Individualized Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment antibiotics for recurrent urinary tract infections: a multicenter, randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the effects of individualized Chinese medicines on recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). METHODS: This study recruited 230 adult female patients in the remission phase of rUTIs from five hospitals in China. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: an individualized Chinese medicine group (n = 114) and a control group (n = 116). Patients in the Chinese medicine group received individualized Chinese herbs, which were evaluated for syndrome differentiation. Patients in the control group received antibiotic treatment combined with a Chinese medicine placebo. The duration of treatment was three courses of four weeks each, with a three-month subsequent follow-up. UTI recurrence rate, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) score, and urine secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) were measured and analyzed before and after treatment in each group. RESULTS: Patients from the Chinese medicine group exhibited significant decreases in both short- and long-term UTI recurrence rates compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The changes in TCM syndrome scores between the Chinese medicine and control groups were significant (P < 0.05). The changes in the average SF-36 quality-of-life scores in the Chinese medicine group were also significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05). The Chinese medicine group also demonstrated a significant increase in urine SIgA expression. CONCLUSION: Taken together, compared to the often-used long-term antimicrobial prophylaxis during the remission stage of rUTIs, treating patients with an individualized Chinese medicine decoction by syndrome differentiation could effectively reduce the recurrence rate, improve the patients' TCM syndrome scores and quality of life, and enhance immunity, which in turn helps to prevent antibiotic resistance.

TRIM40 ameliorates diabetic retinopathy through suppressing inflammation via Reelin/DAB1 signaling disruption: A mechanism by proteasomal degradation of DAB1.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Reelin, an extracellular matrix protein, and its effector protein Disabled1 (DAB1) have been linked to cellular events and retinal development. However, whether and how Reelin/DAB1 signaling causes DR remains to be investigated. In our study, significantly increased expression of Reelin, very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), ApoE receptor 2 (ApoER2) and phosphorylated DAB1 in retinas of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR mouse model was observed, along with enhanced expression of proinflammatory factors. Similar results are confirmed in high glucose (HG)-treated human retinal pigment epithelium cell line ARPE-19. Surprisingly, dysregulated tripartite motif-containing 40 (TRIM40), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is found to be involved in DR progression by bioinformatic analysis. We observe a negative correlation between TRIM40 and p-DAB1 protein expression levels under HG conditions. Importantly, we find that TRIM40 over-expression markedly ameliorates HG-induced p-DAB1, PI3K, p-protein B kinase (AKT) and inflammatory response in HG-treated cells, but dose not affect Reelin expression. Of note, Co-IP and double immunofluorescence identify an interaction between TRIM40 and DAB1. Furthermore, we show that TRIM40 enhances K48-linked polyubiquitination of DAB1, thereby promoting DAB1 degradation. Finally, promoting TRIM40 expression by intravenous injection of the constructed adeno-associated virus (AAV-TRIM40) markedly ameliorates DR phenotypes in STZ-treated mice, as indicated by the decreased blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) levels, and increased hemoglobin contents. Additionally, diabetes-related elevation of acellular capillaries was also meliorated in mice over-expressing TRIM40. The electroretinogram (ERG) deficits were strongly rescued in mice receiving AAV-TRIM40 injection. Moreover, AAV-TRIM40 attenuates the inflammation and p-DAB1 expression in retinal tissues of STZ-treated mice. Collectively, our findings disclose a mechanism through which TRIM40 limits DAB1 stability under physiological conditions and reveals TRIM40 as a potential therapeutic target for the intervention of Reelin/DAB1 signaling, contributing to DR treatment.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, life-threatening malignant tumor. We present a report of a rare case of a 67-year-old male patient with MPM and severe abdominal pain, bloating, and bloody ascites as manifestations. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology of ascites aspiration fluid and further verified by laparoscopic exploratory biopsy. The characteristics of signs and clinical manifestations in this case are less common. As everyone knows, asbestos exposure is usually associated with pleural mesothelioma, but only 6%-10% of malignant mesothelioma cases originate from the peritoneum, which is far less than pleural mesothelioma. Generally, its non-specificity provides a huge challenge to medical professionals in its diagnosis, and this is also the main reason for delayed diagnosis. Patients should be vigilant, even though no clear risk factor is observed.

