OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which aloin （ALO） ameliorates atherosclerosis （AS）. METHODS Eight C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the control group （CON group） and fed a standard diet； thirty-two apolipoprotein E-knockout （APOE－/－） mice were randomly divided into model group （MOD group）， ALO low-dose and high-dose groups [ALO-L group， ALO-H group， 20， 40 mg/（kg·d）]， and atorvastatin positive control group [ATO group， 4 mg/（kg·d）]， with 8 mice in each group， establishing the AS model through feeding with a high-fat diet. The mice were administered the drug via gavage or given an equal volume of deionized water for 8 consecutive weeks. The lipid levels in the serum of mice were measured， and the pathological structural changes in their aortas were observed. The expressions of macrophage polarization markers （CD86+ ， CD206+） in the aorta were determined， along with the mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， arginase-1 （Arg-1）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10）， as well as the protein expressions of iNOS and Arg- 1， and the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor κB p65 （NF-κB p65） and signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） proteins. Additionally， a macrophage polarization model was established using lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced RAW264.7 cells， and the effect of ALO （400 μmol/L） on the cellular polarization phenotype was investigated. RESULTS Compared with the MOD group， administration groups all showed significant improvement in dyslipidemia （except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum of ALO-L group） （P＜0.05）； aortic intimal structure improved significantly， plaque area was reduced significantly （P＜0.01）； the CD86+ relative fluorescence intensity in the aorta decreased significantly， the CD206+relative fluorescence intensity increased significantly （P＜0.01）， while the expressions of iNOS and TNF-α mRNA were down-regulated significantly （P＜0.05）； mRNA expressions of Arg-1 and IL-10， and protein expression of Arg-1 were increased significantly in ALO-H group and ATO group （P＜0.05）； the protein expressions of iNOS， and the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 and STAT3 protein were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. In vitro experiments further confirmed that ALO significantly reduced the proportion of LPS-induced M1-type macrophages but increased the proportion of M2-type macrophages （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS ALO inhibits M1-type macrophage polarization and promotes M2-type polarization， ameliorates dyslipidemia and reduces arterial plaque formation in AS model mice， improve the structure of the aortic intima potentially through suppression of the NF-κB/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the consistency between mismatch repair proyeins expressions detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC)and microsatellite instability(MSI)identified by next-generation sequencing(NGS),and evaluate the correlation of these results with the clinical characteristics of Chinese colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods Using IHC and NGS to identify mismatch repair(MMR)and MSI status in CRC,and assessing the consistency between these different detection methods.Results The concordance rate of MSI status detected by IHC and NGS was 98.36%,indicating good agreement(Kappa=0.856).Certain pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants were present in the pMMR/MSI-H subtype.The co-deficiency of MLH1 and PMS2 was most common in the dMMR/MSS subtype.Patients with inconsistent typing were more likely to have early-onset right-sided colon cancer(P<0.01)and the tumor with relatively poor differentiation.Conclusions The consistency of MSI status detected by IHC and NGS is very high,98%or more.To avoid the misdiagnosis of MSI status affecting clinical decision-making for treatment plans,it is imperative to ensure the accuracy of MSI analysis,particularly in poorly differentiated early-stage right-sided colon cancers.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) level and coronary artery lesions in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the predictive efficacy of nomogram risk prediction model based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors on the occurrence of STEMI.Methods:This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of the 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of People′s Liberation Army of China from 2016 to 2018 were selected and divided into control group and STEMI group. The demographic data, blood lipid level, laboratory indicators of blood and GDF11 level were collected. Logistic regression analysis screened out independent correlated factors for the occurrence of STEMI. Spearman correlation analysis clarified the correlation of each indicator with the SYNTAX or Gensini scores. A nomogram risk prediction model for the risk of STEMI occurrence and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the prediction efficiency of each model.Results:A total of 367 patients were enrolled, divided into control group ( n=172) and STEMI group ( n=195), age (66.5±11.8), male 222 (60.49%). The serum GDF11 level of STEMI group was significantly lower than that of the control group (36.20 (16.60, 70.75) μg/L vs. 85.00 (53.93, 117.10) μg/L, P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed serum GDF11( OR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99) and traditional independent risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A1/B were independent correlate factors for the occurrence of STEMI ( P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum GDF11 was negatively correlated with SYNTAX score and Gensini score ( P<0.05). The nomogram model constructed by serum GDF11 combined with traditional independent risk factors (AUC=0.85, 95% CI: 0.81-0.89) had better predictive value for the occurrence of STEMI than the traditional nomogram model constructed by independent risk factors(AUC=0.80, 95% CI:0.75-0.84) or serum GDF11 (AUC=0.76, 95% CI: 0.72-0.81), all P<0.01. Conclusions:Serum GDF11 is an independent correlate factor in the occurrence of STEMI and is negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with STEMI. The nomogram model constructed based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors can be a good predictor for the occurrence of STEMI.

