Idiopathic epiretinal membrane(IERM)is an age-related retinal disease of the macula. In early stages, symptoms of IERM are usually characterized by visual impairment. As the disease progresses, it can lead to metamorphopsia and lower visual acuity in severe cases, the pathogenesis of IERM remains a mystery. Researchers have found that posterior vitreous detachment(PVD), anomalous PVD, activation of the renin-angiotensin system(RAS), and glial to mesenchymal transition(GMT)of Müller cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of IERM. In pathological research of IERM, astrocytes, microglia, Müller cells, hyalocytes, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cells were found to be the major cellular components of IERM, and the extracellular matrix of IERM was mainly composed of extracellular collagen fibers. In this article, we summarize the mechanisms of IERM formation in the light of some of the recent advances in research on the pathogeny, cells, cytokines, and extracellular matrix of IERM, in order to provide directions for its prevention and treatment.

BACKGROUND: The protective effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has been widely reported. Dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs) have therapeutic effects on various diseases, including diabetes and cirrhosis. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of DP-MSCs on I/R injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Myocardial I/R injury model mice were treated with DP-MSCs or a miR-19a-3p mimic. The infarct volume, fibrotic area, pyroptosis, inflammation level, and cardiac function were measured. Cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation were transfected with the miR-19a-3p mimic, miR-19a-3p inhibitor, or negative control. Pyroptosis and protein expression in the interferon regulatory factor 8/mitogen-activated protein kinase (IRF-8/MAPK) pathway were measured. RESULTS: DP-MSCs protected cardiac function in cardiac I/R-injured mice and inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. The upregulation of miR-19a-3p protected cardiac function, inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, and inhibited IRF-8/MAPK signaling in cardiac I/R-injured mice. DP-MSCs inhibited cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and the IRF-8/MAPK signaling by upregulating the miR-19a-3p levels in cardiomyocytes injured by I/R. CONCLUSION DP-MSCs protected cardiac function by inhibiting cardiomyocyte pyroptosis through miR-19a-3p under I/R conditions.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/genetics* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology* ; Mice ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/therapy* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/physiology*

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Objective To investigate the biological function of long-stranded non-coding RNA colorectal tumor differentially expressed gene(lncRNA CRNDE)in the malignant progression of papillary thyroid carci-noma(PTC)and its potential regulatory mechanisms.Methods Cancer and paracancerous tissue specimens from totally 30 PTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy at the Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu U-niversity from July 2019 to January 2021 were collected,and human thyroid cancer cell lines(TPC-1 and BC-PAP)and normal human thyroid cells(Nthy-ori 3-1)were additionally selected as the target cells.Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)was performed to detect the expression of lncRNA CRNDE and microRNA(miR)-451 in PTC cancer,paracancerous tissues,and cell lines.TPC-1 and BCPAP cells were randomly divided into control(Ctrl)group,lncRNA CRNDE overexpression(lncRNA CRNDE-OE)group and lncRNA CRNDE knockdown(lncRNA CRNDE-siRNA)group.CCK-8 method was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Transwell method was used to detect cell invasion and migration.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis.Western blot was used to detect N-cadherin,vimentin,and E-cadherin protein ex-pression.The luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the targeting relationship between lncRNA CRNDE and miR-451 gene.Results lncRNA CRNDE expression was increased and miR-451 expression was decreased in cancer tissues compared with paracancerous tissues(P＜0.001);lncRNA CRNDE expression was up-regulated and miR-451 expression was down-regulated in TPC-1 and BCPCP cells compared with Nthy-ori 3-1 cells(P＜0.001).Compared with the Ctrl group,BCPAP and TPC-1 cells in the lncRNA CRNDE-OE group showed increased survival,invasion and migration rates,decreased apoptosis,decreased E-cadherin pro-tein expression,elevated N-cadherin and Vimentin protein expression,and decreased miR-451 expression(P＜0.01),whereas in the lncRNA CRNDE-siRNA group,cell survival,invasion rate and migration rate were de-creased,apoptosis rate was elevated,E-cadherin protein expression was increased,and N-cadherin and Vimen-tin protein expression was decreased(P＜0.01).Dual luciferase reporter assay showed that lncRNA CRNDE had obvious targeting relationship with miR-451.Conclusion lncRNA CRNDE is highly expressed in PTC cancer tissues,which may promote PTC cell proliferation,migration,invasion,epithelial mesenchymal transi-tion,and inhibit cell apoptosis by targeting miR-451 expression inhibition.

