Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) on liver injury induced by cholestasis and its mechanisms in regulating bile acid metabolism. Methods:The cholestatic mouse model was established by bile duct ligation (BDL). A total of 35 male C57BL/6J mice (8 weeks old) were divided into 5 groups using a random numder table method (7 mice per group): group A (control group), group B (BDL group), group C (BDL+AKK group), group Z (BDL+AKK+Z/E-guggulsterone group), and group G (BDL+AKK+Gly-β-muricholic acid group). Preoperative and postoperative changes in liver function and bile acid metabolism indicators was observed of mice in groups A, B, and C. The liver function and fibrosis markers were compared between groups, as well as serum, liver, and fecal total bile acid levels, fecal bile acid composition, liver histopathology, and the mRNA expression of key proteins involved in the bile acid enterohepatic circulation and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathway were compared. Multiple groups of data were compared using analysis of variance or nonparametric Kruskal Wallis H test. Results:Twelve days after BDL, in groups A, B, and C, mice in group C exhibited milder postoperative jaundice and their body weights on postoperative days 4-5 and 7-11 were heavier than those in group B mice (all P<0.05). The liver tissues of mice in group C were milder than those in group B in terms of appearance, histopathology, inflammation and liver fibrosis (all P<0.05). The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the expression levels of liver α-smooth muscle actin and type Ⅰ collagen, and the levels of total liver bile acid and fecal β-murine bile acid in the C group mice were all lower than those of group B mice ((46±20) vs. (90±34) U/L, (96±17) vs.(122±31) U/L, (2.01±0.11)% vs. (7.55±0.21)%, (1.92±0.10)% vs. (7.28±0.51)%, (62±14) vs. (124±39) μmol/mg, 3 052 (1 522, 6 406) vs. 14 756 (6 582, 33 474) ng/g,all P<0.05). And the mRNA expression levels of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and bile salt export pump of the ileum, etc. in group C mice were lower than those in group B mice (all P<0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of FXR and fibroblast growth factor 15 in the intestine were higher than those in group B mice (all P<0.05). In groups B, C, Z, and G, compared with group C, mice in groups Z and G had aggravated liver injury and fibrosis, increased total bile acid levels in the liver, and increased serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and expression levels of liver α-smooth muscle activator protein and type I collagen (all P<0.05). There was no statistically difference in the above indicators between group Z and group G (all P<0.05). Conclusion:AKK reduces liver bile acid synthesis, regulates bile acid metabolism, alleviate liver function damage and fibrosis, and improves clinical phenotypes by activating the intestinal FXR-fibroblast growth factor 15 signaling pathway.

Objective To elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota and molecular mechanism of huaier in enhancing the efficacy of oxaliplatin (OXA) chemotherapy in gastric cancer (GC). Methods The effects of huaier on the gut microbiota structure and intestinal barrier function in MKN45-bearing mice were analyzed by using 16S rRNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and IHC. UPLC-MS and network pharmacology, as well as in vivo experimental approaches, were employed to investigate the key bioactive constituents of huaier systematically and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which huaier exerts therapeutic effects against GC. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway was detected in cancer cells and tissues via Western blot analysis. The safety profile of huaier combined with OXA was verified through serum biochemistry and HE-stained tissue section analyses. Results Huaier inhibited the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, reduced lipid droplet deposition, and ultimately enhanced the sensitivity to OXA in the treatment of GC. Conclusion This study demonstrates the value of huaier in gastric cancer treatment by enhancing chemosensitivity and provides novel insights into its systemic therapeutic effects through molecular mechanisms and gut microbiota modulation.