ObjectiveTo observe the effect of water extract of Mori Folium （MLE） on oxidative stress in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） mice and explore its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male db/db mice were randomly divided into model group， metformin group， low-dose MLE （MLE-L） group， and high-dose MLE （MLE-H） group according to their body weight and blood glucose， with six mice in each group， and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the metformin group were given 200 mg·kg^-1 metformin suspension， and the mice in the MLE-L and MLE-H groups were respectively given 2 g·kg^-1 and 4 g·kg^-1 MLE， while the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by daily gavage for eight weeks. Body weight， subcutaneous fat index， fasting blood glucose （FBG）， and oral glucose tolerance level （OGTT） of the mice were detected， and serum superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） were measured. The expression levels of silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1） and NADPH oxidase type 4 （NOX4） protein in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the mice were detected by Western blot. ResultThe FBG level， OGTT， and subcutaneous fat index of T2DM mice were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01） after administration of MLE compared with the blank group. The contents of serum SOD and GSH were significantly increased， while the level of oxidative stress damage marker MDA was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression of SIRT1 protein in adipose tissue was significantly increased， while the expression of NOX4 protein was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLE can ameliorate T2DM by alleviating oxidative stress in adipose tissue of T2DM mice and reducing blood glucose.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of Mori Folium extract （MLE） on the kidney of db/db diabetic mice and its mechanism. MethodTwenty-four male C57BLKS/JGpt-Leprdb/Leprdb （db/db） mice were randomly divided into model group， metformin group， low-dose group of MLE （MLE-L）， and high-dose group of MLE （MLE-H） according to their fasting blood glucose （FBG）， with six mice in each group， and other six C57BLKS/JGpt wild littermate （m/m） mice were selected as normal group. The mice in the drug administration groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage， and the mice in the normal group and model group were given the same dose of deionized water by gavage once a day for continuous eight weeks. Body weight， bilateral kidney weight， and FBG were measured， and an oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed. The pathological changes in the kidney tissue of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and periodic acid-silver （PAS） staining， and serum creatinine （SCr） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） levels were detected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in serum and urinary microalbumin （U-mAlb） of mice. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88）， and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 （NF-κB p65） protein in kidney tissue of mice were tested by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the body weight， absolute renal weight， FBG， and the area under the curve （AUC） of OGTT of mice in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the levels of SCr， BUN， and U-mAlb， as well as TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The glomerular basement membrane in the kidney tissue of mice was thicker， with obvious inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the kidney tissue of mice were increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， there was no statistical difference in the body weight of mice in each drug administration group. The absolute renal weight of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The FBG levels of mice in the metformin， MLE-L， and MLE-H groups started to decrease after treatment for four to eight weeks （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The AUC of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The levels of SCr， BUN， and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and those of SCr and U-mAlb of mice in the MLE-L group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum of mice in the MLE-H and metformin groups were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The renal tissue pathology of mice in each drug administration group was improved to varying degrees， and the protein expression levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-κB p65 in the MLE-H group were decreased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLE can improve the renal structure and function of db/db diabetic mice， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Mori Folium， the dried leaves of Morus alba， is widely used in clinical practice for dispersing wind and heat， clearing the lung and moistening dryness， soothing the liver and improving vision， and cooling blood and stopping bleeding. It has been used to regulate blood glucose since ancient times， and modern studies have shown that the active components of Mori Folium for lowering blood glucose mainly include flavonoids， alkaloids， polysaccharides， and phenols. These components are mainly extracted by solvents such as water and alcohols with the assistance of ultrasound and microwave. In addition， new extraction methods are emerging， such as CO₂ supercritical fluid extraction， enzymatic hydrolysis， and cloud point extraction. Mori Folium lowers blood glucose via multiple components， pathways， and targets. Specifically， it can improve glucose and lipid metabolism， protect pancreatic β cells， and alleviate insulin resistance to reduce the damage caused by hyperglycemia and restore normal physiological functions. Although a large number of studies have been carried out on diabetes， the causes and radical treatment methods remain to be explored， and diabetes is still a major disease that endangers human health and needs to be solved urgently. The articles about extraction process and mechanism of active components in Mori Folium for lowering blood glucose were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Web of Science， and PubMed. We analyzed the applicable extraction methods for the blood glucose-lowering components such as flavonoids， polysaccharides， and alkaloids in Mori Folium， and compared the conventional and emerging methods. Furthermore， we summarized our research achievements in the extraction of active components from Mori Folium and the blood glucose-lowering effect and mechanisms. This review aims to provide theoretical support for the optimization of the extraction process， the research on the blood glucose-lowering components and mechanism， and the development of new drugs and clinical application of Mori Folium.

