Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, primarily characterized by systemic inflammation and hyperactivation of both B and T lymphocytes. Key immunological features include increased consumption of complement components, sustained overproduction of type I interferons (IFN-I), and persistent production of a broad spectrum of autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA antibodies. However, the use of autoantibodies as biomarkers for the early detection of SLE is associated with a high false-positive rate, suggesting that antibody characteristics evolve during disease progression.N-glycosylation is a critical post-translational modification of antibodies that significantly influences their structure and receptor-binding properties, thereby modulating biological activities and functions. In particular, glycosylation patterns affect the antibody’s affinity for Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), subsequently regulating various antibody-mediated immune responses. Numerous studies have investigated the impact of individual monosaccharides—such as sialic acid, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine, which constitute N-glycans—on the immunological functions of antibodies. This review systematically summarizes the aberrant immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation patterns observed in SLE patients, with a focus on correlations between disease progression or complications and quantitative alterations in individual glycan components. We first review how different types of N-glycosylation modifications affect the biological activity and functional properties of IgG, particularly regarding the effects of specific monosaccharides—such as sialic acid, fucose, and galactose—on FcγR binding affinity and the resulting downstream immune functions. We then summarize the differential expression of IgGN-glycans and glycosyltransferase genes between SLE patients and healthy controls, and outline the associations between glycosylation changes and SLE-related pathological responses. In response to the inconsistencies and limitations in current research, we propose potential explanations from the perspectives of study methodologies, participant characteristics, and variations in N-glycan structures, aiming to provide a constructive reference for future studies. Given the close relationship between antibody glycosylation and SLE, this review highlights the potential of IgG N-glycosylation patterns as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. In terms of therapy, we discuss how IgG glycosylation can enhance the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment and introduce emerging therapeutic strategies that aim to modulate endogenous IgG N-glycans as a novel glycan-based approach for SLE management. In summary, N-glycans are essential structural components of antibodies that regulate immune responses by modulating antibody-receptor interactions. Aberrant glycosylation is closely associated with the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including SLE. However, due to the structural diversity of N-glycans and the complexity of glycosylation processes, the precise roles of IgGN-glycosylation in SLE pathophysiology remain incompletely understood. Moreover, therapeutic strategies targeting IgG glycosylation are still in early development and have not yet reached clinical application. Continued progress in glycan analysis technologies and other biological tools, along with interdisciplinary collaboration, will be essential for advancing this field.

Human milk is universally recognized as the optimal and most natural source of nutrition for newborns, offering benefits that extend far beyond basic energy and macronutrient provision. Among its complex constituents, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) represent the third most abundant solid component, surpassed only by lactose and lipids. HMOs are distinguished by their exceptionally high structural diversity—over 200 distinct structures have been identified to date. This structural complexity underlies the extensive biological functions HMOs perform within the infant’s body. HMOs play a pivotal role in promoting healthy growth, development, and overall well-being in infants and young children, functioning as indispensable bioactive molecules. Their key physiological activities include: immunomodulation and allergy prevention by promoting immune tolerance and reducing the risk of allergic diseases; potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protect vulnerable infant tissues; support for brain development and cognitive enhancement through multiple mechanisms; anti-pathogenic properties, acting as soluble receptor analogs or “decoy” molecules to competitively block viral, bacterial, and other pathogen adhesion, thereby preventing colonization and infection in the gastrointestinal tract; and functioning as blood group substances. At the translational and application level, HMO research is actively driving cross-disciplinary innovation. Building on a deep understanding of their immunological and neurodevelopmental benefits, certain structurally defined HMOs have been successfully incorporated into infant formula. These HMO-supplemented formulas have received regulatory approval and are now commercially available worldwide, providing a nutritional alternative that more closely resembles human milk for infants who are not exclusively breastfed. This represents a significant step toward narrowing the compositional gap between formula and breast milk. Simultaneously, research into the symbiotic relationship between HMOs and the gut microbiota—particularly their role as selective prebiotic substrates promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria—has catalyzed the development of novel functional foods, dietary supplements, and microbiome-targeted therapies. These include advanced synbiotic formulations that combine specific probiotic strains with HMOs to synergistically optimize gut health and function. Furthermore, the intrinsic qualities of HMOs—including their natural origin, safety profile, biocompatibility, and proven antioxidant properties—have attracted growing interest in the emerging field of high-performance cosmetics. They are increasingly being explored as innovative functional ingredients in skincare products aimed at reducing oxidative stress and supporting skin health. This review aims to systematically synthesize recent advancements in HMO research, offering a comprehensive analysis centered on their complex composition and structural diversity; the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying their diverse biological functions; their translational potential across sectors such as nutrition, medicine, and consumer care (including cosmetics); and the major challenges that persist in the field. It critically examines both foundational discoveries and recent breakthroughs. By integrating these interconnected themes, the review provides a holistic and up-to-date perspective on the scientific landscape of HMOs, highlighting their essential role in early-life nutrition and their expanding relevance across health and wellness applications. It also outlines promising directions for future research, with the goal of advancing evidence-based innovation in infant health and beyond.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cardioprotective effect and impact of Qishen Granules (QSG) on different ischemic areas of the myocardium in heart failure (HF) rats by evaluating its metabolic pattern, substrate utilization, and mechanistic modulation. METHODS: In vivo, echocardiography and histology were used to assess rat cardiac function; positron emission tomography was performed to assess the abundance of glucose metabolism in the ischemic border and remote areas of the heart; fatty acid metabolism and ATP production levels were assessed by hematologic and biochemical analyses. The above experiments evaluated the cardioprotective effect of QSG on left anterior descending ligation-induced HF in rats and the mode of energy metabolism modulation. In vitro, a hypoxia-induced H9C2 model was established, mitochondrial damage was evaluated by flow cytometry, and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1 α) was observed by immunofluorescence to assess the mechanism of energy metabolism regulation by QSG in hypoxic and normoxia conditions. RESULTS: QSG regulated the pattern of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the border and remote areas of the heart via the HIF-1 α pathway, and improved cardiac function in HF rats. Specifically, QSG promoted HIF-1 α expression and entry into the nucleus at high levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), thereby promoting increased compensatory glucose metabolism; while reducing nuclear accumulation of HIF-1 α at relatively low levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), promoting the increased lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS QSG regulates the protein stability of HIF-1 α, thereby coordinating energy supply balance between the ischemic border and remote areas of the myocardium. This alleviates the energy metabolism disorder caused by ischemic injury.
Animals ; Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology* ; Male ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects* ; Rats ; Fatty Acids/metabolism* ; Myocardium/pathology*