Background::Hypothermia therapy has been suggested to attenuate myocardial necrosis; however, the clinical implementation as a valid therapeutic strategy has failed, and new approaches are needed to translate into clinical applications. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a novel selective intracoronary hypothermia (SICH) device in mitigating myocardial reperfusion injury.Methods::This study comprised two phases. The first phase of the SICH was performed in a normal porcine model for 30 minutes ( n = 5) to evaluate its feasibility. The second phase was conducted in a porcine myocardial infarction (MI) model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion which was performed by balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 60 minutes and maintained for 42 days. Pigs in the hypothermia group ( n = 8) received hypothermia intervention onset reperfusion for 30 minutes and controls ( n = 8) received no intervention. All animals were followed for 42 days. Cardiac magnetic resonance analysis (five and 42 days post-MI) and a series of biomarkers/histological studies were performed. Results::The average time to lower temperatures to a steady state was 4.8 ± 0.8 s. SICH had no impact on blood pressure or heart rate and was safely performed without complications by using a 3.9 F catheter. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were lower at 60 min post perfusion in pigs that underwent SICH as compared with the control group. On day 5 post MI/R, edema, intramyocardial hemorrhage, and microvascular obstruction were reduced in the hypothermia group. On day 42 post MI/R, the infarct size, IL-6, CRP, BNP, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were reduced, and the ejection fraction was improved in pigs that underwent SICH.Conclusions::The SICH device safely and effectively reduced the infarct size and improved heart function in a pig model of MI/R. These beneficial effects indicate the clinical potential of SICH for treatment of myocardial reperfusion injury.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death,which is distinct from apoptosis,ne-crosis,and pyroptosis.Recent studies have found that activators of ferroptosis,such as Erastin,can activate autophagy-re-lated proteins,induce the formation of autophagosomes,and ultimately release ferric ions to mediate ferroptosis.This pro-cess,called ferritinophagy,is initiated by the binding of an autophagic cargo receptor protein,nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4),to iron-laden ferritin.The transfer of NCOA4-ferritin to the lysosome by ferritinophagy results in the proteoly-sis of ferritin,and,in turn,the release of its iron content and lipid-reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation.Ferritin-ophagy has been closely associated with central nervous system disorders,circulatory system diseases,and cancer.Fur-thermore,the regulation mechanism of ferritinophagy is also a hot topic in the study of iron-dependent cell death process.With the in-depth study of ferritinophagy,great progress has been made in the study of key components of ferritinophagy as well as its molecular mechanisms and processes.However,a comprehensive summary of the methods for detecting ferritin-ophagy is still unclear.To further deepen the understanding of ferritinophagy and its detection methods,this review focus-es on the concept,characteristics,methods,and precautions during detection of ferritinophagy.This review provided ex-perimental reference for subsequent researchers and promoting the progress of research related to ferritinophagy.

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on the motor function and mitochondrial dynamics of skeletal muscle of SAMP8 mice;To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in improving the motor dysfunction of Alzheimer disease(AD)from the perspective of mitochondrial dynamics.Methods Totally 18 SAMP8 mice were divided into model group and electroacupuncture group,with 9 mice in each group,and the SAMR1 mice with the same age were set as control group."Baihui","Dazhui"and"Shenshu"were selected in the electroacupuncture group,and electroacupuncture was performed daily for 20 min,8 d as a course of treatment.Each course of treatment was separated by 2 d,for a total of 3 courses of treatment.The model group and the control group were not intervened.The motor function of mice was tested by grip strength test,suspension test,hind limb extension test and Morris water maze experiment.The morphology and structure of gastrocnemius were observed by HE staining,ATP content in gastrocnemius was determined by colorimetry,the mRNA expression of optic atrophy 1(OPA1),mitofusin 2(MFN2)and dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1)in gastrocnemius were detected by real-time quantitative PCR,the expressions of OPA1,MFN2 and DRP1 in gastrocnemius were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the grip strength,the score in suspension test,and the average speed and maximum speed of Morris water maze experiment of mice in model group significantly decreased(P<0.01);the arrangement of fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle tissue was disordered,the gaps become wider,and the distribution of nuclei was uneven;the ATP content in the gastrocnemius muscle tissue was significantly decreased(P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expressions of OPA1 and MFN2 were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of DRP1 mRNA and protein significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the grip strength,the score in suspension test,and the average speed and maximum speed of Morris water maze experiment in electroacupuncture group significantly increased(P<0.01);the arrangement of gastrocnemius muscle tissue was relatively neat,the gaps become narrower,and the distribution of nuclei was more uniform;the ATP content in gastrocnemius muscle tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),while the mRNA and protein expressions of OPA1 and MFN2 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of DRP1 mRNA and protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve the skeletal muscle morphological structure and motor dysfunction of SAMP8 mice,and the mechanism may be related to the correction of skeletal muscle mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and the increase of skeletal muscle ATP content.

