AIM To investigate the promotional effects of esculin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BM-MSCs)transplantation on the repair of spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the esculin group for gavage of 20 mg/kg esculin,the BM-MSCs group for tail vein injection of 1 mL of 1×106/mL BM-MSCs,and the combinaiton treatment group.The SCI rat model was established using Allen's method,followed by the 14 days consecutive corresponding drug administration starting from the 2nd day after modeling.On days 3,7 and 14 of drug administration,the rats had their hind limbs motor function evaluated by the BBB scoring;and their footprint experiment conducted on the 14th day after modeling.After 14 days of administration,the rats had their morphological changes of spinal cord tissue observed with HE staining and Nissl staining;their activities of SOD and GSH,and level of MDA in spinal cord tissue detected by kits;their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP in spinal cord tissue detected by immunofluorescence;and their expressions of NQO-1,Nrf-2,Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups interved with esculin,or BM-MSCs,or the combination treatment showed improvements in hind limb function and spinal cord tissue morphology(P＜0.05);decreased MDA levels(P＜0.05);increased SOD and GSH activities(P＜0.05);increased MAP2 and GAP43 fluorescence intensity(P＜0.05);decreased GFAP fluorescence intensity(P＜0.05);increased NQO-1,Nrf-2 and Bcl-2 protein expressions(P＜0.05);and decreased Bax protein expression(P＜0.05).And the combination treatment group was observed with an even better effects(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The combination of esculin and BM-MSCs transplantation can effectively improve the spinal cord tissue damage and hind limb function in SCI rats.This effect may be achieved by activating the Nrf-2/NQO-1 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress response,thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis,blocking glial scar formation,and promoting stem cell differentiation to rebuild neurons.

AIM To investigate the repair effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA)combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation on spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the TUDCA group,the BMSCs transplantation group and the combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation group,with the SCI rat model established by Allen's method.The next day after modeling,the rats of TUDCA and combination therapy groups were given 200 mg/kg TUDCA by gavage.On the 3rd day after modeling,rats in BMSCs transplantation group and combination therapy group were injected with 1 mL tuned bone marrow BMSCs(the 3rd generation,1× 106/mL)via tail vein.Rats in the sham operation group and the model group were given gastric perfusion of normal saline and injection of 1 mL PBS through tail vein.On the 3rd,7th and 14th day after modeling,the rats had their motor function of hind limbs observed and BBB score determined.After the corresponding drug administration,the rats had their movement track of hind limbs recorded by footprint experiment;their the protein expressions of IL-6,IL-10,Arg-1,PI3K and Akt in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot;their pathological changes of spinal cord tissue observed by HE staining and Nissl staining;and their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP detected by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with TUDCA,or BMSCs transplantation,or combination therapy shared improved hind limb function and spinal cord histomorphology(P＜0.05);increased fluorescence intensity of MAP2 and GAP43,and protein expressions of IL-10,Arg-1,p-PI3K and p-Akt(P＜0.05);decreased fluorescence intensity of GFAP and IL-6 protein expressions(P＜0.05);among which the combination therapy group took the lead(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation may restore the function of the rat model of SCI by reducing inflammatory reaction,alleviating secondary injury,and promoting axon and myelin regeneration via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

AIM To investigate the promotional effects of esculin combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BM-MSCs)transplantation on the repair of spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the esculin group for gavage of 20 mg/kg esculin,the BM-MSCs group for tail vein injection of 1 mL of 1×106/mL BM-MSCs,and the combinaiton treatment group.The SCI rat model was established using Allen's method,followed by the 14 days consecutive corresponding drug administration starting from the 2nd day after modeling.On days 3,7 and 14 of drug administration,the rats had their hind limbs motor function evaluated by the BBB scoring;and their footprint experiment conducted on the 14th day after modeling.After 14 days of administration,the rats had their morphological changes of spinal cord tissue observed with HE staining and Nissl staining;their activities of SOD and GSH,and level of MDA in spinal cord tissue detected by kits;their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP in spinal cord tissue detected by immunofluorescence;and their expressions of NQO-1,Nrf-2,Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups interved with esculin,or BM-MSCs,or the combination treatment showed improvements in hind limb function and spinal cord tissue morphology(P＜0.05);decreased MDA levels(P＜0.05);increased SOD and GSH activities(P＜0.05);increased MAP2 and GAP43 fluorescence intensity(P＜0.05);decreased GFAP fluorescence intensity(P＜0.05);increased NQO-1,Nrf-2 and Bcl-2 protein expressions(P＜0.05);and decreased Bax protein expression(P＜0.05).And the combination treatment group was observed with an even better effects(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The combination of esculin and BM-MSCs transplantation can effectively improve the spinal cord tissue damage and hind limb function in SCI rats.This effect may be achieved by activating the Nrf-2/NQO-1 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress response,thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis,blocking glial scar formation,and promoting stem cell differentiation to rebuild neurons.

