Effects of ursolic acid on iron death in endometrial stromal cells via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on proliferation, migration and iron death of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) and its mechanism.Methods:Mouse model of endometriosis was established and the primary EESCs were isolated. The cells were treated with UA at different concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 80, 100, 200 μmol/L). The cells were divided into Control group (normal culture), 2.5 μmol/L UA group (2.5 μmol/L UA treatment), 5.0 μmol/L UA group (5.0 μmol/L UA treatment), 10.0 μmol/L UA group (10 μmol/L UA treatment), and UA+DUSP19 group (10 μmol/L UA+50 μmol/L JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway activator DUSP19 treatment). Cell survival rate was detected by CCK-8 method. Cell proliferation was detected by plate cloning method. Transwell chamber assay was used to detect cell migration. The levels of Fe 2+ and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by kit. Protein expression levels of Ki67, PCNA, CyclinD1, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, JAK2 and STAT3 were detected by western blot. Results:The number of clones in Control, 2.5 μmol/L UA, 5.0 μmol/L UA and 10.0 μmol/L UA groups were as follows: 152.22±15.47, 121.22±11.54, 92.00±5.54, 66.44±6.88; Ki67 protein expression was 1.08±0.10, 0.73±0.07, 0.61±0.06, 0.45±0.02, respectively; The expression of PCNA protein was 0.85±0.07, 0.64±0.05, 0.41±0.03, 0.31±0.05, respectively; CyclinD1 protein expression levels were 0.98±0.11, 0.65±0.06, 0.51±0.05, 0.42±0.07, respectively. The migration numbers were 92.78±6.27, 62.22±2.20, 50.22±4.59 and 39.11±4.33, respectively; Fe 2+ levels were (1.06±0.07) μmol/g, (1.21±0.11) μmol/g, (1.33±0.08) μmol/g, (1.47±0.09) μmol/g, respectively; MDA content was (0.48±0.06) μmol/g, (0.65±0.07) μmol/g, (0.85±0.08) μmol/g, (1.03±0.11) μmol/g, respectively; ROS contents were (19.85±1.21) %, (24.83±2.79) %, (29.04±1.86) %, (33.87±2.45) %, respectively; SOD content were (36.41±3.56) U/mg, (31.03±2.81) U/mg, (25.63±2.84) U/mg, (19.62±1.67) U/mg, respectively; p-JAK2 protein expression was 0.85±0.10, 0.75±0.06, 0.53±0.05, 0.31±0.03, respectively; p-STAT3 protein expression was 1.08±0.11, 0.79±0.06, 0.63±0.07, 0.42±0.03, respectively. The p-JAK2 protein content in UA group and UA+DUSP19 group was 0.38±0.05 and 0.75±0.08, respectively; p-STAT3 protein expression was 0.46±0.04 and 0.80±0.03, respectively; The cell survival rates were (52.55±2.44) % and (82.18±4.72) %, respectively; Fe 2+ levels were (1.57±0.06) μmol/g and (1.21±0.13) μmol/g, respectively. The differences in the above indicators between the Control group and the 2.5 μmol/L UA group, 5.0 μmol/L UA group and 10.0 μmol/L UA group were statistically significant ( P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences among 2.5 μmol/L UA group, 5.0 μmol/L UA group and 10.0 μmol/L UA group ( P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in p-JAK2, p-STAT3, cell survival rate and Fe 2+ levels between UA group and UA+DUSP19 group ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Ursolic acid can inhibit the proliferation and migration of EESCs cells and induce iron death by regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thus playing a protective role in endometriosis.

Effect of single nucleotide variation of OPG gene on osteoporosis in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of single nucleotide variation of osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene on the occurrence of osteoporosis (OP) in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) .Methods:From Apr. 2018 to Apr. 2022, 276 pregnant women with GDM who underwent prenatal examination and gave birth in Linyi People’s Hospital were collected for analysis, general data were collected and bone mineral density was tested. According to the bone mineral density test results, they were divided into normal group and OP group. The OPG genotype was tested, and the general information, OPG genotype and allele frequency of the two groups were compared. The differences in bone mineral density among different genotypes of OPG were compared, and the genotypes affecting the risk of OP in GDM patients were analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in the general data of the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). The allelic distribution of the rs3134069 and rs2073618 loci of the OPG gene in the two groups of patients conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law (all P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of the AC genotype at rs3134069 between the two groups ( χ2=7.75, P=0.005). Taking patients with the AA genotype as a reference, patients with the AC genotype had a lower risk of developing OP ( OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.59). There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of CC genotype at rs2073618 between the two groups ( χ2=11.30, P=0.001). Taking patients with GG genotype as a reference, patients with CC genotype had a higher risk of developing OP ( OR=7.42, 95% CI: 2.19-27.18). Comparing rs3134069 and rs2073618 loci, there was no significant difference in bone mineral density at each part of the three genotypes (all P>0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression model showed that the AC genotype of rs3134069 ( OR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.03-0.70, P=0.029) was a protective factor for the induction of OP, while GC genotype of rs2073618 ( OR=6.86, 95% CI: 1.57-27.15, P=0.007) were the risk factors for OP in GDM patients. Conclusion:The CC genotype of rs2073618 is significantly positively correlated with the susceptibility to OP in GDM patients.

