Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） compounds. In recent years， the introduction of mathematical methods， data mining techniques， and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables， including the proportions of different herbs， the specific extraction parts of each ingredient， and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context， it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues， such as the optimization of source material selection， dosage optimization of compatible herbs， and multi-objective optimization indicators， were discussed. Furthermore， the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process， so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.

BACKGROUND:Our previous studies have found that poly(vinylidene fluoride)bionic periosteum prepared by electrospinning has good cytocompatibility,but its biocompatibility is unknown. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biocompatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride)bionic periosteum doped with Zn2+and Mg2+. METHODS:Poly(vinylidene fluoride),poly(vinylidene fluoride)bionic periosteum doped with 1％Zn2+,doped with 1％Mg2+,and doped with 1％(Zn2++Mg2+)were prepared by electrospinning to make bionic periosteum extract.SD rats were selected as the experimental subjects for hemolysis test,short-term systemic toxicity test,and heat source test.Guinea pigs were selected as the experimental subjects for skin sensitization test.The biocompatibility of bionic periosteum of four groups was tested. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The hemolysis test results showed that the hemolysis rates of 1％Zn2+poly(vinylidene fluoride),1％Mg2+poly(vinylidene fluoride),1％Zn2++1％Mg2+poly(vinylidene fluoride)bionic periosteum and poly(vinylidene fluoride)extract were(0.130±0.013)％,(0.149±0.020)％,(0.466±0.018)％,and(0.037±0.018)％,respectively,which met the hemocompatibility standard of biomaterials.(2)The results of short-term systemic toxicity test showed that the four groups of bionic periosteal extract had no toxic signs such as body mass reduction,food intake changes,and dyspnea in SD rats,and had no toxic effects on major organs of rats.(3)Heat source test results showed that after intervention with poly(vinylidene fluoride)bionic periosteum doped with 1％Zn2+,doped with 1％Mg2+,and doped with 1％(Zn2++Mg2+),and poly(vinylidene fluoride)bionic periosteum extract,the elevated body temperature values of SD rats were(0.133±0.058),(0.100±0.010),(0.300±0.010),and(0.300±0.017)℃respectively.All were less than 0.6 ℃and the total temperature increase was less than 1.4 ℃.(4)The results of skin sensitization test showed that no erythema or edema was observed under the skin of guinea pigs after the intervention of bionic periosteum extract of four groups.(5)The results showed that poly(vinylidene fluoride)and poly(vinylidene fluoride)bionic periosteum doped with Zn2+and Mg2+had good biocompatibility.

Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain damage poses a high risk of death or lifelong disability, yet effective treatments remain elusive. Here, we demonstrated that miR-100-5p levels in the lesioned cortex increased after HI insult in neonatal mice. Knockdown of miR-100-5p expression in the brain attenuated brain injury and promoted functional recovery, through inhibiting the cleaved-caspase-3 level, microglia activation, and the release of proinflammation cytokines following HI injury. Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing neuron-targeting rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) and miR-100-5p antagonists (RVG-EVs-Antagomir) selectively targeted brain lesions and reduced miR-100-5p levels after intranasal delivery. Both pre- and post-HI administration showed therapeutic benefits. Mechanistically, we identified protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit alpha (Ppp3ca) as a novel candidate target gene of miR-100-5p, inhibiting c-Fos expression and neuronal apoptosis following HI insult. In conclusion, our non-invasive method using engineered EVs to deliver miR-100-5p antagomirs to the brain significantly improves functional recovery after HI injury by targeting Ppp3ca to suppress neuronal apoptosis.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism* ; Mice ; Recovery of Function/physiology* ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/therapy* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Antagomirs/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Brain Injuries/metabolism* ; Glycoproteins ; Peptide Fragments ; Viral Proteins

Inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）， mainly including ulcerative colitis （UC） and Crohn's disease （CD）， is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract， with its incidence increasing year by year. Due to its long treatment duration， difficulty in treatment， prolonged remission， and high costs， it has attracted global attention. Exploring safe， effective， and sustainable treatment regimens has become an urgent global issue. The pathogenesis of IBD is complex， involving intestinal mucosal injury，disturbances in the internal environment， and inflammatory responses. In recent years， research has found that ferroptosis is also one of the important pathogenic factors of IBD. Ferroptosis， as a new form of non-apoptotic cell death， is characterized by iron dependence， lipid peroxidation， and imbalance in the redox system. Studies have shown that inhibiting ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells can protect the intestinal mucosa. Targeted intervention in ferroptosis may be a new direction for the treatment of IBD. IBD is mainly treated with drugs， including corticosteroids， aminosalicylates， biologics， and immunomodulators， but drug resistance and adverse reactions are common. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has unique advantages such as low cost， low drug resistance， and fewer side effects， and has accumulated rich experience in the treatment of IBD. Scholars have confirmed that TCM can inhibit ferroptosis， and recent studies have shown that TCM can not only inhibit iron-dependent lipid peroxidation in intestinal cells but also enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of intestinal mucosa， thus playing a role in the treatment of IBD. Increasing evidence suggests that TCM may treat IBD by interfering with ferroptosis. This article explores the relevance of TCM intervention in ferroptosis and the treatment of IBD， discusses the possible mechanisms of ferroptosis in IBD， and aims to provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.

