This study aims to investigate the optimal ratio of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(AC) for inhibiting the proliferation of 143B osteosarcoma cells, and to investigate the mechanism by which AC inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through angiogenesis and cell adhesion mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) pathway. A subcutaneous 143B tumor-bearing nude mouse model was successfully established and randomly divided into the model group, and the AC 1∶1, 2∶1, and 4∶1 groups. Body weight, tumor volume, and tumor weight were recorded. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), epithelial cadherin(E-cadherin), neural cadherin(N-cadherin), vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and caspase-3 in the hypoxic core region of the tumor tissue. A cell hypoxia model was established, and the effects of AC-medicated serum(model group, AC 1∶1, 2∶1, and 4∶1 groups) on angiogenesis, proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and migration of 143B osteosarcoma cells were examined through CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, cell adhesion assay, and HUVEC tube formation assay. The results showed that compared with the model group, the tumor weight and volume were smallest in the 2∶1 group. The expression levels of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and TGF-β1 were significantly decreased, and the protein expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased, while the protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 was significantly decreased. Additionally, the protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 was significantly increased, and Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly decreased. In vitro experiments showed that after intervention with AC-medicated serum at a 2∶1 ratio, the cell activity, adhesion, invasion, and migration of 143B cells were significantly reduced, apoptosis was significantly increased, and HUVEC tube formation was significantly decreased. In conclusion, the 2∶1 ratio of AC showed the most effective inhibition of 143B cell growth. AC can inhibit the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma 143B cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway, inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing cell adhesion, invasion, and migration.
Osteosarcoma/pathology* ; Animals ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics* ; Humans ; Mice ; Cell Adhesion/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Astragalus Plant/chemistry* ; Bone Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Male ; Rhizome/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Angiogenesis

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of camrelizumab combined with tegafur gimeracil oteracil potassium (S-1) and albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of initially unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:From October 2022 to August 2024, 17 patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 4 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were admitted to Xiangyang Central Hospital. They received treatment with camrelizumab combined with S-1 and nab-paclitaxel. Their short-term efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated, and their long-term survival was followed up.Results:Of the 21 patients, 2 were in complete remission, 6 were in partial remission, 12 had stable disease, and 1 had progressive disease. The objective remission rate was 38.10% (8/21), and the disease control rate was 95.23% (20/21). Five patients were converted to resectable cholangiocarcinoma, with a conversion success rate of 23.81%,2 patients had complete postoperative pathological remission, and 3 patients had major pathological remission. The median progression-free survival time was 11 months (95% CI: 8.37-13.62), and the 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 28.57% and 95.23%, respectively. The overall adverse event rate was 90.48% (19/21), and the grade 3 adverse event rate was 28.57% (6/21). Conclusion:The combination of camrelizumab with S-1 and nab-paclitaxel for initially unresectable cholangiocarcinoma has favorable short-term efficacy, tolerable adverse reactions, and improved long-term survival for patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of Shengmai Jiuxin decoction in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure （ADHF） with the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pattern of Qi and Yin deficiency， Yang deficiency， and blood stasis. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency， Yang deficiency， and blood stasis type were randomly assigned to an observation group （34 cases） and a control group （34 cases）. Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment， while the observation group was additionally administered Shengmai Jiuxin decoction. Parameters compared before and after treatment included： TCM syndrome score， TCM syndrome efficacy， New York Heart Association （NYHA） functional classification， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）， six-minute walk distance （6MWD）， hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha （HIF-1α）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGF-A）， Caspase-3， and the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. ResultsThere were no significant differences in sex， age， vital signs， or underlying diseases between the two groups. Compared with baseline， both groups exhibited significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores， NT-proBNP， and HIF-1α levels （P<0.01）， as well as significant increases in 6MWD， LVEF， VEGF-A， and Caspase-3 levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment， the observation group showed significantly greater reductions in TCM syndrome score， NT-proBNP， HIF-1α， and Caspase-3 levels compared with the control group （P<0.05） and significantly greater increases in 6MWD， TCM syndrome efficacy， and VEGF-A levels （P<0.05）. No significant differences were observed between the groups in NYHA functional classification， LVEF， or the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. No drug-related adverse events were reported in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionShengmai Jiuxin decoction can improve cardiac function and clinical symptoms in patients with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency， Yang deficiency， and blood stasis type. Its mechanisms may be related to the regulation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway by modulating targets such as HIF-1α， VEGF-A， and Caspase-3.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of Shengmai Jiuxin decoction in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure （ADHF） with the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pattern of Qi and Yin deficiency， Yang deficiency， and blood stasis. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency， Yang deficiency， and blood stasis type were randomly assigned to an observation group （34 cases） and a control group （34 cases）. Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment， while the observation group was additionally administered Shengmai Jiuxin decoction. Parameters compared before and after treatment included： TCM syndrome score， TCM syndrome efficacy， New York Heart Association （NYHA） functional classification， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）， six-minute walk distance （6MWD）， hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha （HIF-1α）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGF-A）， Caspase-3， and the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. ResultsThere were no significant differences in sex， age， vital signs， or underlying diseases between the two groups. Compared with baseline， both groups exhibited significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores， NT-proBNP， and HIF-1α levels （P<0.01）， as well as significant increases in 6MWD， LVEF， VEGF-A， and Caspase-3 levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment， the observation group showed significantly greater reductions in TCM syndrome score， NT-proBNP， HIF-1α， and Caspase-3 levels compared with the control group （P<0.05） and significantly greater increases in 6MWD， TCM syndrome efficacy， and VEGF-A levels （P<0.05）. No significant differences were observed between the groups in NYHA functional classification， LVEF， or the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. No drug-related adverse events were reported in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionShengmai Jiuxin decoction can improve cardiac function and clinical symptoms in patients with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency， Yang deficiency， and blood stasis type. Its mechanisms may be related to the regulation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway by modulating targets such as HIF-1α， VEGF-A， and Caspase-3.

