Autophagy is a fundamental biological metabolic process involved in immune defense, material metabolism, and homeostasis and closely linked to immune regulation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a widespread connective tissue disorder primarily resulting from immune system imbalance. Due to the immune system's failure to recognize its own substances, it generates autoantibodies that can affect various tissues and organs, leading to diverse clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis and treatment of SLE are currently under extensive investigation. In normal metabolic processes, autophagy engages in both innate and adaptive immunity, regulates the immune response, and is crucial for maintaining normal immune function and the body's internal homeostasis. Research has indicated that SLE patients exhibit immune dysfunction and altered autophagy levels. Modulating autophagy expression can influence immune system functionality and alleviate SLE symptoms. Additionally, autophagy aids in the innate immune response and adaptive immunity by clearing metabolites and regulating the life cycle of immune cells. Studies suggest that drugs targeting autophagy can positively influence the progression of SLE. This article reviews advancements in research regarding the impact of autophagy on the pathogenesis of SLE through the regulation of immune system functions.
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology* ; Autophagy/immunology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Immunity, Innate ; Adaptive Immunity ; Disease Progression ; Immune System/immunology*

【Objective】 To explore the correlation between CSAG1 expression and the prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC), and to predict the survival and tumor progression. 【Methods】 The gene expression profiles and clinical information of CSAG1 were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Based on the differential mRNA expression, GO annotation and KEGG pathway analysis were performed. The relationship between CSAG1 and tumor immune infiltration was assessed with Tumor Immunoassay Resource (Timer 2.0) database. The mRNA expression of CSAG1 in human RCCC specimens was validated with qRT-PCR. 【Results】 CSAG1 expression was significantly higher in RCCC tissues than in normal tissues (P<0.05). The qRT-PCR results revealed that the mRNA level of CSAG1 was consistent with that predicted by bioinformatic analysis. The KEGG analysis and GO annotation indicated high GSAG1 expression in RCCC was related to transmembrane transport, tricarboxylic acid cycle and lysosome. CSAG1 expression was positively related to the infiltration of pDC, aDC, CD8⁺ T cells, cytotoxic cells, TFH, TH1 cells, Tem, NK CD56^dm cells, Treg and T cells, but negatively correlated with macrophage infiltration. 【Conclusion】 CSAG1 may be associated with poor prognosis of RCCC and become a potential immunotherapy target.

Objective:To investigate the influence of different degrees of facet joint arthropathy on the indirect decompression effect of crenel lumbar interbody fusion (CLIF), and the clinical outcomes of CLIF for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with severe facet joint arthropathy (grade 3).Methods:This study reviewed a total of 269 surgical segments in 156 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated with CLIF technique from November 2016 to February 2020. According to preoperative CT images, the facet joint was graded according to Pathria classification. There are 19 segments with grade 0, 156 segments with grade 1, 67 segments with grade 2, and 27 segments with grade 3. Radiographic parameters included disc angle, anterior and posterior disc height, and bilateral intervertebral foramen height on CT, and the midsagittal canal diameter and axial central canal area. In 30 patients with at least one segment of grade 3, the clinical efficacy was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI).Results:The average the anterior and posterior intervertebral space height, intervertebral space angle, height of bilateral intervertebral foramina, spinal canal sagittal diameter and spinal canal area were significantly improved after the operation of grade 3 facet joint degeneration segment compared to preoperation. The preoperative mean spinal canal sagittal diameter and spinal canal area of grade 3 facet joint degeneration segment were significantly less than grade 1 and grade 2. The average change of spinal canal area after grade 3 articular degeneration was significantly less than that of grade 1 and 2, but there was no significant difference with that of grade 0. The posterior decompression rate was 55.56% (15/27) for grade 3, 35.82% (24/67) for grade 2, 16.03% (25/156) for grade 1, and 21.05% (4/19) for grade 0. The posterior decompression rate of grade 3 articular process degeneration was significantly higher than that of other grades ( P<0.001). Severe lateral recess stenosis and 24.24% of severe intervertebral foraminal stenosis were found in 81.48% of grade 3 degenerative segment. The 23 patients were followed up with an average of 21.62±6.52 months, and the average improvement of ODI was 24.10%±11.09%; the average VAS for leg pain and back pain were improved significantly. Conclusion:The degrees of facet joint degeneration do not prevent intervertebral space distraction of CLIF. However, because segments with severe facet joint arthropathy were usually associated with severe spinal canal stenosis, CLIF had a high rate of second-stage posterior decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with severe facet joint arthropathy.

