ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the mechanism of action of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in treating rheumatoid arthritis （RA）-associated sarcopenia by regulating autophagy and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis based on network pharmacology，bioinformatics，machine learning，and animal experiments. MethodsActive ingredients and targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP），PubChem，and SwissTargetPrediction databases. RA-related datasets were retrieved from the GEO database，and differential genes were screened. Sarcopenia-related targets were searched through GeneCards and the Comparative Toxicology Database （CTD），and autophagy-related gene sets were downloaded from the Human Autophagy Database （HADb）. Their intersection was analyzed to identify autophagy-related therapeutic targets，followed by enrichment analysis. A protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed using the STRING database，and key targets were selected using multiple methods. Machine learning was applied to predict models based on the expression profiles of intersecting targets，and nomogram models were constructed based on key targets. Molecular docking of the top four active ingredients with key targets was performed using AutoDockVina. A collagen-induced arthritis （CIA） rat model was established using bovine type Ⅱ collagen，with SD rats divided into groups including a blank group，a model group，and low-，medium-，and high-dose groups of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang （2.44，4.88，and 9.76 g·kg^-1） and administered for five consecutive weeks. Joint scores and gastrocnemius muscle mass were recorded and analyzed after modeling. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining and Masson's staining were used to observe pathological changes in muscle tissue. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to observe the protein expression levels of myosin heavy chain （MYHC） and insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） in skeletal muscle. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of autophagy-related proteins ATG5，Beclin1，LC3B，muscle-specific proteins （MuRF1），MaFbx，and MYHC. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR （Real-time PCR） was performed to measure the mRNA expression levels of ATG5，Beclin1，LC3B，MuRF1，MaFbx，and MYHC in muscle tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacology revealed that Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang shared 25 common targets with autophagy genes related to RA-associated sarcopenia. The PPI network and machine learning identified six key targets，which were primarily involved in autophagy and inflammatory pathways. Animal experiments showed that compared to the blank group，the model group had significantly higher joint scores （P<0.01） and lower gastrocnemius muscle index （P<0.01）. HE staining indicated a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers，with notable inflammatory cell infiltration and muscle atrophy in the model group. Masson's staining revealed obvious collagen fiber proliferation and deposition，with significant muscle fibrosis in the model group. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5，Beclin1，LC3B，MuRF1，and MaFbx were significantly increased （P<0.01），while the protein expression of MYHC and IGF1 was significantly downregulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group，the high-dose group of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang showed significantly reduced protein and mRNA expression levels of ATG5，Beclin1，LC3B，MuRF1，and MaFbx （P<0.01） and increased protein expression levels of MYHC and IGF1 （P<0.01）. The cross-sectional area of muscle fibers increased，and the muscle cell morphology approached normal. Moreover，pathological abnormalities in the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly improved，with reduced collagen fiber proliferation （P<0.01）. ConclusionHuangqi Guizhi Wuwutang can mediate autophagy by regulating the expression of ATG5，Beclin1，LC3B，and IGF1，thereby reducing skeletal muscle catabolism and improving skeletal muscle homeostasis，which contributes to the treatment of RA-associated sarcopenia. The findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in the treatment of RA-related sarcopenia and offer a reference for its enhanced clinical application.

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

BACKGROUND:Fluorosis is a disorder of enamel development caused by long-term intake of large amounts of fluoride during enamel development. OBJECTIVE:To further explore the molecular mechanism of dental fluorosis formation by screening the differentially expressed genes associated with calcium homeostasis in ameloblasts by transcriptome sequencing technology. METHODS:LS8 cells were treated with 0,0.4,0.8,1.6,3.2 and 6.4 mmol/L sodium fluoride(NaF)for 24,48 and 72 hours to observe the effects of different concentrations of NaF on the morphology,cell activity and intracellular Ca2+ concentration of LS8 cells.The differentially expressed genes were screened by transcriptome sequencing and validated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After 24 hours of treatment,the cells treated with 0,0.4,and 0.8 mmol/L NaF were in good growth condition,with increased cell number and clear cell outline.When the NaF concentration was≥1.6 mmol/L,the cells were gradually shrunken and became smaller and the number of cells decreased with the increase of NaF concentration.After 48 and 72 hours of treatment,the number of cells increased in the 0,0.4 mmol/L NaF groups,while gradually decreased in the 0.8,1.6,3.2 mmol/L NaF groups,with rounded and smaller cell morphology.The cells in the 6.4 mmol/L NaF group were shrunken,rounded and suspended in the medium,with almost no adherent cells.When treated with the same concentration of NaF,LS8 cells were in optimal growth after 24 hours of treatment.Results from cell counting kit-8 assay showed that when treated with the same concentration of NaF,the cell activity decreased with the increase of treatment time;when the treatment time was the same,the cell activity decreased with the increase of NaF concentration.After 24 hours of treatment,the intracellular Ca2+ concentration increased with the increase of NaF concentration.Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified genes involved in the regulation of cellular calcium homeostasis:Hsp90b1,Canx,Calr,and Hspa5 that were significantly upregulated(P＜0.05)and Cacna1a that was significantly downregulated(P＜0.05).To conclude,the inhibitory effect of NaF on LS8 cell proliferation may be related to the abnormal increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration,and the mechanism may be caused by the upregulation of the expression of protein processing and synthesis pathways Hsp90b1,Canx,Calr,and Hspa5 and the downregulation of the expression of calcium signaling pathway Cacna1a.