Objective To investigate the neural basis of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)in regulating glucose homeostasis and elucidate the molecular mechanisms.Methods Male Glp1r-IRES-Cre,Glp1r-KO,and wild-type mice were used in this study.Fiber photometry was employed to record Ca2+signals of neurons in ventromedial hypothalamus(VMH)and patch-clamp was used to analyze electrophysiological properties of GLP-1 receptor-positive(GLP-1RVMH)neurons.Viral stereotaxic injections,chemogenetics,plasma hormone assays,and routine glucose metabolism assessments were combined to determine the regulatory role of GLP-1RVMH neurons in glucose homeostasis.Tissue and cell mitochondrial respiratory function assays,transmission electron microscopy,and conventional molecular biology methods were used to explore the mechanism by which GLP-1R agonists regulate glucose homeostasis.Results When the glucose concentration decreased from 5.0 mmol/L to 0.5 mmol/L,the action potential frequency of GLP-1RVMH neuron decreased significantly[(4.51±0.80)Hz vs.(1.43±0.51)Hz,P<0.01].Activation of GLP-1RVMH neuron significantly enhanced insulin secretion[(7.60±0.56)μU/mL vs.(11.34±0.93)μU/mL,P<0.01],while inhibition of these neuronal activities impaired the hypoglycemic efficiency of GLP-1 agonists[(32.03%±0.91%)vs.(25.77%±1.09%),P<0.001)].Mechanistically,GLP-1 regulated glucose homeostasis through Drp1 phosphorylation-mediated mitochondrial fission and improved mitochondrial energy metabolism.Conclusion GLP-1RVMH neurons are a class of glucose-excited neurons,and which activated directly promotes secretion of insulin.The hypoglycemic effect of GLP-1R agonists depend on the neuronal activity of GLP-1RVMH.

Objectives:To investigate the clinical and cardiopulmonary functional characteristics of cardiopulmonary-phenotype idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension(IPAH)patients in comparison with classical IPAH patients and pulmonary hypertension patients associated with chronic lung disease(CLD-PH).Methods:In this retrospective study,data were collected from 30 patients with classical IPAH,20 cardiopulmonary phenotype IPAH patients,and 20 patients with CLD-PH,who were hospitalized in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from November 2017 to February 2025.Pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed via right heart catheterization and all patients underwent pulmonary function tests,chest computed tomography(CT),echocardiography,and patients were followed up to 5 years.Results:Compared to classical IPAH patients,both cardiopulmonary phenotype IPAH patients and CLD-PH patients exhibited later onset age,higher proportions of World Health Organization(WHO)functional class Ⅲ-Ⅳ,males,and smokers(all P<0.05).The cardiopulmonary-phenotype IPAH patients also had higher rates of coronary artery disease and diabetes compared to classical IPAH patients(all P<0.05).Physiologically,the cardiopulmonary-phenotype IPAH patients showed reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide(DLCO)and partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),along with higher rates of emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis compared to classical IPAH(all P<0.05).In contrast,CLD-PH patients had lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure(mPAP),pulmonary vascular resistance(PVR),and pulmonary artery wedge pressure(PAWP),as well as reduced forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1%predicted),FEV1/forced vital capacity(FVC)ratio,and DLCO.However,CLD-PH patients demonstrated higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion(TAPSE),peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus(S`),and partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),along with increased rates of emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis(all P<0.05).Compared with LCD-PH,cardiopulmonary-phenotype IPAH patients had higher mPAP,PVR,FEV1%predicted,FEV1/FVC ratio,PAWP,and systolic pulmonary artery pressure,but lower DLCO,cardiac output,TAPSE,S′,and PaCO2(all P<0.05).No statistical difference was observed in PaO2 between these two groups.All cardiopulmonary-phenotype IPAH patients and classical IPAH patients received targeted medications,55%of CLD-PH patients did not receive targeted therapy,45%received monotherapy only(compared with cardiopulmonary-phenotype IPAH patients and classical IPAH groups,P<0.05).The 1,2,and 5-year survival rates were 79.2%,62.2%,and 46.7%,respectively in patients with cardiopulmonary-phenotype IPAH,100%,94.4%,and 94.4%,respectively in classic IPAH patients,and 92.9%,77.4%and 77.4%,respectively in patients with CLD-PH.Survival rates for cardiopulmonary-phenotype IPAH patients were significantly lower than those of classical IPAH and CLD-PH patients(log-rank P=0.008).Conclusions:IPAH cardiopulmonary phenotype patients are older,predominantly male,and often have a smoking history(median 30 pack-years).They exhibit severe hypoxemia,markedly reduced DLCOc,preserved spirometry,and severe pulmonary hypertension and lower survival rate.

