Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between long-term radon exposure and changes in peripheral blood DNA methylation levels, as well as alterations in the expression of methylation-related regulatory genes (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and MBD2) among underground non-uranium metal miners. Methods Five non-uranium metal mines with varying levels of radon exposure were enrolled in this study. From each mine, 30 underground miners and 30 aboveground workers were randomly recruited. Basic demographic information was collected via a standardized questionnaire, and peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from all participants. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) colorimetric method was used to detect peripheral blood DNA methylation levels. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure mRNA expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and MBD2. These indicators were compared between underground and aboveground groups and among underground miners with different radon exposure levels. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between cumulative radon dose and two outcomes: peripheral blood DNA methylation levels, and the expression levels of methylation-related regulatory genes in underground miners. Results The average radon concentration in the underground workplaces of the five mines was 4,088 Bq/m³ (range: 116-18,188 Bq/m³), corresponding to an estimated annual effective dose of approximately 25.67 mSv for miners. The average radon concentration in aboveground workplaces was 58 Bq/m³ (range: 28-1796 Bq/m³), equivalent to an annual effective dose of approximately 0.51 mSv for aboveground workers. The average cumulative radon dose of underground miners was approximately 26.56 times that of aboveground workers (Z=−12.469, P<0.001). Compared with the aboveground workers, the peripheral blood DNA methylation level of underground miners was significantly decreased, approximately 0.77 times that of the aboveground group (Z=−2.313，P<0.05), accompanied by decreased expression of DNA methyltransferase genes DNMT1 and DNMT3A, which were 0.83 and 0.68 times those of the aboveground group, respectively (Z=−3.002、−4.190，P<0.01). After adjusting for age, working years, body mass index, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, multiple linear regression analysis revealed two key findings: cumulative radon dose was significantly and inversely correlated with peripheral blood DNA methylation levels (β=−0.752, P<0.001); and cumulative radon dose was significantly negatively associated with the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3A (β=−0.319, −0.369, P<0.01). Conclusion The reduced DNA methylation levels and downregulated expression of DNA methyltransferase genes in underground miners are closely associated with long-term radon exposure.

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of modified Shenqi Maiwei Dihuang Decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Pill and Buzhong Yiqi pill alone in the patients with cold and heat mixed type di-abetic foot.Methods A total of 123 patients with cold and heat mixed type diabetic foot receiving the treat-ment in this hospital from April 2022 to December 2023 were selected and divided into the modified Shenqi Mai-Dihuang Decoction and Buzhong Yiqi Pill group(combined group,60 cases)and Buzhong Yiqi Pill group(monotherapy group,63 cases).The wound healing,mean blood flow amount of foot dorsal artery,blood glu-cose and changes in vascular diameter,inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial growth factor after 2 courses of treatment were compared betweeb the 2 groups.Results The ulcer reduction rate in the combina-tion group was significantly higher than that in the monotherapy group(P=0.001).The fasting blood glu-cose and 2 h postprandial blood glucose after treatment in the combination group all were lower than those in the monotherapy group(P=0.001).The average blood flow of foot dorsal artery after treatment in combina-tion group was higher than that in the monotherapy group,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.013).There were 34 cases of Wagner grade 3 in the combined group and 33 cases of Wagner grade 3 in the monotherapy subgroup respectively.There was statistically significant difference in the CRP level between the two subgroups(P=0.045).Conclusion Shenqi Maiwei Dihuang Decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Pill in treating diabetic foot ulcer is more effective than Buzhong Yiqi Pill alone,moreover the safety is high.

BACKGROUND:Growth factor is the key effect molecule that plays a role in platelet-rich plasma in clinical treatment.There are differences in the concentration of growth factor after different activators activate platelet-rich plasma,which is an important factor affecting clinical efficacy. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the influence of different activators on the mass concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma. METHODS:Totally 12 healthy volunteers were recruited to collect EDTA-K2 anticoagulant venous blood.Secondary centrifugation was used to prepare platelet-rich plasma.The difference in mass concentrations of growth factors was compared between venous blood and platelet-rich plasma.The platelet-rich plasma was mixed with four activators(normal saline,thrombin,calcium gluconate,calcium gluconate+thrombin)according to the volume ratio of 10:1,and incubated in a constant temperature water bath at 37 °C for 30 minutes.After centrifugation,the supernatant was extracted and the mass concentration of growth factor was detected.The bacterial growth in supernatant was measured by blood agar plate.Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between different activators and the mass concentration of growth factor in platelet-rich plasma,and the correlation between the value of thrombocytometer and the mass concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The mass concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor-BB,platelet-derived growth factor-AB,vascular endothelial growth factor,and epidermal growth factor in platelet-rich plasma were 8.7,22.2,2.3,and 2.8 times of those in venous blood,respectively(P<0.05).(2)Compared with normal saline group,the mass concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor BB,platelet-derived growth factor AB,vascular endothelial growth factor,and epidermal growth factor were increased in the thrombin group,calcium gluconate group,and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).The mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB in the thrombin group and calcium gluconate group was higher than that in the calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05),and the mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor AB in the thrombin group was higher than that in the calcium gluconate group and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).Epidermal growth factor mass concentration in the thrombin group was lower than that in the calcium gluconate group and calcium gluconate+thrombin group(P<0.05).(3)The results of blood agar plate test showed no bacterial growth in the supernatant of the four groups.(4)Pearson correlation analysis showed that the mass concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB in platelet-rich plasma was strongly positively correlated with thrombin(r=0.683,P<0.05),and the mass concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor was strongly positively correlated with thrombin,calcium gluconate,calcium gluconate+thrombin stimulant(r=0.730,0.789,0.686,P<0.05).There was no correlation between the value of thrombocytometer and the mass concentration of four kinds of growth factors(P>0.05).(5)The results suggest that different activators have an impact on the concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma.It is suggested to choose different activators to improve clinical efficacy according to different growth factor mass concentrations and treatment needs.

