OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B （ELB） on Parkinson’s disease （PD） model mice by regulating the IκB kinase β （IKKβ）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， positive control group （selegiline hydrochloride， 10 mg/kg）， and ELB low-dose and high-dose groups （80， 160 mg/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically for 14 consecutive days. Starting from the 10th day of administration， the model group and all administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1，2，3，6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP） 30 mg/kg， for five consecutive days to establish the chronic PD model. After the last administration for 24 h， six mice were randomly selected from each group to test their behavioral abilities； detect the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-10， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in brain tissue and their mRNA expressions were measured， and positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH）， protein expressions of TH， α -synuclein （ α -syn）， ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 （Iba-1）， as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in the brain tissue were detected. The ultrastructure of neurons in substantia nigra was observed. RESULTS Compared with the model group， rotarod endurance time and climbing score of each administration group （except for the ELB low-dose group） were increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）， while the levels and mRNA expressions of IL-1β， TNF-α， α -syn， and Iba-1， as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue were decreased significantly （except for TNF-α in the ELB low-dose group）. Conversely， the level and mRNA expression of IL-10 （except for the ELB low-dose group）， TH positive expression and protein expressions were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. Typical neurodegenerative pathological changes， such as neuronal karyopyknosis， mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization， and endoplasmic reticulum dilation， all showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS ELB may exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway， alleviating inflammatory responses， reducing abnormal α -syn aggregation and neuronal loss， and further improving motor dysfunction in PD mice.

This research investigates the regulatory role of the transcription factor PU.1 in type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) and its therapeutic potential of modulating the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) cells signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Utilizing single-cell transcriptome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatics tools, including the CIBERSORT algorithm, we analyzed the immune cell landscape within NSCLC tissues. Our analysis revealed distinct NSCLC subtypes and delineated the developmental trajectories and functional distinctions of cDC1 cells. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pivotal functional modules within these cells were identified, highlighting PU.1 as a critical mediator underexpressed in NSCLC samples. Functionally, PU.1 demonstrated the induction of the NF-κB pathway, which led to inhibited tumor proliferation and enhanced activation of cDC1, thereby suggesting its role in tumor immune surveillance. In vivo models confirmed the suppressive effect of PU.1 on NSCLC progression, mediated through its influence on cDC1 functionality via the NF-κB pathway. These findings propose PU.1 as a promising target for NSCLC therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of transcriptional regulators in the tumor microenvironment.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of Tianchan capsule on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP) .Methods:A total of 120 CIPNP patients with Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score higher than 60 admitted to the Nantong Tumor Hospital, Jiangsu Province and Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2023 to April 2024 were selected as study objects. Patients were divided into control group (cisplatin/paclitaxel) and observation group (cisplatin/paclitaxel+Tianchan capsule) according to random number table method, with 60 cases in each group. After 28 days of treatment, the clinical efficacy, adverse reactions, numberical rating scale (NRS) score, quality of life score, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome score and neurotoxicity grading score before and after treatment were observed and compared between the two groups.Results:Twenty-eight days after treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 0 (0/60) , while the total effective rate of the observation group was 83.33% (50/60) , with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=85.71, P<0.001) . The NRS scores of the control group before treatment and at 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment were 6.18±1.71, 6.17±1.72, 6.20±1.70 and 6.22±1.70, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( F=-1.43, P=0.160) . The NRS scores of the observation group before treatment and at 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment were 6.05±1.76, 5.17±1.42, 3.76±1.16, and 2.00±0.80, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=22.89, P<0.001) . The NRS scores of the observation group at 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment were all lower than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.001) . Further pairwise comparison showed that, NRS scores in the observation group gradually decreased from before treatment to after 7, 14 and 28 days of treatment (all P<0.05) . Before treatment and 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment in the control group, the KPS scores were 67.33±6.43, 67.25±6.29, 67.08±6.14 and 66.75±5.80, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( F=2.18, P=0.340) . Before treatment and 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment in the observation group, the KPS scores were 67.17±6.49, 68.33±6.32, 71.25±7.68 and 79.42±5.30, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=-19.33, P<0.001) . The KPS scores of the observation group at 14 and 28 days after treatment were both higher than those of the control group, with statistically significant differences ( t=-3.33, P<0.001; t=-12.66, P<0.001) . Further pairwise comparison showed that, the KPS scores of the observation group were higher at 28 days after treatment compared to pre-treatment levels, as well as to those at 7 and 14 days after treatment (all P<0.05) . The scores of TCM syndrome showed that the scores of burnout and fatigue were 3.03±0.66 before treatment and 3.03±0.66 after 28 days of treatment in the control group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( t<0.01, P>0.999) . In the observation group, the scores were 3.02±0.60 and 1.97±0.52, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t=21.00, P<0.001) . The scores of hypochondriac pain were 3.05±0.68 before treatment and 3.07±0.63 after 28 days of treatment in the control group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( t=-0.57, P=0.568) . In the observation group, the scores were 3.03±0.66 and 2.02±0.57, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t=18.25, P<0.001) . The scores of pale complexion were 2.87±0.50 and 2.85±0.48 in the control group before treatment and 28 days after treatment, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( t=-0.57, P=0.568) . In the observation group, the scores were 2.93±0.55 and 1.93±0.55, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t=24.29, P<0.001) . The scores of loss of appetite were 2.90±0.60 and 2.90±0.63 in the control group before treatment and after 28 days of treatment, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( t<0.01, P>0.999) . In the observation group, the scores were 2.95±0.57 and 1.98±0.60, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t=20.42, P<0.001) . After 28 days of treatment, the scores of burnout and fatigue, hypochondriac pain, pale complexion and loss of appetite in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.001) . Comparison of neurotoxicity grading showed that the scores of peripheral sensory nerve disorder were 2.54±0.50 before treatment and 2.58±0.49 after 28 days of treatment in the control group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( t=-0.40, P=0.690) . The scores in the observation group were 2.52±0.50 and 2.00±0.00, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t=7.29, P<0.001) . The scores of peripheral motor nerve disorder were 2.44±0.51 before treatment and 2.36±0.48 after 28 days of treatment, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( t=0.81, P=0.419) . In the observation group, the scores were 2.46±0.50 and 2.00±0.10, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t=6.49, P<0.001) . Neuralgia score: Before treatment and after 28 days of treatment, the scores in the control group were 2.14±0.49 and 2.18±0.48, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( t=-0.41, P=0.683) . The scores in the observation group were 2.16±0.51 and 1.72±0.46, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t=4.56, P<0.001) . After 28 days of treatment, the scores of peripheral sensory nerve disorder, peripheral motor nerve disorder and neuralgia in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.001) . Patients in both control group and observation group had different degrees of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, but there was no statistically significant difference in total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( χ2=0.22, P=0.637) . Conclusions:Tianchan capsule can effectively reduce the pain degree of patients with CIPNP, improve the quality of life of patients and has good safety.

