OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism by which drug-containing serum of Dianxianqing granules （DXQ） inhibits microglial ferroptosis. METHODS Male SD rats were given normal saline and Dianxianqing granules solution via intragastric administration to prepare normal serum and DXQ， respectively. Mice microglia BV2 cells were collected and successfully transfected with a negative control small interfering RNA （si-NC）， and then they were included in the si-NC group and cultured under normal conditions. Cells successfully transfected with small interfering RNA targeting glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） （si-GPX4） were divided into the si-GPX4 group， the CsA group （treated with 1 μmol/L cyclosporine A）， and the DXQ- L， DXQ-M and DXQ-H groups （treated with 5%， 7% and 10% DXQ， respectively）. These groups were subsequently treated with their corresponding drug solutions and ferroptosis inducer Erastin （10 μmol/L）. The intracellular levels of total iron ions， glutathione （GSH）， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and the expression of mitochondrial superoxide were determined in each group after 48 h of treatment. Additionally， mitochondrial membrane potential， the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore （MPTP）， and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and cyclophilin D （CypD） were detected. Furthermore， the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins[GPX4， transferrin receptor 1 （TfR1） and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）]， as well as MPTP-related proteins [adenine nucleotide translocator （ANT）， cytochrome C （CytC）， mitochondrial calcium uniporter （MCU） and CypD] were assessed. RESULTS Compared with si-NC group， the levels of total iron ions and ROS， the expression level of mitochondrial superoxide， the opening degree of MPTP， protein and its mRNA expressions of CypD as well as protein expressions of TfR1 and MCU were increased or up-regulated significantly （P＜0.01）； however， GSH content， mitochondrial membrane potential， protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4， and protein expressions of FTH1， ANT and CytC were decreased or down-regulated significantly （P＜0.01）. Compared with the si-GPX4 group， the cells in the DXQ-M， DXQ-H groups showed a general improvement in the above quantitative indicators （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS DXQ can enhance antioxidant capacity by activating the GSH/GPX4 pathway， regulate the expressions of TfR1 and FTH1 protein to correct iron ion homeostasis， inhibit excessive opening of MPTP to improve mitochondrial function， and ultimately suppress microglial ferroptosis.

AIM: To analyze the factors influencing total corneal surgically induced astigmatism(SIA)following implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation.METHODS:This prospective study enrolled 162 patients(162 eyes)who underwent ICL implantation at our hospital between July 2023 and January 2024. Based on preoperative assessment of anticipated postoperative residual astigmatism, different incisions were selected. Superior incision was selected for patients with expected residual astigmatism with the rule in 75 eyes, and temporal incision was selected for patients with expected residual astigmatism againist the rule in 87 eyes. Parameters including total corneal refractive power, incision length, internal ostium-to-visual axis distance, central corneal thickness, preoperative total corneal astigmatism, and corneal diameter were measured using the Pentacam anterior segment analyzer before and at 3 mo after surgery. Postoperative total corneal SIA was calculated based on the changes in total corneal refractive power. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the influence of the above parameters on postoperative total corneal SIA.RESULTS:A total of 162 cases(162 eyes)that implanted with ICL were included in the analysis, and 8 cases were lost to follow-up, with a loss rate of 4.9%. Eventually 154 cases(154 eyes)completed the research. The superior incision group comprised 72 cases(72 eyes), including 17 males and 55 females, with a mean age of 25.96±6.17 years, while the temporal incision group comprised 82 cases(82 eyes), including 20 males and 62 females, with a mean age of 27.79±6.47 years. No significant difference in postoperative total corneal SIA was observed between the two groups [0.31(0.21, 0.49)D vs. 0.27(0.13, 0.485)D, P=0.159]. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that internal ostium-to-visual axis distance and preoperative total corneal astigmatism significantly influenced postoperative total corneal SIA in the superior incision group(P=0.001). The regression equation was: postoperative total corneal SIA=0.71-0.381×internal ostium-to-visual axis distance+0.16×preoperative total corneal astigmatism. No significant influencing factors for postoperative total corneal SIA were identified in the temporal incision group.CONCLUSION: During ICL implantation, the magnitude of total corneal SIA is comparable between superior and temporal incisions. For patients receiving a superior incision, the internal ostium-to-visual axis distance and preoperative total corneal astigmatism value can be used to quantitatively predict postoperative total corneal SIA to a certain extent, thereby aiding in the optimization of postoperative visual quality.

