Owing to its inherent advantages—such as being non-destructive, rapid, highly molecule-specific, and minimally interfered with by moisture—Raman spectroscopy has been widely adopted in the fields of skin barrier function assessment, monitoring the transdermal penetration of active cosmetic ingredients, and the identification and quality control of cosmetic products. Despite these strengths, the practical application of this technique faces a significant bottleneck: the strong fluorescence background generated by endogenous skin components and exogenous cosmetic additives. Endogenous skin substances, such as structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin), metabolic coenzymes (e.g., nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), and pigments (e.g., melanin), together with exogenous cosmetic constituents like organic colorants, chemical sunscreens, and fragrances, often possess strong absorption and emission characteristics. When excited by lasers, these components produce a fluorescence background that can be 10⁶ to 10⁸ times stronger than the Raman scattering signals, effectively masking the inherently weak vibrational fingerprint information. In recent years, driven by the rapid development of optoelectronic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms, fluorescence suppression strategies have evolved from isolated, single-method approaches into comprehensive, multi-level synergistic systems. These systems are categorized into three distinct tiers: sample preparation, signal acquisition, and data processing. At the sample preparation level, techniques such as photobleaching and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are employed to eliminate or bypass the generation of fluorescence at the source. At the signal acquisition level, instrumental improvements—including the use of long-wavelength near-infrared excitation (typically 785 nm or 1 064 nm), confocal spatial filtering, and shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS)— are utilized to physically isolate Raman signals from the fluorescence background. Furthermore, at the data processing level, numerical baseline correction methods such as polynomial fitting, penalized least squares (e.g., airPLS, arPLS), wavelet transform, and derivative algorithms are increasingly integrated into the analytical pipeline to extract Raman spectral features from mixed signals without increasing hardware costs or acquisition time. This review provides a systematic categorization and critical evaluation of these fluorescence suppression methods, detailing their underlying principles, technical advantages, and inherent limitations in diverse experimental setups. By focusing on critical application scenarios—including skin barrier assessment, percutaneous absorption monitoring, the routine quality control of cosmetics, and the emerging field of portable on-site detection—this paper explores the current state of technique selection and optimization. Finally, the article discusses future development trends, emphasizing the necessity of constructing adaptive, tiered suppression strategies, developing intelligent and automated data processing algorithms, and promoting the integration of portable, multi-modal diagnostic devices. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive technical reference to facilitate the transition of Raman spectroscopy from a specialized laboratory tool into a routine, robust analytical platform for advancements in skin science and cosmetic research.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction on the behaviors and the Ca 2+ -CaM-CaMK Ⅱ signaling pathway in the striatum of rats with tic disorder models. Methods:Seventy-two SPF-grade SD male rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, tiapride group (15.93 mg/kg, intragastric administration), low-dose (4.32 g/kg, intragastric administration), medium-dose (8.64 g/kg, intragastric administration) and high-dose (17.28 g/kg, intragastric administration) Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups, with 12 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group and model group were gavaged with 0.5 mg/kg of distilled water while rats in other 4 groups were gavaged with corresponding drugs, all rats were gavaged once a day for 28 days.The evaluations of motor behavior and stereotyped behavior were conducted using the Kadasah scoring method and the Diamond scoring method. Calcium content in the striatum was detected using a calcium assay kit. Immunohistochemical analysis was employed to detect the expression of dopamine transporter (DAT) and inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate (IP3) in the striatum of rats. Western blot was used to assess the expression of calmodulin (CaM) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMK Ⅱ) in the striatum. RT-PCR was utilized to detect the expression of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ mRNA in the striatum. All data were processed using SPSS 26.0 software, and comparisons among multiple groups were performed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:(1) After four weeks of pharmacological intervention, statistically significant differences were observed in the locomotor activity scores and stereotyped scores among the six groups of rats ( H=41.20, 44.24, both P<0.01). Specifically, the locomotor activity scores(3.00(3.00, 3.25), 1.00(0.75, 1.25), 1.00(0.75, 2.00), 1.00(0, 1.00)) and stereotyped scores(3.00(3.00, 4.00), 1.00(0.75, 2.00), 2.00(0.75, 2.00), 1.00(0, 1.25)) in the tiapride group and the medium- and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (all P<0.01). (2) Results from the calcium assay kit revealed statistically significant differences in striatal calcium content among the six groups of rats ( F=146.67, P<0.01). The calcium content in the tiapride group and the medium- and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups was significantly lower than that in the model group (all P<0.01). Additionally, the calcium content in the medium-dose ((0.40±0.02)mmol/g) and high-dose ((0.30±0.03)mmol/g) Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups was lower than that in the low-dose group ((0.48±0.02)mmol/g) (both P<0.01). (3) Immunohistochemical results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the mean optical density values of DAT and IP3 in the striatum among the six groups of rats ( F=25.57, 154.98, both P<0.01). The IP3 mean optical density in the tiapride group and the Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups with medium and high doses exhibited lower values compared to the model group (all P<0.05), whereas the DAT mean optical density displayed higher values in these groups compared to the model group (all P<0.05). The low-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group also exhibited a lower optical density value of IP3 compared to the model group( P<0.05). The optical density values of IP3 (2.68±0.21, 2.40±0.22) in the medium-dose and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were lower than that in the low-dose group (4.27±0.23) (both P<0.01). (4) Western blot results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the protein expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ in the striatum among the six groups of rats ( F=233.03, 118.60, both P<0.01). The protein expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ in the tiapride group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were lower than those in the model group (all P<0.01). The protein expression levels of CaM (1.02±0.06, 0.84±0.02) and CaMK Ⅱ (0.48±0.03, 0.40±0.02) in the medium-dose and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were lower than those in the low-dose group (1.21±0.03, 0.57±0.02)) (all P<0.05). Additionally, the protein expression level of CaM in the high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group was lower than that in the medium-dose group( P<0.05).(5) The RT-PCR results indicated significant variations in the mRNA expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ within the striatum across the six groups rats ( F=30.54, 20.78, both P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ in the tiapride group and the high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group were lower than those in the model group (both P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of CaMK Ⅱ (1.38±0.17) in the high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group were lower than those in the low-dose group (1.99±0.27) ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction can improve locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior in rats with tic disorder model. The mechanism may be through inhibiting the Ca 2+ -CaM-CaMK Ⅱ signaling pathway and regulating the expression of DAT and IP3, thereby modulating the release and recovery of dopamine and reducing the occurrence of tic symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on replicative senescence in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). METHODS: hUC-MSCs were cultured to construct a replicative senescence model through continuous amplification in vitro. Cells at passage 2 served as the control group, while cells at passage 10 were designated as the senescence group. The senescent cells were cultured in a culture medium containing HSYA. Cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 assay, and cell confluence was analyzed using the Incucyte S3 live-cell analysis system. The optimal concentration and time point were determined and utilized for subsequent experiments. Senescent cells were pretreated with 0.01 mg/ml HSYA, and the proportion of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) positive cells was detected to assess the senescence state. The relative telomere length was detected by qPCR. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed by JC-1 staining. The expression of p53, p16, p21, OCT4, and SOX2 genes was detected by qPCR. The expression of p16, p53, OCT4, and SOX2 proteins was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS: HSYA significantly decreased the SA-β-gal positive staining rate, inhibited telomere attrition, reduced the ROS accumulation, increased mitochondrial membrane potential in senescent cells. Additionally, HSYA downregulated the expression of p53 and p16, and upregulated the expression of OCT4. HSYA decreased p16 protein level and increased OCT4 and SOX2 protein levels. CONCLUSION HSYA may ameliorate replicative senescence in hUC-MSCs by modulating the p53 and p16 signaling pathways and suppressing oxidative stress.
Humans ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects* ; Cellular Senescence/drug effects* ; Chalcone/pharmacology* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Quinones/pharmacology* ; Umbilical Cord/cytology* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16/metabolism* ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism* ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; Cell Proliferation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

Homo- or heterodimeric compounds that affect dimeric protein function through interaction between monomeric moieties and protein subunits can serve as valuable sources of potent and selective drug candidates. Here, we screened an in-house dimeric natural product collection, and panepocyclinol A (PecA) emerged as a selective and potent STAT3 inhibitor with profound anti-tumor efficacy. Through cross-linking C712/C718 residues in separate STAT3 monomers with two distinct Michael receptors, PecA inhibits STAT3 DNA binding affinity and transcription activity. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the key conformation changes of STAT3 dimers upon the di-covalent binding with PecA that abolishes its DNA interactions. Furthermore, PecA exhibits high efficacy against anaplastic large T cell lymphoma in vitro and in vivo, especially those with constitutively activated STAT3 or STAT3^Y640F. In summary, our study describes a distinct and effective di-covalent modification for the dimeric compound PecA to disrupt STAT3 function.