Epigenomic imbalance drives abnormal transcriptional processes,promoting the onset and progression of cancer.Although defective gene regulation generally affects carcinogenesis and tumor suppression networks,tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses may also be affected by epigenomic changes,which may have significant implications for the development and application of epigenetic therapy,cancer immunotherapy,and their combinations.Herein,we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on tumor immune cell function and the role of key abnormal epigenetic processes,DNA methylation,histone post-translational modification,and chromatin structure in tumor immunogenicity,and introduce these epigenetic research methods.We emphasize the value of small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modulators in enhancing antitumor immune responses and discuss the challenges of developing treatment plans that combine epigenetic therapy and immuno-therapy through the complex interaction between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology.

Objective:To evaluate the value and efficacy of microscope-assisted minimally invasive anterior lumbar discectomy and zero-profile fusion (ALDF) for lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods:Anterior lumbar distractors were designed to maintain the distraction of intervertebral space and expose the posterior edge of the intervertebral space. From June 2018 to December 2020, 41 cases of lumbar degenerative diseases were treated with this operation, including 19 men and 22 women, aged 29-71 years old (average 42.1 years old). All patients had intractable low back pain. Imaging examination showed lumbar disc degeneration with narrow intervertebral space, including disc herniation with Modic changes in 7 cases, spinal stenosis with instability in 16 cases and spondylolisthesis in 18 cases. The involved levels included L 2,3 in 1 case, L 3,4 in 3 cases, L 2-L 4 in 1 case, L 4,5 in 17 cases and L 5S 1 in 19 cases. An incision was taken that was pararectus for L 2-L 4 and transverse for L 4-S 1, with the intervertebral disc exposed via extraperitoneal approach. The intervertebral space was released and distracted after discectomy in intervertebral space, and self-made distractors were used to maintain the space. Under microscope, the herniation, posterior annulus and osteophyte were removed for sufficient decompression, with a suitable self-anchoring cage implanted into the intervertebral space. The visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), intervertebral space height, lordosis angle and spondylolisthesis rate were evaluated. Results:Operations were performed successfully in all the patients. The operation time was 70-120 min with an average of 90 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 15-70 ml with an average of 30 ml. No severe complication such as nerve or blood vessel injury occurred. The patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months, with an average of 18 months. At the last follow-up, VAS decreased from 6.4±2.3 to 1.1±0.9, and ODI decreased from 44.9%±16.9% to 5.8%±4.7%. Intervertebral space height recovered from 7.2±2.8 mm to 12.1±2.1 mm and lordosis angle recovered from 6.9°±4.8° to 10.1°±4.6°. X-ray showed significant recovery of intervertebral space height, lordosis angle and spondylolisthesis rate, with obvious interbody fusion and no displacement of cage. For 18 patients of spondylolisthesis, the slippage recovered from 16.6%±9.3% to 7.6%±5.3%, with an average improvement of 54.2%.Conclusion:Microscope-assisted minimally invasive ALDF can provide sufficient decompression and zero-profile fusion for lumbar degenerative diseases with satisfactory results during short-term follow-up.