OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of berberine improving diabetes mellitus type 2 （T2DM） combined with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） by regulating ceramide. METHODS Thirty-two db/db mice with blood glucose levels＞11.1 mmol/L （T2DM model） were divided into four groups： model group， berberine low- and high-dose groups [100， 200 mg/（kg·d）] and metformin group [300 mg/（kg·d）]， with 8 mice in each group. Additionally， 8 wt/wt mice were selected as the normal control group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or water by gavage once daily for a continuous period of 6 weeks. During the experiment， the body weight of the mice was monitored， and the differences in final body weight were analyzed. After the last administration， the body shape of the mice in each group was observed， and their fasting blood glucose （FBG） and the lipid indicators [total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）] were measured. Fasting serum insulin （FINS） levels were also measured， and the insulin resistance index HOMA-IR） and insulin sensitivity index （ISI） were calculated. Liver weight， liver index and serum liver function indicators [alanine transaminase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase（AST）] were assessed， and hepatic histopathological changes were observed. Additionally， the expression of fatty acid synthesis-related proteins [sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 （SREBP1）， fatty acid synthase （FASN）， acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 （ACC1）] in liver tissue was examined. Serum samples from the normal control group， model group， and berberine high-dose group were collected for non-targeted lipidomics analysis and validation. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the pathological changes， including disordered liver tissue cell arrangement and lipid vacuoles， were significantly improved in the berberine low- and high-dose groups. The significant decreases or down-regulations were observed in body weight in the last week， as well as FBG， TC， TG， and LDL-C levels， HOMA-IR （except for the berberine low-dose group）， liver weight， liver index， AST and ALT levels， and protein expressions of SREBP1， FASN and ACC1. Additionally， HDL-C levels， FINS （except for the berberine high-dose group）， and ISI （except for the berberine low-dose group） were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. A total of 21 potential differential metabolites， including multiple types of ceramides， were identified； these metabolites were primarily enriched in sphingolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Verification experiments confirmed that high-dose berberine significantly reduced the serum content of ceramide in model mice （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Berberine reduces insulin resistance， improves liver damage and lipid accumulation in the T2DM combined with MAFLD mice， and these effects may be related to the reduction of ceramide content.

Objective: To investigate the epidemic characteristics and trends in incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2024, so as to provide the basis for improving PTB prevention and control strategies. Methods: The PTB data in Wenzhou City from 2010 to 2024 were captured from the Surveillance System of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze the characteristics across different genders, age, and regions. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to evaluate the trend in PTB incidence. Results: A total of 73 706 PTB cases were reported in Wenzhou City from 2010 to 2024, with an average annual reported incidence of 52.92/100 000. The reported incidence of PTB decreased from 75.33/100 000 in 2010 to 35.47/100 000 in 2024, showing a significant overall downward trend (AAPC=-5 .287%, P<0.05). The average annual reported incidence of PTB was higher in males than in females (70.45/100 000vs. 33.41/100 000, P<0.05). The trends in reported incidence for both males and females were generally consistent with the overall population, showing declining trends (AAPC=-4.992% and -6.112%, both P<0.05). The group aged ≥65 years had the highest average annual reported incidence of PTB at 91.73/100 000. From 2010 to 2024, significant declining trends were observed in the groups aged 15-<25, 25-<35, 35-<45, and 45-<55 years (AAPC=-8.599%, -7.975%, -9.007%, and -5.104%, all P<0.05). The average annual reported incidences of PTB in Taishun County, Longwan District, and Yongjia County were higher, at 81.08/100 000, 75.31/100 000, and 64.68/100 000, respectively. Except for Dongtou District, Pingyang County, and Taishun County, the reported incidences in all other counties (cities, districts) showed declining trends from 2010 to 2024, with AAPC values ranging from -9.056% to -3.791% (all P<0.05). Conclusions The reported incidence of PTB in Wenzhou City from 2010 to 2024 showed an overall declining trend, varying in genders, age, and regions. Males and individuals aged ≥65 years were the key populations for prevention and control. Taishun County, Longwan District, and Yongjia County were high-incidence areas.

As an innovative dosage form, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dry powder inhalers have emerged as a focal point in the research and development of new preparations due to its high efficiency, safety, and bioavailability. This paper systematically reviewed the relevant literature and patents associated with TCM dry powder inhalers to analyze the origins and the current research and development status. Furthermore, this paper probed into the research and development ideas of TCM dry powder inhalers regarding clinical positioning, prescription screening, and druggability. Additionally, the paper thoroughly analyzed the technical barriers in druggability studies and elaborated on corresponding research techniques and coping measures. Furthermore, it emphasized the need for improved regulations and policies governing TCM dry powder inhalers, advocated for strengthened oversight, and called for the establishment of a scientific quality evaluation system. Measures such as promoting production-education-research collaboration, enhancing personnel training, and fostering international exchanges were proposed to provide a scientific and systematic reference for the future research, development, and application of TCM dry powder inhalers, thereby facilitating the rapid modernization of TCM.
Humans ; Dry Powder Inhalers/trends* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/instrumentation* ; Administration, Inhalation

