ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Yueju Wan on the 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） signaling pathway in rats with functional dyspepsia （FD） and to explore its therapeutic mechanism in the treatment of FD. MethodsSixty Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group， model group， mosapride group （1.575 mg·kg^-1）， and Yueju Wan low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （0.735， 1.47， and 2.94 g·kg^-1， respectively）. The FD rat model was established using GUO's tail-clamping stimulation combined with irregular feeding. After 14 days of modeling， rats were administered the corresponding drugs by gavage for 28 days. After treatment， gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate were measured. Serum levels of 5-HT， tryptophan hydroxylase （TPH）， and substance P （SP） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and acetylcholine （ACh） levels were determined by chemical methods. Histopathological changes in the gastric antrum were observed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor （5-HT4R）， SP， and acetylcholinesterase （AChE） in colon tissue， as well as 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor （5-HT3R）， SP， and AChE in hypothalamic tissue. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to examine the expression of 5-HT and 5-HT4R in the colon and 5-HT and 5-HT3R in the hypothalamus. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in the model group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Serum levels of 5-HT， SP， ACh， and TPH were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Histopathological examination revealed irregular arrangement of glands in the gastric antrum， slight mucosal atrophy， and mild inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R， SP， and AChE in colon tissue， as well as 5-HT3R， SP， and AChE in hypothalamic tissue， were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was also significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all Yueju Wan groups showed significantly increased gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate （P<0.01）. The glands in the gastric antrum were more regularly arranged， with no inflammatory cell infiltration observed. Serum levels of 5-HT， SP， ACh， and TPH were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of 5-HT4R， SP， and AChE in colon tissue and 5-HT3R， SP， and AChE in hypothalamic tissue were significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and 5-HT protein expression in both the colon and hypothalamus was significantly increased （P<0.01）. ConclusionYueju Wan has preventive and therapeutic effects on FD， and its mechanism may be related to regulation of the 5-HT signaling pathway， promotion of brain-gut peptide secretion， and enhancement of gastric motility.

Objective To explore the radiosensitizing effect of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in cervical cancer, and to further explore the underlying mechanism related to DNA damage repair. Methods Human cervical cancer cells (Siha and Hela cells) were cultured in vitro, treated with different concentrations of ATO, and the cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. The cells were divided into four groups: control group, radiotherapy (IR) group, ATO group, and radiotherapy + ATO (IR + ATO) group. Radiosensitization ratio was determined by plate cloning assay, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, the expression of γH2AX by immunofluorescence, the expression of Cyclin B1, PTEN, and RAD51 by Western blot, and the expression of RAD51 mRNA by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results CCK-8 showed that ATO at concentrations of 1 μM and higher could significantly inhibit the proliferation of Siha and HeLa cells. Plate cloning showed that ATO had a radiosensitizing effect on cervical cancer, and the radiosensitization ratios were 1.37 and 1.30, respectively. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of cell cycle arrest was significantly higher in the IR + ATO group than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The apoptosis rate was significantly higher in the IR + ATO group than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Western blotting showed that the expression levels of PTEN and RAD51 proteins significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and the expression level of Cyclin B1 protein significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the IR + ATO group. Conclusion ATO achieves radiosensitization in cervical cancer through blocking the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway by consuming PTEN.

BACKGROUND:The occurrence and development of various ophthalmic diseases are closely related to excessive oxidative stress,and the inhibition of oxidative stress response may produce preventive and therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVE:To explore the role of Pax6 gene expression on hydrogen peroxide-induced aging of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BM-MSCs). METHODS:Resuscitated BM-MSCs,Pax6/BM-MSCs,and shPax6/BM-MSCs were treated with hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours,and then β-galactosidase staining was performed.The proliferation index Ki67 expression and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.The expression of senescence-associated molecules(Wnt7a,p21,and p53)was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)After hydrogen peroxide treatment,the cells of the three groups showed senescence phenotype and β-galactosidase staining was positive.Compared with BM-MSCs group,the expression of positive cells in Pax6/BM-MSCs group was less and that in the shPax6/BM-MSCs group was more,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)The results of flow cytometry showed that compared with BM-MSCs group,the positive expression of Ki67 in the Pax6/BM-MSCs group increased and the level of apoptosis decreased,while the positive expression of Ki67 decreased and the level of apoptosis increased in the shPax6/BM-MSCs group;the difference was significantly different(P<0.05).(3)RT-PCR showed that compared with the BM-MSCs group,the expression of Wnt7a,p53,and p21 decreased in the Pax6/BM-MSCs group,while the expression of Wnt7a,p53,and p21 increased in the shPax6/BM-MSCs group;the difference was significantly different(P<0.05).(4)These findings indicate that overexpression of Pax6 can antagonize the aging progression of BM-MSCs induced by hydrogen peroxide,which may be related to Wnt signaling pathway.

