Panax species are mostly valuable medicinal plants. While some species' seeds are sensitive to dehydration, the dehydration tolerance of seeds from other Panax species remains unclear. The phospholipase D(PLD) gene plays an important role in plant responses to dehydration stress. However, the characteristics of the PLD gene family and their mechanisms of response to dehydration stress in seeds of Panax species with different dehydration tolerances are not well understood. This study used seeds from eight Panax species to measure the germination rates and PLD activity after dehydration and to analyze the correlation between dehydration tolerance and seed traits. Bioinformatics analysis was also conducted to characterize the PnPLD and PvPLD gene families and to evaluate their expression patterns under dehydration stress. The dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds was ranked from high to low as follows: P. ginseng, P. zingiberensis, P. quinquefolius, P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, P. japonicus var. angustifolius, P. japonicus, P. notoginseng, and P. stipuleanatus. A significant negative correlation was found between dehydration tolerance and seed shape(three-dimensional variance), with flatter seeds exhibiting stronger dehydration tolerance(r=-0.792). Eighteen and nineteen PLD members were identified in P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, respectively. These members were classified into five isoforms: α, β, γ, δ, and ζ. The gene structures, subcellular localization, physicochemical properties, and other characteristics of PnPLD and PvPLD were similar. Both promoters contained regulatory elements associated with plant growth and development, hormone responses, and both abiotic and biotic stress. During dehydration, the PLD enzyme activity in P. notoginseng seeds gradually increased as the water content decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, PLD activity first decreased and then increased. The expression of PLDα and PLDδ in P. notoginseng seeds initially increased and then decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, the expression of PLDα and PLDδ consistently decreased. In conclusion, the dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds showed a significant negative correlation with seed shape. The dehydration tolerance in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus and dehydration sensitivity of P. notoginseng seeds may be related to differences in PLD enzyme activity and the expression of PLDα and PLDδ genes. This study provided the first systematic comparison of dehydration tolerance in Panax seeds and analyzed the causes of tolerance differences and the optimal water content for long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures, thus providing a theoretical basis for the short-term and ultra-low temperature long-term storage of medicinal plant seeds with varying dehydration tolerances.
Seeds/metabolism* ; Panax/physiology* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Phospholipase D/metabolism* ; Plants, Medicinal/enzymology* ; Germination ; Multigene Family ; Water/metabolism* ; Dehydration ; Phylogeny

From the perspective of circular RNA forkhead box protein O3(circFOXO3) regulating glycolysis in osteoarthritis(OA) chondrocytes, this study investigated the mechanism by which Tougu Xiaotong Capsules(TGXTC) alleviated OA degeneration. In in vivo experiments, after randomized grouping and relevant interventions, morphological staining was used to observe structural changes in cartilage tissue. The mRNA level of circFOXO3 in cartilage tissue was detected by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis was used to detect changes in the expression of glucose transporter 1(GLUT1), hexokinase 2(HK2), pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA), and matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP13). In in vitro experiments, fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) was used to detect circFOXO3 expression in chondrocytes from each group. A lentiviral vector was used to construct circFOXO3-silenced(sh-circFOXO3) chondrocytes. RT-qPCR was used to analyze the changes in circFOXO3 levels after silencing, and Western blot was used to assess the regulatory effects of TGXTC on GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and MMP13 proteins in interleukin-1β(IL-1β)-induced chondrocytes under sh-circFOXO3 conditions. Masson staining and alcian blue staining results showed that the cartilage layer structure in the TGXTC and positive drug groups was improved compared with that in the model group. The mRNA level of circFOXO3 was significantly upregulated in both the TGXTC and positive drug groups, while the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was significantly reduced. FISH results showed that TGXTC upregulated the fluorescence intensity of circFOXO3 in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. In the circFOXO3 silencing experiment, compared with the IL-1β group, circFOXO3 levels in the IL-1β + sh-circFOXO3 group were significantly decreased. Compared with the IL-1β + TGXTC group, circFOXO3 levels were significantly reduced in the IL-1β + sh-circFOXO3 + TGXTC group. Western blot results indicated that the elevated levels of GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and MMP13 proteins in chondrocytes of the IL-1β group were significantly inhibited by TGXTC intervention. However, this regulatory effect was attenuated after circFOXO3 silencing. In conclusion, TGXTC alleviate glycolytic metabolism disorder in OA chondrocytes and delay OA degeneration by regulating circFOXO3.
Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; RNA, Circular/metabolism* ; Osteoarthritis/genetics* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/metabolism* ; Male ; Capsules ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 13/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the molecular mechanism by which Lichong Xiaozheng Granules (LCXZ) sensitize ovarian cancer to cisplatin (DDP) treatment. METHODS: LC-MS analysis was used to identify the blood components of LCXZ after its administration in mice via gavage. In a BALB/c mouse model bearing subcutaneous ovarian cancer xenografts, the effects of daily gavage of distilled water (control group), intraperitoneal injection of DDP (5 mg/kg) once a week, or both DDP injection and daily LCXZK gavage (15 g/kg) on tumor growth were evaluated. Histopathological changes in the xenografts and kidneys were assessed with HE staining. RNA-seq was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes followed by KEGG pathway analysis. The changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure and expressions of mitochondrial apoptosis-related were examined with transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. RESULTS: A total of 218 blood-borne components of LCXZ were detected by LC-MS. In the tumor-bearing mice, treatments with DDP and DDP combined with LCXZ redcued the tumor volume by 60.3% and 72.6% compared with that in the control group, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significantly upregulated ANT3 expression in both the two treatment groups. Molecular docking indicated that the main active components of LCXZ were capable of binding to adenine nucleotide translocator 3 (ANT3) with binding energies below -6 kcal/mol. Transmission electron microscopy showed obvious mitochondrial swelling and outer-membrane damage in the tumor cells in DDP-treated mice, and these changes were more pronounced in the combined treatment group. The expression levels of BAX, ANT3, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 were increased, whereas BCL-2 expression was decreased significantly in the tumor cells in both the DDP and DDP+LCXZ groups. CONCLUSIONS LCXZ enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin against ovarian cancer xenografts in mice by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and activating apoptotic signaling pathways via upregulating ANT3.
Animals ; Female ; Cisplatin/pharmacology* ; Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice ; Rats ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective Studies on the relationship between iodine,vitamin A(VA),and vitamin D(VD)and thyroid function are limited.This study aimed to analyze iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)status and their possible relationships with VA,VD,and other factors in postpartum women. Methods A total of 1,311 mothers(896 lactating and 415 non-lactating)from Hebei,Zhejiang,and Guangxi provinces were included in this study.The urinary iodine concentration(UIC),TSH,VA,and VD were measured. Results The median UIC of total and lactating participants were 142.00 μg/L and 139.95 μg/L,respectively.The median TSH,VA,and VD levels in all the participants were 1.89 mIU/L,0.44 μg/mL,and 24.04 ng/mL,respectively.No differences in the UIC were found between lactating and non-lactating mothers.UIC and TSH levels were significantly different among the three provinces.The rural UIC was higher than the urban UIC.Obese mothers had a higher UIC and a higher prevalence of excessive TSH.Higher UICs and TSHs levels were observed in both the VD deficiency and insufficiency groups than in the VD-sufficient group.After adjustment,no linear correlation was observed between UIC and VA/VD.No interaction was found between vitamins A/D and UIC on TSH levels. Conclusion The mothers in the present study had no iodine deficiency.Region,area type,BMI,and VD may be related to the iodine status or TSH levels.

In cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, and chronic metabolic diseases, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is essential for maintaining cell homeostasis. According to studies, boosting Nrf2 expression can be used to cure or prevent chronic diseases that are characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis brought on by a number of causes other than alcohol. In recent years, its incidence has gradually risen across the globe. According to relevant studies, NAFLD and the Nrf2 signaling pathway are tightly connected. Inhibiting lipid production and metabolism-related enzymes, repairing impaired liver metabolism, and lowering hepatic lipid storage are all possible with Nrf2 activation. Exercise is a powerful tool for treating and preventing NAFLD. However, exercise type, exercise intensity, environment, and exhaustion all have an impact on the Nrf2 signaling pathway. By activating Nrf2, exercise can lessen liver inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and insulin resistance, and ameliorate liver damage to improve NAFLD. The activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway, its associated mechanism of controlling antioxidation, and the impact of exercise on the Nrf2 signaling pathway are all explained in this work. Based on the pathogenesis of NAFLD, this article examines the connection between exercise, Nrf2, and NAFLD, and the current state of knowledge regarding Nrf2’s role in the amelioration of NAFLD through exercise. It offers a theoretical frame of reference for future research into how Nrf2 might be used to improve NAFLD.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of serum homocysteine(Hcy),soluble stromelysin 2(sST2)and cystatin C(CysC)for chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 86 CHF patients admitted in our hospital were se-lected as CHF group,and 86 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination simultaneously were selected as healthy control group.Serum levels of Hcy,sST2 and CysC,plasma level of N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and cardiac function indexes[left atrial diameter(LAD),left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDd),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)]were measured between two groups.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation among serum Hcy,sST2,CysC,plasma NT-proBNP and cardiac function indexes.Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Hcy,sST2 and CysC and their combined detection for CHF.Results:Compared with healthy control group,there were significant rise in scrum levels of Hcy,sST2 and CysC,plasma NT-proBNP level,LAD and LVEDd,and significant reduction in LVEF in CHF group,P=0.001 all.Pearson correlation analysis indicated that serum Hcy,sST2 and CysC levels were significant positively correlated with plas-ma NT-proBNP level,LAD and LVEDd(r=0.385～0.511,P＜0.05 or＜0.01),and significant inversely correlated with LVEF(r=-0.424～-0.402,P＜0.05 all).AUC of single detection of serum Hcy,sST2 and CysC diagnosing CHF was 0.624,0.720 and 0.870 respectively,and AUC of their combination was 0.865,which was significantly higher than any single detection,P＜0.05 or＜0.01.Conclusion:Serum levels of Hcy,sST2 and CysC abnormally increase in CHF patients,which can be used as auxiliary diagnostic indexes for CHF.The triple combined detection is of great signifi-cance for the diagnosis of CHF.

