BACKGROUND:Differentially expressed RNA-binding proteins in the intervertebral disc plays a key role in intervertebral disc degeneration,and decreased levels of the RNA-binding protein KRT18 are associated with degenerative disc disease,but its specific role in the nucleus pulposus cells has not yet been fully determined. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the interaction of KRT18 with mRNA and long non-coding RNA on nucleus pulposus cells of the intervertebral disc and its mechanism. METHODS:Normal and degenerated nucleus pulposus cells were obtained from nucleus pulposus samples of patients undergoing interbody fusion for lumbar fracture or intervertebral disc degeneration.iRIP-seq,functional enrichment analysis,and DNA microarray analysis were performed to identify the mRNA and long non-coding RNA binding with KRT18.Subsequently,KRT18 was knocked down in nucleus pulposus cells based on the analysis results,and the expression levels of related genes were detected at the protein and RNA levels through protein immunoblotting and qRT-PCR,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Through iRIP-seq analysis,we identified abundant KRT18 binding sites within the GUAAUC and AGCCUC sequences,indicating that KRT18 may be involved in regulating RNA transcription,translation,stability or play a role in cell signaling pathways.It can stably bind to mature mRNA,among which highly expressed genes include CRLF1,IGFBP4,etc.At the same time,the peak genes of long non-coding RNA binding with it include SNHG25,SNHG12,NEAT1,USP32,EIF4A2 and CDH4.Most of these genes are involved in various biological processes such as apoptosis and inflammation,and can mediate related pathways of extracellular matrix metabolism.KRT18 can regulate their stability,transport,translation,splicing and other functions,thus affecting gene expression and cell function.We further verified through experiments the knockdown of KRT18 in nucleus pulposus cells,and found that the level of extracellular matrix metabolism was inhibited and unbalanced,resulting in intervertebral disc degeneration in vitro.This study investigated the regulatory mechanism of KRT18 from the perspective of its binding with mRNA and long non-coding RNA for the first time,and speculated the potential function of KRT18 in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration,laying a foundation for future research on the key functions of KRT18.

The quality control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is the core issue to ensure the modernization,industrialization and internationalization of TCM.Compared with other detection methods,electrochemical analysis method has many advantages such as high sensitivity,fast detection speed and low cost,making it an important means of quality control for TCM and having broad development prospects.This article reviewed the research progress of electrochemical methods in quality control of TCM in recent years,discussed the application of electrochemical fingerprinting technique in identification of TCM,and comprehensively summarized the application of electrochemical technology in analyzing effective components and harmful substances in TCM,including flavonoids,alkaloids,quinones,glycosides,heavy metals and pesticide residues.Finally,the development prospects of electrochemical methods in the field of quality control of TCM were discussed.

The "four-in-one" approach is based on the four-dimensional perspective of "property, position, tendency and syndrome", which helps to identify and analyze classical prescriptions in a multi-dimensional and three-dimensional way. The early pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF) is deficiency of heart Qi and heart Yang and disorder in Qi transformation in triple energizer, while in the later stage of the disease, it progresses from deficiency to excess, with simultaneous occurrence of deficiency and excess syndromes. Fuling Guizhi Baizhu Gancao Decoction (Linggui Zhugan Decoction) plays its role in treating chronic heart failure by the four elements of "property, position, tendency and syndrome". Property—Linggui Zhugan Decoction is pungent, sweet, slight sweet and bitter in flavor, but warm in property. The sweet is able to tonify deficiency; the pungent is responsible for dispersing Yang, promoting Qi and draining water retention; the warm nourishes the spleen, raises Yang Qi and resolves phlegm; the bitter could excrete diuresis and dry dampness to guarantee the smooth operation of three energizer. Position-Linggui Zhugan Decoction acts on the heart, spleen and triple energizer. It can stimulate heart Yang, strengthen the spleen, resolve phlegm, and regulate the waterways to promote the Qi transformation in triple energizer. Tendency-The tendency of Linggui Zhugan Decoction is upward and downward in parallel, both internal and external. Warming up and promoting diuresis, raising Yang up and tonifying deficiency, it is conducive to the Yang Qi transformation in triple energizer. Syndrome-Linggui Zhugan Decoction is indicated for the syndrome of heart Yang deficiency and water-fluid retention, which begins with the upper abdomen swelling, Qi rushes against the chest. It is widely used in the treatment of water-vapor impulse heart disease. The disorder of Qi transformation in triple energizer is the main mechanism of recurrent CHF. Linggui Zhugan Decoction can not only warm the fire of Qi transformation in triple energizer, but also smooth the pathway of Qi transformation in triple energizer, which is compatible with the treatment of systemic fluid retention in chronic heart failure. Its pharmacological mechanisms include anti-inflammation, anti-platelet aggregation, regulation of cardiomyocyte cell membrane ion channels, protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury and modulation of vasodilation, etc. Deconstructing Linggui Zhugan Decoction with "four-in-one" approach and discussing its mechanism for treating CHF in combination with the theory of "Qi transformation in triple energizer", have great significance to rejuvenate the vitality of classical prescriptions and to apply them accurately and effectively.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of naringenin on acute lung injury related with sepsis; To discuss its possible mechanism.Methods:Totally 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, naringin low-, medium- and high-dosage groups, with 6 rats in each group. The sepsis-related acute lung injury model was established by cecal ligation and puncture in all groups except the sham-operation group. After modeling, naringin low-, medium- and high-dosage groups were given naringin 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, respectively for gavage, while the sham-operation group and the model group were given the same volume of distilled water by gavage, once a day, for 2 days. Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed using HE staining. The levels of 1L-1, IL-6 and IL-18 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by ELISA; the expression of TNF-α in lung tissue was detected by immunofluorescence histopathology; the expressions of TGF-β1, TGF-βR1 and Smad2 were detected by Western Blot. An agonist group and a naringin plus agonist group were set up, with 6 mice in each group, and the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad2 protein in the lung tissue of each group were detected by immunohistochemical staining to verify the effect of naringin on the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad2 protein.Results:Compared with the model group, the pathological injury of lung tissue in naringin groups were obviously alleviated, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 in BALF decreased ( P<0.01), the protein expressions of TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-βR1 and Smad2 in lung tissue decreased ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). Further verification found that the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad2 in the agonist group increased ( P<0.01), while the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad2 in the naringin agonist group decreased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Naringin can reduce the inflammatory response in the lung of the rats to protect against sepsis-related acute lung injury, and its protective effect could be related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway.