OBJECTIVE To compare the influence of age on the recovery of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.METHODS Detailed medical data of patients were reviewed.The patients were diagnosed as sudden sensorineural hearing loss from Jan 2010 to June 2018 and accepted treatments with neurotrophic drugs,steroid or hyperbaric oxygen.Age grouping was performed by every 5 years'interval.The treatment efficacy and hearing improvement were compared according to the age.RESULTS There were one hundred and sixty-three patients in this study.The majority of patients had moderate or above hearing loss,and most of the hearing curve was flat and profound type.The overall recovery rate was 56.44%,hearing gain was averaged 21.88 dB.55-60 years group had largest number of patients in the 11 age groups.Even with different treatment,the patients aged 57-66 years had the bad recovery,including the hearing gain data and total effective rate.CONCLUSION Ages has influence on the recovery of sudden sensorineural hearing loss,it maybe correlated with the etiology and patients'condition.

Objective To explore the regulatory mechanism of Macelignan on oxidative stress-mediated neuronal injury in autophagy and apoptosis.Methods Murine hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells were treated with 2.5 mmol·L-1 glutamic acid(Glu)to establish an oxidative stress cell model.The cells were divided into normal group(normal cultured cells),model group(2.5 mmol·L-1 Glu)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(2.5,5,10 μmol·L-1Macelignan treatment),inhibitor group(2.5 mmol·L-1 Glu+10 μmol·L-1 Macelignan+10 μmol·L-1 LY294002).Aoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry;the protein expression level of autophagy-related protein LC3B(LC3B),anti-SQSTM1/p62(p62),p21,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax)was detected by Western blot.Results The apoptosis rates in the normal group,model group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were(4.58±1.25)％,(8.75±0.55)％,(6.30±1.71)％,(5.97±2.27)％and(5.49±1.71)％.The difference between model group and normal group was statistically significant(P＜0.01).The difference between experimental-L,-M,-H groups and model group was statistically significant(all P＜0.01).The levels of LC3B in normal group,model group,experimental-L,experimental-M,experimental-H groups and inhibitor group were 0.28±0.02,0.74±0.02,1.02±0.04,0.70±0.03,0.26±0.02 and 0.21±0.01;p62 levels were 0.49±0.08,0.33±0.03,0.50±0.07,0.59±0.01,0.64±0.13 and 0.65±0.06;p21 levels were 0.87±0.02,1.18±0.03,0.98±0.03,0.88±0.03,0.72±0.06 and 0.81±0.02;Bcl-2/Bax levels were 1.74±0.23,1.11±0.10,1.38±0.05,1.66±0.26,1.58±0.29 and 1.53±0.09,respectively.The differences between model group and normal group,between model group and experimental-H group,between model group and inhibitor group,were also statistically significant(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Macelignan can reduce the damage of hippocampal neurons induced by glutamate acid by regulating the process of autophagy and apoptosis,and has obvious neuroprotective effect.