This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of 4'-O-methylbavachalcone(MeBavaC), an active compound from Psoraleae Fructus, in regulating white matter neuroinflammation to improve vascular cognitive impairment. Male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, model group, high-dose MeBavaC group(14 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose MeBavaC group(7 mg·kg~(-1)). The rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion(CCH) was established using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the rats. Luxol fast blue staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to observe the morphology and ultrastructure of the white matter myelin sheaths, axon integrity, the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons, and the loss and activation of glial cells in the white matter. Transcriptome analysis was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of white matter injury induced by CCH. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) assays were conducted to measure the expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), absent in melanoma 2(AIM2), gasdermin D(GSDMD), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), interleukin-18(IL-18), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), erythropoietin(EPO), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the white matter of rats. The results showed that compared with the model group, MeBavaC significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of rats with CCH, improved the damage of white matter myelin sheath, maintained axonal integrity, reduced the loss of hippocampal neurons and oligodendrocytes in the white matter, inhibited the activation of microglia and the proliferation of astrocytes in the white matter, and suppressed the NLRP3/AIM2/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly reduced, while EPO expression and the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway were notably elevated. In conclusion, MeBavaC can alleviate cognitive impairment in rats with CCH and suppress neuroinflammation in cerebral white matter. The mechanism of action may involve activation of EPO activity, promotion of endogenous antioxidant pathways, and inhibition of neuroinflammation in the white matter. This study suggests that MeBavaC exhibits antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, showing potential application in improving cognitive dysfunction.
Animals ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; Rats ; Chalcones/administration & dosage* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/drug therapy* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism* ; Humans ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/genetics*

Objective To explore the effect of rehmanniae radix extract(RRE)on chondrocyte apoptosis in the rabbit model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)by regulating the miR-485-5p/heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1(Hsp90b1)axis.Methods New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned into control,KOA,low-dose RRE,medium-dose RRE,high-dose RRE,celecoxib,high-dose RRE+antagonist control,and high-dose RRE+miR-485-5p antagonist groups,with 12 rabbits in each group.Rabbits in other groups except the control group were modeled for KOA with the improved Hulth method.After modeling for 8 weeks,the rabbits were administrated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks.The changes in the activity rating of rabbits were recorded.ELISA was employed to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin(IL)-6 in the serum.Safranine O-fast green staining was conducted to reveal the pathological changes in the cartilage tissue and Mankin scoring was performed.TUNEL was employed to detect chondrocyte apoptosis.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-485-5p in the cartilage tissue.Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3(Caspase-3),and Bcl2-associated-X(Bax)in the cartilage tissue.The dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to examine the relationship between miR-485-5p and Hsp90b1.Results Compared with the control group,the KOA group showed down-regulated expression of miR-485-5p,elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum,cartilage erosion and losses,and increases in activity rating,Mankin score,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,and protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved Caspase-3,and Bax(all P<0.001).Compared with the KOA group,RRE at low,medium,and high doses,and celecoxib up-regulated the expression of miR-485-5p,lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum,alleviated the pathological damage to the cartilage tissue,and decreased the activity rating,Mankin score,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,and protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved Caspase-3,and Bax(all P<0.05).Compared with the high-dose RRE group and the high-dose RRE+antagonist control group,high-dose RRE+miR-485-5p antagonist down-regulated the expression of miR-485-5p,elevated the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum,exacerbated the pathological damage to the cartilage tissue,and increased the activity rating,Mankin score,chondrocyte apoptosis rate,and protein levels of Hsp90b1,cleaved Caspase-3,and Bax(all P<0.05).The results indicated that there was a targeted regulatory relationship between miR-485-5p and Hsp90b1.Conclusion RRE may inhibit the expression of Hsp90b1 by up-regulating miR-485-5p,thereby inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis in the rabbit model of KOA.
Animals ; Rabbits ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Chondrocytes/pathology* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/drug therapy* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Rehmannia/chemistry* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*

A method for determination and targeted screening of diflorasone components in health products using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)was established.Four representative diflorasone and esters(diflorasone,diflorasone diacetate,diflorasone-17-propionate,and diflorasone-21-propionate)were selected to optimize the pretreatment conditions,and 10 mL of extraction solvent dosage,15 min of extraction time and 5 g of salting-out agent as the optimal conditions were selected by response surface methodology.The results showed that the four analytes exhibited good linearity within the concentration range of 2.0?100 μg/L with the chromatographic peak area,and the correlation coefficients(R2)were all greater than 0.9990,while the results of recovery and relative standard deviation could satisfy the requirements of determination.The common characteristic ions of diflorasone and esters werem/z121 andm/z335,and their specific structures were obtained by analyzing the cleavage pathway based on the optimized determination conditions.A targeted screening method for other esters of diflorasone based on characteristic ions guidance strategy was established.This method had many advantages such as high efficiency,high sensitivity and good reproducibility,and could be used for targeted screening of diflorasone and esters in health products.The developed characteristic ion guided strategy could be employed to construct mass spectral databases for various glucocorticoids,enabling comprehensive targeted screening across a broad range of compounds.