Natural killer cells(NK)are important innate immune cells that do not require prior antigen exposure and can directly recognize and attack virus-infected cells and tumor cells.The activation and effector functions of NK cells are regulated by a balance of signals delivered through their surface activating receptors and inhibitory re-ceptors,which bind to ligands on target cells to achieve cytotoxicity via"induced self"and"missing self"recogni-tion models.The killing mechanisms of NK cells primarily include release of cytotoxic granules such as perforin and granzymes to induce target cell lysis,death receptor-mediated apoptosis,secretion of various cytokines,chemokines and growth factors to coordinate with other immune cells in killing tumor cells,thereby generating secondary im-mune responses and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity(ADCC).

Objective To explore the influencing factors of cognitive impairment in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD).Methods A total of 60 hospitalized non-dialysis patients with CKD in the Department of Nephrology of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University from September 2022 to September 2023 were enrolled as research objects.According to the estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),they were divided into stage 1 to 2 of CKD group[eGFR ≥60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)]with 23 cases,the stage 3 of CKD group[eGFR 30～＜60 mL/(min·1.73 m2)]with 20 cases,and stage 4 to 5 of CKD group[eGFR＜30 mL/(min·1.73 m2)]with 17 cases.The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA)was used to evaluate the cognitive function of the patients.Basic data and common clinical laboratory in-dicators on hospital admission were collected to analyze the differences in cognitive function levels under different renal function statuses and to explore the influencing factors of cognitive impairment.Results The incidence rates of cognitive impairment in the stage 1 to 2 of CKD group,stage 3 of CKD group,and stage 4 to 5 of CKD group were 47.8％,85.0％,and 94.1％respectively,the median MoCA scored 26,24 and 20 respectively,with statistically significant between-group differ-ences(P＜0.05).Cognitive function was significantly negatively correlated with age(r=-0.634,P＜0.001),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)(r=-0.574,P＜0.001),serum creatinine(Cr)(r=-0.417,P＜0.001),cystatin C(Cys-C)(r=-0.327,P=0.011),serum β2-microglobulin(β2-MG)(r=-0.259,P=0.046),and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)(r=-0.474,P＜0.001),and was significantly positively correlated with hemoglobin(HB)(r=0.401,P=0.001)and eGFR(r=0.485,P＜0.001).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age(P=0.006)and NT-proBNP(P=0.041)were influencing factors of cognitive im-pairment in non-dialysis patients with CKD.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity,and specificity of age for prediction were 0.860,0.864 and 0.812 respectively,the AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of NT-proBNP for pre-diction were 0.808,0.795 and 0.875 respectively,and the combined prediction of age and NT-proBNP had an AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of 0.893,0.955,and 0.750,respectively.Conclusion As renal function deteriorates,the incidence rate and severity of cognitive impairment in non-dialysis patients with CKD tend to increase.Advanced age,renal function deterioration,high NT-proBNP level,and anemia are associated with the occurrence of cognitive impairment in non-di-alysis patients with CKD,among which age and NT-proBNP are influencing factors for cognitive im-pairment.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of macrophage-mediated inflammation and tissue injury in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). METHODS: Skin tissue samples were collected from patients with DFU and with non-DFU. A total of 79 272 high-quality cell transcriptomes were obtained using single-cell RNA sequencing. An unbiased clustering approach was employed to identify cell subpopulations. Seurat functions were used to identify differentially expressed genes between DFU and non-DFU groups, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was used to reveal gene function. Furthermore, cell-cell communication network construction and ligand-receptor interaction analysis were performed to reveal the mechanisms underlying cellular interactions and signaling regulation in the DFU microenvironment from multiple perspectives. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant expansion of myeloid cells in DFU tissues, alongside a marked reduction in structural cells such as endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. Major cell types underwent functional reprogramming, characterized by immune activation and impaired tissue remodeling. Specifically, macrophages in DFU skin tissues exhibited a shift toward a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype, with upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Cell communication analysis further demonstrated that M1 macrophages served as both primary signal receivers and influencers in the COMPLEMENT pathway mediated communication network, and as key signal senders and mediators in the secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) pathway mediated communication network, actively shaping the inflammatory microenvironment. Key ligand-receptor interactions driving macrophage signaling were identified, including C3-(ITGAM+ITGB2) and SPP1-CD44. CONCLUSIONS This study establishes a comprehensive single-cell atlas of DFU, revealing the role of macrophage-driven cellular networks in chronic inflammation and impaired healing. These findings may offer potential novel therapeutic targets for DFU treatment.
Humans ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Diabetic Foot/pathology* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Inflammation ; Skin ; Cell Communication ; Signal Transduction ; Cellular Reprogramming