JAK inhibition ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by blocking GM-CSF-driven inflammatory signature of monocytes

Monocytes are key effectors in autoimmunity-related diseases in the central nervous system (CNS) due to the critical roles of these cells in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, differentiation of T-helper (Th) cells, and antigen presentation. The JAK-STAT signaling is crucial for initiating monocytes induced immune responses by relaying cytokines signaling. However, the role of this pathway in modulating the communication between monocytes and Th cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear. Here, we show that the JAK1/2/3 and STAT1/3/5/6 subtypes involved in the demyelination mediated by the differentiation of pathological Th1 and Th17 and the CNS-infiltrating inflammatory monocytes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for MS. JAK inhibition prevented the CNS-infiltrating CCR2-dependent Ly6Chi monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells in EAE mice. In parallel, the proportion of GM-CSF+CD4+ T cells and GM-CSF secretion were decreased in pathological Th17 cells by JAK inhibition, which in turns converted CNS-invading monocytes into antigen-presenting cells to mediate tissue damage. Together, our data highlight the therapeutic potential of JAK inhibition in treating EAE by blocking the GM-CSF-driven inflammatory signature of monocytes.

Safety and immunogenicity of a broad-spectrum mosaic vaccine as a booster dose against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and other circulating variants

BACKGROUNDThe rising breakthrough infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, especially Omicron and its sub-lineages, have raised an urgent need to develop broad-spectrum vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have developed a mosaic-type recombinant vaccine candidate, named NVSI-06-09, having immune potentials against a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants. METHODSAn ongoing randomized, double-blind, controlled phase 2 trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of NVSI-06-09 as a booster dose in subjects aged 18 years and older from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who had completed two or three doses of BBIBP-CorV vaccinations at least 6 months prior to the enrollment. The participants were randomly assigned with 1:1 to receive a booster dose of NVSI-06-09 or BBIBP-CorV. The primary outcomes were immunogenicity and safety against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, and the exploratory outcome was cross-immunogenicity against other circulating strains. RESULTSA total of 516 participants received booster vaccination. Interim results showed a similar safety profile between NVSI-06-09 and BBIBP-CorV booster groups, with low incidence of adverse reactions of grade 1 or 2. For immunogenicity, by day 14 after the booster vaccination, the fold rises in neutralizing antibody geometric mean titers (GMTs) from baseline level elicited by NVSI-06-09 were remarkably higher than those by BBIBP-CorV against the prototype strain (19.67 vs 4.47-fold), Omicron BA.1.1 (42.35 vs 3.78-fold), BA.2 (25.09 vs 2.91-fold), BA.4 (22.42 vs 2.69-fold), and BA.5 variants (27.06 vs 4.73-fold). Similarly, the neutralizing GMTs boosted by NVSI-06-09 against Beta and Delta variants were also 6.60-fold and 7.17-fold higher than those boosted by BBIBP-CorV. CONCLUSIONSA booster dose of NVSI-06-09 was well-tolerated and elicited broad-spectrum neutralizing responses against SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain and immune-evasive variants, including Omicron and its sub-lineages. The immunogenicity of NVSI-06-09 as a booster vaccine was superior to that of BBIBP-CorV. (Funded by LIBP and BIBP of Sinopharm; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05293548).

Safety and immunogenicity of a hybrid-type vaccine booster in BBIBP-CorV recipients: a randomized controlled phase 2 trial

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with immune escape ability raises the urgent need for developing cross-neutralizing vaccines against the virus. NVSI-06-08 is a potential broad-spectrum recombinant COVID-19 vaccine that integrates the antigens from multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains into a single immunogen. Here, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of NVSI-06-08 as a heterologous booster dose in adults previously vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine BBIBP-CorV in a randomized, double-blind, controlled, phase 2 trial conducted in the United Arab Emirates (NCT05069129). Three groups of healthy adults over 18 years of age (600 participants per group) who had administered two doses of BBIBP-CorV 4-6-month, 7-9-month and >9-month earlier, respectively, were vaccinated with either a homologous booster of BBIBP-CorV or a heterologous booster of NVSI-06-08. The primary outcome was immunogenicity and safety of booster vaccinations. The exploratory outcome was cross-reactive immunogenicity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs). The incidence of adverse reactions was low in both booster vaccinations, and the overall safety profile of heterologous boost was quite similar to that of homologous boost. Heterologous NVSI-06-08 booster was immunogenically superior to homologous booster of BBIBP-CorV. Both Neutralizing and IgG antibodies elicited by NVSI-06-08 booster were significantly higher than by the booster of BBIBP-CorV against not only SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain but also multiple VOCs. Especially, the neutralizing activity induced by NVSI-06-08 booster against the immune-evasive Beta variant was no less than that against the prototype strain, and a considerable level of neutralizing antibodies against Omicron (GMT: 367.67; 95%CI, 295.50-457.47) was induced by heterologous booster, which was substantially higher than that boosted by BBIBP-CorV (GMT: 45.03; 95%CI, 36.37-55.74). Our findings showed that NVSI-06-08 was safe and immunogenic as a booster dose following two doses of BBIBP-CorV, which was immunogenically superior to homologous boost with another dose of BBIBP-CorV. Our study also indicated that the design of hybrid antigen may provide an effective strategy for broad-spectrum vaccine developments.

