,etc.,in order to evaluate how Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture affecting these specific RNA molecules.RESULTS Following treatment with Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,the blood lipid profiles indicated that total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),while high-density lipopro-tein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels were up-regulated in the atherosclerotic rats.Moreover,serum levels of liver and kidney function markers such as aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and creatinine(Cr)exhibited down-regulation(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Additionally,pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)were also reduced(P＜0.01),whereas the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10(IL-10)was found to be elevated(P＜0.01).Furthermore,after oral administration of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,expression levels of apoptosis-related factors NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved Caspase-1,Cleaved IL-1 β,Puma,Bax,Noxa,and MDM2 in thoracic aorta tissues from the atherosclerotic rats showed sig-nificant down-regulation(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Notably,following treatment with Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,mRNA levels of Linc-HC decreased while mRNA expression of MALAT1 increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture may inhibit the expression of Linc-HC and up-regulate the expression of MALAT1 to reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaque,improve ab-normal blood lipids and liver and kidney function,alleviate inflammation and inhibit apoptosis.

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.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and quantify the association of hot night exposure during the sperm development period (0-90 lag days) with semen quality. METHODS: A total of 6,640 male sperm donors from 6 human sperm banks in China during 2014-2020 were recruited in this multicenter study. Two indices (i.e., hot night excess [HNE] and hot night duration [HND]) were used to estimate the heat intensity and duration during nighttime. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between hot nights and semen quality parameters. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationship revealed that HNE and HND during 0-90 days before semen collection had a significantly inverse association with sperm motility. Specifically, a 1 °C increase in HNE was associated with decreased sperm progressive motility of 0.0090 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.0147, -0.0033) and decreased total motility of 0.0094 (95% CI: -0.0160, -0.0029). HND was significantly associated with reduced sperm progressive motility and total motility of 0.0021 (95% CI: -0.0040, -0.0003) and 0.0023 (95% CI: -0.0043, -0.0002), respectively. Consistent results were observed at different temperature thresholds on hot nights. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need to mitigate nocturnal heat exposure during spermatogenesis to maintain optimal semen quality.
Humans ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Adult ; Sperm Motility ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects* ; China ; Middle Aged ; Spermatozoa/physiology* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE To explore the ameliorative effect of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on atherosclerosis and the potential role of long non-coding RNA(Linc RNA)in anti-atherosclerosis.METHODS A model of atherosclerosis was established in SD rats subjec-ted to a high-fat diet.At 4 weeks post-modeling,thoracic aortic tissues from atherosclerotic rats were collected for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to systematically evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture at different doses.Biochemical kits were utilized to assess relevant indices related to blood lipid levels as well as liver and kidney function,thereby evaluating the impact of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on these parameters.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure serum inflam-mation markers influenced by Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture.Additionally,TUNEL staining and Western blot analysis were conducted to ex-amine the apoptotic effects of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture on thoracic aorta tissue.Finally,qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of Line-HC,MALAT1,etc.,in order to evaluate how Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture affecting these specific RNA molecules.RESULTS Following treatment with Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,the blood lipid profiles indicated that total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were significantly down-regulated(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),while high-density lipopro-tein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels were up-regulated in the atherosclerotic rats.Moreover,serum levels of liver and kidney function markers such as aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and creatinine(Cr)exhibited down-regulation(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Additionally,pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)were also reduced(P＜0.01),whereas the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10(IL-10)was found to be elevated(P＜0.01).Furthermore,after oral administration of Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,expression levels of apoptosis-related factors NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved Caspase-1,Cleaved IL-1 β,Puma,Bax,Noxa,and MDM2 in thoracic aorta tissues from the atherosclerotic rats showed sig-nificant down-regulation(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Notably,following treatment with Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture,mRNA levels of Linc-HC decreased while mRNA expression of MALAT1 increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Tiaozhi Xiaoban Mixture may inhibit the expression of Linc-HC and up-regulate the expression of MALAT1 to reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaque,improve ab-normal blood lipids and liver and kidney function,alleviate inflammation and inhibit apoptosis.

A matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)method was developed for simultaneous analysis of 10 kinds of aphrodisiac drugs,including sildenafil,acetildenafil,nor-acetildenafil,homosildenafil,lodenafil carbonate,sildlenafil dimer impurity,vardenafil dimer,hydroxyacetildenafil,N-desmethylsildenafil and udenafil.By using different matrices(α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid(HCCA)and sinapic acid(SA)),the effects of solvents,amount of matrices,laser intensity and spotting methods on the peak strength and signal intensity of MALDI-TOF MS for the aphrodisiac drugs were investigated.As a result,SA was chosen as the matrix,and then dispersed in methanol-water(50∶50,V/V),and spotted by matrix firstly and sample secondly approach with the reflect linear positive mode and laser power of 60%.Under optimal conditions,the proposed MALDI-TOF MS method could obtain stable signal,high intensity and well-repeated mass spectrometric results.The results of method validation showed a linear range from 10 to 100 ng/mL,and the regression coefficients(r)were all above 0.985.The limits of detection(LOD)were 0.1-1.0 ng/mL,and the recoveries were in the range of 72.9%-109.9%for health wine,soft capsule and instant coffee samples,while the relative standard deviations(RSDs)ranged from 0.7%to 11.3%(n=3).The test results of 10 kinds of aphrodisiac drugs by MALDI-TOF MS were in accordance with the results of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.This method exhibited high sensitivity,high accuracy,good anti-interference ability,low chemical solvents consumption and environmentally friendliness,and could be used to detect drugs without standards.The developed MALDI-TOF MS method could realize the non-target screening and detection of 10 kinds of illegally added aphrodisiac drugs in foods.

