Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.

Circadian rhythm is an endogenous biological clock mechanism that enables organisms to adapt to the earth’s alternation of day and night. It plays a fundamental role in regulating physiological functions and behavioral patterns, such as sleep, feeding, hormone levels and body temperature. By aligning these processes with environmental changes, circadian rhythm plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and promoting optimal health. However, modern lifestyles, characterized by irregular work schedules and pervasive exposure to artificial light, have disrupted these rhythms for many individuals. Such disruptions have been linked to a variety of health problems, including sleep disorders, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune dysfunction, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythm in human health. Among the numerous systems influenced by circadian rhythm, the skin—a multifunctional organ and the largest by surface area—is particularly noteworthy. As the body’s first line of defense against environmental insults such as UV radiation, pollutants, and pathogens, the skin is highly affected by changes in circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm regulates multiple skin-related processes, including cyclic changes in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as DNA repair mechanisms and antioxidant defenses. For instance, studies have shown that keratinocyte proliferation peaks during the night, coinciding with reduced environmental stress, while DNA repair mechanisms are most active during the day to counteract UV-induced damage. This temporal coordination highlights the critical role of circadian rhythms in preserving skin integrity and function. Beyond maintaining homeostasis, circadian rhythm is also pivotal in the skin’s repair and regeneration processes following injury. Skin regeneration is a complex, multi-stage process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, all of which are influenced by circadian regulation. Key cellular activities, such as fibroblast migration, keratinocyte activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, are modulated by the circadian clock, ensuring that repair processes occur with optimal efficiency. Additionally, circadian rhythm regulates the secretion of cytokines and growth factors, which are critical for coordinating cellular communication and orchestrating tissue regeneration. Disruptions to these rhythms can impair the repair process, leading to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, or chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent information on the interactions between circadian rhythms and skin physiology, with a particular focus on skin tissue repair and regeneration. Molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation in skin cells, including the role of core clock genes such as Clock, Bmal1, Per and Cry. These genes control the expression of downstream effectors involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, oxidative stress response and inflammatory pathways. By understanding how these mechanisms operate in healthy and diseased states, we can discover new insights into the temporal dynamics of skin regeneration. In addition, by exploring the therapeutic potential of circadian biology in enhancing skin repair and regeneration, strategies such as topical medications that can be applied in a time-limited manner, phototherapy that is synchronized with circadian rhythms, and pharmacological modulation of clock genes are expected to optimize clinical outcomes. Interventions based on the skin’s natural rhythms can provide a personalized and efficient approach to promote skin regeneration and recovery. This review not only introduces the important role of circadian rhythms in skin biology, but also provides a new idea for future innovative therapies and regenerative medicine based on circadian rhythms.

The efficacy of Xiangmei Pills on rats with ulcerative colitis(UC) was investigated by characterizing the spectrum of the active chemical components of Xiangmei Pills. Rapid identification and classification of the main chemical components were performed,and the therapeutic effects of Xiangmei Pills on the proteins and intestinal flora of UC rats were analyzed to explore the mechanism of its action in treating UC. Fifty SD rats were acclimatized to feeding for 3 d and randomly divided into blank group, model group,mesalazine group(0. 4 g·kg~(-1)), low-dose group of Xiangmei Pills(1. 89 g·kg~(-1)), and high-dose group of Xiangmei Pills(5. 67 g·kg~(-1)), with 10 rats in each group. 5% dextrose sodium sulfate(DSS) was given by gavage to induce the male SD rat model with UC,and the corresponding medicinal solution was given by gavage after 10 days, respectively. The therapeutic effect of Xiangmei Pills on rats with UC was evaluated according to body mass, disease activity index(DAI), and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the histopathological changes in the colon were observed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) technique was used to rapidly and accurately identify the main chemical constituents of Xiangmei Pills. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),interferon-γ(IFN-γ), mucin-2(MUC-2), and cytochrome P450 1A1(CYP1A1) in colon tissue. Interleukin-22(IL-22) expression in colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence. The 16S r DNA high-throughput sequencing technique was used to study the modulatory effects of Xiangmei Pills on the intestinal flora structure of rats with UC. Pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with that of the blank group, the colon tissue of the model group was congested, and ulcers were visible in the mucosa; compared with that in the model group, the histopathology of the colon of the rats with UC in the groups of Xiangmei Pills were improved, with scattered ulcers and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Chemical analysis showed that a total of 45 components were identified by mass spectrometry information, including 15 phenolic acids, 8 coumarins, 15 organic acids, 3 amino acids, 2 flavonoids, and 2 other components. Compared with those in the blank group, the levels of Ah R, CYP1A1, MUC-2, and IL-22 proteins in the colon tissue of rats in the model group were significantly decreased, and the level of IFN-γ protein was significantly increased; the intestinal flora of rats in the model group was disorganized, with a decrease in the abundance of the flora; the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,unclassified genera of Ascomycetes, Prevotella of the Prevotella family, and Prevotella decreased significantly, and that of Firmicutes decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus increased significantly. Compared with those of the model group, the levels of Ah R, CYP1A1, MUC-2, and IL-22proteins in the colonic tissue of the groups of Xiangmei Pills were significantly higher, and the levels of IFN-γ proteins were significantly lower. The recovery of the intestinal flora was accelerated, and the diversity of the intestinal flora was significantly increased. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly increased, and that of unclassified genera of Ascomycetes,Lactobacillus, Prevotella of the Prevotella family, and Prevotella was significantly increased. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Bifidobacterium was significantly decreased. This study demonstrated that Xiangmei Pills can effectively treat UC, mainly through the phenolic acid and organic acid components to stimulate the intestinal barrier, regulate protein expression and the relative abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and play a role in the treatment of UC.
Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics* ; Bacteria/drug effects*

