BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the predominant subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Damage-specific DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1), as a core protein of the CUL4-DDB1 ubiquitin ligase complex, is involved in the regulation of DNA damage repair, epigenetic modification, and cell cycle checkpoint activation. While the involvement of DDB1 in tumour progression through DNA repair and RNA transcriptional regulation has been reported, its expression and role in LUAD remain to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the expression and role of DDB1 in LUAD. METHODS: The expression, clinicopathological features and prognosis of DDB1 in LUAD were analysed using databases such as UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and GEPIA; The interaction network and enriched functional pathways were constructed by GeneMANIA and Metascape; the correlation between DDB1 and immune cells by combining with TISIDB infiltration was evaluated, and the clustering results of cell subtypes and the expression of DDB1 in different immune cell subpopulations were analysed by single-cell sequencing; finally, tissue microarrays were used to further verify the expression and prognostic value of DDB1 in LUAD. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of DDB1 in LUAD tissues were significantly higher than those in normal tissues (P<0.01), and the high expression correlated with later clinical stage (P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (P<0.001) and poor prognosis (P<0.001). Functional enrichment showed that DDB1 was involved in DNA repair and RNA transcriptional regulation, and TISIDB evaluation revealed that DDB1 was negatively correlated with the expression level of immune cells, suggesting the potential regulation of the immune microenvironment. Single cell analysis showed that DDB1 was mainly expressed in T cells, alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells. Tissue microarrays confirmed that overall survival was shorter in the DDB1 high expression group (P<0.001), and Cox multifactorial analysis showed that DDB1 was an independent predictor of LUAD prognosis. CONCLUSIONS DDB1 is highly expressed in LUAD, which is associated with poor prognosis, and is closely related to tumor immune cell infiltration, and is involved in tumourigenesis and development through DNA repair and RNA transcriptional regulation. DDB1 can be used as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for LUAD.
Humans ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung/immunology* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged

AIM:To investigate the role of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1(LOX-1)in hypoxia-induced autophagy and apopto-sis in endothelial cells.METHODS:Human umbili-cal vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were exposed to hypoxia(1％O2)for varying durations(0,6,12,24 h)to evaluate autophagy and apoptosis levels.LOX-1 was further intervened to explore its effects on autophagy and apoptosis.GFP-LC3B adenovirus in-fection was observed under fluorescence microsco-py to assess LC3B expression.Autophagosomes were detected by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).LOX-1 mRNA levels were measured using re-al-time PCR.Protein expression of LOX-1,LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Atg5,cleaved-caspase 3,Bax,and Bcl-2 was analyzed by Western blot.Reactive oxygen spe-cies(ROS)levels were quantified using the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe.Apoptosis was assessed via Hoechst staining and flow cytometry(Annexin V-PI double staining).RESULTS:Hypoxia(1％O2,24 h)significantly increased LC3Ⅱ puncta under fluores-cence microscopy,upregulated LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein ex-pression,and induced autophagosome formation observed by TEM.Hypoxia elevated ROS produc-tion and promoted apoptosis.LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in hypoxic HU-VECs.LOX-1 siRNA intervention markedly reversed hypoxia-induced autophagy,downregulating au-tophagy-related proteins(Beclin-1,Atg5,LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ).LOX-1 siRNA also suppressed ROS generation and inhibited apoptosis,as evidenced by decreased ex-pression of cleaved-caspase 3 and Bax,and in-creased Bcl-2 levels.CONCLUSION:Hypoxia in-duced upregulation of LOX-1 expression to produce ROS,thereby promoting autophagy and apoptosis in endothelial cells.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of sleep interruption(SI)cycles on emotional behavior in ICR mice,and to establish a mouse model of comorbid anxiety and depression induced by SI.Methods Seventy-two male ICR mice(4～5 weeks old)were divided randomly into a blank group and a model group.Mice in the model group were subjected to SI stress modeling for 1,2,and 3 weeks,respectively.After modeling,emotional behaviors were evaluated using open-field,elevated plus maze,light-dark box,marble-burying,and forced-swimming tests.Serum corticosterone levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Mice in the model group buried significantly more marbles after 1 week of SI stress,compared with the blank group(P＜0.05).After 2 weeks of stress,mice in the model group also showed a significant decrease in the number of crossings in the light-dark box(P＜0.05)and a significant increase in the number of marbles buried(P＜0.01)compared with the control group.After 3 weeks of stress,mice in the model group showed a significant increase in the number of marbles buried(P＜0.05),a significant decrease in the number of crossings in the light-dark box(P＜0.05),and a significant increase in immobility time in the forced-swim test(P＜0.01).Conclusions ICR mice exhibited significant anxiety-related behaviors after 2 weeks of SI modeling and significant anxiety-and depressive-related behavioral changes after 3 weeks.Three weeks of SI stress can be used to establish a model of comorbid anxiety and depression.