BACKGROUND:Due to the unstable drug release rate of uniaxial bone scaffolds,multi-structure composite printing methods have been sought in and outside China in recent years.Currently,coaxial drug-loaded bone scaffolds,which combine drug-loaded sustained release system with bone transplantation and repair technology,not only replace the defective bone after implantation,but also release drugs slowly,providing a microenvironment conducive to bone formation at the implant site. OBJECTIVE:To explore and assess the in vitro antibacterial properties of uniaxial and coaxial minocycline hydrochloride bone scaffolds. METHODS:Rapid prototyping technology was used to prepare uniaxial hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin-polyvinyl alcohol scaffold,uniaxial hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin-polyvinyl alcohol scaffold,coaxial hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin-polyvinyl alcohol scaffold,and coaxial hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin-polyvinyl alcohol scaffold,respectively,which were named S1,S2,T1 and T2.The morphology,porosity,degradation performance,in vitro sustained-release performance and cytotoxicity of scaffolds were characterized.Four kinds of bone scaffolds were immersed in PBS to prepare the extracts at different time points(1,3,5,7,14,21,and 28 days).The qualitative filter paper was placed into the extract for 24 hours.The filter paper was co-cultured with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum for 72 hours.The bacteriostatic effect of four groups of scaffolds was detected by the agar diffusion method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scaffold characterization:Four groups of scaffolds were well formed.The surface of micro-wires in the S1 and S2 groups was dense and smooth,and the surface of micro-wires in the T1 and T2 groups was rough.Porosity was between 40%-47%and met the requirements of bone scaffolds.Compared with the S2 group,sustained release time was longer in the T2 group.The sustained release concentration of the drug was between 1-10 μg/mL for a long time,which was more conducive to bacteriostasis and osteogenesis.After 10 weeks of immersion in PBS in vitro,the degradation rate of the coaxial printed bone scaffold was faster than that of the corresponding uniaxial printed bone scaffold,and the degradation rate of the coaxial loaded bone scaffold was lower than that of the coaxial non-loaded bone scaffold.The four groups of scaffold extracts were co-cultured with osteoblasts respectively.CCK-8 assay displayed that the cell proliferation rate was greater than 75%,which met the requirements of biocompatibility.(2)In vitro antibacterial effect:S1 and T1 did not have antibacterial activity.S2 and T2 had an obvious antibacterial effect.Under the extraction solution on day 28,the diameter of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum inhibition zone in the S2 group was smaller than that in the T2 group(P<0.05).(3)These findings exhibit that hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin-polyvinyl alcohol scaffolds with coaxial minocycline have good physical properties and bacteriostatic properties.

BACKGROUND:Polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)with piezoelectric properties,good biocompatibility and nontoxicity make it a suitable candidate for periosteal repair. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the cytotoxicity of PVDF bionic periosteum by electrospinning with zinc and magnesium ions in vitro. METHODS:Pure PVDF,zinc-doped PVDF,magnesium-doped PVDF and Zinc-magnesium ion PVDF piezoelectric bionic periosteum were prepared by electrospinning technology,respectively.They were named PVDF,PVDF-Zn,PVDF-Mg and PVDF-Zn-Mg,in which the mass fraction of zinc and magnesium ions were all 1%.Osteoblasts and vascular endothelial cells were co-cultured with four groups of bionic periosteum.Cell compatibility of bionic periosteum was determined by alkaline phosphatase staining,CD31 immunofluorescence staining,and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Osteoblasts:Alkaline phosphatase staining after 7 days of culture showed that the PVDF-Zn group secreted more alkaline phosphatase than the other three groups.Under a scanning electron microscopy,after 1 day of culture,the cells had a certain spread on the surface of PVDF-Mg and PVDF-Zn-Mg bionic periosteum,and the pseudopod extended to all sides.On day 3,the cell edge of each group extended pseudopods to the material.By days 5 and 7,the cells were fully spread,well grown and firmly covered the surface of the fibers,and the cellular pseudopods extended around and into the interstitial space of the fibers.CCK-8 assay showed that the cell proliferation on the bionic periosteum of each group showed an increasing trend over time and the relative proliferation rate of cells at 1,3,5,and 7 days was≥75%,and the cytotoxicity was≤grade 1.(2)Vascular endothelial cells:CD31 immunofluorescence staining for 3 days showed that the cells adhered and spread well on the bionic periosteum of each group and connected with each other,and the number of cells in the PVDF-Zn-Mg group was more than that in the other three groups.Under scanning electron microscope,the cells began to adhere to the surface of each group of fibers after 1 and 3 days of culture.On day 5,the cells were well spread on the surface of the fibers and extended obvious pseudopods.On day 7,the cells on the PVDF-Mg and PVDF-Zn-Mg bionic periosteum grew in multiple layers and extended the pseudopod into the fibrous void.CCK-8 assay showed that the cell proliferation on the bionic periosteum of each group showed a downward trend over time,and the relative proliferation rate of cells at 1,3,5 and 7 days was≥125%,and the cytotoxicity was grade 0.(3)The results showed that Zn-Mg electrospun PVDF piezoelectric bionic periosteum had good cytocompatibility.