A mosaic-type trimeric RBD-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate induces potent neutralization against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants

Large-scale populations in the world have been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines, however, breakthrough infections of SARS-CoV-2 are still growing rapidly due to the emergence of immune-evasive variants, especially Omicron. It is urgent to develop effective broad-spectrum vaccines to better control the pandemic of these variants. Here, we present a mosaic-type trimeric form of spike receptor-binding domain (mos-tri-RBD) as a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate, which carries the key mutations from Omicron and other circulating variants. Tests in rats showed that the designed mos-tri-RBD, whether used alone or as a booster shot, elicited potent cross-neutralizing antibodies against not only Omicron but also other immune-evasive variants. Neutralizing antibody titers induced by mos-tri-RBD were substantially higher than those elicited by homo-tri-RBD (containing homologous RBDs from prototype strain) or the inactivated vaccine BBIBP-CorV. Our study indicates that mos-tri-RBD is highly immunogenic, which may serve as a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate in combating SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron.

Safety and immunogenicity of a heterologous boost with a recombinant vaccine, NVSI-06-07, in the inactivated vaccine recipients from UAE: a phase 2 randomised, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial

BackgroundThe increased coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breakthrough cases pose the need of booster vaccinations. In this study, we reported the safety and immunogenicity of a heterologous boost with a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (CHO cells), named NVSI-06-07, as a third dose in participants who have previously received two doses of the inactivated vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) at pre-specified time intervals. Using homologous boost with BBIBP-CorV as control, the safety and immunogenicity of the heterologous boost with NVSI-06-07 against various SARS-CoV-2 strains, including Omicron, were characterized. MethodsThis study is a single-center, randomised, double-blinded, controlled phase 2 trial for heterologous boost of NVSI-06-07 in BBIBP-CorV recipients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Healthy adults (aged [≥]18 years) were enrolled and grouped by the specified prior vaccination interval of BBIBP-CorV, i.e., 1-3 months, 4-6 months or [≥]6 months, respectively, with 600 individuals per group. For each group, participants were randomly assigned at 1:1 ratio to receive either a heterologous boost of NVSI-06-07 or a homologous booster dose of BBIBP-CorV. The primary outcome was to comparatively assess the immunogenicity between heterologous and homologous boosts at 14 and 28 days post-boosting immunization, by evaluation of the geometric mean titers (GMTs) of IgG and neutralizing antibodies as well as the corresponding seroconversion rate ([≥]4-fold rise in antibody titers). The secondary outcomes were the safety profile of the boosting strategies within 30 days post vaccination. The exploratory outcome was the immune efficacy against Omicron and other variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05033847. FindingsA total of 1800 individuals who have received two doses of BBIBP-CorV were enrolled, of which 899 participants received a heterologous boost of NVSI-06-07 and 901 received a homologous boost for comparison. No vaccine-related serious adverse event (SAE) and no adverse events of special interest (AESI) were reported. 184 (20{middle dot}47%) participants in the heterologous boost groups and 177 (19{middle dot}64%) in the homologous boost groups reported at least one adverse reaction within 30 days. Most of the local and systemic adverse reactions reported were grades 1 (mild) or 2 (moderate), and there was no significant difference in the overall safety between heterologous and homologous boosts. Immunogenicity assays showed that the seroconversion rates in neutralizing antibodies against prototype SARS-CoV-2 elicited by heterologous boost were 89{middle dot}96% - 97{middle dot}52% on day 28 post-boosting vaccination, which was much higher than what was induced by homologous boost (36{middle dot}80% - 81{middle dot}75%). Similarly, in heterologous NVSI-06-07 booster groups, the neutralizing geometric mean titers (GMTs) against the prototype strain increased by 21{middle dot}01 - 63{middle dot}85 folds from baseline to 28 days post-boosting vaccination, whereas only 4{middle dot}20 - 16{middle dot}78 folds of increases were observed in homologous BBIBP-CorV booster group. For Omicron variant, the neutralizing antibody GMT elicited by the homologous boost of BBIBP-CorV was 37{middle dot}91 (95%CI, 30{middle dot}35-47{middle dot}35), however, a significantly higher level of neutralizing antibodies with GMT 292{middle dot}53 (95%CI, 222{middle dot}81-384{middle dot}07) was induced by the heterologous boost of NVSI-06-07, suggesting that it may serve as an effective boosting strategy combating the pandemic of Omicron. The similar results were obtained for other VOCs, including Alpha, Beta and Delta, in which the neutralizing response elicited by the heterologous boost was also significantly greater than that of the homologous boost. In the participants primed with BBIBP-CorV over 6 months, the largest increase in the neutralizing GMTs was obtained both in the heterologous and homologous boost groups, and thus the booster vaccination with over 6 months intervals was optimal. InterpretationOur findings indicated that the heterologous boost with NVSI-06-07 was safe, well-tolerated and immunogenic in adults primed with a full regimen of BBIBP-CorV. Compared to homologous boost with a third dose of BBIBP-CorV, incremental increases in immune responses were achieved by the heterologous boost with NVSI-06-07 against SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain, Omicron variant, and other VOCs. The heterologous BBIBP-CorV/NVSI-06-07 prime-boosting vaccination may be valuable in preventing the pandemic of Omicron. The optimal booster strategy was the heterologous boost with NVSI-06-07 over 6 months after a priming with two doses of BBIBP-CorV. Research in contextO_ST_ABSEvidence before this studyC_ST_ABSWe searched PubMed for clinical trials or prospective/cohort studies involving heterologous booster vaccination in non-immunocompromised population published up to Dec 25, 2021, using the term "(COVID) AND (vaccin*) AND (clinical trial OR cohort OR prospective) AND (heterologous) AND (booster OR prime-boost OR third dose)" with no language restrictions. Nine studies of heterologous prime-boost vaccinations with adenovirus-vector vaccines (ChAdOx1 nCov-19, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Ad26.COV2.S, Janssen) and mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2, Pfizer-BioNtech; mRNA1273, Moderna) were identified. The adenovirus-vector and mRNA heterologous prime-boost vaccination was found to be well tolerated and immunogenic. In individuals primed with adenovirus-vector vaccine, mRNA booster vaccination led to greater immune response than homologous boost. However, varied results were obtained on whether heterologous boost was immunogenically superior to the homologous mRNA prime-boost vaccination. Besides that, A preprint trial in population previously immunized with inactivated vaccines (CoronaVac, Sinovac Biotech) showed that the heterologous boost with adenovirus-vector vaccine (Convidecia, CanSino Biologicals) was safe and induced higher level of live-virus neutralizing antibodies than by the homogeneous boost. A pilot study reported that boosting with BNT162b2 in individuals primed with two doses of inactivated vaccines (BBIBP-CorV) was significantly more immunogenic than homologous vaccination with two-dose of BNT162b2. In addition, a preprint paper demonstrated that heterologous boost of ZF2001, a recombinant protein subunit vaccine, after CoronaVac or BBIBP-CorV vaccination potently improved the immunogenicity. But only a small size of samples was tested in this study and the live-virus neutralization was not detected. Till now, it is still lacking a formal clinical trial to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the heterologous prime-boost vaccination with an inactivated vaccine followed by a recombinant protein subunit-based vaccine. Added value of this studyTo our knowledge, this is the first reported result of a large-scale randomised, controlled clinical trial of heterologous prime-boost vaccination with an inactivated vaccine followed by a recombinant protein subunit vaccine. This trial demonstrated that the heterologous prime-booster vaccination with BBIBP-CorV/NVSI-06-07 is safe and immunogenic. Its immunoreactivity is similar to that of homologous vaccination with BBIBP-CorV. Compared to homologous boost, heterologous boost with NVSI-06-07 in BBIBP-CorV recipients elicited significantly higher immunogenicity not only against the SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain but also against Omicron and other variants of concern (VOCs). Implications of all the available evidenceBooster vaccination is considered an effective strategy to improve the protection efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and control the epidemic waves of SARS-CoV-2. Data from our trial suggested that the booster vaccination of NVSI-06-07 in BBIBP-CorV recipients significantly improved the immune responses against various SARS-CoV-2 strains, including Omicron. Due to no Omicron-specific vaccine available currently, the BBIBP-CorV/NVSI-06-07 heterologous prime-boost might serve as an effective strategy combating Omicron variant. Besides that, BBIBP-CorV has been widely inoculated in population, and thus further boosting vaccination with NVSI-06-07 is valuable in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic. But further studies are needed to assess the long-term protection of BBIBP-CorV/NVSI-06-07 prime-booster vaccination.

