Tetrodotoxin（TTX）is a potent neurotoxin known for its specific sodium channel blocking effects, widely used in biomedical research. While TTX has been identified in various marine organisms, its true origin remains unclear, and the specific biosynthetic pathways are yet to be elucidated. The reported sources of TTX and the progress in research on TTX biosynthesis were summarized, with a focus on potential microbial sources of TTX, which could provide scientific reference for the production and biosynthesis studies of TTX.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Yiqi wenyang huwei decoction （YQWY） in improving airway inflammation and remodeling in rats with bronchial asthma （BA） based on the Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 （MyD88）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group， the model group， the dexamethasone group （positive control， 0.5 mg/kg）， and YQWY low-， medium- and high-dose groups （5， 10， 20 g/kg， calculated by the crude drug）， with 8 rats in each group. Except for the normal group， rats in all other groups were sensitized twice with ovalbumin combined with aerosol challenge to establish a BA model. From day 14 to day 34 of the experiment， the rats in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically， once a day， 1 hour before aerosol challenge. At 24 hours after the final aerosol challenge， asthma symptom scores were assessed， serum levels of immunoglobulin E （IgE） were measured， and the levels of inflammatory cytokines （interleukin-4， interleukin-5， interleukin-13 and tumor necrosis factor-α） and the numbers of inflammatory cells （white blood cell， eosinophil， neutrophil， lymphocyte， monocyte and basophil） in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed. The mRNA expressions of TLR4， MyD88 and NF-κB， as well as the protein expressions of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in lung tissue， were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the pathological changes， such as inflammatory cell infiltration， abnormal deposition of collagen fibers， and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung tissue of rats in each drug group， were alleviated to varying degrees. The asthma symptom scores （except for the YQWY low-dose group）， the levels of IgE and inflammatory cytokines （except for interleukin-5 in the YQWY medium-dose group）， the number of inflammatory cells （except for monocyte and basophil in the YQWY low-dose group）， the mRNA expression of TLR4， MyD88 and NF-κB， as well as the protein expressions of TLR4， MyD88， NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 （except for MyD88 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the YQWY low-dose group as detected by Western blo t） were all significantly reduced or down-regulated （ P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS YQWY can alleviate asthma-like manifestations in BA rats and improve their airway inflammation and remodeling； these effects may be related to the formula’s inhibition of the abnormal activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications （DMC）， refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles， and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine， hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine， was held in Beijing， 2024. Experts in TCM， Western medicine， and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis， diagnostic and treatment challenges， and mechanism research related to DMC， ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development， research prioritization， and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM， strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.

Esophageal cancer （EC） is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， as one of the key oncogenic pathways， can promote the cell cycle progression， proliferation， migration， and invasion， induce chemoresistance， and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression， can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum， spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat， extract of Celastrus orbiculatus， root extract of Taraxacum， and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids， terpenoids， saponins， phenols， polysaccharides， alkaloids， and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San， Huqi San， Xuanfu Daizhetang， Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions， Liujunzi Tang， and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition， TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions， aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of the Yishen paidu formula on renal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure （CRF） through the reactive oxygen species （ROS）/thioredoxin-interacting protein （TXNIP）/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 （NLRP3） pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into control group， model group， Yishen paidu formula low-dose （Yishen paidu formula-L） group， Yishen paidu formula high-dose （Yishen paidu formula- H） group， Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group， and Yishen paidu formula-H+ pcDNA-TXNIP group， with 10 rats in each group. Except for control group， all other rats were fed a diet containing 0.5% adenine to establish a CRF model； the rats were then administered corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically or via tail vein， once daily， for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last administration， the levels of serum creatinine （Scr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， ROS， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin （IL）-6， and IL-1β were measured in each group. Pathological changes in renal tissue were observed， and the protein expression levels of Collagen Ⅲ， α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）， TXNIP and NLRP3 in renal tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with model group， the renal histopathological damage and fibrosis of rats in Yishen paidu formula-L group and Yishen paidu formula-H group were significantly alleviated. The levels of Scr， BUN， ROS， MDA， TNF- α， IL-6 and IL-1β， and the protein expressions of Collagen Ⅲ， α-SMA， TGF-β1， TXNIP and NLRP3 were significantly decreased， while SOD levels were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Moreover， the changes were more pronounced in the Yishen paidu formula-H group （P＜0.05）. Compared with Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group， above indexes of rats in Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-TXNIP group were reversed significantly （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Yishen paidu formula can inhibit renal fibrosis in CRF rats by suppressing the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.

Hepatitis B virus （HBV） exclusively infects liver parenchymal cells and forms covalently closed circular DNA （cccDNA） within their nuclei. HBV cccDNA serves as the essential template for viral gene transcription， the sole source of progeny virus production， and the key driver of viral antigen expression， and it is the molecular basis for the persistence of HBV infection. Therefore， elimination and/or functional silencing of cccDNA is the key to eradicate chronic HBV infection. This article discusses the critical scientific issues that need to be solved during elimination of the harm of HBV infection from the perspectives of the synthesis， transcription， and clearance of cccDNA， as well as the impact of nonparenchymal cells on cccDNA， in order to provide a reference for eradicating HBV infection in the future.

