Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Shionone (SH), an important triterpenoid compound in the root extract of Aster, might exert a protective effect in DN mice and high glucose cultivated glomerular podocytes. The current study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism by which SH mitigates DN. We postulate that SH stimulates the expression of sestrin-2 (SESN2), a pivotal stress-inducible protein in the anti-inflammasome machinery. Methods: We utilized high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg intraperitoneal) for DN mice model, and high glucose (30 mM, 48 hours) cultured glomerular podocytes for DN cell model to evaluate the effect of SH. We also preformed experimentation on SESN2 deficiency models (SESN2 knockout mice and SESN2 siRNA in cells) to further prove our hypothesis. Results: The results demonstrated that SH effectively suppressed glomerular fibrosis, induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and inhibited NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) activation. Furthermore, our findings revealed that SH exerted its anti-inflammatory effect through Sesn2-dependent nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and subsequent activation of its downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusion In summary, our findings suggest that SH serves as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of DN-related glomerular fibrosis. SH enhances the expression of SESN2, attenuates α-smooth muscle actin accumulation, and suppresses NLRP3-related inflammation through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Shionone (SH), an important triterpenoid compound in the root extract of Aster, might exert a protective effect in DN mice and high glucose cultivated glomerular podocytes. The current study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism by which SH mitigates DN. We postulate that SH stimulates the expression of sestrin-2 (SESN2), a pivotal stress-inducible protein in the anti-inflammasome machinery. Methods: We utilized high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg intraperitoneal) for DN mice model, and high glucose (30 mM, 48 hours) cultured glomerular podocytes for DN cell model to evaluate the effect of SH. We also preformed experimentation on SESN2 deficiency models (SESN2 knockout mice and SESN2 siRNA in cells) to further prove our hypothesis. Results: The results demonstrated that SH effectively suppressed glomerular fibrosis, induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and inhibited NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) activation. Furthermore, our findings revealed that SH exerted its anti-inflammatory effect through Sesn2-dependent nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and subsequent activation of its downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusion In summary, our findings suggest that SH serves as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of DN-related glomerular fibrosis. SH enhances the expression of SESN2, attenuates α-smooth muscle actin accumulation, and suppresses NLRP3-related inflammation through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Shionone (SH), an important triterpenoid compound in the root extract of Aster, might exert a protective effect in DN mice and high glucose cultivated glomerular podocytes. The current study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism by which SH mitigates DN. We postulate that SH stimulates the expression of sestrin-2 (SESN2), a pivotal stress-inducible protein in the anti-inflammasome machinery. Methods: We utilized high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg intraperitoneal) for DN mice model, and high glucose (30 mM, 48 hours) cultured glomerular podocytes for DN cell model to evaluate the effect of SH. We also preformed experimentation on SESN2 deficiency models (SESN2 knockout mice and SESN2 siRNA in cells) to further prove our hypothesis. Results: The results demonstrated that SH effectively suppressed glomerular fibrosis, induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and inhibited NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) activation. Furthermore, our findings revealed that SH exerted its anti-inflammatory effect through Sesn2-dependent nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and subsequent activation of its downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusion In summary, our findings suggest that SH serves as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of DN-related glomerular fibrosis. SH enhances the expression of SESN2, attenuates α-smooth muscle actin accumulation, and suppresses NLRP3-related inflammation through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Shionone (SH), an important triterpenoid compound in the root extract of Aster, might exert a protective effect in DN mice and high glucose cultivated glomerular podocytes. The current study aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism by which SH mitigates DN. We postulate that SH stimulates the expression of sestrin-2 (SESN2), a pivotal stress-inducible protein in the anti-inflammasome machinery. Methods: We utilized high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg intraperitoneal) for DN mice model, and high glucose (30 mM, 48 hours) cultured glomerular podocytes for DN cell model to evaluate the effect of SH. We also preformed experimentation on SESN2 deficiency models (SESN2 knockout mice and SESN2 siRNA in cells) to further prove our hypothesis. Results: The results demonstrated that SH effectively suppressed glomerular fibrosis, induced adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and inhibited NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) activation. Furthermore, our findings revealed that SH exerted its anti-inflammatory effect through Sesn2-dependent nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and subsequent activation of its downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Conclusion In summary, our findings suggest that SH serves as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of DN-related glomerular fibrosis. SH enhances the expression of SESN2, attenuates α-smooth muscle actin accumulation, and suppresses NLRP3-related inflammation through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Objective: This study aims to explore the association between oral lichen planus (OLP) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and its anti-thyroid antibodies to provide clinical evidence for thyroid disease screening in patients with OLP. Methods: This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A total of 125 clinically and histopathologically confirmed patients with OLP were enrolled as the case group, and they were matched with 125 non-OLP controls based on sex and age. Demographic data (gender, age, lesion type, and disease duration) were collected from both groups. Serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) were measured to analyze their associations with sex, age, lesion type, and disease duration in patients with OLP. Result: The prevalence of HT in patients with OLP was 31.20%, significantly higher than that in the control group (9.60%) (χ2=18.504, P<0.001). The prevalence of HT in female patients with OLP (39.13%) was significantly higher than that in male patients (9.09%)（χ2=10.93，P<0.001）. The positivity rate of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) in patients with OLP (17.6%) was significantly higher than in the control group (4.0%) (χ2=10.989, P<0.001). The TPOAb positivity rate was significantly higher in female patients (22.83%) than in male patients (3.03%) (χ2=5.210, P=0.014). There was no statistically significant difference in the positivity rate of TgAb between patients with OLP (7.2%) and the control group (3.2%) (P>0.05). Patients with erosive lesions had a significantly higher TPOAb positivity rate (25.0%, 17/68) compared to those with non-erosive lesions (8.77%, 5/57), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.831, P=0.028). Logistic regression analysis revealed that female patients with OLP had an 8.935-fold higher risk of being TPOAb positive compared to males (OR=8.935, 95%CI: 1.134-70.388, P=0.038). Patients with erosive OLP lesions had a 3.199-fold higher risk of TPOAb positivity compared to those with non-erosive lesions (OR=3.199, 95%CI: 1.064-9.618, P=0.038). Conclusion The prevalence of HT is higher in patients with OLP, with higher positivity rates of anti-thyroid antibodies observed in female patients and those with erosive OLP lesions. This suggests that thyroid disease screening should be incorporated into the clinical management of patients with OLP, especially for women and patients who present with erosive lesions.