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and validity of enriched autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and annular suture for repairing defect after lumbar discectomy.Methods:Enrichment of autologous BMSCs: autologous bone marrow blood was collected from 5 patients undergoing lumbar surgery, and nucleated cells were enriched on gelatin sponge particles by selective cell retention technique. From October 2016 to March 2019, 109 patients with lumbar disc herniation underwent discectomy with mobile microendoscopic discectomy technique, including 61 males and 48 females, aged 24-59 years. Discectomy group: 26 cases received simple discectomy. Suture group: 39 cases received annular suture after discectomy. BMSCs+suture group: 44 cases received intradisc transplantation of gelatin sponge particles enriched with autologous BMSCs and annular suture after discectomy. The perioperative conditions were recorded, with visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, disc height and degree of herniationevaluated after operation.Results:In enrichment test with flow cytometry, the enrichment multiple of nucleated cells and target cells was 6.4±0.9 and 4.2±0.6 respectively, and BMSCs grew well in vitro. The operation time was 35-55 mins. 7 cases in the suture group were transferred to the discectomy group and 10 cases in the BMSCs+suture group were transferred to BMSCs group due to unsuccessful suture. There were no significant differences in VAS, ODI, Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, disc height and degree of herniation among the groups. There was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage and length of hospital stay. The incision was healed without redness and swelling. 18 patients were followed up for 6 months, and 91 cases were followed up for 1-3 years (25.0±5.6 months). There was no interbody fusion, heterotopic ossification or infection during follow-up. VAS and ODI decreased significantly after operation in all patients. At final follow-up, the VAS improvement rate of BMSCs+suture group (81.7%±7.9%) was higher than discectomy group (73.0%±8.9%), suture group (74.0%±6.9%) and BMSCs group (75.3%±8.4%); the ODI improvement rate of BMSCs+suture group (91.9%±8.8%) was higher than discectomy group (86.2%±8.1%) and suture group (86.4%±5.5%). According to MRI, the Pfirrmann grade of disc increased 0.7 in discectomy group, 0.6 in suture group, while it did not increased significantly in BMSCs+suture group and BMSCs group, and the progress of Pfirrmann grade in BMSCs+suture group and BMSCs group were lighter than discectomy group and suture group.The disc height decreased in each group, the loss rate of disc height in BMSCs+suture group (17.2%±4.3%) was less than discectomy group (29.3%± 6.3%) and suture group (20.6%±5.7%); and suture group was less than discectomy group. The degree of herniation was reduced by more than 50% in all groups, while 1 case in discectomy group had herniation without clinical symptoms.Conclusion:Autologous BMSCs and annulus suture are safe and effective in repairing the defect after lumbar discectomy, which may help to slow down the degeneration of intervertebral disc.

Objective To explore the clinical curative effect of theTaohong-Siwu decoction combined with manipulation in the treatment of the acute phase of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and its effect on serum inflammatory factors.Methods According to the random number table method, 102 patients with the acute phase of LDH were divided into control group and research group from May 2014 to September 2016, 51 cases in each group. Patients in control group were treated by traction and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for a month, while patients in research group were treated by manipulation combined withTaohong-Siwu decoction for a month. After treatment, the overall efficacy was observed. The Visual analogous scale (VAS) and JOA scores were recorded before and after the