Objective: To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in adults of Shanxi, China. Methods: Baseline data were from the '2002 China Nutrition and Health Survey’ in Shanxi province. All the death-related investigation and follow-up visits were carried out from December 2015 to March 2016. The follow-up program covered 5 360 people from all the 7 007 participants aged 18 years and over that having complete core information, with a rate as 76.5%. Participants of this study were divided into eight groups, according to the appearance of BMI. Taking the group with the lowest mortality density as the reference group, Cox regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of deaths by the whole population, gender and age groups (≥60 years, <60 years). Results were then adjusted by age, gender, smoking, alcohol use and education level from the baseline survey. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted. Results: Results from the study showed that among the total number of 67 129 person- years from the average period of 12.5 years, there were 615 deaths occurred, with the mortality density as 916 per 100 000 person-years. Taking the BMI range of 26.0-27.9 kg/m² as the reference, the aHRs of death increased to 1.90 (95%CI: 1.26-2.86), 1.68 (95%CI: 1.15-2.45), 1.49 (95%CI: 1.08-2.06) and 1.72 (95%CI: 1.07-2.76) after the multivariate adjustment, in these four groups (BMI<18.5, 18.5-19.9, 22.0-23.9 and ≥30.0 kg/m²), respectively. Low body weight (BMI<18.5 kg/m²) was associated with higher risks of death in the elderly of ≥60 years, with the aHR of death as 1.94 (95%CI: 1.20-3.15). Conclusions When BMI appeared as ≤19.9 kg/m², 22.0-23.9 kg/m² and ≥30.0 kg/m², the risks of death would increase. In addition to programs that focusing on obesity, special attention should be paid to the high risk of mortality which was caused by low-weight and malnutrition in the elderly.

Objective: To explore the optimal method of microelectrode implantation that can produce efficient mouth closure with microelectrode for orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rhesus monkeys with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis (UPFP) in order to provide basis for the research and development of artificial facial nerve prosthesis (AFNP). Methods: Right lateral peripheral facial paralysis model on four healthy rhesus monkeys (two males and two femles, aged 5-6 years, weighed 2.0-3.0 kg) were prepared. AFNP electric stimulation was used to induce closed-mouth reaction of the affected OOM with a one-way rectangular pulse, 50 Hz frequency and 0.2 ms pulse width in vitro. Around the affected lateral OOM, four stimulus electrodes implantation positions were selected at the upper lip (position A), the lower lip (position B), the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus (position C), and the horizontal line of the mouth angle (position D). According to the different implantation positions of three stimulation electrodes on the stimulation side of AFNP and the results of our previous study, six groups of microelectrode implantation methods were designed. In Group A, two microelectrodes were implanted at position A and one microelectrode was implanted at position B; in Group B, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and C respectively; in Group C, one microelectrode was implanted at position A and two microelectrodes were implanted at position B; in Group D, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and D respectively; in Group E, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, C and D respectively; in Group F, one microelectrode was implanted at position B, C and D respectively. The minimum stimulating current (threshold current) required for effective mouth closure were recorded. The threshold and peak current values were compared using one-way ANOVA and LSD-t multiple comparisons. Results: The microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulating side in Group E and F failed to induce a smooth mouth closure. The microelectrodes in A, B, C and D group induced smooth mouth closure. The threshold current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the Group A, B, C, and D were (1.35±0.05), (1.02±0.04), (1.40±0.04) and (1.10±0.02) mA, respectively (F=295.302, P<0.001), with the lowest value in Group B and there was significant difference between the current value in Group B and those in the other groups (all P<0.05). The peak current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the four groups were (3.95±0.02), (2.95±0.03), (3.99±0.05) and (3.51±0.01) mA, respectively (F=1 014.985, P<0.001). Group B showed the best lip-closure morphology observed with naked eyes. Conclusions When three output microelectrode of the AFNP stimulated side are separately imbedded into the upper lip, the lower lip and the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus, AFNP can sufficiently induce closed-mouth reaction. These positions are suitable as priority options microelectrodes implantation positions for the microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulated side.