ObjectiveTo conduct a meta-analysis of the prevalent characteristics of the injury-related behaviors among adolescents in China based on Chinese literature, so as to inform the prevention and control of injury-related behaviors of this population. MethodsA cross-sectional study on the prevalent characteristics of adolescent injury-related behaviors was conducted with the data collected from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, CBM, PubMed, and Web of Science. The review included publications from the inception of the databases to November 2023. Meta-analysis was performed with Stata 15.1 software. ResultsA total of 40 articles were included in this study, and the meta-analysis results showed that cycling violation rate was 38% (95%CI: 32%‒43%), walking violation rate was 29% (95%CI: 22%‒36%), rate of unsafe swimming was 13% (95%CI: 11%‒14%), suicidal ideation rate was 13% (95%CI: 12%‒15%) and the prevalence of fighting was 19% (95%CI: 17%‒22%). Subgroup analysis showed that the cycling violation rate was (44%) for boys and 34% (95%CI: 28%‒40%) for girls. Adolescents in Northeast, East, and Southwest of China had the highest rate of cycling violation (44%), of which junior high school students had the highest rate of violation [42% (95%CI: 36%‒49%)]. As for the walking violation rate, male students [29% (95%CI: 21%‒37%)] was higher than that of female students [22% (95%CI: 15%‒30%)]. Adolescents in North of China had the highest rate of walking violation [54% (95%CI: 30%‒76%)], of which vocational school students accounted for 38% (95%CI:21%‒56%) of the total violation. In terms of the detection rate of unsafe swimming, male students [18% (95%CI: 14%‒24%)] was higher than that of female students [8% (95%CI: 6%‒10%)]. Adolescents in Central South China had the highest rate of unsafe swimming [15% (95%CI: 12%‒18%)], of which, vocational school students accounted for the highest [15% (95%CI: 10%‒19%)]. When it comes to the prevalence of suicidal ideation, female students [16% (95%CI: 13%‒19%)] was higher than that of male students [13% (95%CI: 11%‒15%)]. Adolescents in Southwest of China had the highest rate of suicidal ideation [17% (95%CI: 10%‒25%)], of which high school students accounted for the highest [15% (95%CI: 12%‒18%)]. Finally, the detection rate of fights was 30% (95%CI: 26%‒34%) for boys and 11% (95%CI: 10%‒14%) for girls. Adolescents from Southwest of China had the highest rate [29% (95%CI: 24%‒34%)] for fights, and junior high school students accounted for the highest [26% (95%CI: 22%‒31%)]. ConclusionThe prevalence of harmful behaviors among adolescents in China is notably high, with statistical differences across gender, region, and school stages. These behaviors pose a risk to adolescent health, underscoring the need for targeted interventions by health and educational authorities.

