ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism of aerobic exercise to improve hippocampal neuronal degeneration by regulating tryptophan metabolic pathway. Methods60 SPF-grade C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a young group (2 months old, n=30) and a senile group (12 months old, n=30), and each group was further divided into a control group (C/A group, n=15) and an exercise group (CE/AE group, n=15). An aerobic exercise program was used for 8 weeks. Learning memory ability was assessed by Y-maze, and anxiety-depression-like behavior was detected by absent field experiment. Hippocampal Trp levels were measured by GC-MS. Nissl staining was used to observe the number and morphology of hippocampal neurons, and electron microscopy was used to detect synaptic ultrastructure. ELISA was used to detect the levels of hippocampal Trp,5-HT, Kyn, KATs, KYNA, KMO, and QUIN; Western blot was used to analyze the activities of TPH2, IDO1, and TDO enzymes. ResultsGroup A mice showed significant decrease in learning and memory ability (P<0.05) and increase in anxiety and depressive behaviors (P<0.05); all of AE group showed significant improvement (P<0.05). Hippocampal Trp levels decreased in group A (P<0.05) and increased in AE group (P<0.05). Nidus vesicles were reduced and synaptic structures were degraded in group A (P<0.05), and both were significantly improved in group AE (P<0.05). The levels of Trp, 5-HT, KATs, and KYNA were decreased (P<0.05) and the levels of Kyn, KMO, and QUIN were increased (P<0.05) in group A. The activity of TPH2 was decreased (P<0.05), and the activities of IDO1 and TDO were increased (P<0.05). The AE group showed the opposite trend. ConclusionThe aging process significantly reduces the learning memory ability and increases the anxiety-depression-like behavior of mice, and leads to the reduction of the number of nidus vesicles and degenerative changes of synaptic structure in the hippocampus, whereas aerobic exercise not only effectively enhances the spatial learning memory ability and alleviates the anxiety-depression-like behavior of aging mice, but also improves the morphology and structure of neurons in hippocampal area, which may be achieved by the mechanism of regulating the tryptophan metabolic pathway.

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.

Objective: To explore the association between physical activity and sleep quality among middle school students, so as to provide reference for adolescent sleep improvement. Methods: From September to December 2023, 5 713 middle school students aged 13-18 years were selected from Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi and Urumqi by stratified cluster random sampling method. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Evaluation of Physical Activity Levels of Children and Adolescents Aged 7-18 Years were used to investigate and evaluate sleep quality and physical activity. Comparisons between groups were made using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and associations between physical activity and sleep quality of middle school students were analyzed using Spearman correlation and linear regression methods. Results: The total PSQI scores were 4.0(2.0,6.0) and 5.0 (3.0,6.0) for boys and girls, respectively, with significant sex difference ( Z =-10.90, P <0.01); light physical activity(LPA) and moderate to vigorous physical activity(MVPA) of boys were 18.57 (2.86, 42.86) and 68.57 (35.71, 119.18)min, and girls were 14.29 (0.00, 30.00) and 55.71 (31.43, 92.86)min respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z =3.65, -8.65 , P <0.01). The results of Spearman correlation regression showed that adolescents MVPA was negatively correlated with the total PSQI score ( r =-0.04, P <0.01). After controlling for variables such as mental health, nutritional status and maximum oxygen uptake, the results of linear regression analysis showed that PSQI total score negatively predicted MVPA among middle school students ( B =-4.76, 95% CI =-7.16 to -2.36, P <0.05). Conclusion The longer the duration of physical activity among middle school students, the better the quality of sleep.

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

Airway mucus hypersecretion is one of the important pathophysiological and clinical manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It has been reported in the literature that COPD patients with chronic airway mucus hypersecretion have more frequent acute exacerbations, more severe lung function decline, and higher hospitalizations and mortality. Therefore, it is particularly critical to understand the pathogenesis of hypersecretion of mucus in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and find out effective treatment. This article focuses on the structure, significance of airway mucus and the mechanism of hypersecretion of mucus in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, we also summarized drug and non-drug therapy for chronic airway mucus hypersecretion in this article. Drug therapy includes traditional drug therapy, some new targeted drug therapy for pathogenesis and traditional Chinese medicine therapy, and non-drug therapy includes smoking cessation, physical therapy and bronchos-copy therapy. We hope that it will provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of mucus hypersecretion in COPD patients.

Objective To investigate the current situation and influencing factors of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among close contacts of positive etiology pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)patients,provide basis for formula-ting intervention measures for LTBI.Methods A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select close contacts of positive etiology PTB patients from 39 districts and counties in Chongqing City as the study objects.Demographic information was collected by questionnaire survey and the infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected by interferon gamma release assay(IGRA).The influencing factors of LTBI were analyzed by x2 test and binary logistic regression model.Results A total of 2 591 close contacts were included,the male to female ratio was 0.69∶1,with the mean age of(35.72±16.64)years.1 058 cases of LTBI were detected,Myco-bacterium tuberculosis latent infection rate was 40.83％.Univariate analysis showed that the infection rate was dif-ferent among peoples of different age,body mass index(BMI),occupation,education level,marital status,wheth-er they had chronic disease or major surgery history,whether they lived together with the indicator case,and whether the cumulative contact time with the indicator case ≥250 hours,difference were all statistically significant(all P＜0.05);infection rate presented increased trend with the increase of age and BMI(both P＜0.001),and decreased trend with the increase of education(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that age 45-54 years old(OR=1.951,95％CI:1.031-3.693),age 55-64 years old(OR=2.473,95％CI:1.279-4.781),other occupations(OR=0.530,95％CI:0.292-0.964),teachers(OR=0.439,95％CI:0.242-0.794),students(OR=0.445,95％CI:0.233-0.851),junior high school education or below(OR=1.412,95％CI:1.025-1.944),BMI＜18.5 kg/m2(OR=0.762,95％CI:0.586-0.991),co-living with indicator cases(OR=1.621,95％CI1.316-1.997)and cumu-lative contact time with indicator cases ≥250 hours(OR=1.292,95％CI:1.083-1.540)were the influential fac-tors for LTBI(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The close contacts with positive etiology PTB have a high latent infection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis,and it is necessary to pay attention to close contacts of high age,farmers,and frequent contact with patients,and take timely targeted interventions to reduce the risk of occurrence of disease.

