The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological processes. Activating the AhR-CYP1A1 axis has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy against various inflammatory diseases. Here, a practical in situ cell-based fluorometric assay was constructed to screen AhR-CYP1A1 axis modulators, via functional sensing of CYP1A1 activities in live cells. Firstly, a cell-permeable, isoform-specific enzyme-activable fluorogenic substrate for CYP1A1 was rationally constructed for in-situ visualizing the dynamic changes of CYP1A1 function in living systems, which was subsequently used for discovering the efficacious modulators of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis. Following screening of a compound library, LAC-7 was identified as an efficacious activator of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis, which dose-dependently up-regulated the expression levels of both CYP1A1 and AhR in multiple cell lines. LAC-7 also suppressed macrophage M1 polarization and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in LPS-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages. Animal tests showed that LAC-7 could significantly mitigate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis and LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice, and markedly reduced the levels of multiple inflammatory factors. Collectively, an optimized fluorometric cell-based assay was devised for in situ functional imaging of CYP1A1 activities in living systems, which strongly facilitated the discovery of efficacious modulators of the AhR-CYP1A1 axis as novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Cancer is a highly deadly disease, with breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer being the most prevalent in women. However, traditional cancer treatments present challenges due to their strong toxic side effects and adverse reactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that natural products derived from various plants possess therapeutic and preventive properties against cancer. These phytochemicals have been extensively investigated as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy drugs, owing to their safety and efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the chemoprevention and mechanisms of phytochemicals against the four major female cancers. The focus will be on how these phytochemicals regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis to impede cancer progression. Given their extensive clinical applications, phytochemicals hold great promise in the field of cancer treatment. It hopes that this review will inspire more researchers to explore the potential of these natural compounds in combating female cancers.

Objective:To establish an animal model of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis in SD rats.Methods:A self-designed V-shaped distraction device(distractor)was fabricated with the traction force(N)of 0,1.3,2.2,3.0,4.3 and 5.0 corresponding to the distraction length(mm)of 5,4,3,2,1 and 0 respectively,meeting the trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis requirements in skull of 5-week-old SD rats.The distractor was plased into the sagittal suture of 12 SD rats.Continuous sampling was conducted 1,3,5 and 7 days respectively(n=3)after operation.The tissue changes in the trans-sutural distraction area were observed by HE and Masson's trichrome staining.Inflammation levels were determined using Arg-1 immunofluorescence staining.The early angiogenesis was clarified through co-staining with CD31 and EMCN.Results:A stable trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis model was estab-lished,5 mm distraction osteogenesis width was observed completely within 7 days of distraction.Significant new bone formation was observed at 7 days after operation.Arg-1 expression increased and was concentrated at the bone margins,overlapping with the areas of new bone formation.EMCN expression gradually decreased,and by day 7 CD31 was predominant,indicating the basic maturation of blood vessels.Conclusion:This study successfully constructed a stable and effective trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis animal model,and provides an experimental basis for the investigation of its early continuous histological changes.