This study was aimed at understanding the trends in,and scope of,severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)in Nanjing,analyzing the spatial distribution pattern,detecting high incidence cluster areas and key popula-tions,and scientifically guiding prevention and control strategies and measures.We obtained data on SFTS cases from 2010 to 2023 in Nanjing from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System,and described the time,popu-lation,and spatial distribution characteristics.We used joinpoint regression to calculate the annual percentage change(APC)in incidence,then used FleXScan spatial clustering scan analysis to explore spatial clustering areas at the street level.A total of 507 SFTS cases were reported from 2010 to 2023 in Nanjing.The APC was 31.8％(95％CI:22.5％-41.9％,P＜0.001),and the reported incidence in 2023 was 1.42/100 000(134 cases).The seasonal indices from May to August were 2.7,2.1,3.0,and 1.3,respectively,accounting for 76.1％of the total cases.The median age was 66(IQR:55,73)years,which gradually increased from 59 years in 2010-2011 to 68 in 2022-2023(P＜0.001);94.1％of cases were in individuals 45 years or older.Farmers,homemakers/unemployed individuals,and retirees accounted for 90.1％.The epidemic area increased from 11 streets in four districts in 2010-2011 to 58 streets in 11 dis-tricts in 2022-2023.Except for 2012-2013,global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed positive Moran's I values(0.224-0.526,P＜0.001),and FlexScan scan indicated that several streets in Lishui District and Jiangning District were the most likely clusters.Four streets in Pukou District were the secondary clusters from 2018 to 2023,and three streets in Luhe District in 2022-2023 were the secondary clusters(all P＜0.05).The reported incidence of SFTS in Nanjing showed a rapid upward trend,with spread of epidemic areas.The spatial distribution pattern was clustered.Strengthened training in diagnosis and treatment technology and detection ability of medical institutions,surveillance in high-incidence areas,tracing of case flow,and health education of tick and disease prevention knowledge are recommended.

Objective:To analyze the genes related to platelet activation in essential thrombocythemia (ET)based on transcriptome sequencing technology (RNA-seq ),and to explore the potential targets related to ET thrombosis. Methods:Blood samples from ET patients and healthy individuals were collected for RNA-seq,and differentially expressed lncRNAs,miRNAs,and mRNAs were selected to construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Differential mRNAs in the regulatory network were enriched and analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO ) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG).The real-time PCR method was applied to validate differential mRNAs on crucial signaling pathways.Results:A total of 32 lncRNAs (3 up-regulated,29 down-regulated),16 miRNAs (8 up-regulated,8 down-regulated),and 35 mRNAs (27 up-regulated,8 down-regulated)were identified as differentially expressed.Among them,5 lncRNAs,12 miRNAs,and 19 mRNAs constituted the regulatory network.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differential mRNAs were related to the platelet activation signaling pathway,and there were 6 differential mRNAs related to platelet activation,namely F2R,ITGA2B,ITGB1,ITGB3,PTGS1,and GP1 BB,which were all up-regulated in their expression.RT-PCR results showed that the expression of five mRNAs including F2R,ITGA2B,ITGB1,ITGB3,and GP1BB were upregulated in ET patients compared with healthy subjects,and consistent with RNA-seq results,while PTGS1 expression was not significantly different.Conclusion:Differential mRNAs in ET patients are related to the platelet activation pathway,and F2R,ITGA2B,ITGB1,ITGB3,and GP1BB mRNAs may serve as novel targets associated with platelet activation in ET.