Visualized analysis of research hotspots of the treatment of diabetic retinopathy based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the current status, hotspots and trends of studies on the treatments of diabetic retinopathy.METHODS: Relevant literatures on diabetic retinopathy in Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and Web of Science core collection database were retrieved from creation to June 15, 2023, and CiteSpace 6.2.R2 and VOSviewer were used to conduct visualized analysis with the country/issuing institution, research author and keywords.RESULTS: A total of 5 919 Chinese literatures and 11 475 English literatures were included. The top three countries with global publications are the United States, China and the United Kingdom, respectively. The top three institutions for issuing articles at abroad are Harvard Medical School, Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University, while the top three institutions for issuing articles in China are the Eye Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University. The research results of high-frequency keywords in both Chinese and English show that the laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, vascular endothelial growth factor and ranibizumab are research hotspots.CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, the research hotspots of diabetic retinopathy mainly focus on surgery, vascular protective agents, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, etc., and the research trend mainly focuses on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs.

Expert consensus recommendations of surgical technique for goniosynechialysis / 中华实验眼科杂志

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has been successfully incorporated in clinical practice in recent years.Increasing evidence shows that it also plays an important role in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Goniosynechialysis (GSL) is a key surgical procedure used by MIGS for PACG, which involves separating the peripheral anterior synechia and reopening the angle.However, there is still a lack of uniform standards for indications and surgical procedures.Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a detailed and complete expert consensus on surgical procedures to standardize the application of clinicians in the treatment.

Surgical outcome and safety of peripheral iridectomy plus goniosynechialysis and goniotomy in the treatment of advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and safety of surgical peripheral iridectomy (SPI) combined with goniosynechilysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) in the treatment of advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).Methods:A multicenter observational case series study was performed.Thirty-five eyes of 27 patients with advanced PACG, who underwent SPI+ GSL+ GT with a follow-up of at least 6 months, were included from August 2021 to January 2022 at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Handan City Eye Hospital, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.The mean follow-up time was 9(7, 10) months.Pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured with an ETDRS chart and a Goldmann applanation tonometer, respectively.The number of anti-glaucoma medications applied before and after surgery was recorded, and the complications after surgery were analyzed.Success rate of surgery was calculated.Complete surgical success was defined as an IOP of 5-18 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and 20% reduction from baseline without anti-glaucoma medication or reoperation.Qualified success was defined as achieving criterion of complete success under anti-glaucoma medications.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (No.2021KYPJ177). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:The mean preoperative IOP was (30.83±8.87)mmHg, which was significantly decreased to (15.69±3.70)mmHg at 6 months after the surgery ( t=8.588, P<0.001), with a 44.00% (34.78%, 60.00%) decline of 13.00(8.00, 21.00)mmHg.The median number of anti-glaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 2(0, 3) preoperatively to 0 (0, 1) postoperatively ( Z=-3.659, P<0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative 6-month BCVA were 0.80(0.63, 1.00) and 0.80(0.60, 1.00), respectively, showing no significant difference ( Z=-0.283, P=0.777). Complete surgical success rate was 62.86%(22/35), and the qualified success rate was 91.43%(32/35). Surgical complications mainly included hyphema (6/35), IOP spike (3/35), and shallow anterior chamber (4/35). There was no vision-threatening complication. Conclusions:SPI+ GSL+ GT is preliminarily effective and safe in the treatment of advanced PACG, which provides a new option for PACG.