Objective To evaluate the effect of different kinesio taping(KT)patches on the improvement of upper limb function and activities of daily living in patients with stroke by using a reticulated Meta-analysis.Methods PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,EMbase,China Knowledge,Wanfang,and VIP databases were searched for randomised controlled trials on the effect of KT on improving the functional status of the upper limbs or the ability to perform activities of daily living in patients with stroke,using a computer,with a timeframe ranging from 2000 January to 2024 March.Twenty-six articles were included,accounting for a total of 1037 patients.Literature was screened individually,evaluated for quality,and identified for inclusion using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software for reticulation Meta-analysis.Results Meta-analysis showed that the effect of different KT patches improved upper limb function in stroke patients:I+X+claw＞I+Y＞I+X+Y＞X+claw＞claw+Y＞I+claw＞X+Y+claw＞I+X＞Y+T＞I+I＞control.Order of the efficacy of different KT patch types on improving the daily life ability of stroke patients:I+X+claw＞X+claw＞I+X＞I+X+Y＞Y+T＞I+Y＞X+Y+claw＞I+claw＞I+I＞control.The improvement effect of different ligation maintenance time ranked:24-48h＞over 72h＞49-72h.Conclusion With the combination of I+X+claw muscle KT,the best maintenance time of a single patch was 24-48h,which had the best improvement effect on the upper limb function and daily living ability of stroke patients.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of endovascular treatment for venous outflow tract obstruction after liver transplantation.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 7 patients with venous outflow tract obstruction after liver transplantation admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2020 to December 2024. Among them, there were 5 males and 2 females, with the age of (22.3±8.1) years. The primary diseases included 2 cases of Budd-Chiari syndrome, 1 case of hepatic veno-occlusive disease, 1 case of portal veno-hepatic sinus vascular disease, 1 case of ornithine carbamoyltransferase deficiency, 1 case of primary biliary cirrhosis, and 1 case of autoimmune cirrhosis. Analyze the patient's clinical manifestations, obstruction of venous outflow tract, hemoglobin levels within one week before and one week after the operation, endovascular treatment conditions, and intraoperative complications such as abdominal hemorrhage and vascular injury. Ultrasound was used to measure the depth of ascites and pleural effusion. All patients were followed up immediately after the operation through phone calls or follow-up visits. The clinical symptoms, abdominal vascular ultrasound, enhanced CT and survival status of the patients were followed up.Results:All 7 patients were diagnosed with venous outflow tract obstruction by intraoperative angiography, including 1 cases of inferior vena cava obstruction, 2 cases of hepatic vein obstruction, and 4 cases of vena cava combined with hepatic vein obstruction. A total of 12 endovascular treatments were performed on 7 patients. Among them, 4 patients received balloon dilation and angioplasty once, 1 patient received balloon dilation and angioplasty twice, 1 patient underwent hepatic vein stent implantation after 2 hepatic vein balloon dilation and angioplasty, and 1 patient underwent intrahepatic portosystemic shunt via jugular vein after 2 hepatic vein balloon dilation and angioplasty. The abdominal distensionof the patients were all relieved after the operation, the ascites and pleural effusion decreased, and the edema symptoms of the lower extremities disappeared. There were no intraoperative complications. The preoperative hemoglobin of 7 patients was (113.4±34.0) g/L, and the postoperative hemoglobin was (126.6±34.8) g/L, which increased significantly compared with that before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-0.71, P=0.038). Seven patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months, with a median of 12 months. None of them had obvious symptoms including abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasound and CT indicated that the blood flow of the transplanted liver was unobstructed, and no patient died. Conclusion:Venous outflow tract obstruction after liver transplantation can cause severe symptoms. Endovascular treatment is an effective treatment for venous outflow tract obstruction after liver transplantation.

Owing to the insidious onset and limited awareness of early screening,many patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)are diagnosed at an advanced stage.Immunochemotherapy is the current standard first-line treatment for advanced ESCC;however,survival outcomes remain suboptimal.Radiotherapy,with its precise local control and potential immunomodulatory effects,is anticipated to act synergistically with immunochemotherapy,offering a novel direction for overcoming survival limitations.This review systematically sum-marizes the progress in the use of radiotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced ESCC and discusses the synergistic mechanisms,clinical applications,and challenges associated with its combination with immunochemotherapy.