OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/Caspase-1/gasdermin D （GSDMD） pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula （HQHF） inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis （MASH）. METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups： Control group （10% blank serum）， Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide （LPS）]， HQHF-L group （2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， HQHF-M group （5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS）， and HQHF-H group （10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS）. After 24 h of routine culture post-administration， cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy； localization and expression of gasdermin D-N （GSDMD-N） were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA； mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group， the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology （cell membrane bulging and pore formation）， increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane （ P ＜0.05）， significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the Model group， the HQHF-L， HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology， reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N （ P ＜0.05）， significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants （ P ＜0.05）， and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cells （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis， and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

Periodontal disease is a risk factor for many systemic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Cleft palate (CP), the most common congenital craniofacial defect, has a multifaceted etiology influenced by complex genetic and environmental risk factors such as maternal bacterial or virus infection. A prior case-control study revealed a surprisingly strong association between maternal periodontal disease and CP in offspring. However, the precise relationship remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between maternal oral pathogen and CP in offspring was studied by sonicated P. gingivalis injected intravenously and orally into pregnant mice. We investigated an obvious increasing CP (12.5%) in sonicated P. gingivalis group which had inhibited osteogenesis in mesenchyme and blocked efferocytosis in epithelium. Then glycolysis and H4K12 lactylation (H4K12la) were detected to elevate in both mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cells and macrophages under P. gingivalis exposure which further promoted the transcription of metallopeptidase domain17 (ADAM17), subsequently mediated the shedding of transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) in MEPM cells and mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) in macrophages and resulted in the suppression of efferocytosis and osteogenesis in palate, eventually caused abnormalities in palate fusion and ossification. The abnormal efferocytosis also led to a predominance of M1 macrophages, which indirectly inhibited palatal osteogenesis via extracellular vesicles. Furthermore, pharmacological ADAM17 inhibition could ameliorate the abnormality of P. gingivalis-induced abnormal palate development. Therefore, our study extends the knowledge of how maternal oral pathogen affects fetal palate development and provides a novel perspective to understand the pathogenesis of CP.
Animals ; Female ; Porphyromonas gingivalis ; Pregnancy ; Mice ; Cleft Palate/etiology* ; Glycolysis

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective To explore the relationship between serum phospholipase A2(PLA2),S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100B) and carotid plaque in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction. Methods From January 2021 to June 2022,120 elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction were enrolled in the study group,while 115 patients with non-progressive cerebral infarction were classified as non-progressive group and 100 healthy people as healthy group. The study group was divided into three groups:no plaque group (34 cases),stable plaque group (45 cases) and unstable plaque group (41 cases). To analyze the relationship between serum PLA2 and S100B levels and carotid plaque. ROC analysis of their predictive value for carotid plaque. Follow-up for 1 year,the survival rate was analyzed with recurrence and death as the end points. Results The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B in stable and unstable plaque groups were higher than those in non-plaque group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum PLA2 and S100B were positively correlated with carotid plaque. ROC showed that the value of joint prediction was higher (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B are increased in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction,which is closely related to carotid plaque.

Objective To evaluate the promoting effect of continuous low-intensity pulsed ultrasound(LIPUS)combined with microbubble(MB)cavitation therapy(hereinafter referred to as ultrasound cavitation therapy)on microcirculatory perfusion in the ischemic hindlimbs of mice,and to explore the non-invasive therapeutic potential of this treatment for limb arterial ischemic injury.Methods A mouse model of left hindlimb ischemia was established,and the mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups(16 mice per group)according to different treatment methods:model group,ultrasound contrast microbubble group(MB group),LIPUS treatment group(LIPUS group),and ultrasound cavitation therapy group(LIPUS+MB group).Mice in the model group were injected with 0.1 mL of normal saline via the tail vein,those in the MB group were injected with 0.1 mL of MB via the tail vein,those in the LIPUS group were treated with LIPUS on the ischemic hindlimb after injection of 0.1 mL of normal saline via the tail vein,and those in the LIPUS+MB group were treated with LIPUS on the ischemic hindlimb after injection of 0.1 mL of MB via the tail vein;each group was injected once a day for a total of 7 d.On the 1st,4th and 7th days after treatment,the microcirculatory perfusion in the ischemic hindlimbs of mice was evaluated using contrast-enhanced ultrasound.The effects of different treatments on promoting microcirculatory perfusion in the ischemic hindlimbs of mice were assessed by combining hematoxylin-eosin(H-E)staining and CD31 immunohistochemical staining of the gastrocnemius muscle tissue in the hindlimbs.Results The left hindlimb ischemia model was successfully constructed,and all model mice showed obvious ischemic microcirculation perfusion disorders with good model stability.After the 7th day of treatment,the LIPUS+MB group showed a increase in microcirculation perfusion in the ischemic hindlimb,with the ratio of microvascular flow on the ischemic to non-ischemic sides higher than that of the LIPUS group([94.33±4.51]%vs[70.33±2.09]%,P＜0.05).H-E staining results showed that the LIPUS+MB group had more newly formed capillaries and myofibroblasts in the gastrocnemius muscle,with better muscle structure repair compared to the LIPUS group,while the model group and MB group showed muscle cell necrosis,disorganized arrangement of muscle bundles,and sparse capillaries.CD31 immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed that ultrasonic cavitation therapy significantly outperformed traditional LIPUS treatment in promoting microcirculation perfusion,microvascular neogenesis,and tissue repair in ischemic skeletal muscles(CD31 relative expression level 5.03±0.33 vs 3.57±0.21,P＜0.01).Conclusion Compared with single LIPUS treatment,continuous ultrasound cavitation therapy has a more significant effect on promoting microcirculation perfusion in the ischemic hindlimb of mice,which provides a new strategy for microcirculatory perfusion disorders in skeletal muscles of limbs caused by peripheral arterial ischemic diseases.