Objective We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Suanzaoren decoction for post-stroke insomnia.Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search,including PubMed,EMbase,CNKI,WanFang Data and so on,from the database creating to September 15th 2023.Our systematic review only included randomized controlled trials(RCTs)concerning with Suanzaoren decoction in treating post-stroke insomnia.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted the data,and assessed the risk of bias for included studies.We used RevMan 5.3 software to perform Meta-analysis.Results A total of 13 RCTs were included,involving 1002 patients.The meta-analysis results showed that the clinical effective rate of the Suanzaoren decoction group was higher than the control group(OR=4.25,95%CI 2.79 to 6.46,P<0.00001).The Suanzaoren decoction group(combined with other treatments)reduced the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score more significantly than the control group(MD=-2.78,95%CI-3.24 to-2.33,P<0.00001).The Suanzaoren Decoction group was better than the control group in reducing the score of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and improving neurological impairment(MD=-1.58,95%CI-1.95 to-1.21,P<0.00001).The incidence of adverse events in Suanzaoren Decoction group was lower than that in the control group(OR=0.38,95%CI 0.20 to 0.71,P=0.003).Conclusion Suanzaoren decoction can enhance the clinical efficacy and improve the degree of neurological defect of post-stroke insomnia patients,Suanzaoren decoction(combined with other treatments)can improve the sleep quality.The incidence of adverse events is lower.However,the efficacy and safety of Suanzaoren decoction for post-stroke insomnia still need to be further verified by more high-quality RCTs.

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Atractylodes macrocephala in the treatment of Ulcerative colitis(UC)based on network pharmacology,and verify it with animal experiments.Methods The active components of Atractylodes macrocephala was screened from the TCMSP database,the TCM-ID database,and in combination with relevant references,and the corresponding targets were obtained through Swiss database.The relevant targets of UC were obtained from GeneCards database,construct the"drug-component-target-disease"network diagram and"pathway-active ingredient-target"network diagram and draw PPI network diagram;GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG signal pathway annotation analysis were carried out.Autodock software is used for molecular docking of active components and targets.Then,the experimental validation of the network pharmacology prediction was carried out.The mouse UC model was induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS).The pathological changes of the colon tissue,the number of goblet cells,and the positive expression of inflammatory factorswere detected by HE staining,AB-PAS staining and immunohistochemistry in colon tissue of UC mice.Results The results have shown 30 active ingredients including atractylolactone I,II and III were screened,and 591 corresponding targets were obtained,of which the key target was IL-1β、TNF-α and so on.Molecular docking show that the core components had good binding affinity with the key targets.And the results of animal experiments showed that the alcohol extract of Atractylodes macrocephala could significantly increase the colon length,reduce the DAI score,improve the pathological changes of colon tissue of UC mice,increase the number of goblet cells,and inhibit the expression of IL-1β,TNF-α in colon tissue.Conclusion This study indicated that Atractylodes macrocephala could regulate the release of inflammatory factors through multiple components,multi-target and multi-channel,which could inhibit inflammatory reaction and play a role in improving UC.

