BACKGROUND:Observational studies have shown that intervertebral disc degeneration affects sedentary and physical activity levels;however,the causal relationship between sedentary and physical activity levels in the Oswestry disability index score and intervertebral disc degeneration is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the causal relationship between sedentary and physical activity levels in the Oswestry disability index score and intervertebral disc degeneration using the Mendelian randomization method. METHODS:Five features associated with behavioral correlations in the Oswestry disability index score,including time spent watching TV,time spent on the computer,and light/moderate/vigorous physical activity,were selected from large-scale population-based genome-wide association studies,and instrumental variables were extracted for each of these behaviorally related features.Mendelian randomization analyses were performed in conjunction with the extraction of intervertebral disc degeneration as an outcome from the Finn Gen latest version 9 database.The results were analyzed using the inverse variance weighted,MR-Egger regression,simple mode,weighted mode,weighted median estimator,and regression model odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI)to assess the causal relationship between sedentary and physical activity levels in the Oswestry disability index scoring and intervertebral disc degeneration.Cochran's Q was used to test for heterogeneity,MR-Egger intercept to test for multiplicity,and leave-one-out to test the sensitivity of single nucleotide polymorphisms to the causal relationship between exposure factors and disc degeneration. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of the Mendelian randomization analysis using inverse variance weighted method showed a positive causal association between time spent watching TV/on the computer and the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration(OR=1.775,95%CI:1.418-2.221,P<0.001)/(OR=1.384,95%CI:1.041-1.839,P<0.001),an inverse causal association between light physical activity and the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration(OR=1.000,95%CI:0.999-1.000,P=0.020).MR-Egger intercept analysis indicated there was potential horizontal polytropy between light physical activity and intervertebral disc degeneration(P=0.005),while there was no horizontal pleiotropy between time spent watching TV,time spent on the computer and intervertebral disc degeneration(P=0.521,P=0.851).Cochran's Q analysis showed that heterogeneity was observed between time spent watching TV,time spent on the computer and intervertebral disc degeneration(P=3.33×10-11,P=0.001),and no significant heterogeneity was observed between light physical activity and intervertebral disc degeneration(P=0.186).Overall,there is a bidirectional causal relationship between sedentary and physical activity levels in the Oswestry disability index score and intervertebral disc degeneration,i.e.,not only does intervertebral disc degeneration affect sedentary and physical activity levels in the Oswestry disability index score,but sedentary and physical activity levels in the Oswestry disability index score also affect intervertebral disc degeneration.These findings add to the genetic evidence for a positive effect of light physical activity on intervertebral disc degeneration,indicate that moderate/vigorous physical activity shows no significant causal relationship with intervertebral disc degeneration,and expand the evidence base for sedentary behaviors such as prolonged time spent watching TV/on the computer as a risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration.

As a severe clinical manifestation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease， nonalcoholic steatohepatitis （NASH） is characterized by lipid deposition and inflammatory damage in the liver. At present， clinical medications for NASH are still in the exploratory phase， and it is urgent to make progress. Recent studies have shown that the pathogenesis of NASH is associated with circadian rhythm disorders in the liver， with the specific manifestation of dysregulated expression of liver clock genes such as BMAL1， which increases hepatic lipogenesis， reduces fatty acid oxidation， and activates pro-inflammatory factors. Therefore， improving circadian rhythm of the liver and regulating the expression of liver clock genes are feasible strategies for the prevention and treatment of NASH. Currently， some medications for NASH via activating the proteins encoded by clock genes have been applied in animal experiments， for example， the REVERB full-agonist SR9009 can inhibit the development of liver inflammation， which confirms the possibility of NASH treatment by targeting the proteins encoded by clock genes. This article summarizes the role of hepatic clock genes in regulating lipid metabolism and the development and progression of inflammation in the liver and elaborates on the recent advances in medications targeting clock genes and the proteins encoded by clock genes， in order to provide new targets for the treatment of NASH.

