Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance， while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition， demonstrating eight distinct advantages， including systematic theoretical foundation， diversified therapeutic approaches， definite therapeutic efficacy， high safety profile， good patient compliance， comprehensive intervention strategies， emphasis on prevention， and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally， TCM is characterized by six distinctive features： the use of natural medicinal substances， non-invasive external therapies， integration of medicinal dietetics， simple exercise regimens， precise syndrome differentiation， and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments， TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation， demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators， regulating constitutional imbalance， and promoting healthy behaviors. However， challenges remain， such as inconsistent operational standards， insufficient high-quality clinical evidence， and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment， conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials， and fostering interdisciplinary integration， so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and high glucose-hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in rat cardiomyocytes and the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).Methods:Normally cultured rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes were divided into 4 groups ( n=24 each) by using a table of random numbers: high glucose control group (HC group), high glucose-H/R group (H/R group), high glucose-H/R + TMAO group (T group), and high glucose-H/R + TMAO + 4-phenylbutyric acid group (P group). The high glucose-H/R injury model was established by incubating cells in high-glucose (25 mmol/L glucose) medium for 72 h, followed by 4 h of hypoxia in glucose-free medium and 4 h of reoxygenation in high-glucose medium. T group was incubated with 400 μmol/L TMAO for 72 h before hypoxia, and P group was incubated with 400 μmol/L TMAO and 1 mmol/L 4-phenylbutyric acid for 72 h before hypoxia. At 4 h of reoxygenation, the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) were measured by flow cytometry, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined by JC-1 staining, the content of ATP was measured by luciferase method, and the expression of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (BAX), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) was detected by Western blot. Results:Compared with HC group, the cell survival rate, MMP and ATP levels were significantly decreased, the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mPTP were increased, and the expression of ATF4, ATF6, BAX, GRP78, PERK and IRE1α was up-regulated in H/R group ( P<0.05). Compared with H/R group, the cell survival rate, MMP and ATP levels were significantly decreased, the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mPTP were increased, the expression of ATF4, BAX, GRP78 and PERK was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant change was found in the expression of ATF6 or IRE1α in T group ( P>0.05). Compared with T group, the cell survival rate, MMP and ATP levels were significantly increased, and the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mPTP was decreased, and the expression of ATF4, ATF6, BAX, GRP78, PERK and IRE1α was down-regulated in P group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:TMAO is involved in the underlying mechanism of high glucose-H/R injury in rat cardiomyocytes, which may be related to the excessive activation of the PERK pathway-mediated ERS and consequent exacerbation of mitochondrial dysfunction.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and high glucose-hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in rat cardiomyocytes and the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).Methods:Normally cultured rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes were divided into 4 groups ( n=24 each) by using a table of random numbers: high glucose control group (HC group), high glucose-H/R group (H/R group), high glucose-H/R + TMAO group (T group), and high glucose-H/R + TMAO + 4-phenylbutyric acid group (P group). The high glucose-H/R injury model was established by incubating cells in high-glucose (25 mmol/L glucose) medium for 72 h, followed by 4 h of hypoxia in glucose-free medium and 4 h of reoxygenation in high-glucose medium. T group was incubated with 400 μmol/L TMAO for 72 h before hypoxia, and P group was incubated with 400 μmol/L TMAO and 1 mmol/L 4-phenylbutyric acid for 72 h before hypoxia. At 4 h of reoxygenation, the cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) were measured by flow cytometry, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined by JC-1 staining, the content of ATP was measured by luciferase method, and the expression of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (BAX), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) was detected by Western blot. Results:Compared with HC group, the cell survival rate, MMP and ATP levels were significantly decreased, the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mPTP were increased, and the expression of ATF4, ATF6, BAX, GRP78, PERK and IRE1α was up-regulated in H/R group ( P<0.05). Compared with H/R group, the cell survival rate, MMP and ATP levels were significantly decreased, the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mPTP were increased, the expression of ATF4, BAX, GRP78 and PERK was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant change was found in the expression of ATF6 or IRE1α in T group ( P>0.05). Compared with T group, the cell survival rate, MMP and ATP levels were significantly increased, and the apoptosis rate, ROS level and opening of mPTP was decreased, and the expression of ATF4, ATF6, BAX, GRP78, PERK and IRE1α was down-regulated in P group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:TMAO is involved in the underlying mechanism of high glucose-H/R injury in rat cardiomyocytes, which may be related to the excessive activation of the PERK pathway-mediated ERS and consequent exacerbation of mitochondrial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND:β-Defensin has the ability against influenza A virus and inhibits a series of inflammatory responses induced by influenza A virus infection within cells.There have been no reports on whether hemagglutinin 1 from influenza A virus can induce the secretion of mouse β-defensin and interferon-γ when acting in mouse tracheal epithelial cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of recombinant hemagglutinin 1 on the production levels of mouse β-defensin and interferon-γ in mouse tracheal epithelial cells.METHODS:Primary mouse tracheal epithelial cell were divided into six groups:blank control group(Control),recombinant hemagglutinin 1 group(200 ng/mL),recombinant hemagglutinin 1+influenza A virus group,influenza A virus group(2×TCID50),recombinant hemagglutinin 1+inactivated influenza A virus group,and inactivated influenza A virus(I)group.After the mouse tracheal epithelial cells in each group were treated for 4,8,or 24 hours,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for pathological observation.The mRNA levels of mouse β-defensin 2,3,and 4,and interferon-γ were detected by qRT-PCR.The protein levels of mouse β-defensin 2,3,and 4 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and the protein expression of interferon-γ was detected by western blot.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The recombinant hemagglutinin 1 acting alone or in combination with influenza A virus could cause different pathological changes in tracheal epithelial cells.Phenomena such as vacuolation,nuclear pyknosis and cell fusion could be observed in the cells.(2)Compared with the control group,recombinant hemagglutinin 1 alone or in combination with influenza A virus or inactivated influenza A virus significantly induced the production of mouse β-defensin 2,3,and 4(P<0.05)and interferon-γ in mouse tracheal epithelial cells(P<0.05).These results indicate that recombinant hemagglutinin 1 alone or in combination with influenza A virus can induce the production of mouse β-defensin 2,3,and 4 and interferon-γ in mouse tracheal epithelial cells.

