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 screen the active chemical components with potential therapeutic effects against lung cancer in tea and to provide new insights into the treatment and prevention of lung cancer.Methods Based on net-work pharmacology,the main active components from 13 types of tea samples were analyzed using liquid chromatog-raphy-mass spectrometry(LC-MS).The targets of these small molecules were obtained from the BATMAN-TCM da-tabase to construct a"component-target-disease"network.Lung cancer-related disease targets were retrieved from the GeneCard and Malacard databases followed by Gene Ontology(GO)functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of potential pharmacological targets.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed using the STRING database.The molecular docking was employed to screen small molecules with potential anti-cancer ac-tivity,and their potential inhibition to proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 and human large cell lung cancer cell line H460.Results A total of 37 active components and 429 targets were identified in tea,with 182 overlapping targets associated with lung cancer.GO analysis revealed that these targets were primarily involved in biological processes such as cell proliferation,response to stimuli,and metabolic processes.KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these targets were mainly enriched in the p53 signaling pathway,ErbB signaling pathway,and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.PPI network analysis identified key targets including MAPK1,AKT1,SRC,MAPK3,and p53.Molecular docking screened coumestrol as a molecule capable of binding to human estro-gen receptor 2(ESR2),and its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A549 and H460 cells was experimentally validated(P＜0.000 1).Conclusions The active components in tea may intervene in the development and progres-sion of lung cancer through a multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway mechanism,The results suggests po-tential components against lung cancer in tea,which may be applied in the prevention of human lung cancer.

Objective:To compare clinical features, esophageal motility, and reflux characteristics in elderly patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)with and without extraesophageal symptoms.Methods:This study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis involving 75 patients aged 60 years and older, who visited the outpatient department of gastroenterology at China-Japan Friendship Hospital between January and December 2023.Among these, 43 patients exhibited extraesophageal symptoms [23 males, 20 females; median age 69(66, 75)], while 32 patients did not present with such symptoms [12 males, 20 females; median age 69(66, 73.75)].We collected data regarding the patients' demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities via a questionnaire, and analyzed the range of extraesophageal symptoms.The presence of reflux esophagitis was assessed according to the Los Angeles classification, and the status of the gastroesophageal valve was evaluated through gastroscopy.Additionally, we measured esophageal motility and reflux characteristics using high-resolution manometry and 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring.Results:The smoking rate was significantly higher in patients with extraesophageal symptoms compared to those without extraesophageal symptoms[39.53%(17/43) vs.15.63%(5/32), P=0.039].Conversely, the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in patients without extraesophageal symptoms compared to those with extraesophageal symptoms[41.86%(18/43) vs.65.63%(21/32), χ2=4.151, P=0.042].Among patients with extraesophageal symptoms, the proportion experiencing pharyngeal symptoms was the highest at 83.72% (36/43), followed by oral symptoms at 32.56%(14/43), while the lowest proportion was for respiratory symptoms at 16.28%(7/43).The esophageal body peristaltic contraction rate was significantly higher in patients without extraesophageal symptoms compared to those with extraesophageal symptoms[100%(100%, 100%) vs.100%(80%, 100%), Z=-2.671, P=0.008].The number of non-acid reflux episodes was significantly higher in patients with extraesophageal symptoms compared to those without[5.00(1.00, 5.00) vs.1.00(1.00, 2.00), Z=-3.842, P<0.001].Additionally, the proportion of proximal reflux was significantly higher in patients with extraesophageal symptoms compared to those without[83.8%(65.6%, 95.4%) vs.68.5%(59.8%, 77.35%), Z=-2.037, P=0.042]. Conclusions:Patients with GERD and extraesophageal symptoms exhibit a higher prevalence of smoking, diminished peristaltic function in the esophageal body, an increased incidence of proximal esophageal reflux, and a greater number of non-acid reflux episodes.