Objective:To investigate the effect of tripartite motif-containing protein 59 (TRIM59) on glucose metabolism in macrophages and its role in regulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/IL-10 axis in macrophages under inflammatory conditions.Methods:The differentially expressed genes between macrophages with high expression of TRIM59 and control cells transfected with empty TRIM59 plasmid were analyzed by GO and KEGG. The expression of HIF-1α by RAW264.7 macrophages with high expression of TRIM59 was detected at different time points after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Bone marrow was isolated from TRIM59-cKO and TRIM59 flox/flox mice and induced to differentiate into bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). These BMDMs were stimulated with LPS and the supernatants of cell culture were collected at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after stimulation to detect IL-10 level by ELISA. In addition, mouse models of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) were established, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected at the same time points to detect IL-10 level by ELISA. Histopathological changes in lung tissues were observed after HE staining. Results:There was a significant change in glucose metabolism-related genes in macrophages with high expression of TRIM59, and the content of lactic acid increased significantly. Compared with the control group, the expression of HIF-1α at mRNA level in BMDMs from TRIM59-cKO mice decreased after LPS stimulation ( P<0.05); the level of IL-10 increased at 3 h and 24 h in the TRIM59-cKO group, but there was no significant difference in IL-10 level at 6 h or 12 h between the two groups. In the TRIM59-cKO mouse model of CLP, the levels of IL-10 in the BALF samples increased with time, but decreased at 24 h. The level of IL-10 was higher in the TRIM59-cKO mouse model group than that in the control group at each time point ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions:TRIM59 can inhibit inflammation and lung injury by decreasing HIF-1α-mediated lactate secretion and IL-10 expression in macrophages. This study provides a new idea for developing novel anti-sepsis drugs based on TRIM59.

BACKGROUND:It has been found in recent observational studies that assessing localized fat mass is crucial in the evaluation of disc degeneration.Although obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for disc degeneration,the causal relationship between fat mass,which is a key factor in obesity,and intervertebral disc degeneration has been unclear in previous studies. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal risk factors of intervertebral disc degeneration associated with different distributions of fat mass,thereby enhancing the understanding of the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration and contributing to the development of preventive,therapeutic,and prognostic strategies. METHODS:Genetic markers associated with trunk and lower limb fat mass were extracted as instrumental variables from the publicly available IEU Open GWAS under the conditions of strong correlation and fulfillment of linkage disequilibrium.These markers were combined with the Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the relationship between body fat and intervertebral disc degeneration.We used the latest version 9 database of FinnGen and assessed the results using several regression models,including inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger regression,simple mode,weighted mode,and weighted median estimator.We also assessed the heterogeneity of the genetic markers using Cochran's Q test,and multiplicity was assessed using the MR-Egger intercept test.Additionally,we used the leave-one-out method to determine the sensitivity of individual genetic markers to the causal effect of the exposure and outcome.The results were presented as odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals(CI). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results from the inverse variance weighting method revealed that there was a positive causal relationship between trunk fat mass and the risk of developing intervertebral disc degeneration(OR=1.25,95%CI:1.15-1.35,P＜0.001).Additionally,there was an inverse causal relationship between bilateral lower limb fat mass and the risk of developing intervertebral disc degeneration(OR=0.7,95%CI:0.63-0.78,P＜0.001;OR=0.69,95%CI:0.62-0.76,P＜0.001).Furthermore,the MR-Egger intercept analysis did not detect any potential horizontal pleiotropy.No bias single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected,while heterogeneity tests were present,and the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis suggested reliable results.The results above demonstrate a positive causal relationship between trunk fat mass and intervertebral disc degeneration.As trunk fat mass increases,the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration rises.With an increase in both lower limb fat mass,the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration decreases.Fat content and distribution affects the risk of developing intervertebral disc degeneration and should be given more attention.