[Objective] To compare the characteristics of platelet-rich plasma derived exosomes (PRP-Exos) under different activation conditions and their differential effects on the proliferation capacit of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and human skin fibroblasts (BJ). [Methods] Ten healthy volunteers were recruited, and 10 mL of venous blood anticoagulated with EDTA-K2 was collected. PRP-Exos were prepared and extracted by the secondary centrifugation method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blotting (WB) detection techniques were used to compare the morphological characteristics, particle size distribution, concentration, and the expression of surface marker proteins of PRP-Exos. Through in vitro cell culture, the differences in morphological changes and proliferation abilities of HMEC-1 and BJ cells induced by PRP-Exos in different activator groups were compared. [Results] 1) TEM observation showed that the morphologies of PRP-Exos in different activator groups were different. 2) NTA analysis showed that compared with the particle size of (109.60±2.71) nm in the normal saline group, the particle sizes of the thrombin group [(104.93±1.55) nm] and the mixed agent group [(103.83±1.58) nm] were relatively smaller, while the particle size of the calcium gluconate group [(113.57±4.70) nm] was larger and its particle size distribution range was wider. There were statistically significant differences among different groups (F=7.019, P<0.05). The concentration of exosomes obtained in the group with the mixture of calcium gluconate and thrombin was the highest [(4.87±0.63)×10⁶ particles/mL, P<0.001]. Both the thrombin group [(2.75±0.13)×10⁶ particles/mL, P < 0.01] and the calcium gluconate group [(3.82±0.06)×10⁶ particles/mL, P<0.001] obtained higher concentrations of exosomes compared with the normal saline group. The concentration in the calcium gluconate group was slightly higher than that in the thrombin group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). 3) WB analysis showed that CD41, CD81, and TSG101 were expressed on the surface of PRP-Exos, and the protein signal intensities of CD41 and TSG101 in the group with the mixture of thrombin and calcium gluconate were the strongest (P<0.001). 4) The results of in vitro cell culture showed that PRP-Exos in the group with the mixture of thrombin and calcium gluconate could significantly promote the proliferation of HMEC-1 and BJ cells (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The PRP treated with the thrombin and calcium gluconate mixture group yielded the highest concentration of exosomes; under in vitro culture conditions, PRP-Exos from this group significantly promoted the proliferation of HMEC-1 and BJ cells.

Radon, the only naturally occurring radioactive noble gas, is among the most common radioactive nuclides to which humans are exposed. Radon can induce various biological effects in the human body and is a risk factor for lung cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, tissue-specific, and abundantly expressed in body fluids. circRNAs can regulate gene expression and play an important role in the development of cancer. In this paper, we summarized the changes in the expression and function of circRNAs, highlighting the potential mechanisms of circRNAs in radon exposure-induced cancers. Our results provided theoretical support for the use of circRNAs as a biomarker of radon exposure-induced radiation damage, and offer a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of radon exposure-induced diseases.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated the occurrence of secondary tumors as a rare but significant complication of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, underscoring the need for a detailed investigation. Given the limited variety of secondary tumor types reported to date, a comprehensive characterization of the various secondary tumors arising after CAR-T therapy is essential to understand the associated risks and to define the role of the immune microenvironment in malignant transformation. This study aims to characterize the immune microenvironment of a newly identified secondary tumor post-CAR-T therapy, to clarify its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: In this study, the bone marrow (BM) samples were collected by aspiration from the primary and secondary tumors before and after CD19 CAR-T treatment. The CD45 + BM cells were enriched with human CD45 microbeads. The CD45 + cells were then sent for 10× genomics single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to identify cell populations. The Cell Ranger pipeline and CellChat were used for detailed analysis. RESULTS: In this study, a rare type of secondary chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) were reported in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who had previously received CD19 CAR-T therapy. The scRNA-seq analysis revealed increased inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and an immunosuppressive state of monocytes/macrophages, which may impair cytotoxic activity in both T and natural killer (NK) cells in secondary CMML before treatment. In contrast, their cytotoxicity was restored in secondary CMML after treatment. CONCLUSIONS This finding delineates a previously unrecognized type of secondary tumor, CMML, after CAR-T therapy and provide a framework for defining the immune microenvironment of secondary tumor occurrence after CAR-T therapy. In addition, the results provide a rationale for targeting macrophages to improve treatment strategies for CMML treatment.
Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy* ; Tumor Microenvironment/genetics* ; Antigens, CD19/metabolism* ; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic/genetics* ; Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects* ; Male ; Single-Cell Analysis/methods* ; Female ; Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods* ; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen ; Middle Aged

