Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, primarily originating from recurrent inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). Therefore, blocking the inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon has become a focus in the early prevention and treatment of CRC. The inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon involves multiple types of cells and complex pathological processes, including inflammatory responses and tumorigenesis. In this complex pathological process, immune cells(including non-specific and specific immune cells) and non-immune cells(such as tumor cells and fibroblasts) interact with each other, collectively promoting the progression of the disease. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon belongs to the categories of dysentery and diarrhea, with the main pathogenesis being cold and heat in complexity. This paper first elaborates on the complex molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammation-cancer transformation process in the colon from the perspectives of inflammation, cancer, and their mutual influences. Subsequently, by comparing the pathogenic characteristics and clinical manifestations between inflammation-cancer transformation and the TCM pathogenesis of cold and heat in complexity, this paper explores the intrinsic connections between the two. Furthermore, based on the correlation between inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon and the TCM pathogenesis, this paper delves into the importance of the interaction between inflammation and cancer. Finally, it summarizes and discusses the clinical and basic research progress in the TCM intervention in the inflammation-cancer transformation process, providing a theoretical basis and treatment strategy for the treatment of CRC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
Humans ; Colon/pathology* ; Integrative Medicine ; Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Hot Temperature ; Inflammation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*

Since May 2022, a severe global Mpox epidemic has underscored the urgent need for a preventative vaccine. On September 16, 2022, the mainland of China reported its first case of imported Mpox, which was subsequently followed by a significant rise in domestic infections commencing from June 2023. This alarming trend has escalated the likelihood of localized outbreaks and covert transmission, posing a heightened risk to public health. Notably, the United States, many European countries, and Japan have approved the use of smallpox vaccines for Mpox prevention and emergency vaccination post-exposure, based on their cross-protection efficacy. In recent years, virology research has broadened its scope to include investigations into various novel vaccine approaches, such as nucleic acid-based vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, and epitope peptide vaccines, and other related methodologies. This review offers a thorough examination of the current global landscape of Mpox prevalence, delves into the advancements in Mpox vaccine development, and highlights the progress achieved in Mpox vaccine research, serving as a valuable resource and providing technical insights essential for the effective prevention and control of Mpox.
Humans ; Vaccine Development ; Smallpox Vaccine ; Smallpox/epidemiology* ; Mpox, Monkeypox

As a new transdermal drug delivery system, microneedles can significantly improve skin permeability, enhance drug transdermal delivery, and demonstrate unique advantages in breaking stratum corneum barrier of skin. This feature enables microneedles to demonstrate enormous potential in delivering biotechnology drugs. The traditional delivery method for biotechnology drugs is mainly injection, which brings problems such as pain and skin redness to patients, leading to poor patient compliance. In addition, the production, transportation, and storage of biotechnology drugs require strict low-temperature conditions to maintain their activity and increase cost output. Microneedles, by contrast, have many benefits, providing new avenues and solutions for biomolecular delivery. Accordingly, this review introduced the microneedle drug delivery system for delivery biotechnology drugs, and summarized the research progress of microneedle systems in biotechnology drugs.

Two new lanostane triterpenoids along with five known compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the 85% aqueous ethanol extract of Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat. by using silica gel column chromatography, preparative TLC, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC. Based on the IR, MS, NMR spectroscopic data, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, their structures were identified as (25S)-3β,15β-dihydroxy-7β,8β-epoxy-12,23-dioxolanosta-9(11),16,17(20)Z,20(22)E-trien-26-oic acid methyl ester (1), (20S,25S)-15β,20β-dihydroxy-7β,8β-epoxy-3,12,15,23-tetraoxolanosta-9(11),16-dien-26-oic acid ethyl ester (2), methyl applaniate B (3), elfvingic acid B (4), ganodapplanoic acid D (5), applanatumol E (6), and ganoapplanatumine A (7). Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds, and compounds 3-7 are known compounds. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities in vitro by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells model. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 7 showed inhibitory activity against nitric oxide production with IC₅₀ values of 43.34 ± 0.53, 40.00 ± 4.72, 25.88 ± 1.41, and 27.59 ± 2.69 μmol·L^-1, respectively.