treatment. The IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels of inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results The total effective rate of patients in research roup was significantly higher than that of the control group [90.20％ (46/51)vs. 43.14％ (22/51),χ2=19.329, P=0.006]. After treatment, the VAS scores of patients in both groups were significantly decreased, and JOA score increased markedly, which the differences were statistically significant (Ps<0.05). After treatment, the VAS score of research group was significantly lower than the control group (4.26 ± 0.56vs. 5.13 ± 0.87;t=4.843, P=0.027), and JOA score was significantly higher than the control group (18.42 ± 3.92vs.17.33 ± 4.21;t=5.127, P=0.022). After treatment, the IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels of of patients in the research group were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.57 ± 0.11μg/Lvs. 0.90 ± 0.13μg/L, 112.26 ± 15.17μg/Lvs. 130.38 ± 18.29μg/L, 2.01 ± 0.34μg/Lvs. 2.37 ± 0.51μg/L;t=5.429, 6.317, 5.011,P<0.05). ConclusionsThe Taohong-Siwu decoction combined with manipulation on treatment of the acute phase of LDH was effective. The combined therapy can improve the VAS score and JOA score, and reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

Objective The biomimetic osteochondral scaffold contained calcified cartilage layer(CCL) was fabricated using slik fibroin (SF) and hydroxyapatite (HA) for materials.To investigate effects of biomimetic osteochondral scaffold contained CCL compounding with ADSCs on regeneration of the osteochondral defect on the rabbit knee,explore the feasibility of this design as a concept of osteochondral tissue engineering.Methods We fabricated a novel biomimetic osteochondral scaffold with CCL using SF and HA by the combination of paraffin-sphere leaching and modified temperature gradient-guided thermal-induced phase separation (TIPS) technique.The pore size,porosity,and compressive modulus of elasticity of the scaffold cartilage layer and the osteogenic layer were measured by scanning electron microscopy and microscopy CT.The osteochondral defect model on rabbit bilateral knees were established,and implanted with the non-CCL group (non-CCL scaffold compounding with ADSCs) and CCL group (CCL scaffold compounding with ADSCs).At 4,8 and 12 weeks after implantation,the rabbits were euthanized,respectively.Gross observation score,histological and immunohistochemical assessment,biochemical quantitative of new osteochondral tissue,micro-CT scans for new bone,were executed.We evaluated the regeneration of osteochondral defects in each group,and verified the role of CCL in vivo.Results The biomimetic osteochondral scaffold with CCL had a consecutively overlapping trilayer structure with different densities and pore structures,including a chondral layer (top layer),intermediate layer and bony layer (bottom layer).The cartilage layer had a well-oriented microporous structure with a uniform distribution with a pore size of (112.43± 12.65)μm and a porosity of 90.25％±2.05％.The subchondral bone layer had a good three-dimensional macroporous structure,good connectivity,pore size (362.23±26.52) μm,porosity of osteogenic layer was 85.30％± 1.80％.The cartilage regeneration in CCL+AD-SCs group was better than non-CCL+ADSCs group.The content of GAG and type Ⅱ collagen in new cartilage tissue in CCL+AD-SCs group was much more than non-CCL+ADSCs group.The new bone tissue analysis and biomechanical testing had no significant differences between the two groups.Conclusion The biomimetic osteochondral SF/HA scaffold contained CCL mimics the structure of normal osteochondral tissue with good 3-dimensional pore structure and biocompatibility.The scaffold complex autologous ADSCs successfully repair osteochondral defects in rabbit knee,and the presence of CCL accelerates the growth of cartilage.