Objective:To study the prevalence and association factors of depressive and anxiety disorders in the hypertensive population.Methods:Using the database obtained from the 2013 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance and the 2013-2015 China Mental Health Survey,4 861 hypertensive residents were used as study subjects.And using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fourth Edition(DSM-Ⅳ)as diagnostic criterion for depressive and anxiety disorders,the 12-month prevalence was calculated.Multifactorial lo-gistic regression models were used to explore the association factors of hypertension comorbid depressive and anxie-ty disorders.Results:The 12-month prevalence rates of depressive disorders and anxiety disorders were 4.1％and 5.0％in 4 861 hypertensive residents.Chinese Han[OR(95％CI):2.00(1.01-3.93)],lack of sleep[OR(95％CI):1.82(1.34-2.48)],having myocardial infarction[OR(95％CI):2.35(1.18～4.67)]and stroke in the past year[OR(95％CI):2.10(1.19-3.72)],and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[OR(95％CI):2.11(1.11-4.05)]were risk factors of hypertension comorbid depressive disorder.Hypertensive people with controlled blood pressure[OR(95％CI):2.01(1.30-3.13)]had a higher risk of co-morbid depressive disorder than those with blood pressure above the normal range on this measurement.Chinese Han[OR(95％CI):2.51(1.32-4.80)],Southwest China[OR(95％CI):1.64(1.02-2.63)],and lack of sleep[OR(95％CI):1.45(1.09-1.93)]were risk factors of hypertension comorbid anxiety disorder.Former but current non-smoking[OR(95％CI):0.48(0.23-0.99)]was a protective factor of hypertension comorbid anxiety disorder.Conclusion:The 12-month prevalence of anxiety disorder was higher than that of depressive disorder in this hypertensive population.Both Han and sleep deprived hypertensive people had a higher risk of comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders.

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effects of chrysin on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).METHODS:Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,and chrysin group.The mice in control group were fed with normal diet,and those in model and chrysin groups were fed with methio-nine-and choline-deficient(MCD)diet.After 5 weeks of adaptation,the mice in chrysin group received chrysin treatment(20 mg/kg)by continuous lavage for 6 weeks,while those in control and model groups were given equal volume of saline.During the experiment,the health condition of the mice was monitored.Liver morphology was examined after the mice were sacrificed.Serum triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-den-sity lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)levels were measured using a biochemical analyzer.Liver tissue TG and TC levels were measured using assay kits.Liver cell damage and inflammation were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and F4/80 immunohistochemistry staining.The ex-tent of liver lipid deposition was explored by oil red O staining.Masson staining and Sirius red staining were performed to assess liver fibrosis.Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the expression of fibrosis-related molecules.RE-SULTS:Compared with control group,the mice in model group showed significant decrease in body weight,liver wet weight,and liver volume.Serum TG,LDL-C,ALT and AST levels,as well as liver TG and TC levels were significantly elevated,and HDL-C levels were decreased in model group.Pathological staining showed significant inflammatory cell in-filtration,lipid deposition,and liver fibrosis.After the treatment with chrysin,increased body weight and liver weight,a reddish appearance of the liver,relatively smooth surface,and sharp liver edges were observed.Serum TG,LDL-C,AST and ALT levels,and liver TG levels were significantly reduced by chrysin.Inflammatory cell infiltration,lipid deposition,and liver tissue fibrosis were also significantly attenuated by chrysin.CONCLUSION:Chrysin shows a potential as a can-didate drug for the treatment of NASH by inhibiting hepatic steatosis,inflammation,and liver fibrosis.

Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of compound Duzhong Jiangu granule on Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), and to provide a new alternative for the treatment of patients with KBD.Methods:According to the principle of random distribution, patients with KBD diagnosed clinically in Linyou County and Yongshou County of Shaanxi Province who meet the inclusion criteria were divided into a traditional Chinese medicine group and a Western medicine group, and they were treated with compound Duzhong Jiangu granule (Chinese medicine group) and ibuprofen sustained release capsule + 21 jinvita + chondroitin sulfate (Western medicine group), respectively, for a duration of one month. Questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the clinical data of all survey respondents before and after medication by using the Joint Dysfunction Index Scale and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scales, for evaluation and analysis. The incidence of adverse reactions of the two groups were recorded.Results:A total of 218 KBD patients that met the inclusion criteria were selected, including 167 patients in the Chinese medicine group and 51 patients in the Western medicine group. There were 94 males and 73 females in the Chinese medicine group, aged (62.93 ± 6.72) years. In the Western medicine group, there were 18 males and 33 females, aged (63.29 ± 7.02) years. There was no statistically significant difference in age between the two groups ( Z = - 0.24, P = 0.813). After taking the compound Duzhong Jiangu granules for treatment of KBD patients in the traditional Chinese medicine group, there were significant changes in the number of patients with joint rest pain, joint movement pain, morning stiffness, maximum walking distance and lower limb mobility in the Joint Dysfunction Scale compared to before treatment. The difference between before and after medication was statistically significant (χ 2 = 37.93, 29.64, 50.40, 13.57, 25.25, P < 0.001). After 1 month of medication, there were 13 cases of significant effect, 64 cases of effectiveness, and 90 cases of ineffectiveness in the traditional Chinese medicine group, with a total effective rate of 46.11%. There were 0 cases of significant improvement, 13 cases of effectiveness, and 38 cases of ineffectiveness in the Western medicine group, with a total effective rate of 25.49%. The difference in total effective rates between the two groups was statistically significant (χ 2 = 8.62, P = 0.013). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in the improvement of lower limb mobility (difficulty of daily activities) between the Chinese medicine group and the Western medicine group (χ 2 = 8.21, P = 0.017). After taking medication, the joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty of daily activities scores in the WOMAC scale of KBD patients in the Chinese medicine group and the Western medicine group were significantly reduced. The differences in scores before and after medication were statistically significant (Chinese medicine group, Z = - 7.60, - 7.74, - 9.75, P < 0.001; Western medicine group, Z = - 5.20, - 3.81, - 3.93, P < 0.001). There was a significant differences in the improvement degree of daily activity difficulty and total score between the Chinese medicine group and the Western medicine group ( Z = - 3.75, - 3.34, P < 0.01). During the medication period, the incidence of adverse reactions in the traditional Chinese medicine group was lower than that in the western medicine group (Chinese medicine group, 29.34%; Western medicine group, 45.09%, χ 2 = 4.38, P = 0.036). Conclusions:Compound Duzhong Jiangu granule has a good therapeutic effects on KBD, significantly improving joint dysfunction of patients. It has advantages in improving the activity ability of KBD patients and reducing the difficulty of daily activities, and has less adverse reactions else.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and genetic etiology of two children with intellectual developmental disorder and microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH). METHODS: Two children with MICPCH who were presented at the Henan Provincial People's Hospital between April 2019 and December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the two children were collected, along with peripheral venous blood samples of them and their parents, and amniotic fluid sample of the mother of child 1. Whole exome sequencing (WES), array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were carried out for the children, their parents and the fetus. The pathogenicity of candidate variants were evaluated. RESULTS: Child 1 was a 6-year-old girl featuring motor and language delay, whilst child 2 was a 4.5-year-old girl mainly featuring microcephaly and mental retardation. WES revealed that child 2 has harbored a 158.7 kb duplication in Xp11.4 (chrX: 41446160_41604854), which has encompassed exons 4~14 of the CASK gene. The same duplication was not found in either of her parents. aCGH revealed that child 1 has harbored a 29 kb deletion at Xp11.4 (chrX: 41637892_41666665), which encompassed exon 3 of the CASK gene. The same deletion was not found in either of her parents and the fetus. The above results were confirmed by qPCR assay. Above deletion and duplication were not found in the ExAC, 1000 Genomes and gnomAD databases. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were rated as likely pathogenic (PS2+PM2_Supporting). CONCLUSION The deletion of exon 3 and duplication of exons 4~14 of the CASK gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of MICPCH in these two children, respectively.
Humans ; Child ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Microcephaly/genetics* ; Developmental Disabilities/genetics* ; Intellectual Disability/complications* ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; Mutation