Inflammatory diseases (IDs) are a general term of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenetic mechanism, which seriously affect the quality of patient′s life and cause significant social and medical burden. Current drugs for IDs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and antioxidants, but these drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects, induce or worsen infections, and cause non-response or intolerance. Given the outstanding performance of metal polyphenol network (MPN) in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and catalytic therapy, its application in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs has attracted much attention and significant progress has been made. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the types of IDs and their generating mechanisms, then sort out and summarize the different forms of MPN in recent years, and finally discuss in detail the characteristics of MPN and their latest research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs. This research may provide useful references for scientific research and clinical practice in the related fields.

OBJECTIVE To establish drug utilization evaluation （DUE） criteria for pyrotinib to promote its appropriate application in clinical practice. METHODS Based on the label of Pyrotinib maleate tablets， with relevant guiding principles and diagnostic and treatment guidelines as the evaluation basis， DUE criteria for pyrotinib were determined through the Delphi method. Attribute hierarchical model （AHM） and entropy weight method （EWM） were used to combine and assign weights to each indicator within the DUE criteria. Additionally， the weighted technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution （TOPSIS） method was applied to perform rationality evaluation of medication in archived medical records from Hainan Provincial Tumor Hospital and Hainan Western Central Hospital regarding the use of pyrotinib from November 2019 to November 2023. RESULTS The established DUE criteria for pyrotinib included 4 primary indicators （prescription authority， indications for use， medication process， and medication outcomes） and 11 secondary indicators. The secondary indicators with higher weights were the route of administration and dosage （0.257） and indications in the label （0.241）. Among the 88 archived cases included， there were 28 cases of inappropriate medication （31.82%）， 43 cases of generally appropriate medication （48.86%）， and 17 cases of appropriate medication （19.32%）. The main issues related to inappropriate medication involved off-label use （42.05%） and inappropriate routes of administration and dosage （43.18%）. CONCLUSIONS DUE criteria for pyrotinib established using the AHM-EWM-weighted TOPSIS method is highly operational and results in quantifiable evaluation outcomes. The overall rationality of the use of pyrotinib in the above hospitals remains to be improved， and there are some issues， like the off-label use，and inappropriate routes of administration and dosage being liaoyylyy@163.com unreasonable.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of finerenone combined with standard of care （SoC） in the treatment of heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction （HFmrEF） or preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）. METHODS Based on a phase Ⅲ clinical trial， a Markov model was constructed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system to compare the treatment outcomes of finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone in the treatment of different cardiac functional statuses of HFmrEF/HFpEF. Using quality-adjusted life year （QALY） as the health output index， 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2023 as the willingness-to-pay （WTP） threshold， a simulation was conducted with a 3-month cycle length and a 10- year time horizon， incorporating an annual discount rate of 5%. The dynamic changes across various stages of HFmrEF/HFpEF treated with finerenone combined with SoC versus SoC alone were simulated to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and costs of the two treatment strategies. Additionally， one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed， to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） of the finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone was 179 504.75 yuan/QALY， which was below the WTP threshold set in this study， indicating that the finerenone combined with SoC regimen possessed certain economic advantages. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility value of NYHA Ⅱ status， the drug price of finerenone， the discount rate， and the probability of hospital transfer for both groups had a great influence on ICER， but did not affect the robustness of the model. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis also confirmed the robustness of the model. CONCLUSIONS Under the WTP threshold set in this study， finerenone combined with SoC is cost-effective in the treatment of HFmrEF/HFpEF， compared with the SoC regimen.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of guideline-directed medical therapy （GDMT） combined with vericiguat in treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction （HFrEF）. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 346 patients with HFrEF who received standardized diagnosis and treatment at the First People’s Hospital of Changzhou from January 2023 to May 2024. They were divided into standard treatment group （n＝215） and vericiguat group （n＝131）. Patients in the standard treatment group received GDMT， while patients in the vericiguat group received GDMT combined with vericiguat. Propensity score matching （PSM） was used to balance confounding factors between two groups， and the effectiveness （including outcome and prognostic indicators） and safety （occurrence of adverse events） of both groups were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for primary and secondary outcome events were drawn， and the influential factors of primary outcome events were screened through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS After PSM， there were 100 patients in the standard treatment group and 100 patients in the vericiguat group， and there was no statistically significant differences in baseline data between two groups （P＞0.05）. During a 1-year follow-up， there were statistically significant differences in the cumulative incidence of major outcome events between the standard treatment group and the vericiguat group， cumulative incidence of hospitalization events due to heart failure， changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels before and after treatment between the standard treatment group and the vericiguat group （P＜0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups （P＞0.05）. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% was a risk factor for the occurrence of major outcome events within 1 year [hazard ratio （HR）＝ 2.090， 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.175-3.718， P＝0.012]， while the use of vericiguat was a protective factor for the occurrence of major outcome events within 1 year （HR＝0.505， 95%CI： 0.284-0.899， P＝0.020）. CONCLUSIONS Compared with GDMT， GDMT combined with vericiguat can improve the clinical symptoms and prognosis of HFrEF patients， and has good safety.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the research on NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The NLRP3 inflammasome is integral to the innate immune response, and its abnormal activation can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine, consequently facilitating the progression of various pathological conditions. Therefore, investigating the pharmacological inhibition pathway of the NLRP3 inflammasome represents a promising strategy for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has not approved drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for clinical use due to concerns regarding liver toxicity and gastrointestinal side effects associated with chemical small molecule inhibitors in clinical trials. Natural small molecule compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids are ubiquitously found in animals, plants, and other natural substances exhibiting pharmacological activities. Their abundant sources, intricate and diverse structures, high biocompatibility, minimal adverse reactions, and superior biochemical potency in comparison to synthetic compounds have attracted the attention of extensive scholars. Currently, certain natural small molecule compounds have been demonstrated to impede the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via various action mechanisms, so they are viewed as the innovative, feasible, and minimally toxic therapeutic agents for inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Hence, this study systematically examined the effects and potential mechanisms of natural small molecule compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes at their initiation, assembly, and activation stages. The objection is to furnish theoretical support and practical guidance for the effective clinical application of these natural small molecule inhibitors.
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Biological Products/therapeutic use* ; Drug Discovery ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*

This study explores the therapeutic differences and mechanisms of salt-processed Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in improving insulin resistance(IR) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular experiments. The components and intersection targets of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in improving IR were collected from databases, and a "drug-component-target-disease" network and protein-protein interaction(PPI) network were constructed to screen core components and targets. A total of 29 active components and 240 intersection targets were identified, of which 13 were core targets. Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were used to identify key signaling pathways, and molecular docking was performed to validate the binding activity between core components and targets. An IR model in HepG2 cells was induced using insulin combined with high glucose, and the effects of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex before and after salt-processing on cell glucose consumption were evaluated. The expression of proteins related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT) signaling pathways was detected by Western blot. The cellular experimental results showed that, compared with the model group, glucose consumption in the drug-treated groups was significantly increased(P<0.01), the phosphorylation level of extracellular regulated protein kinase(ERK) was decreased(P<0.05), the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT were increased, and the expression of glucose transporter 4(GLUT4) was also upregulated(P<0.05). Furthermore, the effect of salt-processed Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex was better than that of raw Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex. The study demonstrates that Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex, both before and after salt-processing, improves IR by regulating the expression of related proteins in the MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, with enhanced effects after salt-processing.
