Polysaccharides, predominantly extracted from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as Lycium barbarum, Angelica sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Dendrobium officinale, Ganoderma lucidum, and Poria cocos, represent principal bioactive constituents extensively utilized in Chinese medicine. These compounds have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory capabilities, especially anti-liver injury activities, while exhibiting minimal adverse effects. This review summarized recent studies to elucidate the hepatoprotective efficacy and underlying molecular mechanisms of these herbal polysaccharides. It underscored the role of these polysaccharides in regulating hepatic function, enhancing immunological responses, and improving antioxidant capacities, thus contributing to the attenuation of hepatocyte apoptosis and liver protection. Analyses of molecular pathways in these studies revealed the intricate and indispensable functions of traditional Chinese herbal polysaccharides in liver injury management. Therefore, this review provides a thorough examination of the hepatoprotective attributes and molecular mechanisms of these medicinal polysaccharides, thereby offering valuable insights for the advancement of polysaccharide-based therapeutic research and their potential clinical applications in liver disease treatment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Antioxidants ; Polysaccharides/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective Tissue uptake and distribution of nano-/microplastics was studied at a single high dose by gavage in vivo.Methods Fluorescent microspheres (100 nm, 3 μm, and 10 μm) were given once at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·body weight). The fluorescence intensity (FI) in observed organs was measured using the IVIS Spectrum at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after administration. Histopathology was performed to corroborate these findings.Results In the 100 nm group, the FI of the stomach and small intestine were highest at 0.5 h, and the FI of the large intestine, excrement, lung, kidney, liver, and skeletal muscles were highest at 4 h compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the 3 μm group, the FI only increased in the lung at 2 h (P < 0.05). In the 10 μm group, the FI increased in the large intestine and excrement at 2 h, and in the kidney at 4 h (P < 0.05). The presence of nano-/microplastics in tissues was further verified by histopathology. The peak time of nanoplastic absorption in blood was confirmed.Conclusion Nanoplastics translocated rapidly to observed organs/tissues through blood circulation;however, only small amounts of MPs could penetrate the organs.

Objective To explore the efficacy of Krackow locking loop technique combined with the modified Kessler suture technique in the treatment of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture.Methods From January 2020 to January 2022,162 cases of acute closed Achilles tendon rupture were treated with Krackow locking loop technique combined with the modified Kessler suture technique.The patients were treated with the same postoperative rehabilitation plans.The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)hindfoot score and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score(ATRS)were collected to evaluate the functions.Results The operation time was 24-40 min(mean,31.9±4.6 min).All incisions healed in one stage without infection or sural nerve injury.Complications occurred in 2 patients,including 1 case of deep venous thrombosis and 1 case of trauma-related re-rupture.The recovery time of ankle flexion and extension motion was4-12 weeks(mean,7.6±1.9 weeks),the recovery time of single-legged heel rise height on the affected side was 10-18 weeks(mean,13.3±1.8 weeks),and the recovery time of fast walking or jogging was 14-26 weeks(mean,19.1±1.8 weeks).The 162 patients was followed up for 14-25 months(mean,19.0 months).The AOFAS hindfoot score increased from(54.4±4.4)points preoperatively to(98.0±4.0)points at the last follow-up(t =-104.402,P =0.000).The ATRS score increased from(52.0±8.3)points preoperatively to(91.2±2.4)points at the last follow-up(t =-62.823,P = 0.000).Conclusions For young and middle-aged patients with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture,Krackow locking loop technique combined with the modified Kessler suture technique can achieve good clinical outcomes.Early functional exercise is required to return to work and life.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of Yiqi huoxue decoction （YQHX） on lumbar disc herniation in rats. