Objective To explore the predictive effect of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and blood lipid metabolism indexes on the occurrence of osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods Totally 98 patients with T2DM in the hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were classified into osteoporosis group (38 cases) and non-osteoporosis group (60 cases) by means of concurrent osteoporosis status. The levels of serum 25(OH)D3 and blood lipid metabolism indexes [high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), VLDL] were measured in study subjects. The association of serum 25(OH)D3 and blood lipid metabolism indexes with osteoporosis was explored by Logistic regression analysis. The predictive value of serum 25(OH)D3 and blood lipid metabolism indexes on osteoporosis was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results Serum 25(OH)D3 and HDL levels in the osteoporosis group were lower while TG and LDL levels were higher than those in the non-osteoporosis group (P<0.05). The differences in the levels of TC and VLDL were insignificant between groups (P>0.05). After logistic regression analysis, the levels of serum 25(OH)D3, HDL, TG and LDL were closely related to the occurrence of osteoporosis (P<0.05). ROC curve indicated that the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of combined prediction of osteoporosis by serum 25(OH)D3, HDL, TG, and LDL were 0.943, 92.11% and 85.00%, and the efficiency of combined prediction was better than that of each index alone (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum 25(OH)D3, HDL, TG and LDL in T2DM are closely related to osteoporosis. Early combined monitoring of the indicators can provide reference value for clinical prediction of osteoporosis occurrence in patients with T2DM.

Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs), characterized by a natural lipid bilayer membrane, have rapidly emerged as a prominent research frontier in medicine owing to their unique biological properties and robust therapeutic potential. This review comprehensively examines the biological profiles, mechanistic functions, and recent engineering advancements of PELNs. In terms of composition, PELNs are uniquely enriched in plant-specific glycolipids, phosphatidylserine, secondary metabolites, and highly stable 2'-O-methylated miRNAs. This distinct molecular makeup endows them with exceptional biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and the capacity for cross-species molecular communication. Mechanistically, PELNs demonstrate profound anti-inflammatory efficacy by suppressing the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. They also serve as potent immune modulators, driving macrophage M1/M2 polarization and regulating T cell activity. Additionally, PELNs exhibit promising antitumor capabilities, targeting malignancies via reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, TRAIL pathway activation, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Crucially, the plant miRNAs encapsulated within PELNs remain highly stable in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing them to selectively alter gene expression in specific gut microbiota communities. This interaction deeply influences host immunity and metabolism, highlighting the vital role in cross-species regulation. Advancements in bioengineering have further expanded the clinical utility of PELNs. Targeted delivery efficiency can be significantly amplified via surface functionalization (e.g., folate and RGD sequences) and state-of-the-art drug loading technologies such as sonication and electroporation. Consequently, engineered PELNs surpass traditional synthetic nanocarriers in penetrating natural physiological barriers, particularly for oral and transdermal drug administration. Despite these advantages, clinical translation is currently hindered by the lack of standardized isolation protocols, challenges in scalable manufacturing, and the need for robust quality control frameworks. Looking forward, the integration of multi-omics approaches and AI-driven “molecular fingerprinting”—coupled with the design of synthetic biomimetic vesicles—will be instrumental in overcoming these bottlenecks, ultimately establishing PELNs as a next-generation platform for precision medicine and targeted nanotherapeutic delivery.