Successful cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) faces significant challenges due to epigenetic obstacles. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 as potential contributors to these obstacles. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we generated genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in mouse pre-implantation NT embryos. Our analysis revealed that aberrantly over-represented broad H3K4me3 domain and H3K27me3 signal lead to increased bivalent marks at gene promoters in NT embryos compared with naturally fertilized (NF) embryos at the 2-cell stage, which may link to relatively low levels of H3K36me3 in NT 2-cell embryos. Notably, the overexpression of Setd2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase, successfully restored multiple epigenetic marks, including H3K36me3, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3. In addition, it reinstated the expression levels of ZGA-related genes by reestablishing H3K36me3 at gene body regions, which excluded H3K27me3 from bivalent promoters, ultimately improving cloning efficiency. These findings highlight the excessive bivalent state at gene promoters as a potent barrier and emphasize the removal of these barriers as a promising approach for achieving higher cloning efficiency.
Animals ; Mice ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/biosynthesis* ; Histones/genetics* ; Nuclear Transfer Techniques ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism*

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of Bupiqiangli compound on experimental myasthenia gravis with sub-clinical hypothyroidism in rats and the influence of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid-thymus(HPTT)axis.Methods:SPF Lewis rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Bupiqiangli compound low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups.Model rats were immunized with AchR-α subunit 97-116 peptide sequence to construct an experimental myasthenia gravis model,and then methimazole was used to prepare an experimental myasthenia gravis with subclinical hypothyroidism model.Bupiqiangli compound low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups were given 4.57 g/kg,7.12 g/kg and 9.49 g/kg of Bupiqiangli compound by gavage,nor-mal group and model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage,once a day,for 4 weeks.After the last gavage,Lennon scores of rats in each group were recorded;HE staining was used to detect pathological changes of thymus and thyroid;ELISA was used to detect expression levels of acetylcholine receptor antibody(AchRab),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),thyrotropin releasing hormone(TRH),free thyroxine(FT4)and thyroxine(T4)in serum;mRNA level of TRH in hypothalamus and TSH in pituitary tissue were detected by qPCR;Western blot detected changes of protein expressions of Cleaved Caspase3,Bcl2 associated X protein(Bax)and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl2)in thymus.Results:Compared with normal group,model group showed obvious symp-toms of muscle weakness,Lennon score increased significantly(P<0.05),obvious pathological changes in thymus and thyroid tissues,while no significant changes in expressions of FT4 and T4 in serum(P>0.05),expressions of AchRab,TSH and TRH in serum were significantly increased(P<0.05),expressions of TRH in hypothalamus and TSH in pituitary were significantly increased(P<0.05),protein expressions of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax in thymus were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while expression of Bcl2 protein in thymus increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with model group,myasthenia symptoms of compound high-dose group were im-proved,Lennon score was significantly decreased(P<0.05),pathological changes of thymus and thyroid tissues were improved,ex-pressions of FT4 and T4 in serum had no significant changes(P>0.05),expressions of AchRab,TSH and TRH in serum were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.05),expressions of TRH in hypothalamus and TSH in pituitary were significantly decreased(P<0.05),expres-sions of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax in thymus were significantly increased(P<0.05),while expression of Bcl2 in thymus was signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Bupiqiang compound can improve clinical symptoms of experimental myasthenia gravis with subclinical hypothyroidism in rats,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of HPTT axis.