Objective:This study aims to analyze the disease burden trends of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2021 in China, and to predict the trends of these two disorders over the next 20 years.Methods:This study was conducted between September and October 2024. The data on incidence, prevalence, and disease burden of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in China were retrieved from the database of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD2021). Temporal trends were quantified via the annual percentage change, average annual percentage change (AAPC), and their corresponding P-values, which were calculated using the empirical quantile method with the Joinpoint software. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was constructed using data on the incidence, prevalence, and disease burden of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2021 to predict the trends in prevalence and disease burden of these two diseases from 2022 to 2041. Results:In China, during the period from 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate (ASDR) of schizophrenia all showed a fluctuating upward trend. By 2021, the AAPC of these rates was 3.83% ( P<0.001), 12.99% ( P<0.001), and 14.11% ( P<0.001), respectively, indicating a significant increase. Regarding bipolar disorder, the annual average ASIR in China significantly increased (AAPC=1.25%, P<0.001), while the annual average ASPR significantly decreased (AAPC=-1.03%, P<0.001), and the annual average ASDR showed no significant change (AAPC=-0.08%, P=0.342). The incidence of schizophrenia was mainly concentrated in the 15-34 age group. The prevalence and DALY rates of schizophrenia were on the rise across all age groups. For bipolar disorder, the peak incidence occurred between the ages of 10 and 19, with higher incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates in females compared to males. Looking ahead from 2022 to 2041, the overall ASIR, ASIR for both females and males, and ASPR for males with schizophrenia are projected to gradually increase, while the ASPR and ASDR of bipolar disorder are expected to remain stable, with females continuing to bear a higher disease burden than males. Conclusion:In China, the disease burden of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder substantially changed from 1990 to 2021, with distinct differences across gender and age-groups. The disease burden of schizophrenia is projected to keep rising in the next 20 years. It is imperative to develop targeted and precise prevention and control strategies for different populations.

AIM To investigate the repair effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA)combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation on spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the TUDCA group,the BMSCs transplantation group and the combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation group,with the SCI rat model established by Allen's method.The next day after modeling,the rats of TUDCA and combination therapy groups were given 200 mg/kg TUDCA by gavage.On the 3rd day after modeling,rats in BMSCs transplantation group and combination therapy group were injected with 1 mL tuned bone marrow BMSCs(the 3rd generation,1× 106/mL)via tail vein.Rats in the sham operation group and the model group were given gastric perfusion of normal saline and injection of 1 mL PBS through tail vein.On the 3rd,7th and 14th day after modeling,the rats had their motor function of hind limbs observed and BBB score determined.After the corresponding drug administration,the rats had their movement track of hind limbs recorded by footprint experiment;their the protein expressions of IL-6,IL-10,Arg-1,PI3K and Akt in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot;their pathological changes of spinal cord tissue observed by HE staining and Nissl staining;and their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP detected by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with TUDCA,or BMSCs transplantation,or combination therapy shared improved hind limb function and spinal cord histomorphology(P＜0.05);increased fluorescence intensity of MAP2 and GAP43,and protein expressions of IL-10,Arg-1,p-PI3K and p-Akt(P＜0.05);decreased fluorescence intensity of GFAP and IL-6 protein expressions(P＜0.05);among which the combination therapy group took the lead(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION The combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation may restore the function of the rat model of SCI by reducing inflammatory reaction,alleviating secondary injury,and promoting axon and myelin regeneration via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective:This study aims to analyze the disease burden trends of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2021 in China, and to predict the trends of these two disorders over the next 20 years.Methods:This study was conducted between September and October 2024. The data on incidence, prevalence, and disease burden of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in China were retrieved from the database of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD2021). Temporal trends were quantified via the annual percentage change, average annual percentage change (AAPC), and their corresponding P-values, which were calculated using the empirical quantile method with the Joinpoint software. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was constructed using data on the incidence, prevalence, and disease burden of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2021 to predict the trends in prevalence and disease burden of these two diseases from 2022 to 2041. Results:In China, during the period from 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate (ASDR) of schizophrenia all showed a fluctuating upward trend. By 2021, the AAPC of these rates was 3.83% ( P<0.001), 12.99% ( P<0.001), and 14.11% ( P<0.001), respectively, indicating a significant increase. Regarding bipolar disorder, the annual average ASIR in China significantly increased (AAPC=1.25%, P<0.001), while the annual average ASPR significantly decreased (AAPC=-1.03%, P<0.001), and the annual average ASDR showed no significant change (AAPC=-0.08%, P=0.342). The incidence of schizophrenia was mainly concentrated in the 15-34 age group. The prevalence and DALY rates of schizophrenia were on the rise across all age groups. For bipolar disorder, the peak incidence occurred between the ages of 10 and 19, with higher incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates in females compared to males. Looking ahead from 2022 to 2041, the overall ASIR, ASIR for both females and males, and ASPR for males with schizophrenia are projected to gradually increase, while the ASPR and ASDR of bipolar disorder are expected to remain stable, with females continuing to bear a higher disease burden than males. Conclusion:In China, the disease burden of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder substantially changed from 1990 to 2021, with distinct differences across gender and age-groups. The disease burden of schizophrenia is projected to keep rising in the next 20 years. It is imperative to develop targeted and precise prevention and control strategies for different populations.

