ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell （hUC-MSC） with overexpression of the Numb gene in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis （CLF）. MethodsThe technique of lentiviral transfection was used to induce the overexpression of the Numb gene in hUC-MSC （hUC-MSC^Numb-OE）， and hUC-MSC transfected with empty vector （hUC-MSC^OE-EV） was used as negative control. Bile duct ligation （BDL） was performed to establish a rat model of CLF， and then the rats were randomly divided into BDL group， hUC-MSC group， hUC-MSC^OE-EV group， and hUC-MSC^Numb-OE group， while a sham-operation group was also established. The rats in the intervention groups were given a single splenic injection of the corresponding cells after BDL， and samples were collected at the end of week 4. Related indicators were measured， including serum biochemistry， liver histopathology， the content of hydroxyproline （Hyp） in the liver， hepatic stellate cell activation， ductular reaction， liver regeneration， and the expression levels of key molecules in the Numb-p53 signaling axis. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the BDL group， the hUC-MSC group and the hUC-MSC^OE-EV group had significant reductions in the levels of serum biochemical parameters （aspartate aminotransferase， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase， total bile acid， total bilirubin， and direct bilirubin）， liver fibrosis markers （the content of Hyp and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin， tumor necrosis factor-α， and transforming growth factor-beta 1）， and ductular reaction markers （the expression levels of CK7 and CK19） （all P <0.05）， and compared with the hUC-MSC^OE-EV group， the hUC-MSC^Numb-OE group had significantly greater improvements in the above indicators （all P <0.05）. In addition， compared with the hUC-MSC^OE-EV group， the hUC-MSC^Numb-OE group had significant improvements in the expression levels of liver regeneration-related markers （albumin and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α） and the molecules associated with the Numb-p53 signaling axis （Numb， pNumb， Mdm2， and p53） （all P <0.05）. ConclusionOverexpression of the Numb gene can enhance the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSC on CLF， possibly by activating the Numb-PTB^L-p53-HNF4α axis， promoting the hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs and subsequently enhancing liver regeneration.

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of serum exosomal microRNAs （miRNAs） with hepatic inflammatory injury and histological outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B （CHB）. MethodsPeripheral serum samples were collected from six healthy adults and six patients with CHB， and size exclusion chromatography was used to extract exosomes. Small RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis were used to identify the serum exosomal miRNAs associated with liver inflammatory injury and fibrosis， and quantitative real-time PCR was used for validation in a mouse model of acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine， a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride， and 84 CHB patients undergoing liver biopsy twice before and after treatment. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups； an analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups， and the Tukey test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups， and the Dunn test was used for further comparison between two groups. The chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate influencing factors. ResultsAbnormal expression of serum exosomal miR-122-5p was observed in patients with CHB， and it was downregulated in patients with confluent necrosis and advanced fibrosis. In the mouse model of acute liver injury and the rat model of liver fibrosis， compared with the control group， the model group had a significant reduction in the expression level of miR-122-5p in the liver （P=0.048 and 0.014）， and compared with the patients with mild liver injury， the patients with severe confluent necrosis and advanced fibrosis showed a significant reduction in the expression level of miR-122-5p in liver tissue （P<0.05）. Among the 84 CHB patients， the patients with severe hepatic confluent necrosis or advanced liver fibrosis had a significantly lower expression level of serum exosomal miR-122-5p than those with mild liver injury （P<0.001 and P=0.003）. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the expression level of miR-122-5p was an independent influencing factor for confluent necrosis （odds ratio ［OR］=0.001， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 0.000‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.037， P=0.005） and liver fibrosis degree （OR=0.568， 95%CI： 0.331‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.856， P=0.019）. In addition， compared with the patients with low expression of miR-122-5p， the patients with high expression of miR-122-5p before treatment had a significantly higher reversal rate of liver fibrosis after 72 weeks of antiviral therapy （64.3% vs 38.1%， P=0.029）. ConclusionSerum exosomal miR-122-5p in CHB patients is closely associated with the progression of hepatic confluent necrosis and fibrosis， and the reduction in the expression level of miR-122-5p may aggravate hepatic confluent necrosis， promote the progression of fibrosis， and affect the histological outcome of CHB patients after antiviral therapy.

