Abstract: Objective　To investigate the effects of songchi ointment combined with running platform exercise rehabilitation on range of motion (ROM) and expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in articular fibrosis of rats with articular contracture. Methods 　Among 44 Wistar rats, eight rats were A total of 32 rats were divided into the model control group (MC group), songchi ointment intervention group (SC group), running platform exercise intervention group (RE group), and songchi ointment + running platform exercise intervention group (SR group) by the random number table method , with eight rats in each group. The MC group did not subjected to any intervention; the SC group was subjected to a drug smear massage, the RE group was subjected to running platform exercise; the SR group was subjected to running platform exercise, followed by drug smear massage, intervention was once a day, 6 days a week. Before intervention and after 42 days of intervention, ROM was measured in all rats. After 42 days of intervention, IL-6, IL-17 and TGF-β1 contents of the rats were measured by ELISA. Results　Before intervention, ROM of the model group was significantly lower than that of the NC group (P< 0. 05). After 42 days of intervention, compared with the MC group, ROM of SR and SC groups was significantly increased, the differences were statistically significant(P<0. 05). After intervention, compared with the MC group, IL-6 and IL-17 contents in SC, RE, and SR groups were significantly decreased, and those in the SR group was significantly lower than those in the SC and RE groups (P< 0. 05). TGF-β1 content in the SR group was significantly lower than that in the MC, SC, and RE groups ( P< 0. 05). Conclusions　Songchi ointment combined with running platform exercise rehabilitation improves joint ROM, reduces the release of proinflammatory factors, and reduces the secretion of TGF-β1 related to fibrosis in rats with joint contracture to improve the degree of joint fibrosis.

Abstract: Objective　To investigate the effect of the autophagy activator rapamycin (RAPA) on pyrolysis of neuronal HT22 cells after oxygen and glucose deprivation/ reoxygenation. Methods 　HT22 cells in logarithmic growth phase were divided randomly into four groups: Control group, Model group, Solvent Control group and RAPA group. Apart from the Control group, cells in the other groups were reoxygenated 24 h after oxygen and glucose deprivation for 6 h. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, cell damage was determined by the lactate dehydrogenase method, and NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) protein expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining. NLRP3, Cleaved Caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β expression in cells were detected by Western blot. Results　Control cells were bipolar or multipolar with obvious synapses, multiple synapses were woven into a network, and cells showed obvious refractivity. In contrast, cells in the Model and Solvent Control groups showed decreased synapses, the cells were shrunken and rounded, a large number of cells float and fall off, and the number of intercellular connections was decreased. Cell damage was significantly relieved in the RAPA group compared with the Model group. Compared with the Control group, cell viability was significantly reduced and the LDH-leakage rate, NLRP3-positive rate, and intracellular NLRP3, Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-18 and IL-1β protein expression levels increased significantly in the Model group ( P< 0. 01). Compared with the Model group, cell viability was significantly increased and the LDH leakage rate, NLRP3-positive rate, intracellular NLRP3, and Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-18 and IL-1β protein expression levels were all significantly decreased in the RAPA group (P<0. 01). There was no significant difference between the Solvent Control group and the Model group (P> 0. 05). Conclusions 　RAPA may protect HT22 cells following oxygen and glucose deprivation/ reoxygenation by inhibiting cell pyrolysis.

Abstract: Objective　To investigate the role of proteoglycan form of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1-PG) in mandibular bone injury. Methods　We created mandibular bone defects in wild-type mice (control group) and DMP1 glycosylation point mutant (S89G-DMP1) mice (experimental group). Samples of mandibles were collected at 7, 14 and 28 days after model construction and subjected to micro-computed tomography scans, tissue sectioning, and hematoxylin eosin and toluidine blue staining to compare defect healing between the two groups. We also examined differences in the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins in the injured areas by immunofluorescence staining, and compared osteogenesis-related gene expression levels between the experimental and control groups post-surgery using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mandibular bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from both groups and their osteogenic differentiation abilities were compared. Results 　Mandibular injury healing was significantly reduced in the experimental compared with the control mice, and expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins in the bone-injury area were decreased. In addition, the osteogenic differentiation ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from the experimental group was significantly weaker than that of cells from the control group. Conclusions　DMP1-PG is involved in the repair of jaw injury, and lack of DMP1-PG can lead to delayed healing of jaw defects in mice.

