ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction （半夏泻心汤， BXD） in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis （DGP）. MethodsA total of 29 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups， blank group （5 rats） and model group， BXD group and metformin group （8 rats in each group）. Except for the blank group， rats were administered intraperitoneally with 1% streptozotocin （STZ） solution and were fed a high-sugar， high-fat diet to establish the DGP rat model. After successful modeling， the BXD group was treated with BXD at 6.68 g/（kg·d） by gavage， the metformin group was treated with metformin hydrochloride at 105 mg/（kg·d） by gavage， and the blank group and the model group were treated with normal saline at 6.68 ml/（kg·d） by gavage， for 8 weeks. After the last administration， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG） were measured and gastric emptying rate was calculated. ELISA was used to detect the levels of gastrointestinal hormones motilin （MTL） and gastrin （GAS）， as well as inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in gastric tissue. Oil red O staining was performed to observe liver pathological morphology. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was used to observe gastric antrum tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect liver X receptor α （LXRα） levels in the liver. Western Blot was used to detect the protein levels of LXRα in liver tissue， and of janus kinase 2 （JAK2）， phospho-janus kinase 2 （p-JAK2）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） and phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （p-STAT3） in gastric antrum tissue. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） was used to measure the mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue and JAK2， STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed significant hepatic fatty degeneration， gastric antrum tissue structure destruction， and increases in FBG， HbA1c， TC， and TG levels； the average fluorescence intensity， protein level， and mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue were reduced； the gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS and MTL levels decreased； inflammatory factors including TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β in gastric tissue increased， IL-10 decreased； in gastric antrum tissue， the mRNA expression of p-JAK2/JAK2， p-STAT3/STAT3， and JAK2 and STAT3 increased （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， both the BXD group and the metformin group showed improved liver and gastric antrum tissue pathology； FBG， HbA1c， TC， and TG levels decreased， while LXRα fluorescence intensity， protein level， and mRNA expression in liver tissue significantly increased； the gastric emptying rate and the levels of GAS and MTL in gastric tissue were markedly higher； the levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β decreased， whereas IL-10 levels increased， p-JAK2/JAK2， p-STAT3/STAT3， and the mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The BXD group showed higher level than the metformin group in FBG， HbA1c， and TG levels， lower level in gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS content， and higher level in gastric tissue TNF-α， IL-6， IL-1β levels； there was also a decrease in IL-10 levels， and a reduction in LXRα fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression in liver tissue， as well as in p-JAK2/JAK2 levels in gastric antrum tissue （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionBXD can reduce blood glucose and lipid levels in DGP model rats while improving gastric function and alleviating gastric tissue inflammation. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of LXRα expression in liver tissue and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in gastric antrum tissue.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

Due to patient compliance and convenience, oral medication is likely the most common and acceptable method of drug administration. However, traditional dosage forms such as tablets or capsules may lead to low drug bioavailability and poor therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, with advancements in material science and micro/nano manufacturing technology, various carriers have been developed to enhance drug absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, we initially discuss the key biological factors that hinder drug transport and absorption (including anatomical, physical, and biological factors). Building on this foundation, recent progress in both conventional and innovative oral drug delivery routes aimed at improving drug bioavailability and targeting is reviewed. Finally, we explore future prospects for oral drug delivery systems as well as potential challenges in clinical translation.

ObjectiveTo investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) in association with the incidence of stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsBased on the chronic disease risk factor surveillance cohort in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, excluding those with stroke in baseline survey, T2DM patients who joined the cohort from January 2016 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects. During the follow-up period, a total of 318 new-onset ischemic stroke patients were selected as the case group, and a total of 318 individuals matched by gender without stroke were selected as the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and explore the serum TyG index and the Hcy biochemical indicator in association with the risk of stroke. ResultsThe Cox proportional hazards regression results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients with 10 μmol·L⁻¹-¹ and Hcy>15 μmol·L⁻¹ was 1.532 times (95%CI: 1.017‒2.309 times, P=0.041) and 1.738 times (95%CI: 1.119‒2.699 times, P=0.014) higher respectively, compared to T2DM patients with Hcy≤10 μmol·L⁻¹. T2DM patients with TyG>9.074 had 1.396 times higher risk of stroke (95%CI: 1.091‒1.787, P=0.008) compared to those with TyG≤9.074. The study found that urea and α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) were independent risk factors for the incidence of stroke in T2DM patients. For every unit increase in urea andα1-AT, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients increased by 233.6% (HR=3.336, 95%CI: 1.588‒7.009, P=0.001) and 11.3% (HR=1.113, 95%CI: 1.028‒1.205, P=0.008), respectively. Cumulative risk curves showed that Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and TyG>9.074 accelerated the time to stroke occurrence in T2DM patients. ConclusionElevated levels of Hcy>10 μmol·L⁻¹ and a higher TyG index are risk factors for stroke in T2DM patients. Effective interventions for Hcy and TyG should be conducted for diabetic patients to reduce the incidence of stroke.