Objectives:Quantitative flow ratio(QFR)is a coronary angiography-derived functional test without the need of guidewire use.Fractional flow reserve(FFR)is used as the reference standard to verify the diagnostic value of QFR in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome(NSTE-ACS)with coronary critical lesion(40%-70%stenosis)and functional stenosis. Methods:This retrospective analysis included patients with NSTE-ACS who were admitted to Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from June 1,2018 to February 1,2023 and underwent coronary FFR examination.QFR values of target vessels were analyzed offline by AngioPlus(Shanghai Pulsation Medical Imaging Technology Co.,LTD.),the second-generation QFR detector,and anatomical parameters of the diseased vessels were recorded as follows:minimal luminal diameter(MLD),percent diameter stenosis(DS%),minimal luminal area(MLA),percent area stenosis(AS%).Functional coronary artery stenosis is defined as FFR≤0.80. Results:Using FFR as the gold standard,the AUC values of contrast-flow QFR(cQFR)and fixed-flow QFR(fQFR)for identifying functional coronary artery stenosis in NSTE-ACS patients were 0.829(95%CI:0.773-0.885,P<0.001)and 0.821(95%CI:0.766-0.875,P<0.001),respectively.The diagnostic accuracy,sensitivity and specificity of cQFR and fQFR were 81.30%,56.00%,98.63%and 76.83%,59.00%,99.04%,respectively.DeLong test showed that diagnostic performance of cQFR was significantly better than fQFR in diagnosing functional stenosis of coronary critical lesions in patients with NSTE-ACS. Conclusions:With FFR as the gold standard,QFR(especially cQFR)has certain diagnostic value in patients with NSTE-ACS with functional stenosis of coronary critical lesions.

Primary intrahepatic stones(PIS)is a refractory disease with a high incidence rate in Southwest China,which greatly affects the life of patients.Metabolites,such as β-glucuronidase produced by chronic biliary tract infection,play an important role in the formation of pigmented stones.In addition to exogenous β-glucuronidase produced by bacteria,endogenous β-glucuronidase produced by intrahepatic bile duct cells also plays an important role in the formation of stones.This article analyzes the research advances in the role of β-glucuronidase in the pathogenesis of PIS,in order to provide a possible method for the prevention and treatment of PIS.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors recorded worldwide. This condition has high morbidity and mortality and seriously endangers people's health. Traditional diagnostic models fail to meet people's current needs for real-time monitoring of tumors. Compared with traditional detection methods, ctDNA detection is not only noninvasive but can also attain real-time detection of comprehensive genomic information of tumors. The advancement of detection technology has gradually highlighted the potential of ctDNA detection in the clinical treatment of CRC. This article reviews the advancements on the clinical application of ctDNA in early screening, minimal residual disease detection, and guidance on individualized treatment of CRC patients.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the ferroptosis triggered by in different pathways during cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced liver injury in septic mice, and to investigate whether mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) can alleviate sepsis-induced liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. METHODS: Sixty 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham operation group (Sham group), CLP group, ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostain-1 (Fer-1) group, ALDH2-specific agonist Alda-1 group, iron chelator deferasirox Fe³⁺ chelate (DXZ) group and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, with 10 mice in each group. The septic liver injury was induced by CLP in mice model. In the Sham group, only laparotomy was performed without ligation and puncture of the cecum. 10 mL/kg 5% DMSO, 5 mg/kg Fer-1, 50 mg/kg DXZ and 10 mg/kg Alda-1 were injected intraperitoneally 1 hour before CLP in the DMSO, Fer-1, DXZ and Alda-1 groups respectively. At 24 hours after operation, eyeball blood and liver tissue were collected from anesthetized mice. The hepatic structure and inflammatory infiltration were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, the levels of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of ALDH2, ferroptosis-related proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) and transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) in liver tissue. RESULTS: Compared with Sham group, the mice in CLP group showed varying degrees of congestion, disorganized hepatocyte arrangement, inflammatory cell infiltration at 24 hours after operation. Compared with the CLP group, the mice in the Fer-1 group, DXZ group and Alda-1 group