Abstract: Objective 　To compare differences in pulmonary vascular remodeling among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mouse models established via different method, cigarette smoke (CS) exposure, Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) infection, and CS combined with KP (CS+KP), at different time points and to provide the basis for further study. Methods　A total of 72 male mice were randomly divided into normal, CS, KP and CS+KP groups, with 18 per group. Mice in the CS group were exposed to cigarette smoke (3000±500 ppm) twice per day. KP was dripped into the nasal cavities of mice in the KP group (5×109 CFU/ L, times/7 d). Mice in the CS+KP group were subjected to CS exposure and KP nasal administration. Stimulation was stopped at the end of week 8. The mice were observed until week 16 and sacrificed at the end of weeks 4, 8, and 16. Lung function, including 50% expiratory flow (EF50) and tidal volume (TV), was measured every 4 weeks. Pulmonary small-vessel structures, including wall thickness percentage (WT%), lumen area percentage (LA%), and wall area percentage (WA%), were assessed by lung histopathology. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results　Compared with the normal group, the CS group showed decreased TV from weeks 8 to 12, decreased EF50 from weeks 8 to 16, increased WT% from weeks 8 to 16, increased WA% and VEGF in week 8 only, and decreased LA% in week 8 only (P<0. 05). In the CS+KP group, TV decreased from weeks 4 to 12; EF50 decreased from weeks 8 to 16; WT%, WA%, and VEGF increased from weeks 4 to 12; and LA% decreased from weeks 4 to 16 (P<0. 05). In the KP group, lung function did not change significantly, WT% increased only in week 8, and LA% decreased only in week 8 (P<0. 05). Compared with the CS group, the CS+KP group showed increased WT% and VEGF from weeks 8 to 16, increased WA% in week 16, and decreased LA% in week 16 (P<0. 05). Compared with the KP group, the CS+KP group showed increased WT%, WA%, and VEGF from weeks 8 to 16 and decreased LA% from weeks 4 to 16 (P<0. 05). In the CS group, WT% increased in week 8, VEGF increased in week 16, while LA% decreased in week 8 (P<0. 05). Conclusions　Mice in the CS, KP, and combination groups had significant pathological COPD characteristics, including alveolar destruction, inflammatory infiltration, and pulmonary vascular remodeling, but each had its own characteristics. In the CS group, lung function decreased, and alveolar structure showed destruction and thickening in week 8 and were still observed in week 16, while pulmonary vascular remodeling was only observed in week 8. In the KP group, lung function did not decrease significantly, inflammatory infiltration was evident and persistent in lung tissue, but alveolar structure destruction and pulmonary vascular remodeling were only observed in week 8. In the CS+KP group, lung function decreased and alveolar structure destruction and pulmonary vascular remodeling were observed in week 4 and were still observable in week 16.

Abstract: Objective　To evaluate the effects of ischemia time on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model by assessing oxidative damage and histopathology, to provide optimal modeling conditions and basic data for future studies. Methods　Twenty-four male SD rats were divided randomly into a sham operation group, 30 min ischemia group, 1 h ischemia group and 2 h ischemia group. Ischemia-reperfusion injury models were induced by ischemia of the superior mesenteric artery for the noted time, followed by reperfusion for 4 h. After resumption of the blood supply, the rats were euthanized. Than,take 10% intestinal tissue homogenate and test with kit,test the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione were determined. The morphology of the intestinal tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and villus height and mucosa thickness were measured. Results　SOD, GSH-Px and MDA were all significantly increased in the 30 min and 1 h ischemia groups compared with the sham operation group (P<0. 05). Inflammatory cell infiltration was aggravated and the pathological Chiu’s score was significantly increased in the ischemia groups (P<0. 05). In addition, 1 h and 2 h of ischemia significantly reduced the villus height and mucosal thickness in the small intestine (P<0. 01), while 2 h of ischemia could cause death(death rate 33. 3%). Conclusions　An intestinal ischemia-reperfusion model established by 1 h ischemia and 4 h reperfusion had the most ideal oxidation index and intestinal tissue morphology, and is thus suitable for disease research and drug development.