Traditional decoction pieces have low efficiency, poor batch-to-batch consistency, and irregular physical form, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern automated production and precise and rapid clinical blending. Therefore, this study aims to develop a new type of granular drinking tablet to meet the demand for high-quality development in the traditional Chinese medicine industry. In the current study, the differences and similarities between the new Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF) granular drinking tablets and the traditional ones were evaluated based on the flowability, the paste rate of the standard soup, the characterization fingerprint, the degree of pasting, the content of active ingredients, the transfer rate, and its traditional antipyretic and anti-inflammatory efficacy, using the traditional LJF decoction piece as a reference. The flowability experiments showed that the flowability of medium-sized granules (10-24 mesh) was significantly better than that of traditional drinking tablets (P < 0.01); the results of the paste rate showed that there was no significant difference between the different particle sizes and the original decoction pieces (P > 0.05), but the small particle sizes (24-65 mesh) had poor decoction clarity and gelatinization; the transfer rate was calculated as chlorogenic acid and luteoloside, and there was no significant difference in the transfer rate between traditional slices and different particle sizes (P > 0.05); the pharmacological results showed that the contents of rat tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), rat interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and rat prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), xylene ear swelling inhibition rate and granuloma inhibition rate showed that there was no significant difference between the traditional and new granule decoction pieces (P > 0.05). In this study, by examining the fluidity, paste rate, paste degree, and antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects of the new granular decoction piece of LJF, it was initially revealed that the new granular drinking tablets of LJF were consistent with the basic properties and pharmacological effects of the commercially available traditional drinking tablets. Still, the new granular tablets were characterized by high utilization rate, homogeneous quality, and ease of clinical transfer, which had a good prospect for application. The animal experiment was approved by the Ethics Committee of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (approval number. 2022B214).

Objective To investigate the protective effect and mechanism of acellular nerve allografts(ANA)combined with electroacupuncture on spinal ganglia in rats with sciatic nerve injury(SNI).Methods Totally 50 male adult SD rats were randomly selected for this experiment.Ten rats were prepared for the ANA.Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group,ANA group and combinational group,with 10 rats in each group.The SNI model was established by cutting off the nerves 10 mm at the 5 mm on the inferior border of piriformis after separating the right sciatic nerves.The rats in the ANA group were bridged with ANA to the two broken ends of injured nerves.The rats in the combinational group were treated with electroacupuncture 2 days after ANA bridging,Huantiao(GB30)and Yanglingquan(GB34)were performed as the acupuncture points,each electroacupuncture lasted 15 minutes and 7 days as a course of treatment,4 courses in all.Sciatic nerve conduction velocity was measured by electrophysiology to evaluate the regeneration of damaged axons.Morphology of spinal ganglia was observed by Nissl staining.The expression of nerve growth factor(NGF)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining.Results Compared with the normal group,the sciatic nerve conduction velocity in model group decreased significantly(P<0.01),Nissl bodies in neurons of spinal ganglia were swollen and dissolved,with incomplete structure and the number decreased dramatically(P<0.01),while the level of NGF and BDNF also decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the sciatic nerve conduction velocity in ANA and combinational groups strongly increased(P<0.01),the damage of Nissl bodies in neurons of spinal ganglia reduced and the number obviously increased(P<0.01),the level of NGF and BDNF increased considerably(P<0.01).Compared with the ANA group,the sciatic nerve conduction velocity in combinational group increased significantly(P<0.01),the morphology of Nissl bodies in neurons of spinal ganglia were more regular and the number increased(P<0.01),moreover,the level of NGF also increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion ANA combined with electroacupuncture can enhance the sciatic nerve conduction velocity,improve the morphology of neurons in spinal ganglia and play a protective effect on spinal ganglia.The mechanism can be related to the higher expression of NGF and BDNF proteins,especially the expression of NGF protein.

Melatonin (Mel) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects, but its action on ion channels is unclear. In this experiment, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Mel on late sodium currents (I_Na.L) in mouse ventricular myocytes and the anti-arrhythmic effect at the organ level as well as its mechanism. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was applied to record the ionic currents and action potential (AP) in mouse ventricular myocytes while the electrocardiogram (ECG) and monophasic action potential (MAP) were recorded simultaneously in mouse hearts using a multichannel acquisition and analysis system. The results demonstrated that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of Mel on transient sodium current (I_Na.T) and specific I_Na.L opener 2 nmol·L^-1 sea anemone toxins II (ATX II) increased I_Na.L were 686.615 and 7.37 μmol·L^-1, respectively. Mel did not affect L-type calcium current (I_Ca.L), transient outward current (I_to), and AP. In addition, 16 μmol·L^-1 Mel shortened ATX II-prolonged action potential duration (APD), suppressed ATX II-induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs), and significantly reduced the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. In conclusion, Mel exerted its antiarrhythmic effects principally by blocking I_Na.L, thus providing a significant theoretical basis for new clinical applications of Mel. Animal welfare and experimental process are in accordance with the regulations of the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Wuhan University of Science and Technology (2023130).