liver morphology, liver injury and inflammatory cell infiltration was improved. Compared with Sham group, the serum levels of ALT and AST, the contents of MDA and ROS, and the expression of TFR1 protein in CLP group were significantly increased, while the activity of SOD and the expressions of ALDH2, GPX4 and FSP1 protein in CLP group were significantly decreased. Compared with CLP group, serum ALT and AST levels in Fer-1, DXZ and Alda-1 groups were significantly decreased [ALT (U/L): 45.76±10.81, 37.30±2.98, 36.40±12.75 vs. 73.06±12.20, AST (U/L): 61.57±2.69, 52.41±6.92, 56.05±8.29 vs. 81.59±5.46, all P < 0.05], and the contents of MDA, ROS and TFR1 protein expression in liver tissue were significantly decreased [MDA (μmol/L): 0.60±0.10, 0.57±0.18, 0.83±0.39 vs. 1.61±0.30, ROS (fluorescence intensity): 270.34±9.64, 276.02±62.33, 262.05±18.55 vs. 455.38±36.07, TFR1/GAPDH: 0.90±0.04, 1.01±0.09, 0.55±0.08 vs. 1.18±0.06, all P < 0.05], and the SOD activity and ALDH2, GPX4 and FSP1 protein expressions in liver tissue were significantly increased [SOD (kU/g): 88.77±8.20, 88.37±4.47, 93.43±7.24 vs. 50.27±3.57, ALDH2/GAPDH: 1.10±0.15, 1.02±0.07, 1.14±0.07 vs. 0.70±0.04, GPX4/GAPDH: 1.02±0.12, 0.99±0.08, 1.05±0.19 vs. 0.71±0.10, FSP1/GAPDH: 1.06±0.24, 1.02±0.08, 0.93±0.09 vs. 0.66±0.03, all P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in the parameters between DMSO group and CLP group. CONCLUSIONS Both GPX4 and FSP1 mediated ferroptosis are involved in liver injury in septic mice. Activation of ALDH2 and inhibition of ferroptosis can alleviatehepatic injury. ALDH2 may play a protective role by regulating FSP1 and GPX4 mediated ferroptosis.
Mice ; Male ; Animals ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Ferroptosis ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Sepsis ; Disease Models, Animal

Objective:To investigate changes of intestinal flora and the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome in elderly mice with cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane anesthesia.Methods:Eighteen fourteen-month-old male SPF grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control and sevoflurane groups, with 9 mice in each group. The mice of sevoflurane group inhaled 3% sevoflurane for 2 hours daily for three days. Fecal samples were collected post-exposure 24 hours for 16S rRNA sequencing. Morris water maze was then used to test the cognitive ability. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of synapse-associated proteins, NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins of hippocampus, and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins of colon. Golgi staining was used to observe the number of dendritic spines in the hippocampus. qPCR was used to detect the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α mRNA in mice colon and hippocampal tissues.Results:(1) The Morris water maze test showed that the escape latency of the sevoflurane group was longer than the control group, but there was statistical difference only on the fifth day ( P<0.05). In the spatial exploration test, escape latency of the sevoflurane group was higher than that of the control group((49.50±9.99)s, (18.67±7.63)s, t=6.005, P<0.001), and platform crossing frequency was less than that of the control group((0.83±0.75)times, (2.33±1.03)times, t=2.87, P=0.017). (2) Western blot and Golgi staining results showed that the expression of hippocampal synaptic-related proteins and the number of dendritic spines in the sevoflurane group were significantly reduced compared with those in control group (all P<0.05). (3) 16S rRNA sequencing showed significant β-diversity difference between the two groups ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, potential pathogens that p_Desulfobacterota and g_Desulfovibrio increased significantly in the sevoflurane group (both P<0.05), and beneficial bacteria that p_Verrucomicrobiota and g_Akkermansia decreased significantly (both P<0.05). (4) Compared with the control group, the results of qPCR showed increased expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA in the colon and hippocampal tissues of the sevoflurane group (all P<0.05). Western blot results showed increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in the colon and hippocampal tissues of the sevoflurane group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence results showed the higher fluorescence intensity of ASC in the DG region of the hippocampus of the sevoflurane group compared with the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:The cognitive dysfunction model induced by sevoflurane in elderly mice shows neuroinflammatory reactions and synaptic damage, which may be related to intestinal microbiota imbalance and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