Objective To evaluate the strategy and clinical effects of percutaneous endoscopic surgery for cervical disc herniation.Methods Fifty-one patients with cervical disc herniation were treated with percutaneous endoscopic surgery from June 2015 to March 2017,including 32 men and 19 women,with an average age of 52.2 years (range,28-66 years).Radicular symptoms were present in all patients,while 23 patients had mild myelopathy (Nurick Grade:0-3) and 3 patients of multilevel stenosis had severe myelopathy (Nurick Grade:4-5).According to axial image of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),31 patients had lateral herniation that was located lateral to the edge of spinal cord,20 patients had central herniation that was located within the lateral edge of spinal cord.Among them,48 patients had soft herniation and 3 patients had ossified lateral herniation combined with foraminal stenosis.All surgery was carried out under general anesthesia,while posterior and anterior percutaneous endoscopic surgeries were performed for lateral herniation and central herniation respectively.Posterior endoscopic surgery was performed with "keyhole" fenestration at "V" point (the junction of lateral edge of lamina space and inner edge of facet).Lateral edge of thecal sac and nerve root were exposed and decompressed,soft herniation was explored and removed.Anterior endoscopic surgery was performed through puncture and 4mm tube between the visceral sheath and vascular sheath.The tube was inserted through disc to the base of herniation under fluoroscopy.The herniation was removed until the dura sac was exposed and relaxed.One stage open-door laminoplasty was performed for 3 patients with severe multiple segmental stenosis and huge central herniation.The operative time and blood loss were recorded,and patients were followed-up (range,6-18 months,average 12.1 months) to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Results The mean operative time of posterior endoscopic surgery was 90 min (range,45-150 min).The nerve root was not well exposed,and the fenestration was too lateral in 1 patient,with partial relieve of symptoms;and simple nerve root decompression was performed for 3 patients of ossified herniation combined with foraminal stenosis.Herniated or sequestered nucleus pulposus was removed for 27 patients,one of them had transient paralysis ipsilateral limb and 2 of them had linkage of cerebrospinal fluid.The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) score improved form preoperative 8.9±1.6 to 0.5±0.4,and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score improved form 32.8±4.2 to 2.3± 1.9 at final follow-up.For anterior percutaneous endoscopic surgery,the mean operative time was 80 min (range,45-120 min).Herniated or free nucleus was successfully removed for all patients.The thecal sac was lacerated due to unclear exposure in 1 case.The VAS score improved form preoperative 6.9±2.3 to 0.9±0.8,and the ODI score improved form 40.1±8.6 to 5.6±3.0 at final follow-up,with improvement of myelopathy at least one Nurick Grade.During follow-up,the alignment of cervical spine was well preserved without kyphosis for two groups,while the height of intervertebral space decreased with 0.4±0.3 mm and 0.9±0.6 mm in posterior and anterior surgery respectively.Conclusion Percutaneous endoscopic surgery provides minimally invasive alternatives for some cervical disc herniation with predominant radicular pain.Posterior endoscopic surgery is suitable for lateral herniation,and anterior endoscopic discectomy is suitable for some central soft herniation without obvious collapse and instability.However,the long-term results of disc space collapsed after anterior approach remains unclear.

Objective To investigate the feasibility and effects of endoscopic surgical treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation associated with veitebral osteochondrosis.Methods From June 2008 to December 2015,276 cases of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation associated with vertebral osteochondrosis were treated with endoscopic surgery,including 185 men and 91 women,with an average 39.2 years old (range,16-65 years old).The involved level included L2.3 in 2 cases,L3.4 in 9 cases,L4,5 in 126 cases and L5S1 in 139 cases.On preoperative axial CT,the diameter of ossification was more than half of the transverse or sagittal diameter of the spinal canal in 89 cases,and no more than half of the transverse and sagittal diameter of the spinal canal in 187 cases.All patients were operated on the side with serious symptom,181 cases were operated with mobile microendoscopic discectomy (MMED),and 95 cases were operated with percutaneous endoscopic surgery,including percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in 61 cases and the percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic discectomy (PIED) in 34 cases.The operation and complications were analyzed.Results The soft herniation,broken disc material and the periphery of compressing ossification were removed under the endoscope in all cases,until the nerve was well decompressed.However,the ossification was not complete resected.Dural sac tear occurred in 3 cases of MMED.In the early stage of PTED,2 cases converted to MMED because of intraoperative pain and difficulty,and one case had exiting nerve root injury.At the final follow-up of 12-60 months (average,20.6 months),visual analogue scale decreased from preoperative 8.5±1.2 to 1.0±0.9,Oswestry disability index decreased from preoperative 40.2±8.6 to 3.1±3.0.According to Macnab scale,the results were excellent in 89,good in 154 cases,moderate in 33 cases.Conclusion For most lumbar intervertebral disc herniation associated with vertebral osteochondrosis,good results can be achieve by removal of herniated and broken intervertebral disc and decompression of nerve with endoscope.Therefore,we speculate that the soft disc herniation and spinal stenosis are main pathogenic factors,and that the complete resection of ossification is not needed.