Cytokine responses in nonlesional psoriatic skin as clinical predictor to anti-TNF agents.

BACKGROUND: A major issue with the current management of psoriasis is our inability to predict treatment response. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the ability to use baseline molecular expression profiling to assess treatment outcome for patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study of 46 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis treated with anti-TNF agent etanercept, and molecular profiles were assessed in more than 200 RNA-seq samples. RESULTS: We demonstrated correlation between clinical response and molecular changes during the course of the treatment, particularly for genes responding to IL-17A/TNF in keratinocytes. Intriguingly, baseline gene expressions in nonlesional, but not lesional, skin were the best marker of treatment response at week 12. We identified USP18, a known regulator of IFN responses, as positively correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) improvement (P = 9.8 × 10-4) and demonstrate its role in regulating IFN/TNF responses in keratinocytes. Consistently, cytokine gene signatures enriched in baseline nonlesional skin expression profiles had strong correlations with PASI improvement. Using this information, we developed a statistical model for predicting PASI75 (ie, 75% of PASI improvement) at week 12, achieving area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve value of 0.75 and up to 80% accurate PASI75 prediction among the top predicted responders. CONCLUSIONS: Our results illustrate feasibility of assessing drug response in psoriasis using nonlesional skin and implicate involvement of IFN regulators in anti-TNF responses.

Application of IVF/ICSI-ET in infertility patients with polycystic ovary syndrome combined with insulin resistance / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical outcome of vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) combined with insulin resistance (IR) .Methods:A total of 257 PCOS infertile patients undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET from Jan. 2018 to Dec. 2020 were included and retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into IR group (HOMA-IR≥2.5, 130 cases) and non-IR group (HOMA-IR<2.5, 127 cases) according to the level (median 2.5) of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) . The levels of basic sex hormones [follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) , luteinizing hormone (LH) , estradiol (E2) , testosterone (T) , progestational hormone (P) , anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) ] and numbers of basic sinus follicles, levels of blood glucose and insulin at 30min, 60min and 120min after glucose administration and fasting and proconceptive pregnancy outcome indicators[gonadotropin (Gn) use time and dose, number of eggs obtained, fertilization rate, high-quality embryonic rate, occurrence rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) , implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and pregnancy complications] were compared between the two groups. The influencing factors of clinical outcomes were analyzed by Logistic regression.Results:The levels of basic LH [ (8.86±1.60) mIU/ml vs (6.54±1.12) mIU/ml], T[ (63.20±7.47) ng/dl vs (52.11±5.69) ng/dl] in IR group was significantly higher than those in non-IR group ( P<0.05) . At different time-point, the levels of blood glucose and insulin in IR group were significantly higher than those in non-IR group ( P<0.05) . The Gn dose [ (1947.35±129.13) IU vs (1522.70±88.41) IU] and abortion rate [32.69% (17/52) vs 13.70% (10/73) ] in IR group was significantly higher than those in non-IR group ( P<0.05) , and the clinical pregnancy rate [40.00% (52/130) vs 57.48% (73/127) ] and live birth rate [51.92% (27/52) vs 72.60% (53/73) ] was significantly lower than those in non-IR group ( P<0.05) . Logistic regression analysis showed that age, BMI, basic LH, basic T and HOMA-IR was independent risk factors for clinical outcome of IVF/ICSI-ET in infertility patients with PCOS ( P<0.05) , and basic AMH and Gn dose were protective factors for clinical outcome ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:IR negatively affects the clinical outcome of IVF/ICSI-ET in infertile patients with PCOS, HOMA-IR is a risk factor for clinical outcomes, and IR should be evaluated in time for infertile patients with PCOS.