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) on liver injury induced by cholestasis and its mechanisms in regulating bile acid metabolism. Methods:The cholestatic mouse model was established by bile duct ligation (BDL). A total of 35 male C57BL/6J mice (8 weeks old) were divided into 5 groups using a random numder table method (7 mice per group): group A (control group), group B (BDL group), group C (BDL+AKK group), group Z (BDL+AKK+Z/E-guggulsterone group), and group G (BDL+AKK+Gly-β-muricholic acid group). Preoperative and postoperative changes in liver function and bile acid metabolism indicators was observed of mice in groups A, B, and C. The liver function and fibrosis markers were compared between groups, as well as serum, liver, and fecal total bile acid levels, fecal bile acid composition, liver histopathology, and the mRNA expression of key proteins involved in the bile acid enterohepatic circulation and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling pathway were compared. Multiple groups of data were compared using analysis of variance or nonparametric Kruskal Wallis H test. Results:Twelve days after BDL, in groups A, B, and C, mice in group C exhibited milder postoperative jaundice and their body weights on postoperative days 4-5 and 7-11 were heavier than those in group B mice (all P<0.05). The liver tissues of mice in group C were milder than those in group B in terms of appearance, histopathology, inflammation and liver fibrosis (all P<0.05). The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the expression levels of liver α-smooth muscle actin and type Ⅰ collagen, and the levels of total liver bile acid and fecal β-murine bile acid in the C group mice were all lower than those of group B mice ((46±20) vs. (90±34) U/L, (96±17) vs.(122±31) U/L, (2.01±0.11)% vs. (7.55±0.21)%, (1.92±0.10)% vs. (7.28±0.51)%, (62±14) vs. (124±39) μmol/mg, 3 052 (1 522, 6 406) vs. 14 756 (6 582, 33 474) ng/g,all P<0.05). And the mRNA expression levels of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and bile salt export pump of the ileum, etc. in group C mice were lower than those in group B mice (all P<0.05), while the mRNA expression levels of FXR and fibroblast growth factor 15 in the intestine were higher than those in group B mice (all P<0.05). In groups B, C, Z, and G, compared with group C, mice in groups Z and G had aggravated liver injury and fibrosis, increased total bile acid levels in the liver, and increased serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and expression levels of liver α-smooth muscle activator protein and type I collagen (all P<0.05). There was no statistically difference in the above indicators between group Z and group G (all P<0.05). Conclusion:AKK reduces liver bile acid synthesis, regulates bile acid metabolism, alleviate liver function damage and fibrosis, and improves clinical phenotypes by activating the intestinal FXR-fibroblast growth factor 15 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveA qualitative analysis method was established for the composition of Astragali Radix（AR） before and after rice stir-frying. On the basis of systematic characterization of the chemical compositions in AR and stir-fried AR with rice（ARR）， the structures of their major compounds were deduced and identified， and the differential compositions between them were analyzed. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS） was used to detect the samples of AR and ARR in positive and negative ion modes， respectively. The compounds were analyzed and identified through self-constructed databases， literature， and reference standards， etc. And the data were analyzed by chemometrics， in order to screen for the differential components between AR and ARR. ResultsA total of 123 compounds were identified in AR and ARR， including 41 flavonoids， 19 terpenoids， 26 organic acids， 8 amino acids， 5 nucleotides， 5 carbohydrates and 19 other compounds. Among them， there were 95 common components in both， 18 unique components in AR， and 10 unique components in ARR. Principal component analysis（PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） results both showed that there were significant differences in the chemical constituents of AR before and after rice stir-frying， and a total of 26 constituents with differences in the content were screened out， including L-canavanine， L-pyroglutamic acid， L-phenylalanine， cis-caffeic acid， and malonylastragaloside Ⅰ. Among them， 19 constituents of ARR were down-regulated and 7 constituents were up-regulated by comparing with AR. ConclusionThis study clarifies that the chemical composition of AR and ARR is mainly composed of flavonoids， terpenoids， and organic acids， and analyzes the components with significant differences in content between the two in combination with chemometrics， and the differential components are dominated by amino acids， organic acids and terpenoids， which can provide reference for the subsequent quality control and material basis research.