In this study, the pharmacokinetic characteristics and tissue distribution of cannabidiol(CBD)/γ-polyglutamic acid-g-cholesterol(γ-PGA-g-CHOL) nanomicelles [CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs] were investigated by pharmacokinetic experiments, and the effect of CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammatory damage of cells was evaluated by cell experiments. CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs were prepared by dialysis. The CBD concentrations in the plasma samples of male SD rats treated with CBD and CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs were investigated, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and compared. UPLC-MS/MS was employed to determine the concentration of CBD in tissue samples. The heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and muscle samples were collected at different time points to explore the tissue distribution of CBD and CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs. The Caco-2 cell model of LPS-induced inflammation was established, and the cell viability, transepithelial electrical resistance(TEER), and secretion levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined to compare the anti-inflammatory activity between the two groups. The results showed that CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs had the average particle size of(163.1±2.3)nm, drug loading of 8.78%±0.28%, and encapsulation rate of 84.46%±0.35%. Compared with CBD, CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs showed increased peak concentration(C_(max)) and prolonged peak time(t_(max)) and mean residence time(MRT_(0-t)). Within 24 h, the tissue distribution concentration of CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs was higher than that of CBD. In addition, both CBD and CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs significantly enhanced Caco-2 cell viability and TEER, lowered the secretion levels of inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated inflammation. Moreover, CBD/(γ-PGA-g-CHOL)NMs demonstrated stronger anti-inflammatory effect. It can be inferred that γ-PGA-g-CHOL blank nanomicelles are good carriers of CBD, being capable of prolonging the circulation time of CBD in the blood, improving the bioavailability and tissue distribution concentration of CBD, and protecting against LPS-induced inflammatory injury. The findings can provide an experimental basis for the development and clinical application of oral CBD preparations.
Animals ; Cannabidiol/administration & dosage* ; Polyglutamic Acid/analogs & derivatives* ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage* ; Micelles ; Caco-2 Cells ; Cholesterol/pharmacokinetics* ; Tissue Distribution ; Nanoparticles/chemistry*

OBJECTIVES: To assess the preliminary efficacy and safety of a dose-intensified C5VD regimen (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine, and doxorubicin) in children with locally advanced hepatoblastoma. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 24 children with newly diagnosed, locally advanced hepatoblastoma who received the dose-intensified C5VD regimen at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and chemotherapy-related toxicities were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, 13 were male and 11 were female, with a median age at diagnosis of 18.7 months (range: 3.5-79.4 months). All patients achieved complete macroscopic resection of hepatic lesions without liver transplantation. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels decreased significantly after two chemotherapy cycles. During a median follow-up of 38.4 months (range: 15.8-50.7 months), all patients maintained continuous complete remission, with 3-year event-free survival and overall survival rates of 100%. Across 144 chemotherapy cycles, the incidence rates of grade 3-4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and infections were 97%, 77%, and 71%, respectively; no treatment-related deaths occurred. Notably, 5 patients (21%) developed Brock grade ≥3 hearing loss, of whom 1 required a hearing aid. CONCLUSIONS The dose-intensified C5VD regimen demonstrates significant efficacy with an overall favorable safety profile in the treatment of newly diagnosed, locally advanced pediatric hepatoblastoma. Grade 3-4 myelosuppression and infection are the predominant toxicities. However, high‑dose cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains a concern, highlighting the need for improved otoprotective strategies.
Humans ; Hepatoblastoma/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Infant ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Child, Preschool ; Prospective Studies ; Doxorubicin/adverse effects* ; Child ; Cisplatin/adverse effects* ; Vincristine/adverse effects* ; Fluorouracil/adverse effects*