Objective:To investigate whether exosome-derived microRNA (miR)-877-5p can affect the malignant biological behaviors of glioma cells by regulating transmembrane 4 superfamily member 1 (TM4SF1).Methods:(1) Tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues from 42 patients with glioma who underwent surgical resection in Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from September 2024 to February 2025 were collected. The miR-877-5p and TM4SF1 mRNA expressions in tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the correlation between miR-877-5p and TM4SF1 mRNA expressions in tumor tissues was analyzed by Pearson correlation. (2) HEB, U87, LN229, and U251 cells at the logarithmic growth phase were cultured and their miR-877-5p and TM4SF1 mRNA expressions were detected by qRT-PCR. Exosomes from U87, LN229, and U251 cells were isolated, and their morphology was observed under a transmission electron microscope; protein expressions of CD9, CD63, tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), and Calnexin in exosomes were detected by Western blotting. The miR-877-5p expression in exosomes of U87, LN229, and U251 cells was detected by qRT-PCR. The diameter of exosomes from LN229 cells was measured using a Malvern Zetasizer particle size and zeta potential analyzer, and the uptake efficiency of exosomes in LN229 cells was detected by flow cytometry. LN229 cells were divided into a normal control group, a miR-877-5p negative control group, a miR-877-5p mimic group, a miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA empty vector group, and a miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA-TM4SF1 group; except for the normal control group, the other groups were transfected with corresponding plasmids through exosomes and cultured for 24 hours; and then, miR-877-5p mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR; cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, cell invasion was detected by Transwell assay, and TM4SF1, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) protein expressions and expressions of TM4SF1 downstream pathway proteins phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and β-catenin were detected by Western blotting. The targeting relation between miR-877-5p and TM4SF1 was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. A U251 cell experiment was performed for universal verification: U251 cells were divided into a normal control group, a miR-877-5p negative control group, a miR-877-5p mimic group, a miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA empty vector group, and a miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA-TM4SF1 group; cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and TM4SF1 protein expression was detected by Western blotting. (3) Eighteen male BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into a control group, a miR-877-5p mimic group, and a miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA-TM4SF1 group, with 6 mice in each group; 100 μL LN229 cell suspension, LN229 cell suspension transfected with miR-877-5p mimic, and LN229 cell suspension transfected with miR-877-5p mimic and pcDNA-TM4SF1 were, respectively, subcutaneously injected into the lateral abdomen of nude mice in these 3 groups. After 28 days of feeding, the mass and volume of the transplanted tumors were measured, and the TM4SF1, Cyclin D1, Bax, and MMP2 protein expressions in the transplanted tumors were detected by Western blotting. Results:(1) Compared with that in the corresponding adjacent tissues, miR-877-5p mRNA expression in the tumor tissues was significantly decreased and TM4SF1 mRNA expression was statistically increased ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the miR-877-5p and TM4SF1 mRNA expressions in the tumor tissues were negatively correlated ( r=-0.966, P<0.001). (2) Compared with those in the HEB cells, statistically decreased miR-877-5p mRNA expression and increased TM4SF1 mRNA expression in U87, LN229, and U251 cells were noted ( P<0.05). Under the transmission electron microscope, the exosomes in glioma cells were all biconcave disc-shaped and had a complete lipid bilayer membrane structure. Western blotting indicated positive CD9, CD63, and TSG101 protein expressions and negative Calnexin protein expression in the exosomes of glioma cells. Flow cytometry results indicated a relatively high uptake efficiency of exosomes in LN229 cells. Compared with that in the U87 and U251 cells, the miR-877-5p mRNA expression in exosomes of LN229 cells was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). The diameter of exosomes in LN229 cells was 80-150 nm. Compared with the miR-877-5p negative control group, the miR-877-5p mimic group had an increased miR-877-5p mRNA expression, decreased cell survival rate (negative control group: [95.43±0.23]%; miR-877-5p mimic group: [51.24±5.67]%), increased cell apoptosis rate ([3.34±0.22]% vs. [35.24±4.17]%), reduced number of invasive cells ([127.33±13.63] cells per high-power field vs.[59.67±6.87] cells per high-power field), downregulated TM4SF1, Cyclin D1 and MMP2 protein expressions, upregulated Bax protein expression, and decreased p-AKT and β-catenin protein expressions, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with the miR-877-5p mimics+pcDNA empty vector group, the miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA-TM4SF1 group had a decreased miR-877-5p expression, increased cell survival rate (miR-877-5p mimics+pcDNA empty vector group: [56.27±5.24]%; miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA-TM4SF1 group[75.31±8.13]%), decreased cell apoptosis rate ([36.27±4.42]% vs. [15.37±1.73]%), increased number of invasive cells ([62.67±6.14] cells per high-power field vs. [95.50±10.58] cells per high-power field), upregulated TM4SF1, Cyclin D1 and MMP2 protein expressions, decreased Bax protein expression, and upregulated p-AKT and β-catenin protein expressions, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Dual-luciferase assay results showed that in the plasmids carrying wild-type TM4SF1 sequence, the luciferase activity in the miR-877-5p mimics group was significantly lower than that in the miR-877-5p negative control group ( P<0.05); in the plasmids carrying the mutant TM4SF1 sequence, no significant change in the luciferase activity was noted between the miR-877-5p negative control group and miR-877-5p mimic group ( P>0.05). Universal verification results: in U251 cells, compared with the miR-877-5p negative control group, the miR-877-5p mimic group had a significantly increased cell apoptosis rate and a statistically decreased TM4SF1 protein expression ( P<0.05); compared with the miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA empty vector group, the miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA-TM4SF1 group showed significantly decreased apoptosis rate and statistically increased TM4SF1 protein expression ( P<0.05). (3) Compared with the normal control group, the miR-877-5p mimic group had statistically reduced tumor mass and volume, significantly decreased TM4SF1, Cyclin D1 and MMP2 protein expressions, and significantly increased Bax protein expression ( P<0.05). Compared with the miR-877-5p mimic group, the miR-877-5p mimic+pcDNA-TM4SF1 group had significantly increased tumor mass and volume, statistically increased TM4SF1, Cyclin D1 and MMP2 protein expressions, and statistically decreased Bax protein expression ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Exosome-derived miR-877-5p may inhibit the proliferative and invasive capacities of glioma cells and promote cell apoptosis by targetedly inhibiting the TM4SF1 expression, thereby exerting an anti-tumor effect.

