ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.

ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between insulin resistance and uterine volume in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving 61 girls diagnosed with ICPP who visited the pediatric growth and development clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2022 and September 2024, designated as the ICPP group, and 61 normally developing girls as the control group. The differences in insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR), uterine volume, and other indicators between the two groups were compared, and the relationship between insulin resistance and uterine volume in these girls was analyzed. RESULTS: The uterine volume and HOMA-IR level in the ICPP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR level and uterine volume in the ICPP group (r_s=0.643, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that as HOMA-IR increased,uterine volume in the girls tended to increase (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is an association between insulin resistance and uterine volume in girls with ICPP, and as HOMA-IR increases, uterine volume in the girls also increases.
Humans ; Female ; Insulin Resistance ; Puberty, Precocious/metabolism* ; Uterus/pathology* ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Organ Size ; Linear Models

Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.

Objective To explore the debridement effects of 3 types of plasma scalpels for the animal model of explosion injury,and to compare them with the steel scalpel and high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel.Methods Firstly,blast wounds were constructed in the right inguinal regions of 9 Landrace pigs by high-pressure gas impact combined with preset metal shrapnel.Secondly,debridement was carried out in experimental groups with wide-,arrow-or needle-type plasma scalpel and in control groups with steel and high-frequency electrisurgical scalpel,with the operating temperature and debridement time recorded during the procedure and trauma specimens analyzed pathologically after the debridement;comparisons were performed among the five types of scalpels in terms of debridement effect,and among the four ones in terms of maximum operating temperature and depth of tissue thermal damage under electrocutaneous cutting and electrocoagulation modes with the steel scalpel excluded because it did not generate any heat.GraphPad Prism 9.5.1 software was used for statistical analysis.Results There were no significant differences in debridement effect found between the three plasma scalpels and the steel and high-frequency electrosurgical scalpels(P＞0.05).The three types of plasma scalpels had the maximum operating temperature lower significantly than that of the high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel during debridement(P＜0.05).Under electrosection and electrocoagulation modes the three plasma scalpels had the depths of tissue thermal damage statistically less than that by the high-frequency electrosurgical scalpel under electrosection and electrocoagulation modes(P＜0.05).The depths of tissue thermal damage by the four scalpels under electrocoagulation mode were obviously greater than those under electrosection mode(P＜0.05).Conclusion Multi shapes of plasma scalpels behave well in debridement with low operating temperature,little tissue thermal damage and high efficiency for wound protection and the same efficacy with the steel scalpel and high-frequency electrosur-gical scalpel.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(2):31-38]

Aim To observe the effect of lipopolysac-charide(LPS)induced supernatant of BV-2 cells on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of HT22 neu-rons.Methods After the concentration and time of LPS were determined by CCK-8 method,BV-2 cells were cultured with medium without LPS and medium containing LPS,the morphological changes of BV-2 microglia were observed by inverted microscope,and the CD86/CD206 ratio of BV-2 microglia was detected by immunofluorescence.Subsequently,BV-2 cell cul-ture supernatants were isolated and added to HT22 neuronal culture to observe the effect on the inflamma-tory response of HT22 neurons.The proliferation of HT22 neurons was detected by CCK-8 method and EdU method.The structural changes of HT22 neurons were observed under the microscope and examined by urani-um-lead staining.The levels of cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-10(IL-10),nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent as-say(Elisa).Neuronal apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL method.The protein expressions of Bax,Bcl-2 and inflammatory factors were detected by Western blot.Results After induction with 1 mg·L-1 LPS,BV-2 cells exhibited increased cell body size,thicker protrusions on both side,and some cells showed de-formed protrusions,the CD86/CD206 ratio in BV-2 cells decreased,promoting the transformation of BV-2 cells from M2 type to M1 type.After treating with the culture supernatant of BV-2 cells,HT22 neuronal cell activity and proliferation were reduced,axons short-ened,and the number of cells decreased.Neuronal cell bodies were enlarged and some cells were de-formed,with damaged cell membranes,round cell nu-clei but displaced nucleoli from the normal position,swollen mitochondria with vacuoles,reduced internal ridge structures,and increased levels of inflammatory factors NF-κB,IL-1 β,and TNF-α(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 de-creased(P＜0.05),protein expression of the pro-apoptotic indicator Bax increased(P＜0.01),and the protein expression of the anti-apoptotic indicator Bcl-2 decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion After induction of BV-2 cell polarization by LPS,the supernatant could inhibit HT22 neuronal cell viability,upregulate inflam-matory factor expression and promote apoptosis.

Objective To explore the correlation between fasting blood glucose(FBG)level and fractional flow reserve(FFR)in patients with borderline coronary artery disease,and to clarify its potential influence on FFR measurement.Methods From August 2020 to August 2023,the data of 135 patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease who received coronary angiography and FFR evaluation in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were retrospectively collected.According to the exclusion and inclusion criteria,85 cases of borderline diseased vessels of single coronary artery with stenosis degree of 50％-80％were screened out,and they were divided into FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group(47 cases)and FBG＜6.1 mmol/L group(38 cases).The baseline data,angiographic and functional indexes of the two groups were compared,and the correlation between FBG and FFR was analyzed.Results Compared with the FBG＜6.1 mmol/L group,the FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group had a higher proportion of FFR negative results(72.3％vs.23.7％,P＜0.001),and the FFR measurement values were generally increased[0.84(0.80,0.90)vs.0.75(0.68,0.80),P＜0.001],with statistically significant differences.Pearson correlation analysis was performed on all lesions,and FFR＞0.80(negative result)was positively correlated with FBG≥6.1 mmol/L(r=0.484,P＜0.001).Conclusions Among the patients with borderline coronary artery disease(50％-80％stenosis)included in this study,FBG≥6.1 mmol/L is significantly correlated with FFR＞0.80.For patients with borderline coronary lesions with elevated FBG,the influence of blood glucose factors should be carefully considered in clinical interpretation of FFR results.

