OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Zuogui pill in improving pancreatic β cell function in the offspring of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM）.METHODS Thirty-six pregnant rats were divided into normal group， model group， insulin glargine group （positive control）， and low-， medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups， with 6 rats in each group. The normal group and model group were given intragastric administration of equal-volume normal saline. The insulin glargine group was subcutaneously injected with insulin glargine at an initial dose of 1 U/kg， and the dosage was increased by 1 U per day until random blood glucose returned to normal. The low-， medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups were intragastrically administered with Zuogui pill solutions at 4.725， 9.45 and 18.9 g/kg once a day until the birth of offspring. On postnatal day 21 （12 offspring in each group）， body weight， fasting blood glucose （FBG） and oral glucose tolerance test were performed on the offspring. Pancreatic histopathological changes of 60-day-old offspring were observed. The insulin-positive expression area ratio in pancreatic tissue， serum levels of glycated serum protein （GSP）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， as well as the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 7a（Wnt7a）and glycogen synthase kinase 3β（GSK-3β） in pancreatic tissue were detected.RESULTS Compared with normal group， the body weight， insulin-positive expression area ratio in pancreatic tissue， serum HDL-C level， and the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of Wnt7a in pancreatic tissue were significantly decreased of the offspring in the model group （ P ＜0.05）. Meanwhile， FBG， blood glucose levels at 60， 90 and 120 min after intragastric administration of 20% glucose solution， serum GSP and LDL-C levels， as well as the mRNA and protein relative expression levels of GSK-3β in pancreatic tissue were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）；mild degeneration and necrosis of islet cells were observed in pancreatic tissue. Compared with the model group， the above-mentioned indexes were significantly reversed in medium- and high-dose Zuogui pill groups （ P ＜0.05）， and pancreatic pathological injury was improved to varying degrees.CONCLUSIONS Zuogui pill may restore the homeostasis of Wnt7a/GSK-3β signaling axis， so as to improve pancreatic β cell function in the offspring of GDM rats.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of embryonic intervention with Zuogui pill on the glucose tolerance in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS Pregnant rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， positive control group （insulin glargine）， Zuogui pill low-， medium- and high-dose groups （4.725， 9.45， 18.9 g/kg）. In addition to the blank group， streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally to establish a gestational diabetes mellitus rat model. From day 6 to day 18 of pregnancy， each group was given relevant medicine and distilled water intragastrically， once a day. After 21 days of birth， the body weight and body length of offsprings were recorded， and the area under the curve （AUC） was calculated through a glucose tolerance test. After 22 days of birth， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting insulin （FINS） levels in serum， insulin sensitivity index （ISI）， and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） were measured， and the morphological structure of pancreatic tissue was observed. The protein spectrum of pancreatic tissue was analyzed by tandem mass tag-based proteomics， and protein and mRNA expression levels of apolipoprotein A1（ApoA1）， solute carrier family 27 member 1 （Slc27a1）， kininogen 1（Kng1） and sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha 2 （Atp1a2）， solute carrier family 7 member 5 （Slc7a5）， solute carrier family 3 member 2 （Slc3a2）， bile acid-coenzyme A： amino acid N- acyltransferase （Baat）， eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit gamma （Eif2s3） were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the body weight， body length and ISI of offsprings in the positive control group and Zuogui pill medium-dose group were significantly increased （P＜0.05）， while the glucose tolerance and islet cell proliferation were significantly improved， and the AUC， FBG， FINS and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. There were 88 potential target proteins for the embryonic intervention of Zuogui pill in offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus，involving multiple pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor （PPAR）， cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G （cGMP-PKG）， fat digestion and absorption， and bile secretion. The proteins closely related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance mainly included ApoA1， Slc27a1， Kng1， Atp1a2， Slc7a5， Slc3a2， Baat， and Eif2s3. Among them， compared with the model group， protein and mRNA expressions of Slc7a5， Slc3a2， and Baat in the pancreatic tissues of pregnant rat offsprings in the Zuogui pill medium-dose group were significantly up-regulated （P＜0.05）； protein and mRNA expressions of ApoA1， Slc27a1， Kng1， Atp1a2 and Eif2s3 were all significantly down-regulated （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The intervention of Zuogui pill in the embryonic period on offsprings of pregnant rats with gestational diabetes mellitus can improve their blood glucose levels and pancreatic pathological morphology. The mechanism may be related to the upregulation of the expressions of Slc7a5， Slc3a2， and Baat and the down-regulation of ApoA1， Slc27a1， Kng1， Atp1a2 and Eif2s3 expressions in the PPAR， cGMP-PKG， fat digestion and absorption， and bile secretion pathways.

Viruses constitute a significant group of pathogens that have caused numerous fatalities and substantial economic losses in recent years, particularly with the emergence of coronaviruses. While the impact of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be diminishing in daily life, only a limited number of drugs have received approval or emergency use authorization for its treatment. Given the high mutation rate of viral genomes, host-directed agents (HDAs) have emerged as a preferred choice due to their broad applicability and lasting effectiveness. In contrast to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), HDAs offer several advantages, including broad-spectrum antiviral activities, potential efficacy against future emerging viruses, and a lower likelihood of inducing drug resistance. In our review article, we have synthesized known host-directed antiviral targets that span diverse cellular pathways and mechanisms, shedding light on the intricate interplay between host cells and viruses. Additionally, we have provided a brief overview of the development of HDAs based on these targets. We aim for this comprehensive analysis to offer valuable perspectives and insights that can guide future antiviral research and drug development efforts.