Objective Under the theory guidance of the Fuxingjue and the Tang-Ye-Jing-Fa map,this study aims to explore the common patterns and unique characteristics of five-flavor combinations in formulas for treating different syndromes of cough.Methods Chinese herbal formulas for cough treatment were collected from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical practice guidelines,consensuses,and textbooks,and their flavor combinations and distribution were clarified.Based on the theory of the Tang-Ye-Jing-Fa map regarding the five flavors for lung diseases(sour for tonifying,salty for purging,and pungent for transforming),the dominant flavors in each formula were statistically analyzed.Further classification was conducted according to the cold-heat properties and the amount of phlegm,and the characteristics and five-flavor combination patterns of formulas for different syndromes were analyzed.Results A total of 21 formulas for treating different syndromes of cough were statistically analyzed,among which 85.7%of the formulas had dominant flavors of"sour,salty,and pungent".For hot cough(9 formulas),sour was mainly used to tonify the lung and bitter to purge the heart(e.g.,Sangxing Tang and Qingjin Huatan Tang);for cold cough(4 formulas),pungent was mainly used to tonify the liver and warm yang(e.g.,San'ao Tang combined with Zhike San and Xiaoqinglong Tang);for cough with abundant phlegm(7 formulas),the focus was on using pungent to purge the spleen and eliminate dampness(e.g.,Erchen Tang combined with Sanzi Yangqin Tang);for cough with little or no phlegm(6 formulas),sour was used as the core to tonify the lung and nourish yin(e.g.,Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang).Conclusion From the perspective of the Tang-Ye-Jing-Fa map,the flavors of"sour,salty,and pungent"play an important role in the composition of formulas for treating cough.Although the five-flavor combinations of formulas for different syndromes of cough vary,they share common characteristics when classified according to cold-heat properties and phlegm amount.These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the combination of Chinese herbal formulas for cough treatment by adjusting the proportion of the five flavors in clinical practice.

Objective To explore the relationship between serum phospholipase A2(PLA2),S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100B) and carotid plaque in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction. Methods From January 2021 to June 2022,120 elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction were enrolled in the study group,while 115 patients with non-progressive cerebral infarction were classified as non-progressive group and 100 healthy people as healthy group. The study group was divided into three groups:no plaque group (34 cases),stable plaque group (45 cases) and unstable plaque group (41 cases). To analyze the relationship between serum PLA2 and S100B levels and carotid plaque. ROC analysis of their predictive value for carotid plaque. Follow-up for 1 year,the survival rate was analyzed with recurrence and death as the end points. Results The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B in stable and unstable plaque groups were higher than those in non-plaque group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum PLA2 and S100B were positively correlated with carotid plaque. ROC showed that the value of joint prediction was higher (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B are increased in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction,which is closely related to carotid plaque.

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of Bupiqiangli compound on experimental myasthenia gravis with sub-clinical hypothyroidism in rats and the influence of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid-thymus(HPTT)axis.Methods:SPF Lewis rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,Bupiqiangli compound low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups.Model rats were immunized with AchR-α subunit 97-116 peptide sequence to construct an experimental myasthenia gravis model,and then methimazole was used to prepare an experimental myasthenia gravis with subclinical hypothyroidism model.Bupiqiangli compound low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups were given 4.57 g/kg,7.12 g/kg and 9.49 g/kg of Bupiqiangli compound by gavage,nor-mal group and model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage,once a day,for 4 weeks.After the last gavage,Lennon scores of rats in each group were recorded;HE staining was used to detect pathological changes of thymus and thyroid;ELISA was used to detect expression levels of acetylcholine receptor antibody(AchRab),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),thyrotropin releasing hormone(TRH),free thyroxine(FT4)and thyroxine(T4)in serum;mRNA level of TRH in hypothalamus and TSH in pituitary tissue were detected by qPCR;Western blot detected changes of protein expressions of Cleaved Caspase3,Bcl2 associated X protein(Bax)and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl2)in thymus.Results:Compared with normal group,model group showed obvious symp-toms of muscle weakness,Lennon score increased significantly(P<0.05),obvious pathological changes in thymus and thyroid tissues,while no significant changes in expressions of FT4 and T4 in serum(P>0.05),expressions of AchRab,TSH and TRH in serum were significantly increased(P<0.05),expressions of TRH in hypothalamus and TSH in pituitary were significantly increased(P<0.05),protein expressions of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax in thymus were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while expression of Bcl2 protein in thymus increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with model group,myasthenia symptoms of compound high-dose group were im-proved,Lennon score was significantly decreased(P<0.05),pathological changes of thymus and thyroid tissues were improved,ex-pressions of FT4 and T4 in serum had no significant changes(P>0.05),expressions of AchRab,TSH and TRH in serum were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.05),expressions of TRH in hypothalamus and TSH in pituitary were significantly decreased(P<0.05),expres-sions of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax in thymus were significantly increased(P<0.05),while expression of Bcl2 in thymus was signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Bupiqiang compound can improve clinical symptoms of experimental myasthenia gravis with subclinical hypothyroidism in rats,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of HPTT axis.