Objective To observe the effect of Shenghui Granule on EC and CA1 regions of scopolamine-induced dementia rats and explore its mechanism based on p38 MAPK signal pathway.Methods 40 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups(blank group,model group,Shenghui granule group,donepezil group),and were treated with scopolamine.Morris water maze and open field test were used to evaluate the cognition and anxiety behavior of rats.The nerve injury of EC and CA1 was observed by HE staining.The activity of neurons in EC and CA1 regions was observed by c-Fos immunofluorescence staining.Western blot was used to detect p38 MAPK pathway related proteins.Results The behavioral experiment found that Shenghui Granule could improve the cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior of AD model rats.The results of HE staining showed that Shenghui granules had protective effects on EC and CA1 regions.The results of c-Fos immunofluorescence staining showed that Shenghui granules could increase the activity of neurons in EC and CA1 regions.Western blot results showed that Shenghui Granule could down-regulate the expression of Bax,reduce the levels of phosphorylated p38 and Tau,and increase the expression of Bcl-2.Conclusion Shenghui granule has protective effect on EC and CA1 regions of AD model rats,and may play a therapeutic role through p38 MAPK signal pathway.

Objective:To develop an evaluation index system on health education effect for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods:Using "knowledge-attitude/belief-practice"model and health belief model as the theoretical framework, the first draft of the expert consulation questionnaire for evaluation index system on health education effect for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus was drawn up through literature review, qualitative interview, and repeated discussions between groups. Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted. The results of the consulation were sorted and analyzed, the index structure, item content, and sequence were discussed repeatedly, and the evaluation index system on health education effect for adolescents with T1DM was determined, and the analytic hierarchy process was used to determine its weight.Results:A total of 21 female experts participated in two rounds of survey whose age was (43.48 ± 5.84) years old. The questionnaire response rates of the two rounds of expert consultations were 84.00%(21/25) and 85.71%(18/21), the authoritative coefficients were 0.96 and 0.97, the Kendall coordination were 0.181 and 0.256, respectively ( P<0.05). The consistency test of the weight of each indicator showed that the consistency ratios were all <0.1. The evaluation index system on health education effect for adolescents with T1DM was constructed with 5 first-level indicators (health knowledge, health belief, health practice, physiological indexes and health education satisfaction), 38 second-level indicators. Conclusions:The method used to construct the evaluation index system on health education effect for adolescents with T1DM was highly scientific and reliable, which provides the basis for clinical nurses to evaluate and monitor the effect of health education in adolescents with T1DM.

Skeletal muscle injury is a common disease in clinical practice,and an in-depth understanding of its repair mechanisms is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.This paper focuses on the key role of TGF-β in skeletal muscle injury repair,introduces the diversity of its family members and signaling pathways,explores the expression and regulation part of TGF-β after skeletal muscle injury,analyzes its early expression dynamics and regulatory factors,and thoroughly investigates the effects of TGF-β on skeletal muscle repair,revealing its inflammatory regulation,cellular activation and proliferation as well as fibrosis.Key role.Special attention was paid to its mechanism of action in muscle regeneration and its regulatory mechanism at the cellular level.In addition,the potential clinical applications of TGF-β in the repair of skeletal muscle injury were discussed,and the development and application of it as a therapeutic target and modulator were explored.However,controversies and shortcomings still exist in the current study,such as the dual roles of TGF-β and the impact of individual differences on treatment.Future research directions should include digging deeper into the details of signaling pathways and biomarker discovery.By overcoming these challenges,the potential clinical application of TGF-β in skeletal muscle injury repair is expected to usher in new breakthroughs and provide patients with more individualized and effective treatment strategies.

Objective To evaluate the impact and clinical significance of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3)in the activation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced BV2 microglia cells.Methods shRNA plasmids were devised for BV2 microglia transfection,and the most effective transfection segment was identified via RT-PCR and Western blot assays.NLRP3 expression in the cell line was detected by Western blotting,while light microscopy was used to observe morpho-logical alterations in BV2 cells transfected with NLRP3-shRNA.Furthermore,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to quantify levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-18,IL-1β,TNF-α and NO in cell supernatants.Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression and localization of microglial activation markers iNOS,Arg-1,Iba1,and NLRP3.Results NLRP3 was highly expressed in LPS-induced BV2 cells.The Western blot result showed that the mRNA expression level was the lowest and transfection was the least effective in NLRP3-mus-727 group.Microscopic examination revealed a round or short spindle-shaped morphology in BV2 cells transfected with shNLRP3,which was akin to resting state cells in the blank control group.ELISA showed that pro-inflammatory mediators IL-18,IL-1β,TNF-α and NO levels were decreased in BV2 cells trans-fected with shNLRP3(all P＜0.05).Immunofluorescence staining indicated a relative decrease in iNOS and Iba1 expression,with an upregulation of Arg-1 in BV2 cells transfected with shNLRP3.Conclusion NLRP3 is highly expressed in LPS-induced BV2 cells.Inhibition of NLRP3 expression can suppress the inflammatory response of BV2 cells induced by LPS,promoting their polarization towards the M2 phenotype.