Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is the pillar for the development of motherland medicine, and animal medicine has a long history of application in China, characterized by wide resources, strong activity, definite efficacy, and great benefits. It has significant potential and important status in the consumption market of raw materials of TCM. In the context of global climate change, farming system alterations, and low renewability, the depletion of wild medicinal animal resources has accelerated. Accordingly, the conservation and sustainable utilization of wild resources of animal medicinal materials has become a problem that garners increasing attention and urgently needs to be solved. This paper summarizes the current situation of domestic and foreign medicinal animal breeding and research progress in industrial application in recent years and points out the issues related to standardized breeding, germplasm selection and breeding, and quality evaluation standards for medicinal animals. Furthermore, this paper discusses standardized breeding, quality standards, resource protection and utilization, and the search for alternative resources for rare and endangered medicinal animals. It proposes that researchers should systematically carry out in-depth basic research on animal medicine, improve the breeding scale and level of medicinal animals, employ modern technology to enhance the quality standards of medicinal materials, and strengthen the research and development of alternative resources. This approach aims to effectively address the relationship between protection and utilization and make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of medicinal animal resources and the animal-based Chinese medicinal material industry.
Animals ; Breeding ; China ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Conservation of Natural Resources

OBJECTIVES: To determine the pharmacological impact of hesperidin, the main component of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, on depressive behavior and elucidate the mechanism by which hesperidin treats depression, focusing on the gut-brain axis. METHODS: Fifty-four Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly allocated to 6 groups using a random number table, including control, model, hesperidin, probiotics, fluoxetine, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium groups. Except for the control group, rats in the remaining 5 groups were challenged with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 21 days and housed in single cages. The sucrose preference test (SPT), immobility time in the forced swim test (FST), and number in the open field test (OFT) were performed to measure the behavioral changes in the rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain tissue, and the histopathology was performed to evaluate the changes of colon tissue, together with sequencing of the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene on feces to explore the changes of intestinal flora in the rats. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the rats in the model group showed notable reductions in body weight, SPF, and number in OFT (P<0.01). Hesperidin was found to ameliorate depression induced by CUMS, as seen by improvements in body weight, SPT, immobility time in FST, and number in OFT (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Regarding neurotransmitters, it was found that at a dose of 50 mg/kg hesperidin treatment upregulated the levels of 5-HT and BDNF in depressed rats (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the colon tissue of the model group exhibited greater inflammatory cell infiltration, with markedly reduced numbers of goblet cells and crypts and were significantly improved following treatment with hesperidin. Simultaneously, the administration of hesperidin demonstrated a positive impact on the gut microbiome of rats treated with CUMS, such as Shannon index increased and Simpson index decreased (P<0.01), while the abundance of Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota increased in the hesperidin-treated group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The mechanism responsible for the beneficial effects of hesperidin on depressive behavior in rats may be related to inhibition of the expressions of BDNF and 5-HT and preservation of the gut microbiota.
Animals ; Hesperidin/therapeutic use* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Depression/drug therapy* ; Male ; Stress, Psychological/drug therapy* ; Brain/metabolism* ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism* ; Serotonin/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects* ; Rats ; Brain-Gut Axis/drug effects* ; Chronic Disease ; Colon/drug effects*

Although clinical evidence suggests that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an established major risk factor for heart failure, it remains unexplored whether sleep disorder-caused hepatic damage contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, our findings revealed that sleep fragmentation (SF) displayed notable hepatic detrimental phenotypes, including steatosis and oxidative damage, along with significant abnormalities in cardiac structure and function. All these pathological changes persisted even after sleep recovery for 2 consecutive weeks or more, displaying memory properties. Mechanistically, persistent higher expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the liver was the key initiator of SF-accelerated damage phenotypes. SF epigenetically controlled the acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) enrichment at the Nox4 promoter and markedly increased Nox4 expression in liver even after sleep recovery. Moreover, fine coordination of the circadian clock and hepatic damage was strictly controlled by BMAL1-dependent Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) transcription after circadian misalignment. Accordingly, genetic manipulation of liver-specific Nox4 or Sirt1, along with pharmacological intervention targeting NOX4 (GLX351322) or SIRT1 (Resveratrol), could effectively erase the epigenetic modification of Nox4 by reducing the H3K27ac level and ameliorate the progression of liver pathology, thereby counteracting SF-evoked sustained CVD. Collectively, our findings may pave the way for strategies to mitigate myocardial injury from persistent hepatic detrimental memory in diabetic patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint damage, accompanied by the accumulation of plasma cells, which contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic alterations occurring during plasma cell differentiation in RA can deepen our comprehension of its pathogenesis and guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, our study elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying plasma cell differentiation by demonstrating that PRDX1 interacts with DOK3 and modulates its degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of plasma cell differentiation, thereby alleviating the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Additionally, our investigation identifies Salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a potent small molecular glue-like compound that enhances the interaction between PRDX1 and DOK3, consequently impeding the progression of collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting plasma cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of developing chemical stabilizers for the PRDX1-DOK3 complex in suppressing plasma cell differentiation for RA treatment and establish a theoretical basis for targeting PRDX1-protein interactions as specific therapeutic targets in various diseases.

