ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of thymosin β4 （Tβ4） on carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）-induced hepatic fibrosis by regulating the expression of platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） and inducing the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cell （HSC）， and to provide new experimental evidence for anti-hepatic fibrosis treatment in clinical practice. MethodsA total of 30 male C57 mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， low-dose Tβ4 treatment group （3 mg/kg）， middle-dose Tβ4 treatment group （6 mg/kg）， and high-dose Tβ4 treatment group （12 mg/kg）， with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the normal control group were fed with a normal diet ad libitum， and those in the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of 50% CCl₄ mixed with olive oil to establish a model of hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling confirmed by ultrasound and histopathology， the mice in each treatment group were given subcutaneous injection of Tβ4 for 4 consecutive weeks. Liver tissue was collected at the end of the experiment， and HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe histopathological changes； quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression level of PDGF； TUNEL assay was used to assess the apoptosis of HSC. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group， the middle- and high-dose Tβ4 treatment groups had varying degrees of alleviation of hepatic fibrosis. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that Tβ4 could significantly downregulate the mRNA expression level of PDGF in liver tissue， with a significant difference between the treatment groups （P>0.05）， and there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of PDGF between the high-dose Tβ4 treatment group and the normal control group （P>0.05）. TUNEL assay showed that the middle- and high-dose Tβ4 treatment groups had a significantly higher number of apoptotic HSCs than the model group. ConclusionTβ4 may improve CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice by downregulating the expression of PDGF and promoting the apoptosis of HSC， suggesting that it has a potential application value in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Metabolic reprogramming， as one of the core hallmarks of malignant tumors， plays a key role in the occurrence， development and treatment of breast cancer （BC）. Abnormal changes in glucose metabolism， amino acid metabolism， lipid metabolism， as well as the tricarboxylic acid （TCA） cycle and oxidative phosphorylation （OXPHOS） pathways significantly influence the pathogenesis and progression of BC. Studies have shown that various active components of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） （such as berberine， matrine， quercetin， curcumin， etc.） and their compound formulations （e.g. Xihuang pill， Danzhi xiaoyao powder， Yanghe decoction， etc.） can inhibit the proliferation and migration of BC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating key metabolic pathways such as glycolysis， lipid synthesis， and amino acid metabolism. TCM demonstrates multi-target and holistic regulatory advantages in intervening in BC metabolic reprogramming， showing significant potential in modulating key molecules like hypoxia inducible factor-1α， hexokinase-2， pyruvate kinase M2， lactate dehydrogenase A， glucose transporter-1， fatty acid synthase， and signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR. However， current researches still focus predominantly on glucose metabolism， with insufficient mechanistic studies on lipid metabolism， amino acid metabolism， the TCA cycle， and OXPHOS. The precise targets， molecular mechanisms， and clinical translation value of these interventions require further validation and clarification through more high-quality experimental studies and clinical trials.

Ovarian cancer （OC） is a common gynecological malignant tumor in clinical practice. In the early stage，it is often asymptomatic，while in the late stage，it mainly presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal distension，poor appetite，and dull abdominal pain. Some patients may also have cachexia such as weight loss and anemia. Early diagnosis is difficult，and the mortality rate ranks first among gynecological malignant tumors，making OC a major challenge in clinical treatment. The classic Chinese medicine formula Guizhi Fulingwan comes from the Jingui Yaolue and has the effects of promoting blood circulation，removing blood stasis，and reducing abdominal lumps. In recent years，it has been widely used to treat OC with good results. This article summarized the clinical application of Guizhi Fulingwan in the treatment of OC from two aspects：The analysis of its basic prescriptions and clinical research. In terms of basic prescriptions，the formula has the ability to promote blood circulation，remove blood stasis，and reduce abdominal lumps. It can exert therapeutic effects considering both water and blood aspects and reduce abdominal lumps， with characteristics of simultaneous Yang warming and heat clearing and parallel supplementation and elimination. Through the methods of "circulation" and "supplementation"， it strengthens the body，dispels evil，and eliminates underlying symptoms. In clinical studies，Guizhi Fulingwan can be applied to various stages of patients with OC，which not only promotes the recovery of the body after OC surgery but also can be combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to synergistically treat advanced OC and enhance treatment efficacy. In addition，the formula can also alleviate various adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy，with high safety，improve patients' quality of life，prolong survival，and optimize tumor control effects. Based on the above analysis，this article elaborated on the current clinical research status of Guizhi Fulingwan combined with Western medicine in the treatment of OC and proposed suggestions and improvements to address the shortcomings in current clinical research，so as to provide reference for the clinical application of this formula in the treatment of OC and the construction of a combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment model.