Objective To investigate the neural basis of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)in regulating glucose homeostasis and elucidate the molecular mechanisms.Methods Male Glp1r-IRES-Cre,Glp1r-KO,and wild-type mice were used in this study.Fiber photometry was employed to record Ca2+signals of neurons in ventromedial hypothalamus(VMH)and patch-clamp was used to analyze electrophysiological properties of GLP-1 receptor-positive(GLP-1RVMH)neurons.Viral stereotaxic injections,chemogenetics,plasma hormone assays,and routine glucose metabolism assessments were combined to determine the regulatory role of GLP-1RVMH neurons in glucose homeostasis.Tissue and cell mitochondrial respiratory function assays,transmission electron microscopy,and conventional molecular biology methods were used to explore the mechanism by which GLP-1R agonists regulate glucose homeostasis.Results When the glucose concentration decreased from 5.0 mmol/L to 0.5 mmol/L,the action potential frequency of GLP-1RVMH neuron decreased significantly[(4.51±0.80)Hz vs.(1.43±0.51)Hz,P<0.01].Activation of GLP-1RVMH neuron significantly enhanced insulin secretion[(7.60±0.56)μU/mL vs.(11.34±0.93)μU/mL,P<0.01],while inhibition of these neuronal activities impaired the hypoglycemic efficiency of GLP-1 agonists[(32.03%±0.91%)vs.(25.77%±1.09%),P<0.001)].Mechanistically,GLP-1 regulated glucose homeostasis through Drp1 phosphorylation-mediated mitochondrial fission and improved mitochondrial energy metabolism.Conclusion GLP-1RVMH neurons are a class of glucose-excited neurons,and which activated directly promotes secretion of insulin.The hypoglycemic effect of GLP-1R agonists depend on the neuronal activity of GLP-1RVMH.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of camrelizumab combined with tegafur gimeracil oteracil potassium (S-1) and albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of initially unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:From October 2022 to August 2024, 17 patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 4 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were admitted to Xiangyang Central Hospital. They received treatment with camrelizumab combined with S-1 and nab-paclitaxel. Their short-term efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated, and their long-term survival was followed up.Results:Of the 21 patients, 2 were in complete remission, 6 were in partial remission, 12 had stable disease, and 1 had progressive disease. The objective remission rate was 38.10% (8/21), and the disease control rate was 95.23% (20/21). Five patients were converted to resectable cholangiocarcinoma, with a conversion success rate of 23.81%,2 patients had complete postoperative pathological remission, and 3 patients had major pathological remission. The median progression-free survival time was 11 months (95% CI: 8.37-13.62), and the 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 28.57% and 95.23%, respectively. The overall adverse event rate was 90.48% (19/21), and the grade 3 adverse event rate was 28.57% (6/21). Conclusion:The combination of camrelizumab with S-1 and nab-paclitaxel for initially unresectable cholangiocarcinoma has favorable short-term efficacy, tolerable adverse reactions, and improved long-term survival for patients.

Objective:To identify circulating proteins associated with cardiovascular, renal, and cardiorenal comorbidity events in individuals with metabolic syndrome, to construct a predictive model incorporating these proteins to improve prediction accuracy and to investigate their mediating effects on the interplay between cardiovascular and renal diseases.Methods:Data from the UK Biobank cohort were utilized. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify circulating proteins associated with various outcomes, followed by time-truncated sensitivity analyses. A predictive model incorporating protein scores was then developed using the LightGBM algorithm and compared with other models. Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the biological pathways of the identified proteins. Finally, mediation effect analysis was conducted to assess the role of circulating proteins in cardiorenal interactions. Results:The Cox analysis identified 180, 275, and 322 circulating proteins associated with cardiovascular events, renal events, and cardiorenal comorbidity events, respectively. Incorporating protein scores significantly improved model performance; the areas under the curve(AUC) for cardiovascular, renal, and cardiorenal events were 0.833, 0.907, and 0.890, respectively. GO functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant enrichment in pathways such as cytokine activity(GO: 0005125), glycosaminoglycan binding(GO: 0005539), and humoral immune response(GO: 0006959) among all outcome-related proteins. Notably, EDA2R, GDF15, and WFDC2 exhibited significant mediating effects, each with mediation proportions exceeding 10%. Conclusions:A predictive model incorporating circulating protein scores can substantially improve prediction accuracy for cardiovascular and renal outcomes in individuls with metabolic syndrome.