Humans ; Network Pharmacology ; Phellodendron/chemistry* ; Insulin Resistance ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Glucose/metabolism*

This article aims to explore the effect and mechanism of Liujunzi Pills on the intestinal microbiota of rats with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome. The raw Rhei Radix et Rhizoma water extract(1 g·mL~(-1)) was used to prepare spleen Qi deficiency rat models. A total of 44 SD male rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, Liujunzi Pills groups at high(3.24 g·kg~(-1)), medium(1.62 g·kg~(-1)), low(0.81 g·kg~(-1)) doses, and Shenling Baizhu San(2.50 g·kg~(-1)) group. The drug effect was evaluated by observing the following aspects: spleen index, fecal water content, body weight, and intestinal propulsion index. Gut microbiota analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were conducted on feces. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and UV spectrophotometry were used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) levels in small intestine tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were employed to observe changes in intestinal pathology and microstructure. The results show that, compared with the control group, fecal moisture content is significantly increased while spleen index, body weight, and intestinal propulsion index are significantly reduced in rats of the model group, indicating the successful establishment of the model. The above symptoms can be improved by both Shenling Baizhu San and Liujunzi Pills. Compared with the control group, in the model group, the gut microbiota abundance is changed with an unbalanced development: the abundance of beneficial bacteria within the Bacteroidetes phylum is reduced, accompanied by a significantly decreased Shannon index, and reduced signal levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-related enzymes relevant to mitochondria. However, Liujunzi Pills and Shenling Baizhu San can significantly improve the Bacteroidetes phylum abundance in gut microbiota, microbial diversity, and NADPH activity in the model group. Additionally, compared with the control group, the ATP level is decreased and the IL-1β level is increased in small intestinal tissues of the model group, with shorter small intestinal epithelial villi and decreased mitochondrial number. The above symptoms can be improved by Liujunzi Pills and Shenling Baizhu San. In conclusion, Liujunzi Pills can treat spleen Qi deficiency syndrome by enhancing mitochondrial function to regulate gut microbiota balance and diversity.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Qi ; Spleen/metabolism* ; Splenic Diseases/metabolism* ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Bacteria/drug effects* ; Feces/microbiology* ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of 3D printing spinal external fixator combined with McKenzie therapy for patients with lumbar dics herniation (LDH). METHODS: Sixty patients with LDH between January 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled. Among them, 30 patients were given McKinsey training. According to different treatment methods, all patients were divided into McKenzie group and McKenzie + 3D printing group, 30 patients in each group. The McKenzie group provided McKenzie therapy. The McKenzie + 3D printing group were treated with 3D printing spinal external fixation brace on the basis of McKenzie therapy. Patients in both groups were between 25 and 60 years of age and had their first illness. In the McKenzie group, there were 19 males and 11 females, with an average age of (48.57±5.86) years old, and the disease duration was (7.03 ±2.39) months. The McKenzie + 3D printing group, there were 21 males and 9 females, with an average age of (48.80±5.92) years old, and the disease duration was(7.30±2.56) months. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and lumbar spine function was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. VAS, ODI and JOA scores were compared between two groups before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 months. The VAS for the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(6.533±0.860), (5.133±1.008), (3.933±0.868), (2.900±0.759), (2.067±0.640), (1.433±0.504), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were (6.467±0.860), (5.067±1.048), (4.600±0.968), (3.533±1.008), (2.567±0.728), (1.967±0.809), respectively. The ODI of the McKenzie group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were (41.033±6.810)%, (37.933±6.209)%, (35.467±6.962)%, (27.567±10.081)%, (20.800±7.531)%, (13.533±5.158)%, respectively. For the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group, the corresponding ODI were(38.033±5.605)%, (33.000±6.192)%, (28.767±7.045)%, (22.200±5.517)%, (17.700±4.836)%, (11.900±2.771)%, respectively. The JOA scores of the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment were(8.900±2.074), (13.133±2.330), (15.700±3.583), (20.400±3.480), (22.267±3.084), (24.833±2.640), respectively. In the McKenzie group, the corresponding scores were(9.200±2.091), (12.267±2.406), (15.333±3.198), (18.467±2.240), (20.133±2.751), (22.467±2.849), respectively. Before the initiation of treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores between two groups (P>0.05). At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the VAS in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly lower than that in the McKenzie group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The comparison of ODI between two groups at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment revealed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). At 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment, the JOA score in the McKenzie combined with 3D printing group was significantly higher than that in the McKenzie-only group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of 3D printed functional spinal external fixation brace with McKenzie therapy can significantly improve and maintain lumbar function in patients with LDH.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/surgery* ; External Fixators ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Adult ; Braces ; Treatment Outcome