BACKGROUND:In the construction of guided bone regeneration membrane with biological function,a single material cannot meet the clinical needs due to its insufficient function,so the composite of multiple materials has become a trend of tissue repair engineering. OBJECTIVE:To prepare silk fibroin/bioactive glass composite fiber membranes by electrospinning technology,and to characterize the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility in vitro. METHODS:The solution of electrospinning was prepared by dissolving 0.8 g silk fibroin protein in 10 mL hexafluoro-isopropanol alcohol,and the nanofiber membrane of silk fibroin protein was prepared by electrospinning technology(denoted as SF fiber membrane).0.1,0.3,0.5,and 0.8 g of bioactive glass were added to the electrospinning solution,and the silk fibroin/bioactive glass composite fiber membrane was prepared by electrospinning technology(recorded as SF/1BG,SF/3BG,SF/5BG,and SF/8BG fiber membrane in turn).The physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of five groups of fiber membranes were characterized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The scanning electron microscopy results showed that nanofibers of the prepared composite membrane were smooth,continuous and uniform and had no beaded structure.There was no obvious adhesion between the silk fibers,and they all showed random arrangement of disordered porous structures.The fiber diameter of the fiber membrane decreased after the addition of bioactive glass.Fourier infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction detection results showed that the chemical structure of silk fibroin protein and bioactive glass in fiber membrane was stable.The water contact angles of SF,SF/1BG,SF/3BG,SF/5BG,and SF/8BG were 105.02°,72.58°,78.13°,79.35°,and 72.50°,respectively.(2)Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on five groups of fiber membranes.CCK-8 assay results showed that SF/1BG,SF/3BG,and SF/5BG fiber membranes could promote the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells compared with SF and SF/8BG.Live cell/dead cell staining showed that the cell vitality on the surface of the five groups of fiber membranes was better,and the number and distribution of cells on the surface of SF/5BG fiber membrane were more uniform.Rhodamine phalloidin staining and scanning electron microscopy exhibited that compared with SF fiber membrane,the SF/5BG fiber membrane was more favorable to the adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated on the fiber membrane of the five groups for osteogenic induction differentiation,and the alkaline phosphatase activity of the SF/3BG and SF/5BG groups was higher than that of the other three groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).Alizarin red staining showed that the formation of calcium nodules in fiber membrane increased after the addition of bioactive glass,and the formation of calcium nodules in the SF/5BG group was the most.(3)The results show that silk fibroin/bioactive glass composite fiber membrane has good biosafety and biocompatibility.