Aim To investigate the role and mecha-nism of CXC chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3)in hepa-toblastoma(HB).Methods The expression of CX-CR3 was detected by immunohistochemical and West-ern blot in 16 cases of HB tissue and adjacent normal liver tissue.The HB cells(Huh-6 and HepT1)were transfected with Con-shRNA,CXCR3-shRNA1,and CXCR3-shRNA2,respectively,and then divided into the Con-shRNA group,CXCR3-shRNA1 group,and CXCR3-shRNA2 group.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and EdU staining.Cell migration and invasion were detected by scratch and Transwell as-says.The expressions of β-catenin,c-Myc,cyclin D1,MMP-7 and MMP-9 were detected by Western blot.The tumor formation and tumor volume in each group were assessed using nude mouse xenograft tumor model,while the expressions of MMP-9 and Ki67 in tumor tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry.Results The expression of CXCR3 was up-regulated in HB tissue(P＜0.01).Compared to the Con-shR-NA group,the viability,proliferation,migration and invasion of Huh-6 and HepT1 cells in the CXCR3-shR-NA1 and CXCR3-shRNA2 groups were reduced(P＜0.01),the expressions of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related proteins were attenuated(P＜0.01),the tumor grew slowly and the volume was significantly reduced(P＜0.01),and the expressions of MMP-9 and Ki67 in tumor tissue decreased(P＜0.01).Con-clusions Downregulation of CXCR3 hinders the pro-liferation and migration of HB cells,potentially as-cribed to the attenuation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impacts of varicocele (VC) and varicocelectomy (VCT) on the proteomics of rat testis tissue, and to analyze the differential proteins and signaling pathways, and observe the microstructural changes of the testis tissue. METHODS: We selected 60 male SD rats and divided them into a sham operation (SO), a VC model control, and a VCT group. We harvested the testis tissues from the rats at 4 weeks after modeling for determination of the differential protein expressions by mass spectrometry, analysis of the changes in the protein signaling pathways by KEGG pathway repolarization, and observation of the microstructural changes in the spermatogenic cells under the transmission electron microscope (TEM). RESULTS: A total of 15 clinically significant proteins were effectively identified, among which RPS24, KIFAP3, HPX, RPL38, TOP2A, PRPF19, TRPM3, RPL32, CNBP and AHSG were upregulated, while RPS9, TKFC, SH3BGRL3, ACAA2 and FABP3 downregulated. The differential pathways found included the Type-I 4-aminobutyrate degradation pathway, eIF2 signaling pathway, and Type-III glutamate degradation pathway, which were all related to the pathogenesis of testicular growth arrest. Compared with the rats in the VCT group, those of the VC group rats showed ultrastructural changes in the testis tissue under the TEM, such as mitochondrial vacuolar degeneration, dense nucleoli, invagination of cell nuclear membranes, and irregularity, which were detrimental to the survival of testicular cells. CONCLUSION VCT affects the development and growth of the testis by altering the expressions of relevant proteins and influencing the changes of the gene pathways in the testicular cells, which may be one of the causes of VC inducing testis injury and testicular spermatogenic dysfunction. The changes in these molecular pathways can provide some theoretical evidence for an insight VC as well as potential therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Male ; Animals ; Varicocele/pathology* ; Rats ; Testis/ultrastructure* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Proteomics ; Signal Transduction ; Proteome