OBJECTIVE To explore the impact and mechanism of curcumin on endometriosis （EMS） model rats based on Notch1 signaling pathway. METHODS Female SD rats with synchronized estrous cycles were implanted with autologous endometrium on the abdominal wall to construct EMS model. EMS rats were randomly divided into model group， low-， medium- and high-dose groups of curcumin （60， 120， 240 mg/kg）， and Notch 1 inhibitor DAPT group （7 mg/kg）. The sham surgery group was also established， with 10 rats in each group. Rats in each group received intragastric administration or injection via caudal veins with the corresponding drugs for 4 weeks. Endometriotic lesions were observed and measured using ultrasound and visual inspection， and their volumes were calculated. Histopathological morphology of the lesion tissues was observed. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the abdominal cavity fluid， as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1， matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the endometriotic lesions were measured. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the volume of endometriotic lesions in the low- ， medium- and high-dose groups of curcumin and the DAPT group was significantly decreased （P＜0.05）； atrophy or disappearance of columnar epithelium， cyst disappearance； the levels of IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF- α （except for the low-dose curcumin group） in the abdominal cavity fluid， as well as the mRNA （except for MMP-9 and VEGF in the low-dose curcumin group） and protein （except for MMP-9 in the low-dose curcumin group） expression levels of Notch1， MMP-9， and VEGF in the endometriotic lesions were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. The curcumin high-dose group and DAPT group showed superior results in most indicators compared to the curcumin low- and medium-dose groups. CONCLUSIONS Curcumin has an improving effect on EMS， and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting Notch1 signaling pathway， reducting local inflammatory responses， and inhibiting ectopic endometrial invasion and angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE To sort out drug prophylaxis regimens for venous thromboembolism （VTE） in adult patients after artificial joint replacement， and provide a basis for clinic. METHODS Databases and related official websites were searched according to the “6S” model， including the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence （NICE）， the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network （SIGN）， the Guidelines International Network （GIN）， the National Guidelines Clearinghouse （NGC）， PubMed， Embase， CNKI， Wanfang database and SinoMed， to search for guidelines， expert consensuses， systematic evaluations， randomized controlled trials， and cohort studies about preventing VTE in adult patients after artificial joint replacement from the inception until December 2023. Literature that met the inclusion criteria were selected， and the quality evaluation of the literature was completed by 2 researchers independently； the evidence rating was performed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute （JBI） evidence pre-classification and evidence rank system （2014 edition）. RESULTS A total of 36 articles were included in the study， which were categorized into 9 areas of risk assessment， post-assessment prophylaxis， medication selection， medication method， duration of medication prophylaxis， medication prophylaxis observation points， contraindications to drug prophylaxis， response to bleeding， and health education， which were summarized to form 37 pieces of evidence on the pharmacological prophylaxis for postoperative VTE in patients who underwent artificial joint replacement. CONCLUSIONS The evidence of drug prophylaxis for postoperative VTE in patients who underwent artificial joint replacement summarized in this study is comprehensive， with certain scientific reference and practicality， which can provide clinical pharmacists with a scientific evidence-based basis for perioperative VTE prophylaxis management.