An assay was established for detection of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile by combining microfluidic chip analysis with immunochromatography,and its performance was evaluated and compared with those of the Xpert C.difficile/Epi and VIDAS CD AB tests.Primer pairs were designed according to the tcdB and tpi genes in C.difficile.The specificity,limit of detection,reproducibility,and stability were evaluated.A total of 215 stool samples from patients with diarrhea were collected and tested in parallel with the Xpert C.difficile/Epi,VIDAS CDAB,and our assay.C.difficile was isolated from samples,and the tcdB gene was identified when discrepant results were obtained from the three above assays.Our assay showed no cross-reaction with other diarrhea-associated pathogens.Its reproducibility was 100％in testing of two standard plasmids containing tcdB and tpi genes at two concentrations(105 and 102 copies/μL).Two standard plasmids were detected after the PCR and immunochromatography reagents had been stored for 3,6,9,and 12 months,and all the results were posi-tive.The limit of detection was 10 copies/μL for toxigenic C.difficile.Testing of 33 samples positive for C.difficile with our assay(33/215,15.3％)yielded findings statistically coherent with those of the Xpert C.difficile/Epi test(kappa value=0.965).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of our assay,with respect to Xpert C.difficile/Epi as the standard,were 94.3％,100.0％,100.0％,and 98.9％;these values were significantly higher than those of VIDAS CDAB(60.0％,98.9％,91.3％,and 92.7％)(Kappa=0.714,OR=157.50,95％CI:62.03-847.28,P=0.013).In conclusion,our newly developed assay is specific,stable,and reproducible,and may be used for rapid and accu-rate detection of toxigenic C.difficile.The assay could be used for C.difficile infection screening in outpatient and emergen-cy,community medical service center,and epidemiological settings.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and the live birth rate (LBR) using different propensity score methods. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, eligible women who underwent a COH were divided into acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups. The primary outcome was LBR, as determined by propensity score matching (PSM). LBR was defined as the delivery of one or more living infants that reached a gestational age over 28 weeks after embryo transfer. The propensity score model encompassed 16 confounding variables. To validate the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted using three additional propensity score methods: propensity score adjustment, inverse probability weighting (IPW), and IPW with a "doubly robust" estimator. RESULTS: The primary cohort encompassed 9751 patients (1830 [18.76%] in the acupuncture group and 7921 [81.23%] in the non-acupuncture group). Following 1:1 PSM, a higher LBR was found in the acupuncture cohort (41.4% [755/1824] vs 36.4% [664/1824], with an odds ratio of 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.41]). Three additional propensity score methods produced essentially similar results. The risk of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION This retrospective study revealed an association between acupuncture and an increased LBR among patients undergoing COH, and that acupuncture is a safe and valuable treatment option. Please cite this article as: Zheng XY, Jiang ZY, Li YT, Li CL, Zhu H, Yu Z, Yu SY, Yang LL, Tang SY, Lü XY, Liang FR, Yang J. Association between acupuncture and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfer: A cohort study based on different propensity score methods. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):528-536.
