ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease （AD） based on network pharmacology， molecular docking， and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform（TCMSP） and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine（ETCM） databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man（OMIM）， TTD， PharmGKB， and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection （common targets） of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken， and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction（PPI） network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets， and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology（GO） functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes（KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2， and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine （SCOP） was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control （CON） group （0.9% NaCl， n=8）， model （SCOP） group （3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， n=8）， positive control group （3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of Donepezil， n=8）， and Kaixinsan group （3 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg^-1·d^-1 of Kaixinsan， n=8）. Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl， Kaixinsan， or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to determine the serum acetylcholine （ACh） and acetylcholinesterase （AChE） contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3（STAT3） and nuclear transcription factor（NF）-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained， and 578 potential targets （common targets） of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol， gijugliflozin， etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3， NF-κB p65， et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions， 254 cellular building blocks， and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways， mainly involving cancer-related pathways， TRP pathway， cyclic adenosine monophosphate（cAMP） pathway， and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65， STAT3， and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Guided by the pathogenesis of"structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals",this paper proposes that structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals is the initial factor of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and elucidates the pathogenesis of abnormal changes in biomechanical properties of IPF.It is postulated that the changes of biomechanical properties of lung tissue are closely related to the injury of lung qi collaterals,the abnormal mechanical stress are closely related to the injury of lung blood collaterals,and the biomechanical response of intrapulmonary resident cells is closely related to the structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals,which ultimately leading to abnormal increase in lung tissue stiffness and progressive scarring formation in lung tissue.Integrating traditional pathogenesis concepts with microscopic pathological changes,and the in-depth exploration of the correlation between the structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals and the biomechanical properties of IPF can provide direction for exploring IPF medical-engineering cross research,which are of great significance for enriching the syndrome and treatment system of lung collateral diseases.

Objective To observe the effect of Kaixin Powder on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice by regulating WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway;To explore its mechanism of intervening in Alzheimer disease(AD).Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group,donepezil hydrochloride group(0.66 mg/kg),and Kaixin Powder low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(1.625,3.25,6.5 g/kg),C57BL/6J mice were set as blank control group,with 8 mice in each group,and corresponding drug intervention was given to medicaction group for 24 weeks.Morris water maze,Y maze and novel object recognition experiments were conducted to assess the cognitive function and learning and memory abilities of mice,immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the deposition of β-amyloid protein(Aβ)in hippocampus,the morphology and Nissl bodies of hippocampal CA1 neurons were observed using HE staining and Nissl staining,ELISA was used to detect the serum contents of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-17,IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),WDFY1,Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),Toll like receptor associated molecule(TRAM),TIR domain adapter protein(TRIF),NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF and NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group had significantly prolonged escape latency,reduced platform crossings,decreased autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),with increased deposition of Aβ in hippocampal tissue(P<0.01),damaged morphological structure of neurons,reduced number of neurons and Nissl bodies,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly increased,the expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 protein and WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF mRNA in hippocampal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Kaixin Powder groups and donepezil hydrochloride group had significantly shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings,autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),hippocampal Aβ deposition reduced in Kaixin Powder medium-,high-dosage groups and donepezil hydrochloride group,the morphological structure of neurons recovered,the number of neurons and Nissl bodies increased,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the protein expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expressions of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM and TRIF in hippocampal tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Kaixin Powder can improve cognitive function and learning and memory abilities in AD model mice,alleviate hippocampal neuron damage and Aβ deposition,inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes,and thereby reduce serum inflammatory cytokine release.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit neuroinflammation.