BACKGROUND:Self-assembling peptide hydrogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility,controllable physicochemical properties,and release capabilities,offering extensive application potential in tissue engineering,drug delivery,and biosensing fields.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the research progress of self-assembling peptide hydrogel in cancer therapy in recent years.METHODS:Using the search terms"self-assembling peptides,hydrogel,sustained release,antitumor,tumor therapy"in Chinese and English,CNKI,PubMed,and Elsevier ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant literature published from 2000 to 2024.Finally,81 articles were included in the review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Self-assembling peptide hydrogels,as a novel biomaterial,can be used as a sustained-release drug carrier to load a variety of anti-tumor drugs,and immunosuppressants,targeting tumor sites,inducing tumor cell death,reducing drug dosage,and increasing drug accumulation in tumor sites,thereby reducing the probability of toxic side effects and multidrug resistance.Moreover,anti-tumor hydrogels with natural activity can directly kill tumor cells without relying on drugs,and can minimize the toxic side effects of anti-tumor drugs when used alone.

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may affect multiple organ systems, with approximately 50% of IBD patients presenting with at least one EIM during the course of their disease, with cutaneous involvement being particularly common. Cutaneous manifestations can present in various forms. This paper reports a case of ulcerative colitis (UC) complicated with bullous pemphigoid (BP), aiming to enhance clinicians' awareness of skin lesions associated with UC.

Microplastics(particles<5 μm in diameter),generated through plastic processing or natural degradation,have emerged as novel environmental contaminants with increasing threats to ecosys-tems and human health.Recent studies have demonstrated the accumulation of microplastics in various environmental matrices,human tissues and even placentas,highlighting the urgent need to investigate their health effects.These particles enter the human system primarily through dietary intake and water consumption,yet critical knowledge gaps remain regarding their bioaccumulation potential,toxicological profiles,and synergistic interactions with co-existing environmental contaminants.The Drosophila mela-nogaster(fruit fly),a well-established model organism,offers distinct advantages for contaminant toxicity assessment,including a compact life cycle,small body size,rapid reproduction,ease of laboratory maintenance,and extensive availability of transgenic strains.In particular,its genome has a high degree of homology with the human genome,which further enhances its scientific relevance for toxicological studies.In this review,we summarize the advantages of Drosophila models in microplastic toxicity studies,with particular emphasis on recent advances in understanding intestinal toxicity,neuro toxicity,genotox-icity,reproductive toxicity,developmental toxicity,and transgenerational toxicity.We point to critical research gaps that require urgent investigation,including the bioaccumulation dynamics of microplas-tics,metabolic transformation and elimination pathways,multi-pollutant interaction effects,molecular mechanisms of toxicity,and comprehensive health risk assessment frameworks.The review aims to provide data for elucidating the mechanisms of microplastic toxicity and formulating evidence-based prevention strategies.

AIM:To investigate the role of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1(LOX-1)in hypoxia-induced autophagy and apopto-sis in endothelial cells.METHODS:Human umbili-cal vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were exposed to hypoxia(1％O2)for varying durations(0,6,12,24 h)to evaluate autophagy and apoptosis levels.LOX-1 was further intervened to explore its effects on autophagy and apoptosis.GFP-LC3B adenovirus in-fection was observed under fluorescence microsco-py to assess LC3B expression.Autophagosomes were detected by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).LOX-1 mRNA levels were measured using re-al-time PCR.Protein expression of LOX-1,LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ,Beclin-1,Atg5,cleaved-caspase 3,Bax,and Bcl-2 was analyzed by Western blot.Reactive oxygen spe-cies(ROS)levels were quantified using the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe.Apoptosis was assessed via Hoechst staining and flow cytometry(Annexin V-PI double staining).RESULTS:Hypoxia(1％O2,24 h)significantly increased LC3Ⅱ puncta under fluores-cence microscopy,upregulated LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein ex-pression,and induced autophagosome formation observed by TEM.Hypoxia elevated ROS produc-tion and promoted apoptosis.LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in hypoxic HU-VECs.LOX-1 siRNA intervention markedly reversed hypoxia-induced autophagy,downregulating au-tophagy-related proteins(Beclin-1,Atg5,LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ).LOX-1 siRNA also suppressed ROS generation and inhibited apoptosis,as evidenced by decreased ex-pression of cleaved-caspase 3 and Bax,and in-creased Bcl-2 levels.CONCLUSION:Hypoxia in-duced upregulation of LOX-1 expression to produce ROS,thereby promoting autophagy and apoptosis in endothelial cells.