Humans ; Female ; Propensity Score ; Embryo Transfer ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy ; Live Birth ; Birth Rate ; Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVE: To explore and quantify the association of hot night exposure during the sperm development period (0-90 lag days) with semen quality. METHODS: A total of 6,640 male sperm donors from 6 human sperm banks in China during 2014-2020 were recruited in this multicenter study. Two indices (i.e., hot night excess [HNE] and hot night duration [HND]) were used to estimate the heat intensity and duration during nighttime. Linear mixed models were used to examine the association between hot nights and semen quality parameters. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationship revealed that HNE and HND during 0-90 days before semen collection had a significantly inverse association with sperm motility. Specifically, a 1 °C increase in HNE was associated with decreased sperm progressive motility of 0.0090 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: -0.0147, -0.0033) and decreased total motility of 0.0094 (95% CI: -0.0160, -0.0029). HND was significantly associated with reduced sperm progressive motility and total motility of 0.0021 (95% CI: -0.0040, -0.0003) and 0.0023 (95% CI: -0.0043, -0.0002), respectively. Consistent results were observed at different temperature thresholds on hot nights. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need to mitigate nocturnal heat exposure during spermatogenesis to maintain optimal semen quality.
Humans ; Male ; Semen Analysis ; Adult ; Sperm Motility ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects* ; China ; Middle Aged ; Spermatozoa/physiology* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects and potential mechanisms by which synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) influences the distribution of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endolysosomal system, and cell membranes and to reveal the effects of SV2A on APP amyloid degradation. METHODS: Colocalization analysis of APP with specific tagged proteins in the TGN, ensolysosomal system, and cell membrane was performed to explore the effects of SV2A on the intracellular transport of APP. APP, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expressions, and APP cleavage products levels were investigated to observe the effects of SV2A on APP amyloidogenic processing. RESULTS: APP localization was reduced in the TGN, early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes, whereas it was increased in the recycling endosomes and cell membrane of SV2A-overexpressed neurons. Moreover, Arl5b (ADP-ribosylation factor 5b), a protein responsible for transporting APP from the TGN to early endosomes, was upregulated by SV2A. SV2A overexpression also decreased APP transport from the cell membrane to early endosomes by downregulating APP endocytosis. In addition, products of APP amyloid degradation, including sAPPβ, Aβ _1-42, and Aβ _1-40, were decreased in SV2A-overexpressed cells. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that SV2A promotes APP transport from the TGN to early endosomes by upregulating Arl5b and promoting APP transport from early endosomes to recycling endosomes-cell membrane pathway, which slows APP amyloid degradation.
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics* ; Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Protein Transport ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Humans ; Mice ; Endosomes/metabolism* ; trans-Golgi Network/metabolism*

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP) is a serious metabolic bone disease caused by long-term application of glucocorticoids(GCs). Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has unique advantages in improving bone microstructure and antagonizing hormone toxicity. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical research, clinical application, and basic research progress of TCM intervention in GIOP. In terms of theoretical research, the theory of "kidney governing bone and generating marrow" indicates that the kidney is closely related to bone development, revealing that core pathogenesis of GIOP is Yin-Yang disharmony, which can be discussed using the theories of "Yin fire", "ministerial fire", and "Yang pathogen damaging Yin". Thus, regulating Yin and Yang is the basic principle to treat GIOP. In terms of clinical application, effective empirical prescriptions(such as Bushen Zhuanggu Decoction, Bushen Jiangu Decoction, and Zibu Ganshen Formula) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Capsules, Hugu Capsules, Xianling Gubao Capsules, etc.) can effectively increase bone mineral density(BMD) and improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine can reduce the risk of fracture and play an anti-GIOP role. In terms of basic research, it has been clarified that active ingredients of TCM(such as fraxetin, ginsenoside Rg_1, and salidroside) reduce bone loss and promote bone formation by inhibiting oxidative stress, ferroptosis, and other pathways, effectively improving bone homeostasis. Additionally, classical prescriptions(Modified Yiguan Decoction, Modified Qing'e Pills, Zuogui Pills, etc.) and Chinese patent medicines(Gushukang Granules, Lurong Jiangu Dropping Pills, Gubao Capsules, etc.) can improve bone marrow microcirculation, promote osteoblast differentiation, and inhibit bone cell apoptosis through multiple pathways, multiple targets, and multiple mechanisms. Through the above three aspects, the TCM research status on GIOP is elucidated in the expectation of providing reference for its diagnosis and treatment using traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment programs.
Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Glucocorticoids/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Bone Density/drug effects*

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM), as a highly aggressive primary malignant tumor of the peritoneum, often leads to structural damage and functional impairment of female reproductive organs during its treatment course. This study presents a clinical case of an MPM patient who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), subsequently achieving successful live birth through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted to analyze both the potential benefits and associated risks. While the possibility of successful pregnancy exists for MPM patients following combined CRS and HIPEC treatment, significant clinical risks during the gestational process cannot be overlooked. Current evidence remains limited, necessitating more robust clinical data to substantiate these findings.