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and the risk factors of fungal sepsis in 25 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) among preterm infants in China, and to provide a basis for preventive strategies of fungal sepsis. Methods: This was a second-analysis of the data from the "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units using the evidence-based practice for improving quality" study. The current status of fungal sepsis of the 24 731 preterm infants with the gestational age of <34⁺⁰ weeks, who were admitted to 25 participating NICU within 7 days of birth between May 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. These preterm infants were divided into the fungal sepsis group and the without fungal sepsis group according to whether they developed fungal sepsis to analyze the incidences and the microbiology of fungal sepsis. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidences of fungal sepsis in preterm infants with different gestational ages and birth weights and in different NICU. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to study the outcomes of preterm infants with fungal sepsis, which were further compared with those of preterm infants without fungal sepsis. The 144 preterm infants in the fungal sepsis group were matched with 288 preterm infants in the non-fungal sepsis group by propensity score-matched method. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of fungal sepsis. Results: In all, 166 (0.7%) of the 24 731 preterm infants developed fungal sepsis, with the gestational age of (29.7±2.0) weeks and the birth weight of (1 300±293) g. The incidence of fungal sepsis increased with decreasing gestational age and birth weight (both P<0.001). The preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks accounted for 87.3% (145/166). The incidence of fungal sepsis was 1.0% (117/11 438) in very preterm infants and 2.0% (28/1 401) in extremely preterm infants, and was 1.3% (103/8 060) in very low birth weight infants and 1.7% (21/1 211) in extremely low birth weight infants, respectively. There was no fungal sepsis in 3 NICU, and the incidences in the other 22 NICU ranged from 0.7% (10/1 397) to 2.9% (21/724), with significant statistical difference (P<0.001). The pathogens were mainly Candida (150/166, 90.4%), including 59 cases of Candida albicans and 91 cases of non-Candida albicans, of which Candida parapsilosis was the most common (41 cases). Fungal sepsis was independently associated with increased risk of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (adjusted OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.22, P=0.030) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (adjusted OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.12-5.80, P=0.025). Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure (adjusted OR=2.50, 95%CI 1.50-4.17, P<0.001), prolonged use of central line (adjusted OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.08, P<0.001) and previous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration (adjusted OR=1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06, P<0.001) were all independently associated with increasing risk of fungal sepsis. Conclusions: Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis are the main pathogens of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in Chinese NICU. Preterm infants with fungal sepsis are at increased risk of moderate to severe BPD and severe ROP. Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure, prolonged use of central line and prolonged duration of TPN will increase the risk of fungal sepsis. Ongoing initiatives are needed to reduce fungal sepsis based on these risk factors.
Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Humans ; Birth Weight ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Retrospective Studies ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight ; Gestational Age ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Sepsis/epidemiology* ; Retinopathy of Prematurity/epidemiology* ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/epidemiology*

AIM: To investigate the effect of repeated intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and aflibercept on corneal nerve of patients with macular edema.METHODS: A total of 64 patients(64 eyes)enrolled in our hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were treated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). There were 20 cases(20 eyes)of diabetic macular edema, 19 cases(19 eyes)of wet age-related macular degeneration and 25 cases(25 eyes)of retinal vein occlusion. Corneal confocal microscope was used to collect images of corneal subbasal nerve plexus before injections and at 1mo after each intravitreal injection based on 3+pro re nata(PRN)treatment regimen. Furthermore, the length and density of corneal nerve were measured.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in corneal nerve density of patients injected with aflibercept between pre-injection and post-injection(P>0.05), while the corneal nerve length after 2nd and 3rd injections was lower than that of pre-injection(all P<0.01). There were no significant changes in corneal nerve density and length in patients with intravitreal injections of ranibizumab(all P>0.05), and there was no significant differences in corneal nerve density and length after 3 injections of the two drugs(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Repeated intravitreal anti-VEGF drug may affect corneal nerve to some extent. For patients who need repeated intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF, attention should be paid to the changes of corneal nerves.

To screen and identify the endophytic fungal strains that could promote the accumulation of flavonoids in the callus of Scutellaria baicalensis. Seventeen endophytic fungal strains from S. baicalensis were used to prepare mycelium elicitors and fermentation broth elicitors. Their effects on flavonoid accumulation in S. baicalensis callus were then determined. The results showed that the fermentation broth elicitors of two strains(CL79, CL105) promoted the accumulation of flavonoids. The fermentation broth elicitor of CL79 significantly promoted accumulation of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, and wogonin, with the maximum levels increased by 37.8%, 40.4%, 44.7%, and 42.2%(vs. blank), respectively. Similarly, the fermentation broth elicitor of CL105 significantly promoted the accumulation of baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, and wogonin, with the maximum levels increased by 78.1%, 140.9%, 275.6%, and 208.5%(vs. blank), respectively. CL79 was identified as Alternaria alternata, and CL105 as Fusarium solani. The fermentation broth elicitors of A. alternata CL79 and F. solani CL105 were able to promote the flavonoid accumulation in the callus of S. baicalensis, which enriched the resources of endophytic fungi and provided candidate strains for the development of microbial fertili-zers for improving the quality of S. baicalensis.
Scutellaria baicalensis ; Plant Roots ; Flavanones ; Flavonoids