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum uric acid(SUA)levels and incident chronic kidney disease(CKD)in middle-aged and elderly Chinese population and gender differences.Methods Based on the longitudinal survey data of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2015,the CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration cystatin C formula was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),and 4 119 participants with normal renal function(eGFR≥60 mL·min-1·1.72 m-2)at baseline were included.Incident CKD was defined as eGFR<60 mL·min-1·1.72 m-2 at the follow-up in 2015.Logistic regression analysis was used to analysis the association of SUA levels at baseline and incident CKD among different genders.Restricted cubic spline analysis was used to analyze the dose-response relationship.Results After 4-year follow-up,127 participants developed incident CKD,including 57 males and 70 females.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated SUA levels were independently associated with the risk of incident CKD(OR=1.532,P<0.001).For each 1 mg/dL increase in SUA,the risk of incident CKD increased by 33.6%in males(OR=1.336,P=0.012)and 77.5%in females(OR=1.755,P<0.001).Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a linear positive correlation between SUA levels and incident CKD in both males and females.Participants were divided into four groups according to SUA quartiles(Q1-Q4).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated a significant increase in the risk of incident CKD in Q3 group(3.75 mg/dL4.43 mg/dL)compared with Q1 group in females(Q3 group:OR=2.571,P=0.045;Q4 group:OR=3.666,P=0.005).Conclusion SUA is an independent risk factor for incident CKD in the middle-aged and elderly population.In females,serum uric acid levels exceeding 3.75 mg/dL are associated with an increased risk of incident CKD.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effects of gentiopicroside (GPS) against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in endothelial cells, aiming to reduce atherosclerosis. METHODS: Eight-week-old male ApoE-deficient mice were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=10 per group): the vehicle group and the GPS treatment group. Both groups were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. GPS (40 mg/kg per day) was administered by oral gavage to the GPS group, while the vehicle group received an equivalent volume of the vehicle solution. At the end of the treatment, blood and aortic tissues were collected for assessments of atherosclerosis, lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and molecular expressions related to NLRP3 inflammasome activation, ROS production, and apoptosis. Additionally, in vitro experiments on human aortic endothelial cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were conducted to evaluate the effects of GPS on NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and ROS production, specifically examining the role of the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. SIRT1 and Nrf2 inhibitors were used to confirm the pathway's role. RESULTS: GPS treatment significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions in the en face aorta (P<0.01), as well as in the thoracic and abdominal aortic regions, and markedly decreased sinus lesions within the aortic root (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, GPS reduced oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1 β and IL-18, in lesion areas (P<0.05, P<0.01). In vitro, GPS inhibited ox-LDL-induced NLRP3 activation, as evidenced by reduced NLRP3 (P<0.01), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, cleaved-caspase-1, and cleaved-gasdermin D expressions (all P<0.01). GPS also decreased ROS production, apoptosis, and pyroptosis, with the beneficial effects being significantly reversed by SIRT1 or Nrf2 inhibitors. CONCLUSION GPS exerts an antiatherogenic effect by inhibiting ROS-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway.
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Iridoid Glucosides/therapeutic use* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Animals ; Atherosclerosis/metabolism* ; Inflammasomes/drug effects* ; Male ; Sirtuin 1/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Humans ; Endothelial Cells/pathology* ; Mice ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed. CONCLUSION STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Angina, Stable/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; Placebos ; Tablets

OBJECTIVE: To explore and quantify the association of hot night exposure during the sperm development period (0-90 lag days) with semen quality. METHODS: A total of 6,640 male sperm donors from 6 human sperm banks in China during 2014-2020 were recruited in this multicenter study. Two indices (i.e., hot night excess [HNE] and hot night duration [HND]) were used to estimate the heat intensity and duration during nighttime. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between hot nights and semen quality parameters. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationship revealed that HNE and HND during 0-90 days before semen collection had a significantly inverse association with sperm motility. Specifically, a 1 °C increase in HNE was associated with decreased sperm progressive motility of 0.0090 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.0147, -0.0033) and decreased total motility of 0.0094 (95% CI: -0.0160, -0.0029). HND was significantly associated with reduced sperm progressive motility and total motility of 0.0021 (95% CI: -0.0040, -0.0003) and 0.0023 (95% CI: -0.0043, -0.0002), respectively. Consistent results were observed at different temperature thresholds on hot nights. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need to mitigate nocturnal heat exposure during spermatogenesis to maintain optimal semen quality.
Humans ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Adult ; Sperm Motility ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects* ; China ; Middle Aged ; Spermatozoa/physiology* ; Young Adult