Objective To investigate the prevalence and related factors of sarcopenia among non–bedridden older adults in the community of Baoshan District using the China mini sarcopenia risk assessment 7 (C-MSRA-7) combined with Ishii scoring system. Methods The older individuals consulting at 20 community health stations in Baoshan District between April 2025 and June 2025 were enrolled. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, a dietary and lifestyle habits survey, the C-MSRA-7, and the mini nutritional assessment-short form (MNA-SF). Handgrip strength and anthropometric measurements were also obtained. Individuals with both Ishii score and C-MSRA-7 results positive were classified into the sarcopenia risk group, while the remaining participants were assigned to the non–sarcopenia risk group. Differences in lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, and nutritional status between the two groups were compared. Results A total of 2 611 valid questionnaires were retrieved. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in alcohol consumption, physical activity frequency, body mass index (BMI), nutritional status, activities of daily living, and regularity of three meals in sarcopenia risk group (n＝486) and non–sarcopenia risk group (n＝2 125, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age (75–84 years: OR＝2.55, 95%CI 2.03–3.21; ≥85 years: OR＝3.98, 95%CI 2.24–7.07), underweight status (OR＝2.19, 95%CI 1.50–3.19), weight loss＞2 kg (OR＝4.52, 95%CI 2.68–7.64) past 3 months, lack of regular physical activity (OR＝1.77, 95%CI 1.24–2.52) , and alcohol consumption (OR＝1.48, 95%CI 1.07–2.05) were independent risk factors for sarcopenia (P<0.05). Behaviors related to healthy diet, including daily milk consumption (OR＝0.40, 95%CI 0.30–0.52), regular three meals (OR＝0.56, 95%CI 0.41–0.78), and high-quality protein intake (OR＝0.70, 95%CI 0.52–0.94), were protective factors (P<0.05). Conclusions Sarcopenia among community–dwelling, non–bedridden older adults is closely associated with physical activity levels, dietary habits, and nutritional status. Early identification of individuals at risk, enhanced nutritional education, and timely implementation of nutritional interventions and exercise programs are recommended for this population.

As a globally prevalent malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates,hepatocellular carcinoma has demonstrated significant potential in prognostic prediction and therapeutic evaluation through its imaging manifestations.This article focuses on the potential correlations between current imaging characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma and its prognosis,emphasizing the importance of adopting and promoting a standardized imaging terminology system.It illustrates specific examples of imaging features associated with prognosis,reviews recent research hotspots and advancements in hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis.The aim is to offer precise prognostication,diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Vaccarin(Va)on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3,and the underlying mechanism.Methods Left ureter ligation was used to establish a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO);human kid-ney tubular epithelial(HK2)cells were induced to differentiate by transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in vitro.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of renal tissue;kits were used to detect the levels of BUN,Cr,IL-1β and IL-7 in mouse serum;CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of Va on the viability of HK2 cells;RT-PCR was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in HK2 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression of STAT3,p-STAT3,E-cadherin,and α-SMA proteins in renal tissue and HK2 cells;to further investigate the regulation of Va on STAT3,JAK/STAT3 pathway acti-vator RO8191 was used to treat TGF-β-induced HK2 cells,and functional loss was detected.Results Va improved the pathological damage in UUO mice,inhibi-ted the levels of BUN,Cr and inflammatory factors;Va inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3,upregulated E-cadherin,and downregulated α-SMA protein expres-sion;RO8191 counteracted the inhibitory effect of Va on the phosphorylation of STAT3.Conclusions Va inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the release of inflammatory factors,improves EMT,thus exerting an anti-renal fibrosis effect.

Objective This study aims to explore the layout and optimization of management disciplines in"Double First-Class"Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)universities,providing talent support and management guidance for the devel-opment of TCM.Methods Based on an overview of the development of management disciplines in TCM universities,six"Doub-le First-Class"TCM universities were selected as research subjects.Data were collected and compared using web retrieval and lit-erature research methods.Results Management disciplines in TCM universities still face challenges,such as weak foundational infrastructure and difficulties in interdisciplinary integration,insufficient faculty and suboptimal curriculum systems,and a single teaching model with a disconnect between theory and practice.Conclusion This paper proposes targeted suggestions and strate-gies for optimizing the layout of management disciplines in TCM universities,including strengthening support for management dis-ciplines and deepening TCM management characteristics,optimizing curriculum design and enhancing faculty resources,and in-novating teaching models to promote the deep integration of theory and practice.