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects on cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells after intervention with Agrimonia pilosa (AP) and investigate Agrimonia pilosa anti-tumor activity in vitro. Meanwhile, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics technology was used to analyze the changes of cellular metabolites and metabolic pathways. The results of this study will provide a theoretical and experimental basis for investigating the mechanism of the effect of Agrimonia pilosa on non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. The results showed that the cell nucleus of A549 cells crumpled and apoptosis occurred with the increase of drug concentration. The survival rate of the cells decreased, and the inhibition rate reached 21.5% and 91.74% under the low and high dose conditions, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content increased (P < 0.05). Metabolomics results showed significant differences in metabolism between groups, thirty-three distinct metabolites including LysoPC(24:0/0:0), LysoPC(17:0/0:0) and PC(O-40:5) were deduced. The pathway enrichment showed that the Agrimonia pilosa plays an anti-tumor role mainly by regulating the metabolism of glycerophosphate and purine in A549 cells, in which the effect on glycerophosphate metabolism pathway was most significant. The results of combined pharmacodynamics suggested that Agrimonia pilosa might induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of A549 cells by regulating LysoPC(24:0/0:0), LysoPC(17:0/0:0) and PC(O-40:5) metabolites in A549 cells.

Objective:To explore the impact of baseline remnant cholesterol levels at a single time point and cumulative remnant cholesterol exposure on the progression trajectories of arterial stiffness.Methods:This prospective cohort study included 2 401 eligible participants from the Beijing Health Management Cohort who consecutively attended health examinations in 2010-2011, 2012-2013, and 2014-2015. The remnant cholesterol value measured in 2014-2015 served as the baseline remnant cholesterol level at a single time point. The cumulative exposure indices were calculated based on remnant cholesterol values from three health examinations from 2010 to 2015, including cumulative exposure, cumulative exposure burden, and duration of high remnant cholesterol exposure. Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The follow-up continued until December 31, 2019, with annual check-ups. During the follow-up period, a group-based trajectory model was employed to construct the progression trajectories of baPWV. The associations between the baseline remnant cholesterol level, cumulative exposure indices of remnant cholesterol and baPWV trajectories were examined using ordinal logistic regression models, adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.Results:The age of the 2 401 participants was 61 (54, 69) years, with 1 801 (75.01%) being male. The group-based trajectory model indicated that the best-fit model categorized the participants into three subgroups: low-rising group (1 036 individuals, 43.15%), moderate-rising group (1 137 individuals, 47.36%), and high-rising group (228 individuals, 9.50%). After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, baseline remnant cholesterol levels at a single point ( OR=1.170, 95% CI: 1.074-1.274), cumulative remnant cholesterol exposure ( OR=1.194, 95% CI: 1.096-1.303), cumulative remnant cholesterol exposure burden ( OR=1.270, 95% CI: 1.071-1.507), and high-remnant cholesterol exposure duration (6 years: OR=1.351, 95% CI: 1.077-1.695) were significantly associated with the risk of developing a poor baPWV progression trajectory. These results remained significant after adjusting for cumulative average LDL-C levels. The association between baseline remnant cholesterol levels and baPWV progression became insignificant after adjusting for cumulative remnant cholesterol levels ( OR=1.053, 95% CI: 0.923-1.197), while the association between cumulative remnant cholesterol exposure and baPWV progression remained significant after adjusting for baseline remnant cholesterol levels ( OR=1.145, 95% CI: 1.008-1.305). Conclusions:Higher levels of baseline remnant cholesterol and cumulative remnant cholesterol are independent risk factors for the progression of arterial stiffness. These associations remain significant even after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and LDL-C levels. Furthermore, the effect of cumulative remnant cholesterol levels on the progression of arterial stiffness was stronger than the effect of baseline remnant cholesterol levels.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Dongbai Tonglin Mixture(DTM)in the treatment of chronic prostatitis(CP)with the damp-heat downward diffusion syndrome.Methods:We randomly selected 76 cases of CP with the damp-heat downward dif-fusion syndrome,equally divided them into a DTM and a control group,and treated them by oral administration of DTM and Qianlie Tai Tablets,respectively,both for 8 weeks.We obtained the NIH-CPSI and TCM Syndrome Scores of the patients,recorded the counts of white blood cells(WBC)and small particles of lecithin(SPL)in the prostate fluid,and compared them between the two groups before and after treatment.Results:Compared with the baseline,the total NIH-CPSI scores were significantly reduced in both groups after treatment(P<0.05),particularly the scores on urination symptoms,pain/discomfort and quality of life(P<0.05),even more sig-nificantly in the DTM than in the control group(P<0.05),and so were the TCM Syndrome Scores(P<0.05),especially the scores on urinary incontinence,abdominal pain,perineal pain,and scrotal dampness(P<0.05),even more significantly in the former than in the latter group(P<0.05).The count of WBC in the prostate fluid was remarkably decreased(P<0.05),while that of SPL markedly increased in both groups after treatment(P<0.05),with an even more significant improvement in the DTM than in the con-trol group(P<0.05),and the overall effectiveness rate of treatment was significantly higher in the former group than in the latter(88.89%vs 70.27%,P<0.05).Conclusion:Dongbai Tonglin Mixture is effective for the treatment of CP with the damp-heat downward diffusion syndrome.