Objective·To establish Downs cephalometric norms for the Han Chinese aged 18-25 with harmonious faces,and to analyze gender and regional characteristics.Methods·A stratified sampling approach was used to recruit participants from seven geographic regions across China.Over 30 000 volunteers were screened,and 883 participants with harmonious faces were ultimately included.Basic demographic data were collected,and lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken.Hard tissue measurements were performed with Downs analysis(using anatomical porion).The data were then statistically analyzed to compare gender and regional differences in dentofacial structures.Results·The gender differences in the four hard tissue measurements,the angle of convexity,A-B plane angle,mandibular plane angle,and occlusal plane angle,were statistically significant(P＜0.001).Females showed larger values for the angle of convexity,mandibular plane angle,and occlusal plane angle,but smaller values for the A-B plane angle,compared to males.The gender differences in the interincisal angle,L1 to occlusal plane,L1 to mandibular plane,and U1 to AP plane were not statistically significant.There were regional differences in all 10 measurements of Downs analysis,though some regions shared common features.Specifically,the northeastern,eastern,and southern coastal regions exhibited a smaller facial angle,and larger mandibular plane angle,angle of convexity,occlusal plane angle,and U1 to AP plane.It suggested that,compared to inland regions,individuals from coastal regions tended to have more retrusive chins,steeper mandibular planes,more prominent upper incisors,and more convex hard tissue profiles.Conclusion·Gender differences exist in the dentofacial hard tissue structures of Han Chinese adults with harmonious faces,primarily in skeletal measurements.Each region has its unique dentofacial characteristics,along with some common features.These differences should be taken into account in clinical diagnosis and treatment for the development of personalized and precise therapeutic strategies.

BACKGROUND:Self-assembling peptide hydrogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility,controllable physicochemical properties,and release capabilities,offering extensive application potential in tissue engineering,drug delivery,and biosensing fields.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the research progress of self-assembling peptide hydrogel in cancer therapy in recent years.METHODS:Using the search terms"self-assembling peptides,hydrogel,sustained release,antitumor,tumor therapy"in Chinese and English,CNKI,PubMed,and Elsevier ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant literature published from 2000 to 2024.Finally,81 articles were included in the review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Self-assembling peptide hydrogels,as a novel biomaterial,can be used as a sustained-release drug carrier to load a variety of anti-tumor drugs,and immunosuppressants,targeting tumor sites,inducing tumor cell death,reducing drug dosage,and increasing drug accumulation in tumor sites,thereby reducing the probability of toxic side effects and multidrug resistance.Moreover,anti-tumor hydrogels with natural activity can directly kill tumor cells without relying on drugs,and can minimize the toxic side effects of anti-tumor drugs when used alone.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of sleep interruption(SI)cycles on emotional behavior in ICR mice,and to establish a mouse model of comorbid anxiety and depression induced by SI.Methods Seventy-two male ICR mice(4～5 weeks old)were divided randomly into a blank group and a model group.Mice in the model group were subjected to SI stress modeling for 1,2,and 3 weeks,respectively.After modeling,emotional behaviors were evaluated using open-field,elevated plus maze,light-dark box,marble-burying,and forced-swimming tests.Serum corticosterone levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Mice in the model group buried significantly more marbles after 1 week of SI stress,compared with the blank group(P＜0.05).After 2 weeks of stress,mice in the model group also showed a significant decrease in the number of crossings in the light-dark box(P＜0.05)and a significant increase in the number of marbles buried(P＜0.01)compared with the control group.After 3 weeks of stress,mice in the model group showed a significant increase in the number of marbles buried(P＜0.05),a significant decrease in the number of crossings in the light-dark box(P＜0.05),and a significant increase in immobility time in the forced-swim test(P＜0.01).Conclusions ICR mice exhibited significant anxiety-related behaviors after 2 weeks of SI modeling and significant anxiety-and depressive-related behavioral changes after 3 weeks.Three weeks of SI stress can be used to establish a model of comorbid anxiety and depression.