Ovarian cancer （OC） is a common gynecological malignant tumor in clinical practice. In the early stage，it is often asymptomatic，while in the late stage，it mainly presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal distension，poor appetite，and dull abdominal pain. Some patients may also have cachexia such as weight loss and anemia. Early diagnosis is difficult，and the mortality rate ranks first among gynecological malignant tumors，making OC a major challenge in clinical treatment. The classic Chinese medicine formula Guizhi Fulingwan comes from the Jingui Yaolue and has the effects of promoting blood circulation，removing blood stasis，and reducing abdominal lumps. In recent years，it has been widely used to treat OC with good results. This article summarized the clinical application of Guizhi Fulingwan in the treatment of OC from two aspects：The analysis of its basic prescriptions and clinical research. In terms of basic prescriptions，the formula has the ability to promote blood circulation，remove blood stasis，and reduce abdominal lumps. It can exert therapeutic effects considering both water and blood aspects and reduce abdominal lumps， with characteristics of simultaneous Yang warming and heat clearing and parallel supplementation and elimination. Through the methods of "circulation" and "supplementation"， it strengthens the body，dispels evil，and eliminates underlying symptoms. In clinical studies，Guizhi Fulingwan can be applied to various stages of patients with OC，which not only promotes the recovery of the body after OC surgery but also can be combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to synergistically treat advanced OC and enhance treatment efficacy. In addition，the formula can also alleviate various adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy，with high safety，improve patients' quality of life，prolong survival，and optimize tumor control effects. Based on the above analysis，this article elaborated on the current clinical research status of Guizhi Fulingwan combined with Western medicine in the treatment of OC and proposed suggestions and improvements to address the shortcomings in current clinical research，so as to provide reference for the clinical application of this formula in the treatment of OC and the construction of a combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment model.

To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of fall risk among Chinese older adults, and to examine the roles of urban-rural differences, regional disparities, physical health status, and psychosocial factors in falls among this population, thereby providing evidence for tailored fall prevention strategies.

Based on the data from the 5^th National Physical Fitness Surveillance in China, this study aimed to explore the relationship between abnormal body weight and physical fitness levels in older adults.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), a treasure of the Chinese nation, contains abundant chemical components and demonstrates unique pharmacological activities, showing important values in clinical applications. With profound connotations and broad application prospects, TCM urgently needs us to further explore and conduct systematic research. Puerarin is a small-molecule natural isoflavonoid carbon glycoside extracted from plants of Pueraria. It is also the main active ingredient of Puerariae Lobata Radix, a Chinese herbal medicine with both medicinal and edible values. Puerarin has a variety of pharmacological effects such as blood pressure-lowering, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury, antithrombotic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, nerve cell-protecting, and intestinal microbiota-regulating effects. It is also an active ingredient that has been widely studied. This article comprehensively reviews the research progress in the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of puerarin over the years, aiming to provide references and theoretical support for the in-depth research and development as well as clinical application of puerarin.
Isoflavones/chemistry* ; Humans ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Pueraria/chemistry*