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， NF-κB inhibitor group （QNZ group， 1 mg/kg）， YQHX group （9.1 g/kg） and combination group （YQHX+QNZ group， the same dose as each single drug group）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for sham operation group， lumbar disc herniation model of rats was induced in other groups； administration groups were given QNZ intraperitoneally or/and YQHX intragastrically， once a day， for 8 consecutive weeks. The severity of intervertebral disc herniation was evaluated in each group； the pathological changes of intervertebral discs and the changes of autophagy of nucleus pulposus cells were all observed； the level of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in serum， and the ratios of Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B interacting protein 3 （BNIP3） and Beclin-1 positive cells in intervertebral disctissues were detected； the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） p65， the expressions of tumor necrosis factor receptor- associated factor-2 （TRAF-2）， TRAF-3， BNIP3 and LC3B protein， and mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65， LC3B， p62，BNIP3 and Beclin-1 were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group， Pfirrmann grading score decreased significantly，the pathological injury of intervertebral disc tissue was relieved in YQHX group； the number of autophagosomes in nucleus pulposus cells increased； serum level of TNF-α and mRNA expression of p62 in intervertebral disc tissue decreased significantly； the ratios of BNIP3 and Beclin-1 positive cells， the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65， the expressions of TRAF-2， TRAF-3， BNIP3 and LC3B protein as well as the mRNA expressions of NF- κB p65， LC3B， BNIP3 and Beclin-1 decreased significantly in intervertebral disc tissues （P＜0.05）. The changes of above indexes in YQHX group were reversed partly in YQHX+QNZ group. CONCLUSIONS YQHX promotes the elevation of autophagy level of intervertebral discs， slows down the inflammatory response and the progression of lumbar disc herniation by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:Based on the questionnaire, to analyze the current status of children′s bone age assessment in China, especially the application of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted bone age assessment system in the clinic.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was adapted by ourselves through the literature method and expert interview method, and the whole volume included 22 questions, which were released in the form of WeChat applet questionnaire star to the physician groups of several associations and entrusted to the radiology and paediatricians with senior titles. The results of the different types of questions were summarised and analyzed, and the chi-square test was used to compare the count data.Results:A total of 450 valid questionnaires were collected from 162 medical institutions in 26 provinces and cities and autonomous regions, of which 232 (51.6%) were from 87 (53.7%) tertiary hospitals and 218 (48.4%) from 75 (46.3%) secondary hospitals. Of the respondents, 115 (25.6%) were senior, 137 (30.4%) middle and 198 (44.0%) junior. Child bone age measurement was performed at 75.9% (66/87) of tertiary care organizations and 26.7% (20/75) of secondary care organizations, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=39.10, P<0.001). Left wrist radiographs were predominantly used for bone age assessment (76.0%, 123/162), with 72.8% (118/162) of sites using the ATLAS method of assessment and 17.9% (29/162) using the scoring method. A total of 98.4% (443/450) of respondents agreed that AI technology should be used to assist in bone age assessment, but only 9.3% (15/162) of healthcare organizations used AI-assisted technology. Conclusion:At present, bone age assessment is widely used in medical institutions, but there are problems with non-standardized examination methods, inconsistent assessment standards, and imprecise assessment results. Expectations for AI technology-assisted diagnosis exist among a wide range of physicians, but there are fewer users.

AIM To explore the clinical effects of Shuilu Erxian Pills combined with Modified Didang Decoction on patients with early and middle stage diabetic nephropathy.METHODS Eighty-three patients were randomly assigned into control group(42 cases)for 12-week administration of Irbesartan Tablets,and observation group(41 cases)for 12-week administration of Shuilu Erxian Pills,Modified Didang Decoction and Irbesartan Tablets.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,blood glucose indices(FBG,HbA1c),blood lipid indices(TC,TG),renal function indices(BUN,Scr,24 h UTP,eGFR),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,hs-CRP,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-18,TGF-β1),immune function indices(lymphocyte,neutrophil,CD8+,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the observation group displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,blood glucose indices,blood lipid indices,BUN,Scr,24 h UTP,inflammatory factors,CD8+(P＜0.05),reduced lymphocyte,neutrophil(P＜0.05),and increased eGFR,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+(P＜0.05),which were more obvious than those in the control group(except for HbA1c,TG,SCr,24 h UTP,lymphocyte,neutrophil)(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with early and middle stage diabetic nephropathy,Shuilu Erxian Pills combined with Modified Didang Decoction can safely and effectively improve clinical symptoms,whose mechanism may contribute to the reduction of inflammatory levels and improvement of immune functions.

