Current Medical Science最新文献

{"title":"Associations Between Gut Microbiota, Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and High-Salt Diet-Induced Hypertension in Rats.","authors":"Lin Li, Sen-Jie Zhong, Hao Liang, Si-Yuan Hu, Zhi-Xi Hu","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00077-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00077-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Numerous studies have established a link between hypertension (HTN) and a high-salt diet (HSD). However, the precise mechanisms are still being investigated, with increasing evidence suggesting that HSD can alter the gut microbiome balance, influence the production of microbiome metabolites and potentially lead to high blood pressure, presenting a promising avenue for targeting specific microbiota in HTN treatment. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by gut bacteria and are associated with blood pressure regulation. Thus, the relationships among HSD, SCFAs, and blood pressure could provide valuable information on the pathophysiology of HTN. This study aimed to assess the impact of HSD on HTN by investigating its influence on the gut microbiota composition and SCFA levels in a rat model of HTN.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The HTN rat model was constructed by placing the rats on HSD (8% NaCl) for 8 weeks. On the 8th week, fecal samples were collected from the rats for DNA extraction. The profile of the gut microbiota was subsequently evaluated through 16S rRNA sequencing. The fecal SCFAs were subsequently measured and analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing data revealed that consumption of HSD was associated with an increase in pathogenic bacteria, including Turicibacter and Clostridia_UCG-014, and a decrease in beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Metabolomic analysis of fecal samples suggested that HSD could increase the concentrations of most SCFAs, except caproic acid. Notably, a significant correlation was observed through Spearman correlation analysis between SCFAs and the changes in the gut microbiota caused by HSD, leading to a direct effect on SCFA levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The alterations in the gut microbiota resulting from HSD impact the levels of SCFAs, potentially disrupting gut equilibrium and initiating HTN, thereby increasing susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and associated health complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"715-724"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144658643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances and Challenges in Adeno-Associated Virus Gene Therapy Applications of Localized Delivery Strategies.","authors":"Jin-Hao Chen, Li-Jun Zhan, Cun-Ming Lv, Jun-Bo Teng, Chun-Yu Cao","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00084-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00084-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have emerged as leading vectors in gene therapy, with several FDA-approved treatments and ongoing clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness in treating inherited retinal diseases, hemophilia, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, among others. However, AAV-based therapies still face challenges, including immune responses and side effects, due to high viral doses. To address these challenges, various strategies have been developed, such as creating new viral capsids, optimizing gene expression regulation, and improving delivery methods. Localized delivery is a promising direction, utilizing the tissue tropism of AAVs to reduce systemic side effects and lower the required viral dose, thus improving targeting and efficiency, especially for organs that are difficult to treat with conventional methods. These innovations have opened new pathways for the clinical application of AAVs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the various applications of AAVs, offer valuable insights for future research directions, and holds significant importance for researchers and clinicians in the field. As AAV therapy continues to evolve, this article emphasizes its transformative potential in treating genetic diseases, indicating the central role of AAV in the future of gene therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"683-698"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144642037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Yinchenhao Decoction Combined with Praziquantel Ameliorates Inflammation and Hepatic Fibrosis in Schistosoma japonicum-Infected Mice.","authors":"Jia-Hua Liu, Mei Peng, Fang Chen, Qiu-Yue Song, Li-Chao Zhang, Yao Liao, Lan-Gui Song, Zhong-Dao Wu","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00089-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00089-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of the combination of Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) and praziquantel (PZQ) in a Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum)-induced mouse model of schistosomiasis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, infected group, infected-PZQ group (I-PZQ), infected-YCHD group (I-YCHD), and infected-PZQ + YCHD group (I-PZQ + YCHD). The mice were infected with S. japonicum cercariae in infected group, I-PZQ group, I-YCHD group, and I-PZQ + YCHD group (n = 6 per group) and maintained for 63 days. From day 43 to day 63 postinfection, the mice received PZQ (150 mg/kg, intragastric gavage), YCHD (10 mL/kg, intragastric gavage), or a combination of both. The control and infected groups received equal amounts of sterile double-distilled water for the same period. At the end of the experiment, the mice were anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium and sacrificed. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured. Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the targets of YCHD in the treatment of schistosomiasis. Histopathological analysis, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate liver pathology and molecular changes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the other groups, the I-PZQ + YCHD group presented significantly decreased serum ALT and AST levels (P < 0.001). The I-PZQ + YCHD group exhibited improved pathological changes in the liver, as evidenced by reduced area of single granuloma (P < 0.01), granuloma area (P < 0.01), and Ishak score of liver fibrosis (P < 0.01). Network pharmacology analysis suggested that YCHD may alleviate schistosomiasis-related liver injury through the modulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway. Western blot analysis revealed that ERS-related markers, including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α), X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), were significantly downregulated in the I-PZQ + YCHD group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the I-PZQ + YCHD group presented reduced hepatocyte apoptosis (P < 0.05), diminished hepatic macrophage infiltration (P < 0.05) and downregulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>YCHD combined with PZQ reduced schistosomiasis-associated hepatic granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic apoptosis and ERS.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"944-956"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144741471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes Involving at Least Two Consecutive Generations: Whole-Exome Sequencing in Probands from 25 Pedigrees.","authors":"Chun-Qiong Ran, Ying Su, Xiong Wang, Xi Chen, Zhi-Xuan Zeng, Kun Dong, Zhe-Long Liu, Shu-Hong Hu, Yan Yang, Xue-Feng Yu, Yong Chen, Gang Yuan, Wen-Tao He","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00092-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00092-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The molecular mechanisms of early-onset multigenerational diabetes remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of early-onset diabetes involving at least two consecutive generations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From 1296 inpatients with diabetes, we selected individuals who were ≤ 30 years of age and who were clinically suspected of having familial monogenic diabetes. Clinical data were collected from the probands and their family members. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify possible causal variants for diabetes. Candidate pathogenic variants were verified by Sanger sequencing, assessed for cosegregation in family members, and evaluated on the basis of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines. Moreover, missense and synonymous variants were subjected to in silico pathogenicity prediction via MutationTaster and PolyPhen-2. RNAfold was used to predict RNA structural alterations for synonymous variants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-five early-onset diabetes patients with a history of familial diabetes were enrolled. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (p.Gly292fs in HNF1A, p.Gly245Argfs*22 in PDX1, p.Asp329His in KCNJ11, p.Leu734Phe and p.Val606Gly in WFS1) were detected in four patients, who were diagnosed accurately and treated with reasonable hypoglycemic agents based on genetic testing results. The variants of uncertain significance (ABCC8 c.3039 G > A (p.Ser1013 = Ser), MAPK8IP1 p.Gln144_Gly145insSerGln, and TBC1D4 p.Arg1249Trp) were identified in three probands.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients with early-onset diabetes involving at least two consecutive generations may harbor genetic variants. Genetic testing in this population enables precision diagnosis, informs individualized treatment, and facilitates genetic counseling.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"789-798"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144689170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture Improves Gastrointestinal Motility in Rats with Functional Dyspepsia via the GDNF/GFRα1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway.","authors":"Li Zhou, Xiao-Li Pan, De-Qian Yang, Qi Chen, Pai-di Xu, Hong-Xing Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00086-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00086-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Abnormal gastrointestinal motility plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia (FD). Although electroacupuncture (EA) has demonstrated efficacy in FD treatment, its precise mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the specific mechanism through which EA improves gastrointestinal motility in FD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Physiological indices, including body weight, food intake, gastrointestinal motility, and gastrointestinal morphology, were utilized to assess the FD model in rats. EA interventions were applied at meridian points, as well as non-meridian points and non-acupoints, in FD model rats. The effects of EA at zusanli (ST36) and taichong (LR3) on gastrointestinal motility in FD model rats were elucidated using gastrointestinal motility test indices. Techniques such as Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence were employed to determine the specific mechanisms by which EA improved gastrointestinal motility in FD model rats.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multifactorial stress intervention could be used to effectively establish an FD rat model. EA at ST36 and LR3 significantly improved gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, EA at ST36 and LR3 upregulated the protein expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt), along with their mRNA expression levels and the number of enteric glial cells (EGCs).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>EA was capable of increasing the number of EGCs by activating the GDNF/GFRα1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby improving gastrointestinal motility in FD.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"957-965"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144798456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genotype Identification of Complete Hydatidiform Moles without a Maternal Component: Attempts at a Novel 26-plex STR System.","authors":"Yi-Na Jiang, Lu-Yao Li, Peng-Fei Nan, Fu-Quan Jia, Li-Qin Chen","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00071-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00071-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Current autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) assays can analyze the zygotic composition by comparing the allelic genes at each locus of complete hydatidiform moles (CHM), with a maternal genotype serving as an essential reference for comparative analysis. However, their application in pathology represents a challenge because of deficiency or contamination of maternal-origin tissues. This study aimed to develop a novel STR genotyping method for identifying CHM genotypes without a maternal component.