In recent years, nucleic acid therapy, as a revolutionary therapeutic tool, has shown great potential in the treatment of genetic diseases, infectious diseases and cancer. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are currently the most advanced mRNA delivery carriers, and their emergence is an important reason for the rapid approval and use of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and the development of mRNA therapy. Currently, mRNA therapeutics using LNP as a carrier have been widely used in protein replacement therapy, vaccines and gene editing. Conventional LNP is composed of four components: ionizable lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipids, which can effectively load mRNA to improve the stability of mRNA and promote the delivery of mRNA to the cytoplasm. However, in the face of the complexity and diversity of clinical diseases, the structure, properties and functions of existing LNPs are too homogeneous, and the lack of targeted delivery capability may result in the risk of off-targeting. LNPs are flexibly designed and structurally stable vectors, and the adjustment of the types or proportions of their components can give them additional functions without affecting the ability of LNPs to deliver mRNAs. For example, by replacing and optimizing the basic components of LNP, introducing a fifth component, and modifying its surface, LNP can be made to have more precise targeting ability to reduce the side effects caused by treatment, or be given additional functions to synergistically enhance the efficacy of mRNA therapy to respond to the clinical demand for nucleic acid therapy. It is also possible to further improve the efficiency of LNP delivery of mRNA through machine learning-assisted LNP iteration. This review can provide a reference method for the rational design of engineered lipid nanoparticles delivering mRNA to treat diseases.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.

Objective To investigate the effect of high-frequency irreversible electroporation(H-FIRE)in the ablation of pig pancreatic tissue.Methods Laparotomy was conducted in this study,and needle electrodes were used to release electric pulses in 12 pigs.Three sets of parameters were established for ablation at the low,medium,and high values of field strength(1 000 V/cm,1 500 V/cm,and 2 500 V/cm).The groups were compared in terms of the data including postoperative recovery,ablation area,and histopathological features to validate the safety and efficacy of H-FIRE in the ablation of porcine pancreatic tissue.The paired t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups.Results All pigs in the experiment survived and showed a good effect of ablation.The histopathological analysis of all groups showed thorough and effective ablation,with a clear boundary between the ablated area and the normal tissue area.The mean ablation area in the low,medium,and high field strength groups was 30.96±3.73 mm2,51.93±25.26 mm2,and 108.90±55.23 mm2,respectively,and the high and medium field strength groups had a significantly larger ablation area than the low field strength group(both P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in ablation area between the medium and high field strength groups(P>0.05).Conclusion H-FIRE ablation is safe and effective for porcine pancreatic tissue under specific ablation parameters.

Objective To explore the treatment for endometriosis(EMs)by Professor SITU Yi,a Guangdong famous traditional Chinese medicine physician,thus to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of EMs in traditional Chinese medicine based on personalized knowledge graph analysis and data mining technology.Methods Based on the literature research achievements of diagnosis and treatment of EMs,the ontology knowledge tree of famous physician's principles,methods,prescriptions and medicines was established by user-computer integration method.The medical records of EMs patients treated by Professor SITU Yi in the outpatient department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from 2013 to 2019 were collected.After standardization of the data of medical records,the knowledge set was defined,the knowledge map of TCM diagnosis and treatment of EMs was constructed,and the symptom characteristics and medication rules for EMs were analyzed.Results The core symptoms of EMs patients were dysmenorrhea,chronic pelvic pain and infertility,with the predominated syndrome of blood stasis.The pathogenesis of EMs patients was mainly due to qi stagnation,kidney deficiency,and qi deficiency.Frequent itemset analysis yielded the core drug groups of"Corydalis Rhizoma,Cyperi Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Alba""Lycii Fructus,Taxilli Herba,Poria,Dioscoreae Rhizoma"and"Aurantii Fructus,Leonuri Herba".The EMs word cloud map constructed on the basis of knowledge element clustering and neural network algorithm showed that the drug combinations of"Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Rubra""Corydalis Rhizoma,Curcumae Radix""Cinnamomi Ramulus,Moutan Cortex,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,Poria""Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,Sparganii Rhizoma,Curcumae Rhizoma""Chuanxiong Rhizoma,Corydalis Rhizoma"and"Taxilli Herba,Cuscutae Semen"were commonly used for the treatment of EMs by Professor SITU Yi.The results of hierarchical clustering analysis and association network construction for Chinese medicinals,symptoms and syndromes showed that there were complex inner link among the syndromes,symptoms and medication.Conclusion For the treatment of EMs,Professor SITU Yi usually adopt the methods of activating blood to remove stasis and tonifying kidney,and also performs the periodic therapy and simultaneous application of purging and nourishing therapeutics.Knowledge graph analysis and data mining based on semantic web are helpful to unveil the tacit knowledge of clinical diagnosis and treatment experience of Professor SITU Yi,which can provide reference for the differentiation and treatment of EMs with Chinese medicine.