Structure and computation-guided design of a mutation-integrated trimeric RBD candidate vaccine with broad neutralization against SARS-CoV-2

The spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 is an attractive target for COVID-19 vaccine developments, which naturally exists in a trimeric form. Here, guided by structural and computational analyses, we present a mutation-integrated trimeric form of RBD (mutI tri-RBD) as a broadly protective vaccine candidate, in which three RBDs were individually grafted from three different circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains including the prototype, Beta (B.1.351) and Kappa (B.1.617). The three RBDs were then connected end-to-end and co-assembled to possibly mimic the native trimeric arrangements in the natural S protein trimer. The recombinant expression of the mutI tri-RBD, as well as the homo-tri-RBD where the three RBDs were all truncated from the prototype strain, by mammalian cell exhibited correct folding, strong bio-activities, and high stability. The immunization of both the mutI tri-RBD and homo-tri-RBD plus aluminum adjuvant induced high levels of specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain in mice. Notably, regarding to the "immune-escape" Beta (B.1.351) variant, mutI tri-RBD elicited significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers than homo-tri-RBD. Furthermore, due to harboring the immune-resistant mutations as well as the evolutionarily convergent hotspots, the designed mutI tri-RBD also induced strong broadly neutralizing activities against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the variants partially resistant to homo-tri-RBD. Homo-tri-RBD has been approved by the China National Medical Products Administration to enter clinical trial (No. NCT04869592), and the superior broad neutralization performances against SARS-CoV-2 support the mutI tri-RBD as a more promising vaccine candidate for further clinical developments.

Effective Component Screening in Antioxidant Active Fraction of Pueraria lobata by Fingerprint Combined with Chemometrics / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To screen the effective compo nent in antioxi dant active fraction of Pueraria lobata . METHODS ：The antioxidant active fraction sample （S1-S20） of 20 batches of P. lobata were prepared. HPLC method was adopted. The determination was performed on SepaxBio-C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-water （gradient elution ）at the flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 25 ℃，and detection wavelength was set at 250 nm. HPLC fingerprints of 20 batches of P. lobata were established by the Similarity Evaluation System of TCM Chromatographic Fingerprints （2012 edition），and common peaks were identified. Cluster analysis ，principal component analysis （PCA）and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA）were used to screen the effective components in antioxidant active fraction of P. lobata . RESULTS：There were 18 common peaks in HPLC fingerprints of 20 batches of antioxidant active fraction in P. lobata ，and the similarity was more than 0.99. Eight common peaks were identified ，which were 3′-hydroxypuerarin（peak 2），puerarin（peak 3）， 3′-methoxypuerarin（peak 4），daidzein（peak 5），genistein（peak 7），formononetin（peak 11），daidzein（peak 13）and genistein （peak 16）. The results of cluster analysis and PCA analysis showed that samples S 1，S3，S4，S6，S8，S18 and S 19 were clustered into one category ，and samples S 2，S5，S7，S9-S17 and S 20 were clustered into one category ；peak 2，peak 3，peak 10，peak 11 and peak 13 had great influence on principal component 1；peak 8 and peak 9 had great influence on principal component 2. OPLS-DA analysis showed that peak 4，peak 3，peak 2，peak 16，peak 13 and peak 11 had great influence on the quality of antioxidant active fraction of P. lobata . CONCLUSIONS ： HPLC fingerprint for active fraction of P. lobata is established in the study and 8 components are identified ；among them ， com puerarin，3′-hydroxypuerarin，daidzein and formononetin maybe the material basis of antioxidant fraction of P. lobata .