Amoenucles A-F (1-6), six previously undescribed nucleoside derivatives, and two known analogs (7 and 8) were isolated from the culture of Aspergillus amoenus TJ507. Their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and chemical reactions. Notably, 3 and 4 represent the first reported instances of nucleosides with an attached pyrrole moiety. Of particular significance, the absolute configuration of the sugar moiety of 1-4 was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electric circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and a hydrolysis reaction, presenting a potentially valuable method for confirming nucleoside structures. Furthermore, 1, 2, and 5-8 exhibited potential tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitory activities, which may provide a novel chemical template for the development of agents targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Aspergillus/chemistry* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Molecular Structure ; Nucleosides/isolation & purification* ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Five novel nor-eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, peniroqueforins E-H and J (1-4 and 7), two new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoids, peniroqueforins I and K (5 and 8), and a new eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoid, peniroqueforin L (9), along with four known compounds (6 and 10-12), were isolated and characterized from fungus Penicillium roqueforti (P. roqueforti). The structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The anti-multi-drug resistance (MDR) cancer activity of these compounds was evaluated using SW620/Ad300 cells. Notably, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of paclitaxel (PTX) combined with 1 in SW620/Ad300 cells was 50.36 nmol·L^-1, which was 65-fold more potent than PTX alone (IC₅₀ 3.26 μmol·L^-1). Subsequent molecular docking studies revealed an affinity between compound 1 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), suggesting that this nor-eremophilane-type sesquiterpenoid (1) could serve as a potential lead for MDR reversal in cancer cells through P-gp inhibition.
Penicillium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Molecular Structure ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology* ; Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects* ; Molecular Docking Simulation

(±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6), six pairs of dimeric polyketide enantiomers featuring unusual 6/6/6 and 6/6/6/5 ring systems, were isolated from the fungus Talaromyces adpressus. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and HR-ESI-MS data, and their absolute configurations were elucidated using a modified Mosher's method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. (±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6) possess a 6/6/6 tricyclic skeleton, presumably formed through a Michael addition reaction between one molecule of α-pyrone derivative and one molecule of C₈ poly-β-keto chain. In addition, compounds 2/3 and 4/5 are two pairs of C-18 epimers, respectively. Putative biosynthetic pathways of 1-6 were discussed.
Polyketides/isolation & purification* ; Talaromyces/chemistry* ; Stereoisomerism ; Molecular Structure ; Circular Dichroism ; Pyrones/chemistry*

BACKGROUND:The occurrence of neuronal axonal injury can result in neurological dysfunction,and the facilitation of axonal elongation is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the treatment of diseases affecting the nervous system.OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles can promote neuronal axonal elongation.METHODS:(1)Ectomesenchymal stem cells were obtained from nasal mucosa using the tissue adherence method,and the specific markers of were identified through immunofluorescence.Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles were acquired via ultracentrifugation and identified.(2)Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles(0,0.5,1.0,1.5 mg/mL)were incubated with PC12 cells for 72 hours.The cytotoxicity and proliferation of ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles on PC12 cells were assessed using the CCK-8 assay.(3)Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles(1.0 mg/mL)were incubated with PC12 cells or neurons for 72 hours.The changes in axon length were observed using microscopic analysis.The expression levels of axon-related markers β3-tubulin(early stage),growth associated protein 43(middle stage),and neurofilament 200(mature stage)were analyzed through real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting.These investigations aimed to explore the potential of ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles in promoting neurite elongation within PC12 cells or neurons.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The majority of the acquired ectomesenchymal stem cells exhibited a spindle-shaped morphology,while a minority displayed irregular shapes,and demonstrated high expression levels of mesenchymal stem cell-specific markers Nestin,CD44,and Vimentin.The obtained ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles fulfilled the biological criteria for extracellular vesicles.(2)Within the detected protein concentration range of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/mL,the proliferation of PC12 cells was promoted by ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles,and this effect was further enhanced with increasing concentrations.(3)Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles increased the length of axons in PC12 cells and neurons and the expression of axon-related markers β3-tubulin,growth associated protein 43,and neurofilament 200.Above findings suggest that ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles have the potential to enhance neuronal axonal elongation.

