Originating but free from chromosomal DNA, extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are organized in circular form and have long been found in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. Their biogenesis and function are poorly understood as they are characterized by sequence homology with linear DNA, for which few detection methods are available. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have revealed that eccDNAs play crucial roles in tumor formation, evolution, and drug resistance as well as aging, genomic diversity, and other biological processes, bringing it back to the research hotspot. Several mechanisms of eccDNA formation have been proposed, including the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) and translocation-deletion-amplification models. Gynecologic tumors and disorders of embryonic and fetal development are major threats to human reproductive health. The roles of eccDNAs in these pathological processes have been partially elucidated since the first discovery of eccDNA in pig sperm and the double minutes in ovarian cancer ascites. The present review summarized the research history, biogenesis, and currently available detection and analytical methods for eccDNAs and clarified their functions in gynecologic tumors and reproduction. We also proposed the application of eccDNAs as drug targets and liquid biopsy markers for prenatal diagnosis and the early detection, prognosis, and treatment of gynecologic tumors. This review lays theoretical foundations for future investigations into the complex regulatory networks of eccDNAs in vital physiological and pathological processes.
Male ; Female ; Animals ; Humans ; Swine ; DNA, Circular/genetics* ; Genital Neoplasms, Female ; Semen ; DNA ; Reproduction

BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a refractory disease in the field of orthopedics.There is no definitive idea to fully explain its pathogenesis.With the increased research on the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng interfering with the signaling pathways related to various diseases,the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng that treat steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head via the regulation of relevant signaling pathways have gradually become a hot research topic. OBJECTIVE:To systematically summarize the literature on the pathological mechanism of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and the regulation of signaling pathways by the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng in recent years,thereby providing a reference for the follow-up study on the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng in the treatment of this disease. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang,and PubMed were searched for relevant literature with the key words of"glucocorticoid,steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,pathological mechanism,signaling pathway,Panax notoginseng,active ingredient"in Chinese and English.Documents related to the pathological mechanism of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head as well as related to the intervention of active ingredients of Panax notoginseng on the signaling pathway of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head were retrieved.A total of 63 documents were finally included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The main ingredients of Panax notoginseng include Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside,Panax notoginseng saponins,quercetin,kaempferol,etc.Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside Rb1 and quercetin can promote bone repair and angiogenesis by acting on the transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic protein pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside CK and kaempferol can promote osteogenic differentiation and lipid metabolism by acting on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins and Panax notoginseng saponins R1/R2 act on the MAPK pathway to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and promote bone repair.Panax notoginseng saponins,ginsenoside Rb2 and quercetin can inhibit osteoclast proliferation and promote osteoblastic differentiation by acting on the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins,quercetin and kaempferol can repair vascular injury and promote osteogenesis by acting on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway.Panax notoginseng saponins R1,quercetin combined with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles,Panax notoginseng saponins combined with polyethylene-L-lactic acid and other biomaterials have good research prospects in the treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.The active ingredients of Panax notoginseng can regulate the signaling pathways related to steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head through various mechanisms,and play an active intervention role in the disease.However,the depth and breadth of relevant research are insufficient at present,and the future research should be based on the existing mechanism to explore the specific mechanism of Panax notoginseng regulating different pathways and the interaction between pathways,which will be beneficial to the multi-development of the active ingredients of Panax notoginseng in the treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Objective To observe the role of dried tangerine peel in Yigong Powder improves iron metabolism and promotes red blood cell generation in anemia of chronic disease (ACD).Methods With a two-by-two factorial design,the Yigong Powder was divided into dried tangerine peel and Chenpi absent Decoction. According to the random number table method,32 zymosan-induced generalized inflammation (ZIGI) mice were randomly divided into the model group,the dried tangerine peel group,the Chenpi absent Decoction group,and the Yigong Powder group. The dried tangerine peel group,Chenpi absent Decoction group and the Yigong Powder group were given dried tangerine peel(3.083 g/kg),Chenpi absent Decoction(12.33g/kg),and Yigong Powder(15.413g/kg)by gavage to the corresponding group of mice. The model group was given an equal amount of physiological saline by gavage,and treated continuously for 7 days. After the completion of administration,the body weight of each group of mice was recorded. The hemoglobin content of each group of mice was detected using a fully automatic cell counter,the serum iron content was detected using colorimetry,the serum ferritin content was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),and the spleen index was calculated. The liver tissue inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interferon-γ (IFN-γ),interleukin-4 (IL-4),and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were detected using Luminex method. The mRNA expressions of liver tissue hepcidin gene (HAMP) and membrane iron transporter ( Fpn) were detected using real-time fluorescence PCR method. Results Dried tangerine peel and Chenpi absent Decoction both showed interactive effects in regulating hemoglobin,serum iron,serum ferritin content,improving spleen index,and regulating the mRNA expressions of HAMP,Fpn,as well as IL-1β and IFN-γ (P<0.05). Compared with the model group,dried tangerine peel significantly increased hemoglobin,serum iron content,and Fpn mRNA expression in ZIGI model mice,while decreasing ferritin content,spleen index,HAMP mRNA expression,and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and IFN-γ (P<0.05). Chenpi absent Decoction significantly increased serum iron content and Fpn mRNA expression in ZIGI model mice,while reducing spleen index,ferritin content,HAMP mRNA expression,and the levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ、IL-4 (P<0.05). Conclusion The effects of dried tangerine peel on inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) and Fpn may play a key role in the improvement effects of Yigong Powder on ACD and iron metabolism.