Objective To investigate the effect of miR-142-3p on the apoptosis of rat pancreatic exocrine cell line AR42J by regulating Hmgb1.Methods AR42J cells were divided into blank group(blank),acute pancreatitis model group(AP,100 nmol/L cerulein for 24 h),and then transfected with miR-142-3p mimics,mimics NC,miR-142-3p inhibitor and inhibitor NC,respectively.The cells in the model group were recorded as miR-142-3p mimics group,mimics NC group,miR-142-3p inhibitor group and inhibitor NC.The expression of miR-142-3p in cells was detected by RT-qPCR.The protein expressions of HMGB1,caspase-3,Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blot.Hoechst staining was used to determine cell apoptosis.The apoptosis rate of cells was detected by flow cytometry.The targeting relationship between miR-142-3p and Hmgb1 was determined by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Results Compared with blank control group,the expression level of miR-142-3p in the AP group was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01),the expression level of HMGB1 and caspase-3 proteins was up-regulated(P＜0.05),the expression level of Bax protein was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),the expression level of Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased(P＜0.01)and the apoptosis rate increased significantly(P＜0.01).Compared with the mimics NC group,the level of miR-142-3p in the miR-142-3p mimics group was significantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),the expression of HMGB,caspase-3 and Bax proteins was significantly down-regulated(P＜0.01),the expression of Bcl-2 protein was up-regulated(P＜0.05),and the apoptosis rate decreased signifi-cantly(P＜0.01).Compared with inhibitor NC group,the expression level of miR-142-3p in miR-142-3p inhibitor group was down-regulated(P＜0.05),the expression levels of HMGB1,caspase-3 and Bax proteins were signifi-cantly up-regulated(P＜0.01),the expression level of Bcl-2 protein was decreased(P＜0.05)and the apoptosis rate increased significantly(P＜0.01).The dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that Hmgb1 was the target gene of miR-142-3p.Conclusions 1)The expression of miR-142-3p was low in the model group.2)miR-142-3p can inhibit the apoptosis of AR42J cells by inhibiting the expression of Hmgb1.

Due to multiple factors such as the closed research and development (R&D) system and differences in international mainstream regulatory standards, the internationalization of Chinese patent medicines has been weakly promoted. Multi-case analysis based on grounded theory can identify the key factors that promote the internationalization of Chinese patent medicines in each link, so as to put forward suggestions for promoting the internationalization of Chinese patent medicines. By retrieving the research literature on the internationalization of Chinese patent medicines included in CNKI, and further searching the official websites of the corresponding enterprises, as well as the news reports, comments and analysis of related events on official websites such as Xinhua News Agency, People's Network and China Medical Device Network, 27 textual materials were obtained, 6 classic cases of international registration of Chinese patent medicines were summarized, and three-level coding was used to organize and analyze them level by level. 25 initial categories and 7 main categories were extracted, and 4 core categories were finally summarized: promote R&D and promotion in advantageous areas based on international needs, build a quality control system in line with the international standards, select appropriate national markets based on international demand, and carry out international collaborative R&D in the whole life cycle. Based on this, suggestions were put forward: in order to promote the internationalization process of Chinese patent medicines, priority disease types and product formulations should be determined based on demand during the drug discovery phase; full cycle international cooperation in drug R&D should be carried out; a Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations supervision system that is in line with the international standards in the link of drug quality supervision should be constructed; countries with flexible and experienced regulatory rules in the drug approval and marketing process should be chosen.