AIM:To analyze differential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of dry eye(DE)using bioinformatics methods, in order to reveal their potential molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Articles published in PubMed and EMBASE databases from the inception of the database to August 31, 2023, that used proteomic methods to detect protein expression in clinical samples of dry eye were searched. Differential proteins were selected and further analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software for hub gene screening and module analysis. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis, gene ontology(GO)functional annotation, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed.RESULTS: A total of 21 articles were included, identifying 74 differentially expressed proteins. The most frequently occurring differential proteins were calgranulin A(SA1008), lipocalin-1(LCN1), lysozyme C(LYZ), mammaglobin-B(SCGB2A1), proline-rich protein 4(PRR4), transferrin(TF), and calgranulinB(S100A9). The top 10 hub genes were serum albumin(ALB), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin 6(IL6), IL1B, IL8, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), alpha-1-antitrypsin(SERPINA1), IL10, complement component 3(C3), and lactotransferrin(LTF). Module analysis suggested MMP9 and PRR4 as seed genes. KEGG analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly enriched in the IL17 signaling pathway(61.9%).CONCLUSION: The results reveal potential molecular targets and pathways for DE and confirm the association between the pathogenesis of DE and inflammation. Further in-depth research is needed to confirm the significance of these biomarkers in clinical practice.

To explore the in vitro and in vivo synergistic effect of paclitaxel in combination with co-listin against MDREscherichia coli(E.coli)and the corresponding mechanism of synergism,we measured the MICs of PTX alone and combination of PTX+antimicrobial drugs on E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)by broth microdilution method.Then,checkerboard method was used to determine the FICI of PTX+COL combination,and the antibacterial synergies of PTX and COL was further explored through analyzing the membrane permeability and efflux pump ac-tivity.The MICs results showed that the MIC values of PTX alone against E.coli(G5,E25)and S.aureus S238 were＞1 024 mg/L and 512 mg/L,respectively.Meanwhile,we found that the anti-bacterial activity of COL against E.coli could be significantly enhanced(MIC decreased by 4 to 8 times)when used in combination with PTX.The checkerboard test showed that the FICI values of PTX combined with COL for E.coli(G5,E25)were 0.31 and 0.29,respectively,indicating a synergistic antibacterial effect on these strains.The FICI values of PTX combined with COL for E.coli G21,S.aureus(S237 and S238)were 0.51,0.75 and 0.53,respectively,indicating additive effects on these strains.In the mouse abdominal infection model,the combination group could ex-tremely significantly reduce the bacterial burden of E.coli in abdominal compared to the COL or PTX alone group(P＜0.001).The analysis of membrane permeability and efflux pump activity showed that PTX combined with COL significantly increased the inner and outer membrane per-meability of E.coli(G5 and E25),and markedly inhibited the efflux pumping activity of E.coli,when compared that of PTX and COL alone(P＜0.01).The above results indicated that the com-bination of PTX and COL could exert a synergistic in vivo and in vitro antibacterial effect on COL-resistant E.coli through increasing bacterial membrane permeability and inhibiting efflux pump activity.This study provides the theoretical foundation for the development of a novel combi-nation regimen for the treatment of MDR E.coli infection.

Objective To investigate the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinical isolates in Xi'an No.3 Hospital from 2019 to 2023.Methods Clinical isolates were collected from January 1,2019 to December 31,2023.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to a unified protocol of China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network using Kirby-Bauer method or automated systems.The data were interpreted according to the breakpoints released by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)in 2023.Results A total of 6 621 clinical isolates were collected from 2019 to 2023,including 1 569(23.7％)strains of Gram-positive bacteria and 5 052(76.3％)strains of Gram-negative bacteria.The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S.aureus,S.epidermidis and other Staphylococcus species(except SS.pseudintermedius and S.schleiferi)was 39.0％,62.3％,and 74.4％,respectively.Methicillin-resistant strains showed much higher resistance rates to most of other antimicrobial agents than methicillin-sensitive strains.No Staphylococcus strains were found resistant to vancomycin or linezolid.E.faecium strains demonstrated much higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents tested than E.faecalis.The prevalence of linezolid-resistant E.faecalis and vancomycin-resistant E.faecium was 0.9％and 0.4％,respectively.The prevalence of penicillin-nonsusceptible strains(PISP+PRSP)was 5.8％in nonmeningitis S.pneumoniae isolates.The prevalence of ESBL-producing E.coli,K.pneumoniae,and P.mirabilis in Enterobacterales was 48.5％,37.8％,and 47.2％,respectively.Among Enterobacterales strains,K.pneumoniae had the highest resistance rate to imipenem(18.2％)and meropenem(17.9％).Other Enterobacterales were highly sensitive to carbapenems.The resistance rates of P.aeruginosa to imipenem and meropenem were 22.5％and 19.5％,respectively.The resistance rates of A.baumannii to imipenem and meropenem were 65.0％and 71.6％,respectively.Conclusions Antibiotic resistance is still serious in this hospital.Nearly half of the strains of E.coli,K.pneumoniae and P.mirabilis produced ESBLs.K.pneumoniae and A.baumannii showed high resistance rates to carbapenems.Antimicrobial resistance surveillance should be performed appropriately.Relevant departments need to strengthen cooperation to curb the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic,progressive inflammatory bowel disease associated with an increased risk of color-ectal cancer.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been increasingly utilized in the treatment of UC,and its thera-peutic efficacy has gained widespread recognition.Nevertheless,several challenges remain in optimizing TCM's role in UC manage-ment,which hinder the full realization of its potential benefits.This paper reviews the current status of TCM in treating UC,identifies existing challenges,and proposes targeted strategies to promote the advancement of TCM in this field.