Expert recommendations of surgical technique for peripheral iridectomy with goniosynechialysis and goniotomy / 中华实验眼科杂志

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has been successfully incorporated in clinical practice in recent years.Increasing evidence shows that MIGS also plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Surgical peripheral iridectomy (SPI) plus goniosynechialysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT), as a new procedure, has been proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of PACG with no or mild cataracts.However, there is still a lack of uniform standards for indications, surgical procedures, and perioperative medication.Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a detailed and complete expert recommendations on surgical procedures to standardize the application of combined SPI+ GSL+ GT in the treatment.Some experts in glaucoma treatment and management in China have discussed the current problems and developing trend in MIGS for PACG and put forward the expert recommendations of standard process, including indications, anaesthetic methods, surgical site, operating procedure and rational administration of drugs in perioperation, in order to standardize the medical process of clinicians using combined SPI+ GSL+ GT in PACG treatment and lay a foundation for better evaluation of the efficacy of MIGS.

Expert recommendations of phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation combined with goniosynechialysis and goniotomy for advanced PACG with cataract / 中华实验眼科杂志

With high incidence, high disability rate and serious impact on patients' quality of life, advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with cataract is a severe eye disease in China and its main treatment method is surgery.Phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation (PEI) combined with trabeculectomy has been used to treat advanced PACG with cataract, but there are many postoperative complications.Recently, combined PEI, goniosynechialysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) has been proven to be a safe and effective surgical treatment for advanced PACG with cataract.At present, the combined PEI+ GSL+ GT surgery has been widely applied, but there is still a lack of uniform standards for its clinical application.Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a detailed and complete recommendation of the surgical procedures for PEI+ GSL+ GT, to standardize its application in clinical practice.Based on the analysis of the existing problems, some glaucoma experts in China have formulated detailed and complete operation norms, as well as expert recommendations on surgical indications and contraindications, anesthetic methods, surgical techniques and perioperative medication to standardize the application process of PEI+ GSL+ GT in clinical practice.

Schisandra lignans ameliorate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating aberrant metabolism of phosphatidylethanolamines

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a spectrum of chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic lipid metabolism disorder. Recent reports emphasized the contribution of triglyceride and diglyceride accumulation to NASH, while the other lipids associated with the NASH pathogenesis remained unexplored. The specific purpose of our study was to explore a novel pathogenesis and treatment strategy of NASH via profiling the metabolic characteristics of lipids. Herein, multi-omics techniques based on LC-Q-TOF/MS, LC-MS/MS and MS imaging were developed and used to screen the action targets related to NASH progress and treatment. A methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet-induced mouse model of NASH was then constructed, and Schisandra lignans extract (SLE) was applied to alleviate hepatic damage by regulating the lipid metabolism-related enzymes CES2A and CYP4A14. Hepatic lipidomics indicated that MCD-diet led to aberrant accumulation of phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and SLE could significantly reduce the accumulation of intrahepatic PEs. Notably, exogenous PE (18:0/18:1) was proved to significantly aggravate the mitochondrial damage and hepatocyte apoptosis. Supplementing PE (18:0/18:1) also deteriorated the NASH progress by up regulating intrahepatic proinflammatory and fibrotic factors, while PE synthase inhibitor exerted a prominent hepatoprotective role. The current work provides new insights into the relationship between PE metabolism and the pathogenesis of NASH.

The role of phosphatidylcholine 34:1 in the occurrence, development and treatment of ulcerative colitis

Lipid homeostasis is considered to be related to intestinal metabolic balance, while its role in the pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) remains largely unexplored. The present study aimed to identify the target lipids related to the occurrence, development and treatment of UC by comparing the lipidomics of UC patients, mice and colonic organoids with the corresponding healthy controls. Here, multi-dimensional lipidomics based on LC-QTOF/MS, LC-MS/MS and iMScope systems were constructed and used to decipher the alteration of lipidomic profiles. The results indicated that UC patients and mice were often accompanied by dysregulation of lipid homeostasis, in which triglycerides and phosphatidylcholines were significantly reduced. Notably, phosphatidylcholine 34:1 (PC34:1) was characterized by high abundance and closely correlation with UC disease. Our results also revealed that down-regulation of PC synthase PCYT1α and Pemt caused by UC modeling was the main factor leading to the reduction of PC34:1, and exogenous PC34:1 could greatly enhance the fumarate level via inhibiting the transformation of glutamate to N-acetylglutamate, thus exerting an anti-UC effect. Collectively, our study not only supplies common technologies and strategies for exploring lipid metabolism in mammals, but also provides opportunities for the discovery of therapeutic agents and biomarkers of UC.