Abstract: Objective　To investigate manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms in a model of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency and observe the effects of decoction of Angelica sinensis, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and mutton on TCM symptoms of Sprague Dawley (SD) female rats with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. Methods　A female rat model of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency was established by combined gavage with adenine and ice senna. After model establishment, rats were randomly divided into five groups: low, medium, and high dose decoction of Angelica sinensis, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and mutton groups; Zhenwu decoction positive-control group; spleen-kidney Yang deficiency model group; and blank control normal group. After continuous administration for 4 weeks, the water and food intake of rats was recorded daily, and their body weight and rectal temperatures were measured weekly. At the end of the experiment, general TCM symptoms were evaluated; an open field test was performed; and the tongue, tail, and soles of each rat were photographed and analyzed under the same light and in the same position. The effects of the decoction of Angelica sinensis, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and mutton on TCM symptoms of SD female rats with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency were comprehensively discussed. Results 　Compared with the model group, the groups given low, medium, or high doses showed improvements in mental status, eyes, ear and tail color, hair, feces, and there were significant differences in their mental state, eyes, hair and feces (P<0. 05). The body weight and rectal temperature of each group gradually increased, and there were no significant differences between the groups at the end of the experiment (P>0. 05). Water intake by rats in each group (except in the normal group) gradually decreased but was still significantly higher than that of the normal group (P<0. 05). In the open field test, the time, distance, fast movement time, and slow movement time in the central and peripheral areas of the low, medium and high dose groups were significantly improved over those of the model group. Time spent in the central and peripheral areas, distance moved in the central area, and time spent resting in the peripheral area of the middle and high dose rats were significantly different from those of the model group (P<0. 05). According to the RGB color mode, the R, G and B values of the tail, soles, and tongue surfaces of the rats in the low, medium, and high dose groups were higher than those in the model group, and the R and B values of the tails were significantly higher (P<0. 5). The G value was highest in the rats in the high dose group, and there was a significant difference (P<0. 5). The R value of the soles was significantly different (P<0. 5). The G values of the positive group and middle and high dose groups were significantly higher than that of the model group (P<0. 5). The R values of tongue surfaces of the middle and high dose groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0. 05), suggesting that the gavage of decoction of Angelica sinensis, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and mutton significantly improved the color of the tails, soles, and tongues of the rats. Conclusions 　Decoction of Angelica sinensis, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and mutton improved TCM symptoms in SD female rats with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency, and the effect was strongest in the high-dose decoction of Angelica sinensis, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and mutton group.

Abstract: Objective　To explore the effects of Bixie Fenqing granules on proteinuria and podocyte podocalyxin and α-actinin-4 expression in renal tissues of rats with adriamycin-induced nephropathy. Methods 　Sixty specificpathogen-free SD rats were divided randomly into a blank group (n = 12) and model group (n = 48). A rat model of adriamycin-induced nephropathy was established by two injections of adriamycin into the tail vein. After successful establishment of the model, the rats were divided randomly into a model group, Bixie Fenqing granules group (6. 56 mL/kg) ( Chinese medicine group), prednisone group (6. 3 mL/ kg), and Bixie Fenqing granules + prednisone group (combination group). Treatments were administered once a day for 4 weeks and the blank and model groups were given the same amount of normal saline. Levels of 24 h urinary protein (24 h-UTP), serum total cholesterol (TC), and albumin were measured and pathomorphological changes in renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. Expression levels of the podocyte-associated protein podocalyxin and α-actinin-4 in rat kidney tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results　Serum TC and 24 h-UTP were significantly increased and albumin was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the blank group (P<0. 05). Renal tissues in model rats showed focal segmental scar formation, proliferation of mesangial cells and mesangial matrix, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules and protein tubules in the lumen, and interstitial fibrous cell proliferation with inflammatory cell infiltration. Podocalyxin expression was significantly decreased and α-actinin-4 expression was increased (P<0. 05) in the model group compared with the control group. Conversely, compared with the model group, 24 h-UTP and serum TC were decreased and albumin was increased to different degrees in each treatment group (P<0. 05), glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were mild, with little renal interstitial edema and fibrosis, accompanied by a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, and podocalyxin expression was increased and α-actinin-4 expression was decreased (P<0. 05). Conclusions 　Bixie Fenqing granules can repair damaged podocytes via multiple targets, reduce UTP excretion, and protect the kidney by upregulating podocalyxin and down-regulating the expression of α-actinin-4.