ObjectiveTo construct a quantitative prediction model of three indicators（moisture absorption rate， film thickness and coating weight gain） during the coating process of Vitamin C Yinqiao tablets（VCYT） by near-infrared spectroscopy（NIRS）， and to realize the endpoint judgment. MethodReal-time NIRS data of 4 batches of VCYT during the coating process were collected by diffuse reflection method. The coating method employed was the rolling coating method， and the samples were obtained at the spray stage from the coater's sampling port every 10 minutes， and 57 batches of samples（about 1 800 tablets） were collected at various coating times， the tablets were embedded in molten paraffin， cut longitudinally， and observed by stereomicroscope. The film thickness， with a target value of 38 μm， was then measured using Motic Images Advanced 3.2 software. Furthermore， the mositure absorption rate of samples， aiming for a target value of 3%， was determined in accordance with guiding principles for drug hygroscopicity testing in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia， and 3 samples were randomly selected from each batch（10 tablets per batch）， and the coating weight gain was calculated（target value of 4%）. Partial least squares regression（PLSR） was used to construct a quantitative model of the 3 coating indicators， and the predicted values of the coating indicators were smoothed using the moving average method and used to determine the coating endpoints. ResultThe prediction determination coefficients（R_p²） for moisture absorption rate， film thickness and coating weight gain were 0.933 4， 0.932 6 and 0.965 9， the root mean square errors of prediction（RMSEP） were 0.163 5%， 1.870 9 μm and 0.240 3%， the relative percent deviations（RPD） were 3.711 0， 2.760 7 and 5.415 8， respectively. The results of the external validation set demonstrated that the real-time predicted values obtained by the models exhibited the same trend as the measured values， and the coating endpoint could be accurately predicted（with a prediction error of less than 7.32 min and a relative error of less than 5.63%）. ConclusionThe established NIRS model exhibits excellent predictive performance and can be used for quality control of VCYT during the coating process.

Objective:To describe and analyze suicide risk of patients with schizophrenia,major depressive disorder,and bipolar disorder.Methods:A total of 2 016 patients with schizophrenia,903 patients with major de-pressive disorder,and 381 patients with bipolar disorder from inpatients,clinics,or communities who met the diag-nostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition were recruited.All patients were interviewed by psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to diagnose mental disor-ders and assess suicide risk,as well as Clinical-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity(CRDPSS)to as-sess symptoms.Differences and risk factors of suicide risk among three types of mental disorders were explored u-sing multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:In the past one month,37 patients with schizophrenia(1.8％),516 patients with major depressive disorder(57.1％),and 102 patients with bipolar disorder(26.8％)had suicide risk.Compared with patients with schizophrenia,suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder(OR=36.50)and bipolar disorder(OR=20.10)increased.Female(OR=1.87),smoking(OR=1.76),family history of suicide(OR=5.09),higher score of CRDPSS hallucination(OR=1.80),and higher score of CRDPSS depression(OR=1.54)were risk factors of suicide risk of patients.Conclusions:Suicide risk of patients with ma-jor depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is higher than that of patients with schizophrenia.In clinical practice,it is important to regularly assess suicide risk of patients.Patients who experience symptoms of hallucination and de-pression should be paid more attention to.