The use of melittin to enhance transgene expression mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 vectors both in vitro and in vivo / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Melittin, a cell-penetrating peptide, improves the efficiency of many non-viral gene delivery vectors, yet its application in viral vectors has not been well studied. The non-pathogenic recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector is an ideal in vivo gene delivery vector. However, its full potential will only be achieved after improvement of its transduction efficiency. To improve the transduction efficiency of rAAV2 vectors, we attempted to develop a melittin-based rAAV2 vector delivery strategy.@*METHODS@#The melittin peptide was inserted into the rAAV2 capsid either in the loop VIII of all viral proteins (VPs) or at the N terminus of VP2. Various rAAV2-gfp or -fluc vectors were subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays to determine their titers and integrity of capsid proteins, respectively. Alternatively, the vectors based on wild-type capsid were pre-incubated with melittin, followed by transduction of cultured cells or tail vein administration of the mixture to C57BL/6 and BALB/c nude mice. In vivo bioluminescence imaging was performed to evaluate the transgene expression.@*RESULTS@#rAAV2 vectors with melittin peptide inserted in the loop VIII of VPs had low transduction efficiency, probably due to dramatically reduced ability to bind to the target cells. Fusing the melittin peptide at the N-terminus of VP2 produced vectors without the VP2 subunit. Interestingly, among the commonly used rAAV vectors, pre-incubation of rAAV2 and rAAV6 vectors with melittin significantly enhanced their transduction efficiency in HEK293 and Huh7 cells in vitro. Melittin also had the ability to increase the rAAV2-mediated transgene expression in mouse liver in vivo. Mechanistically, melittin did not change the vector-receptor interaction. Moreover, cell counting kit-8 assays of cultured cells and serum transaminase levels indicated melittin had little cytotoxicity.@*CONCLUSION@#Pre-incubation with melittin, but not insertion of melittin into the rAAV2 capsid, significantly enhanced rAAV2-mediated transgene expression. Although further in vivo evaluations are required, this research not only expands the pharmacological potential of melittin, but also provides a new strategy to improve gene therapy mediated by rAAV vectors.

Quantitative determination of endogenous histamine and histidine in biological matrices by double adsorption based on HPLC-MS/MS / 中国药科大学学报

@#An innovative approach to quantitatively analyze the histamine and its precursor histidine simultaneously in biological matrices was established for the first time based on double adsorption combined with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).The internal standard was 2-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB).The plasma and brain tissue homogenate was protein precipitated with 3-fold acetonitrile, and the supernatant was then sampled for injection analysis.The chromatographic separation of the target components was achieved on an amino chromatography column (ODS-SPXBridge? Amide).Gradient elution was carried out with the mobile phase consisting of solvent A (0.1% formic acid and 1mmol/L ammonium formate in water) and solvent B (acetonitrile).Mass spectrometry was employed for quantitative analysis with ESI ion source in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.In order to improve the specificity and accuracy, activated carbon and calcite were used for the double adsorption of biological matrices for the first time.The adsorbed matrix was then used for methodology validation.The results showed that histamine and histidine were linear in the quantitative range (correlation coefficient r ≥ 0.999).Accuracy, precision, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability all met the requirements of biological sample analysis.All results suggested that the present method could not only be efficiently and reliably used for simultaneous quantitative analysis of histamine and histidine in biological samples, but also provide reference for the detection of other endogenous substances.