Background A diverse cohort of patients and susceptible individuals congregate in healthcare facilities, where exposure to pathogenic microorganisms associated with respiratory infectious diseases constitutes a significant risk factor for cross-infection. Central air-conditioning ventilation systems improve some indoor environment indicators while exacerbating the risk of transmission of respiratory infectious diseases. Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of microbial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems of hospitals, providing a scientific basis for the selection of microbial indicators in hygiene standards for hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems and for hospital risk early warning systems. Methods In October 2023, two central air-conditioning ventilation systems were selected from a Grade 3A hospital in Shanghai: one was an all-air air-conditioning system serving the waiting area on the ground floor, and the other was a fan coil plus fresh air system serving the outpatient area on the third floor. Samples from four different components of the ventilation systems—air outlets, filters, surface coolers, and condensate trays—were collected for high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to analyze bacterial communities. Alpha-diversity and beta-diversity analyses were performed to investigate the microbial community composition and diversity characteristics of the hospital central air-conditioning ventilation systems. Functional analysis was conducted to determine the relative abundance of bacterial functions in these systems.Results A total of 528 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, encompassing 20 bacterial phyla, 37 classes, 79 orders, 123 families, and 240 genera. The analysis revealed that the bacterial community was predominantly composed of Proteobacteria, Gemmatimonadates, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. The diversity analysis indicated that bacterial community richness and diversity were highest in the condensate trays, while no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the bacterial community composition among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers. The functional analysis showed that the bacterial communities in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems primarily exhibited chemoheterotrophic, oxidative energy-dependent heterotrophic, and ureolytic functional characteristics. Conclusion The dominance of Proteobacteria suggests that this phylum exhibits strong adaptability in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems, possibly related to its ability to survive and reproduce under varying environmental conditions. The diversity analysis indicates that the condensate tray is a critical area for bacterial proliferation in the central air-conditioning ventilation systems. The similarity in environmental conditions among the air outlets, filters, and surface coolers result in similar bacterial community structures. The functional analysis reveals that the bacterial communities possess robust energy conversion and metabolic capabilities, potentially contributing to processes such as organic matter decomposition and nitrogen cycling within the central air-conditioning ventilation systems.

The transition of cancer cells from epithelial state to mesenchymal state awarded hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stem cell properties and induced tumorigenicity, drug resistance, and high recurrence rate. Reversing the mesenchymal state to epithelial state by inducing mesenchymal-epithelial remodeling could inhibit the progression of HCC. Using high-throughput screening, chrysin was selected from natural products to reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by selectively increasing CDH1 expression. The target identification suggested chrysin exerted its anti-HCC effect through covalently and specifically binding threonine 205 (Thr205) of alpha-enolase (ENO1). For the first time, we revealed that ENO1 bound β-catenin mRNA, and recruited YTHDF2 to identify the m6A modified β-catenin in the 3'-UTR region to degrade β-catenin mRNA. Eventually, the CDH1 gene expression was improved through the regulation of β-catenin mRNA. ENO1/β-catenin mRNA interaction might be a promising target for cellular plasticity reprogramming. Moreover, chrysin could mediate mesenchymal‒epithelial remodeling through increasing degradation of β-catenin mRNA by promoting the binding of ENO1 and β-catenin mRNA. To the best of our knowledge, chrysin is the first reported small molecule inducing β-catenin mRNA degradation through binding to ENO1. The water-soluble derivative of chrysin may be a natural product-derived lead compound for circumventing metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance of HCC by mediating mesenchymal‒epithelial remodeling.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a prevalent neurological disorder often resulting in significant disability or mortality. Resveratrol, extracted from Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (commonly known as Japanese knotweed), has been recognized for its potent neuroprotective properties. However, the neuroprotective efficacy of its derivative, (E)-4-(3,5-dimethoxystyryl) quinoline (RV02), against ischemic stroke remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of RV02 on neuronal ischemia-reperfusion injury both in vitro and in vivo. The research utilized an animal model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion and SH-SY5Y cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion to simulate ischemic conditions. The findings demonstrate that RV02 attenuates neuronal mitochondrial damage and scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) through mitophagy activation. Furthermore, Parkin knockdown was found to abolish RV02's ability to activate mitophagy and neuroprotection in vitro. These results suggest that RV02 shows promise as a neuroprotective agent, with the activation of Parkin-mediated mitophagy potentially serving as the primary mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects.
Animals ; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics* ; Mitophagy/drug effects* ; Resveratrol/analogs & derivatives* ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Ischemic Stroke/genetics* ; Male ; Quinolines/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Fallopia japonica/chemistry* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Reperfusion Injury/metabolism* ; Rats ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Disease Models, Animal