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of sub-hypothermic mechanical perfusion combined with membrane lung oxygenation on ischemic hypoxic injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss. METHODS: This article performed a random controlled trial. Brain tissue of 7 yorkshire was selected and divided into the sub-low temperature anterograde machine perfusion group (n = 4) and the blank control group (n = 3) using the random number table method. A yorkshire model of brain tissue injury induced by traumatic blood loss was established. Firstly, the perfusion temperature and blood oxygen saturation were monitored in real-time during the perfusion process. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, NA⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions concentrations and pH of the perfusate were detected. Following perfusion, we specifically examined the parietal lobe to assess its water content. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were then dissected for histological evaluation, allowing us to investigate potential regional differences in tissue injury. The blank control group was sampled directly before perfusion. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 Student t-test. All tests were two-sided, and p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The contents of red blood cells and hemoglobin during perfusion were maintained at normal levels but more red blood cells were destroyed 3 h after the perfusion. The blood oxygen saturation of the perfusion group was maintained at 95% - 98%. NA⁺ and K⁺ concentrations were normal most of the time during perfusion but increased significantly at about 4 h. The Ca²⁺ concentration remained within the normal range at each period. Glucose levels were slightly higher than the baseline level. The pH of the perfusion solution was slightly lower at the beginning of perfusion, and then gradually increased to the normal level. The water content of brain tissue in the sub-low and docile perfusion group was 78.95% ± 0.39%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (75.27% ± 0.55%, t = 10.49, p < 0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with the blank control group, the structure and morphology of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampal gyrus were similar, and their integrity was better. The structural integrity of granulosa neurons was destroyed and cell edema increased in the perfusion group compared with the blank control group. Immunofluorescence staining for glail fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1, markers of glial cells, revealed well-preserved cell structures in the perfusion group. While there were indications of abnormal cellular activity, the analysis showed no significant difference in axon thickness or integrity compared to the 1-h blank control group. CONCLUSIONS Mild hypothermic machine perfusion can improve ischemia and hypoxia injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss and delay the necrosis and apoptosis of yorkshire brain tissue by continuous oxygen supply, maintaining ion homeostasis and reducing tissue metabolism level.
Animals ; Perfusion/methods* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Brain Injuries/etiology* ; Swine ; Male ; Hypothermia, Induced/methods*