To explore the optimal method of microelectrode implantation that can produce efficient mouth closure with microelectrode for orbicularis oris muscle (OOM) in rhesus monkeys with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis (UPFP) in order to provide basis for the research and development of artificial facial nerve prosthesis (AFNP). Methods Right lateral peripheral facial paralysis model on four healthy rhesus monkeys (two males and two femles, aged 5-6 years, weighed 2.0-3.0 kg) were prepared. AFNP electric stimulation was used to induce closed?mouth reaction of the affected OOM with a one?way rectangular pulse, 50 Hz frequency and 0.2 ms pulse width in vitro. Around the affected lateral OOM, four stimulus electrodes implantation positions were selected at the upper lip (position A), the lower lip (position B), the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus (position C), and the horizontal line of the mouth angle (position D). According to the different implantation positions of three stimulation electrodes on the stimulation side of AFNP and the results of our previous study, six groups of microelectrode implantation methods were designed. In Group A, two microelectrodes were implanted at position A and one microelectrode was implanted at position B; in Group B, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and C respectively; in Group C, one microelectrode was implanted at position A and two microelectrodes were implanted at position B; in Group D, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, B and D respectively; in Group E, one microelectrode was implanted at position A, C and D respectively; in Group F, one microelectrode was implanted at position B, C and D respectively. The minimum stimulating current (threshold current) required for effective mouth closure were recorded. The threshold and peak current values were compared using one?way ANOVA and LSD-t multiple comparisons. Results The microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulating side in Group E and F failed to induce a smooth mouth closure. The microelectrodes in A, B, C and D group induced smooth mouth closure. The threshold current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the Group A, B, C, and D were (1.35±0.05), (1.02±0.04), (1.40±0.04) and (1.10± 0.02) mA, respectively (F=295.302, P<0.001), with the lowest value in Group B and there was significant difference between the current value in Group B and those in the other groups (all P<0.05). The peak current value of OOM contraction on affected side in the four groups were (3.95±0.02), (2.95±0.03), (3.99±0.05) and (3.51 ± 0.01) mA, respectively (F=1 014.985, P<0.001). Group B showed the best lip?closure morphology observed with naked eyes. Conclusions When three output microelectrode of the AFNP stimulated side are separately imbedded into the upper lip, the lower lip and the connection with the corner of the mouth to the ipsilateral tragus, AFNP can sufficiently induce closed?mouth reaction. These positions are suitable as priority options microelectrodes implantation positions for the microelectrodes of the AFNP stimulated side.

We compared the ways of deproteinization for crude polysaccharides of Coprinus comatus, and finally selected Sevage method as the optimal method. Two main fractions of Ccp-I-A and Ccp-I-B were obtained after DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-200 chromatography, both were white-floc, soluble in water, insoluble in absolute ethyl alcohol, acetone and other organic solvents. Additionally, Fehling reagent, CTAB, Sulphuric acid-carbazole, I-KI and FeCl₃ reaction were all negative. GC analysis showed Ccp-I-A was composed of mannitose, glucose and galactose in molar ratios of 2.03:9.52:1, whereas Ccp-I-B was composed of fucose and galactose with molar ratios of 1:5.21. Antioxidant activity test showed that Ccp-I-A and Ccp-I-B had good scavenging abilities on DPPH and ·OH. Compared to Ccp-I-B,the scavenging activity of Ccp-I-A was much stronger, and the scavenging rate could reach 72.1% and 55.3% respectively when the concentration was 300 μg/mL.