Objective To investigate the expression profiles of microRNAs(miRNAs)in seminal plasma of the patients with hypervis-cous semen and explore their possible roles in the formation of seminal hyperviscosity.Methods Ten semen samples,including 5 with hyperviscosity(hyperviscosity group)and the other 5 without hyperviscosity(control group),were collected,and the seminal plasmas were obtained by centrifugation after completing semen analysis.The miRNAs in seminal plasma were extracted and performed sequen-cing using high-throughput sequencing technology based on the Illumina platform.The differences in miRNA expression between the two groups were compared.The differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by real-time fluorescence quantitative-PCR(qRT-PCR).The differentially expressed miRNAs were screened to predict their target genes.The Gene Ontology(GO)and KEGG Pathway were used for the enrichment analysis of functional significance.Results A total of 82 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were found between the hyperviscosity group and the control group,of which 76 were up-regulated and 6 were down-regulated.The results of qRT-PCR validation showed that the expression trends of the differentially expressed miRNAs(miR-449a,miR-517a-3p,and miR-1257)were largely consistent with the high-throughput sequencing results.The GO functional classification annotation showed that their target genes were mainly enriched in ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding,kinase activity,and ion transmembrane transport activi-ty in molecular functions.They mainly participated in the regulation of neuronal apoptosis and ion transmembrane transport in biological processes,and the formation of cell membranes,Golgi membranes and phagocytic vesicles in cellular components.KEGG pathway en-richment analysis showed that the target genes were mainly enriched in signaling pathways,such as ErbB,neurotrophin,interaction with signaling molecules,signal transduction,and cancer-related signal pathways.Conclusion Various differentially expressed miRNAs existed in hyperviscous semen,which may provide a basis for finding a molecular marker or a group of markers in the diagno-sis and evaluation of the treatment for hyperviscous semen.

Guided by the pathogenesis of"structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals",this paper proposes that structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals is the initial factor of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and elucidates the pathogenesis of abnormal changes in biomechanical properties of IPF.It is postulated that the changes of biomechanical properties of lung tissue are closely related to the injury of lung qi collaterals,the abnormal mechanical stress are closely related to the injury of lung blood collaterals,and the biomechanical response of intrapulmonary resident cells is closely related to the structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals,which ultimately leading to abnormal increase in lung tissue stiffness and progressive scarring formation in lung tissue.Integrating traditional pathogenesis concepts with microscopic pathological changes,and the in-depth exploration of the correlation between the structure-activity imbalance of lung collaterals and the biomechanical properties of IPF can provide direction for exploring IPF medical-engineering cross research,which are of great significance for enriching the syndrome and treatment system of lung collateral diseases.

Objective To observe the effect of Kaixin Powder on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice by regulating WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway;To explore its mechanism of intervening in Alzheimer disease(AD).Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into model group,donepezil hydrochloride group(0.66 mg/kg),and Kaixin Powder low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(1.625,3.25,6.5 g/kg),C57BL/6J mice were set as blank control group,with 8 mice in each group,and corresponding drug intervention was given to medicaction group for 24 weeks.Morris water maze,Y maze and novel object recognition experiments were conducted to assess the cognitive function and learning and memory abilities of mice,immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the deposition of β-amyloid protein(Aβ)in hippocampus,the morphology and Nissl bodies of hippocampal CA1 neurons were observed using HE staining and Nissl staining,ELISA was used to detect the serum contents of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-17,IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1),glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),WDFY1,Toll like receptor 4(TLR4),Toll like receptor associated molecule(TRAM),TIR domain adapter protein(TRIF),NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF and NF-κB p65 in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group had significantly prolonged escape latency,reduced platform crossings,decreased autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),with increased deposition of Aβ in hippocampal tissue(P<0.01),damaged morphological structure of neurons,reduced number of neurons and Nissl bodies,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly increased,the expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 protein and WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF mRNA in hippocampal tissue significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Kaixin Powder groups and donepezil hydrochloride group had significantly shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings,autonomous reaction alternation rate and relative recognition index(P<0.05,P<0.01),hippocampal Aβ deposition reduced in Kaixin Powder medium-,high-dosage groups and donepezil hydrochloride group,the morphological structure of neurons recovered,the number of neurons and Nissl bodies increased,the serum contents of IL-6,IL-17,IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the protein expression of Iba1,GFAP,WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM,TRIF,p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expressions of WDFY1,TLR4,TRAM and TRIF in hippocampal tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Kaixin Powder can improve cognitive function and learning and memory abilities in AD model mice,alleviate hippocampal neuron damage and Aβ deposition,inhibit the activation of microglia and astrocytes,and thereby reduce serum inflammatory cytokine release.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the WDFY1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit neuroinflammation.