Background: Genetic defects in the human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) gene can cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH). However, the biological functions and comprehensive genotype–phenotype relationships for most TSHR variants associated with CH remain unexplored. We aimed to identify TSHR variants in Chinese patients with CH, analyze the functions of the variants, and explore the relationships between TSHR genotypes and clinical phenotypes. Methods: In total, 367 patients with CH were recruited for TSHR variant screening using whole-exome sequencing. The effects of the variants were evaluated by in-silico programs such as SIFT and polyphen2. Furthermore, these variants were transfected into 293T cells to detect their Gs/cyclic AMP and Gq/11 signaling activity. Results: Among the 367 patients with CH, 17 TSHR variants, including three novel variants, were identified in 45 patients, and 18 patients carried biallelic TSHR variants. In vitro experiments showed that 10 variants were associated with Gs/cyclic AMP and Gq/11 signaling pathway impairment to varying degrees. Patients with TSHR biallelic variants had lower serum TSH levels and higher free triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels at diagnosis than those with DUOX2 biallelic variants. Conclusions We found a high frequency of TSHR variants in Chinese patients with CH (12.3%), and 4.9% of cases were caused by TSHR biallelic variants. Ten variants were identified as loss-of-function variants. The data suggest that the clinical phenotype of CH patients caused by TSHR biallelic variants is relatively mild. Our study expands the TSHR variant spectrum and provides further evidence for the elucidation of the genetic etiology of CH.

Cells not only contain membrane-bound organelles (MBOs), but also membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed by condensation of many biomacromolecules. Examples include RNA-protein granules such as nucleoli and PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) in the nucleus, as well as stress granules and P-bodies in the cytoplasm. Phase separation is the basic organizing principle of the form of the condensates or membraneless organelles (MLOs) of biomacromolecules including proteins and nucleic acids. In particular, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) compartmentalises and concentrates biological macromolecules into liquid condensates. It has been found that phase separation of biomacromolecules requires some typical intrinsic characteristics, such as intrinsically disordered regions, modular domains and multivalent interactions. The phase separation of biomacromolecules plays a key role in many important cell activities. In recent years, the phase separation of biomacromolecules phase has become a focus of research in gene transcriptional regulation. Transcriptional regulatory elements such as RNA polymerases, transcription factors (TFs), and super enhancers (SEs) all play important roles through phase separation. Our group has previously reported for the first time that long-term inactivation or absence of assembly factors leads to the formation of condensates of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) subunits in the cytoplasm, and this process is reversible, suggesting a novel regulatory model of eukaryotic transcription machinery. The phase separation of biomacromolecules provides a biophysical understanding for the rapid transmission of transcriptional signals by a large number of TFs. Moreover, phase separation during transcriptional regulation is closely related to the occurrence of cancer. For example, the activation of oncogenes is usually associated with the formation of phase separation condensates at the SEs. In this review, the intrinsic characteristics of the formation of biomacromolecules phase separation and the important role of phase separation in transcriptional regulation are reviewed, which will provide reference for understanding basic cell activities and gene regulation in cancer.

Objective This study aimed to comprehensively analyze and compare the clinicopathological features and prognosis of Chinese patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-low early breast cancer(BC)and HER2-IHC0 BC. Methods Patients diagnosed with HER2-negative BC(N=999)at our institution between January 2011 and December 2015 formed our study population.Clinicopathological characteristics,association between estrogen receptor(ER)expression and HER2-low,and evolution of HER2 immunohistochemical(IHC)score were assessed.Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to compare the long-term survival outcomes(5-year follow-up)between the HER2-IHC0 and HER2-low groups. Results HER2-low BC group tended to demonstrate high expression of ER and more progesterone receptor(PgR)positivity than HER2-IHC0 BC group(P<0.001).The rate of HER2-low status increased with increasing ER expression levels(Mantel-Haenszel χ2 test,P<0.001,Pearson's R=0.159,P<0.001).Survival analysis revealed a significantly longer overall survival(OS)in HER2-low BC group than in HER2-IHC0 group(P=0.007)in the whole cohort and the hormone receptor(HR)-negative group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of disease-free survival(DFS).The discordance rate of HER2 IHC scores between primary and metastatic sites was 36.84%. Conclusion HER2-low BC may not be regarded as a unique BC group in this population-based study due to similar clinicopathological features and prognostic roles.