Objective To evaluate the potential risk of transmission of angiostrongyliasis by common freshwater snails in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, so as to provide insights into local surveillance of angiostrongyliasis. Methods Common freshwater snails were collected from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province from March to April, 2020, and identified and bred in laboratory. SD rats were infected with third-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis that were isolated from commercially available Pomacea canaliculata snails in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and freshwater snails were infected with the first-stage larvae of A. cantonensis that were isolated from the feces of SD rats 39 days post-infection at room temperature. The developmental process and morphological characteristics of worms in hosts were observed, and the percentages of A. cantonensis infections in different species of freshwater snails were calculated. Then, SD rats were infected with the third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis that were isolated from A. cantonensis-infected freshwater snails, and the larval development and reproduction was observed. Results More than 3 000 freshwater snail samples were collected from farmlands, ditches and wetlands around Erhai Lake in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and Cipangopaludina chinensis, P. canaliculata, Parafossarulus striatulus, Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni, Galba pervia, Physa acuta, Radix swinhoei, Assiminea spp., Tricula spp. and Bellamya spp. were morphologically identified. A total of 105 commercially available P. canaliculata snails were tested for A. cantonensis infections, and 2 P. canaliculata snails were found to be infected with A. cantonensis, in which the third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis were isolated. Ten species of freshwater snails were artificially infected with the third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis, and all 10 species of freshwater snails were found to be infected with A. cantonensis, with the highest positive rate of A. cantonensis infections in Bellamya spp. (62.3%, 137/204), and the lowest in C. chinensis (35.5%, 11/31). After SD rats were infected with the third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis isolated from different species of freshwater snails, mature adult worms of A. cantonensis were yielded. Conclusions Multiple species of freshwater snails may serve as intermediate hosts of A. cantonensis under laboratory conditions in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Further investigations on natural infection of A. cantonensis in wild snails in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture seem justified.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of Bushen Yugu Formula （补肾愈骨方） promoting postoperative functional rehabilitation of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability （CLAI） with syndrome of liver-kidney insufficiency and sinews-vessels deprived of nourishment. MethodsClinical data were retrospectively collected from 40 patients with CLAI with syndrome of liver-kidney insufficiency and sinews-vessels deprived of nou-rishment who underwent external ankle ligament repair surgery. They were divided into 20 cases each in the treatment group and control group according to whether or not they took Bushen Yugu Formula； patients in the control group underwent postoperative functional rehabilitation， while patients in the treatment group took Bushen Yugu Formula in the 3rd and 4th postoperative weeks combined with the rehabilitation. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society （AOFAS） scores， the flexion/extension and internal/external rotation， the imaging scores of the ankle joint on the operated side and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores were recorded in the preoperative and 3-month postoperative， respectively. The patients' liver and kidney functions were tested in the preoperative and 4-month postoperative， and adverse events during treatment were recorded. ResultsCompared with the preoperative period， the AOFAS scores were higher and the TCM syndrome scores were lower in both groups 3 months after surgery （P＜0.01）， and the ankle internal and external rotation mobility and imaging scores were higher in the treatment group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， and ankle flexion/extension mobility was lower in the control group （P＜0.05）. At 3 months after surgery， the AOFAS score was higher in the treatment group than in the control group， and the TCM syndrome score was lower than in the control group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Two cases of gastrointestinal reactions were reported in the treatment group， which relieved on their own after stopping the formula， and no abnormality was observed in liver and kidney function indexes. ConclusionBushen Yugu Formula can promote functional rehabilitation of ankle joint and improve clinical symptoms in CLAI patients with syndrome of liver-kidney insufficiency and sinews-vessels deprived of nourishment， and it shows a good safety.

Objective To investigate the mechanism that Rubescensine A reduces the podocyte damage induced by high glucose(HG)through the autophagy pathway mediated by AMP activated protein kinase/silent information regulator 1(AMPK/SIRT1)pathway.Methods Human glomerular podocytes were cultured in vitro,and randomly divided into Control group(Con),HG group,hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)group,and Rapamycin(RAP)group.CCK-8 was used to detect cell viability.Western blotting was used to detect cell apoptosis and podocyte injury related protein expression in each group.The podocyte model induced by high glucose(HG)was treated with Rubescensine A(Rub A)at different concentrations and the optimal concentration was selected.Then,human glomerular podocytes were randomly divided into Con group,HG group,Rub A group,Compound C group,and Rub A+Compound C group.The expression of autophagy,AMPK/SIRT1 pathway related proteins were detected in each group.Results Compared with Con group,the podocyte viability and the protein expressions of Synaptopodin and Bcl-2 was significantly reduced(P<0.05),while the protein expressions of Desmin and Bax were significantly increased in HG group(P<0.05).Compared with the HG group,all indicators were relieved in RAP group.However,the levels of all indicators were worsened in HCQ group.Compared with Con group,the expression levels of Desminand Bax proteins in podocytes were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the podocyte viability,number of autophagosomes,the expression levels of Synaptopodin,Bcl-2,microtubule associated protein light chain 3(LC3)II/I,Beclin-1,p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1 proteins were significantly reduced in HG group(P<0.05).Compared with HG group and Rub A+Compound C group,the above indicators were improved in Rub A group.Compound C group reversed the protective effect of Rub A.Conclusion Rubescensine A can promote autophagy by activating AMPK/SIRT1 pathway,thereby reduce podocyte damage induced by high glucose.