Formulation Optimization of Compound Renshen Jianti Formulation and Study on Its Anti-fatigue Activity and Acute Toxicity / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To optimi ze the ratio of four comp onents of Compound renshen jianti formulation （Panax ginseng ， Dioscorea oppositifolia ，Lycium barbarum fruit，Alpinia oxyphylla ），and to investigate its anti-fatigue activity and acute toxicity. METHODS：The water extract of Compound renshen jianti formulation was prepared by water extraction ，concentration and decompression drying. By single factor tests ，using weight-bearing swimming time as index ，the effects of four factors were investigated，such as the amount of P. ginseng ，D. oppositifolia ，L. barbarum fruit，A. oxyphylla . On the basis of single factor tests，using comprehensive score of weight-bearing swimming time ，serum urea nitrogen content ，liver glycogen content and AUC of blood lactate after exercise as index ，the formulation was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method. The mice was divided into blank control group （water），positive control group （Renshen hongjingtian capsules ，0.135 g/kg）and compound low-dose，medium-dose and high-dose groups [the optimal ratio of Compound renshen jianti formulation extract （called“optimal compound formulation ”for short ）4.08，8.16，12.24 g/kg，by crude drug] ，intragastric administration of drug or distilled water 20 mL/kg，once a day ，for consecutive 30 d. The weight-bearing swimming time ，the contents of serum urea nitrogen ，liver glycogen and blood lactate AUC after exercise were used to optimize its anti-fatigue activity of optimal compound formulation. The comprehensive score was calculated based on the measured data of mice in the compound formulation middle-dose group ， and the difference between it and the theoretical prediction value was compared. The mice were given optimal compound formulation intragastrically （total dose 16.00 g/kg， by extract）. The general state ， body mass change ， toxic characteristics and death of mice were observed and recorded for 14 days. Median lethal dose （LD50）and maximum tolerated dose （MTD）were measured. RESULTS ：The optimal formulation ratio of Compound renshen jianti formulation included that P. ginseng 1.5 g，D. oppositifolia 10 g，L. barbarum fruit 10 g，A. oxyphylla 3 g. Results of anti-fatigue activity validation test showed that the optimal compound formulation could significantly prolonged weight-bearing swimming time ，reduced serum content of urea nitrogen ，blood lactate content and its AUC （except for low-dose group ），while significantly increased the content of liver glycogen （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Average comprehensive score of medium-dose group was 96.95，which was only 0.06％ different from the theoretical prediction value of 97.01. The results of acute toxicity test showed that there was no death in mice. The oral MTD of the optimal compound formulation was more than 15 g/kg，which was non-toxic. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimal Compound renshen jianti formulation has effective anti-fatigue activity of mice ，and has no significant toxic effect.

Effect of Three Handing-Three Points on Pain Function and Expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn of Rats with Sciatic Nerve Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Three Handing-Three Points on pain function in sciatic nerve injury rats by observing the changes of chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1, CX3CL1)/chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (CX3CR1) protein and mRNA expression in spinal dorsal horn. Methods:A total of 74 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group (n= 12), sham group (n = 24), model group (n = 25), and Three Handing-Three Points group (Tuina group,n = 13). The model group and Tuina group prepared the sciatic nerve injury model. The sham group exposed sciatic nerve only. Tuina group received Tuina on Yinmen (BL37), Chengshan (BL57) and Yanglingquan (GB34) with Tuina manipulation emulator. The photothermal pain threshold was measured seven days after modeling and after 20 days of intervention; cumulative pain score was measured seven days after modeling, and after ten days and 20 days of intervention. The spinal dorsal horn tissues were extracted to detect the protein and mRNA expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 with Western blotting and RT-PCR seven days after modeling and after 20 days of intervention. The microglia morphology in spinal dorsal horn was observed with immunofluorescence after 20 days of intervention. Results:Seven days after modeling, compared with the normal group, the photothermal pain tolerance threshold increased in the model group and the sham group (P < 0.05); compared with the sham group, the cumulative pain score increased in the model group and Tuina group (P < 0.05). After ten days of intervention, the cumulative pain score was lower in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05). After 20 days of intervention, both the photothermal pain tolerance threshold and cumulative pain score were lower in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 protein and mRNA on the seven days after modeling and after 20 days of intervention (P > 0.05). The microglia in the model group were partially activated or completely activated, while those in Tuina group were unactivated or partially activated after 20 days of intervention. Conclusion:Three Handing-Three Points can improve the pain function of sciatic nerve injured rats, which may associate with regulating microglia through the pathway other than CX3CL1/CX3CR1.

Optimization of Composition Proportion of Compound Ginseng Immune-enhancing Formula and Study of Its Immunomodulatory Activity and Acute Toxicity on Mice / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To optimi ze the optimal composition proportion of 4 ingredients （Panax ginseng ，Astragalus membranaceus，Polygonatum sibiricum ，Lycium chinensis ）in Compound ginseng immune-enhancing formula （CGIF），and to study immune activity and acute toxicity of the extracts with the optimal ratio. METHODS ：The cell activity test was used to screen the crude drug concentration range of 4 ingredients. After treated with different crude drug concentrations of each medicinal material，using the contents of NO ，IL-6 and TNF-α as indexes，uniform design was used to determine the optimal ratio of each ingredient in CGIF. Totally 240 mice were taken and randomly divided into 4 batches，with 60 mice in each batch. Each batch of mice was randomly divided into blank group （normal saline ），model group （normal saline ），positive drug group [levamisole ，4 mg/（kg·d）]，and optimal proportion extract of CGIF low-dose ，medium-dose and high-dose groups [ 0.952 8，1.905 6，3.811 2 g/（kg·d）]，with 10 mice in each group ；they were given medicine intragastrically ，qd，for consecutive 30 d. Except for blank group，mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide [ 40 mg/（kg·d）] on the 24th day after first administration，qd，for consecutive 3 d to induce immunocompromised model. The immune activity of the optimal proportion extract was evaluated by determining visceral coefficients ，spleen lymphocyte transformation capacity ，serum contents of hemolysin，IL-2，IgM，IgG and IgA ，phagocytosis function of peritoneal macrophages. Another 20 mice were collected and given the optimal proportion extract 20 mL/kg intragastrically ，twice；acute toxicity of the formula was investigated with oral maximum tolerated dose （MTD）. RESULTS ：The optimal ratio of CGIF was that crude drug mass ratio of P. ginseng ， membranaceus，P. sibiricum ，L. chinensis was 1 ∶ 2 ∶ 2 ∶ 4. The immunological activity experiment showed that theoptimal proportion extract can significantly improve visceral indexes of mice ， spleen lymphocyte proliferation ability serum contents of hemolysin ，IL-2，IgM，IgG and IgA as well as macrophage phagocy tosis ability （P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01）. The acute toxicity test indicated that oral MTD was over 15 g/kg，which was non-toxic. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimal proportion extract of CGIF can significantly enhance the immune function of mice and are non-toxic.