Objective:To retrospectively summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment of 49 patients with hyperthyroid cardiopath and to explore the diagnosis and treatment methods of hyperthyroid cardiopathy.Methods:A total of 49 patients with hyperthyroid cardiopath(HC group) who were successfully treated and followed up in the Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 2016 to December 2021 were collected, and 85 cases of Graves′ disease without heart disease were collected as the control group(GD group). The medical history, laboratory tests, and echocardiographic parameters of the two groups were compared. Differences in thyroid and cardiac indicators before and after treatment in the HC group were summarized, along with the dosage of β-receptor blockers used in treating different types of conditions(atrial fibrillation and heart failure.Results:Patients in the HC group were older and had a longer duration of hyperthyroidism than those in the GD group( P<0.001, P=0.002). There were no significant differences in thyroid hormone levels between the two groups except for reverse triiodothyronine(rT 3). Age and rT 3 were independent risk factors of hyperthyroid cardiopathy. rT 3 level was linearly positively correlated with brain natriuretic peptide, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, left artrium diamete (LAD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVDs; r=0.352, P<0.001; r=0.392, P=0.019; r=0.202, P=0.029; r=0.242, P=0.028). In patients of HC group, free triiodothyronine(FT 3) level returned to normal range after 2.87(1.63, 5.53) months of treatment with radioiodine(41/49) or antithyroid drugs(8/49), while brain natriuretic peptide, LAD, LVDs, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure declined after 5.00(1.25, 8.00) months of treatment. Non-selective β-receptor blockers were used for both hyperthyroid heart failure and atrial fibrillation, and there was no statistically significant difference in dosage[(86.52±47.83)mg vs(88.67±47.19)mg, P>0.05]. Conclusions:rT 3 may be a biomarker of hyperthyroid cardiopath and indicate the severity of hyperthyroidism. β-receptor blockers are crucial in treating patients with hyperthyroidism who develop atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a complex pathological condition that lacks a cure. Certain Chinese medicines, such as melittin, a major component in bee venom, have shown efficacy in treating CRF patients. On the other hand, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of melittin are unclear.MATERIALS/METHODS: A 5/6 nephrectomy model (5/6 Nx) of renal failure was established on rats for in vivo assays, and mouse podocyte clone 5 (MPC5) mouse podocyte cells were treated with angiotensin II (AngII) to establish an in vitro podocyte damage model. The 24-h urine protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels were evaluated after one, 2, and 4 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to examine the pathological changes in kidney tissues. A cell counting kit 8 assay was used to assess the cell viability. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels in the cells, respectively. RESULTS: In the rat 5/6 Nx, melittin reduced the 24-h urinary protein excretion and the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Furthermore, the renal pathology was improved in the melittin-treated 5/6 Nx rats. Melittin promoted podocin, nephrin, Beclin 1, and the LC3II/ LC3I ratio and inhibited phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/mTOR in 5/6 Nx-induced rats and AngII-induced MPC5 mouse podocyte cells. Moreover, inhibiting autophagy with 3-MA weakened the effects of melittin on podocin, nephrin, and the LC3II/ LC3I ratio in podocytes. CONCLUSION Melittin may offer protection against kidney injury, probably by regulating podocyte autophagy. These results provide the theoretical basis for applying melittin in CRF therapy.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription in alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulating nerve cell autophagy based on c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK）signaling pathway . MethodSixty SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups： sham group， middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion （MCAO/R） group （model group）， Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription group ［traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） group（25.0 g·kg^-1）］， JNK inhibitor SP600125 （SP） group（5 mg·kg^-1）， TCM+SP group and JNK agonist Anisomycin （Ani） group（15 mg·kg^-1）. After 24 h of modeling， TCM group and TCM+SP group were given TCM decoction （ig） for 3 consecutive days， and the other groups were given equal volume of normal saline （ig）. Neurological deficit was evaluated by neurological function score and cerebral infarct volume was determined by 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazole chloride （TTC） staining. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the structural changes of brain tissue and the damage of neurons， respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay （TUNEL） was performed to detect cell apoptosis. The ultrastructure of autophagosomes was observed by transmission electron microscope. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3A/B （LC3A/B）， autophagy related 5 （Atg5）， the ortholog of yeast Atg6 （Beclin1）， p62， B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， JNK， phosphorylated （p）-JNK and c-Jun in brain tissue. The mRNA expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， p62， Atg5， Bcl-2， JNK and c-Jun were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the sham group， the model group had elevated neurological deficit score （P<0.05）， enlarged cerebral infarct volume （P<0.05）and typical infarction manifestations formed in hippocampal region and its surrounding brain tissue. In addition， there were a large number of neuronal cell degeneration， necrosis， liquefaction， nucleus pyknosis and deep staining， and inflammatory cell infiltration in the cortex in the model group， and severe swelling of mitochondria， lysosomes， autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes were clearly seen under electron microscope. TUNEL positive cells were increased （P<0.05）， and cell apoptosis was severe. The nuclear membrane and nucleolus of neurons in brain tissue were blurred with discontinuous processes， and Nissl bodies in cytoplasm were stained light with reduced number. Western blot revealed that the model group had up-regulated protein expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK and c-Jun in brain tissue （P<0.05）， while down-regulated protein expressions of p62 and Bcl-2 （P<0.05）as compared with the sham group. Real-time PCR indicated that the mRNA expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK and c-Jun in the model group were higher （P<0.05） while the mRNA expressions of p62 and Bcl-2 were lower （P<0.05） than those in the sham group. Compared with the conditions in model group， the neurological deficit scores of TCM， SP and TCM+SP groups were lowered （P<0.05）， and the cerebral infarct volume was reduced （P<0.05）， with improved pathological status of brain tissue， especially in the TCM group. Furthermore， there were abundant and basically normal mitochondrial cristae， slightly dilated endoplasmic reticulum， slightly swollen golgi apparatus， slightly fused nuclear membrane， and few visible lysosomes， autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. TUNEL positive cells were decreased （P<0.05）， displaying reduced apoptosis， especially in the TCM group. The nucleolus and nuclear membrane of neurons in brain tissue were discernible， and Nissl bodies in cytoplasm was reduced to a certain degree as compared with those in the model group. Western blot showed a decrease in the protein expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK and c-Jun in the TCM group ，the SP group，and the TCM+SP group（P<0.05），while an increase in the protein expressions of p62 in the TCM group and SP group（P<0.05），and an increase in the protein expressions of Bcl-2 in the TCM group and TCM+SP group. By Real-time PCR， the mRNA expressions of LC3A， LC3B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK and c-Jun had a down-regulation（P<0.05） while the mRNA expression of p62 a up-regulation in the TCM group ，the SP group，and the TCM+SP group（P<0.05），and the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 a up-regulation in the TCM group and the TCM+SP group（P<0.05）.Scores of the Ani group were raised （P<0.05）， and infarct volume was increased significantly， with aggravated neuronal cell necrosis and obvious inflammatory infiltration. Moreover， there were neuronal nuclear membrane fusion with abnormal protrusion， increased heterochromatin aggregation in edge， severe mitochondrial swelling， endoplasmic reticulum expansion， increased lysosomes， increased intracytoplasmic vesicles， and visible autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. TUNEL positive cells were increased （P<0.05）， representing severe apoptosis. The number of Nissl bodies dropped with light staining， and the nucleolus and nuclear membrane were blurred. Real-time PCR found that the mNRA expressions of Atg5， c-Jun， JNK were up-regulated （P<0.05），while Beclin1， p62， Bcl-2 were were down-regulated in the Ani group （P<0.05）. Compared with the TCM group and SP group，the protein expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK， c-Jun were decreased，and p62， Bcl-2 were increased in the Ani group（P<0.05）. Compared with the TCM group，the mRNA expressions of JNK mRNA had a down-regulation in the SP group and TCM+SP group，while LC3A， LC3B， Atg5， c-Jun， JNK had an up-regulation（P<0.05） and Bcl-2 had a down-regulation in the Ani group（P<0.05）. Compared with the SP group，the mRNA expressions of Atg5， c-Jun， JNK had an up-regulation（P<0.05）， and Beclin1， p62， Bcl-2 had a down-regulation in the Ani group（P<0.05）. ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription significantly up-regulates the protein and mRNA expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK and c-Jun， and down-regulates the protein and mRNA expressions of p62 and Bcl-2， suggesting that the prescription can inhibit autophagy through JNK signaling pathway to reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