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Samples with the pathologic description of molar pregnancy were collected. Routine hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and p57 immunohistochemistry staining were conducted in accordance with standard guidelines. A novel 26-plex system was explored to classify CHM and diploid pregnancies. The system combined 22 STRs on chromosomes 21/18/13/X, 3 sex loci, and 1 quality control marker (TAF9L), enabling molecular diagnosis in the absence of maternal tissue. At last, traditional DNA typing based on villi and decidua (maternal component) of each case was used for result consistency analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CHM and nonmolar abortus could not be distinguished by the basic HE staining with no fetal evidence or other prominent features. DNA typing was successfully processed for all cases according to the novel 26-plex and traditional system. CHM (46XX) diagnosis required single A-STR/X-STR peaks and absent Y-chromosome markers, excluding chromosomal abnormalities via TAF9L analysis. When the villous tissue analysis revealed single peaks at X-STR/SRY loci, a 1:1 amelogenin ratio, and a 2:1 TAF9L peak ratio, these results overlapped with those of 46XY hydropic abortus or CHM. Notably, p57 immunohistochemical staining resolved the ambiguity. Consistency with traditional DNA genotyping confirmed system accuracy. This multiplex assay enhanced reliability in mole diagnosis, supporting clinical differentiation and genetic counseling.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study presents a rapid and cost-effective assay for the genotypic identification of CHM without the need for a maternal component. The method combined the characteristics of STR loci distributed across different chromosomes and developed the clinic application of forensic biomarkers.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"889-900"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inflammation-Related Factors S100A9 and TLR2 in Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy.","authors":"Ke-Jia Jin, Le Pan, Chen-Xing Huang, Chao Yin, Ying Wang, Jie Zhang, Hui Gong","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00096-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00096-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The pathogenesis and progression of heart failure (HF) are governed by complex, interconnected biological pathways, with dysregulated immune responses and maladaptive cardiac remodeling playing central roles. Although specific inflammatory mediators have been implicated in modulating critical features of cardiac remodeling-such as cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and extracellular matrix fibrosis-the precise molecular mechanisms driving these processes remain incompletely characterized.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Integrated bioinformatics analysis of HF and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) transcriptomic datasets identified pathologically relevant candidate genes. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed from these candidates using the STRING database, followed by module analysis. Serum S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) protein expression in HF patients was quantified by Western blotting under reducing conditions. The functional relevance of prioritized genes was subsequently validated through: (i) in vitro cyclic mechanical stretch in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, and (ii) in vivo pressure overload modeling via transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bioinformatics analysis of HF and HCM datasets revealed a significant association between immune function and cardiac remodeling. Using CytoNCA, we identified core genes, among which the top 25 included multiple inflammatory pathway-related factors, such as S100A9 and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Notably, S100A9 levels were significantly elevated in the serum of HF patients and in mechanically stretched cardiomyocytes. This increase correlated with upregulated expression of hypertrophy-related markers, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Furthermore, mechanical stretch-induced S100A9 upregulation markedly enhanced TLR2 expression in cardiomyocytes. Importantly, TLR2 inhibition substantially attenuated the mechanical stretch-induced upregulation of S100A9 mRNA expression, as well as the subsequent hypertrophic and inflammatory responses in cardiomyocytes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The inflammatory mediators S100A9 and TLR2 engage in reciprocal activation that amplifies the hypertrophic response in mechanically stretched cardiomyocytes. This pathogenic cross-talk exacerbates maladaptive remodeling and likely accelerates HF progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"819-830"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144689171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Implantable Biventricular Assist Devices.","authors":"Nian-Guo Dong, David D'Alessandro, Jamshid Karimov, I-Wen Wang, Liang-Wan Chen, Ying-Bin Xiao, Chun-Sheng Wang, Qiang Zhao, Jia-Wei Shi, Shun-Zhou Yu, Cheng Zhou, Pascal Leprince, Minoru Ono, Jan Schmitto, Ming Gong, Yong-Feng Shao, Xian-Qiang Wang, Xing Hao, Xiao-Tong Hou, Xin Li, Wei Wang, Ting Wu, Hai-Tao Zhang, Cheng-Bin Zhou, Ping Li, Yin Wang, Yi-Xuan Wang, Jing Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00087-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00087-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>While biventricular assist devices (BiVADs) remain underutilized in Western countries for biventricular heart failure (BHF), their application is expanding in China. This consensus synthesizes international guidelines, medical evidence, and Chinese clinical expertise to establish standardized protocols for BiVAD management. Key recommendations include: (1) Preoperative right heart catheterization and echocardiography for central venous pressure (CVP): pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) ratio and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) assessment (Class I); (2) BiVAD indication in refractory BHF or high-risk right heart failure post-left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation (Class IIa); (3) Right atrial implantation as the preferred surgical approach (Class IIa); (4) Warfarin-based anticoagulation (INR 2.0-2.5) with aspirin, avoiding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (Class III). The guidance addresses critical gaps in patient selection, pump speed titration, and complication management, positioning integrated BiVAD systems as a promising solution for complex BHF.