Aim To systematically investigate the ac-tive components,targets,and regulatory pathways of Po-lygonum capitatum in intervening atherosclerosis(AS)through network pharmacology,molecular docking and animal experiments.Methods Active components of Polygonum capitatum and AS-related targets were screened and identified through database searches.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis was performed using the STRING database,followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses via the David plat-form.Molecular docking validation was conducted with AutoDock.An AS model was established in Syrian golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet.Predicted pathways and targets were validated using qPCR,ELISA,and histopathological assessment of aortic and hepatic tis-sues via HE staining.Results Network pharmacology identified 27 potential active components of Polygonum capitatum(primarily flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin)and 110 drug-disease intersection targets,in-cluding core targets MMP-9,ALB,and AKT1.GO and KEGG analyses enriched 593 and 125 pathways,re-spectively,with the NF-κB inflammatory pathway,TNF signaling pathway and lipid metabolism/atherosclerosis pathways highlighted as key mechanisms.Animal ex-periments demonstrated that Polygonum capitatum im-proved serum lipid profiles(reduced TC,TG,LDL-C)in AS hamsters,suppressed the MMP-9/NF-κB signa-ling pathway(downregulated MMP-9,p65 phosphoryla-tion,TNF-α,and IL-6),and inhibited VSMC synthetic phenotypic transformation(upregulated α-SMA and myocardin)by downregulating MCPIP1.Additionally,Polygonum capitatum ameliorated aortic lesions and he-patic lipid deposition in AS hamsters.Conclusions Polygonum capitatum alleviates AS by synergistically regulating the MMP-9/NF-κB/MCPIP1 axis through flavonoid components,suppressing vascular inflammato-ry cascades and maintaining VSMC contractile pheno-types.This reflects Polygonum capitatum's multi-com-ponent,multi-pathway,and multi-target characteristics in combating AS.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction on the behaviors and the Ca 2+ -CaM-CaMK Ⅱ signaling pathway in the striatum of rats with tic disorder models. Methods:Seventy-two SPF-grade SD male rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, tiapride group (15.93 mg/kg, intragastric administration), low-dose (4.32 g/kg, intragastric administration), medium-dose (8.64 g/kg, intragastric administration) and high-dose (17.28 g/kg, intragastric administration) Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups, with 12 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group and model group were gavaged with 0.5 mg/kg of distilled water while rats in other 4 groups were gavaged with corresponding drugs, all rats were gavaged once a day for 28 days.The evaluations of motor behavior and stereotyped behavior were conducted using the Kadasah scoring method and the Diamond scoring method. Calcium content in the striatum was detected using a calcium assay kit. Immunohistochemical analysis was employed to detect the expression of dopamine transporter (DAT) and inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate (IP3) in the striatum of rats. Western blot was used to assess the expression of calmodulin (CaM) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMK Ⅱ) in the striatum. RT-PCR was utilized to detect the expression of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ mRNA in the striatum. All data were processed using SPSS 26.0 software, and comparisons among multiple groups were performed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:(1) After four weeks of pharmacological intervention, statistically significant differences were observed in the locomotor activity scores and stereotyped scores among the six groups of rats ( H=41.20, 44.24, both P<0.01). Specifically, the locomotor activity scores(3.00(3.00, 3.25), 1.00(0.75, 1.25), 1.00(0.75, 2.00), 1.00(0, 1.00)) and stereotyped scores(3.00(3.00, 4.00), 1.00(0.75, 2.00), 2.00(0.75, 2.00), 1.00(0, 1.25)) in the tiapride group and the medium- and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (all P<0.01). (2) Results from the calcium assay kit revealed statistically significant differences in striatal calcium content among the six groups of rats ( F=146.67, P<0.01). The calcium content in the tiapride group and the medium- and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups was significantly lower than that in the model group (all P<0.01). Additionally, the calcium content in the medium-dose ((0.40±0.02)mmol/g) and high-dose ((0.30±0.03)mmol/g) Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups was lower than that in the low-dose group ((0.48±0.02)mmol/g) (both