G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs)are the largest family of membrane proteins in eukaryotes,with nearly 800 genes coding for these proteins.They are involved in many physiological processes,such as light perception,taste and smell,neurotransmitter,metabolism,endocrine and exocrine,cell growth and migration.Importantly,GPCRs and their ligands are the targets of approximately one third of all mar-keted drugs.GPCRs are traditionally known for their role in transmitting signals from the extracellular environment to the cell's interior via the plasma membrane.However,emerging evidence suggests that GPCRs are also localized on mitochondria,where they play critical roles in modulating mitochondrial functions.These mitochondrial GPCRs(mGPCRs)can influence processes such as mitochondrial respi-ration,apoptosis,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)production.By interacting with mitochondrial signaling pathways,mGPCRs contribute to the regulation of energy metabolism and cell survival.Their presence on mitochondria adds a new layer of complexity to the understanding of cellular signaling,highlighting the organelle's role as not just an energy powerhouse but also a crucial hub for signal transduction.This expanding understanding of mGPCR function on mitochondria opens new avenues for research,particularly in the context of diseases where mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role.Ab-normalities in the phase conductance pathway of GPCRs located on mitochondria are closely associated with the development of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease,diabetes,obesity and Alz-heimer's disease.In this review,we examined the various types of GPCRs identified on mitochondrial membranes and analyzed the complex relationships between mGPCRs and the pathogenesis of various diseases.We aim to provide a clearer understanding of the emerging significance of mGPCRs in health and disease,and to underscore their potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of these conditions.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common tumor, with the disease progressing from inert to aggressive tumors, and rapidly progressing to castration-resistant prostate cancer. Early-stage prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic. And by the time that symptoms appear, the disease has progressed to an incurable stage. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is especially important to control prostate cancer, which prolongs the survival period of patients. Digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen have been widely used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, there are certain limitations that lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Although prostate needle biopsy is still the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer, with the wide application of multiparametric magnetic resonance examination and PSMA-PET/CT and other technologies in recent years, as well as the emergence of new biomarkers with higher sensitivity and specificity, its status as the gold standard has been challenged. And the diagnostic mode of prostate cancer has also undergone great changes. On this basis, the radical prostatectomy without prostate needle biopsy has been attempted clinically to treat prostate cancer, which gains the good clinical results. This article provides a review of the latest research advances in early screening and diagnostic models for prostate cancer.
Humans ; Male ; Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Infertility, Male/chemically induced* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phenols/adverse effects* ; Testis/drug effects* ; Bisphenol A Compounds

Photodynamic immunotherapy is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the dysfunctional tumor vasculature results in tumor hypoxia and the low efficiency of drug delivery, which in turn restricts the anticancer effect of photodynamic immunotherapy. In this study, we designed photosensitive lipid nanoparticles. The synthesized PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles could produce type I/II reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron or energy transfer through PFBT under light irradiation. Moreover, this nanosystem could alleviate tumor hypoxia and promote vascular normalization through Roxadustat. Upon irradiation with white light, the ROS produced by PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles in situ dysregulated calcium homeostasis and triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, which further promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, enhanced antigen presentation, and stimulated an effective adaptive immune response, ultimately priming the tumor microenvironment (TME) together with the hypoxia alleviation and vessel normalization by Roxadustat. Indeed, in vivo results indicated that PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles promoted M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, recruited more natural killer cells, and augmented infiltration of T cells, thereby leading to efficient photodynamic immunotherapy and potentiating the anti-primary and metastatic tumor efficacy of PD-1 antibody. Collectively, photodynamic immunotherapy with PFBT@Rox Lip nanoparticles efficiently program TME through the induction of immunogenicity and oxygenation, and effectively suppress tumor growth through immunogenic cell death and enhanced anti-tumor immunity.

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. While the spleen may influence neuropathic pain, its role has been poorly understood. This study demonstrates that the spleen plays a crucial role in regulating neuropathic pain through the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) - paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) neural circuit in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. Splenectomy, splenic denervation, or splenic sympathectomy significantly increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and reduced macrophage infiltration in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of CCI mice. Pseudorabies virus injections into the spleen revealed connections to the BNST and PVN in the brain. Chemogenetic inhibition of the BNST-PVN circuit increased macrophage infiltration in the DRG and decreased the MWT; these effects were reversed by splenectomy, splenic denervation, or sympathectomy. These findings underscore the critical role of the spleen, regulated by the BNST-PVN circuit, in neuropathic pain.
Animals ; Neuralgia/pathology* ; Septal Nuclei/physiopathology* ; Male ; Spleen/physiopathology* ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/physiopathology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Splenectomy ; Mice ; Neural Pathways/physiopathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ganglia, Spinal/physiopathology* ; Sympathectomy ; Macrophages