Abstract: Objective　Establish the first comparative medicine big-data platform at home and abroad to provide services for researchers to obtain effective scientific data on laboratory animals and animal models, provide data support for decision makers, and solve the problems of data acquisition and analysis. Methods 　Formulate metadata and data collection forms, integrate data resources related to laboratory animals and comparative medicine. Integrate large-scale laboratory animals, animal models, phenotypic data, and animal experimental data to build a PHP-based (hypertext preprocessor)comparative medicine big- data platform. Results　Based on the research result of comparative medicine at home and abroad, the comparative medicine big-data platform systematically sorts out laboratory animals, animal models and animal experimental data, and forms multi-dimensional cross-temporal comparative analysis result . Taking comparative medicine data as the main content, it provides data on laboratory animals, human diseases, comparative medicine, animal experiments and related products. Conclusions　In this study, we established the comparative medicine big-data platform, and realized the unified preservation, the integration and sharing of comparative medicine scientific data resources.

Abstract: Objective 　To study the acute toxicity, genetic toxicity and subchronic toxicity of Tremella polysaccharide and to provide scientific bases for its safe application. Methods　Acute oral toxicity, genetic toxicity, and 90 days oral toxicity tests were performed following the national standards of food safety. Results　The LD50 of Tremella polysaccharide was more than 12. 0 g/ (kg·bw), and Tremella polysaccharide was a non-toxic substance. The result of the three genotoxicity tests were negative. In the subchronic toxicity test, compared with the negative control group, there were no significant differences (P>0. 05) in bw, weight gain, food intake, food utilization rate, hematological indexes, blood biochemical indexes, urine routine, organ weight, or organ coefficients. Histopathological observations showed no changes related to test factors. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of Tremella polysaccharide was 7. 21 g/ (kg·bw) for males and 8. 18 g/ (kg·bw) for females. Conclusions　No evidence for acute toxicity, genetic toxicity, or subchronic toxicity was observed in this Tremella polysaccharide study.

Abstract: Objective　The quality of laboratory animals directly affects the quality of data they provide and has a substantial impact on public health and safety. Methods　To improve the quality of laboratory animals, a management system and pathogen-detection scheme were implemented for the unique conditions in a university laboratory animal center with animals from different sources and high personnel traffic. Results 　The laboratory animal accreditation system, etiology surveillance system and animal-related supplies, was established and implemented. Since 2018, 1481 non-living animal samples were detected, 106 of which were pathogen-positive. In addition, 395 live animal samples were detected, 38 of which were pathogen-positive. A total of 363 animal-related supplies were monitored. Conclusions　Several severe infectious-disease-agent-positive animals were forbidden to enter; opportunistic-agent-positive supply units were closely monitored; and the Objective monitoring of pathogen genealogy in rats and mice was adjusted and updated. Hence, the quality of the laboratory animals was evaluated in time to prevent false result .

Abstract:This paper summarizes various Methods for establishing animal models of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) by immune induction. The models’ respective characteristics and shortcomings and the similarities and differences between them are discussed. We propose that improvements to models are needed and provide ideas for establishing safer, more stable animal models with a higher success rate and robust repeatability that more closely mimic human IgAN.