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） co-cultured with bone marrow-derived M2 macrophages （M2-BMDMs）， named as BMSC^M2， on a rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄）/2-acetaminofluorene （2-AAF）. MethodsRat BMDMs were isolated and polarized into M2 phenotype， and rat BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with M2-BMDMs at the third generation to obtain BMSC^M2. The rats were given subcutaneous injection of CCl₄ for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis， and then they were randomly divided into model group （M group）， BMSC group， and BMSC^M2 group， with 6 rats in each group. A normal group （N group） with 6 rats was also established. Since week 7， the model rats were given 2-AAF by gavage in addition to the subcutaneous injection of CCl₄. Samples were collected at the end of week 10 to observe liver function， liver histopathology， and hydroxyproline （Hyp） content in liver tissue， as well as changes in the markers for hepatic stellate cells， hepatic progenitor cells， cholangiocytes， and hepatocytes. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSC^M2 groups had significant reductions in ALT and AST （P<0.01）， and the BMSC^M2 group had significantly better activities than the BMSC group （P<0.05）. Compared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in Hyp content and the mRNA and protein expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） in the liver （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSC^M2 groups had significant reductions in Hyp content and the expression of α-SMA （P<0.05）， and the BMSC^M2 group had a significantly lower level of α-SMA than the BMSC group （P<0.01）. Compared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of the hepatic progenitor cell markers EpCam and Sox9 and the cholangiocyte markers CK7 and CK19 （P<0.01） and significant reductions in the expression levels of the hepatocyte markers HNF-4α and Alb （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSC^M2 groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam， Sox9， CK7， and CK19 （P<0.05） and significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and Alb （P<0.05）， and compared with the BMSC group， the BMSC^M2 group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam and CK19 （P<0.05） and significant increase in the expression level of HNF-4α （P<0.05）. ConclusionM2-BMDMs can enhance the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on CCl₄/2-AAF-induced liver cirrhosis in rats， which provides new ideas for further improving the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on liver cirrhosis.

Objective:To explore the protective effect of astaxanthin on acute liver injury induced by α-amanitin in mice.Methods:In June 2023, 42 healthy SPF male Kunming mice were selected. The mice were divided into blank control group, model (0.45 mg/kg α-amanitin) group, olive oil (10 ml/kg olive oil) group, low dose (20 mg/kg) astaxanthin group, medium dose (40 mg/kg) astaxanthin group, high dose (80 mg/kg) astaxanthin group and silybin (20 mg/kg) group by random number table method. Each group had 6 animals. Mice in the blank control group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 ml/kg normal saline, and mice in the other group were injected with α-amanitin. After that, the blank control group and model group were infused with 10 ml/kg normal saline, olive oil group and astaxanthin groups were given olive oil and astaxanthin according to dose by gavage, and silybin group was injected with silybin by dose. The drug was administered once every 12 h for a total of 4 doses. After 60 h, the mice were killed, the liver weight was weighed, and the liver index was calculated. The contents of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum of mice were detected, and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues were also detected. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the difference of indexes among each group, and pairwise comparison was performed by Dunnett- t test. Results:The mice in the blank control group had smooth hair color, good spirit and normal behavior, while the mice in the other groups showed varying degrees of retardation and decreased diet, and no death occurred in each group. Body mass[ (26.67±1.51) g] and liver mass[ (1.23±0.14) g] in model group were significantly lower than those in blank control group [ (33.50±2.43) g and (1.87±0.16) g], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The liver index [ (5.39±0.32) %, (5.83±0.30) %, (5.75±0.24) % and (5.78±0.16) %] in low, medium and high dose astaxanthin groups and silybin group were significantly higher than those in model group [ (4.61±0.12) %], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Serum ALT and AST contents in model group [ (153.04±13.96) U/L and (59.08±4.03) U/L] were significantly higher than those in blank control group [ (13.77±1.29) U/L and (10.21±0.35) U/L], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The contents of CAT, GSH and SOD in liver tissues of model group [ (9.40±2.23) U/mgprot, (3.09±0.26) μmol/gprot and (48.94±3.13) U/mgprot] were significantly lower than those of blank control group [ (26.36±2.92) U/mgprot, (6.76±0.71) μmol/gprot and (89.89±4.17) U/mgprot], the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). MDA content[ (6.33±0.24) nmol/mgprot] in liver tissue of model group was significantly higher than that of blank control group [ (0.91±0.21) nmol/mgprot], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The CAT contents[ (18.64±1.76) U/mgprot, (18.20±1.76) U/mgprot, and (15.54±1.36) U/mgprot] in liver tissues of low, medium and high dose astaxanthin groups were significantly higher than those of model group, with statistical significances ( P<0.05). Compared with model group, SOD contents[ (72.16±7.44) U/mgprot, (93.18±5.28) U/mgprot, (103.78±7.07) U/mgprot, and (96.60±7.02) U/mgprot] in liver tissues of mice in low, medium and high dose astaxanthin groups and silybin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), MDA contents [ (4.30±0.84) U/mgprot, (3.66±0.28) U/mgprot, (2.96±0.29) U/mgprot, and (2.88±0.39) U/mgprot] were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with model group, GSH content [ (7.90±1.25) μmol/gprot] in high dose astaxanthin group was significantly increased ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Astaxanthin may alleviate acute liver injury induced by α-amanitin by alleviating oxidative stress in mice liver.