Objective To determine the expression of glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and its effects on cancer cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and cell cycle progression.Methods Prognostic signature genes related to butyrate metabolism in lung adenocarcinoma were screened based on the TCGA-LUAD and GEO databases.Western blot,qPCR,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)were used to detect GLUT1 expression levels.After transfecting A549 and H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines with GLUT1-specific siRNA,CCK-8 assay,colony formation assay,scratch assay,and Transwell assay were performed to investigate the effects of GLUT1 silencing on cell proliferation,clonogenic potential,migration,and invasion,respectively.Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle changes.Results GLUT1 expression was significantly higher in lung adenocarcinoma tissues than normal tissues(P＜0.05).Inhibition of GLUT1 significantly reduced the proliferation,clono-genicity,migration,and invasion abilities of A549 and H1299 cells(P＜0.05).Knockdown of GLUT1 significantly suppressed the expression of CyclinD1 and CDK6,and increased the proportion of cells in the G1 phase(P＜0.05).Conclusion GLUT1 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and influences patient prognosis by regulating cell cycle progression and pro-liferation,suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.

Objective:To explore the prognostic value of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) in assessing patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).Methods:Patients with HFrEF (LVEF<40%) admitted to the TEDA International Cardiovascular Disease Hospital between 2 January 2019 and 15 January 2023 were selected. The MHR levels were recorded at admission in patients with HFrEF who were followed up regularly for 12 months. The major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiac death and readmission for heart failure) were defined as poor prognosis. Multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze factors associated with poor prognosis. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic value of MHR for poor prognosis. The DeLong test was used to analyze whether there was a difference in the effectiveness of MHR and BNP for detecting poor prognosis. The critical value grouping for poor prognosis was evaluated by MHR, and survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier.Results:A total of 286 subjects were enrolled in the study, including 206 males and 80 females, with a median age ( Q1, Q3) of 67 (58, 74) years. Multivariate Cox regression showed that MHR ( HR=1.482, 95% CI:1.015-2.164) and BNP ( HR=1.001, 95% CI:1.000-1.001) were associated with poor prognosis in patients with HFrEF. The area under the ROC curve for the adjunctive diagnostic value of MHR, BNP and the combination of both for poor prognosis in patients with HFrEF was 0.709, 0.738 and 0.769, respectively. The critical values were 0.486, 1 090 pg/ml and 0.41, respectively. The DeLong test showed no differences in the validity of MHR, BNP and their combination for detecting poor prognosis. Kaplan Meier survival analysis of 12-month follow-up showed that the time for poor prognosis in HFrEF patients with MHR>0.486 group (8.645 months) was significantly shorter than that in MHR≤0.486 group (10.296 months, P<0.001), and the risk of poor prognosis in MHR>0.486 group was 2.843 times higher than that in MHR≤0.486 group ( HR=2.843, 95% CI:1.867-4.327). Conclusion:MHR can be an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with HFrEF.