The latest epidemiological data suggests that the situation of adult diabetes in China is severe, and metabolic diseases have become significant chronic illnesses that have a serious impact on public health and social development. After more than six years of practice, the National Metabolic Management Center(MMC) has developed distinctive approaches to manage metabolic patients and has achieved a series of positive outcomes, continuously advancing the standardized diagnosis and treatment model. In order to further improve the efficiency, based on the first edition, the second edition guideline was composed by incorporating experience of the past six years in conjunction with the latest international and domestic guidelines.

Clinical data from 11 previously diagnosed and treated patients with hyperthyroidism(Graves′ disease) complicated by liver failure were collected. Among them, 4 cases were drug-induced liver injury leading to liver failure, 1 case had a history of schistosomal liver cirrhosis combined with hyperthyroidism, and 6 cases had hyperthyroidism-induced liver injury(HILI) leading to liver failure. During hospitalization, all patients received supportive therapy and symptomatic treatment with β-blockers. Nine patients were treated with glucocorticoids and artificial liver support therapy. Among the 11 patients, 2 died, 8 patients achieved normal thyroid and liver function within 1-12 months after treatment, and 1 patient with liver cirrhosis had stable liver function in the later stage. After improvement in liver function, 7 patients received isotope therapy, 1 patient underwent total thyroidectomy, and 1 patient received medication. These results indicate that the clinical characteristics differ for drug-induced liver injury and HILI-related liver failure. Early initiation of artificial liver support therapy, in addition to β-blockers and glucocorticoids, is important in alleviating thyroid toxicity and liver damage, thus creating an opportunity for subsequent radioactive iodine or surgical treatment.

【Objective】 To investigate the correlation between perioperative zero red blood cell(RBC) transfusion and the prognosis of patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. 【Methods】 A retrospective analysis was made on 96 patients who underwent one-stop Hybrid surgery for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection in our hospital from May 2021 to May 2022. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received perioperative RBC transfusion: zero RBC transfusion group (group A, n=26) and RBC transfusion group (group B, n=70). The preoperative general data and laboratory indexes were recorded and the propensity score matching method was used to screen the patients with the same preoperative baseline data, with comparison of operation-related indicators, intraoperative and postoperative blood component dosage and prognostic indicators. 【Results】 With BMI index, hemoglobin, platelet count, and troponin T as co variables, 48 patients were included in the study after matching according to 1∶1 propensity score: Group A (n=24) and Group B (n=24). Compared with group A, hemoglobin and hematocrit in group B decreased significantly at the end of operation and 24 h after operation, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation-related indicators, intraoperative and postoperative blood component dosage, in-hospital mortality, continuous renal replacement therapy, incidence of infection and cerebral infarction (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 The perioperative hemoglobin of patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection with zero RBC transfusion did not significantly decrease, and the postoperative complications and mortality did not increase.

Objective: To prepare an adhesive hemostatic hydrogel and examine its hemostatic performance and biocompatibility． Methods: The precursor components were homogenously dissolved and photo-crosslinked in order to form dual-network hydrogel．The electron microscopy morphology was then analyzed ; mechanical properties were tested ; in vitro hemostatic performances were investigated by whole blood clotting test and simulation trial of cutaneous bleeding．Further，the hemocompatibility was evaluated. Results: A characteristic porous network structure was presented through microscopy observation of the sample．The tensile strength of hydrogel reached 46 kPa，and strong adhesion was achieved between the hydrogel and ex vivo biological tissues．Hydrogel had significant effect on wound closure and clotting time could be shortened to 1 minute． Conclusion The hydrogel was capable of accelerating coagulation due to its ability to accumulate platelets and red cells after blood contact．The dual-network hydrogel with good hemocompatibility enabled excellent hemostatic performance by the synergistic effects of the chemical activation mechanism and physical hemostatic effect.