Whole-body PET tracking of a d-dodecapeptide and its radiotheranostic potential for PD-L1 overexpressing tumors

Peptides that are composed of dextrorotary (d)-amino acids have gained increasing attention as a potential therapeutic class. However, our understanding of the in vivo fate of d-peptides is limited. This highlights the need for whole-body, quantitative tracking of d-peptides to better understand how they interact with the living body. Here, we used mouse models to track the movement of a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-targeting d-dodecapeptide antagonist (DPA) using positron emission tomography (PET). More specifically, we profiled the metabolic routes of [64Cu]DPA and investigated the tumor engagement of [64Cu/68Ga]DPA in mouse models. Our results revealed that intact [64Cu/68Ga]DPA was primarily eliminated by the kidneys and had a notable accumulation in tumors. Moreover, a single dose of [64Cu]DPA effectively delayed tumor growth and improved the survival of mice. Collectively, these results not only deepen our knowledge of the in vivo fate of d-peptides, but also underscore the utility of d-peptides as radiopharmaceuticals.

Is Schlemm canal surgery suitable for primary angle-closure glaucoma? / 中华实验眼科杂志

Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a common subtype of glaucoma and one of the leading causes of blindness in Asia.Trabeculectomy has been recognized as an effective filtering surgery for PACG and is widely used in clinical practice, but its high risk of postoperative complications, especially bleb scarring over time can not be ignored.Nowadays, non-bleb-based minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) have attracted much attention.Surgeries opening, restoring, or expanding Schlemm canal to reconstruct aqueous humor outflow pathway is one of the MIGS and able to achieve moderate intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, which has been widely used in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) for a long time.However, based on the pathogenesis of PACG and its similar pathological changes in Schlemm canal to POAG, some retrospective studies and prospective single-arm studies discovered that Schlemm canal surgery combined with phacoemulsification and/or goniosynechialysis appears to lower IOP well and safe in PACG eyes in recent years.Whether Schlemm canal surgery is also suitable or effective for PACG is getting some attention and is still controversial up to now, mostly due to some differences in pathogenesis between PACG and POAG, it is necessary to perform randomized controlled trials to confirm the efficacy of Schlemm canal surgery for PACG and upgrade the therapeutic strategy of PACG.

Gestational diabetes mellitus decreased umbilical cord blood polyunsaturated fatty acids: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is important for the development of the fetal brain, and the retina. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may influence maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism, in turn affecting fetal growth and development. In several studies, maternal and fetal PUFA metabolic differences have been reported between mothers with and without GDM, but not in other studies. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis (registration number: CRD42020220448) was to compare levels of linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and total n-3 and n-6 PUFA between mothers with and without GMD and their fetuses. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies on maternal and fetal fatty acid metabolism, published until May 2021. In addition, we performed subgroup analysis depending on the analyzed tissues (plasma/serum, erythrocyte membrane, or placenta) and the expression modes of fatty acids (concentration or percentage). RESULTS: We included 24 observational studies involving 4335 maternal datasets and 12 studies involving 1675 fetal datasets in the meta-analysis. Levels of AA, DHA, and n-6 and n-3 PUFA were lower in the cord blood of mothers with GDM than in controls (P  <  0.05). Compared to that in controls, in erythrocyte membranes, the percentages of AA, DHA, and n-6 and n-3 PUFA in total fatty acid were lower in mothers with GDM (P  <  0.05), but in plasma/serum, the percentages of AA, DHA, and n-6 PUFA in total fatty acid were higher in mothers with GDM (P  <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GDM appears to influence the transfer of PUFAs from mothers to fetuses. The percentage of PUFAs in maternal plasma/serum was higher, and that in erythrocyte membranes was lower in mothers with GDM compared to those with normal glucose tolerance.

Apigenin suppresses TGF-ß1-induced cardiac fibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis through the downregulation of HIF-1α expression by miR-122-5p.