Objective: To explore the relationship of sleep quality and emotional regulation difficulties in middle school students, and to analyze its mediating role of daytime dysfunction, social rejection and selfcontrol ability, so as to provide a scientific reference for improving middle school students mental health. Methods: From October to November, 2023, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Adolescent Social Rejection Questionnaire, Brief Selfcontrol Scale and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scaleshort Form (DERS-16) were used to assess 806 students recruited from four middle schools in Bengbu City by a convenient cluster random sampling method. And model-6 of PROCESS and 5 000 Bootstraps were used to make a chainmediating model analysis. Results: Daytime dysfunction was positively correlated with sleep quality(r=0.57), social rejection(r=0.19), selfcontrol(r=0.29, P＜0.01). Selfcontrol was positively correlated with emotional regulation difficulties(r=0.54, P<0.01).Poor sleep quality showed a significant positive association with on daytime dysfunction, and daytime dysfunction further affected social rejection, selfcontrol ability and emotional regulation difficulties (β=0.86, 0.60, 1.27, 1.56, P<0.05). Meanwhile, daytime dysfunction, social rejection and selfcontrol played a serial mediating role in the relationship between sleep quality and emotional regulation difficulties (Estimate=0.11,95%CI=0.04-0.20,P<0.05). Conclusion The study reveals the complex relationship between sleep quality and emotional regulation difficulties in middle school students and provides a new theoretical basis for adolescent sleep improvement and mental health interventions.

Objective:This study aimed to assess left atrial function in adults across various age groups using 4-dimensional automated left atrial quantification(4D Auto LAQ)technology.The study also aimed to compare the differences in two-dimensional(2D)and four-dimensional(4D)strains of the left atrium among different age groups, with the goal of enhancing the clinical utility of 4D Auto LAQ.Methods:A total of 409 healthy volunteers were recruited for the research.Two-dimensional and four-dimensional images were obtained using a GE Vivid E95 ultrasound system with a 4Vc four-dimensional probe.The study examined variations in 2D and 4D ultrasound parameters across various age groups.Furthermore, the relationship between left atrial reservoir strain(LASr), Left atrial conduit strain(LAScd), left atrial contraction strain(LASct), and age was explored.Results:The study involved 409 volunteers, with 217 males and 192 females, who were categorized into three age groups: young(18-45 years, n=56), middle-aged(46-65 years, n=202), and elderly(>65 years, n=151).Conventional ultrasound measurements indicated changes in left atrial anterior-posterior diameter with age progression: (31.70±3.65)mm for the young group, (34.02±3.91)mm for the middle-aged group, and(35.2±4.37)mm for the elderly group( P<0.01).The 2D and 4D left atrial parameters across the age groups were as follows: LASr(2D)(%): 37.48±7.51, 30.95±8.23, 26.9±7.56( P<0.01); LA VImax(ml/m 2): 23.54±5.79, 26.33±7.6, 28.99±8.15( P<0.01); LASr(%): 31.2±17.07, 22.5±8.59, 19.49±7.47( P<0.01).Both 2D and 4D left atrial parameters exhibited significant associations with age.Specifically, the correlations between LASr(2D)(%), LAScd(2D)(%), LASr(%), LAScd(%), and age were -0.429, 0.580, -0.354, 0.298, respectively( P<0.01). Conclusions:The 4D Auto LAQ technology is efficient in assessing left atrial function across various age groups, with age playing a significant role in influencing left atrial parameters.When compared to other ultrasound parameters, both 2D and 4D left atrial strain parameters have the ability to detect differences at an early stage, making them suitable for the early screening, evaluation, and monitoring of age-related left atrial dysfunction, especially in the elderly population.

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on the motor function and expressions of Irisin,Decorin and Myostatin in skeletal muscle of SAMP8 mice;To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in the treatment of the motor dysfunction of Alzheimer disease(AD).Methods Totally 247-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group and electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice in each group,and the 12 male SAMR1 mice with the same age were set as the control group."Baihui","Dazhui"and"Shenshu"were selected in the electroacupuncture group,once a day,8 days as one course of treatment,with an interval of 2 days,for a total of 3 courses.The control group and the model group were not intervened.The motor function of mice was tested by grip strength test,pole climbing test and open field test,the mRNA expressions of Irisin,Decorin and Myostatin in quadriceps muscle were detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein expressions of Irisin,Decorin and Myostatin in quadriceps muscle were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the grip peak and duration of the mice in the model group decreased,head turning time and pole climbing time were prolonged(P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expressions of Irisin and Decorin decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expressions of Myostatin mRNA and protein increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the grip peak and duration of the mice in the electroacupuncture group increased,head turning time and pole climbing time were decreased(P<0.05),the mRNA and protein expressions of Irisin and Decorin increased(P<0.05),and the expressions of Myostatin mRNA and protein decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve the motor dysfunction of SAMP8 mice,and its mechanism may be related to regulating the expressions of Irisin,Decorin and Myostatin in skeletal muscle.