Objective To investigate the coagulation effect of a cold atmospheric plasma(CAP)jet device with helium as the working gas and to study its coagulation mechanism preliminarily.Methods A CAP jet device treatment group,a helium airflow treatment group,a hot air treatment group(60℃)and a natural coagulation group were formed according to the treatment modes of the blood samples,with 10 μL of blood samples involved in each group,in order to validate the coagulation effect of the CAP jet device in vitro;the coagulation mechanism of the CAP jet device was explored by its application to the treatment of anticoagulated whole blood,platelet-rich plasma and platelet-depleted plasma;the coagulation effect of the CAP jet device in vivo was verified with a mouse liver punctate hemorrhage model and a rabbit mesenteric hemorrhage model.Results The CAP jet device can significantly accelerate the coagulation of anticoagulated blood droplets,and the coagulation time of anticoagulated blood droplets in the CAP jet device-treated group was shortened from 28 min in the natural coagulation group to(23±1.56)s,with the difference statistically significant(P<0.05),and the CAP jet device treatment group gained advantages significantly over the helium airflow treatment group(P<0.05)and the hot air(60℃)treatment group(P<0.05)in coagulation-promoting effect;the procoagulant effect of the CAP jet device rose with the increase of platelet content in blood droplets,and the coagulation effect of platelet-rich blood droplets was significantly better than that of whole blood(P<0.05),while no coagulation was observed in platelet-poor droplets.The CAP jet device could rapidly stop hemostasis of punctate hemorrhage in mouse liver and mesenteric hemorrhage in rabbits without delayed hemorrhage occurring within 10 min,and no obvious structural abnormality of the liver and thermal damage of the tissue were found microscopically.Conclusion The CAP jet device plays procoagulant and hemostatic effects in vivo and in vitro,and its effect is not dependent on temperature and airflow evaporation effects and is considered to be related to platelet activation,with low thermal damage to living tissue.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):20-27]

The incidence rate of kidney diseases in China has always remained high.At present,the clinical treat-ment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment to delay the progression of the disease,and there is a lack of eco-nomical and effective treatment methods.MicroRNA plays an important regulatory role in the occurrence and devel-opment of diseases.This study aims to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-142a-3p in adriamycin(ADR)-induced renal tubular epithelial cell(TCMK-1)injury,with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic target for ADR nephropathy.First,cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 kit,and a mouse renal tubular epithelial cell model induced by ADR was established.Subsequently,alterations in miR-142a-3p and its target gene ATG16L1 mRNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR.Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of autophagy marker proteins and pyroptosis marker proteins.Monodansylcadaverin(MDC)staining was performed and the autophagy of cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that the relative expression of miR-142a-3p in TCMK-1 cells induced by ADR was increased and the relative expression of its target gene ATG16L1 was decreased(P＜0.0001).Western blotting results showed that the levels of p62(P＜0.001)and pyroptosis-related proteins(P＜0.001)were increased,while the protein levels of autophagy-related proteins were decreased(P＜0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that there was no difference in the mean fluorescence intensity of autoph-agosomes between the ADR group and the autophagosome inhibitor group(3-MA group)(P＞0.05),indicating that after ADR induction,cell autophagy was inhibited and pyroptosis was enhanced.When the expression of miR-142a-3p was inhibited by transfecting miR-142a-3p inhibitor,the relative expression level of the target gene ATG16L1 was restored(P＜0.001).Western blotting showed that the protein level of p62(P＜0.01)and pyropto-sis-related proteins(P＜0.01)were decreased,and the protein level of autophagy-related proteins was restored(P＜0.001).Flow cytometry results further indicated that cell autophagy was restored(P＜0.0001).In conclusion,ADR targets A TG1 6L1 through miR-142a-3p to reduce the autophagy level of TCMK-1,and simultaneously activates GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.

Objective:To observe the application effect of hyperbaric oxygen combined with task oriented training in hemiplegic patients after cerebral infarction.Methods:106 hemiplegic patients after cerebral infarction admitted to Xinglin Hospital of Xiamen from March 2022 to June 2024 were prospectively selected and randomly divided into control group(received task oriented training,n=53)and observation group(received hyperbaric oxygen combined with task oriented training,n=53).Berg balance scale(BBS),clinical spasticity index(CSI),national institute of health stroke Scale(NIHSS),motor function[fugl-meyer motor function assessment scale(FMA),motor assessment scale(MAS)],walking ability[functional ambulation category(FAC),6-minute walking distance(6MWD)],quality of life and self-care ability[quality of life scale for stroke(SS-QOL),activity of daily living(ADL)]before intervention and 8 weeks after intervention were compared between the two groups.Result:Compared with control group 8 weeks after intervention,the observation group had higher BBS,FMA,MAS,FAC,SS-QOL,ADL scores,and 6MWD,while had lower NIHSS and CSI scores(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Hyperbaric oxygen combined with task oriented training in hemiplegic patients after cerebral infarction,can effectively improve patients' motor function,balance ability,and self-care ability,enhance their quality of life,and reduce neurological damage.