This study aimed to investigate the effects of caffeoylquinic acids from Erigeron breviscapus(EBCQA) on cognitive impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease(AD), and to explore its underlying mechanisms. The impacts of EBCQA on paralysis, β-amyloid(Aβ) oligomerization, and mRNA expression of mitophagy-related genes [PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1) homolog-encoding gene pink-1, Parkin homolog-encoding gene pdr-1, Bcl-2 interacting coiled-coil protein 1(Beclin 1) homolog-encoding gene bec-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) homolog-encoding gene lgg-1, autophagic adapter protein 62(p62) homolog-encoding gene sqst-1] were examined in the AD Caenorhabditis elegans CL4176 model, along with mitochondrial functions including adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content, enzyme activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ,Ⅲ, and Ⅳ, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, the effects of EBCQA on the green fluorescent protein(GFP)/red fluorescent protein from Discosoma sp.(DsRed) ratio, the expression of phosphatidylethanolamine-modified and GFP-labeled LGG-1(PE-GFP::LGG-1)/GFP-labeled LGG-1(GFP::LGG-1), and GFP-labeled SQST-1(GFP::SQST-1) proteins were investigated in transgenic C. elegans strains. The effect of EBCQA on paralysis was further evaluated after RNA interference(RNAi)-mediated suppression of the pink-1 and pdr-1 genes in CL4176 strain. An AD rat model was established through intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose and intragastric administration of aluminum trichloride. The effects of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide(NMN) and EBCQA on learning and memory ability, neuronal morphology, mitophagy occurrence, mitophagy-related protein expression(PINK1, Parkin, Beclin 1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, p62), and mitochondrial functions(ATP content; enzyme activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ; mitochondrial membrane potential) were investigated in this AD rat model. The results showed that EBCQA delayed paralysis onset in the CL4176 strain, reduced Aβ oligomer formation, and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of lgg-1, bec-1, pink-1, and pdr-1, while downregulating sqst-1 mRNA expression. EBCQA also enhanced ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ. Furthermore, EBCQA improved the PE-GFP::LGG-1/GFP::LGG-1 ratio, reduced GFP::SQST-1 expression, and decreased the GFP/DsRed ratio. Notably, the ability of EBCQA to delay paralysis was significantly reduced following RNAi-mediated suppression of pink-1 and pdr-1 in CL4176 strain. In AD rats, the administration of NMN or EBCQA significantly improved learning and memory, restored neuronal morphology in the hippocampus, increased autophagosome numbers, and upregulated the expression of PINK1, Parkin, Beclin 1, and the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio, while reducing p62 expression. Additionally, the treatment with NMN or EBCQA both elevated ATP content, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ activities, and mitochondrial membrane potential in the hippocampus. The above findings indicate that EBCQA improves cognitive impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, possibly through activation of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.
Animals ; Alzheimer Disease/psychology* ; Mitophagy/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/genetics* ; Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolism* ; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Rats ; Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Humans ; Male ; Disease Models, Animal ; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*

This study aims to explore the intervention effects of isorhamnetin(Isor) on acute lung injury(ALI) and its regulatory effects on pyroptosis mediated by the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC)/cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1(caspase-1) axis. In the in vivo experiments, 60 BALB/c mice were divided into five groups. Except for the control group, the other groups were administered Isor by gavage 1 hour before intratracheal instillation of LPS to induce ALI, and tissues were collected after 12 hours. In the in vitro experiments, RAW264.7 cells were divided into five groups. Except for the control group, the other groups were pretreated with Isor for 2 hours before LPS stimulation and subsequent assessments. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue, while lung swelling, protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF), and myeloperoxidase(MPO) levels in lung tissue were measured. Cell proliferation toxicity and viability were assessed using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved caspase-1, and the N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D(GSDMD-N) were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. The results showed that in the in vivo experiments, Isor significantly improved pathological damage in lung tissue, reduced lung swelling, protein levels in BALF, MPO levels in lung tissue, and levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, and inhibited the high expression of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis and the pyroptosis core gene GSDMD-N. In the in vitro experiments, the safe dose of Isor was determined through cell proliferation toxicity assays. Isor reduced cell death and inhibited the expression levels of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis, GSDMD-N, and inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, Isor may alleviate ALI by modulating pyroptosis mediated by the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis.
Animals ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Quercetin/pharmacology* ; Caspase 1/genetics* ; CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins/genetics* ; Male ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Humans ; Lung/metabolism*

Microbial detection and control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are crucial for the quality control of TCM preparations. It is also a key area of research in the measurement technology and equipment development for TCM manufacturing. Guided by TCM manufacturing measurement methodologies, this study presented a design of a novel portable microbial detection device, using Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces as a demonstration. Immunomagnetic separation technology was employed for specific isolation and labeling of target microorganisms. Enzymatic signal amplification was utilized to convert weak biological signals into colorimetric signals, constructing an optical biosensor. A self-developed smartphone APP was further applied to analyze the colorimetric signals and quantify target concentrations. A portable and automated detection system based on Arduino microcontroller was developed to automatically perform target microbial separation/extraction, as well as mimetic enzyme labeling and catalytic reactions. The developed equipment specifically focuses on the rapid and quantitative microbial analysis of TCM active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates in TCM manufacturing, and final TCM products. Experimental results demonstrate that the equipment could detect Salmonella in samples within 2 h, with a detection limit as low as 5.1 × 10~3 CFU·mL~(-1). The equipment enables the rapid detection of microorganisms in TCM decoction pieces, providing a potential technical solution for on-site rapid screening of microbial contamination indicators in TCM. It has broad application prospects in measurement technology for TCM manufacturing and offers strong technical support for the modernization, industrialization, and intelligent development of TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Atractylodes/microbiology* ; Rhizome/microbiology* ; Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Colorimetry/instrumentation* ; Quality Control