Effects of Three Handing-Three Points on Motor Function and Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Smad2 Pathway in Injured Sciatic Nerve of Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effect of Tuina of Three Handing-Three Points on the motor function of hind limbs, the proliferation of Schwann cell, recovery of myelin sheath and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad2 pathway protein in injured sciatic nerve of rats. Methods:A total of 66 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (n = 22), model group (n = 22) and observation group (n = 22). The sciatic nerve injury model was made by clamping method. On the eighth day after modeling, the observation group received stimulation on Yinmen (BL37), Chengshan (BL57) and Yanglingquan (GB34). The sciatic functional index (SFI) was measured before intervention and 21 days after intervention. The Oblique Plate Test was performed before intervention, and seven days, 14 days and 21 days after intervention. The expression of S100, TGF-β1 and Smad2 were observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of TGF-β1, Smad2 and p-Smad2 was detected by Western blotting. Results:Before intervention, SFI was lower in the model group and observation group than in the sham operation group (P < 0.05); 21 days after intervention, SFI and the angle of Oblique Plate Test were higher in the observation group than in the model group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence showed that, 21 days after intervention, the expression of S100 was lower in the model group than in the sham operation group (P < 0.01), and was higher in the observation group than in the model group (P < 0.05), no difference was found between the observation group and the sham operation group (P > 0.05). Western blotting showed that, before intervention and seven days after intervention, the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2 and p-Smad2 were higher in the model group than in the sham operation group; 21 days after intervention, no difference was found in the expression among groups (P > 0.05) Conclusion:Three Handing-Three Points could promote the proliferation of Schwann cell and the recovery of myelin sheath, to improve the motor function of hind limbs in rats with sciatic nerve injury, which may not be related to TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway.

Effects of Three Handing-Three Points on Thickness of Myelin Sheath and Expression of Neuregulin 1 and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 after Sciatic Nerve Injury in Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effect of Tuina of Three Handing-Three Points on the recovery of motor function, the expression of neuregulin (NRG) 1 and human epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) 2 in the injured point of sciatic nerve and L4-6 spinal cord, and the morphological change of myelin sheath at the injured point of sciatic nerve of rats. Methods:A total of 76 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham operation group, model group and Tuina group with 19 rats in each group. The right side sciatic nerve was clamped to make model in the model group and Tuina group. The sham operation group exposed sciatic nerve only. Tuina group received Tuina on Yinmen (BL37), Chengshan (BL57) and Yanglingquan (GB34) with dialing, plucking and kneading using Tuina technique simulator. All of them were tested with Oblique Plate Test before modeling, seven days and 28 days after modeling. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of NRG1 and ErbB2 in the injured point of sciatic nerve and L4-6 spinal cord. The change of myelin sheath at the sciatic nerve injury point was observed and analyzed by transmission electron microscope. Results:Seven days and 28 days after modeling, the scores of Oblique Plate Test were lower in the model group and Tuina group than in the normal group and the sham operation group (P < 0.05); 28 days after modeling, the scores was higher in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05). At the sciatic nerve injury point, three days after modeling, the expression of NRG1 and ErbB2 was higher in the model group and Tuina group than in the normal group and the sham operation group (P < 0.05); seven days and 28 days after modeling, there was no significant difference in NRG1 among groups (P > 0.05); 28 days after modeling, the expression of ErbB2 was higher in the model group and Tuina group than in the normal group and the sham operation group (P < 0.05). In L4-6 spinal cord, three days after modeling, the expression of NRG1 and ErbB2 was higher in the model group and Tuina group than in the normal group and sham operation group (P < 0.05); seven days after modeling, the expression of NRG1 was higher in the model group and Tuina group than in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), and the expression of ErbB2 was higher in the model group and Tuina group than in the normal group and the sham operation group (P < 0.05); 28 days after modeling, the expression of NRG1 was higher in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in ErbB2 among groups (P > 0.05). The electron microscope showed that, 28 days after modeling, the myelin sheath collapsed seriously in the model group; while the ultrastructure of the nerve injury point improved, and the myelin sheath of the nerve fiber was relatively intact in Tuina group; the g-ratio value was lower in the model group than in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), the g-ratio value was higher in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05), and no difference was found in g-ratio value between Tuina group and sham operation group (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Three Handing-Three Points could improve the motor function of hind limbs in rats with sciatic nerve injury, which may be related to the adjustment of NRG1 and ErbB2 in the sciatic nerve and spinal cord, to maintain normal myelin sheath structure.