[Objective] To retrospectively analyze the detection results of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) unqualified repeat blood donors in Guangzhou, so as to provide evidence for further expanding the repeat blood donor pool, reducing the rate of blood discarding and improving the qualified rate of blood test. [Methods] Blood donors with unqualified ALT in Guangzhou Blood Center from January 2018 to April 2024 were selected as the research objects. The past blood donation and population characteristics were analyzed according to the number of blood donations and ALT unqualified times. [Results] Among repeat blood donors with previous ALT disqualification, 99.5% to 99.7% did not have reactive markers for transfusion-transmitted diseases (TTD), which was higher than the rate among first-time blood donors with unqualified ALT (95.8%) (P<0.05). The rate of single-item ALT disqualification in repeat blood donors was higher in males than in females (P<0.05); it also varied by age (18-25 years > 26-35 years > 36-45 years > over 45 years) (P<0.05); and by quarter (third and fourth quarters > first and second quarters) (P<0.05). The ALT unqualified rate was significantly higher whole blood donors than that of platelet donors and returning blood donors (P<0.05). The overall ALT level (51.0 U/L), individual ALT level (56.0 U/L) and individual ALT unqualified rate (66.7%) of repeat blood donors with multiple ALT disqualifications were higher than those of repeat blood donors with single-item ALT disqualifications (26.0 U/L, 38.5 U/L, and 33.3%, respectively) (P<0.05). Moreover, as the number of ALT disqualifications increased, the overall level of ALT in repeat blood donors also increased (P<0.05), and the average level of individual ALT and individual ALT unqualified ratio tended to increase. Repeat blood donors with frequent ALT disqualifications had higher ALT levels (69.0 U/L). [Conclusion] The ALT unqualified rates of repeat blood donors were mostly non-specific elevation without TTD. Repeat blood donors with multiple ALT disqualifications tend to have continuous high ALT. Moreover, and with the increase of ALT disqualifications times, the overall ALT levels the average individual ALT levels and individual ALT unqualified rates showed an increasing trend.

Background The decline of physical activity in the elderly due to aging may increase the risk of sarcopenia. Currently, there is a lack of evidence from large natural populations on the relationship between PA and sarcopenia. Objective To explore the relationship between PA and sarcopenia in the elderly aged 60 years and above in 10 provinces (autonomous regions) of China. Methods Data were retrieved from the 2022—2023 round of the China Development and Nutrition Health Impact Cohort. Personal basic information and PA data were collected by questionnaire survey. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by bio-electrical impedance analysis, muscle strength was measured using a grip dynamometer, and physical performance was reflected by 6-meter walk speed. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria were used to diagnose sarcopenia. Light physical activity (LPA) duration, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration, and total physical activity volume were calculated. A total of 3326 residents aged ≥60 years with complete data were selected as the survey participants. Multiple logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to assess the association between PA duration/volume and sarcopenia. Results In 10 provinces (autonomous regions) of China, the prevalence of sarcopenia in the elderly aged 60 years and above was 5.5% (95%CI: 4.7%, 6.2%). The logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the elderly reporting 0-7.0 h·week⁻¹ in LPA duration, the risk of sarcopenia in the elderly with LPA duration of >14.0-21.0 h·week⁻¹ was reduced by 51% (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.26, 0.96). Compared with the elderly with total physical activity ≥15.0 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h·week⁻¹, those with <7.5 MET-h·week⁻¹ had a 2.24-fold increased risk of sarcopenia (OR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.17, 4.29). The RCS results found that LPA duration and total physical activity volume each showed a nonlinear dose-response relationship with the risk of sarcopenia (P_overall<0.05, P_non-linear<0.05). Compared with the elderly with an LPA duration of 0 h· week⁻¹, the risk of sarcopenia in the elderly with an LPA duration of 12.6 h· week⁻¹ was the lowest (OR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.83). Compared with the elderly with a total physical activity volume of 15.0 MET-h· week⁻¹, the elderly with a total physical activity volume of 46.0 MET-h· week⁻¹ had the lowest risk of sarcopenia (OR=0.57, 95%CI: 0.38, 0.84). There was no statistically significant association between weekly MVPA duration and the risk of sarcopenia (P>0.05). Conclusion Increasing weekly LPA duration and total physical activity volume would help to reduce the risk of sarcopenia.

