ObjectiveBased on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS）， the chemical constituents of Qili Qiangxin capsules was identified， and their distribution in vivo was analyzed. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to detect the sample solution of Qili Qiangxin capsules， as well as the serum， brain， heart， lung， spleen， liver and kidney tissues of mice after oral administration. Using the Thermo Xcalibur 2.2 software， the compound information database was constructed， and the molecular formulas of compounds corresponding to the quasi-molecular ions were fitted. Based on the information of retention time， accurate relative molecular mass and fragments， the compounds and their distribution in vivo were analyzed by comparing with the data of reference substances and literature. ResultsA total of 233 compounds， including 70 terpenoids， 60 flavonoids， 23 organic acids， 17 alkaloids， 20 steroids， 7 coumarins and 36 others， were identified or predicted from Qili Qiangxin capsules， 73 of which were identified matching with standard substances. Tissue distribution results showed that 71， 17， 38， 33， 32， 58 and 43 migrating components were detected in blood， brain， heart， lung， spleen， liver and kidney， respectively. Thirty-seven components were absorbed into the blood and heart， including quinic acid， benzoylaconitine benzoylmesaconine and so on. Fourteen components were absorbed into the blood and six tissues， including calycosin， methylnissolin， formononetin， alisol B， alisol A and so on. ConclusionThis study comprehensively analyzes the chemical components of Qili Qiangxin capsules and their distribution in vivo. Among them， astragaloside Ⅳ， salvianolic acid B， ginsenoside Rb₁， ginsenoside Rb₃， ginsenoside Rd， ginsenoside Rg₃， calycosin-7-glucoside， and sinapine may be the important components for the treatment of heart failure， which can provide useful reference for its quality control and research on pharmacodynamic material basis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism by which Zhiqiao Gancao Decoction （枳壳甘草汤， ZGD） delays intervertebral disc degeneration （IDD） based on the Hippo-yes-associated protein （YAP）/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif （TAZ） signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 50 SD rats were randomly divided into sham surgery group， model group， low-dose ZGD group， high-dose ZGD group， and high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group， with 10 rats in each group. In the sham surgery group， the rats were pierced in the skin and muscle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail with a 21G needle （depth approximately 2 mm） without damaging the intervertebral disc. In the other groups， rats were injected with a 21G needle at the Co6/7/8 segments of the tail to establish an IDD model by piercing the tail intervertebral disc 5 mm. One week after modeling， rats in the low-dose and high-dose ZGD groups were given 6.24 and 12.24 g/（kg·d） of the decoction via gastric gavage， respectively. The high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group was given 12.24 g/（kg·d） of the decoction and an intraperitoneal injection of YAP/TAZ inhibitor Verteporfin 10 mg/kg. The sham surgery and model groups were given 5 ml/（kg·d） of normal saline via gavage. The gavage was given once a day， and the intraperitoneal injection was given every other day. After 4 weeks of continuous intervention， the pathological changes of the tail intervertebral discs were observed using HE staining， Oil Red O-Green staining， and Toluidine Blue staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of aggrecan and MMP3 in the nucleus pulposus. TUNEL fluorescence staining was performed to detect apoptosis in the nucleus pulposus， and the apoptosis rate was calculated. Western blot was used to detect the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway， including YAP， phosphorylated YAP （p-YAP）， phosphorylated MST1/2 （p-MST1/2）， phosphorylated TAZ （p-TAZ） and apoptosis-related proteins， such as Cleaved Caspase 3， P53， Bcl-2 and Bax. ResultsCompared with sham surgery group， the rats in the model group showed significant degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. The levels of aggrecan， Bcl-2， and YAP proteins in the nucleus pulposus decreased， while the levels of p-MST1/2， p-YAP， p-TAZ， P53， Bax， Cleaved Caspase 3， MMP3 proteins， and the apoptosis rate increased （P < 0.01）. Compared with the model group， the drug intervention groups showed partial recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration. The levels of aggrecan， Bcl-2， and YAP proteins increased， while the levels of p-MST1/2， p-YAP， p-TAZ， P53， Bax， Cleaved Caspase 3， MMP3 proteins， and the apoptosis rate decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The high-dose ZGD group showed more significant recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration compared to the low-dose ZGD group， with a decrease in the levels of p-MST1/2， p-YAP， p-TAZ， P53， Bax， Cleaved Caspase 3， MMP3 proteins， and apoptosis rate， and an increase in the levels of aggrecan， Bcl-2， and YAP proteins （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the high-dose ZGD group， the high-dose ZGD + inhibitor group showed a reduced recovery in intervertebral disc degeneration， with an increase in the levels of p-MST1/2， p-YAP， p-TAZ， P53， Bax， Cleaved Caspase 3， MMP3 proteins， and apoptosis rate， and a decrease in the levels of aggrecan， Bcl-2， and YAP proteins （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionZGD may delay intervertebral disc degeneration by inhibiting the phosphorylation of YAP in the nucleus pulposus， maintaining the function of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway， and reducing apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.