As a globally prevalent malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates,hepatocellular carcinoma has demonstrated significant potential in prognostic prediction and therapeutic evaluation through its imaging manifestations.This article focuses on the potential correlations between current imaging characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma and its prognosis,emphasizing the importance of adopting and promoting a standardized imaging terminology system.It illustrates specific examples of imaging features associated with prognosis,reviews recent research hotspots and advancements in hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis.The aim is to offer precise prognostication,diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Vaccarin(Va)on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3,and the underlying mechanism.Methods Left ureter ligation was used to establish a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO);human kid-ney tubular epithelial(HK2)cells were induced to differentiate by transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in vitro.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of renal tissue;kits were used to detect the levels of BUN,Cr,IL-1β and IL-7 in mouse serum;CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of Va on the viability of HK2 cells;RT-PCR was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in HK2 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression of STAT3,p-STAT3,E-cadherin,and α-SMA proteins in renal tissue and HK2 cells;to further investigate the regulation of Va on STAT3,JAK/STAT3 pathway acti-vator RO8191 was used to treat TGF-β-induced HK2 cells,and functional loss was detected.Results Va improved the pathological damage in UUO mice,inhibi-ted the levels of BUN,Cr and inflammatory factors;Va inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3,upregulated E-cadherin,and downregulated α-SMA protein expres-sion;RO8191 counteracted the inhibitory effect of Va on the phosphorylation of STAT3.Conclusions Va inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the release of inflammatory factors,improves EMT,thus exerting an anti-renal fibrosis effect.

In recent years,the incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma in China have gradually become close to each other,reflecting persistent limitations in current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Given the close association between hepatocellular carcinoma development and the progression of precancerous lesions,the expert panel released the first edition of the Multidisciplinary Experts Consensus on Diagnosis and Treatment of Precancerous Lesions of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in 2020 and updated it in 2023,aiming to advance early-intervention strategies and improve overall patient survival rates.This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the key imaging diagnostic points outlined in the consensus,aiming to offer radiologists at all levels with a robust reference for early identification and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma precancerous lesions,thereby facilitating critical support for timely patient intervention and treatment.

Objective To analyze the sleep problems and temperament characteristics of children aged 12-35 months so as to understand the relationship between the sleep problems and temperament in early childhood.Methods 129 toddlers with sleep problems and 129 normal controls were selected.The brief infant sleep questionnaire(BISQ)was used to investigate children's sleep problems and the temperament questionnaire was used to investigate their temperament characteristics.The influence of temperament on sleep problems was analyzed by Logistic regression analysis.Results The temperament types of children aged 12 to 35 months with sleep problems were mainly easy to cultivate and moderately easy to cultivate.There was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05)in the comparison of easily cultivating temperament types between the children with the sleep problems and the control group;Compared with the control group,there were statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in the five dimensions of avoidance,adaptability,emotional essence,persistence,and attention dispersion among children with sleep problems.Compared with the temperament type of easy to cultivate,the proportion of sleep problems in children intermediately easy to cultivate and slow to start was higher(both P<0.05)Conclusion There is a certain relationship between the sleep problems and temperament types in children aged 12 to 35 months.Early understanding of sleep problems and temperament characteristics of toddlers can guide parents to adjust their education methods in time,give parents"individualized"sleep guidance and intervention,reduce the occurrence of long-term development problems and promote the healthy physical and mental development of toddlers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether auraptene (AUR) exerts a protective effect on acute diquat (DQ)-induced liver injury in mice and explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Forty SPF-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), DQ poisoning model group (DQ group), AUR treatment group (DQ+AUR group), and AUR control group (AUR group), with 10 mice in each group. The DQ poisoning model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg DQ aqueous solution (0.5 mL); Control group and AUR group received an equal volume of pure water intraperitoneally. Four hours post-modeling, DQ+AUR group and AUR group were administered 0.5 mg/kg AUR aqueous solution (0.2 mL) by gavage once daily for 7 consecutive days, while Control group and DQ group received pure water. Blood and liver tissues were collected after anesthesia on day 7. Liver ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected using WST-1, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and enzymatic reaction methods, respectively. Protein expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and activated caspase-9 in liver tissues was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondria in the Control group exhibited mild swelling, uneven distribution of matrix, and a small number of cristae fractures. In the AUR group, mitochondria showed mild swelling, with no obvious disruption of cristae structure. In the DQ group, mitochondria demonstrated marked swelling and increased volume, matrix dissolution, loss and fragmentation of cristae, and extensive vacuolization. In contrast, the DQ+AUR group showed significantly reduced mitochondrial swelling, volume increase, matrix dissolution, cristae loss and fragmentation, and vacuolization compared to the DQ group. Compared with the DQ group, the DQ+AUR group exhibited significantly lower serum AST levels (U/L: 173.45±23.60 vs. 255.33±41.51), ALT levels (U/L: 51.77±21.63 vs. 100.70±32.35), and hepatic MDA levels (μmol/g: 12.40±2.76 vs. 19.74±4.10), along with higher hepatic GSH levels (mmol/g: 37.65±14.95 vs. 20.58±8.52) and SOD levels (kU/g: 124.10±33.77 vs. 82.81±22.00), the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Western blotting showed upregulated Nrf2 expression (Nrf2/β-actin: 0.87±0.37 vs. 0.53±0.22) and HO-1 expression (HO-1/β-actin: 1.06±0.22 vs. 0.49±0.08), and downregulated Keap1 expression (Keap1/β-actin: 0.82±0.12 vs. 1.52±0.76) and activated caspase-9 expression (activated caspase-9/β-actin: 1.16±0.28 vs. 1.71±0.30) in the DQ+AUR group compared to the DQ group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION AUR attenuates DQ-induced acute liver injury in mice by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Liver/pathology* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/drug therapy* ; Diquat/poisoning* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Apoptosis ; Coumarins