BACKGROUND:The occurrence of neuronal axonal injury can result in neurological dysfunction,and the facilitation of axonal elongation is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the treatment of diseases affecting the nervous system.OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles can promote neuronal axonal elongation.METHODS:(1)Ectomesenchymal stem cells were obtained from nasal mucosa using the tissue adherence method,and the specific markers of were identified through immunofluorescence.Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles were acquired via ultracentrifugation and identified.(2)Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles(0,0.5,1.0,1.5 mg/mL)were incubated with PC12 cells for 72 hours.The cytotoxicity and proliferation of ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles on PC12 cells were assessed using the CCK-8 assay.(3)Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles(1.0 mg/mL)were incubated with PC12 cells or neurons for 72 hours.The changes in axon length were observed using microscopic analysis.The expression levels of axon-related markers β3-tubulin(early stage),growth associated protein 43(middle stage),and neurofilament 200(mature stage)were analyzed through real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting.These investigations aimed to explore the potential of ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles in promoting neurite elongation within PC12 cells or neurons.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The majority of the acquired ectomesenchymal stem cells exhibited a spindle-shaped morphology,while a minority displayed irregular shapes,and demonstrated high expression levels of mesenchymal stem cell-specific markers Nestin,CD44,and Vimentin.The obtained ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles fulfilled the biological criteria for extracellular vesicles.(2)Within the detected protein concentration range of 0.5 to 1.5 mg/mL,the proliferation of PC12 cells was promoted by ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles,and this effect was further enhanced with increasing concentrations.(3)Ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles increased the length of axons in PC12 cells and neurons and the expression of axon-related markers β3-tubulin,growth associated protein 43,and neurofilament 200.Above findings suggest that ectomesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles have the potential to enhance neuronal axonal elongation.

Objective:To investigate the association between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and the adverse outcomes during hospitalization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI).Methods:This prospective, multicenter observational cohort study was conducted based on the data from the Sino-northern Neonatal Network (SNN). Data of 5 818 VLBWI with birth weight <1 500 g and gestational age between 24-<37 weeks that were admitted to the 37 neonatal intensive care units from January 1 st, 2019 to December 31 st, 2022 were collected and analyzed. Thyroid function was first screened at 7 to 10 days after birth, followed by weekly tests within the first 4 weeks, and retested at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age or before discharge. The VLBWI were assigned to the CH group or non-CH group. Chi-square test, Fisher exact probability method, Wilcoxon rank sum test, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between CH and poor prognosis during hospitalization in VLBWI. Results:A total of 5 818 eligible VLBWI were enrolled, with 2 982 (51.3%) males and the gestational age of 30 (29, 31) weeks. The incidence of CH was 5.5% (319 VLBWI). Among the CH group, only 121 VLBWI (37.9%) were diagnosed at the first screening. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CH was associated with increased incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) ( OR=1.31(1.04-1.64), P<0.05) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) of stage Ⅲ and above ( OR=1.74(1.11-2.75), P<0.05). However, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed no significant correlation between CH and EUGR, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in stage Ⅱ or above, and ROP in stage Ⅲ or above ( OR=1.04 (0.81-1.33), 0.79 (0.54-1.15), 1.15 (0.58-2.26), 1.43 (0.81-2.53), 1.12 (0.70-1.80), all P>0.05). Conclusion:There is no significant correlation between CH and in-hospital adverse outcomes, possibly due to timely diagnosis and active replacement therapy.

Objective:To compare the performance of 11 glomerular filtration rate(GFR)equations in Chinese elderly hospitalized patients using dynamic renal imaging as the reference standard.Methods:The retrospective study involved patients aged 60 years and older who were admitted to Beijing Hospital between January, 2017, and January 2020.Glomerular filtration rate(GFR)was assessed through dynamic renal imaging for all participants.Estimated GFR(eGFR)was calculated using various equations based on serum creatinine and/or cystatin C levels, including All Age Spectrum(FAS), Berlin Initiative Study(BIS), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration(CKD-EPI), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study(MDRD), MDRD in China(MDRDc), and Xiangya..Results:A total of 691 patients, of which 383 were males, with an age range of 60 to 90 years(mean age 71.9±7.7 years), were included in the study.Among the different equations used to estimate glomerular filtration rate(GFR)in ml·min -1·1.73m -2, the smallest deviations were observed with FAScys(2.48), FAScr-cys(3.07), CKD-EPIcys(4.20), and BIScr-cys(7.42).Conversely, the most accurate estimations were found with BIScr-cys(10.38), FAScr-cys(11.94), FAScys(12.08), CKD-EPIcr-cys(13.21), and CKD-EPIcys(13.51).The highest P30 values, indicating the proportion of estimates within 30% of the true GFR, were achieved by FAScr-cys(68.97%), FAScys(68.96%), CKD-EPIcys(63.22%), and BIScr-cys(61.67%).The equations with the lowest root mean square errors were BIScr-cys(9.73), CKD-EPIcr-cys(10.98), FAScr-cys(11.27), CKD-EPIcys(11.52), and FAScys(11.53).Specifically, the FAS equation showed higher accuracy in men, while BIScr-cys and CKD-EPIcys were more accurate in women.Among patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD), the P30 values for BIScr-cys, FAScys, and FAScr-cys were 86.96%, 83.33%, and 80.95% respectively.Notably, for patients with mGFR ≥ 30 ml/min, MDRDc overestimated GFR the most, whereas for patients with mGFR<30 ml/min, Xiangya exhibited the most significant overestimation of GFR. Conclusions:Among the equations tested, BIScr-cys, FAScys, and FAScr-cys demonstrated the highest accuracy and are therefore recommended for use in Chinese elderly hospitalized patients.