Neutrophil extracellular traps contribute to the occurrence and development of psoriasis via activating AIM2 inflammasomes in keratinocytes / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in psoriatic lesions in activation of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasomes in keratinocytes.Methods:Four skin specimens and 4 peripheral blood specimens were collected from patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris, who were treated at Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University from January to December in 2018. In addition, 4 skin specimens were collected from healthy human controls, and 3 foreskin specimens from children aged under 15 years after circumcision. Tissue immunofluorescence study was performed to determine the expression of NETs and AIM2 inflammasomes in normal skin tissues and psoriatic lesions. Neutrophils were separated from peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris by using magnetic beads, and NETs were extracted. Primary keratinocytes were isolated from foreskin tissues, and divided into 4 groups to be stimulated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (control group) , NET extracts (NET group) , DNase Ⅰ-treated NET extracts (NET degradation group) or DNase Ⅰ (degrader control group) respectively for 48 hours. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of AIM2 inflammasomes and its downstream molecules, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the level of IL-1β in the cell culture supernatant in the NET group and control group. Statistical analysis was carried out by using one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett- t test for multiple comparisons. Results:NET structures were observed in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions, but not in that of the healthy controls. Besides, the expression of AIM2 inflammasomes was higher in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions than in the healthy controls. Western blot analysis showed that there were significant differences in the protein expression of AIM2 and its downstream molecules pro-IL-1β and IL-1β among groups ( F = 23.80, 5.82, 15.64 respectively, all P < 0.001) . The NET group showed significantly higher protein expression of AIM2 (1.42 ± 0.03) , pro-IL-1β (1.32 ± 0.08) and IL-1β (1.40 ± 0.05) compared with the control group ( t = 15.14, 4.26, 8.71, respectively, all P < 0.05) , while no significant difference in the expression of AIM2, pro-IL-1β and IL-1β was observed between the NET degradation group (1.15 ± 0.07, 0.93 ± 0.03, 1.07 ± 0.05, respectively) and control group ( t = 2.10, 2.18, 1.40 respectively, all P > 0.05) . In addition, the IL-1β level in the cell culture supernatant was significantly higher in the NET group (13.15 ± 3.77 pg/ml) than in the control group (3.61 ± 0.20 pg/ml, t = 2.53, P < 0.05) . Conclusion:NETs exist in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions, can aggravate the inflammatory process in psoriasis, and contribute to the occurrence and development of psoriasis, likely by activating AIM2 and promoting the cleavage and secretion of IL-1β in keratinocytes.

Antimicrobial peptides: bridging innate and adaptive immunity in the pathogenesis of psoriasis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecules produced by a myriad of cells and play important roles not only in protecting against infections and sustaining skin barrier homeostasis but also in contributing to immune dysregulation under pathological conditions. Recently, increasing evidence has indicated that AMPs, including cathelicidin (LL-37), human β-defensins, S100 proteins, lipocalin 2, and RNase 7, are highly expressed in psoriatic skin lesions. These peptides broadly regulate immunity by interacting with various immune cells and linking innate and adaptive immune responses during the progression of psoriasis. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding AMPs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis with a main focus on their immunomodulatory abilities.

Mild Mechanic Stimulate on Acupoints Regulation of CGRP-Positive Cells and Microglia Morphology in Spinal Cord of Sciatic Nerve Injured Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to observe the effects of mild mechanical stimulation on acupuncture points of spinal motor neurons and active substances of sciatic nerve injury in rats, and to explore the morphological basis for the recovery of motor function in rats with sciatic nerve injury, using mild acupuncture. Acupuncture in the local area of injury may cause further damage to the peripheral nerve injury. We believe that mild mechanical stimulation on the surface, using some specific acupuncture points can also have a positive effect on nerve repair. This method, called Chinese tuina, has existed for more than 2,000 years in China. METHODS: This study establishes a rat model using sciatic nerve crush injury. Rats received Chinese tuina in accordance with the principle of the three methods and three points, once a day, for 20 days. The rats' status of hindlimb recovery was detected by a sciatic functional index. The labeled neuronal cell body was used to evaluate the fiber recovery after the rats' sciatic nerve injury, using a neural tracing technique. Our team studied motor neuronal cell bodies, CGRP-positive cells, and the microglia of damaged sciatic nerves which were stained with fluorescent triple staining, adopting a confocal multi-layer scanning technique, and then the changes in neuronal activity distribution and expression, and changes of time and treatment were described, using the method of morphological description. RESULTS: Sciatic nerve injury decreased the survival rate of motor neurons, affected CGRP-positive cells, and activated microglia in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Compared with the model group, the survival of spinal ventral horn motor neurons was increased through tuina intervention. The swelling of CGRP-positive cells was alleviated, and the degree of microglia activation was less than that of the model group. CONCLUSION: This study used visual morphological findings to assess changes in neurons and active substances with time after injury of the peripheral nerve, and demonstrated that peripheral mild acupuncture intervention improved the capacity of neurofibrillary axoplasmic transport, regulated microglia activation, and significantly promoted the recovery of sciatic nerve injury.

Effect of Rosae Chinensis Flos Total Flavones on Focal Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the effect of Rosae Chinensis Flos total flavones(RCTF) on the focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model in rats, in order to preliminarily explore the mechanism of action. Method: Rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, large, medium, and low-dose RCTF group(200,100,50 mg ·kg-1) and positive group[Nimodipine group(20 mg ·kg-1) and Naoluotong group (500 mg ·kg-1)]. After 7 days of continuous administration, 1 hour later after the last administration, the middle cerebral artery middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was duplicated. After 2 hours of modeling, perfusion was performed for 22 hours. Mortality and neurological deficits were scored. Serum S-100β was detected; brain tissue malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase were measured. The brain tissue morphological changes were observed. Result: The rat model of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion was successfully replicated. Compared with the model group, RCTF in large, medium, and low-dose RCTF group significantly decreased the score of neurological deficit in rats (Pβ in serum (PPP+K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, and Ca2+ in brain tissue (Pα content, IL-1β, ICAM-1 content in brain tissue (PPConclusion: RCTF have a protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. The mechanism may be related to the resistance of anti-free radicals, the reduction of inflammation in brain tissue and the improvement of brain energy metabolism after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.