BackgroundDepression， anxiety， impulse control disorders， insomnia are prevalent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease， severely impairing the quality of life of patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy （CBT） is a common psychological intervention for various clinical psychological conditions， which can improve anxiety， insomnia and depression in patients with Parkinson's disease. However， the current research evidence on the effects of CBT in improving quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease remains inconsistent. ObjectiveTo assess the effects of CBT on the quality of life among patients with Parkinson's disease， so as to provide references for the clinical application of CBT in this population. MethodsOn May 25， 2023， a systematic search was conducted across PubMed， PsycINFO， Embase， CNKI， Wanfang Database and VIP Database to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of CBT on the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Literature screening， quality evaluation and data extraction were performed， focusing on variables related to quality of life， anxiety， and depression. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 13.0 and RevMan 5.3. ResultsA total of 11 studies with 456 participants were included， comprising 241 in the CBT group and 215 in the control group. The CBT group exhibited significantly higher quality of life compared with the control group （SMD=0.47， 95% CI： 0.27~0.67， P<0.01）. Anxiety and depression scores in CBT group were significantly lower than those in the control group （SMD=-0.63，95% CI：-0.84~-0.43， P<0.01； SMD=-0.83， 95% CI： -1.15~-0.51， P<0.01）. Among the 11 studies， 6 studies delivered CBT remotely and 5 studies implemented CBT face-to-face. Meta-analysis results revealed that remote CBT group yielded significantly higher quality of life （SMD=0.43， 95% CI： 0.17~0.70， P<0.01）， and lower anxiety and depression scores （SMD=-0.62， 95% CI： -0.91~-0.34， P<0.01； SMD=-0.78， 95% CI： -1.34~-0.21， P<0.01） compared with the control group. Similarly， face-to-face CBT group showed better outcomes than the control group in terms of quality of life， anxiety and depression （SMD=0.51， 95% CI： 0.22~0.81， P<0.01； SMD=-0.64， 95% CI： -0.93~-0.35， P<0.01； SMD=-0.90， 95% CI： -1.20~-0.60， P<0.01）. ConclusionCBT may contribute to alleviating anxiety and depression levels of patients with Parkinson's disease， and improving their quality of life.｛Funded by Shanghai 13th Five-Year Key Specialty Construction Project （number， shslczdzk04901）； Nature Fund Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission （number， 22ZR1459300）； Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Traditional Chinese Medical Science Non-drug Therapy Demonstration Center Project ［number， ZY（2021-2023） -0204-03］｝

Objective:To investigate the effect of autophagy on liver injury with obstructive jaundice in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and its underlying mechanism.Methods:Thirty-five healthy male SD rats, SPF grade, aged 6-8 weeks, weighting 200-300 g, were divided into 5 groups with 7 rats in each group, including sham group (simple free common bile duct, without ligation, intraperitoneal injection of normal saline), obstructive jaundice (OJ) group (established by common bile duct ligation, intraperitoneal injection of normal saline), OJ group with 3-MA, OJ group with Rapamycin, and OJ group with 3-MA and VX-765. Morphological changes in liver tissues were analyzed with HE staining. Expression of autophagy-related protein Atg5 was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Liver function was analyzed by automatic biochemical instrument and the level of serum interleukin (IL)-18 was detected using ELISA assay. Protein levels of autophagy related-proteins and endoplasmic reticulum stressed (ERs)-related apoptosis proteins were detected by Western Blot.Results:The relative expression of autophagy related protein Atg5 in OJ group was significantly higher than that in sham group [(5.0±1.0) vs. (2.8±1.3), t=-3.00, P<0.05]. Compared with sham group, the activity of autophagy was enhanced and the protein levels of Caspase-1/p-65 and IL-18 were significantly increased in OJ group. At the same time, apoptosis was induced by activating ERs. In OJ group, the autophagy inducer 3-MA improved the expression levels of Caspase-1/p-65 and IL-18, and aggravate liver injury. While after applying the autophagy agonist Rapamycin in OJ rat models, the expression of Caspase-1/p-65 and IL-18 was repressed and liver damage was also reduced. In addition, in rat OJ groups with 3-MA, inhibition of Caspase-1 by VX-765 could down regulate the expression of Caspase-1/p-65 and IL-18, and protect against liver injury. Conclusions:Both ERs related apoptosis and autophagy were activated after ligation of common bile duct. Besides, activation of autophagy could reduce OJ-induced liver injury in SD rats by inhibiting the Caspase-1/p-65 inflammatory pathway.