Background Heavy metal exposure may be associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and serum uric acid. The role of serum uric acid in the relationship between heavy metal exposure and MetS is currently unclear. Objective To evaluate the relationships of heavy metal exposure with MetS and serum uric acid, and to quantify the role of serum uric acid in the relationship. Methods In 2021, convenience sampling was used to select 571 local adults in Liuzhou, Guangxi. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and physiological and biochemical indicators were collected through questionnaire surveys and physical examinations. Fasting blood and mid-stream morning urine were also collected. The concentrations of 16 heavy metals in urine were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to identify heavy metals associated with MetS. Logistic regression and linear regression models were employed to evaluate the association between the selected heavy metals and MetS as well as serum uric acid. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was utilized to assess the impact of combined exposures to multiple metals on the risk of MetS and identify the main effect metals. Generalized structural equation model was used to evaluate potential mediating effect of serum uric acid on the relationship between heavy metal exposure and MetS. Results The LASSO regression identified a total of 9 heavy metals that were associated with MetS. The logistic regression revealed a positive correlation between zinc and copper in urine and MetS (P _trend<0.05), while vanadium showed a negative correlation with MetS (P _trend<0.05). Compared to the low concentration groups, the high concentration groups of zinc (OR=2.37, 95%CI: 1.33, 4.20) and copper (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.26, 4.18) had an increased risk of MetS, while the high concentration group of vanadium showed a decreased risk of MetS (OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.27, 0.84). The main effect metals identified by the BKMR model were consistent with the results of logistic regression. The linear regression analysis demonstrated an association between urinary zinc and vanadium concentrations and serum uric acid levels (P _trend<0.05). Compared to the low concentration group, the high concentration group of zinc showed an increase in serum uric acid level (β=0.07, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.11), while the high concentration group of vanadium showed a decrease in serum uric acid level (β=-0.06, 95%CI: -0.09, -0.02). The mediation analysis revealed that serum uric acid played a mediating role in the relationship between urinary zinc and vanadium concentrations and MetS, with mediation proportions of 8.33% and 16.67%, respectively. Conclusion Exposure to heavy metals zinc, copper, and vanadium are closely associated with MetS. Zinc and vanadium exposures are correlated with serum uric acid levels, and serum uric acid plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between zinc and vanadium exposures and MetS.

Objective:To test the practical effect of the research projects outpatient strategy for application of the National Natural Science Foundation (NSFC) in a hospital of Chinese medicine.Methods:We compared the number and success rate of the National Natural Science Foundation of China grant awards before and after the implementation of the research projects outpatient strategy, and further analyzed the promotional effect of the research projects outpatient strategy on general programs and youth scientists funds through univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression.Results:Since the implementation of the research projects outpatient strategy, both the number of NSFC grant awards and the success rate continuously increased, indicating that the strategy played a positive role in improving the overall success rate of the hospital. However, this effect was primarily reflected in the assistance provided to applications for youth scientists funds. The main favorable factor for winning general programs was the applicant′s preliminary foundation. Applicants who have previously received NSFC funding had a higher success rate.Conclusions:The strategy of research projects outpatient can promote the winning of NSFC youth scientists funds.

Objective To explore the regulation of Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granule on intestinal microecological changes in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and the potential mechanism for its treatment of SAP. Methods Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (SHAM),SAP model group (SAP),and Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granule (CH)group,with 16 rats in each group. Each group was further divided into 12 h and 24 h subgroups. The SAP model was induced by retrograde injection of 5％ sodium taurocholate into the pancreaticobiliary duct through duodenal wall. The SHAM and SAP groups received normal saline by gavage,while the CH group received 1.2 g·kg-1 Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granule solution by gavage every six hours. At 12 h and 24 h after operation,eight rats from each group were sacrificed to collect abdominal aortic blood,pancreatic and ileal tissues for analysis. Ascites,pancreatic and ileal tissues were observed. Serum amylase(AMY) and lipase (LPS) levels were measured biochemically. Pathological changes in pancreatic and ileal tissues were investigated by HE staining. Claudin-1 protein expression in ileal tissue was detected by Western Blot. Changes in the intestinal flora of ileocecal contents were analyzed by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Results Compared to the SHAM group at the same time points,the SAP group exhibited extensive pancreatic edema and necrosis. Serum AMY and LPS levels,pancreatic and ileal histopathological scores increased,and Claudin-1 protein expression in ileal tissue markedly decreased (all P<0.05). The differences in abundance of microbial community increased,while the evenness of community composition reduced. The microbial richness showed no significant change (P>0.05),but the microbial diversity decreased(P<0.05). Proteobacteria were dominant intestinal bacteria. Relative abundances of Oscillospira,Ruminococcus,Bifidobacterium,and Bacteroides S24-7 decreased,whereas relative abundances of Shigella and Allobaculum increased. The differences in abundance of microbial community reduced,and the evenness of community composition increased. The microbial richness showed no significant change(P>0.05),but the microbial diversity increased (P<0.05). Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant intestinal bacteria. Relative abundances of Oscillospira,Ruminococcus,Bifidobacterium,and Bacteroides S24-7 increased,whereas relative abundances of Shigella and Allobaculum decreased. After the intervention of CH,pathological damage in ileal tissue was improved. The expression of Claudin-1 protein in the intestinal mucosal barrier increased compared to the model group(P<0.05). The differences in abundance of microbial community reduced,and the evenness of community composition increased. CH group showed an increase in some beneficial bacteria and decrease in pathogenic bacteria compared to model group. Conclusion Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue Granule may reduce pancreas injury in rats with SAP,which may be involved in modulating the intestinal microecology and improving intestinal mucosal barrier function.