Objective This study aimed to identify PAX9 variants in non-syndromic tooth agenesis families of Chi-na,as well as to analyze the genotype-phenotype of non-syndromic tooth agenesis caused by PAX9 variants,which can provide a basis for the genetic diagnosis of tooth agenesis.Methods We collected the data of 44 patients with non-syn-dromic oligodontia who underwent treatment at Stomatological Hospital of Hebei Medical University between 2018 and 2023.Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the peripheral blood of the proband and its core family members,and the variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Pathogenicity analysis and function prediction of the variants were per-formed using bioinformatics tools.The correlation between the genotype of PAX9 variant and its corresponding pheno-type was examined by reviewing 55 publications retrieved from PubMed.The studies involved 232 tooth agenesis pa-tients with PAX9 variants.Results A novel PAX9 c.447delG(p.Pro150Argfs*62)and a reported PAX9 c.406C>T(p.Gln136*)were identified in two Chinese families.Through bioinformatics analysis and three-dimensional structural mod-eling,we postulated that the frameshift variant was pathogenic.The outcome was the premature cessation of PAX9 pro-tein,which caused severe structural and functional deficiencies.Summarizing the PAX9 genotype-phenotype relationship revealed that patients carrying the PAX9 variant commonly led to loss of the second molars.Conclusion We identified the novel PAX9 c.447delG(p.Pro150Argfs*62)in a Chinese family of non-syndromic oligodontia,expanding the known variant spectrum of PAX9.The most susceptible tooth position for PAX9 variants of tooth agenesis was the second mo-lars and the deciduous molars during the deciduous dentition.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH)with acute kidney injury(AKI).Methods:EBV-HLH patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2014 to December 2020 were collected,and their clinical characteristics,treatment,concurrent acute kidney injury and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.Results:In this study,the incidence of AKI complicated by EBV-HLH was 65.5％,and the 28-day mortality rate was 15.3％.Compared with non-AKI group,patients in the AKI group had higher levels of bilirubin,lactate dehydrogenase,creatinine,urea nitrogen,and β2-microglobulin(β2-MG),poorer coagulation,and lower soluble IL-2 receptor(sCD25).Patients in the AKI group had a higher proportion of chemotherapy,transplantation,mechanical ventilation,and the application of vasoactive medications,and were hospitalized for longer periods of time,with higher in-hospital mortality rates and 28-day mortality rates.Patients in the AKI group were analyzed in subgroups according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes(KDIGO)classification,and the levels of leukocytes,bilirubin,albumin,creatinine,urea nitrogen,β2-MG,activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),and prothrombin time activity(PTA)were more responsive to the severity of the patient's condition.KDIGO grade 2 and 3 had higher proportions of receiving transplants,diuretics,organ support(mechanical ventilation,application of vasoactive medications,and renal replacement therapy),and admissions to the intensive care unit(ICU),and with higher in-hospital mortality rates and 28-day mortality rates.Regression analysis found that creatinine,β2-MG,APTT,transplantation,and chemotherapy were independent risk factors for the development of AKI;the application of vasoactive drugs was both an independent risk factor for the development of AKI and for death at 28 days;and chemotherapy,length of hospitalization,and HGB and fibrinogen levels were protective factors for death at 28 days.Conclusion:AKI in EBV-HLH has high incidence and high rate of progression to severe disease and death,early attention should be given and strengthened in order to carry out early treatment and improve the prognosis of patients.

Objective:To investigate the impact of ginkgo biloba extract(GK)on the malignant biological behavior of colon cancer(CC)cells by regulating the chemokine 12(CXCL12)/chemokine re-ceptor 4(CXCR4)signal pathway.Methods:Colon cancer HCT116 cells were treated with different concentrations of GK(0,2.5,5,10 μ mol/L)for 48 hours,MTT assay was used to detect the survival rate of HCT116 cells and screen the appropriate GK concentration.HCT116 cells in logarithmic growth phase were divided into control group,GK group(5 μ mol/L GK),CXCL12 overexpression re-combinant adenovirus(Ad CXCL12)group,negative controI(Ad NC)group,Ad CXCL12+CXCR4 small interfering RNA(si CXCR4)group,and Ad CXCL12+negative control(si NC)group.Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion;MTT and Tunel were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis;and the mRNA and protein expression levels of CXCL12 and CXCR4 were detected by qRT PCR and Western blot respectively.Results:The survival rate of cells treated with 5μ mol/L GK was the closest to 50％.Follow up studies were conducted at this concentration.Com-pared with the control group,the cell proliferation rate,migration,invasion numbers,the expression levels of CXCL12,CXCR4 mRNA and protein in GK group decreased obviously,and the apoptosis rate increased obviously(P＜0.05);Ad CXCL12 reversed the inhibitory effect of GK on HCT116 cells.si CXCR4 reversed the promoting effect of Ad CXCL12 on HCT116 cells.Conclusion:GK inhibits the malignant biological behavior of HCT116 cells by inhibiting CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway.