The circadian clock plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes, including gene expression, metabolic regulation, immune response, and the sleep-wake cycle in living organisms. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulatory mechanisms to maintain the precise oscillation of the circadian clock. By modulating the stability, activity, cell localization and protein-protein interactions of core clock proteins, PTMs enable these proteins to respond dynamically to environmental and intracellular changes, thereby sustaining the periodic oscillations of the circadian clock. Different types of PTMs exert their effects through distincting molecular mechanisms, collectively ensuring the proper function of the circadian system. This review systematically summarized several major types of PTMs, including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and oxidative modification, and overviewed their roles in regulating the core clock proteins and the associated pathways, with the goals of providing a theoretical foundation for the deeper understanding of clock mechanisms and the treatment of diseases associated with circadian disruption.
Protein Processing, Post-Translational/physiology* ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology* ; Humans ; Animals ; CLOCK Proteins/physiology* ; Circadian Clocks/physiology* ; Phosphorylation ; Acetylation ; Ubiquitination ; Sumoylation

Based on the high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia rat model, this study aimed to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of Arisaema Cum Bile and explore its mechanisms, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application. Biochemical analysis was used to detect serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), triglycerides(TG), and total cholesterol(TC) to assess the lipid-lowering activity of Arisaema Cum Bile. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques were employed to jointly elucidate the lipid-lowering mechanisms of Arisaema Cum Bile. The experimental results showed that high-dose Arisaema Cum Bile(PBA-H) significantly reduced serum ALT, AST, LDL-C, TG, and TC levels(P<0.01), and significantly increased HDL-C levels(P<0.01). The effect was similar to that of fenofibrate, with no significant difference. Furthermore, Arisaema Cum Bile significantly alleviated hepatocyte ballooning and mitigated fatty degeneration in liver tissues. As indicated by 16S rDNA sequencing results, PBA-H significantly enhanced both alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota in the model rats, notably increasing the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Subdoligranulum species(P<0.01). Liver metabolomics analysis revealed that PBA-H primarily regulated pathways involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, vitamin B_6 metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis. In summary, Arisaema Cum Bile significantly improved abnormal blood lipid levels and liver pathology induced by a high-fat diet, regulated hepatic metabolic disorders, and improved the abundance and structural composition of gut microbiota, thereby exerting its lipid-lowering effect. The findings of this study provide experimental evidence for the clinical application of Arisaema Cum Bile and the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Metabolomics ; Hyperlipidemias/microbiology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Hypolipidemic Agents/pharmacology* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Humans ; Alanine Transaminase/metabolism* ; Triglycerides/metabolism* ; Aspartate Aminotransferases/metabolism*

This study explores whether the current external quality assessment (EQA) level and acceptable bias for basic semen analysis in China are clinically useful. We collected data of semen EQA from Andrology laboratories in the Hunan Province (China) in 2022 and searched for data in the published literature from January 2000 to December 2023 in China. On the basis of these data, we analyzed the coefficients of variation and acceptable biases of different quality control materials for basic semen analysis through robust statistics. We compared these findings with quality specifications based on biological variation from optimal, desirable, and minimum levels of bias to seek a unified and more suitable semen EQA bias evaluation standard for China's national conditions. Different sources of semen quality control material exhibited considerable variation in acceptable biases among laboratories, ranging from 8.2% to 56.9%. A total of 50.0% of the laboratories met the minimum quality specifications for progressive motility (PR), whereas 100.0% and 75.0% of laboratories met only the minimum quality specifications for sperm concentration and total motility (nonprogressive [NP] + PR), respectively. The Z value for sperm concentration and PR+NP was equivalent to the desirable performance specification, whereas the Z value for PR was equivalent only to the minimum performance specification. This study highlights the feasibility of operating external quality assessment schemes for basic semen analysis using quality specifications based on biological variation. These specifications should be unified among external quality control (EQC) centers based on biological variation.
Semen Analysis/standards* ; Humans ; China ; Male ; Quality Control ; Sperm Motility ; Sperm Count/standards*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 and γ-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) rs11545078 gene polymorphisms on plasma concentrations and toxicity following high-dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS: Children with ALL treated at the Xuzhou Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2021 to April 2024 were selected for this study. Genotypes of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. MTX plasma concentrations were measured by enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, and toxicity was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. The relationships between MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes and both MTX plasma concentrations and associated toxicities were analyzed. RESULTS: In the low-risk ALL group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 72 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with increased MTX plasma concentrations at 48 hours (P<0.05). In the intermediate- to high-risk group, the MTHFR rs1801133 genotype was associated with the occurrence of reduced hemoglobin (P<0.05), and the GGH rs11545078 genotype was associated with the occurrence of thrombocytopenia (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Detection of MTHFR rs1801133 and GGH rs11545078 genotypes can be used to predict increased MTX plasma concentrations and the occurrence of toxic reactions in high-dose MTX treatment of ALL, enabling timely interventions to enhance safety.
Humans ; Methotrexate/toxicity* ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)/genetics* ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; gamma-Glutamyl Hydrolase/genetics* ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/adverse effects* ; Infant ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Adolescent ; Genotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

ObjectiveTo simulate the microstructure and mechanical properties of tendon tissue and promote its regeneration and repair, electrospinning technology was used to prepare L-polylactic acid (PLLA) fiber membranes loaded with different nano zinc oxide contents and with oriented structures. Physical and chemical characterization and biological performance evaluation were carried out to explore their effects on tendon cell proliferation and differentiation. MethodsPreparation of PLLA fiber scaffolds and PLLA/ZnO fiber scaffolds containing different mass fractions of nano ZnO was performed using electrospinning technology. The physicochemical properties of the scaffold were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mechanical stretching, and EDS spectroscopy. The scaffold was co-cultured with mouse tendon cells to detect its biocompatibility and regulatory effects on cell differentiation behavior. ResultsThe fiber scaffolds were arranged in an oriented manner, and zinc elements were uniformly distributed in the fibers. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PLLA/0.1%ZnO fiber scaffolds were significantly higher than PLLA fiber scaffolds. The number of cells on the surface of PLLA/0.1%ZnO fiber scaffold was significantly higher than that of the PLLA group, and the activity was better; mouse tendon cells exhibit directional adhesion and growth along the fiber arrangement direction. ConclusionThe oriented PLLA/0.1%ZnO fiber scaffold had excellent physicochemical properties, which can significantly promote the oriented growth, proliferation and differentiation of tendon cells. It is expected to be used for tendon tissue regeneration and repair in the future.

Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) has been the focus of nuclear medicine since its introduction. With the in-depth study of FAPI tracer, its clinical application in various non-malignant diseases has also been gradually reported. Many studies have confirmed its uptake in a variety of non-malignant diseases, which indicate that FAPI tracers have good application prospects. This article reviews the latest research status and clinical application of radiolabeled FAPIs in cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic immune diseases, immunoglobulin (Ig)G4-related diseases, renal fibrosis and other non-malignant diseases at home and abroad.