Objective:To compare clinical features, esophageal motility, and reflux characteristics in elderly patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)with and without extraesophageal symptoms.Methods:This study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis involving 75 patients aged 60 years and older, who visited the outpatient department of gastroenterology at China-Japan Friendship Hospital between January and December 2023.Among these, 43 patients exhibited extraesophageal symptoms [23 males, 20 females; median age 69(66, 75)], while 32 patients did not present with such symptoms [12 males, 20 females; median age 69(66, 73.75)].We collected data regarding the patients' demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and comorbidities via a questionnaire, and analyzed the range of extraesophageal symptoms.The presence of reflux esophagitis was assessed according to the Los Angeles classification, and the status of the gastroesophageal valve was evaluated through gastroscopy.Additionally, we measured esophageal motility and reflux characteristics using high-resolution manometry and 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring.Results:The smoking rate was significantly higher in patients with extraesophageal symptoms compared to those without extraesophageal symptoms[39.53%(17/43) vs.15.63%(5/32), P=0.039].Conversely, the prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in patients without extraesophageal symptoms compared to those with extraesophageal symptoms[41.86%(18/43) vs.65.63%(21/32), χ2=4.151, P=0.042].Among patients with extraesophageal symptoms, the proportion experiencing pharyngeal symptoms was the highest at 83.72% (36/43), followed by oral symptoms at 32.56%(14/43), while the lowest proportion was for respiratory symptoms at 16.28%(7/43).The esophageal body peristaltic contraction rate was significantly higher in patients without extraesophageal symptoms compared to those with extraesophageal symptoms[100%(100%, 100%) vs.100%(80%, 100%), Z=-2.671, P=0.008].The number of non-acid reflux episodes was significantly higher in patients with extraesophageal symptoms compared to those without[5.00(1.00, 5.00) vs.1.00(1.00, 2.00), Z=-3.842, P<0.001].Additionally, the proportion of proximal reflux was significantly higher in patients with extraesophageal symptoms compared to those without[83.8%(65.6%, 95.4%) vs.68.5%(59.8%, 77.35%), Z=-2.037, P=0.042]. Conclusions:Patients with GERD and extraesophageal symptoms exhibit a higher prevalence of smoking, diminished peristaltic function in the esophageal body, an increased incidence of proximal esophageal reflux, and a greater number of non-acid reflux episodes.

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effect of menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells(MenSCs)on chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis and flora disorders in mice,and to explore the potential mecha-nism.METHODS:The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups including normal treatment,cisplatin(Cis)treatment and Cis+MenSC treatment,with 10 mice in each group.To induce intestinal mucositis,the mice were treated with Cis(2 mg·kg-1·d-1)by intraperitoneal injection for 5 consecutive days.Control mice for normal group were received equal vol-umes of normal saline.For Cis+MenSC treatment,MenSCs(1×106)was transplanted into the mice of Cis treated mice through tail vein.The performances and weight changes of mice were examined during the experiment.After the treat-ment,the small intestine and colon were isolated for subsequent HE staining,the ratio of F4/80 and IL-6 positive cells in small intestine were detected by immunohistochemical staining,and the expression of tight junction,inflammation and apoptosis related proteins was detected by Western blot.16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was performed to detect the diver-sity and richness of intestinal flora in mice.RESULTS:Compared to the Cis group,the MenSCs-treated mice showed sig-nificantly increased body weight,relieved intestinal lymphocytes infiltration,alleviated intestinal villous edema,and or-derly arranged glands in intestinal tissues.Further analysis indicated that MenSCs transplantation significantly up-regulat-ed the expression of intestinal tight junction related proteins ZO-1 and occludin in Cis-treated mice(P＜0.05).Subse-quently,MenSCs transplantation significantly inhibited the macrophages infiltration in intestinal tissues(P＜0.01),down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1 and IL-6 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax(P＜0.01),while up-regu-lated anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2(P＜0.01).Additionally,further microflora sequenc-ing indicated that MenSCs transplantation prevented mice from Cis-induced intestinal flora disorder,and significantly re-duced the abundance of harmful bacteria such as isenbergiella tayi and Anaerotruncus colihominis(P＜0.01).At the same time,the abundance of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus apodemi was increased(P＜0.05),thereby restoring the composi-tion and function of healthy intestinal flora.CONCLUSION:MenSCs transplantation alleviates the chemotherapy-in-duced damage of intestinal structure,relieves the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced mucositis and restores the homeosta-sis of intestinal flora in mice.