BACKGROUND: Apigenin can reduce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by downregulating hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) expression. However, its effects on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and its exact inhibitory molecular mechanisms on HIF-1α remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the effects of apigenin on cell proliferation and differentiation, microRNA-122-5p (miR-122-5p) expression, and HIF-1α-mediated Smad signaling pathway in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1)-stimulated CFs and cardiac fibrosis and to investigate the relationship between miR-122-5p and HIF-1α. METHODS: The TGF-ß1-stimulated CFs, the combination of TGF-ß1-stimulated and miR-122-5p mimic-transfected CFs, the combination of TGF-ß1-stimulated and miR-122-5p inhibitor-transfected CFs, and the isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrotic mice were used and treated with or without apigenin. The recombinant lentiviruses overexpressing HIF-1α vector and miR-122-5p mimic were co-transfected to observe their interaction. Related mRNA and protein expressions and myocardial collagen were determined. The luciferase reporter gene that contains HIF-1α wild type or mutant type 3'-UTR was used, and the luciferase activity was determined to verify the direct link between miR-122-5p and HIF-1α. RESULTS: In the TGF-ß1-stimulated CFs, apigenin treatment increased the miR-122-5p and Smad7 expressions and decreased the HIF-1α, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen Ⅰ/Ⅲ, Smad2/3, and p-Smad2/3 expressions. Similar and inverse results were observed in the miR-122-5p mimic- and inhibitor-transfected CFs, respectively. Moreover, the miR-122-5p mimic could antagonize the effects of TGF-ß1 in the TGF-ß1 and miR-122-5p mimic-combined CFs, and the miR-122-5p inhibitor could enhance the effects of TGF-ß1 in the TGF-ß1 and miR-122-5p inhibitor-combined CFs. In the two aforementioned cell models, the addition of apigenin could further enhance the effects of miR-122-5p mimic and partially reverse the effects of miR-122-5p inhibitor. After treatment of HIF-1α-transfected CFs with miR-122-5p mimic, the HIF-1α expression decreased. Further study confirmed that HIF-1α was a direct target of miR-122-5p. Apigenin also decreased the myocardial collagen accumulation in cardiac fibrotic mice. CONCLUSION: Apigenin could suppress the differentiation and collagen synthesis of TGF-ß1-stimulated CFs and mouse cardiac fibrosis, and its mechanisms were related to the increment of miR-122-5p expression and subsequent downregulation of HIF-1α expression via direct interaction, which might finally result in the decrements of Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 expressions and increment of Smad7 expression.

SIRT3 protects endothelial cells from high glucose-induced senescence and dysfunction via the p53 pathway.

Hyperglycemia induces endothelial cells (ECs) dysfunction and vascular complications by accelerating ECs senescence. It also induces downregulation of sirtuins (SIRTs). However, the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of ECs senescence by SIRT3 remains unclear. Here, we showed that high glucose (HG) decreased the expression level of SIRT3 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), increased the proportion of cells expressing senescence-associated galactosidase (SA-gal), and HG damaged the cell's ability to form tubule networks on Matrigel. However, transfection with adenoviral construct including SIRT3 significantly inhibited HG-induced SA-gal activity, decreased p53 acetylation level at the site Lys 320 (k320), and overexpression of SIRT3 antagonized high glucose-induced angiogenic dysfunction. Our results suggested a possible molecular mechanism involving HG-SIRT3-p53 in ECs senescence.