Objective: To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis. Methods: CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on cell viability, inflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, the effects of icariin on ferroptosis and TLR4 signaling were assessed. After AC16 cells were transfected with TLR4 overexpression plasmids, the role of TLR4 in mediating the regulatory effect of icariin in viral myocarditis was investigated. Results: Icariin significantly elevated cell viability and reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Flow cytometry revealed that icariin decreased apoptosis rate, and the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and 9 in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes. Additionally, it suppressed ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion, as well as the TLR4 signaling. However, TLR4 overexpression abrogated the modulatory effects of icariin. Conclusions: Icariin mitigates CVB3-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis. Further animal study is needed to verify its efficacy.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from remote ischemic conditioning on neurological dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rat model of cardiac arrest and the relationship with glycocalyx protection.Methods:Exosomes were isolated from the blood of healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using ultracentrifugation after undergoing remote ischemic conditioning for use as intervention drugs. Nanoparticle tracking analysis technology was used for exosome detection. Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups ( n=12 each) :Sham group, Control group and Exosome group. Cardiac arrest was induced by asphyxia for 7 min in the Control and Exosome groups. Placebo or exosomes (1×10 10 Particles) were infused intravenously at 5 min after the rats had returned of spontaneous circulation. Neuropsychological deficit score (NDS), open field test, Y maze and Morris water maze were used to assess neurological outcomes. The levels of plasma Hyaluronic acid (HA) and syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) were detected by Elisa. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by Western blot. Results:After undergoing remote ischemic conditioning, the plasma levels of exosomes were elevated in rats compared to normal rats. Compared with the control group, the behavioral experiment of rats in the exosomes group were significantly improved, as evidenced by an increase in horizontal locomotor distance (5.86±2.89 vs. 17.53±5.51, P< 0.05), an increase in the correct rate of spontaneous alternation (13.29±15.07 vs. 42.63±10.25, P< 0.05), and a shortening of avoidance latency (25.83±8.54 vs. 13.49±4.55, P< 0.05). Plasma HA and Sdc-1 levels were significantly lower 24 h after resuscitation (HA: 26.34±9.83 vs. 14.84±6.26, P< 0.05; Sdc-1: 0.05±0.03 vs. 0.02±0.02, P<0.05), along with significantly lower MMP-2/9 levels in hippocampal tissue. Conclusions:Exosomes extracted from the plasma of rats undergoing remote ischemic conditioning can improve neurological dysfunction after cardiac arrest in rats, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of metalloproteinases and the reduction of endothelial glycocalyx degradation.

Objective:To investigate the biological characteristics of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) with low expression of HER2 (HER2-low).Methods:A total of 93 TNBC cases in Shanxi Cancer Hospital from 2017 to 2019 were collected and divided into HER2-negative and HER2-low groups according to HER2 expression status. The clinicopathological features and prognostic differences between the two groups were retrospectively analyzed and compared, and genetic detection of tumor tissues was performed to clarify somatic mutation status and differences between the two groups.Results:Ninety-three patients aged 26 to 86 years were enrolled, including 60 patients in the HER2-negative group and 33 patients in the HER2-low group. The distribution of HER2-low in luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtype (14/23, 60.87%) and non-LAR subtype (19/70, 27.14%) was significantly different ( P=0.005). There were no significant differences in age, pT stage, histological grade, infiltration mode, lymph node metastasis and survival analysis. The expression of HER2-low in the tumor was heterogeneous, including different proportions of weak, weak to moderate intensity, and incomplete to intact membrane staining. With the change of the proportion of HER2-positive cells, the different distribution of those cells in the total tumor cells was noted, including cluster, mosaic and scattered patterns. The concentration and quality of DNA extracted from 71 of the 93 samples met the requirements for making libraries, including 43 in the HER2-negative group and 28 in the HER2-low group. Genetic mutations were mainly missense mutations, single nucleotide mutations, and point mutations in which base C was replaced by base T. There was no significant difference in genes with mutation frequency>3 times between the two groups. CTNNB1 and FGFR3 genes were only mutated in HER2-low group; while ALK, CYP2D6 and FAT1 genes were only mutated in HER2-negative group. HER2-low group included 18 HER2 1+ cases and 10 HER2 2+ cases. Genes with mutation frequency>3 times between the two groups included PIK3CA, TP53, SLX4, ATM and BRCA1. The mutation frequency of PIK3CA in HER2 2+ was significantly higher than that in HER2 1+ group ( P<0.05), and SLX4 gene was only mutated in HER2 1+ group. Conclusions:There are some differences of histological morphology and genetic variation between HER2-negative group and HER2-low group, and also differences in genetic variation between HER2 1+ and HER2 2+ in HER2-low group, which are helpful for more accurate stratification of TNBC and useful for finding the therapeutic target and precise treatment of HER2-low TNBC.