ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group， model group， vitamin C group， icariin groups with low， medium， and high doses， and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester （L-NAME） group， with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group， all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four， the icariin groups with low， medium， and high doses received 0.03， 0.06， and 0.12 g·kg^-1 icariin via gavage， respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg^-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg^-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg^-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment， body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， lactate （LA）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， testicular testosterone （T）， testicular Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-adenosine triphosphatase （ATPase） （micro-assay）， and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP） were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the testicular morphometric score （TMS） was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin （RGN， SMP30）， cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 （PKG）， and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein （GKAP1） was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence （IF）. The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 （STRA8）， synaptonemal complex protein 3 （SCP3）， and transition protein 1（TNP1） in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time （P<0.01）， significantly increased fatigue markers （LA， LDH， and BUN） and lipid peroxidation product MDA （P<0.01）， reduced testicular RGN， PKG， GKAP1， testosterone， Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase， and cGMP levels （P<0.01）， decreased sperm motility， sperm count， and TMS scores， and downregulated the expression of STRA8， SCP3， and TNP1. Compared with the model group， the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time （P<0.01）， reduced LA， LDH， BUN， and MDA levels （P<0.01）， elevated superoxide dismutase （SOD） （P<0.01）， upregulated testicular RGN， PKG， GKAP1， testosterone， Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase， and cGMP levels （P<0.01）， improved sperm motility， sperm count， and TMS scores， and enhanced STRA8， SCP3， and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group， the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8， SCP3， and TNP1 in the testicular tissue （P<0.01） and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels （P<0.01）. ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice， thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1， thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the effects of icariin on spermatogenesis in mice with exercise-induced fatigue and explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsICR male mice were screened by swimming and randomly divided into normal group， model group， vitamin C group， icariin groups with low， medium， and high doses， and medium-dose icariin+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester （L-NAME） group， with 10 mice per group. Except for the normal group， all the other groups underwent weighted swimming training to establish an exercise-induced fatigue model. No gavage was administered during the first two weeks of the weighted training. From week three to four， the icariin groups with low， medium， and high doses received 0.03， 0.06， and 0.12 g·kg^-1 icariin via gavage， respectively. The vitamin C group received 0.2 g·kg^-1 vitamin C. The L-NAME group received 0.06 g·kg^-1 icariin and 0.01 g·kg^-1 L-NAME via intraperitoneal injection. The normal and model groups received equivalent physiological saline. After the experiment， body weight and the last exhaustive swimming time were recorded. Blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， lactate （LA）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， testicular testosterone （T）， testicular Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-adenosine triphosphatase （ATPase） （micro-assay）， and the levels of testicular cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP） were measured by using kits. Sperm CD46 levels were detected by flow cytometry. Testicular seminiferous tubules were observed via hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the testicular morphometric score （TMS） was used to evaluate the spermatogenic function. Protein expression of regucalcin （RGN， SMP30）， cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 （PKG）， and cGMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein （GKAP1） was detected by Western blot. Testicular regucalcin expression was examined by immunofluorescence （IF）. The epididymal sperm quality of mice was observed under a microscope. Fluorescence-stained sections of stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 （STRA8）， synaptonemal complex protein 3 （SCP3）， and transition protein 1（TNP1） in testicular seminiferous tubules were assessed by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed decreased body weight and exhaustive swimming time （P<0.01）， significantly increased fatigue markers （LA， LDH， and BUN） and lipid peroxidation product MDA （P<0.01）， reduced testicular RGN， PKG， GKAP1， testosterone， Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase， and cGMP levels （P<0.01）， decreased sperm motility， sperm count， and TMS scores， and downregulated the expression of STRA8， SCP3， and TNP1. Compared with the model group， the icariin group with high dose exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time （P<0.01）， reduced LA， LDH， BUN， and MDA levels （P<0.01）， elevated superoxide dismutase （SOD） （P<0.01）， upregulated testicular RGN， PKG， GKAP1， testosterone， Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase， and cGMP levels （P<0.01）， improved sperm motility， sperm count， and TMS scores， and enhanced STRA8， SCP3， and TNP1 expression. Compared with the L-NAME group， the icariin group with medium dose showed increased expression of STRA8， SCP3， and TNP1 in the testicular tissue （P<0.01） and elevated cGMP and GKAP1 levels （P<0.01）. ConclusionExercise-induced fatigue reduces the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1 in mice， thereby causing abnormal spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function in mice. Icariin ameliorates spermatogenic dysfunction in exercise-induced fatigue mice by promoting the expression of RGN and cGMP/PKG/GKAP1， thereby mitigating the damage of exercise-induced fatigue to the reproductive system.