ObjectiveTo study effects of gastrodine (GAS) on insulinoma (INS-1) cells and the protection of INS-1 ceils from steptozotocin (STZ) injury by gaatrodine. MethodsThe experiment was carried out in 5 groups: normal control group ( NC), GAS group (GAS), streptozotocin group (STZ), GAS protection group ( GAS +STZ) and GAS repair group (STZ +GAS). INS-1 cells were cultured, the cell viability was determined by tetrazolium (MTT) assay, insulin concentration was detected by radioimmunoassay, and malondialdehyde (MDA)concentration and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of the culture medium were measured by colorimetry. Results GAS promoted insulin release of INS-1 cells (P＜0.05, P＜O.01). Low-concentration GAS could increase viability of INS-1 cells ( P ＜ 0.01 ). GAS could increase viability of the injured INS-1 cells (P ＜ 0.01 ). High concentration GAS contributed in repair of INS-1 cells injured by STZ and promoted insulin serection ( P ＜ 0.01 ). GAScould decrease MDA concentration (P ＜0.01 ) and significantly increase T-AOC capacity of INS-1 cells injured by STZ (P ＜0.01 ). ConclusionsGAS can increase INS-1 viability, promote insulin secretion of INS-1 cells, alleviate INS-1 cells injury caused by STZ, and strengthen the antioxidant capacity of INS-1 cells injured by STZ.

BACKGROUND: Gastrodin (GAS) is widely used as adjuvant therapy for vertigo, headache and hypertension. However, it is recently noticed that GAS might be used as an agent for treating obesity.OBJECTIVE: To set up obese rats of high-fat diet to observe the effects of different concentrations of GAS on body mass and serum metabolite levels and to analyze its possible mechanism.DESIGN: A randomized and controlled animal experiment.SETTING: Institute of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University.MATERIALS: This study was performed at the Institute of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Pre-clinical Study for New Drugs from June to August in 2007. Forty-four healthy one-week-old male SD rats, weighing (99.57±2.13)g, were purchased from Shanghai SILAIKE Laboratory Animal Co., Ltd. Disposal of animals was in accordance with the animal ethics standards. Basic animal feed was provided by Suzhou Shuangshi Laboratory Animal Feed Science and Technology Co., Ltd. High-fat forage were self-made in the authors' laboratory. Each 100 gram of high-fat forage consisted of basic feed (57.5g), egg yolk powder (11.79g), lard (10g), pig bile salt (0.2g), casein (7g), milk power (13g), salt(0.085g), and yeast powder (0.425g), and the 100 gram of high-fat forage contained of fat (22.07g), protein (23.7g), carbohydrate (39g), and quantity of heat (472.16 calorie). GAS (98% in purity) was purchased from Shaanxi Xuhuang Botanical Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidative capability (T-AOC) kits were purchased from Jiancheng Bioengineering Institute, Nanjng, Jiangsu Province.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The body mass was measured every seven days. The food intake in each group was monitored in every morning. At the end of the experiment, femoral artery blood samples were collected to determine the blood glucose, the serum levels of MDA, T-AOC, Insulin, free fatty acid (FFA), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and blood lipid profile. Insulin resistance index (IRI) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were calculated as IRI=(FBG×FINS)/22.5 and ISI=1/(FINS×FBG).RESULTS: All 44 rats were included in the final analysis. Body mass: The body mass in the HFFC group was significantly higher than in the NC group from 4th-8th weeks (P＜0.01), while the body mass in GAS groups was lower compared to HFFC group (P＜0.05-0.01). There were no significant differences among the GAS-H, GAS-M, and GAS-L groups (P＞0.05). Therefore, GAS had no dose-dependent relationship in inhibiting the body mass of obese rats of high-fat diet. Caloric intake: The caloric intake was significantly higher in the HFFC group than in the NC group (P＜0.01), and was significantly decreased in GAS group compared to NFFC group from the 4th week (P＜0.05-0.01). Serum levels of MDA, T-AOC, GPT and GOT: The serum level of T-AOC was decreased and that of MDA, GPT were increased significantly in the HFFC group compared with NC group (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). In the GAS-L group, T-AOC, level was significantly increased and MDA level was significantly decreased compared to HFFC group (both P＜0.01). Levels of blood glucose and insulin: In the HFFC group, blood glucose level and IRI were significantly increased, and ISI was obviously decreased compared to NC group (P＜0.05-0.01). In the GAS-L group, blood glucose level and IRI were significantly decreased, and ISI was significantly increased compared to HFFC group (P＜0.05-0.01). FFA and lipoprotein cholesterol levels: In the HFFC group, FFA and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was decreased compared to NC group (P＜0.05-0.01).CONCLUSION: GAS may play an important role in inhibiting rats' body mass of high-fat diet. The mechanism of action may be related to GAS regulating the metabolism of blood glucose and FFA, improving IRI and elevating T-AOC.