Effect of integrin ανβ3 on conjunctival scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery in rats / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of integrin ανβ3 in conjunctival scar after glaucoma filtration surgery and to explore its role in the formation of filtering scar in rats.Methods:Fifty-five SPF male SD rats aged 6-8 weeks were selected to establish the model of glaucoma filtration surgery, and 15 unsuccessful modeling rats were excluded.The remaining rats were divided into control group, transforming growth factor (TGF) group, integrin ανβ3 receptor antagonist LM609 group and TGF+ LM609 group, with 10 rats in each group.The conjunctival flap of different groups was treated with cotton piece containing 0.9% sodium chloride, TGF-β2 (2 mg/ml), LM609 (40 μg/ml), TGF-β2 (2 mg/ml)+ LM609 (40 μg/ml) solution for two minutes, respectively, according to grouping.The intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored with an iCARE tonometer before operation and at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks after operation, and the average IOP ratio ([postoperative IOP/preoperative IOP]×100%) was calculated.At 3 days, 1 week and 2 weeks after operation, slit lamp microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes of filtering blebs and calculate the survival rate of filtering blebs.Two weeks after operation, the operative eyeball tissues were removed and made into paraffin section.The inflammatory changes, fibrosis and collagen deposition of bulbar conjunctiva in the operation area were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and picric acid-sirius red staining, respectively.Western blot was used to detect the expression of integrin αν and β3.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of integrin ανβ3 in the conjunctival tissue of operation area.The use and care of the rats complied with the Instruction Notions with Respect to Care for Laboratory by State Ministry of Science and Technology.The study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of The Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (No.2017-06).Results:The IOP of rats in each group was significantly decreased on the third day after operation compared with before operation, and gradually recovered to the preoperative level in the first to second week after operation.The mean IOP ratios of the control group, TGF group, LM609 group and TGF+ LM609 group were (101.80±4.44)%, (103.90±5.65)%, (94.10±7.45)% and (100.60±4.61)%, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference among them ( F=4.571, P=0.010). The mean IOP ratio of LM609 group was lower than that of the control group, TGF group and TGF+ LM609 group (all at P<0.05). Two weeks after operation, the filter blebs became flat and the bulbar conjunctival tissue was slightly thickened in the control group and TGF+ LM609 group, and bulbar conjunctival tissue was significantly thickened with a large number of blood vessels growing in the TGF group, and localized small filter blebs as well as less vascularization were seen in the LM609 group.The survival rate of filtering bleb in the TGF group was significantly lower than that in the control group, LM609 group and TGF+ LM609 group, and the survival rate of filtering bleb in the LM609 group was significantly higher than that in the control group and TGF+ LM609 group (all at P<0.05). Two weeks after operation, there were fewer infiltrated inflammatory cells and looser collagen fiber deposition in the conjunctival tissue in the LM609 group and TGF+ LM609 group compared with the TGF group.The relative expression levels of integrin αν and β3 under conjunctival tissue in the TGF group were significantly higher than those in the control group, LM609 group and TGF+ LM609 group (all at P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that integrin ανβ3-positive cells were mainly in the conjunctival tissue around the operation area and microtubules.The number of integrin ανβ3-positive cells in the conjunctival tissue of the operation area in the TGF group were significantly greater than those of other groups. Conclusions:Integrin ανβ3 is highly expressed in the scar of conjunctival tissue after filtering surgery in rats.The inhibition of integrin ανβ3 can reduce the deposition of fibers and prolong the survival of filtering blebs, suggesting that integrin ανβ3 may be involved in the formation of conjunctival scar.