Objective:To explore the protective effect of astaxanthin on acute liver injury induced by α-amanitin in mice.Methods:In June 2023, 42 healthy SPF male Kunming mice were selected. The mice were divided into blank control group, model (0.45 mg/kg α-amanitin) group, olive oil (10 ml/kg olive oil) group, low dose (20 mg/kg) astaxanthin group, medium dose (40 mg/kg) astaxanthin group, high dose (80 mg/kg) astaxanthin group and silybin (20 mg/kg) group by random number table method. Each group had 6 animals. Mice in the blank control group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 ml/kg normal saline, and mice in the other group were injected with α-amanitin. After that, the blank control group and model group were infused with 10 ml/kg normal saline, olive oil group and astaxanthin groups were given olive oil and astaxanthin according to dose by gavage, and silybin group was injected with silybin by dose. The drug was administered once every 12 h for a total of 4 doses. After 60 h, the mice were killed, the liver weight was weighed, and the liver index was calculated. The contents of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum of mice were detected, and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues were also detected. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the difference of indexes among each group, and pairwise comparison was performed by Dunnett- t test. Results:The mice in the blank control group had smooth hair color, good spirit and normal behavior, while the mice in the other groups showed varying degrees of retardation and decreased diet, and no death occurred in each group. Body mass[ (26.67±1.51) g] and liver mass[ (1.23±0.14) g] in model group were significantly lower than those in blank control group [ (33.50±2.43) g and (1.87±0.16) g], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The liver index [ (5.39±0.32) %, (5.83±0.30) %, (5.75±0.24) % and (5.78±0.16) %] in low, medium and high dose astaxanthin groups and silybin group were significantly higher than those in model group [ (4.61±0.12) %], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Serum ALT and AST contents in model group [ (153.04±13.96) U/L and (59.08±4.03) U/L] were significantly higher than those in blank control group [ (13.77±1.29) U/L and (10.21±0.35) U/L], and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The contents of CAT, GSH and SOD in liver tissues of model group [ (9.40±2.23) U/mgprot, (3.09±0.26) μmol/gprot and (48.94±3.13) U/mgprot] were significantly lower than those of blank control group [ (26.36±2.92) U/mgprot, (6.76±0.71) μmol/gprot and (89.89±4.17) U/mgprot], the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). MDA content[ (6.33±0.24) nmol/mgprot] in liver tissue of model group was significantly higher than that of blank control group [ (0.91±0.21) nmol/mgprot], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The CAT contents[ (18.64±1.76) U/mgprot, (18.20±1.76) U/mgprot, and (15.54±1.36) U/mgprot] in liver tissues of low, medium and high dose astaxanthin groups were significantly higher than those of model group, with statistical significances ( P<0.05). Compared with model group, SOD contents[ (72.16±7.44) U/mgprot, (93.18±5.28) U/mgprot, (103.78±7.07) U/mgprot, and (96.60±7.02) U/mgprot] in liver tissues of mice in low, medium and high dose astaxanthin groups and silybin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), MDA contents [ (4.30±0.84) U/mgprot, (3.66±0.28) U/mgprot, (2.96±0.29) U/mgprot, and (2.88±0.39) U/mgprot] were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with model group, GSH content [ (7.90±1.25) μmol/gprot] in high dose astaxanthin group was significantly increased ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Astaxanthin may alleviate acute liver injury induced by α-amanitin by alleviating oxidative stress in mice liver.

Objective Endothelial injury plays a crucial role in forming deep vein thrombosis.This study aims to compare the effectiveness of various methods for creating rabbit femoral vein thrombotic models after the endothelial injuryso as to provide a solid experimental foundation for further research on the endothelial injury and deep vein thrombosis.Methods Forty-five rabbits were randomly divided into three groups(A,B,C),with 15 cases in each group and subjected to the endothelial injury using the methods of simple clamping,combined complete ligation,and combined incomplete ligation,respectively.The intravascular ultrasonic manifestations and local endothelial pathological changes were compared at 1,3,and 7 days after modeling.Results Significant differences in vascular diameter and Young's modulus values were observed after 7 days of modeling(P<0.05).In pairwise comparisons between the groups,the Young's modulus values in group C were significantly higher than those in groups A and B after 7 days of modeling(P<0.05).Pathological examination confirmed the presence of fibr-inoid thrombus in the blood vessels of group C on the seventh day of modeling.Conclusion Combining simple clam-ping and incomplete ligation can produce a relatively stable endothelial injury and thrombus formation.This method provides a robust experimental model for further investigation into deep vein thrombosis after the endothelial injury.