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"673-682"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrative Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analyses on the Mechanisms of San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang in Treating Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.","authors":"Chun Hoe Tan, Haresh Sivakumar, Da-Gui Luo, Yu-Xin Cen","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00067-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00067-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate. San-Zhong-Kui-Jian-Tang (SZKJT), a Chinese herbal formula, has long been used as an adjuvant therapy in cancer clinical practice. Although its therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms in OSCC have been previously elucidated, the potential interactions and mechanisms between the active phytochemicals and their therapeutic targets are still lacking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The present study employed network pharmacology and topology approaches to establish a \"herbal ingredients-active phytochemicals-target interaction\" network to explore the potential therapeutic targets of SZKJT-active phytochemicals in the treatment of OSCC. The role of the target proteins in oncogenesis was assessed via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, and their interactions with the active phytochemicals of SZKJT were calculated via molecular docking and dynamic simulations. The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of the active phytochemicals were also predicted.  RESULTS: A total of 171 active phytochemicals of SZKJT fulfilled the bioavailability and drug-likeness screening criteria, with the flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, and naringenin having the greatest potential. The 4 crucial targets of these active phytochemicals are PTGS2, TNF, BCL2, and CASP3, which encode cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), BCL-2 apoptosis regulator, and caspase-3, respectively. The interactions between phytochemicals and target proteins were predicted to be thermodynamically feasible and stable via molecular docking and dynamics simulations. Finally, the results revealed that the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway and TNF signaling via NF-κB are the two prominent pathways targeted by SZKJT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In summary, this study provides computational data for in-depth exploration of the mechanism by which SZKJT activates phytochemicals to treat OSCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"755-774"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal Electronic Cigarette Exposure Induces Dysregulation of Autophagy via Oxidative Stress/DNA Methylation in Pulmonary Hypertension Offspring.","authors":"Ze-Wen Chen, Yi-Fan Li, Hai-Long Qiu, Wen Xie, Tian-Yu Chen, Yong Zhang, Ji-Mei Chen, Jian Zhuang, Shu-Sheng Wen","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00074-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00074-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Electronic cigarettes (ECs) differ from traditional tobacco smoke but may contribute to cardiopulmonary remodeling. Pulmonary hypertension (PH), characterized by pulmonary artery and right ventricle remodeling, poses a significant risk of mortality in infants, children, and adolescents. However, the impact of maternal EC exposure on PH development in offspring remains unclear. To address this, we established a PH rat model with maternal EC exposure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Maternal EC exposure was initiated on gestation day 12 via electronic nicotine delivery systems. Offspring were administered monocrotaline (MCT) at 6 weeks of age (6-wo) to induce PH. Mechanistic experiments were conducted at 10-week-old (10-wo). Protein expression of NADPH oxidases, DNA methyltransferases, and autophagy-related markers was analyzed by Western blot. Morphological changes and the severity of PH were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and echocardiography, respectively. Furthermore, the involvement of the oxidative stress/DNA methylation/autophagy axis in response to maternal EC exposure was confirmed through a combination of ELISA, Western blot, HE staining, and echocardiography. Additionally, ATG5 mRNA expression was measured by qRT-PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with control conditions, maternal EC exposure significantly worsened MCT-induced PH in male offspring. This was associated with increased oxidative stress, DNA hypomethylation, and anomalous autophagy in the offspring. In vivo treatment with chloroquine inhibited autophagy and ameliorated PH development in offspring exposed to maternal EC. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, attenuated maternal EC exposure-induced oxidative stress, DNA hypomethylation, and excessive autophagy, thereby improving PH. DNA hypermethylation also reversed PH development, accompanied by reduced oxidative stress and suppressed autophagy. ATG5, a key regulator of autophagy, was identified as a potential therapeutic target, as its repression mitigated PH in maternal EC-exposed offspring.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Maternal EC exposure induces oxidative stress and DNA hypomethylation in offspring, leading to anomalous autophagy and exacerbation of PH development. Targeting ATG5-mediated autophagy may represent a novel therapeutic approach for improving PH outcomes in offspring exposed to maternal EC.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"854-866"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12364974/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}