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.

Objective To investigate the infection status and changing trend of hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection in hospitalized patients in medical institutions,and provide reference for formulating HCV infection prevention and control strategies.Methods HCV infection surveillance results from cross-sectional survey data reported to China Healthcare-associated Infection(HAI)Surveillance System in 2020 were summarized and analyzed,HCV positive was serum anti-HCV positive or HCV RNA positive,survey result was compared with the survey results from 2003.Results In 2020,1 071 368 inpatients in 1 573 hospitals were surveyed,738 535 of whom underwent HCV test,4 014 patients were infected with HCV,with a detection rate of 68.93％and a HCV positive rate of 0.54％.The positive rate of HCV in male and female patients were 0.60％and 0.48％,respectively,with a statistically sig-nificant difference(x2=47.18,P＜0.001).The HCV positive rate in the 50-＜60 age group was the highest(0.76％),followed by the 40-＜50 age group(0.71％).Difference among all age groups was statistically signifi-cant(x2=696.74,P＜0.001).In 2003,91 113 inpatients were surveyed.35 145 of whom underwent HCV test,resulting in a detection rate of 38.57％;775 patients were infected with HCV,with a positive rate of 2.21％.In 2020,HCV positive rates in hospitals of different scales were 0.46％-0.63％,with the highest in hospital with bed numbers ranging 600-899.Patients'HCV positive rates in hospitals of different scales was statistically signifi-cant(X2=35.34,P＜0.001).In 2020,12 provinces/municipalities had over 10 000 patients underwent HCV-rela-ted test,and HCV positive rates ranged 0.19％-0.81％,with the highest rate from Hainan Province.HCV posi-tive rates in different departments were 0.06％-0.82％,with the lowest positive rate in the department of pedia-trics and the highest in the department of internal medicine.In 2003 and 2020,HCV positive rates in the depart-ment of infectious diseases were the highest,being 7.95％and 3.48％,respectively.Followed by departments of orthopedics(7.72％),gastroenterology(3.77％),nephrology(3.57％)and general intensive care unit(ICU,3.10％)in 2003,as well as departments of gastroenterology(1.35％),nephrology(1.18％),endocrinology(0.91％),and general intensive care unit(ICU,0.79％)in 2020.Conclusion Compared with 2003,HCV positive rate decreased significantly in 2020.HCV infected patients were mainly from the department of infectious diseases,followed by departments of gastroenterology,nephrology and general ICU.HCV infection positive rate varies with gender,age,and region.

Objective To conduct a detailed clinical phenotypic analysis and gene mutation detection on an au-tosomal dominant Van der Hoeve syndrome family,and to identify the pathogenic gene mutation sites of the family and the impact of the mutation on gene coding.Methods Clinical data including medical history,physical examina-tion and auxiliary examination were collected and peripheral blood samples were collected from the Van der Hoeve syndrome families.Exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed on 22 family members.The data were analyzed using bioinformatics software.Results The family had a total of 5 generations,with each generation expe-riencing consecutive illnesses.Each generation of men and women could suffer from the disease,which conformed to the characteristics of autosomal dominant inheritance.The 12 patients in this family were all born with blue sclera and short stature.8 patients had a history of fractures and could heal normally.3 patients were considering hearing loss caused by Van der Hoeve syndrome.12 patients had a base deletion(c.1128delT)in exon 17 of the COL1A1 gene,causing a change in the amino acid coding after position 376 and ending the amino acid coding prematurely at position 539.10 asymptomatic individuals in this family didn't had this mutation.Conclusion The patient of this family was identified as Van der Hoeve syndrome caused by c.1128 delT mutation.