Objective:To investigate effect of Galangin on inflammatory response in autoimmune thyroiditis(AIT)rats by regulating chemokine ligand 2(CCL2)/chemokine receptor 2(CCR2)pathway.Methods:A total of 84 rats were randomly grouped into control group,model group,Galangin low dose group,Galangin medium dose group,Galangin high dose group,selenium yeast tablet group,Galangin high-dose+rat CCL2 recombinant protein(rCCL2)group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for control group,AIT models were constructed in rats of all other groups.After successful modeling,medication was administered once a day for 8 weeks.ELISA was applied to detect levels of thyroglobulin antibody(TGAb),thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),free thyroxine(FT4),free triiodothyronine(FT3)in rats serum and TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in thyroid tissue;HE staining for pathological changes in rat thyroid tissue and scoring of inflammation in thyroid tissue;qRT-PCR was applied to detect expressions of CCL2 and CCR2 mRNA in thyroid tissue;Western blot was applied to detect expressions of CCL2 and CCR2 proteins in thyroid tissue.Results:Com-pared with control group,pathological damage to thyroid tissue of rats in model group was severe,inflammation score,levels of TGAb,TPOAb,FT4,FT3,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,expressions of CCL2,CCR2 mRNA and protein were increased(P<0.05);com-pared with model group,pathological damage of thyroid tissue of rats in Galangin low dose group,Galangin medium dose group,Galangin high dose group and selenium yeast tablet group were reduced,inflammation score,levels of TGAb,TPOAb,FT4,FT3,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,expressions of CCL2,CCR2 mRNA and protein were decreased(P<0.05);compared with Galangin high dose group,pathological damage of thyroid tissue in Galangin high dose+rCCL2 group was aggravated,inflammation score,levels of TGAb,TPOAb,FT4,FT3,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,expressions of CCL2,CCR2 mRNA and protein were increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Galangin may inhibit inflammatory response of AIT rats by inhibiting CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway.

Objectives:To observe the exercise tolerance and cardiopulmonary function characteristics of patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) combined with cardiovascular disease,in order to assess the cardiorespiratory reserve and health status of untreated OSAHS,and to provide a clinical evidence for the phase Ⅱ cardiac rehabilitation. Methods:This retrospective analysis included 134 cardiovascular disease patients who attended the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center of Fuwai Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from November 2021 to April 2024 and received home sleep apnea monitoring (HSAT).According to the apnea hypopnea index (AHI),the patients were divided into the non-OSAHS (AHI<5 times/h) group (n=24),the mild-OSAHS (5 times/h ≤AHI<15 times/h) group (n=65),and moderate-to-severe OSAHS (AHI ≥15 times/h) group (n=45),and the body composition,pulmonary function characteristics,exercise tolerance,and ventilatory response to exercise were compared among the three groups. Results:A total of 110 (82.1％) patients had comorbid OSAHS,with a higher proportion of male patients (80.0％).Height,weight,body mass index,lean body mass,skeletal muscle mass,body water content,and basal metabolic rate increased progressively with increasing OSAHS severity in three groups (all P<0.05),while cardiovascular disease comorbidity was similar.Static lung function,exercise tolerance and ventilatory function at maximal exercise were similar between the patients in the mild OSAHS group and the moderate-severe OSAHS group as compared to the non-OSAHS group (all P>0.05).With the increase in the severity of OSAHS,the cardiorespiratory fitness showed a decreasing trend among patients in the three groups,and the forced vital capacity and the maximum vital capacity of patients in the moderate-severe OSAHS group were significantly higher than that of the mild OSAHS group,while peak O2 pulse％pred was significantly lower than that of the mild OSAHS group (all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that the body fat mass (β=0.307,95％CI:0.263-0.823,P<0.001),minute ventilation at rest (β=0.259,95％CI:0.429-1.785,P=0.002) were the independent influencing factors of AHI. Conclusions:The prevalence of OSAHS is high in patients with cardiovascular disease,and patients with moderate-to-severe OSAHS have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness,OSAHS is not associated with additional cardiac impairment and ventilatory function impairment in patients with cardiovascular disease.Weight loss should be the primary rehabilitation goal in patients with OSAHS combined with cardiovascular disease.