Gorham-Stout disease(GSD) is a rare osteolytic disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis, along with abnormal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with no new bone formation. We present a case of a 15-year-old female admitted due to " recurrent right leg pain for 5 years, 11 months after undergoing right femoral fracture surgery". Through comprehensive integration of the patient's clinical phenotype, laboratory tests, imaging findings, pathological examinations, and molecular biological test results, GSD was considered highly likely. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was conducted, including a combination of zoledronic acid and sirolimus to inhibit osteolysis, along with rehabilitation training and orthopedic intervention, providing a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.

Objectives: . This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus. Methods: . Mice were treated with salicylate to induce tinnitus, and tinnitus-like behaviors were evaluated via gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. Using combined viral tracing methodologies, we identified and mapped the pathways and connections from the IC to the MGB. Furthermore, we employed Gq-coupled human M3 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and Gi-coupled human M4 DREADDs to achieve targeted excitation or suppression of GABAergic neurons in the IC and MGB. Following the administration of clozapine N-oxide, which binds to these receptors, we modulated these neural circuits to assess their impact on tinnitus severity in a mouse model. Results: . Our findings demonstrated that mice exposed to salicylate exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. GABAergic neurons projecting retrogradely from the MGB to the IC were primarily concentrated in the external nucleus of the IC. After clozapine N-oxide administration, chemogenetic activation of IC-MGB GABAergic neurons aggravated salicylate-induced tinnitus. Additionally, activation of GABAergic neurons between the IC and MGB induced the perception of tinnitus even without salicylate. However, chemogenetic inhibition of the IC-MGB GABAergic circuit did not reverse salicylate-induced tinnitus. Conclusion . These findings suggest that activation of the IC-MGB GABAergic neural circuit may contribute to tinnitus generation through a mechanism distinct from that of salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.

Objectives: Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study. Methods: Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting. Results: Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed. Conclusions In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.

Objectives: Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study. Methods: Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting. Results: Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed. Conclusions In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.

Purtscher retinopathy is an occlusive retinal microangiopathy typically associated with trauma. It is characterized by a series of retinal pathological manifestations, such as cotton wool spots, multiple gray plaques(Purtscher spots)in the posterior pole, and intraretinal hemorrhage. Notably, there is no history of direct ocular trauma, as this condition is commonly observed in cases of severe crush injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, limbs, and other regions. Purtscher-like retinopathy, on the other hand, describes extensive retinopathy occurring in the absence of trauma, often associated with conditions such as pancreatitis and connective tissue diseases. With advancements in imaging-assisted ultrastructure research, the understanding of the pathogenesis of this retinopathy has evolved. Initially, it was attributed to trauma-induced injury and the subsequent cascade of damage repair processes. However, current theories suggest that systemic lesions involving lipase, free fatty acids, or complement activation play a significant role in inducing endothelial damage to small retinal blood vessels, ultimately leading to vascular occlusion. The pathogenesis of Purtscher retinopathy is not isolated; it is now widely believed to involve anterior capillary arteriole embolism resulting from changes in retinal microvascular permeability. In addition to embolization, other mechanisms such as retinal vascular-lymphatic extravasation, vasospasm, endothelial injury, and complement activation are also considered crucial contributors to the development of this condition. This paper starts from the inflammation and vascular cascade reaction in the pathological process of trauma and non-trauma, and expounds the pathological mechanism of the disease so as to guide the clinical diagnosis and treatment, in order to find new ideas of diagnosis and treatment in the research of rare diseases.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.030.].