Objective To investigate the expression profiles of microRNAs(miRNAs)in seminal plasma of the patients with hypervis-cous semen and explore their possible roles in the formation of seminal hyperviscosity.Methods Ten semen samples,including 5 with hyperviscosity(hyperviscosity group)and the other 5 without hyperviscosity(control group),were collected,and the seminal plasmas were obtained by centrifugation after completing semen analysis.The miRNAs in seminal plasma were extracted and performed sequen-cing using high-throughput sequencing technology based on the Illumina platform.The differences in miRNA expression between the two groups were compared.The differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by real-time fluorescence quantitative-PCR(qRT-PCR).The differentially expressed miRNAs were screened to predict their target genes.The Gene Ontology(GO)and KEGG Pathway were used for the enrichment analysis of functional significance.Results A total of 82 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were found between the hyperviscosity group and the control group,of which 76 were up-regulated and 6 were down-regulated.The results of qRT-PCR validation showed that the expression trends of the differentially expressed miRNAs(miR-449a,miR-517a-3p,and miR-1257)were largely consistent with the high-throughput sequencing results.The GO functional classification annotation showed that their target genes were mainly enriched in ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding,kinase activity,and ion transmembrane transport activi-ty in molecular functions.They mainly participated in the regulation of neuronal apoptosis and ion transmembrane transport in biological processes,and the formation of cell membranes,Golgi membranes and phagocytic vesicles in cellular components.KEGG pathway en-richment analysis showed that the target genes were mainly enriched in signaling pathways,such as ErbB,neurotrophin,interaction with signaling molecules,signal transduction,and cancer-related signal pathways.Conclusion Various differentially expressed miRNAs existed in hyperviscous semen,which may provide a basis for finding a molecular marker or a group of markers in the diagno-sis and evaluation of the treatment for hyperviscous semen.

Objective To observe the effects of a 1 470 nm semiconductor laser on vaporization cutting,coagulation,and thermal injury of ex vivo animal tissues,aiming to explore the feasibility of its application in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods The experimental group and control group were treated with HANS-D1 and ML-DD01FI 1 470 nm semiconductor laser therapy equipment,respectively.Fresh ex vivo pig bladder tissue was exposed to lasers with the optical fiber placed at distances of 0.5 cm and 1 cm from the tissue for 5 s.The effects of layers at powers of 60,90,120,150,and 160 W on tissue injury were observed.Ex vivo dog prostate and pig kidney tissues were used for vaporization ablation and cutting to observe the effects of lasers at the same power levels on tissue vaporization and cutting thermal injury.Additionally,in coagulation mode,the effects of 30,40,and 50 W semiconductor lasers on tissue coagulation were observed after irradiating ex vivo pig kidney tissue for 5,10,and 15 seconds.Results When the optical fiber was placed 1 cm away from the tissue,the 1 470 nm semiconductor lasers did not cause accidental damage to adjacent normal bladder tissue.However,at a distance of 0.5 cm,the 120 W,150 W,or 160 W lasers caused slight damage to the bladder tissue.In addition,with the increase in output power,the vaporization ablation efficiency of 60-160 W lasers on dog prostate tissue gradually increased,showing a good linear correlation between vaporization volume and total energy consumption(P＜0.001).Histopathological HE staining results indicated that the coagulation layer thickness in the experimental group was 292.20-309.98 μm,and the vaporization layer depth was 1.49-4.52 mm.In the control group,the coagulation layer thickness was 289.91-303.53 μm,and the vaporization layer depth was 1.88-4.43 mm.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Moreover,when performing vaporization cutting on ex vivo pig kidney tissue with a cross-sectional area of 1 cm2,the efficiency of vaporization cutting by the 60-160 W 1 470 nm semiconductor lasers increased with the increase in output power(P＜0.05).The coagulated layer thickness in the experimental group was 496.04-514.47 μm,while that in the control group was 489.39-518.53 μm.Additionally,in coagulation mode,when ex vivo pig kidney tissue was irradiated for 5,10,and 15 s with 30,40,and 50 W semiconductor lasers,the coagulation diameter,groove depth,and coagulation efficiency gradually increased with the increase in laser output power(P＜0.05).The coagulation layer thickness in the experimental group and control group was 399.10-449.98 μm and 392.97-447.65 μm,respectively,and the vaporization layer depth was 3.05-7.09 mm and 2.70-7.14 mm,respectively.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The 1 470 nm semiconductor laser shows good vaporization ablation,cutting,and coagulation effect on ex vivo tissues,with a good linear correlation between the effect and the output energy.

Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine has now been recognized and paid attention to by the pharmaceutical community.Modern phytochemical studies have shown that Panax notoginseng saponin is the main chemical compo-nent of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.Modern pharmacological studies and clinical applications have revealed that it has anti-cancer,antioxidant and cardiovascular disease effects.In this study,we reviewed the research progress of the main chemical components and pharmacological effects of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,with the aim of providing assistance for the clinical application and later stud-ies of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

Objective:To investigate the effects of stimulator of interferon gene (STING) on ferroptosis mediated by acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in mouse dendritic cells (DCs) under sepsis, providing a basis for improving the dysregulation of immune response in sepsis caused by factors such as wound infection.Methods:This study was an experimental research. The mouse DC line DC2.4 in the logarithmic growth phase (with passages 3-10) were divided into lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation 0 h (unstimulated) group, LPS stimulation 6 h group, LPS stimulation 12 h group, LPS stimulation 18 h group, and LPS stimulation 24 h group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), which were cultured with 1 μg/mL LPS (the same concentration below) for the corresponding time. The protein expressions of phosphorylated STING (p-STING), STING, and ACSL4 in cells were determined by Western blotting. DC2.4 successfully transfected with lentivirus containing STING gene small interfering RNA (hereinafter referred to as siSTING) were divided into siSTING+phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group and siSTING+LPS group. DC2.4 successfully transfected with empty lentivirus were divided into empty vector+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After being stimulated with PBS or LPS and cultured for 24 hours, the protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4 in cells were determined as above. Cell lipid peroxidation degrees were observed using the lipid peroxidation assay kit, and cell apoptosis rates were detected using flow cytometry. The sample numbers in the above cell experiments were all 3. Eighty male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were divided into sham surgery+normal saline (NS) group, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)+NS group, sham surgery+C-176 group, and CLP+C-176 group, with 20 mice in each group. Mice in the two C-176 groups were intraperitoneally injected with C-176, while mice in the two NS groups were intraperitoneally injected with an equivalent volume of NS. One hour later, sham surgery was performed on the mice in the two sham surgery groups, and CLP surgery was performed on the mice in the two CLP groups to establish a sepsis model. At 24 h post-surgery, 10 mice from each group were sacrificed to extract spleen DCs, and protein expression, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis rates were detected as above ( n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological damage in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney tissue. The remaining 10 mice in each group were observed for survival within 7 days after surgery. Results:The protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4, as well as the p-STING/STING ratio in DC2.4 in LPS stimulation 24 h group were significantly higher than those in LPS stimulation 0 h group ( P<0.05). After 24 h of culture, the protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4 in DC2.4 in siSTING+LPS group and empty vector+PBS group were significantly lower than those in empty vector+LPS group ( P<0.05); the lipid peroxidation degrees of DC2.4 in siSTING+LPS group and empty vector+PBS group were weaker than those in empty vector+LPS group. The apoptosis rates of DC2.4 in empty vector+PBS group, empty vector+LPS group, siSTING+PBS group, and siSTING+LPS group were (15.7±3.0)%, (37.8±2.9)%, (13.1±2.1)%, and (20.6±1.8)%, respectively. The apoptosis rates of DC2.4 in empty vector+PBS group and siSTING+LPS group were significantly lower than that in empty vector+LPS group ( P<0.05). At 24 h post-surgery, the protein expressions of p-STING and ACSL4, and the p-STING/STING ratio in spleen DCs of mice in CLP+NS group were significantly higher than those in sham surgery+NS group and CLP+C-176 group ( P<0.05); the protein expression of STING in spleen DCs of mice in CLP+NS group was significantly higher than that in sham surgery+NS group ( P<0.05); the lipid peroxidation degrees of spleen DCs of mice in CLP+C-176 group and sham surgery+NS group were weaker than that in CLP+NS group. The apoptosis rates of spleen DCs of mice in sham surgery+NS group and CLP+C-176 group were significantly lower than that in CLP+NS group ( P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate of spleen DCs of mice in CLP+C-176 group was significantly higher than that in sham surgery+C-176 group ( P<0.05). Pathological tissue damage in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney of mice in CLP+NS group was significantly worse than that in sham surgery+NS group, while such damage in the above organs of mice in CLP+C-176 group was significantly alleviated compared with that in CLP+NS group. The survival ratio of mice in CLP+NS group within 7 days after surgery was significantly lower than that in sham surgery+NS group ( χ2=8.30, P<0.05). Conclusions:Under sepsis, STING activation in mouse DCs is significant, which enhances ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis. Inhibiting STING activation can significantly reduce ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis level in mouse DCs under sepsis, thereby improving the survival rate of septic mice.