P<0.01). (3) Immunohistochemical results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the mean optical density values of DAT and IP3 in the striatum among the six groups of rats ( F=25.57, 154.98, both P<0.01). The IP3 mean optical density in the tiapride group and the Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups with medium and high doses exhibited lower values compared to the model group (all P<0.05), whereas the DAT mean optical density displayed higher values in these groups compared to the model group (all P<0.05). The low-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group also exhibited a lower optical density value of IP3 compared to the model group( P<0.05). The optical density values of IP3 (2.68±0.21, 2.40±0.22) in the medium-dose and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were lower than that in the low-dose group (4.27±0.23) (both P<0.01). (4) Western blot results indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the protein expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ in the striatum among the six groups of rats ( F=233.03, 118.60, both P<0.01). The protein expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ in the tiapride group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were lower than those in the model group (all P<0.01). The protein expression levels of CaM (1.02±0.06, 0.84±0.02) and CaMK Ⅱ (0.48±0.03, 0.40±0.02) in the medium-dose and high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction groups were lower than those in the low-dose group (1.21±0.03, 0.57±0.02)) (all P<0.05). Additionally, the protein expression level of CaM in the high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group was lower than that in the medium-dose group( P<0.05).(5) The RT-PCR results indicated significant variations in the mRNA expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ within the striatum across the six groups rats ( F=30.54, 20.78, both P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of CaM and CaMK Ⅱ in the tiapride group and the high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group were lower than those in the model group (both P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of CaMK Ⅱ (1.38±0.17) in the high-dose Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction group were lower than those in the low-dose group (1.99±0.27) ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Jianpi Rougan Xifeng Decoction can improve locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior in rats with tic disorder model. The mechanism may be through inhibiting the Ca 2+ -CaM-CaMK Ⅱ signaling pathway and regulating the expression of DAT and IP3, thereby modulating the release and recovery of dopamine and reducing the occurrence of tic symptoms.

Cowden syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by a variant of the PTEN gene,with clinical manifestations mainly of fetal overgrowth and organ tumors.The pregnant woman in this case was 32 years old with gravida 1 and para 0.Prenatal ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University demonstrated fetal biological parameters abnormally increased(especially in biparietal diameter and circumference of the head)and hepatic tumor.Genetic testing suggested a PTEN gene variant[NM_000314.4:c.193T>G(p.Tyr65Asp)].After termination of pregnancy,autopsy pathology diagnosed fetal organs overgrowth and hepatic hemangioma.This article focuses on the prenatal ultrasound phenotype and genetic features of Cowden syndrome to increase clinicians'awareness of this rare disease.

The chemical constituents of Commiphora myrrha was investigated by column chromatography on silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, MS, NMR, as well as ECD calculation. Seven compounds were isolated from the dichloromethane-soluble fraction of C. myrrha and their structures were identified as(1S,2R,4S,5R,8S)-guaiane-2-hydroxy-7(11),10(15)-dien-6-oxo-12,8-olide(1), commipholide E(2), myrrhterpenoid H(3), myrrhterpenoid I(4), myrrhterpenoid E(5), 2α-methoxy-8α-hydroxy-6-oxogermacra-1(10),7(11)-dien-8,12-olide(6), 8,12-epoxy-1α,9α-hydroxy-eudesma-7,11-diene-6-dione(7). Compound 1 was a new compound and named myrrhterpenoid P. Compound 7 was isolated from Commiphora genus for the first time. Compounds 2, 5, and 6 significantly inhibited nitric oxide(NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, with IC_(50) values of(49.67±4.16),(40.80±1.27),(47.22±0.87) μmol·L~(-1), respectively [indomethacin as the positive control, with IC_(50) value of(63.92±2.60) μmol·L~(-1)].
Commiphora/chemistry* ; Animals ; Mice ; Resins, Plant/chemistry* ; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Nitric Oxide ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*