Objective To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of therapy of tonifying kidney and promoting blood circulation(shortened as Bushen Huoxue method)combined with cyclosporine plus androgen for the treatment of aplastic anemia(AA).Methods Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of Bushen Huoxue method combined with cyclosporine plus androgen(trial group)versus cyclosporine plus androgen alone(control group)for the treatment of AA were retrieved from the major domestic and oversea databases,and then high-quality RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were screened.RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.Results A total of 6 RCTs involving 365 patients were included.The results of meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate of AA in the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group[OR=4.43,95%CI(2.50,7.84);P＜0.000 01].The trial group was superior to the control group on improving the peripheral blood indicators such as hemoglobin(HGB)level[MD=14.85,95%CI(10.66,19.05);P＜0.000 01],white blood cell(WBC)level[MD=0.61,95%CI(0.21,1.01);P=0.003],platelet(PLT)level[MD=16.51,95%CI(9.28,23.75);P＜0.000 01],and did not increase the incidence of adverse reactions such as hirsutism[OR=0.24,95%CI(0.10,0.61);P=0.003],acne[OR=0.30,95%CI(0.13,0.66);P=0.003],and abnormal liver function[OR=0.28,95%CI(0.09,0.83);P=0.02].Conclusion Bushen Huoxue method combined with cyclosporine plus androgen for the treatment of AA is superior to the use of cyclosporine plus androgen alone on enhancing clinical efficacy and improving the peripheral blood indicators,and has certain advantages in reducing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Objective To observe the intervention effect and mechanism of Chinese herbal compound(Zhenyuan Granules)on overweight in mice caused by estrogen deficiency.Methods An ovariectomized female mouse model was established to observe the effects of intragastric 14 week administration of Zhenyuan Granules on body mass and fat accumulation in mice.The 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocyte model was constructed to observe the effect of Zhenyuan Granules intervention on adipogenic differentiation.The expressions of key genes/proteins regulating adipocyte formation and fat synthesis in mouse adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 cells was detected to explore the mechanism of lipid-lowering effect of Zhenyuan Granules in vivo and in vitro.Results Zhenyuan Granules significantly decreased the body mass gain(P＜0.01),perigonadal and inguinal fat indexes(P＜0.05),significantly inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes(P＜0.01),significantly downregulated the expression levels of transcription factors peroxisome proliferators activated receptor γ(PPARγ)and sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1c(SREBP-1c)and enzymes acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1)and fatty acid synthase(FAS)in adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes(P＜0.05),significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and ACC1(P＜0.05).Conclusion Zhenyuan Granules can inhibit the formation of adipocytes and improve the overweight of female mice caused by estrogen deficiency.The mechanism is related to the activation of AMPK signaling pathway.It is suggested that Bushen Jianpi Chinese herbal compound Zhenyuan Granules is helpful for body mass control in postmenopausal women.

Objective:To prepare mesenchymal stem cells with antioxidant capacity (AO-MSC ) from human umbilical cords and evaluate its cell biological properties.Methods:In control group,mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were isolated by digesting human umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly tissues with 0.2％ collagenase Ⅱ,and the released cells were collected and cultured in an animal serum-free culture medium.In AO-MSC group,incompletely collagenase Ⅱ-digested tissue debris were allowed to adhere to flusk flat bottoms and the AO-MSC was harvested by adherent culture. The conventional digestion and culture method was used as control.MSC colony forming ability was evaluated by fibroblast colony forming assay (CFU-F).MSC proliferative capacity was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.The MSC surface markers were detected by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining.The adipogenic and osteogenic capacity of MSC was evaluated by multi-differentiation in vitro,and the mRNA expression of genes that control adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR );Moreover,the mRNA expression of antioxidant substances such as SOD-1,GSH,GAT,and NQO1 in MSC was also evaluated by RT-qPCR.Results:The AO-MSC isolated by this strategy reached a confluence of 80％-90％ at around 18 days and grew in a swirling pattern.Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining assays showed that CD73,CD29,CD105,CD90 were highly expressed and CD31,CD45,HLA-DR were scarcely expressed in AO-MSC.AO-MSC exhibited stronger self-renewal and differentiation ability compared to MSC.However,the in vitro adipogenic-osteogenic capacity of MSC in the control group was stronger than that of AO-MSC.RT-qPCR assay showed that AO-MSC expressed higher mRNA levels of antioxidant substances compared to MSC.Conclusion:Human AO-MSC is successfully prepared from human umbilical cord without animal serum.

Aim To investigate the mechanism of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction(BBTD)in interfer-ing methamphetamine(MA)addiction using network pharmacology.Methods The mechanism of BBTD intervention in MA addiction was analyzed using net-work pharmacology,and MA-dependent SH-SY5Y cell model was further constructed to observe the effects of BBTD on cell model and PI3K-Akt pathway.Results A total of 88 active ingredients and 583 potential tar-gets of BBTD were screened.KEGG analysis showed that BBTD might intervene in MA addiction through PI3K-Akt,cAMP and other pathways.The molecular docking results showed that key active ingredients ex-hibited strong binding ability with core targets of PI3K-Akt pathway.In vitro experiments showed that MA-de-pendent model cells had shorter synapses,tended to be elliptical in morphology,had blurred cell boundaries,showed typical cell damage morphology,and had high intracellular expression of cAMP(P＜0.01)and low expression of 5-HT(P＜0.05).BBTD intervention could counteract the above morphology,cAMP,and 5-HT changes,suggesting that it had therapeutic effects on MA-dependent model cells.Western blot showed that MA modeling elevated the p-PI3K/PI3K(P＜0.05)and p-Akt/Akt(P＜0.01);BBTD inter-vention decreased their relative expression.Conclu-sions Gastrodin and other active ingredients in BBTD have therapeutic effects on MA addiction,and the mechanism may be related to regulation of PI3K-Akt pathway relevant targets.