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for fetus with bilateral lateral ventriculomegaly. METHODS: Fetus umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood samples of its parents were collected. The fetus was subjected to chromosomal karyotyping, whilst the fetus and its parents were subjected to array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). The candidate copy number variation (CNV) were verified by qPCR, Application goldeneye DNA identification system was used to confirm the parental relationship. RESULTS: The fetus was found to have a normal karyotype. aCGH analysis indicated that it has carried a 1.16 Mb deletion at 17p13.3, which partially overlapped with the critical region of Miller-Dieker syndrome (MDS), in addition with a 1.33 Mb deletion at 17p12 region, which is associated with hereditary stress-susceptible peripheral neuropathy (HNPP). Its mother was also found to harbor the 1.33 Mb deletion at 17p12. qPCR analysis confirmed that the expression levels of genes from the 17p13.3 and 17p12 regions were about the half of that in the normal control, as well as the maternal peripheral blood sample. Parental relationship was confirmed between the fetus and its parents. Following genetic counseling, the parents has chosen to continue with the pregnancy. CONCLUSION The fetus was diagnosed with Miller-Dieker syndrome due to the de novo deletion at 17p13.3. Ventriculomegaly may be an important indicator for prenatal ultrasonography in fetuses with MDS.
Pregnancy ; Female ; Humans ; Classical Lissencephalies and Subcortical Band Heterotopias ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Fetus ; Hydrocephalus ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Chromosome Deletion

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic etiology of two patients with developmental delay and intellectual disability. METHODS: Two children who were respectively admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital on August 29, 2021 and August 5, 2019 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was carried out on the children and their parents for the detection of chromosomal microduplication/microdeletions. RESULTS: Patient 1 was a 2-year-and-10-month female and patient 2 was a 3-year-old female. Both children had featured developmental delay, intellectual disability, and abnormal findings on cranial MRI. aCGH revealed that patient 1 has harbored arr[hg19] 6q14.2q15(84621837_90815662)×1, a 6.19 Mb deletion at 6q14.2q15, which encompassed ZNF292, the pathogenic gene for Autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder 64. Patient 2 has harbored arr[hg19] 22q13.31q13.33(46294326_51178264)×1, a 4.88 Mb deletion at 22q13.31q13.33 encompassing the SHANK3 gene, haploinsufficiency of which can lead to Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Both deletions were classified as pathogenic CNVs based on the guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and were not found in their parents. CONCLUSION The 6q14.2q15 deletion and 22q13-31q13.33 deletion probably underlay the developmental delay and intellectual disability in the two children, respectively. Haploinsufficiency of the ZNF292 gene may account for the key clinical features of the 6q14.2q15 deletion.
Humans ; Child ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Intellectual Disability/genetics* ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; Chromosome Disorders/genetics* ; Chromosome Deletion ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 ; Developmental Disabilities/genetics* ; Carrier Proteins/genetics* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics*

Objective:To analyze the comorbidity status and influencing factors of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults and to provide support for the "co-management of three diseases".Methods:Using the relevant information collected from the National Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in China in 2018, 134 950 permanent residents aged ≥45 years were selected as the research objects. After being weighed, the prevalence and comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia in residents with different groups were compared; a multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the influencing factors of comorbidity of the "three diseases".Results:The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults were 46.0% (95% CI:45.1%-47.0%), 19.5% (95% CI:18.7%-20.2%), 43.3% (95% CI:42.3%-44.4%), respectively. The comorbidity rates of hypertension and diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and diabetes and dyslipidemia were 12.3% (95% CI:11.7%-12.8%), 22.8% (95% CI:22.1%-23.4%),11.6% (95% CI:11.1%-12.0%), respectively; the comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia was 7.6% (95% CI: 7.2%-8.0%). These comorbidity rates increased with age and BMI, which was more significant in the urban areas than rural areas and more outstanding in North and Northeast China ( P<0.05). The comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and higher cholesterol was 1.9% (95% CI:1.7%-2.1%). The comorbidity rate of hypertension, diabetes, and higher low-density lipoprotein was 1.6% (95% CI:1.4%-1.7%), which was higher in women than in men ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that male, age, city, overweight/obesity, excessive drinking, physical inactivity, daily sedentary behavior time ≥5 hours, and sleep duration <7 hours were risk factors for the comorbidity of the "three diseases". Conclusions:The comorbidity of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, is common among middle-aged and elderly adults in China; comprehensive prevention and control of risk factors and "co-management of three diseases" are critical measures for health promotion in middle-aged and elderly populations.