This research investigates the regulatory role of the transcription factor PU.1 in type 1 conventional dendritic cells(cDC1)and its therapeutic potential of modulating the nuclear factor kappaB(NF-κB)cells signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Utilizing single-cell transcriptome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatics tools,including the CIBERSORT algorithm,we analyzed the immune cell landscape within NSCLC tissues.Our analysis revealed distinct NSCLC subtypes and delineated the developmental trajectories and functional distinctions of cDC1 cells.Key differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and pivotal functional modules within these cells were identified,highlighting PU.1 as a critical mediator underexpressed in NSCLC samples.Functionally,PU.1 demonstrated the induction of the NF-κB pathway,which led to inhibited tumor proliferation and enhanced activation of cDC1,thereby suggesting its role in tumor immune surveillance.In vivo models confirmed the suppressive effect of PU.1 on NSCLC progression,mediated through its influence on cDC1 functionality via the NF-κB pathway.These findings propose PU.1 as a promising target for NSCLC therapeutic strategies,emphasizing the importance of transcriptional regulators in the tumor microenvironment.

Transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery(TIPIC)syndrome is a relatively rare disease,and ultrasound is the first screening method for initial diagnosis of the disease.Contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)has unique advantages in the follow-up of patients with TIPIC syndrome.This paper reports a patient with TIPIC syndrome who was treated with acute left neck pain.The inflammation was significantly re-lieved and subsided after treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.The ultrasound changes of carotid artery lesions in this patient during follow-up were analyzed,and the application value of CEUS in the follow-up diagnosis of this disease was summarized,in the hope of providing clinical reference.

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory caspase-dependent programmed cell death, plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and activating inflammatory responses. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is an aseptic force-induced inflammatory bone remodeling process mediated by the activation of periodontal ligament (PDL) progenitor cells. However, whether and how force induces PDL progenitor cell pyroptosis, thereby influencing OTM and alveolar bone remodeling remains unknown. In this study, we found that mechanical force induced the expression of pyroptosis-related markers in rat OTM and alveolar bone remodeling process. Blocking or enhancing pyroptosis level could suppress or promote OTM and alveolar bone remodeling respectively. Using Caspase-1^-/- mice, we further demonstrated that the functional role of the force-induced pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells depended on Caspase-1. Moreover, mechanical force could also induce pyroptosis in human ex-vivo force-treated PDL progenitor cells and in compressive force-loaded PDL progenitor cells in vitro, which influenced osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, transient receptor potential subfamily V member 4 signaling was involved in force-induced Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells. Overall, this study suggested a novel mechanism contributing to the modulation of osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone remodeling under mechanical stimuli, indicating a promising approach to accelerate OTM by targeting Caspase-1.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Rats ; Bone Remodeling/physiology* ; Caspase 1 ; Periodontal Ligament ; Pyroptosis ; Tooth Movement Techniques