Compatibility Rules of Prescriptions Containing Forsythiae Fructus in Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions and Anti-inflammatory Mechanism： An Exploration Based on Data Mining and Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To analyze the compatibility rules of prescriptions containing Forsythiae Fructus based on data mining and explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Forsythiae Fructus based on network pharmacology，so as to provide reference for the rational clinical application of Forsythiae Fructus and the development of health foods and new Chinese medicines. Method:The prescriptions containing Forsythiae Fructus in the<italic> Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions</italic> were collected，based on which a clinical prescription database was constructed. The Chinese herbs combined with Forsythiae Fructus and the corresponding indications were subjected to frequency statistics，association rule analysis，and complex network analysis using SPSS Statistics 26，IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0，and Gephi 9.2. The active components and targets of Forsythiae Fructus for anti-inflammation were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP），BATMAN-TCM，and SEA，and the targets related to anti-inflammation from GeneCards，Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM），CTD，and GenCLiP3. Following the analysis of protein-protein interactions （PPI） with STRING，a PPI network was constructed. The enrichment analysis was performed using Metascape，and the active component-anti-inflammation target-signaling pathway network of Forsythiae Fructus was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.2. Result:According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria，2 245 prescriptions containing Forsythiae Fructus were harvested，involving 512 Chinese herbs，with a total usage frequency of 27 314. The Chinese herbs that were most frequently combined with Forsythiae Fructus （>800 times） were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma （1 483 times），Scutellariae Radix （964 times），and Angelicae Sinensis Radix （842 times）. Hence，the herbal pairs "Forsythiae Fructus-Scutellariae Radix" and "Forsythiae Fructus-Angelicae Sinensis Radix" were further explored. The prescriptions containing Forsythiae Fructus could be utilized for the treatment of 29 kinds of diseases，and three representative disease categories including "carbuncle，gangrene，sores and ulcers"，"ophthalmic diseases and syndromes" and "epidemic diseases" are selected for data mining. There were 19 association rules obtained with "Forsythiae Fructus-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Lonicerae Japonicae Flos-Angelicae Sinensis Radix" as the core herb combination for "carbuncle，gangrene，sores and ulcers". The clustering analysis revealed one multi-herb clustering group，four herbal pairs，and single herb Lonicerae Japonicae Flos，the complex network analysis four herbal modules，and the factor analysis six common factors. There were 23 association rules obtained with "Forsythiae Fructus-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix-Angelicae Sinensis Radix" as the core herb combination for "ophthalmic diseases and syndromes". The clustering analysis revealed two multi-herb clustering groups and four herbal pairs，the complex network analysis four herbal modules，and the factor analysis five common factors. There were 28 association rules obtained with "Forsythiae Fructus-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Menthae Haplocalycis Herba-Lonicerae Japonicae Flos" as the core herb combination for "epidemic diseases". The clustering analysis revealed three multi-herb clustering groups，one herbal pair，and two single herbs Forsythiae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma，the complex network analysis four herbal modules，and the factor analysis five common factors. As demonstrated by network pharmacology-based analysis，the core anti-inflammation components of Forsythiae Fructus were quercetin，luteolin，and kaempferol，and the core targets were phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 1 （PIK3R1），protein kinase B 1 （Akt1），and epidermal growth factor receptor（EGFR）. The biological pathways were mainly concentrated in proteoglycans in cancer，pathways in cancer，and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway，with such functions as inhibition of transcription factors，regulation of enzyme activity，and inflammation-related gene expression involved. Conclusion:This study employed a variety of data mining techniques to objectively，intuitively，and scientifically uncover the compatibility rules of Forsythiae Fructus in the treatment of high-frequency diseases. It has been found that Forsythiae Fructus is often combined with heat-clearing herbs，tonifying herbs，exterior-releasing herbs，and blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs for diverse diseases and syndromes. Under the premise of clearing heat and removing toxin，reinforcing healthy Qi and dredging stagnation are also emphasized. According to the degree of internal heat exuberance，the heat-clearing herbs with different merits are combined. This study has revealed the unique advantages of Forsythiae Fructus in the treatment of specific diseases and syndromes as well as its multi-component，multi-target，and multi-pathway mechanisms in anti-inflammation，breaking through the limitations in modern clinical and experimental research of Forsythiae Fructus. These findings are of great significance for guiding the rational clinical application of Forsythiae Fructus and the development of health foods and new Chinese medicines，thus better accelerating the development of Chinese medicine health industry.

Construction of China Occupational Skills Standard of Assistive Technology Consultants / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore national standard of occupational skills for assistive technology consultants in China based on the study of relevant international standards. Methods:After analyzing the international and some other national job content, work requirements, professional education and vocational training, and vocational standards of assistive technology consultants, the national occupational skills standard for assistive technology consultants in China was established referring to the compiling rules of national occupational skills standard. Results:According to the compiling rules of national occupational skills standard, the national occupational skills standard for assistive technology consultants in China included career situation, basic requirements, job requirements, and weight table, etc. Conclusion:The vocational development, structural framework and content of professional capacity for assistive technology consultants are studied. The draft of national occupational skills standard for rehabilitation assistive technology consultants has been compiled.