Parkinson′s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, and the abnormal levels of its pathological marker ɑ-synuclein (ɑ-syn) are often accompanied by imbalanced heavy metal homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, with limited research. This review explores the interactions between iron, copper, zinc, and manganese with pathological ɑ-syn′s abnormal expression, aggregation, and degradation in development and progression of PD. It also discusses potential therapeutic directions for addressing heavy metal imbalances in PD patients.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that recovery sleep could counteract the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on male rats’ fertility. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two rats were housed in groups of six per cage with unrestricted access to food and water in a room. The modified multiple platform method was used to induce SD in rats over a 96-hour period. We examined the effect of SD on semen quality, reproductive hormones, and testicular histology in adult male rats. Then, we investigated the effect of 7 days recovery sleep on impaired reproductive function induced by SD. Results: After the acclimation period, 22 rats were randomly separated into three experimental groups (SD, recovery sleep, and the control groups). Ninety-six hours of SD resulted in a significant decrease in sperm motility (24.33±10.93 vs. 48.20±8.55, p<0.001) and the number of morphologically normal sperm (9.68±2.77 vs. 26.21±14.60, p<0.01) in rats, accompanied by a decrease in testosterone levels (1.53±0.55 vs. 4.44±0.56, p<0.001) and destruction of testicular tissue structure compared with control group. After 7 days of recovery sleep, semen quality, especially sperm motility, was improved and testosterone levels were significantly higher compared to post-SD (3.70±0.53 vs. 1.53±0.55, p<0.05), but remained low compared to the control group. Conclusions In conclusion, 96 hours of SD deteriorated the parameters of sperm motility and the number of morphologically normal sperm in rats, probably due to the decrease in serum testosterone levels and the disruption of testicular tissue structure when compared to the control group. After 7 days of recovery sleep, semen parameter, especially sperm motility and testosterone levels did not return to baseline levels compared to the control group.

Objective:To summarize the clinical-imaging features and prognoses of acute encephalopathy combined with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed. The clinical and imaging data and follow-up results of 8 children with AESD, admitted to Departments of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Wuhan Children's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2020 to April 2022 were collected.Results:The antecedent infections in 8 children were predominantly gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections and convulsive seizures occured within 24 h of fever. The clinical presentation was biphasic: 3 had sustained convulsive state in the first phase of the disease, and all showed cluster seizures with worsening impairment of consciousness in the second phase of the disease, including 4 with involuntary movements during recovery from the disease. Seven children required admission to Intensive Care Unit, 4 required tracheal intubation for assisted ventilation, and 1 was combined with septic shock. Brain MRI findings of 8 children were "bright tree" in the second phase of the disease, including bilateral symmetrical and bilateral asymmetrical involvements, with diffuse and focal involvements. All 8 children were treated with glucocorticoids and/or gammaglobulin, and 2 were given mild hypothermia brain protection. Follow-up was performed for more than 3 months, and brain MRI indicated cerebral atrophy, subdural effusion and cerebral malacia. All the 8 children survived with different degrees of sequelae. Two children had Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4, 4 had scores of 5, and 2 had scores of 7.Conclusion:AESD is a special clinical-maging syndrome, characterized by biphasic seizure and "bright tree" on head MRI; the survival is high, but neurological sequelae of different degrees are easily left behind.

ObjectiveTo analyze the community structure of endophytes in Panax quinquefolium root and explore the dominant endophytic bacteria and fungi， to provide scientific basis for the establishment of endophytic microbial bank in P. quinquefolium root. MethodInternal Transcribed Spacer （ITS） sequencing and 16S sequencing were performed on six P. quinquefolium root samples collected from Wendeng， Shandong province on PacBio Sequel Ⅱ. ResultA total of 8 phyla， 11 classes， 23 orders， 27 families and 53 genera of endophytic bacteria were identified in P. quinquefolium root， among which an unidentified Burkholderiaceae and an unidentified Rhizobiaceae were dominant. A total of 9 phyla， 23 classes， 35 orders， 43 families and 48 genera of endophytic fungi were identified in P. quinquefolium root， among which an unclassified Helotiales and Pseudogymnoascus were dominant. The community structure of endophytic bacteria revealed that the roots were selectively enriched with nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as unidentified Rhizobiaceae， Bradyrhizobium and Herbaspirillum， which suggested that nitrogen is important for the growth of P. quinquefolium root. The community structure of endophytic fungi indicated that P. quinquefolium in Shandong province might be infected by unclassified Helotiales. ConclusionThere is a rich diversity of endophytic bacteria and fungi in P. quinquefolium root， which provides scientific basis for studying the interaction of the plant with endophytic microorganisms and screening the endophytes to promote the growth of P. quinquefolium root.