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.

Purpose::Vibrio vulnificus ( V. Vulnificus) infection is characterized by rapid onset, aggressive progression, and challenging treatment. Bacterial resistance poses a significant challenge for clinical anti-infection treatment and is thus the subject of research. Enhancing host infection tolerance represents a novel infection prevention strategy to improve patient survival. Our team initially identified cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) as an important target owing to its negative modulation of the body's infection tolerance. This study explored the superior effects of the CYP1A1 inhibitor bergamottin compared to antibiotic combination therapy on the survival of mice infected with multidrug-resistant V. Vulnificus and the protection of their vital organs. Methods::An increasing concentration gradient method was used to induce multidrug-resistant V. Vulnificus development. We established a lethal infection model in C57BL/6J male mice and evaluated the effect of bergamottin on mouse survival. A mild infection model was established in C57BL/6J male mice, and the serum levels of creatinine, urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the effect of bergamottin on liver and kidney function. The morphological changes induced in the presence of bergamottin in mouse organs were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining of liver and kidney tissues. The bacterial growth curve and organ load determination were used to evaluate whether bergamottin has a direct antibacterial effect on multidrug-resistant V. Vulnificus. Quantification of inflammatory factors in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the expression levels of inflammatory factors in liver and kidney tissues by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to evaluate the effect of bergamottin on inflammatory factor levels. Western blot analysis of IκBα, phosphorylated IκBα, p65, and phosphorylated p65 protein expression in liver and kidney tissues and in human hepatocellular carcinomas-2 and human kidney-2 cell lines was used to evaluate the effect of bergamottin on the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway. One-way ANOVA and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results::In mice infected with multidrug-resistant V. Vulnificus, bergamottin prolonged survival ( p = 0.014), reduced the serum creatinine ( p = 0.002), urea nitrogen ( p = 0.030), aspartate aminotransferase ( p = 0.029), and alanine aminotransferase ( p = 0.003) levels, and protected the cellular morphology of liver and kidney tissues. Bergamottin inhibited interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in serum (IL-1β: p = 0.010, IL-6: p = 0.029, TNF-α: p = 0.025) and inhibited the protein expression of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α in liver (IL-1β: p = 0.010, IL-6: p = 0.011, TNF-α: p = 0.037) and kidney (IL-1β: p = 0.016, IL-6: p = 0.011, TNF-α: p = 0.008) tissues. Bergamottin did not affect the proliferation of multidrug-resistant V. Vulnificus or the bacterial load in the mouse peritoneal lavage fluid ( p = 0.225), liver ( p = 0.186), or kidney ( p = 0.637). Conclusion::Bergamottin enhances the tolerance of mice to multidrug-resistant V. Vulnificus infection. This study can serve as a reference and guide the development of novel clinical treatment strategies for V. Vulnificus.

Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of Brusatol(BRU)regulating apoptosis of Hela cells through TLR9-MyD88 signaling pathway.Methods Hela cells preserved in our laboratory were treated with Brucea javanica at different concentrations(0,5.0,10.0,20.0,40.0,80.0 nmol·L-1).Hela cells were divided into Control group(normal cultured Hela cells),BRU-L group(treated with 10.0 nmol·L-1 Brucea javanica)and BRU group-H(treated with 20.0 nmol·L-1 Brucea javanica)Cells were treated with nmol·L-1 of Brucea javanica),BRU+pcDNA-NC group(transfected with pcDNA-NC+20.0 nmol·L-1 of Brucea javanica),BRU-H+pcDNA-TLR9 group(transfected with pcDNA-TLR9+20.0 nmol·L-1 of Brucea javanica).Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 and EdU methods.Apoptosis was detected by TUNNEL staining and flow cytometry.The protein expression levels of TLR9,MyD88,Bax,Bcl-2,Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9 were detected by Western blot.Cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit(JC-1)were detected by flow cytometry,and the contents of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by ELISA.Results Compared with 0 nmol·L-1 group,the survival rate and IC50 value of 10 nmol·L-1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).After stimulation of BRU with different concentrations,the proliferation ability of cells was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuracil(EDU)positive cell rate,TUNEL positive cell rate,apoptosis rate and Bcl-2 protein of cells in BRU-L,BRU-H and pcDNA-NC groups were significantly decreased.The protein levels of TLR9 and MyD88,Bax,Bax/Bcl-2,Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9 were significantly increased(P<0.05).In control group,BRU-L,BRU-H group/BRU-H+pcDNA-NC,there was a continuous decreasing trend(P<0.05).Compared with the BRU-H+pcDNA-NC group,the EDU positive cell rate,TUNEL positive cell rate,apoptosis rate and Bcl-2 protein in the BRU-H+pcDNA-TLR9 group were significantly increased.The protein levels of TLR9 and MyD88,Bax,Bax/Bcl-2,Cleaved Caspase-3 and Cleaved Caspase-9 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with Control group,JC-1 level and ATP content in BRU-L,BRU-H and BRU-H+pcDNA-NC groups were significantly decreased,while ROC content and mitotracker positive cell level were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with BRU-L group,JC-1 level and ATP content in BRU-H group and BRU-H+pcDNA-NC group were further decreased,while ROC content and mitotracker positive cell level were further increased(P<0.05).Compared with the BRU-H+pcDNA-NC group,the levels of JC-1 and ATP in the BRU-H+pcDNA-TLR9 group were increased,while the levels of ROC,mitotracker staining positive cells were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Brucea javanica can produce Hela cell proliferation by regulating TLR9-MyD88 signaling pathway.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs combined with linezolid in treatment of children with tuberculous meningitis (TBM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study design was performed . Eight-nine Children diagnosed as TBM during January 1 st 2016 and December 31 st 2023 in Department of Infectious Disease, Children′s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled in the study. According to different treatment regimens, children were divided into a group of first-line anti-tuberculous drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol (HRZE)) and a group of HRZE and linezolid combination (HRZEL). The efficacy and safety of the 2 regimens were compared and the relationship between linezolid drug concentration and adverse reactions were analyzed. Comparisons between groups were performed using χ2 test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results:The 89 children with TBM included 53 males and 36 females with an onset age of 4.6 (1.4, 9.6) years. There were 27 cases in the HZREL group and 62 cases in the HRZE group. Before treatment, positive rate of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) in HRZEL group was lower than that in HRZE group (64% (16/25) vs.92% (55/60), χ2=9.82, P<0.05), but protein level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was higher than that in HRZE group (1.2 (1.0, 2.0) vs.0.8 (0.4,1.4) g/L, Z=0.32, P<0.05). By the end of the intensive phase, there were no significant differences of rates of CSF improvement and etiology negativity between HRZEL group and HRZE group (both P>0.05).The 44 TBM children with high CSF protein (>1 g/L) included 25 males and 19 females with an onset age of 6.7 (3.0, 11.8) years. There were 21 cases in the HZREL group and 23 cases in the HRZE group accordingly. Before treatment, there were no significant differences of positive rate of IGRA test and CSF protein level between the 2 groups (62% (13/21) vs. 87% (20/23), 1.7 (1.1, 2.2) vs. 1.5 (1.2, 1.9) g/L, χ2=3.67, Z=0.23, both P>0.05). There were no significant differences in CSF indicators, etiology negativity or imaging remission between the two groups by the end of intensive phase (all P>0.05). Higher frequencies of granulocytopenia, gastrointestinal symptoms as well as withdrawal or change of drugs were found in HRZEL group when compared to those in HRZE group (44% (12/27) vs. 19% (12/62), 7% (2/27) vs. 0, 33% (9/27) vs. 3% (2/62), χ2=6.01, 4.70, 15.74, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The efficacy of HRZEL regimen is similar to conventional HRZE regimen in children with TBM, but with higher adverse effect. Prudentially evaluating the pros and cons of linezolid in the usage of drug-susceptible TB and carefully monitoring of linezolid associated adverse effects is suggested.