Objective:To compare the recanalization rate of 2-suture longitudinal intussusception vasoepididymostomy(LIVE)with that of4-suture end-to-side vasoepididymostomy(ESVE).Methods:This retrospective case-control study included 127 cases of obstructive azoospermia(OA)treated by LIVE(n=87)or ESVE(n=40)in our Center of Reproductive Medicine from October 2013 to July 2024.We analyzed the clinical data and compared the age,testis volume,level of serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),operation time and postoperative recanalization rate between the two groups.Results:Spermatozoa were observed in 90(70.9％)of the 127 cases after surgery.There were no statistical differences in age,testis volume and FSH between the two groups of patients(all P＞0.05),and nor were there any serious surgical complications.The operation time was significantly longer in the ESVE than in the LIVE group(22.0[20.0-25.8]vs 17.0[15.0-23.0]min,P＜0.05),while the postoperative recanalization rate remarkably higher in the former than in the latter group(85.0％vs 64.4％,P＜0.05).Vasoepididymostomy was performed at the caput epididymis in 11 cases,with a higher recanalization rate in the ESVE than in the LIVE group(50.0％[1/2]vs 33.3％[3/9]).Conclusion:ESVE achieved a higher postoperative recanalization rate than LIVE in the treatment of OA,but its advanta-ges need further investigation.

ObjectiveTo establish the fingerprint of seven commercially available Yangyin Qingfei preparations， to quantitatively analyze the index components， to evaluate their quality uniformity with multivariate statistical analysis， and to explore the quality differences among different dosage forms. MethodA total of 33 batches of commercially available 7 kinds of Yangyin Qingfei preparations were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）， the fingerprints were established and the common peaks were identified. Paeoniflorin， verbascoside， harpagoside， glycyrrhizic acid and paeonol were selected as the indicators of quality attributes to quantitatively analyze 33 batches of preparations. Based on the administration methods of Yangyin Qingfei preparations， the daily intake was calculated and the radar charts were poltted， and cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to explore the quality differences of 7 kinds of Yangyin Qingfei preparations and the quality uniformity among different batches of the same dosage form. ResultThe similarity of fingerprints of 7 dosage forms was 0.248-0.956， suggesting that there were significant differences among different dosage forms of Yangyin Qingfei preparations， and a total of 15 common peaks were calibrated， of which peak 7， peak 8， peak 11， peak 13 and peak 15 were paeoniflorin， verbascoside， harpagoside， glycyrrhizic acid and paeonol， respectively. The radar plots showed that the average total daily intake of large honeyed pills and water honeyed pills was the highest， and the uniformity of pill components was better. The quality of 33 batches of samples was divided into poor quality and high quality by cluster analysis. Principal component analysis showed that the uniformity and dosage form of different dosage forms were significantly different， the oral liquid had the best quality homogeneity with the minimum dispersion. And the content of paeonol in different dosage forms was significantly different， which was the key component of quality control of Yangyin Qingfei preparations. ConclusionYangyin Qingfei large honeyed pills and water honeyed pills show high content and good uniformity， which are relatively preferred dosage forms. Different preparation processes have a great influence on the content of paeonol， and its quality control should be emphasized during production. This study provides a scientific method for the comparison of product quality of different dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions， which is helpful for the development of preferred dosage forms of different prescriptions， and provides a reference for efficient use of medication in the clinical practice.

Yigongsan is derived from Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue written by QIAN Yi in the Northern Song dynasty， which is the No. 3 formula in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas（The Second Batch of Pediatrics） released by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM） in September 2022， and it can be developed as a class 3.1 new TCM drug. By referring to ancient medical books and modern literature， this study conducted herbal textual research on Yigongsan from five aspects， including historical evolution， origin and processing， dosage conversion， usage and preparation methods， and functional application， then formed the key information table of this formula， in order to provide reference for the development of reference samples and preparations of Yigongsan. Based on the results of the study， it is recommended that Panax ginseng should be removed the basal part of stem（rhizoma）， Poria cocos should be removed the peel， Citrus reticulata should be cut into shreds and Glycyrrhiza uralensis should be used. According to 4.13 g/Qian（钱）， 1 g/slice for ginger， 3 g for each jujube and 300 mL/Zhan（盏）， the doses of Ginseng Radix， Poria， Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， Jujubae Fructus were 1.652， 1.652， 1.652， 1.652， 1.652， 5， 6 g， and the total amount was 19.26 g. The decocting method was to crush the medicinal materials into fine powder with 50-80 mesh， add 300 mL of water and decoct to 210 mL for each dose， then remove the dregs and take it warmly. This formula was recorded in ancient books as the main treatment for the cold-deficiency of spleen and stomach， and Qi stagnation in children with vomiting and diarrhea and lack of appetite. It has been flexibly applied by later generations of physicians， and is often used to treat anorexia， inflammation of the digestive tract， diarrhea and other diseases in children.