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are common clinical conditions. The number of patients with TMJ diseases is large, and the etiology, epidemiology, disease spectrum, and treatment of the disease remain controversial and unknown. To understand and master the current situation of the occurrence, development and prevention of TMJ diseases, as well as to identify the patterns in etiology, incidence, drug sensitivity, and prognosis is crucial for alleviating patients′suffering.This will facilitate in-depth medical research, effective disease prevention measures, and the formulation of corresponding health policies. Cohort construction and research has an irreplaceable role in precise disease prevention and significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment levels. Large-scale cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between potential risk factors and outcomes of TMJ diseases, and to observe disease prognoses through long-term follw-ups. The consensus aims to establish a standard conceptual frame work for a cohort study on patients with TMJ disease while providing ideas for cohort data standards to this condition. TMJ disease cohort data consists of both common data standards applicable to all specific disease cohorts as well as disease-specific data standards. Common data were available for each specific disease cohort. By integrating different cohort research resources, standard problems or study variables can be unified. Long-term follow-up can be performed using consistent definitions and criteria across different projects for better core data collection. It is hoped that this consensus will be facilitate the development cohort studies of TMJ diseases.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab monoclonal antibody combined with molecular-targeted therapy in elderly patients with unresectable or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the patients with unresectable/advanced HCC who attended six hospitals from January 1,2019 to March 31,2021,and all patients received camrelizumab monoclonal antibody treatment,among whom 84.8%also received targeted therapy.According to the age of the patients,they were divided into elderly group(≥65 years)and non-elderly group(＜65 years).The two groups were assessed in terms of overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR),and immune-related adverse events(irAE).The chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups;the independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data,and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival curves.Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine the independent influencing factors for PFS and DCR at 6 months.Results A total of 99 HCC patients were enrolled,with 27 in the elderly group and 72 in the non-elderly group.The elderly group had an OS rate of 67.8%,an ORR of 44.4%,and a DCR of 74.1%at 12 months and a median PFS of 6.4(95%confidence interval[CI]:3.0-12.4)months,with no significant differences compared with the non-elderly group(all P＞0.05).The median OS was unavailable for the elderly group,while the non-elderly group had an OS of 18.9(95%CI:13.0-24.8)months;there was no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.485).The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that major vascular invasion(MVI)was an independent risk factor for PFS(hazard ratio[HR]=2.603,95%CI:1.136-5.964,P=0.024)and DCR(HR=3.963,95%CI:1.671-9.397,P=0.002)at 6 months,while age,sex,etiology of HBV infection,presence of extrahepatic metastasis,Child-Pugh class B,and alpha-fetoprotein＞400 ng/mL were not associated with PFS or DCR at 6 months.For the elderly group,the incidence rates of any irAE and grade 3/4 irAE were 51.9%and 25.9%,respectively,with no significant differences compared with the non-elderly group(P＞0.05),and skin disease was the most common irAE in both groups(39.4%).Conclusion Camrelizumab monoclonal antibody combined with molecular-targeted therapy has similar efficacy and safety in patients with unresectable/advanced HCC aged≥65 years and those aged＜65 years.MVI is associated with suboptimal response to immunotherapy and poor prognosis.

Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment method of peripelvic cysts.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 65 patients with peripelvic cysts admitted to the Department of Urology at Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital from January 2019 to January 2023.The diagnostic value of ultrasound,intravenous urography(IVU),and computed tomography urography(CTU)for peripelvic cysts was compared,and the efficacy of different surgical treatments for peripelvic cysts was further evaluated.Results All 65 patients underwent ultrasound examination,which indicated cystic lesions at the renal hilum.55 patients underwent IVU examination,but no cyst enhancement was found.Among them,7 patients underwent retrograde pyelography due to poor imaging of the affected renal pelvis.All 53 patients who underwent CTU examination,which clearly showed the renal pelvis and cysts.Among the 65 patients,5 did not undergo surgical treatment and were followed up,while 60 underwent surgery.Four patients were considered for radical nephrectomy due to suspected malignancy.56 cases underwent renal cysts decompression surgery,including 11 open surgeries,37 laparoscopic surgeries,and 8 Da Vinci robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries.The operative time in the open surgery group was significantly shorter than that in the laparoscopic surgery group and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery group.Compared with the open surgery group and laparoscopic surgery group,the robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery group had less intraoperative blood loss,lower postoperative analgesic use,shorter time to first ambulation after surgery,and shorter hospital stay.Conclusions Ultrasound,IVU,and CTU are commonly used effective diagnostic tools for peripelvic cysts.Ultrasound can be used as a routine examination,while CTU is more accurate and has a higher diagnostic accuracy than IVU for this condition.Compared with open surgery,laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic cyst decompression surgery for peripelvic cysts result in less intraoperative blood loss and faster postoperative recovery.