Clinical management of atopic dermatitis (AD) is challenged by its susceptibility to recurrence, side effects, and high costs. We found that Portulaca oleracea L.-derived nanovesicles (PDNV) exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization. These effects were achieved through pathways including inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein expression in diseased tissues, demonstrating their potential to ameliorate AD symptoms. To increase the transdermal permeation of PDNV, dissolvable microneedles composed primarily of hyaluronic acid (HA) were developed as an adjunctive means of delivery. Meanwhile, polysaccharides of Portulaca oleracea L., which were synergistic with PDNV, were used as microneedle constituent materials to enhance the mechanical properties and physical stability of HA. This new means of delivery significantly improves the treatment of AD and also provides new options for the efficient utilization of plant extracellular vesicles and the treatment of AD. In addition, transcriptomic analysis of PDNV showed that the mRNAs of Portulaca oleracea L. are closest to those of ferns, which may shed light on related evolutionary and plant species identification studies.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of mediastinal lymph nodes CT image features in pulmonary sarcoidosis.Methods The imageologic data of the patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis(pulmonary sarcoidosis group)and lung cancer complicating mediastinal lymph node metastasis(lung cancer group)con-firmed by EBUS-TBNA in this hospital from June 2015 to November 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The chest plain scan CT and enhanced scan CT were performed in all cases,and the imaging characteristics were compared between the two groups.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.The diagnostic value of CT imaging characteristics in pulmonary sar-coidosis was analyzed.Results The proportion of female patients in the lung sarcoidosis group was signifi-cantly higher than that in the lung cancer group,while the age was smaller than that in the lung cancer group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The number of mediastinal lymph nodes,location,short diameter and CT enhancement value in the pulmonary sarcoidosis group had statistical difference(P＜0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of lymph node short diameter reciprocal,CT enhancement value and position in detection alone were 0.586,0.785 and 0.505 respectively,and AUC of the three combined reciprocal was the highest(0.789).Conclusion The lymph node short diameter,CT enhancement value and po-sition have certain value in clinical diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis and the 3-indicator combination could increase the diagnostic efficiency of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Objective To discuss the technical advantages of MRI image fusion technology in guiding percutaneous balloon compression(PBC)for trigeminal neuralgia(TN).Methods The clinical data of 13 patients with TN,who received MRI image fusion technology-guided PBC from November 2022 to July 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.The MRI images of the trigeminal nerve obtained one week before surgery were fused with the intraoperative DynaCT images of the skull base so as to simultaneously display the Meckel s cave and foramen ovale,and under the 3-D view the optimal puncture path was determined.The needle was positioned at the entry point of the skin,than the skin was cut open with a sharp surgical blade and the needle was inserted to the foramen ovale area to a predetermined depth.Lateral skull base fluoroscopy and DynaCT scan were used to check that the puncture needle tip was placed into the foramen ovale.Than the puncture needle was replaced by a fine guiding-needle and it was pushed into the Meckel's cave.Under the dual guidance of lateral fluoroscopy and fusion image,the balloon was push forward and was filled with iodine contrast media to compress the trigeminal ganglion within the Meckel's cave.After completion of the treatment,the balloon and puncture needle were removed and manual oppression was applied on the face to achieve hemostasis.Results Immediately after PBC,the pain was relieved in all patients.No permanent or serious complications occurred.One patient had a relapse 3 months after PBC and a second PBC procedure had to be carried out.No obvious pain recurrence was observed in the remaining patients during follow-up period.During the surgery,the mean number of foramen ovale puncturing was(1.31±0.46)times,the mean X-ray exposure time was(8.64±5.66)min,and the mean cumulative dose of X-ray was(570.29±257.15)mGy.After PBC,12 patients(92.31％)developed facial numbness and one patient(7.69％)developed facial pain,all of which were healed after treatment.Conclusion MRI image fusion technology can improve the visualization and accuracy of PBC procedure.It can also reduce the number of puncturing,decrease the radiation exposure dose,and improve the surgical ability of young doctors.Therefore,MRI image fusion technology should be further developed and applied in clinical practice.