Objective To evaluate the bioequivalence of test product and reference product in a single dose of amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet under fasting and fed conditions in healthy volunteers.Methods An open label,randomized,single dose,four-period,crossover bioequivalence study was designed.Fasting and postprandial tests were randomly divided into 2 administration sequence groups according to 1:1 ratio,amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet test product or reference product 375 mg,oral administration separately,liquid chromatography tanden mass spectrometry was applied to determine the concentration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in plasma of healthy subjects after fasting or fed administration,while Phoenix WinNonlin 8.2 software were used for pharmacokinetics(PK)parameters calculation and bioequivalence analysis.Results Healthy subjects took the test product and the reference product under fasting condition,the main PK parameters of amoxicillin are as follows:Cmax were(5 075.57±1 483.37)and(5 119.86±1 466.73)ng·mL-1,AUC0_twere(1.32 × 104±2 163.76)and(1.30 × 104±1 925.11)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞were(1.32 × 104±2 175.40)and(1.31 ×104±1 935.86)ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of clavulanic acid are as follows:Cmax were(3 298.27±1 315.23)and(3 264.06±1 492.82)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(7 690.06±3 053.40)and(7 538.39±3 155.89)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞were(7 834.81±3 082.61)and(7 671.67±3 189.31)ng·mL-1;the 90％confidence intervals of Cmax,AUC0-tand AUC0-∞ after logarithmic conversion of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium of the two products were all within 80.00％-125.00％.Healthy subjects took the test and reference product under fed condition,the main PK parameters of amoxicillin are as follows:Cmax were(4 514.08±1 324.18)and(4 602.82±1 366.48)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(1.15 × 104±1 637.95)and(1.15 × 104±1 665.69)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞ were(1.16 × 104±1 646.26)and(1.15 × 104±1 607.20)ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of clavulanic acid are as follows:Cmax were(2 654.75±1 358.29)and(2 850.51±1 526.31)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(5 882.82±2 930.06)and(6 161.28±3 263.20)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞ were(6 022.70±2 965.05)and(6 298.31±3 287.63)ng·mL-1;the 90％confidence intervals of Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ after logarithmic conversion of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium of the two products were all within 80.00％-125.00％.Conclusion The two formulations were bioequivalent to healthy adult volunteers under fasting and fed conditions.

Objective To investigate the effect of quercetin on HCE-2 injury of human corneal epithelial cells induced by high osmotic pressure and its mechanism.Methods HCE-2 cells were randomly divided into control group(normal osmotic pressure),model group(high osmotic pressure),experimental-L group(high osmotic pressure+31.25 pg·mL-1 quercetin),experimental-M group(high osmotic pressure+62.50 μg·mL-1 quercetin),experimental-H group(high osmotic pressure+125.00 μg·mL-1 quercetin),erastin group(high osmotic pressure+125.00 μg·mL-1 quercetin+30.00 μmol·L-1 iron death inducer erastin).Cell survival rate was detected by cell counting kit 8;reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels was detected by C11-BODIPY 581/591 probe staining;glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels were determined by kit method;the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),dihydrolactate dehydrogenase(DHODH)and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Results The cell survival rates of control group,model group,experimental-H group and erastin group were(100.00±3.97)％,(50.05±5.83)％,(86.35±7.35)％and(58.32±4.66)％,respectively;ROS levels were 1.00±0.09,2.45±0.16,1.19±0.05 and 2.09±0.30,respectively;GPX4 protein levels were 1.09±0.11,0.34±0.03,0.91±0.12 and 0.30±0.04,respectively;FSP1 protein levels were 0.92±0.06,0.25±0.03,0.89±0.07 and 0.39±0.07,respectively;DHODH protein levels were 0.89±0.11,0.31±0.04,0.86±0.11,0.41±0.04,respectively.Compared with model group,the above indexes in control group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the differences between experimental-H group and model group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the above indexes in erastin group were significantly different from those in experimental-H group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Quercetin can ameliorate HCE-2 cell damage induced by high osmotic pressure by inhibiting iron death pathway.

Objective To observe the pharmacokinetic effect of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets on amoxicillin in Chinese healthy subjects under fasting and high fat and high calorie diet.Methods 71 healthy subjects were given a single dose of amoxicillin potassium clavulanate tablets(0.375 g)on fasting or high fat diet,and venous blood samples were collected at different time points.The concentrations of amoxicillin in human plasma were determined by HPLC-MS/MS method,and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-atrioventricular model using PhoenixWinNonlin 8.0 software.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of amoxicillin potassium clavulanate tablets after fasting and high fat diet were(5 105.00±1 444.00),(4 593.00±1 327.00)ng·mL-1,and postprandial-fasting ratio 89.40％,90％confidence interval(79.55％-100.19％);t1/2 were(1.52±0.16),(1.39±0.22)h;AUC0-t were(12 969.00±1 841.00),(11 577.00±1 663.00)ng·mL-1·h,and postdietary/fasting ratio 89.20％,90％confidence interval(83.92％-94.28％);AUC0-∞ were(13 024.00±1 846.00),(11 532.00±1 545.00)ng·mL-1·h,and postprandial-fasting ratio 88.60％,90％confidence interval(83.48％-93.50％).The median Tmax(range)were 1.63(0.75,3.00)and 2.50(0.75,6.00)h,respectively,and the Tmax of postprandial medication was delayed(P＜0.01).Conclusion Compared with fasting condition,amoxicillin Tmax was significantly delayed after high fat diet,while Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ were not significantly changed,indicating that food could delay the absorption of amoxicillin,but did not affect the degree of absorption.