The persistent high prevalence and poor survival outcomes of lung cancer underscore the urgent need for innovative therapeutic modalities. Here, we present a novel multifunctional delivery platform for the synergistic treatment of lung malignancies, combining in situ-triggerable photodynamic therapy (PDT) with radiotherapy. The new platform CLL was developed by loading a new reactive oxygen species (ROS)-triggerable photosensitizer, luminol-conjugated chlorin e6 (Ce6), into liposomes. CLL can be activated through the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer effect under oxidative stress, thereby producing singlet oxygen for targeted tumor treatment without external irradiation. In vitro studies showed significant cytotoxic effects of CLL in both 4T1 and A549 tumor cells. Furthermore, a PDT-radiopharmaceutical combination nanotherapy CLL-¹⁷⁷Lu was engineered by incorporating the radionuclide ¹⁷⁷Lu into CLL. CLL-¹⁷⁷Lu demonstrated synergistic antitumor effects in 4T1 and A549 tumor cells, as well as in mouse models of 4T1 breast cancer lung metastasis or A549 tumor xenografts. Mechanistically, CLL-¹⁷⁷Lu can induce singlet oxygen/ROS generation, enhance tumor cell apoptosis, and promote M1 macrophage-mediated immunotherapy. Preliminary assessments showed a favorable profile for CLL-¹⁷⁷Lu, highlighting its potential as a promising nanotherapy for cancer treatment. Additionally, CLL can serve as a versatile platform for delivering a range of therapies to achieve synergistic antitumor effects.

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that nucleic acid-based therapies are promising for atherosclerosis. However, nearly all nucleic acid delivery systems developed for atherosclerosis necessitate injection, which results in rapid elimination and poor patient compliance. Consequently, oral delivery strategies capable of targeting atherosclerotic plaques are imperative for nucleic acid therapeutics. Herein we report the development of yeast-derived capsules (YCs) packaging an antisense oligonucleotide (AM33) targeting microRNA-33 (miR-33) for the oral treatment of atherosclerosis. YCs provide stability for AM33, preventing its premature release in the gastrointestinal tract. AM33-containing YCs, defined as YAM33, showed high transfection in macrophages, thus promoting cholesterol efflux and inhibiting foam cell formation by regulating the target genes/proteins of miR-33. Orally delivered YAM33 effectively accumulated within atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE ^-/- mice, primarily by transepithelial absorption via M cells in Peyer's patches and subsequent translocation via macrophages through the lymphatic system. Inhibition of miR-33 by oral YAM33 significantly delayed the progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, oral treatment with YCs co-delivering AM33 and atorvastatin afforded significantly enhanced anti-atherosclerotic effects. Our findings suggest that yeast-based microcapsules represent an effective carrier for oral delivery of nucleic acids, either alone or in combination with existing drugs, offering a promising approach for precision therapy of atherosclerotic diseases.

AIM:To explore the correlation be-tween trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO)and Hashi-moto's thyroiditis(HT)and to provide new ideas for early clinical diagnosis of HT.METHODS:A total of 102 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT group)and 204 healthy individuals(control group)were included in the study and clinical data were collected.Serum TMAO levels was determined by stable isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS).SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS:Analysis of the baseline data revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the TMAO levels and gender between the HT group and the control group(P<0.05).In the high-level TMAO group,the proportion of HT(63.7%)was significantly higher than that of the control group(18.6%),the regression analysis showed that high levels of TMAO were correlated with HT and positively correlated with the levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb),Logistic regression analysis further revealed that serum TMAO was a risk factor for the development of HT.CONCLUSION:In the TMAO>6.80 μmol/L group,the level of TMAO was correlat-ed with HT,and the high level of TMAO was posi-tively correlated with TPOAb and TgAb,which were risk factors for the occurrence of HT.It is suggested that TMAO can predict the risk of HT and has cer-tain clinical value.