OBJECTIVE: Prunella vulgaris L. has long been used for liver protection according to traditional Chinese medicine theory and has been proven by modern pharmacological research to have multiple potential liver-protective effects. However, its effects on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are currently uncertain. Our study explores the effects of P. vulgaris polysaccharides on NASH and intestinal homeostasis. METHODS: An aqueous extract of the dried fruit spikes of P. vulgaris was precipitated in an 85% ethanol solution (PVE85) to extract crude polysaccharides from the herb. A choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) was administrated to male C57BL/6 mice to establish a NASH animal model. After 4 weeks, the PVE85 group was orally administered PVE85 (200 mg/[kg·d]), while the control group and CDAHFD group were orally administered vehicle for 6 weeks. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and other methods were used to assess the impact of PVE85 on the liver in mice with NASH. 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis was employed to evaluate the gut microbiota abundance and diversity in each group to examine alterations at various taxonomic levels. RESULTS: PVE85 significantly reversed the course of NASH in mice. mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators associated with NASH and protein expression of hepatic nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) were significantly reduced after PVE85 treatment. Moreover, PVE85 attenuated the thickening and cross-linking of collagen fibres and inhibited the expression of fibrosis-related mRNAs in the livers of NASH mice. Intriguingly, PVE85 restored changes in the gut microbiota and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by NASH by increasing the abundance of Actinobacteria and reducing the abundance of Proteobacteria at the phylum level. PVE85 had significant activity in reducing the relative abundance of Clostridiaceae at the family levels. PVE85 markedly enhanced the abundance of some beneficial micro-organisms at various taxonomic levels as well. Additionally, the physicochemical environment of the intestine was effectively improved, involving an increase in the density of intestinal villi, normalization of the intestinal pH, and improvement of intestinal permeability. CONCLUSION PVE85 can reduce hepatic lipid overaccumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in an animal model of CDAHFD-induced NASH and improve the intestinal microbial composition and intestinal structure. Please cite this article as: Zhu MJ, Song YJ, Rao PL, Gu WY, Xu Y, Xu HX. Therapeutic role of Prunella vulgaris L. polysaccharides in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and gut dysbiosis. J Integr Med. 2025; 2025; 23(3): 297-308.
Animals ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/drug therapy* ; Male ; Dysbiosis/drug therapy* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Polysaccharides/therapeutic use* ; Prunella/chemistry* ; Mice ; Liver/metabolism* ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Diet, High-Fat