BACKGROUND: Salvia miltiorrhiza is widely used to treat angina cordis, ischemic stroke and other ischemic cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on ovariectomized rats remain unclear.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza on the body mass, food intake, and levels of blood lipids and malondialdehyde (MDA) in ovariectomized rats.DESIGN: A completely randomized and controlled experiment.SETTING: Institute of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University.MATERIALS: The experiment was performed in the Key Laboratory of Pre-clinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province and the laboratory of Institute of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University from November 2005 to December 2006. Twenty-four healthy female SD rats of 3 months old and (220±2) g were selected. Salvia miltiorrhiza water decoction (equal to 1 g/mL crude drug) was identified and extracted by Drug Control Institute of Gansu Province; MDA kit was purchased from Nanjing Jiancheng Institute of Bioengineering.METHODS: ①The rats were randomly divided into three groups with 8 rats in each group: sham-operated group,ovariectomized group and Salvia miltiorrhiza group. The rats were underwent a bilateral ovariectomy except those in the sham-operated group, which were subjected to a removal of bilateral fat as much as ovariectomized group with the ovaries remained. Rats in sham-operated group and ovariectomized group freely drank water; rats in Salvia miltiorrhiza group freely took 1% water extracts from Salvia miltiorrhiza postoperatively, and the concentration of Salvia miltiorrhiza gradually increased to 12% on the eighth day, which was lasted until the end of the experiment (55 days). ②The food intake of rats in each group was monitored daily, and the body mass was measured every five days. At the end of the experiment, femoral artery blood samples of rats were collected to determine the levels of blood lipids. At the same time,MDA was measured according to the kit.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The body mass, food intake, levels of blood lipids and malondialdehyde in each group.RESULTS: Twenty-four rats all entered the result analysis. ①The body mass of rats in 3 groups was nearly the same before operation (P ＞ 0.05). While the body mass in ovariectomized group on the postoperatively 10th, 20th, 25th, and 55th days was significantly higher than those in sham-operated group (P ＜ 0.01). The body mass in Salvia miltiorrhiza group on the postoperatively 20th, 25th, and 55th days was significantly lower than those in ovariectomized group (P ＜0.05-0.01). ②The food intake in ovariectomized group on the postoperatively 15th, 40th, and 55th days was significantly higher than those in sham-operated group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01), and that in Salvia miltiorrhiza group was significantly lower than those in ovariectomized group at those 3 time points (P ＜ 0.05-0.01). ③At the end of the experiment, the levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride in ovariectomized group were significantly higher than those in sham-operated group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01). The levels of triglyceride and MDA in Salvia miltiorrhiza group were significantly lower than those in ovariectomized group (P＜0.01, 0.05).CONCLUSION: Salvia miltiorrhiza can significantly reduce the body mass and levels of triglyceride and MDA in ovariectomized rats.