Abstract:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease with a high disability rate. With the increase in the obesity rate and an aging patient population, OA is having more and more negative impacts on peoples' lives and social resources. With the development of high-throughput technology, the study of non-coding RNA has gradually become a hot spot in the field of OA. Recent studies have shown that chondrocyte apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation are the main pathological bases of OA. Non-coding RNA is closely related to chondrocytes, but the molecular mechanism has not been fully clarified. This article reviews the effects of non-coding RNA on chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix to further understand the mechanisms of cartilage degeneration and provide new ideas for the early diagnosis and treatment of OA.

Abstract:Atherosclerosis is a chronic metabolic disease in which lipids and complex carbohydrates are deposited on the inner wall of large and medium arteries. Its pathogenesis is complex and affected by various risk factors, and it is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. Recent studies showed that the gut microbiota can affect the process of atherosclerosis through various mechanisms, including regulating host metabolism and inflammation. Maintaining the dynamic balance of the intestinal flora through dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal-bacteria transplantation can effectively delay the progression of atherosclerosis. Among these approaches, next-generation probiotics, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Christensenia minuta, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and other non-traditional intestinal flora and gene-edited designer probiotics, have become new prevention and treatment tools. The gut microbiota thus presents a potential diagnostic and pharmacological target for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Abstract:The global corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is still spreading, compromising human well-being and economic progress and posing a significant risk to global public health security. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is mainly transmitted through droplets, contact and aerosols. Epidemiological studies indicate that using public restrooms may be risky, and researchers have discovered the virus in the feces of COVID-19 patients, but it is unknown if SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through the digestive system. Based on this, this review describes the gastrointestinal detoxification of COVID-19 cases, summarizes relevant research using SARS-CoV-2 animal models, considers the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through the gastrointestinal tract, evaluates the risk, and offers suggestions for COVID-19 prevention.

Abstract:Lung cancer has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates. Non-small cell lung cancer is a subtype with a relatively high degree of malignancy and proportion. In recent years, immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer has become a research focus. Numerous immune monotherapies and combined therapies have emerged. The development of these therapies requires preclinical verification. Therefore, reliable animal models are needed to evaluate therapeutic effects, explore optimal drug regimens and promote individualized medical treatment. Because a xenotransplantation model with a humanized immune system has both a human immune system and human tumor cells, it closely recapitulates the tumor immune microenvironment in the human body, which has a broad application prospect in the research of oncological immunotherapy. This article mainly reviews the application of humanized models and provides guidance for preclinical trials of various immunotherapy schemes for non-small cell lung cancer to promote clinical trials of these schemes.

Abstract:Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted by various cells, which can transfer bioactive macromolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, and play an important role in intercellular information transfer. Increasing studies have shown that exosomes derived from some cell types, such as mesenchymal stem cells, natural killer cells, and neutrophils, have therapeutic potential, by participating in the regulation of the immune system and enhancing the killing ability of immune cells. In addition, exosomes released from infected cells can promote antigen presentation and immune cell activation, activate a variety of cellular immune factors, and mediate the cellular immune response. We review the direct and indirect roles of exosomes in viral, bacterial, and fungal infections to provide evidence for their clinical application.

Abstract:Inflammatory diseases account for a high proportion of all diseases in animals, including infectious and immune diseases. In vivo experiments are required to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of disease occurrence and development and to find better preventive and therapeutic approaches. Mouse models are widely used for this purpose because of their relatively low cost, short feeding cycle, easy handling, and genetic and physiological similarities with human. In this context, we review research progress into the creation of mouse models of inflammation, pneumonia, colitis, and mastitis, as a reference for subsequent research.

Abstract:Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long-chain non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs (circRNAs), regulate myocardial development, differentiation, metabolism, death, remodeling, and other pathophysiological processes, and may thus be involved in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We review recent research into the role of ncRNA in DCM, which has mainly focused on expression profiling, marker screening, and mechanistic exploration. Several differentially expressed ncRNAs have been screened out from circulating blood and myocardial tissue as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for DCM; however, studies of circRNAs are limited. Considering the complex and heterogeneous etiology of DCM, further studies including more clinical samples are needed to supplement and validate current findings. Elucidating the potential role and mechanism of ncRNAs, especially circRNAs, in DCM will provide new method and a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of DCM.