Objective:To investigate whether long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) AW112010 can improve insulin resistance in aging adipocytes through the miR-204/POU2F2 signaling pathway.Methods:In vivo experiment: C57BL/6 mice were divided into young control group(4 months old) and aging model group(18 months old) based on body weight. The expression levels of AW112010, miR-204-5p, POU2F2, aging related indicators(p16, p21), and insulin signaling pathway genes [insulin receptor(INSR), insulin receptor substrate 1(IRS1), phosphatidylinositol kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(AKT)] in epididymal adipose tissue were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. In vitro experiment: Using adriamycin(ADR) to induce 3T3-L1 aging adipocyte model, β-gal staining was used to observe cellular senescence, and miR-204 inhibitor and miR-204 mimic small interfering RNA were successfully constructed and transfected into 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results:RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the young group, the expression of AW112010 in the adipose tissue of aging mice was increased, while the expression of miR-204-5p was decreased. The expressions of POU2F2, p16, and p21 in the adipose tissue of aging mice were increased, while the expressions of INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 mRNA and protein were decreased. The β-gal stainging results showed that the number of 3T3-L1 senescent adipocytes induced by ADR was significantly increased, and the expression levels of AW112010, POU2F2, p16, and p21 in ADR-induced senescent adipocytes were increased compared with the control group, while the expression levels of miR-204-5p, INSR, IRS1, PI3K, GLUT4 were decreased, and remaining glucose in the culture medium was increased. Compared with control, overexpression of miR-204 resulted in decreased expressions of aging indicators p16, p21, and target gene POU2F2 while the expressions of INSR and GLUT4 were increased.Conclusion:Upregulation of lncRNA AW112010 in adipocytes of aging mice may induce insulin resistance by targeting miR-204-5p/POU2F2/IRS1.

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy and effect on serum thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP)levels of pa-tients with advanced liver cancer of qi deficiency and toxic stasis type by Jiawei Yupingfeng San.METHODS Using random double blind method,120 patients with advanced liver cancer of qi deficiency and toxic stasis type were randomly divided into 3 groups:Jiawei Yupingfeng San group,Yupingfeng San group,and placebo group,each consisting of 40 cases.All patients in the 3 groups were given conventional treatment such as radiotherapy,chemotherapy,interventional or targeted therapy;Jiawei Yupingfeng San group was given Jiawei Yupingfeng San granules,Yupingfeng San group was given Yupingfeng San granules,and placebo group was given placebo.The course of treatment was 2 months.The changes of Karnofsky functional status score(KPS score),TCM syndrome score,tumor size and serum TSLP level in the 3 groups were observed before and after treatment,and the correlation between the changes of tumor size and TSLP was analyzed.RESULTS After treatment,the KPS scores of Yupingfeng San group and Jiawei Yupingfeng San group were sig-nificantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),TCM syndrome score were decreased(P<0.01),tumor growth(P<0.05,P<0.01)was de-layed,and serum TSLP levels(P<0.05,P<0.01)were decreased.Furthermore,there was a slight positive correlation between chan-ges in tumor size and changes in TSLP(P<0.05).In terms of improving tumor size,the curative effect of Jiawei Yupingfeng San group was better than that of Yupingfeng San group(P<0.05).During the treatment period,no obvious adverse reactions were observed in the 3 groups of patients.CONCLUSION Combined with conventional treatment,Jiawei Yupingfeng San can significantly delay tumor growth in patients with advanced liver cancer of qi deficiency and toxic stasis type and improve patients'TCM syndromes and their qual-ity of survival.The therapeutic mechanism is related to reducing the expression of serum TSLP and improving the immune status of pa-tients,thereby delaying the growth of tumors.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Airway mucus hypersecretion is one of the important pathophysiological and clinical manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.It has been reported in the literature that COPD patients with chronic airway mucus hyperse-cretion have more frequent acute exacerbations,more severe lung function decline,and higher hos-pitalizations and mortality.Therefore,it is particu-larly critical to understand the pathogenesis of hy-persecretion of mucus in chronic obstructive pul-monary disease and find out effective treatment.This article focuses on the structure,significance of airway mucus and the mechanism of hypersecre-tion of mucus in chronic obstructive pulmonary dis-ease(COPD).In addition,we also summarized drug and non-drug therapy for chronic airway mucus hy-persecretion in this article.Drug therapy includes traditional drug therapy,some new targeted drug therapy for pathogenesis and traditional Chinese medicine therapy,and non-drug therapy includes smoking cessation,physical therapy and bronchos-copy therapy.We hope that it will provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of mucus hy-persecretion in COPD patients.