Introduction: The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating modern diabetes technologies, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall factors toward promoting safe fasting. Methodology: This prospective multicentre observational study recruited adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and 19th March 2026. Results: A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low (15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories. Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3% having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43% exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%). Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems. Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%), 81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM. Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30). Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education. Conclusion Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases. Although most participants were on insulin therapy, hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period. Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin therapies, and structured education may support safer fasting practices.
Risk Assessment ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Hospitals ; Fasting

AIM To investigate the effects of volatile oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott(A.tatarinowii)on neuroinflammation in a rat model of tic disorders.METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group(8 rats)and the model group(40 rats).The rat models of tic disorders established successfully by intraperitoneal injection of iminodiapropionitrile(IDPN)were further divided into the model group,the tiapride group and the high-dose,moderate-dose and low-dose A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups,with 8 rats in each group.The 4-week intragastric treatment of respective drug was initiated the next day after the completion of modeling,and normal saline was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,during which the rats' behavioral changes were assessed by stereotyped behavior and motor behavior score every week.After the administration,the rats had their morphological changes of striatal neurons observed by Nissl staining;their levels of TGF-β,IL-10,TNF-αand IL-1β in serum and striatum detected by ELISA;their striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry;and their striatal expressions of M1,M2 microglia marker proteins CD86,CD206,SYN and PSD-95 detected by immunofluorescence co-staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the A.tatarinowii volatile oil groups demonstrated improved twitch-like behavior;decreased scores of motor behavior and rigid behavior(P＜0.01);alleviated damage of Nissl bodies in neurons;increased serum and striatum levels of TGF-β and IL-10(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.01);decreased striatal protein expressions of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1(P＜0.01);increased protein expressions of PSD95 and SYN(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased CD86/Iba1(P＜0.01)and increased CD206/Iba1(P＜0.01)in terms of the fluorescence intensity.CONCLUSION A.tatarinowii volatile oil contributes an anti-tic effect and improves the neuroinflammation in the brain of the rat model of tic disorders by promoting the transformation of microglia into M2 type via CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signal axis.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of moxibustion on joints and its influence on the expression levels of S100 calcium binding protein A8(S100A8),S100 calcium binding protein A9(S100A9),serum amyloid A1(SAA1),and related inflammatory factors in rats with adjuvant arthritis(AA).Methods:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a medication group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,AA models were established in the other three groups by exposing rats to wind-cold-dampness environmental conditions combined with complete Freund's adjuvant.After successful modeling,the moxibustion group received moxibustion intervention,while the medication group was administered tripterygium glycosides tablets via oral gavage.The normal and model groups underwent similar handling and fixation without additional interventions.After 15 d of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes in the knee joint synovial membrane.Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-23.Results:Compared to the normal group,the model group exhibited significantly increased protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue,as well as elevated serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Histopathological analysis revealed marked synovial hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group.Compared to the model group,both the moxibustion and medication groups showed significant reductions in the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the synovial tissue,as well as decreased serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P<0.01).Additionally,synovial tissue in these two groups displayed minimal hyperplasia and only mild inflammatory cell infiltration.Notably,compared to the moxibustion group,the medication group exhibited significantly higher protein expression of S100A9 in the synovial tissue(P<0.05),while no significant differences were observed in the expression of S100A8,SAA1,or serum levels of IFN-γ,IL-6,and IL-23(P>0.05).Both intervention groups showed comparable degrees of synovial inflammation,clear tissue structure,and no obvious hyperplasia.Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate joint swelling and reduce inflammatory responses in AA rats.Its mechanism may involve regulating the protein expression of S100A8,S100A9,and SAA1 in the knee joint synovial tissue.

BACKGROUND:Nerve growth factor plays an important role in the physiological and pathological processes of bone tissue.Systematic analysis of the effects of nerve growth factor on bone tissue is of great significance in both tissue engineering and clinical treatment.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulation of bone formation process by nerve growth factor through pathways such as bone tissue cells and bone nerve-vessel coupling,as well as to study the role of nerve growth factor in the pathological process of bone-related diseases.METHODS:The authors searched for relevant articles in CNKI,WanFang,and PubMed with the keywords of"nerve growth factor,TrkA,NGF,bone,cartilage"in Chinese and English.A total of 2 925 articles were initially retrieved.After screening,116 articles were incorporated into this review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Nerve growth factor can be expressed by bone,cartilage,nerve,vessel and other tissue cells.At the same time,nerve growth factor can play a regulatory role on these cells.Through a variety of secretion and regulation methods,nerve growth factor plays a role as a signal transduction factor within bone tissue and between bone,nerve and blood vessel tissues.By promoting the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,nerve growth factor promotes bone formation and bone repair.Nerve growth factor has multi-directional regulatory effects on bone tissue through its effects on osteoclasts.Meanwhile,nerve growth factor is highly correlated with the occurrence and development of many orthopedic diseases and may provide new clinical therapeutic ideas.The study of nerve growth factor is one of the important directions to understand the physiological and pathological processes of bone.